D.S. Butler

This is the tenth in the DS Karen Hart series; it is the sixth I have read. It works well as a standalone.

Teenagers cutting through an archeological dig discover a grisly sight. A dead woman is at the bottom of a pit, with a medieval torture device called a Shrew’s Fiddle attached to her.As DS Karen Hart and her team investigate the limited clues and numerous suspects, a second brutal death occurs.

This is a fast paced, well written mystery. I enjoy the main character, as well as her supporting team. Karen is engaging, capable, empathetic, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She also displays a good sense of humor.

Fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this story, along with others in the series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @amazonpublishing #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.… (more)

Cover/Title: Catchy covers and titles like these are what really catches my attention. I was drawn in quickly by both.

Characters: I loved how driven Harper was. She was determined to solve the murder.

Plot: Harper is a witch that can see and talk to ghosts. When one of the townspeople is murdered, she is determined to solve the mystery and help the ghost cross over.

Overall: I loved this charming little mystery. Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres and this author threw in another favorite genre (paranormal). Add some witches and some ghosts and I am a happy reader. I will definitely be reading more of this series.… (more)

An eleven year old is taken at Tattershall Castle while his mother is distracted and a blue teddy bear left in his place. The MO is reminiscent of three children abducted and murdered fifteen years ago, but someone was arrested and is in jail for those crimes. Could they have charged the wrong person, does he have an accomplish, a copy cat, or is something else at play here? DS Karen Hart and DI Morgan investigate.

This is a fast paced, well plotted, suspenseful mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I didn’t want to put the book down. I enjoy this main character. She is engaging, capable, empathetic and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. D.S. Butler is another author who always captures my attention and doesn't let go.

The ninth in the Karen Hart series, it is the fifth I have read. Although the main players’ stories progress with successive books, each one can be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.… (more)

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the fifth book in a series involving Detective Karen Hart. I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the first 4 books. I will probably go back and read them. Karen Hart is at a Christmas fair with her boyfriend when she discovers a body in a church near the fair. As she starts investigating the murder, her superior receives a letter with some pretty serious allegations and hints that her superior may be next. Then, 3 officers from another precinct come in and take over the investigation in place of her superior. Karen and her partner, Sophie, do not like the head guy and come to find out that he is under suspicion of corruption within the police force. Then two more bodies are discovered. Are these bodies tied to the corruption? What about the hit-and-run accident which left a young boy dead? There are no obvious links but Karen and Sophie wonder if they are all connected. Either way, they are determined to find out who "The Cleanser" is.

Good storyline, great plot and good character development.… (more)