Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from.this author. Storyline was great, characters were easy to.connect with

Thank you for the advanced copy

My Review
Fancy a new series?
Well have I got one for you......👏👏
Tick Tick is book two in the DS Grace Allendale series so you don't have far to catch up.
This is my first time reading this authors work and I loved it.
I'm off to get her first book "Hush Hush" after reading this one.
It's a gritty, chilling crime series with DS Grace Allendale at the centre of it all.
She's good, she's complicated, definitely emotional but oh so interesting...
Grace has come back home to Stoke on Trent to work in the police force. She has a strong team around her which she needs considering the pressure she's under to solve the case.
You can almost feel the pressure mounting on her to solve them quickly before more bodies turn up.
And what about her family?
I'm curious to find out more about them as they feature heavily in book one, not as much in book two.
I enjoyed the relationship she has with journalist Simon and her difficulties with his teenage daughter...
Well worth taking the time to check this series out.....you won't be disappointed....

Thank you kindly to author Mel Sheratt and her publishers Avon Books UK for my copy of this book. Much appreciated.

One of my new favorite books! This author has such a way with words the pages flew by in no time! I can’t wait to see the next work by this author! This was such a joy to read!

As a fan of the Allie Shenton novels, it was great to re-explore the stoke police world but with a different focus. Good characterisation and enough twists to keep the reader off focus throughout.

I really was excited when I received an early copy of this. I had loved reading Hush Hush and couldn't wait to get started. As I read so many books sometimes I find it good to refresh my mind, so I read the last 25% of Hush Hush then moved right on to Tick Tock... I was chomping at the bitt to get started.
I love the character that is Grace Allendale and she's back fighting another case. What is in store for her this time around is a pretty grim case. When a local school girl if found dead while taking part in a cross country run with school all eyes are on Grace and her team to find out how this could have happened. How did anyone know when and where the children would be running? Was this an opportunist or someone she knew?
When a young mother is found dead two days later the pressure steps up for Grace and her team. Are these two murders linked in someway, could it be a serial killer or is it just a coincidence that 2 murders happen within 2 days.
No leads, no clues its a race against the clock 'Tick, Tock'
This book will no doubt keep all 'Sherratt' fans on the edge of their seat, another stonker of a read, absolutely loved it. I wanted and needed to read, read, read. It had me well and truly hooked.
Grace and her team go the extra mile as always and will do everything they can to solve this case, no matter what it throws at them along the way.
It was good getting to Know a little more of Grace in this book and finding out more of her private life. She's one of those characters that you just want to wish the best for, one of those characters that you really connect with. Yes she's a police officer, but she's also human and this really stands out for her.
This book really will get those nerves tingling, have you hanging off the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.
​Outstanding from the first page to the very last page. I look forward to reading more.

Grace Allendale, after the events of her previous case in Hush Hush, is now settling into her new life in Stoke.

She is called to the local school when the body of a sixteen year old girl is found on the boundaries of the grounds.

Grace quickly finds herself on the trail of a new serial killer; one who seems to stop at nothing and is getting closer to people she cares about. This person needs to be stopped before it’s too late.

Oh how excited I am to see a new release by Mel Sherratt especially as it’s the next instalment in the DS Grace Allendale series.

Grace is shaping up to be one of my favourite fictional detectives. It was great to be catching up with her again.

The plot has many twists, turns and gasp out loud moments. It pretty much only took me a day to read. One more chapter turned into ‘ah, it’s now three in the morning.’ I certainly had a book hangover when it ended. Totally immersive from the first page to the end.

No spoilers I promise.

What I will say is that this novel has a wonderful blend of mystery, great characters and tension. The author has a great way of pulling you in and getting the reader totally invested. For me, there wasn’t a slow moment.

Although there are characters mentioned that were involved in the previous novel, this can be read as a standalone.

If you’re looking for a new compelling, topsy-turvy crime series that will have you guessing and second guessing until the last page, I really recommend this one.

