Hall Ways Blog: British Detectives

Showing posts with label British Detectives. Show all posts

Friday, August 1, 2025

A Deadly Promise by Rachel Amphlett

A DEADLY PROMISE

A Detective Kay Hunter Novel

Book #13

RACHEL AMPHLETT

British Police Procedural / Women Detectives / Murder Mystery

Saxon Publishing

February 5, 2025

336 Pages

ABOUT THE BOOK: When a woman’s mutilated body is discovered in a remote countryside property, Detective Kay Hunter is faced with one of the most challenging investigations of her career.

There is nothing in the victim’s past to explain her brutal slaying, and no clues as to how her killer got away.

Then a second body is found in a run-down storage facility, the man’s remains covered in horrific injuries that bear the hallmarks of prolonged torture.

With two families demanding justice, Kay is under pressure from her superiors to deliver a swift result–but there is no evidence to connect the two victims.

When a third victim is found just a short distance from her own incident room, Kay realises that the killer has no intention of stopping–and they already have their next victim in their sights…

A Deadly Promise is the 13th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett and perfect for those who love fast-paced crime thrillers.

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Kindle *** Hardcover *** Paperback *** Audiobook

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HALL WAYS REVIEW: This is a favorite series, and I'm never disappointed by the stories, which are British police procedurals. I particularly enjoy reading these books with my ears because of the delightful accents, and the oh-so-British politeness and style. A DEADLY PROMISE was a bit more graphic than others in the series, with the details and cruelties of the murders unfathomable, yet believable, in these warped times we live in.

In A DEADLY PROMISE, the 13th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series, all the familiar characters are in place, with hints that some of the favorites may be moving on to bigger roles and callings. The characters and setting are realistic, including how budgets and cost-cutting are impacting the efficacy of Kay's team to do their jobs.

As is the case in most books in the series, there is some relief from the horrendous casework in the home life Kay shares with her veterinarian partner, Adam. The animals-at-home shenanigans are always chuckle worthy, and I find I relax as much as Kay does when she walks through her front door.

When all was finally revealed, I did struggle a bit with the grisly murder motive making sense. It seemed to be counterintuitive, but then, the murderer is clearly more motivated to fill a sick need than anything else, despite anything said otherwise.

ABOUT THE NARRATION: Alison Campbell, as always, provides an outstanding performance. Campbell’s pacing is even, her diction perfectly clear. I listened at 1.2x for my own patience and comfort, but regular speed was fine. At this point in the series, she has mastered the voices for the key returning players, and that's something awesome that these characters each sound the same as they have from the beginning.

Even with the less-than-ideal resolution in A DEADLY PROMISE, I recommend this and all the books in this series to those who enjoy riding along with a team of detectives to solve crimes. Each stands alone just fine, but I'd recommend starting at the beginning. Here, Kay is at the top of her detective game, but I have enjoyed watching her climb every rung of the ladder within the department, and it's more satisfying having gone on that journey with her.

Click to link up to Hall Ways reviews of books 1-9

*forgive the broken links on the posts*

Book 10 Review on Goodreads

Book 11 Review on Goodreads

Book 12 Review

NEXT UP IN THE SERIES:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
Rachel’s stories are available in eBook, print and audiobook formats from libraries and retailers as well as her own shop on this website.
A keen traveler and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

Friday, August 2, 2024

The Dying Season by Rachel Amphlett

THE DYING SEASON

A Detective Kay Hunter Novel

Book #12

RACHEL AMPHLETT

British Police Procedural / Women Detectives / Murder Mystery

Saxon Publishing

February 6, 2023

301 Pages

Help support my retirement by using these affiliate links to purchase your copy!

Kindle *** Audiobook

HALL WAYS REVIEW: It's always a delight to return to the oh-so-British world of Detective Kay Hunter. I usually read this series with my ears, but I snagged a deal on Kindle and read the eBook this time. Naturally, with eleven prior audiobooks in the series, all swimming in my head, I was able to hear the voices of all the favorites on Kay's team and in her life.

