Cover Image: Dead End

Dead End

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Member Reviews

This is the first Rachel Lynch book I’ve picked up, but I had no problem jumping into the series. The characters are credible and relatable, the murder mystery keeps you guessing, and the family background of the main character got pretty interesting, too.
All in all very enjoyable and I shall seek out the others in this series.

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I have read so many great books this year, and this 3rd instalment in the DI Kelly Porter series is up there with one of the best.
Having recently read the first 2 books, I was excited to discover that book 3 was up for grabs and I wasted no time in requesting it and it hasn’t disappointed.
I do love a good old fashioned British detective story, with mystery, intrigue and a little bit psychological drama, and dead end ticks all the boxes.
Various seemingly unrelated storylines, which appear to be unrelated. The supposed suicide of an Earl, and the mystery disappearance of 2 young girls, presumed lost while walking and the discovery of a missing person who was last seen a few months previously. DI Porter has her work cut it for her when it becomes clear that there is a killer on the loose. Interesting and likeable characters, and great storyline set in the beautiful Lake District.

A very worthy 5 stars

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This was a very competent, easy read. I know this is book 3 in the series, but it's my first meeting with Kelly Porter and it read very well as a standalone. The story jogs along and kept the pace continually all the way through. Although I thought it was quite obvious as to who the killer was, the personalities of the cast of people around him and what had led him to follow such a murderous path was as interesting as the denouement. I shall keep my eyes out for the first two of this series now and am happy to recommend Rachel Lynch's writing. An enjoyable book.

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I’m really getting into this genre of book and as it’s a book based in the uk and on the British police force it makes it more believable.
Fast paced and really holds your attention, not one to put down until it’s finished.
I’ve really enjoyed this series.

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ive a had the pleasure of reading all 3 books in this series and absolutely love them. this instalment gives more background to DI Kelly porter’s family life and her new relationship with Johnny, the mountain rescue expert. whilst i enjoyed the book i did feel the ending was abit rushed and didn’t really explain why some of the crimes were committed.

many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Another solid read in the Kelly Porter series set in the Lake District. This is book three and I would recommend reading them in order. A good location, two mysteries to solve, good character development and a glimpse into Kelly's private life. An absolute winner again for the author. I would recommend this series of books. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. Reviews on Goodreads and Facebook with Amazon to follow.

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A really good police procedural which nicely combines two cases, one of possible abduction and one of suspected murder. It also considers the personal life of the main protagonist DI Kelly Porter.

Two girls have gone missing on the Cumbrian fells and an elderly man may or may not have committed suicide. The characterisation in this novel is excellent and I really warmed to Kelly with all her fears and hang-ups. The story moves at a good pace and the descriptions of the fells and lakes of Cumbria are lovely.

I hadn’t read anything by Rachel Lynch before but I will be back for more.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

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Dead End is the third in the series in the Detective Kelly Porter and it's the best one yet.

The Earl of Lowesdale is found dead by hanging at his home. First impressions is that he has commited sucide but, his post mortem says otherwise and they discover that the Earl's safe is missing. So the think that it is a murder/robbery.

Also Two girls have gone missing on the Lake district hills. The police thinks that they have just lost their way but, when a body of Freya Hamilton turns up after dispearing a few months previously. Detective Kelly Porter knows that there is a murder on the loose.

This is another very entertaining novel involving Kelly Porter. Her peers steering her towards promotion but, she likes to be part of the action. I love her fiesty character and she works hard ot get the job done. This has a original with lots of twists and turns and different to others in this genre and I love that it's in the setting of the Lake district.

Thank you Canelo and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

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DI Kelly Porter has her hands full up in the Lake District – the seventh Earl of Lowesdale is found hanging in his family seat, Wasdale Hall, and the coroner detects foul play. At the same time, two young female hikers have vanished. It’s not the first time that women of the same description have vanished in the area, and as the clock ticks, it becomes more and more evident that the women were abducted.

When a body is discovered in the water, Kelly discovers links between her own family and Wasdale Hall. Are all the cases linked? And can Kelly find the girls in time?


Another brief review, following the last one, but it’s not that I’m pushed for time this time. It’s just that I don’t have a vast amount to say about this one. It’s perfectly fine. The central character is interesting enough, but there’s nothing really new here.

As someone who likes a bit of a puzzle in what he reads – you’d never guess, would you – I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed with the denouement. Let’s face it, obviously the cases are going to be linked and the villain of the piece is pretty obvious.

As with a lot of modern series, there’s a bit of soap opera here, dealing with Kelly’s personal life – her parents, her sister, her boyfriend – and readers of the series (of which this is Book Three, following Dark Game and Deep Fear) so if that’s your sort of thing, I’d recommend you go back to the beginning as I felt I was missing a bit not having read the earlier ones. To be honest, this wasn’t really the book for me, but I can see fans of the genre enjoying it.