TICK TOCK is a super scary suspenseful novel. Well worth the read. I am glad I was picked to read this one because it is amazing. It has bit of everything, suspense, heart and great characters.

Mel Sherratt is back with a gritty police procedural featuring the fantastic DS Grace Allendale that will keep readers riveted to the page: Tick Tock. Tense, terrifying and twisted, Tick Tock is another first class chiller from Mel Sherratt’s ingenious pen.

It was a typical day for the students and teachers at Dunwood Academy – or so they thought. What started out as an ordinarily mundane day quickly descended into chaos when twenty-nine students made it back from a cross country run – and one student was left behind. When Lauren Ansell failed to show up, her two best friends Courtney and Caitlin decided to go and look for her and see what was holding her up. However, little did they realize that the next time they would clap eyes on their friend, she would be dead. In just a matter of minutes, somebody had attacked Lauren and left her for dead. But who would want to murder a schoolgirl? Was it a fellow pupil or a teacher? Just what is going on at Dunwood Academy? Only one woman has got what it takes to get to the bottom of this mystery: DS Grace Allendale, a determined detective who will not rest until she has untangled this twisted web of murder, deception and revenge.

Grace and her team vow to leave no stone unturned in their quest for the truth. They are determined to track down the heinous killer who had killed Lauren and abandoned her body in a field behind her school and they will not rest until they get to the truth. However, complications soon arise for the detectives when two days later another body is discovered. Another woman is found strangled and abandoned in a local car park. Can there be any connection between the two murders? Is there a link between the teenage girl murdered at her school and the young mother who had been abducted before being brutally murdered? With no leads, no clues and time not being on their side, the odds seem to be stacked against Grace and the team – especially when another woman is targeted.

A sinister pattern has emerged and Grace must work fast and use every resource she has if she is to catch an evil killer and keep him from committing another murder. But will she catch this blood-thirsty murderer in time? How many other young women must suffer at the hands of this vicious predator before an arrest is made? Will Grace do whatever it takes to ensure that justice is served? Or will this deranged serial killer succeed in striking again and avoiding the long arm of the law?

The queen of the police procedural is on fine form with Tick Tock. A nerve-shredding and gut-wrenching thriller that will make readers’ hearts pound, Tick Tock is a densely plotted and fabulously written crime novel from an absolute mistress of the genre: Mel Sherratt.

Grace Allendale is, as always, a first rate detective. Clever, compassionate, methodical and meticulous in her work, she is well on her way to becoming a favourite with aficionados of the genre.

A phenomenal crime novel that is outstanding from start to finish, Tick Tock is another triumphant read from the fabulous Mel Sherratt.

I was given a copy of Tick Tock by Mel Sharratt by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series, I haven't read the first although this didn't spoil the story. There were only a few parts of the story which touched on events in the previous book. The story is about grace who must investigate after a teenage girl is murdered whist doing cross country running at school. Soon after there is another murder similar to the first. This is an enjoyable read moving along at a good pace. I liked the characters. A perfect book for fans of crime writers.

What a book. I was hooked just from the cover and description. Thankfully I was not disappointed. This is a fast paced read. Easy to read. Your on the edge of your seat wondering which way it’s heading. Fantastic read

Mel Sherratt always writes with an engaging, authentic voice but for me this book is missing some of her infamous grit.
Well written characters that are still developing and a complex case blend well with the kind of intriguing plot that the author is known for to produce a solid, if not stellar read...... Sorry Mel!

A solid second book in the series.
I did enjoy this book but it was not as gripping as the first one
Looking forward to the next book

