Delectably dark....
The 6th book in the Erika Foster series this book didn't let up on the drama from the first page to the last....Marissa Lewis, a burlesque dancer gets off the train after work, as she leaves the platform she's accosted by two young men...finally freeing herself from their leering she walks the short distance to her home....but that's when it all goes horribly wrong.
Full on drama, kidnap, assaults and dark secrets that have been buried for decades come to the fore as Erika tries to find out who the masked killer is
I loved this book and devoured it easily, now all I need to know is....when is the next book available

If you have not read this series, do yourself a favor and check it out. Seriously, READ this series!!! This book works very well as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend that you go back to the very first book (The Girl in the Ice) and begin there!!!! I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the Girl in the Ice and it blew me away. I have been a HUGE fan of this Author and series ever since.

This book begins with a murder of a young woman. The next morning, a mother wakes up to find her blood-soaked body frozen to the ground. Who would commit such a murder so close to the victim's home? Erika Foster is called to the scene and quickly learns that there have been a series of assaults close to the neighborhood where the young woman was killed. The assailant in the assaults dressed all in black and wore a gas mask. Could the cases be related? As Erika begins to investigate, she and her team uncover some interesting information about the murder victim, those who live in her neighborhood and the other victims of the assault.

Whew! What I love about Robert Bryndza's series, is that it is intelligent. He does not spoon feed his readers. His plots have several layers, and the subplots eventually will tie together in a believable and timely way. He has a lot of characters in his books from the detectives, the victims, their families, and the suspects. Although there are quite a few characters, it is very easy to keep track of everyone. There are several twists and turns, interesting characters, character development, great police work and realistic dialogue.

I also like that Erika is not a one-woman show. In this book, Moss steps up the plate as well. Plus, his female detectives are strong women. Yes, they have some flaws, but they are hardworking, intelligent women. I really appreciate how he writes them and gives them depth! Plus, he continues to showcase his other characters as well. As I stated there is great character development and if you read this series, issues from past books will show up to either be resolved or continue in the next book.

This book is the perfect read for those who love mystery's, thrillers, police procedural, etc. The scenes are not overly graphic, so they should not turn off the majority of readers. I find this series to be riveting page turners, I am usually on the edge of my seat and often, as in this case, read his books in one sitting as I cannot put them down!

This book (as is this series) is very well-written, perfectly paced, captivating and quite an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

It’s no secret how much I adore Robert Bryndza and his fantastic Erika Foster series and I am writing this review still reeling from the ending he has just delivered here in Deadly Secrets. Talk about taking the reader by surprise. You will not see this ending coming.

Deadly Secrets takes place over the Christmas period and opens with the brutal death of a burlesque dancer named Marissa. The mystery element here is brilliantly done because there’s such a great cast of characters in the frame. Marissa isn’t the most likeable of characters which is always interesting when that person has been killed and can often bring out different emotions and thoughts from readers. Erika isn’t one for spending Christmas with the man she has an unclear relationship with and so almost jumps at the chance to take over this crime scene on a snowy and freezing Christmas morning.

Reading about Erika is like meeting up with a friend. By this point I feel like I know her really well. She’s a fantastic character with so many layers and without the cliches that normally form the basis of a fictional detective. Seeing how she works is fascinating and if I was a police officer she’s the kind of person I would want as my boss. Don’t get me wrong she is tough but only when it’s called for and she does have a soft spot for her team who she will help out if she can, as evidenced here quite early on in the story. As the investigation starts to plod along I got completely caught up with what I was reading and thoroughly enjoyed putting these blurred puzzle pieces back into some semblance of order in my attempt to work everything out.

Deadly Secrets, in terms of how things play out for Erika personally, might just be one of the best books Robert has written yet. There’s some major and emotional developments here for Erika and readers who have been with her since the start will feel each and every emotion along with her. With more glimpses of her past we also start to understand Erika more and I felt that she came across as more vulnerable here than she has in previous books. At the same time though certain things begin to move forward and I can’t wait to see where Erika’s life takes her next. She is such a fantastic character to read about and I just love her, and her team. A strong cast of characters is what truly makes a crime series great for me and this one has a really good mix of characters who I enjoy reading about outside of the main case that they are investigating.

