Starting with the gruesome murder of Jordan Kilby, whose body was discovered in a field, there are other equally heinous murders that follow soon thereafter. There is a common thread, definite connections. But what? Can DI Robyn Carter solve this case before she is removed from this investigation? Robyn clearly senses powerful links to the murders, and follows every lead possible to identify the murderer. In so doing, she develops a bond of sorts to Jordan's girlfriend.

Hand over mouth! Yes, that was my reaction! There are two shockingly specific twists that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. Oh my! Most of the time with thrillers the twists come so fast and hard that I am shocked as to who the killer is. However, in The Chosen Ones, I knew for quite some time. Even so, I had loads of fun rooting out the motive while Robyn and team raced to find out. Well done Carol Wyer.

Also, during the progression of this series, there have been clues of a different sort involving the death of Robyn's fiancé Davies. Is he really dead after all? Then there is Ross, a private investigator and Robyn’s cousin. It was great to see a bit more of Ross in this book.

When I received this for review, I purchased, read and reviewed the first four books in this series. I generally do this with any new authors or series that I learn about. Doing so allows me to enjoy familiarity with the characters in the books that I read. Having done so here really pleased me. For one thing, I have discovered a new favorite author! I not only recommend this book, but the entire series as well. Oh do I ever hope we will be seeing more of Robyn.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review.

Wow what a thrilling installment in this excellent series. This was real edge of your seat stuff that kept me turning pages. It felt like non stop suspense, I devoured every page, absolutely loved this book it was brilliant and that cliff hanger at the end OMG!

This series gets better with each book! I love Robyn and her team and I especially love Robyn's cousin and his wife.
This novel starts off with a dead man hanging from a scarecrow pole in the middle of a field. How did he get there? Why is he there? There are a lot of suspects and a lot of speculation and more murders. How are they connected? This is Robyn's case and her and her team have to figure it out. It's not an easy case but none are and Robyn keeps on looking.
I kind of figured it all out about halfway through the book but that didn't stop me from reading. I wanted to know all they whys and hows.
I really hope that in future books Robyn gets some answers about her husband, Davies. This is the only part of her story that I don't really care for. I understand that a mystery like this keeps readers coming back for more but I would read this series without the mystery, so just end it already.
All in all, a good read and worth the time it took to read it.

If you're a fan of Angela Marsons or Helen Fields than Carol Wyer is your cup of tea! I have read all of the DI Robyn Carter series and I think the Chosen Ones is one of her best. It's begins with a gruesome murder with seemingly no motive. Very quickly we have a second gruesome murder and both victims are connected. DI Carter quickly realises she is dealing with a particularly sadistic individual and her worst fears are confirmed when a local doctor is viciously murdered. What is the connection between the three victims? We follow DI Carter and her team through their frustration piecing the elusive clues together. From book one there has been an ongoing subplot involving Robyn's deceased fiance Davies. Is he really dead? We get more clues in the Chosen Ones. A highly enjoyable read.

4 stars

Detective Inspector Robyn Carter gets called out to the scene of a man crucified in a farmer’s field. He was twenty-three year old Jordan Kilby. He was the son of a very famous businessman who was not well liked. After interviewing his mates with whom he visited a pub the evening of his death, they find out that they didn’t care much for Jordan. They thought him odd with his Marvel heroes and his cycling. He played footie with them and that was mostly the reason he was tolerated. His girlfriend Rebecca was not liked, either. Rebecca’s recollections about Jordan don’t seem to tally with everyone else’s either.

Robyn’s team interviews the villagers, Jordan’s father and those who even knew him as an acquaintance. When Jordan’s only visible friend Owen is murdered, the police begin to speculate. Motive? What is going on? AS the forensic evidence begins to become available, the investigation widens.

Dr. Lucy Harding is run down with her own car outside of her surgery one evening. She was the single mother of a five-year old son. Is this murder related to the other two? Robyn thinks it is. Robyn also has a pesky reporter named Amy who is constantly harassing her for information. It only adds another dimension of stress to the investigation. Slowly, very slowly, Robyn and her team are making progress.

At the 80% mark on my Kindle, it all becomes clear. Now the reader must wait for the police to catch up. The killer’s identity comes as little surprise, but the fun was getting there. And there is a very interesting subplot about drugs and bad boys doing bad things.

When the police figure out who the killer is, the story picks up at a breakneck speed. Suddenly they are rushing not only to catch a killer, but unknown to them to save the pesky reporter Amy.