I hadn't read "Hush Hush" Mel Sherratt's previous book, so I went in blind to the DS Grace Allendale series with her second book "Tick Tock".
Blurb - "In the city of Stoke, a teenage girl is murdered in the middle of the day, her lifeless body abandoned in a field behind her school. Two days later, a young mother is abducted. She’s discovered strangled and dumped in a local park. DS Grace Allendale and her team are brought in to investigate, but with a bold killer, no leads and nothing to connect the victims, the case seems hopeless. It’s only when a third woman is targeted that a sinister pattern emerges. A dangerous mind is behind these attacks, and Grace realises that the clock is ticking…... Can they catch the killer before another young woman dies?"
I thought this book was a very decent police procedural, with very natural and easily likeable characters. It was a pleasant change to read about police officers who weren't superhuman and never seem to sleep but are normal, everyday people with genuine feelings and emotions towards the victims of crime. Grace was a particularly interesting character with a background from the first book that sounds very intriguing. Although I was a little lost at all the family members mentioned in her previous case, there was enough to follow and understand at how she came to be working in Stoke on major crimes however, I do believe I would have benefited from reading the first book.
The author has written a heartfelt story too, that paid a lot of focus on the victim's families left behind, with the grief very palpable during the initial chapters from the murdered girl's mother. I did feel a little too much detail was given to the death of Matt, Grace's husband and her constant recollections of her grief but all in all I did enjoy the story as a whole and it kept me guessing till the end. The author also conveyed teenage angst, hormones and friendship excellently and was very true to life.
An exciting denouement concluded the book and the final chapter revealed a well thought out twist. Although not particularly tense or fast paced, this story does still move along at a steady pace, keeping your attention throughout and I would follow DS Grace Allendale in future books.

4 stars

What is it about detectives with a harsh and dark history that make them so formidable? Grace Allendale is slowly joining the ranks of other intense and highly-skilled detectives I love.
It's taken me long enough to get on the Mel Sherratt bandwagon but here I am and I think I might have some catching up to do( with other series). I really liked Hush Hush and picking up Tick Tock was a no-brainer. This book is twisty and sinister.
When Grace and her team are notified of the murder of a teenage girl, in broad daylight on a field next to her school, Grace is extremely perturbed by the brazen act of the killer. Soon another body turns up, with the same MO and the team finds themselves chasing a potential serial killer. Will Grace solve the mystery and catch the killer before they strike someone close to her?
The plot in this book is good. The characters are awesome. I love the chemistry between Grace and Simon. In fact, I love the way Grace works with all the people around her. I, however, would like to have seen more about Grace's team - Perry, Sam, Nick or Frankie and how they interact with each other or Grace after hours. Give them some chapters already! It's taking a bit for me to go all 5 stars, but I have no doubt I'll get there with Grace!
I'd recommend reading Hush Hush before Tick Tock in order to get a full feel of Grace's life.
Thank you, NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Mel Sherratt for an arc!
Bring on book 3!!

My thoughts:

Tick Tock is the second novel featuring DI Grace Allendale from Mel Sherratt and this one begins with a stomach churning scene as a lone female runner is strangled to death on an early morning run.

Fast forward five years and Grace is called to investigate the murder of a young school girl who was taking part in a PE running session with school (see I knew there was a reason that running is bad for you!).

Tensions are running high when the body of a young woman is found two days later and Grace and her team are under pressure to catch the killer. When a third girl is attacked then things get pretty hot under the collar for the team.

Tick Tock is interspersed with chapters from an unknown narrator which certainly ramps the suspense levels up a notch or two as I was reading and dying to know who this person was!

I'm really enjoying Grace's character, there is something about her that draws me to her. She has an interesting past which makes her a little bit different to her colleagues and this was shown in the first of the series. Her relationship with local journalist Simon is a great twist to the story and we watch as Grace wrestles with her conscience as their two worlds sometimes collide. In this book, Simon's daughter, Teagan, features heavily and watching the relationship between her and Grace develop was a realistic picture of family tensions when new families are formed. There are some fabulous scenes with the relationships between Grace, Simon and Tegan but you will need to read it for yourself to find out what they are.

Her relationships with her family and get colleagues are also delved into and developed in Tick Tock and it left me wanting to settle down for more and to watch how it is all going to play out.

Although it's the 2nd book you can read it as a stand-alone but hell why not just go read the first one too!

Mel is a great author, she has a right down to earth attitude and this shines through in her writing. The pacing is spot on and there are enough little red herrings around to have you fishing all the way through the book. Her characters are well drawn and relatable. You could imagine bumping into them in your local street.