As Kay's climbed the ladder in the police force, she's evolved into an even more confident and effective leader than ever. I've enjoyed watching this growth and the obstacles thrown at her through the process. She's a commanding presence now and taken seriously, and I love that. But, as is with real life and the burden of being so responsible and accountable, she's lost some of her lightness, and there's less time for her -- and readers -- to enjoy the amazing relationship she has with Adam in her personal life.

What struck me about The Dying Season was how differently all things related to guns is handled in the UK versus the US. There's a horrible crime committed outside a pub in Kent, UK, and it's practically a national emergency to find the killer and justice for the victim. Gun violence is nearly unheard of due to the stringent laws to own a gun at all. Everyone's in a panic with the gunman on the loose, so all resources are pooled to solve the case. How refreshing it would be if shootings were so rare. I was reading this book on the heels of the 4th of July in the US where there'd been 100 shootings in the Chicago area alone, so the contrast was even more astounding. And honestly, it made me sad for the state of my own country.

Of the twelve books in the series that I've read so far, I think this is the most police-procedural heavy of them, but especially given the difference between UK and US procedures, it is a great story. There's plenty of action and edge-of-your-seat moments, and the urgency to get the case solved is palpable.

I'm a fan, and I look forward to diving into the next installment, A DEADLY PROMISE, which published in February of this year.

Click to link up to Hall Ways reviews of books 1-9

*forgive the broken links on the posts*

Book 10 Review on Goodreads

Book 11 Review on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
Rachel’s stories are available in eBook, print and audiobook formats from libraries and retailers as well as her own shop on this website.
A keen traveler and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

Friday, July 24, 2020

Turn to Dust ~ Audio Book Blog Tour & Review!

TURN TO DUST

Detective Kay Hunter Series, Book 9

BY RACHEL AMPHLETT

Narrated by Alison Campbell

Length: 7 hours 56 minutes

Publisher: Saxon Publishing

Sub-Genres: Mystery, Police Procedural

Released: May 14, 2020

When the body of a naked man is found in the middle of a barren field, a rural community is left in shock - and fear.

Discovering that someone is offering money in return for information about the dead man and anyone connected to him, Detective Kay Hunter realises there is a dark side to the victim’s past.

When a key witness disappears and a web of deceit and lies threatens to derail the investigation, she fears the worst.

Can Kay and her team of detectives find out who is behind the man’s murder before another victim is targeted?

RachelAmphlett.com

HALL WAYS REVIEW: AUDIO BOOK REVIEW. Reading (with my ears) the latest book in the Detective Kay Hunter series was the perfect escape during these social distancing days. It felt like spending time with old friends after a long time apart from them – I read the prior book, Cradle to Grave, nearly nine months ago! The fabulous Alison Campbell returns to narrate the story, and within four minutes, author Rachel Amphlett gives us the first mention of steaming hot coffee. Perfection.

Amphlett has a predictable formula that’s held for all nine of the books so far in this series – and that’s why I keep returning. I know exactly what to expect: a hideous death that turns out to be a murder; an investigation that uncovers nefarious goings-on, a late-in-the game discovery where the clock is ticking, and lives are on the line. The stories are police procedural, with the same core team working the crime and crime scenes, and main character Kay’s husband can be counted on to be her rock and our source of amusement. Sound dull? No way. Amphlett fleshes out these bones to provide readers a unique, gruesome, and engrossing story every. single. time. I almost always listen straight through in a day – do-able since most books come in at around 8 hours.

“Hunger beats solidarity most of the time, in my experience.”

In Turn to Dust, Amphlett masterfully builds a story around the victim and masterfully manipulates readers into making (incorrect) assumptions and drawing (wrong) conclusions about him. Predictably, the murder barely scratches the surface of a bigger sinister picture in Amphlett’s stories, bringing in a human-interest element that reminds readers to look beyond appearances and not to judge. I am being intentionally vague because to be specific would spoil the fun of discovering and uncovering the truth, right alongside Kay and her investigative team.