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When the seventh Earl of Lowesdale is found hanging from the rafters at Wasdale Hall, everyone assumes the aging, hard-partying aristocrat had finally had enough of chasing the glory of his youth. But when the coroner finds signs of foul play, DI Kelly Porter is swept into a luxurious world where secrets and lies dominate. At the same time, two young hikers go missing and it’s up to Kelly to lead the search. But digging deeper reveals ties to two other unsolved disappearances and Kelly and her team find themselves in a race against time.
This is the third book in the series but can easily be read on its own. I’m really enjoying The Porter novels & sincerely hope there are more to follow. The pace is good & I was drawn in from the beginning & my attention held all the way through. The characters are well fleshed. As well as the two cases for Kelly to solve there’s also 'things' happening in her private life, these all gave me a few hours of immersing myself in the book & left me wanting another book to read in the series

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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A really gripping detective story. Two missing girls, a suicide but was it? A stately home and a murderer on the loose. A well written book, that as you are reading it, makes you want to turn the next page. Bedtime forgotten about, you just keep reading. Awesome book

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Yet another really good read by Rachel Lynch ! I have loved all the Kelly Porter series and this was certainly as good as the others . Kelly has two quite different cases to investigate , the apparent suicide of an aged titled playboy and the disappearance of 2 young hikers , with the usual plot twists and red herrings this was fast paced , well written . I especially love the way she writes about the places in the Lake District , I can almost imagaine I’m there . Another 5 stars from me

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Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Rachel Lynch for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for this honest review.

I enjoyed this mystery, it's obvious that the author has good local knowledge of the Lakes and this mystery has a solid storyline and well rounded characters and it's got some good twists and turns. It's one of a series, but, can be read as a stand alone thriller.

There are two seemingly separate investigations that come together along with the lead detective, Kelly and her personal life. It's a solid police procedural.

I wasn't wowed with it, but, quite enjoyed it.

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Really good fast paced drama. This book is a brilliant read. Kelly Porter is an interesting character and along with her family and friends the book pulled me in from the start. There is a lot packed into the plot and it all really well written. I hope that there are more Kelly Porter books to come.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

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A good book with believable characters. It kept my interest and I found it quite a page turner. Set in the lake district with several interwoven stories, some of which are sorted by the end and some of which are ongoing. There is a very realistic scene in a helicopter which reminds me why I never want to travel in one.

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A story of missing young women set in the Lake District with desolate scenes amidst bitter weather. The story centres more on the victims and the families and suspects involved than on the detectives on the case. It turns out that it involves dysfunctional families, a suspicious suicide, the abdication and incarceration of young women to be abused for sexual pleasure. A well written book but not a pleasant story to read even though there are some light hearted moments.

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The seventh earl has committed suicide at Wasdale Hall, two girls are missing and two further bodies are found. Are they connected?
DI Kelly Porter is in charge. However, she finds her own family secrets lead back to Wasdale Hall.
This is a race against time and will have you guessing till the last page.

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I really enjoy this series! What caught my interest is the lakes, we live close in Cumbria and I love reading about familiar places. It seems almost real. I love Kelly’s character and each book is just like a new catch up with a friend, albeit one that’s filled with murder and mystery! Very much recommend to anyone who loves detective stories, murder and a who dunnit!

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With thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Dead End Is the third book in the DI Kelly Porter series.

In this story Kelly and her team were Investigating two cases. The first was the death of Xiavier Paullus II, the Seventh Earl of Lowesdale. It was first thought 95 year old Xiavier had committed suicide by hanging. However the postmortom showed he was smothered to death and then hung. Years earlier Xiavier`s partner and daughter Trinity died in a car crash. Trinity`s twin brother Oliver died in a boating accident. There were a number of suspects including Zach his grandson, Linda his house keeper, her son Dominic and gardener Brian.

Meanwhile hikers Sophie and Hannah disappeared whilst camping on the Fells. The case drew striking similarities with the disappearance of drug addict Freya Hamilton. When some Freya`s bones are found Kelly has to find the missing girls before it is too late.

On the home front Kelly caught her old friend and colleague visiting her mother. Kelly speaks to her friend and found out they had an affair before she was born. Her mother confirmed she may be his daughter. Kelly had always felt she was not like her family and now she understood why. After an altercation with an old school friend she considered going back to London.

Kelly`s sister was suffering from PTSD after abducted by The Teacher in the previous book. Kelly`s boyfriend Johnny was trying to help her overcome it.

Like always I was immersed in the story was first page. I enjoyed reading more about the dynamics of Kelly`s family and why she turned out the way she did. I look forward to funding out what happens in the next book

Out of the two investigations I found the death of Xiavier more interesting. I especially liked Zac who was very innocent for a 19 year old.

My only criticism is the killers motivation for kidnapping Sophie and Hannah and killing Freya was never explained. It left me feeling a bit deflated but overall it was an enjoyable book.

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What I like with Rachel Lynch's books is that they are full of real people, humans rather than stereotypes, and this book is full of them.

A well-woven tale with an excellent cast of characters, yes it is police and yes there are many police books out there BUT this one stands tall and is well worth your time.

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