As far as the plot itself goes I did find myself feeling that it felt a little too slow for a Robert Bryndza novel or, perhaps not slow but lacking in those big twisty moments that we have had in the past. It all just felt a bit too normal for me and given that he has written some of the best crime fiction books I’ve read, I had a suspicion that this crime writing genius may have been saving the best for last and oh my God let me tell you that he was. Anyone who reads a lot of my reviews will know a huge part of my rating is based on how good the ending was. You can write the best crime story in the world but if your ending is shit then the overall book becomes shit and the ending here is probably my favourite of Robert’s so far because I just didn’t see it coming. It’s a hugely powerful ending that gave me chills, honestly I felt like I was sat in the room as an observer watching events unfold and it made me feel quite nauseous. As endings go it was pretty phenomenal.

I finished reading Deadly Secrets, professed my love for Robert and this book on Twitter and then immediately wrote this review which I hope has done this book justice. Robert Bryndza is Bookouture’s King of Crime and long may he reign. He is currently writing some of the best crime fiction out there at the minute and if you aren’t reading these books yet, you can’t call yourself a crime fan. Buy them, read them, love them and shout about them. Unmissable crime fiction at its best.

The sixth in an amazing series. Mr Bryndza has done it again, brilliant read, make sure you have a few hours free as once you start reading you won't be able to put it down.

Robert Bryndza's books just keeps getting better and better. You can't but love Erika Foster. I have read all the Erika Foster books and when I hear a new one is out I just can't wait to get my hands on one. I love his writing style as well as all the characters. I love that Marsh is no longer Erika's boss, Melanie is a much better fit for Erika as she understands her. If you have never heard of Robert Bryndza or Erika Foster you are missing something in your life. Don't think twice about picking up any book in the Erika Foster series, you won't be disappointed.

OMG this crime thriller by Robert Bryndza was absolutely amazing! I couldn't finish it quick enough. I love the Erica Foster series and to be honest, I think this book is my favourite one so far. I would totally recommend it and I can't wait for book 7 to be released. 5 out of 5 stars.

I can't tell you exactly what it is, but I devour Erika Foster books like candy. Finishing a book in under 48 hours is fast for me! This is #6 in the series, and it may be Robert Bryndza's best yet.

It's a fantastic series, read them in order, you won't be disappointed!

Erica Foster is back and in some style!!Will give all her fans a fantastic experience and make new readers hunt out all previous novels.A great plot with several sub-plots to keep your interest from first word until the last.Looking forward to reading more

A return to Erika Foster books at the very best. I felt a bit disappointed with the last book but wow this one is back on form.
A scary killer and kept me turning the pages. I had lost my reading mojo this year but this book borought it back with a bang.
Good to see Moss coming to the forefront too.
Cannot wait for the next one in the series.

Always know I will have a great read with this author. Not disappointed. Lots of twists and turns to keep you wondering . Erika Foster continues to develop as an detective and in this book I think she can finally find some solace and move forward after the death of her husband . Erika has her flaws but she is learning to control her urges and fight battles that are important to herself and solving cases. To her every victim has a story to tell . This book follows a murderer who wears a gas mask and seeks out young unsuspecting victims . A twist at the ending . Best to read yourself to find out .

Another winner!

Whelp-I'm going to have to come back and give this review a bit more love, as I'm so short on time right now, but I didn't want to just leave this as it was.

For those who have not read any of the books in the series, let me stop you right here. You need to go immediately and grab book one [book:The Girl In The Ice|28233082] and settle in for a fantastic read.

While these books would work as a stand alone, I think that there is so much more to gain from the characters and their backstories when you start at the beginning. And these are characters that certainly deserve the attention!