Did I mention gruesome? I do believe Turn to Dust has the most bizarre murder scene of the series thus far, and some really twisted (literally) things happen to victims. Amphlett’s descriptions are rich and detailed enough that readers’ noses will be wrinkling and stomachs clenching. This, in contrast to the ever-polite and proper manner of the British detectives, is one of the things I love. (Side note: I always learn new Brit-speak, and in this book, I learned the term “sleeping rough,” for how the homeless spend the night. Accurate.)

“She was partially thankful that the sign had been turned in the window to read “closed.” Otherwise she would have been tempted to browse the shelves. Adam…would have a heart attack if she bought more books.”

I also love the core characters, especially in off-duty mode. I love Kay and her love of wine, books, and bookshops; I love Barnes’s humor, even (especially?) when it comes out at inappropriate times; I love Adam and his rotating animal menagerie; I love Carris’s loyalty and empathy. Amphlett shows the human side of the detectives and peeks into their lives outside working the cases. There was less of the characters’ private worlds in Turn to Dust, and I particularly missed not having more Adam/Kay time. Strangely, Kay’s extended family is completely absent in this installment, unless I missed any mentions since I was reading with my ears.

Regardless, I’ll be back for the next installment in the Detective Kay Hunter series – and there just must be one. I’m not anywhere near ready to say goodbye. And Kay would never stop at a ninth story. A nice round dozen, I’d think, is more her style.

ABOUT THE NARRATION: Alison Campbell provides an outstanding performance, as always. Campbell’s pacing is even, her diction perfectly clear. I listened at regular speed for once, though Authors Direct, the platform I used, allows small incremental tweaks to the speed. Nice. Still waiting for the return of her creepy-guy voice, but she had lots of practice with weepy women in this one.

Thank you to the author and Audiobookworm Productions for providing an audio code in exchange for my honest review – the only kind I give. Forgive any misspellings of character names – don’t know ‘em when I read with my ears.

I received this audio book as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audio book did not affect my opinion of it.

Before turning to writing, Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as a sub-editor and editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction and spy novels, including the Dan Taylor espionage novels and the Detective Kay Hunter series.

Originally from the UK and currently based in Brisbane, Australia, Rachel cites her writing influences as Michael Connelly, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum. She’s also a huge fan of Peter James, Val McDermid, Robert Crais, Stuart MacBride, and many more.

She’s a member of International Thriller Writers and the Crime Writers Association, with the Italian foreign rights for her debut novel, White Gold sold to Fanucci Editore's TIMECrime imprint, and the first four books in the Dan Taylor espionage series contracted to Germany’s Luzifer Verlag.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

Alison Campbell is an actress based in Bristol, U.K. She has lent her voice to 50+ audiobooks, cartoons, documentaries and dramas. She can be found treading the boards across the country, in everything from Shakespeare to hip hop kids adventures. On screen she has appeared in dramas and science documentaries, her most recent co star was a CGI elephant. She can also be found performing the Natural Theatre Company's award-winning surreal brand of interactive comedy around the globe.

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CLICK FOR HALL WAYS BLOG'S REVIEWS

OF OTHER BOOKS

IN THE DETECTIVE KAY HUNTER SERIES!

Scared to Death (#1)

Will to Live (#2)

One to Watch (#3)

Hell to Pay (#4)

Call to Arms (#5)

Gone to Ground (#6)

Bridge to Burn (#7)

Cradle to Grave (#8)

Friday, November 8, 2019

Cradle to Grave ~ Audio Book Blog Tour Review & Giveaway!