The author certainly ramps up the tension in this novel and I had no idea who was involved in these murders, so many little red herrings swimming around that it kept me guessing all the way through. Even when we discovered the identity Mel cleverly wrapped it all up with the motivation, leaving me totally satisfied with the outcome.
Review will be on my blog as part of the blog tour on 6th June

Another great read from Mel Sherratt, never fail to have sleepless nights when I read books from this author, I love that these books are set in places we know or at least have heard of, highly recommend.

Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book in a series but you can read it as a stand along cause the first book is being summarized throughout this book. It’s a short read. Spent about 4-5 hours on it. It’s a good book if your in a mood for something fast paced and action filled

When I started reading Tick Tock by Mel Sherratt I was on NetGalley and the cover caught my eye and then I read the description and I was like "Ok, I have to read this book" I was so thankful when Avon Books UK and at Mel Sherratt approved my request.

Pause the review for a quick side note: when I decided to begin doing Confessions of a Reading Freak the system I came up with was that as I am approved for books I keep a calendar/list of them and their release dates. My goal is to read them before they are released or at least as close to the release date as possible (see this review). The other thing I do is find the Author's Website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. So when I do post my currently reading and review can tag them. It also gives me a chance to research the book. Back to the review.

As I am about to start the book I figure out, crap this the second book in the DS Grace Allendale series. So now I feel like a jerk for requesting and being granted access to a book that someone else might have been denied to read the first book Hush, Hush. But I decide to just go on with it, I just finished a book I really didn't enjoy, I need something.

I must say bravo to Mel Sherratt. This book was so well written that it really didn't matter that I haven't read Hush, Hush (although, I would really like to read it). Ms. Sherratt was able to give you enough back story that I feel like had you read the first book you wouldn't have been like "Ok, yes I know" (we've all read those books where the first two chapters is basically a retelling of the first book). The way she wove what happened in Hush, Hush into Tick Tock felt authentic and just enough that makes you want to go back and read Hush, Hush but also doesn't make you feel like you are lost. Not sure how much my opinion counts since, I did avoid reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (mind you I had read the other 5 books) for about 18 years, much to the dismay of my BFF, and I didn't fell like I missed out. (I did finally read it though, twice now.)

I also really enjoyed that DS Grace Allendale is a female, who yes had a love interest in the book, but she didn't need her love interest to save her, solve the crime for her, or anything like that. DS Grace Allendale is a strong female character, who despite some crazy stuff having happened to her (I need to read the first book), she is still out there. The other thing I enjoyed about this book was after the first victim is reveled you think "hmm ok we are going down this path" then the second victim happens and your like "wait, ok so that just changed my whole list of suspects." I like when books get you going on way and pull you another.

This book read a lot like Next Girl to Die by Dea Poirier (see review here) I didn't want to put the book down. If I could have not gone to work, or had to eat, sleep or shower (don't worry folks showers were taken) I could have just read the book through.

Tick Tock by Mel Sherratt I'm going to give 4/5 stars: ★★★★☆

Thank you to Avon Books UK, Mel Sherratt and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this amazing book. Tick Tock is available NOW!

My second DS Grace Allendale murder mystery book (set in Stoke) which was excellent. The author has just the right balance of police procedure and a believable story line which kept me looking forward to the end - but with plenty of 'red herrings' built in!

I warmed to Grace and her colleagues, and with a local school's teenage murders Ms Sherratt described the school's situation and sadness really well. I would call this a no nonsense novel, and I devoured it in three sessions - which is rare for me. No spoilers, but there were more than one murder.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read and review.

This is the second Grace Allendale book I have read, and another I have enjoyed. DS Allendale is confronted with a murder of a school girl during the day near school property. It's not long before another female is murdered. Grace has to act quickly to make sure no-one else is murdered.
I like the easy way that Mel Sharratt writes and engages the reader. We really learn a lot about Grace and despite it being number 2 in the series, you can read them in any order.