This book is well written and plotted, even if the story did seem to move slowly at times. The few minor typos are not too bad. The suspense begins right away with the murder of Jordan. The tension continues throughout the story as the police become very frustrated at not being able to solve the crimes and are inundated with seemingly inconsequential clues and side trips. The book tells the story of a painstaking police investigation with all its inherent details: the weapons, the crime scene, the forensics and all of the various personalities involved. Robyn’s team gets along pretty well, but Robyn herself seems a little high maintenance. I understand about her personal loss and am very glad that she got a cat for company. The killer is a very interesting character; well-drawn and played. The description of the book listed is not all that accurate. I wouldn’t describe Jordan as a doting father or much loved and His body wasn’t left in the cornfield for his family to see. Oh, I could go on. It stayed in the back of my mind as I read the book, and then I decided that it irritated me.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read, enjoy and review.

A young man (the son of a wealthy man) is found hanging on a stake like a scarecrow. Only a few days after his best friend is found dead with a tool hammered through his head. As Robin Carter, DI and her team scramble to make sense and find a commonality in the murders she is under pressure from her boss to solve the murders. Robin is also still trying to make sense of the disappearance of her fiance 2 years ago. Working around the clock to solve the mystery another body of a young woman doctor is found deceased outside of her surgery office. What do the victims have in common, why would someone want to kill these 3 people, what is with the religious undertones of the method of the murders? A fast moving suspenseful book with twits and turns in the who done it..

Love this series, what more can I say!
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THE CHOSEN ONES is book 5 in the DI Robyn Carter series, by author Carol Wyer, a procedural crime thriller. I have read the first four books in this series and loved them, so now plan to read the remaining last book in the series. This book could be read easily as a standalone novel, but I would recommend that you take advantage and enjoy the whole series.

There are currently 5 books in the series that include:
1) Little Lost Girl
2) Secrets of the Dead
3) The Missing Girls
4) The Silent Children
5) The Chosen Ones

In “The Chosen Ones”, Detective Robyn Carter returns with her team to solve three vicious murders.
1) A young father found murdered and his body discovered in a cornfield discovered by crop farmers.
2) Jordan’s best friend is found dead in his own garage.
3) Local doctor and young mother found dead outside her surgery

They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten ….

A treacherous serial killer was out there, and Robyn had to find the link between the victims, amid a dark web of secrets.

The killer has a message for Robyn and the carefully chosen victims. Can Robyn get to the truth before she becomes the next target?

At least in this novel, the subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who supposedly died two years ago, is mildly addressed again. Ross Cunningham, Robyn’s cousin and a private investigator has been helping her determine the validity of a photograph she received that hinted that her fiancé Davies had not been killed in an ambush over two years ago. But it is proving to be a difficult process going nowhere.

This is a thrilling murder mystery full of twists and turns that is sure to please.

Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.

Expected publication: May 24th 2018

This is the 5th book in the Detective Robyn Carter series, this didn’t matter as was a stand alone book ( although there was a sub plot about her missing presumed dead intelligence agent officer in the beginning and ending of the book, but apart from those times barely resurfaced in the book and was easy to understand what had gone on in previous books )
I loved Det Robyn Carter, she is sassy, determined, focused and human and I enjoyed her observations of people, houses and environments very much, the descriptions of a suspects front room etc were very well written and immediately brought each scene to life in my ‘mindseye’
The story was good, just good But good makes an interesting tale with some suspense, rum characters and nasty murders, I did however guess the ‘whodunit’ about a third way through....and thought the story a bit far fetched in places
Not much more to say about it tbh but was an enjoyable read, would I read the prev 4 in the series?, yes and would I read future books in the series? again yes but foremost to read more about Det Carter and the authors descriptive writing amd scene setting
4 stars and 8/10

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Bookouture through my membership of NetGalley. These are my own honest and well considered opinions.
‘The Chosen Ones’ is the fifth in the Detective Robyn Carter series and sees Robyn with three brutal murders to solve, all within a few miles of each other. She soon comes to the conclusion that there is a dangerous serial killer on the loose but struggles to find links between the three victims; one a young man in a happy new relationship, another his footballing friend and the third a local GP, new to the area and living near the scenes of the first two crazed murders. The bodies are all arranged in a setting that appears to have biblical overtures and as each witness answers their questions during interviews Robyn begins to feel more at a loss than ever. She needs a lucky break to crack the devious mind of the wicked, murderously driven criminal. As new information and clues are gathered, so lies told by family, friends and other bystanders come to light. Robyn and her team are hard pressed to make any sense of the crimes. Journalists are as ever braying for information and one reluctant relative is doing everything he possibly can to avoid being interviewed by Robyn and her team.
Set mainly in the pretty Trent valley villages of Colton and Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, this novel is a thrilling murder mystery full of red herrings, twists and turns and blind alleyways. Keen to apprehend the perpetrator of the crimes before the body count is added to, Robyn faces a barrage of obstruction, restricted actions and tangled webs of lies, all frustrating this urgent investigation. This area is within the triangle of Stafford, Uttoxeter and Rugeley which is my home area, so I appreciate the meticulous research that was undertaken upon the setting of the story, but other research was also exhaustive and greatly added to the realism and enjoyment of the fast paced storytelling. I loved meeting familiar characters once again and seeing their personal development, but also there were many new and eclectic characters that were interesting in different ways. I was easily enfolded within this story right from the very beginning and hugely enjoyed the suspense and mystery created along the journey of the novel. Don’t be put off if this is the first novel you would like to read in this series. It would read perfectly well as a standalone novel. It’s a 4.5 review from me.