If you are already a fan, you most likely have already read this (or shortly will be) and will be singing it's praises along with everyone else. ...because it's just that good. Again.

So here's to the long wait again for book 7...and hoping that it's just as stellar as the rest have been.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Every time I see news about the next installment in this series I get excited. This latest book, Deadly Secrets may well be my favourite. I zoomed through it, utterly unable to put it down once I'd began.
With Erica leading her team in the hunt for the culprit in a particularly grisly murder, they are under a lot of pressure, even with the return of James Peterson.
They are soon linked into another mysterious case after discovering evidence on a mobile phone which could be related.
During the course of their investigation, Erica receives bad news and has to leave Moss in charge of the case while she goes to look after her father in law. While she is there she faces up to her painful past and vows to make changes in her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book, getting more involved with my favourite characters lives was fantastic and on top of this, we get two interesting and well thought out cases to solve, with some brilliant twists, resulting in a bloody marvellous conclusion.
All said, if you have yet to read this series, my only question is where the hell have you been hiding?

Without a shadow of doubt, this is my favourite of the Erika Foster series, given I have just read it in one 4hr sitting. A fantastic storyline that really did have me guessing up to the final reveal. A lot more of the fringe characters have been given more to do and this really adds to the tension that is woven throughout the story. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

Robert Bryndza I salute you! The 6th in the hugely popular Detective Erika Foster series is nothing short of brilliant!

It's a freezing cold snowy morning, when Mandy Brent awakes from her alcoholic haze to discover her daughter Marissa's blood soaked body, frozen to the ground just feet away from the the front doorstep.

Marissa Lewis was a beautiful 22 year old, and worked as a burlesque dancer in London's strip clubs. She was well known in the clubs, and had something of a reputation in her South London neighbourhood. It was common knowledge that she'd had affairs with at least two of her neighbours, both of them married men, and as we gain more knowledge of Marissa, it's not hard to see that she would have made a number of enemies. Running parallel to the murder, is the case of a stalker who attacks both men and women - witnesses describe him as very tall, and wearing black clothes - but what makes him stand out from the usual attacker is the fact that he always wears a gas mask adorned with small white squares around the mouth, giving the appearance of a leering grin, not unnaturally, this only adds to the fear that he inflicts. This dangerous individual apparently appears out of nowhere to terrify and attack his victims.

Well honestly, I loved everything about Deadly Secrets, loved the way we witnessed Erika's vulnerable side with some really heart melting moments. The police procedural work itself was excellent, with impressive use of smoke and mirrors, twists and turns. It was good to see Detective Moss take a leading role in the latter part of the book - in fact one of the most intense chapters involved Moss, and it was utterly gripping, I could not put it down! And by the way, that was a cracking ending, never saw that one coming!

I have to say that Robert Bryndza is without doubt one of our most talented crime writers, and long may that be the case. Can't wait for the next!

* Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Robert Bryndza for my ARC. I have given an honest review in exchange

