One thing I want to put out before I get into the heart of my review, as I know this fact may be a turn off to some readers. A child does die in the very beginning, and its every bit as heart wrenching as you would imagine.

Also Keep in mind, this story does take place in the UK, so there are some slang words that non-UK readers might have a hard time figuring out (for example I didn't know a spiff was a marijuana cigarette). However, those instances were few and far between and did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

Those things having been said, this book was hard to put down! The author draws the reader in from the start, keeping you glued to the pages as you watch Patrick become completely unhinged while Matthew races against the clock to save his loved ones. Her characters were deeply complex, and I have to say that I admired the strength and character of his wife Rebecca. She has gone through so much in her marriage, from the loss of her daughter, and unborn child, to her husband distancing himself from her, but she not only remains strong and loyal, but she also opens her heart and her home when it is discovered Matthew has a niece living in a care home. Ashley was a nice addition to the story as well, giving the family another way to heal while overcoming her own personal traumas and demons.

And as for Patrick? Well it was easy not to like him. In fact, it was easy to loathe him entirely. Not only is he without compassion or morals, but he is the very personification of evil. And what's worse? He doesn't have to resort to physical violence (although make no mistake, he does), but he also uses his own effective brand of psychological warfare that makes for an interesting experience.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a well written thriller novel. I can't wait to read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Very good read, really enjoyed it. The plot kept me engaged all the way through the book, it was hard to put down. I enjoyed the story line and the characters, a solid 5 out of 5.

Thanks to Caroline at UKCBC and Sheryl Browne for making my heart race. Full review when I've calmed down!
What a book!
This is the first book I've read by Sheryl Browne but it won't be the last. In fact I've already got book 2 waiting on my kindle.
I loved Matthew and Rebecca. They are a couple filled with love both for each other and their families.
Patrick Sullivan is one evil character, one of the nastiest pieces of work I've read about.
I can't say too much about the plot but I can say that this grabs you at page 1 and doesn't let go until the end.
It is without doubt a truly CPID book.
This is a must read for all fans of crime thrillers.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Choc Lit for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
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After shes gone by Sheryl Browne is a mystery and thriller read.
He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Full of twists. I really felt for Rebecca and Mathew. Can't wait for next part. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

It’s hard to fathom at times but some people are simply evil to the core. Born that way or developed through a life lived, who knows really – but they exist. Patrick Sullivan is such a man. There is not one single redeeming quality about this bully, he may soften around his daughter but the evil still shines brightly through. Matthew and Sullivan share a history, before one took one side of the law and the other the opposite. I suppose a mental clinic staff could explain how Sullivan came into existence, perhaps he didn’t get his nappy changed often enough as a babe. Analyzing him will not change the fact that he is a murderer, a pimp, a drug dealer, a sadistic piece of crap – and a bully to the very depths of his soul-less existence. And it is his purpose in his miserable life to torment and cause as much emotional, mental or physical pain in Matthew’s life as he possibly can.

Matthew is a somewhat broken man as we meet him. He carries guilt, anger and rage beneath the surface. Sullivan has already taken something precious from Matthew, although he cannot prove it. And that eats away at his soul and has an effect on his marriage.

Aside from the love he has for his wife and the niece they take under their wing, Matthew has one purpose in his life now – bring Sullivan down, by any means necessary.

Sullivan is not done inflicting pain on Matthew or those around him. No, he has only begun.

After She’s Gone is a gripping, page turning journey into the mind of a mad man and the people he takes such pleasure in tormenting, up to and including their deaths. Once you’ve gone past the first page or two do not expect to step off of a fast moving train wreck that will keep you guessing up until the very end if this malicious bully will get what he deserves. And trust me, you will want to see him suffer even more than his victims.

I don’t normally say this, yet this is a story that you will want to remain in until the ending, you will want to know not only what comes next, but how can this evil possibly be taken down – so block a bit of time to totally immerse yourself into this world.

I would highly recommend After She’s Gone for any reader at all, but particularly for those who love a good Thriller, Mystery tale. You will be drawn into the story, very much like seeing a wreck that you cannot take your eyes off of – you need to understand why and see evil get what it deserves. It’s a gripping, bloody, terrifying journey into a fight with a mad man, and getting out alive isn’t guaranteed.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Oh boy!! I'm exhausted - stayed awake until 2am so I could finish this book - what a ride!

You are thrust into the action from the first paragraph and it just gets faster and faster! Its the story of a cop versus a criminal and the action follows their war or words and actions.

What makes it different is that you read the story from the aspect of different characters at different times. Which makes for a fascinating insight into the human psyche.

The ending is so tense, I was glad I was in bed - I was exhausted!

Absolutely loved it as I do all books by Sheryl.

I received an ARC from Choc Lit & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Matthew and his wife Rebecca are trying to deal with the grief and pain after losing their daughter in a tragic accident. Matthew is a police officer and he knows that it wasn't really an accident. His daughter was murdered by a long life enemy and Matthew will stop at nothing until he can put the murderer behind bars for the rest of his life. When an informant is also killed Mathhew knows he has no time to waste. Matthew know he normally has the support of his wife, but how far is he willing to go this time and will he and Rebecca still be such a strong team when their lives are on the line?