Fast paced and Gripping. Carol Wyer presents you yet another page turner featuring DI Robyn Carter. I have been following this series from book one and I have never been disappointed.
The chosen ones starts with a gruesome murder scene. Jordan Kilby is murdered and his body is crucified and placed on a corn field. Jordan Kilby is the only son of a famous businessman Nathaniel Jones Kilby, who is converting lot of farm lands in to construction projects.
As DI Robyn Carter and her team start to investigate the murder, Jordan’s best friend is found dead in his own garage. With two murders on their plate and the suspect list increasing, Robyn struggles to make a breakthrough. She is hindered by her own boss and the nosy journalist Amy Walters.
When the third murder occurs, Robyn have to act fast and find the killer before she is pulled away from the case!
Like its predecessors, the chosen ones presents a fast paced plot with no dull moments at all. The story keeps you guessing throughout. To me, I was able to guess the climax but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the book. And as usual, I loved Robyn Carter. With each book, her character gets more definition and she is becoming one of my favorite characters. Robyn’s team has evolved a lot since the first book (with relatively new additions Matt and David) but I still feel that all their characters lack depth even after five books. My other complaint about this series is that the cliff hanger about Robyn’s fiancée Davies is still ongoing and Its kinda frustrating.
The chosen ones is a perfect read for all police procedural fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for ARC.

Another fast paced twisted plot in this well established series which I'd strongly recommend reading in order. Whilst it was great that Robyn and therefore the reader finally got answers I was disappointed that Ross again was barely mentioned, please give him more of a role in the next book!

This is a series I have thoroughly been enjoying. I was excited at the way the story started as I had some questions still from the previous book, and I was eager to get started to find out what was happening.
It's a must read series, and my personal opinion is that the books are read in order.
Carol has done a superb job with this one, wow what a read! It's safe to say I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it A LOT!
We still have the story of Davies running through the background of this book, and I really thought I was going to get my answers in this book, I think Carol is being a bit of a tease now, as I have to wait for the next book. It's a wait I don't want, I want answers and I want them now. lol
Detective Robyn Carter is faced with a new case, the body of a young man has been found in a farmers field. The team are soon on the case, trying to find any background on this young man and what could have been the reasons for his killing.
Before long another body is found. Robyn and her team are working like hell to find if there is a link here. It really has you thinking if there is a link and what It could be. There is clearly a cold hearted killer out there, the reasons for the killing I just couldn't work out.
I tell you what though, as I neared the ending of the book, it's safe to say I would have never guessed, and the reasonings behind things were awesome. Carol Wyer has written this book just brilliantly.
Twisty and edge of you seat reading here, and any crime thriller fan will love this one, I'm totally blown away with it. Certainly the best one yet.

Robyn Carter is a great detective and she is becoming one of my favourites very fast!

Every book with her in it is a direct hit. The story is well written, the characters show a lot of personality and I just cannot put these books down!

3.5 stars rounded off to 4

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really am enjoying this series. This was a good book, I enjoyed it. I don't know about everyone else, but when I am reading, I always have some theories about 'whodunnit'. In the case of this book, I had no clue where it was going and what would happen next. When I read a book like this, I marvel at the research that must have gone into making the book what it is. It will be interesting to see what the author decides to do with the next book.

That being said, I must be honest in saying that although this was a good book, it was not my favourite of the series. It was somehow just not as strong and solid as the others. Yes, a lot did happen in it, but it somehow didn't grab me as much as the others.

I still cannot recommend this series enough, it's a good one and you will not be disappointed. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series as the reader was left reeling at the end... Can't wait!!!

I was excited for the newest book in this series and Carol Wyer didn’t disappoint!
It was suspenful, easy to get into and full of characters I’ve gotten to know, and love!
I wish there was more of Robyn’s story in this book, however I think the ending has set up some good stuff for her next instalment of this series.....I can’t wait to for her next book......soon I hope!