I am absoloutly addicted to Robert Bryndza books. Such gripping and original storylines lines with a fabulous main character Erika Foster. Having read all of the books in the series I couldnt wait to read Deadly Secrets. I was not disapointed!
Deadly secrets is chilling,gripping,and a book which readers wont be able to put down. From the first chapter Bryndza grabs your attention when a mother finds her daughter viciously murdered on her doorstep. There are lots of suspects and many sides to the murder victim which complicate inquiries lead by Erika to solve the murder
Loved the twists and turns throughout the book and another crime which occurs in the same area where victims are a attacked by a perpetrator wearing a gas mask weaves it way into the story and gave me nightmares!
An excellent and brilliant five star story , written by a very talented author who is the top writer in this genre.
If you overlook his books on a bookshop shelf you will miss out out and deny yourself the best books you can read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Another astonishing, resounding, five stars for Robert Bryndza’s sixth Erika Foster novel, “Deadly Secrets”.
When a young woman is killed on her own front doorstep, DCI Erika Foster finds herself immersed, once again, in the investigation. As it unfolds, Erika discovers other attacks that occurred within the same London suburb with one other thing in common- the victims were all attacked by a figure in black, wearing a gas mask. When Erika must step away from the case to take care of her ailing father-in-law, DI Moss steps in and soon finds herself trapped in a dangerous situation, with their prime suspect in the murder investigation in control.
Each Erika Foster novel continues to impress me. Although it is not necessary to read the other novels in the series (“Deadly Secrets” provides a short but sweet summary of the most important plot points), I don’t know why you wouldn’t!
Erika is a powerful character and as each novel reveals more and more about her backstory, the reader’s relationship with her is only cemented further. Erika’s insecurities are bared in this one, as her relationship with Petersen is laid out on the table, and she finally finds closure after the death of her husband, Mark. Some old familiar faces (Isaac and Moss for example) return with force, and although I was able to guess the ending, there was some surprising details about the murder that were certainly unpredictable!
As always, Bryndza pulls a reader in with his exciting plot twists and captivating writing style. Erika is a character deserving of adoration and, even after six books, there is no boredom or repetition. I am only intrigued with the question of how many more Erika Foster books can Bryndza create? Whatever the answer, I will read every one!

I am a huge fan of Robert Bryndza's DCI Erika Foster series and in my opinion the books just get better and better. A great storyline, plenty of suspense and a chilling twist. I particularly like the background information on the characters which helps immensely into getting the feel of the books. I seriously did not want the book to finish even though I was desperate for the outcome.

Erika Foster is back and Robert Bryndza delivers another superb book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an advance reading copy of this. I am huge fan of the Erika Foster series and this doesn't disappoint, in fact it confirms the authors place as one of my current favourites and the new king of crime.
The novel follows hot on the heels of the previous book when a young woman is brutally murdered on her doorstep on Christmas Eve. What follows are subplots win a masked stalker and the tangled, sordid life of the victim. Who wanted Marissa dead and why? What is the significance of the gas mask? Meanwhile Erika begins to come to terms with her past and hopefully she can move forward in her personal life future books.
The novel moves forward at a pace that kept me turning the pages, so desperate was I to see what happened next. Looking forward to book 7 already

The sixth in the Erika Foster series delivers as big a punch as the previous five. It’s Christmas Day, and you know things are bad when Erika is happier to investigate a murder she comes across then attending lunch at her boss’s house. Bryndza paints the perfect beginning as Erika attempts to manage the snowy crime scene dressed in a dress and heels.

The book moves along at a good clip, with no drag. This is a well told police procedural. The victim is not well liked, so there are plenty of suspects. At the same time, people are being attacked by a man wearing a gas mask. It’s unclear whether the cases are connected.

Erika is still striving to have a life outside of work but it’s not going well. I really connected with Erika and what she’s dealing with. She is a true Type A when it comes to juggling everything. I also liked that we got to see more deeply into the personal lives of her colleagues.

Bryndza’s writing is spot on perfect. I felt I could envision every scene.

For anyone who has not read the previous books, you’re in for a treat. This is a wonderful series and I can hardly wait for the next one.

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

i absolutely loved this lastest book (book 6) from Robert Bryndza. Deadly Secrets begins with the brutal murder of a young burlesque dancer on her own doorstep on a snowy Christmas Eve night. DCI Erika Foster chances upon the police cordon line when she is on her way to her colleagues
house for Christmas dinner.
DCI foster is a complex character and Bryndza gives the reader an insight into the emotional turmoil that Erika deals with since losing her husband (who was also a police office).
This book is a riveting read, which leaves the reader guessing who the gas mask murderer is, my perceived suspected changed with each turn of the page. The final twist at the end of the of the book when the reader finds out who the real killer is and the reason why the young burlesque dancer is killed is totally unexpected.
Another great book from Bryndza in the DCI Foster series, this book can be read as a stand-alone copy but the previous Foster novels are equally as gripping and I would recommend you read these too... This book has been reviewed after reading an advance review copy from Netgalley, with thanks.