Patrick Sullivan doesn't know anything but violence. Ever since he was a child he's been told time and time again how much of a disappointment he is for his father. This toughened him up and he became a bully at school. Trying to make his dad proud somehow, Patrick takes over the family business. This family business contains prostitution, erotic dancers and drugs. Patrick is a dominant boss who will take nothing less than respect. If you're standing up to him this will cost you. Will Matthew be able to catch this dangerous man?

Matthew is a man with a heart of gold. He's a good cop and he doesn't let go before his case is solved. He tries to be there for Rebecca and she's his rock. Without her Matthew probably wouldn't be coping with his life the way he does now. Matthew's sister is addicted to alcohol. Matthew and Rebecca found out that she had a child. Her daughter Ashley has been in child care, but now they know about her existence Matthew and Rebecca don't want to leave her there and like to take care of her. Rebecca selflessly opens her heart and her home. She has been through so much in her life and a lot of people would not have the strength to keep going. She's so incredibly brave and I admired her for that. She stands by her man and his niece in such a loving way that it's impossible not to like her.

Patrick Sullivan is just straight out evil. Even though I felt for him about the way he grew up I still couldn't get over the things that he did. The only person he cares about is his daughter, but to anyone else he's cold and emotionless. He's a predator and will take down everybody who's weaker than him. I felt a deep disgust when I was reading about him. In the back of my mind I was still thinking, he doesn't know any better, but this doesn't justify his actions. Has Patrick met his match in Matthew? Will he finally pay for all the hurt that he's caused?

After She's Gone is a gripping heartbreaking crime story. When you read the blurb the first question is: He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do? Well I would probably do the same as Matthew did. I wouldn't rest until he got his punishment. Sheryl Browne already had me crying on the very first page and I found myself in tears several times throughout the story. Matthew and Rebecca are a great couple and it filled my heart with warmth when they took in Ashley. I wished for them all to come out on top. Ashley is different and even though this isolates her from other kids I loved this about her. She's a great young girl and deserves to be loved. After She's Gone grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let me go until I finished the story. Sheryl Browne is an experienced and skillful writer and she has written another brilliant story that I highly recommend.

Childhood bully, Patrick Sullivan, now a drug dealer, pimp and murderer
is responsible for the death of DI Matthew Adams child. Patrick blames Matthew
for the death of his brother who was killed in a police sting.
A fast paced plot with lots of action and spellbinding suspense throughout.
It was well written with realistic characters, convincing dialogue and emotionally charged with loads of tension.
A compelling and gripping read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery Crime Thriller.

Well Sheryl Browne is a new author for me, but I can certainly say this won't be the only book I read from this author. What a fantastic read.
I found myself so lost and engrossed in this book, I really couldn't put it down.
A story of how hatred can ruin lives.
​The first book in a new series, DI Matthew Adams is a cop on a mission. And that is to put his childhood bully and now Criminal, Patrick Sullivan behind bars. For Good.
Matthew and his wife Becky are trying to rebuild life after a tragedy, But Sullivan seems hell bent on Matthew and his family suffering, and is out for blood after the death of his brother.
​I got so involved in this book right from the off, I needed to read it, I needed to carry on reading at every opportunity. I was holding my breath wondering what the hell was going to happen next.
​I can't say to much about the actual story, as I feel I would give far to much away and spoil it for anyone who has not read it.
​But what I can say is, it's a brilliant story, engrossing and well worth spending your time reading. Make yourself comfy and get stuck in.
​I was lucky to receive an Arc of this book, and thrilled that I have now found another author who I can add to my must read list.
​A truly fantastic unputdownable read. A must read for all Crime thriller fans.

woow absolutely loved it story is brilliant it pulls you in from the start loved the plot and the twists brilliant read will. Post a longer review on amazon cant wait to read book 2

A fantastic 5 star release from the amazingly talented author Sheryl Browne.

In “After She’s Gone” Sheryl has given us a gripping thriller that had me eagerly turning page after page. The characters are brought to life in a way that only Sheryl can do. I felt true empathy for each and every character, even Patrick Sullivan at times. DI Matthew Adams and his family have been through so much but he still has so much more to give – and does!

The book is a fantastically fast paced action thriller. As with all of Sheryl’s books I advise to read in a comfy chair, mobile switched off, glass of wine in hand and a large chocolate bar close at hand!

Oh where do I begin with this book other than to say WOW!! If you want the thrill ride of your life jump on & hold tight!

Matthew & Becky have been through so much tragedy, how much more can they endure? He is a detective wedded to his job & perhaps doesn’t show her as much attention & honesty as she deserves, but in his defence he thinks he is protecting her. So she is keen to ‘adopt’ his niece Ashley when the opportunity arises, it gives her the chance to nurture a youngster a longing that is missing from her life after the death of her children.

All should be happy but there is evil lurking in the form of Sullivan, a former classmate of Matthew who is hell bent on continuing his bully tactics only now he is onto a higher level of torment. Not only is he goading Matthew but also threatens Becky & Ashley in what becomes a race against time.

Both men are capable of murder .. Matthew in the line of duty & Sullivan because he is an utter psycho .. the tension during the book between these two & their revenge issues are stunning. I couldn’t believe how much loathing I had for Sullivan .. I’m not a violent person but I was imagining the things I could do to him .. the spiders were just classic & I wanted to hug Ashley at that point (you will need to read to find out!).

A gripping, thriller that will leave you gasping .. fabulously fast paced action with a great cast of characters. By the end I just wanted to say “what next”. I’m hoping Sheryl will enlighten us on some aspects .. I would love to see how the future pans out for some of them.