I love Carol Wyer’s dark side!
A very clever story, very intriguing, and very well put together. Lots of ‘verys’ there but all necessary!
There are some really gruesome murder scenes, which I visualised all too realistically!
And the crows, I have a bird phobia and they really creeped me out.
There was story from the past running alongside the main plot. I really tried to work out who the people were and how they fitted into the main story but I didn’t succeed!
Robyn’s team are great. They are a nice bunch who I feel like I’ve got to know well over the series. There was a race against time as the body count rose. What was the connection? Robyn’s boss was ready to throw her off the case if she didn’t come up with a suspect quickly.
Amy Walters, a local investigative journalist, has had numerous run-ins with Robyn before and is sticking her nose in again. She’s writing a book about serial killers and is after all the info she can get. She does some digging herself, and had written a piece on the first victim, Jordan Kilby, in the past. She’s also written about Jordan’s property developer father, Nathaniel Jones-Kilby.
I liked the setting in Staffordshire and felt like I knew the area as it was all so well described.
Robyn’s cousin Ross had only a bit-part this time, and I really like him! He is a private investigator, and an ex-copper. She calls on him to help her out sometimes on the side.
The cliffhanger from the end of book three is still ongoing and not resolved. I didn’t mind to be honest, as the storyline in this book had me so engrossed. I do hope we find out before the end of the series. I can’t believe this is book five already, it’s gone so fast.
Well-paced and great writing. A pleasure to read. I look forward to the next one!
Proud member of The Smile Street Team.
Thanks to Carol Wyer and Bookouture for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
Thanks to Kim Nash for the early review copy x

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Chosen Ones, the fifth novel to feature DI Robyn Carter of Stafford police.

Robyn and the team are called out to a gruesome murder scene. Jordan Kilby has been killed and his body displayed on a scarecrow frame. When more murders occur they realise they are looking for a serial killer but links between the victims are elusive and therefore so are suspects.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen Ones which is a fast paced read with no dull moments and plenty for the reader to ponder. I always enjoy a procedural as I like the initial sense of floundering as the team gathers information, not knowing what will be relevant, and gradually winnows it out until they are able to identify a suspect. There is much to winnow in this novel as secrets and incidental crimes are uncovered. I followed it all and still had no idea about the perpetrator so I was glued to the pages from start to finish. It is an absorbing read and I admire Ms Wyer's ability to maintain such a high standard across both this novel and the series as a whole.

The subplot about Robyn's fiancé, Davies, an intelligence agent who apparently died in Marrakech two years ago but maybe didn't moves on slightly in the novel. I must admit that I find the developments in this starting to get tedious. It's too long and drawn out. Let Robyn move on one way or the other.

Robyn is a good protagonist, smart, tenacious and supportive. I like her determination to get justice and her smart instincts in getting there.

The Chosen Ones is another exciting, very readable addition to a good series which I have no hesitation in recommending.

There is no better feeling than being able to revisit an old favorite and that is what it feels like every time I get to meet DI Robyn Carter for another adventure. I've been looking forward to book five ever since I finished the previous book and was left wanting for more. Because trust me, this series is worth following from the start as there will be a very intriguing personal twist around the main character's life! And The Chosen Ones will bring more of this intrigue. And while the main focus, like always, is on the main case they are investigating, little snippets of the mystery around Robyn Carter's past are revealed that will make you burn with curiosity and a desire to learn more. And that ending! The Chosen Ones is not even published yet and I'm already craving for the next book. But enough of this element, because I don't want to spoil things... Let's talk about the rest of the book. The first thing that stands out is the writing style and pace, which are of the same high quality as always, engaging and make it a true pleasure to follow DI Robyn Carter and her team around as they investigate. The main character herself is easy to like and like I said before, meeting up with her again in a new story is like meeting up with an old friend. I also really like the PI angle with Ross, although he doesn't play that big of a role in the fifth book. As for the plot: WOW, Carol Wyer was able to create another creeper of a killer in this one! And quite shocking murder scenes as well... Including lots of twists that will manage to mislead you. I couldn't put The Chosen Ones down and I think this might just be the best DI Robyn Carter book yet. I can highly recommend this series to any detective thriller fan!

DI Robyn Carter is one of my favorite detective thriller series and I always find myself looking forward to a new installment. Not only have the books a consistently strong writing, plot and plot twist development and interesting cases to lose yourself in, but there is also the mystery around Robyn Carter's past that won't let you go. The Chosen Ones has another shocking case and the final reveals will leave you wanting for more... And I think this fifth book might just be my new favorite. Recommended!

This was the first book in the Robyn Carter series I read so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised and I enjoyed it tremendously. I read it in one sitting and the overarching mystery of Robyn's fiance even made me want to read the previous books so learn more about that.

The pacing was so tight I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. I enjoyed following Robyn as she unraveled the mystery of the murders as the suspense grew on each subsequent page. I thought the plot was well executed and fast-paced.

But what I really loved about the novel was the characters of Robyn and her team. They were all painted as three dimensional humans with problems of their own not just riddle-solving machines. Will definitely read more of Wyer's work.