CRADLE TO GRAVE

A Detective Kay Hunter Novel, #8

BY RACHEL AMPHLETT

Narrated by Alison Campbell

Length: 7 hours 56 minutes

Series: Detective Kay Hunter, Book 8

Publisher: Saxon Publishing

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural

Released: Oct. 15, 2019

When a faceless body is found floating in the river on a summer's morning, Detective Kay Hunter and her team are tasked with finding out the man's identity and where he came from.

The investigation takes a sinister turn when an abandoned boat is found, covered in blood stains and containing a child's belongings.

Under mounting pressure from a distraught family and an unforgiving media, the police are in a race against time - but they have no leads and no motive for the events that have taken place.

Will Kay be able to find a ruthless killer and a missing child before it's too late?

Cradle to Grave is the eighth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today best-selling author Rachel Amphlett and perfect for listeners who love fast-paced murder mysteries.

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HALL WAYS BLOG: Audio Book Review. It’s been a few months since I listened to a Detective Kay Hunter series book, and as soon as I started listening, my spirits lifted. The books and the return of amazing narrator Alison Campbell feel comfortable and familiar. With Amphlett’s books, I know that I’m about to sink into an excellent and intricate police procedural novel, all delivered with the delightful British accent and charm that is such a treat for this Texan’s ears.

“The whole vista was one of Kentish idyll - except for the body underneath the bridge where she stood.”

As is the norm in this series, in Cradle to Grave, we start off with a seemingly peaceful – and in this book, a particularly lovely – setting. Those familiar with the series won’t buy it, and the anxiety builds until the crime is revealed. The oh-so-perfect harmony and calm of the great outdoors and the horror of what it holds are a delicious contrast. While solving the murder quickly isn’t critical – the victim is dead, and there’s a process to figuring out why – Amphlett throws in a secondary, startling plot line that adds real urgency for the team to solve the crime. Readers will feel the desperation and the pages fly by as we watch the case unfold. And unfold it does! Then it twists, turns, and leaves us with our eyebrows raised and mouths open.

With each novel in this series, readers incrementally get to better know the core characters of Kay Hunter’s team. It’s a natural progression of a reader-character relationship, and I really enjoy it. In Cradle to Grave, readers hear more of investigators Gavin’s and Carris’s perspectives and continue to understand them a little better as their fears, quirks, and hopes come to light. Another relationship that continues to organically develop is that between Kay and her mother. While still tentative, it feels good to see them reconciling and getting closer, as a mother and daughter should. No book in this series would be complete without the presence of Kay’s husband Adam. LOVE HIM, though there’s just never enough of him (had to wait two hours for his first appearance). As usual, he amuses readers with his rescue animals and the ensuing antics.

“I can always rely on coffee later, if I need it.”

You may notice in reading this review that these novels rely on the same characters and mechanisms every time. Is it formulaic? Yes, but it’s not a bad thing. Readers know what to expect, and Amphlett delivers in aces. The comforting mugs of tea and coffee, the camaraderie and support within the team, the consummate British politeness – these all make the books a world that readers want to be in. While there is familiarity, Amphlett fills in the formula with enough unique, unexpected, and creative pieces that readers are fully engaged and delighted. (Was there a nod to Lewis Carroll in Cradle to Grave?)

ABOUT THE NARRATION: Alison Campbell has fully embraced the roles and voices of the characters in this series. Outstanding performances, all. Since Authors Direct was the listening platform, I was able to really tweak the speed to exactly where I wanted it – 1.1x! (Audible doesn’t allow such fine-tuning, but Authors Direct doesn't have a place to post reviews.). Campbell’s pacing is even, which makes it easy to listen at any speed. I did miss not hearing her performing a bad-guy voice. She excels in creepy-guy voice. I will hope for that to happen in the next Detective Kay Hunter book. (Fingers crossed there is one!)

Thank you to the author and Audiobookworm Productions for providing an audio code in exchange for my honest review – the only kind I give. Forgive any misspellings of character names – don’t know ‘em when I read with my ears.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction and spy novels, including the Dan Taylor espionage novels and the Detective Kay Hunter series.