Fantastic debut from Noelle Holten. This is one of those very special books that comes along when you least expect it and completely blows you away. Wow! It really is amazing. It is fast paced, with lots going on, but it all fits together perfectly. The characters are strong and believable, especially Lucy who I can personally relate to. I tend to stay away from domestic violence themes, but Noelle hasn’t used it for shock value. It’s written beautifully in a way that really understands D.V. victims and the perpetrators. D.C. Maggie Jamieson is very impressive and I can’t wait to see her character develop. I thought I knew who the murderer was around half way through but, of course I was completely wrong!
Dead Inside is a breath of fresh air in the world of crime fiction. I can’t fault it in any way. Well done FIVE STARS from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Noelle Holten

While the characters were well-written, credible, and emotively-charged as in victim/abuser/police/probation officer roles, I'm afraid that I guessed very early on in the book who the killer was, and the ending was of no surprise to me.

Having said that, it's a novel that covers a very sensitive subject, and well done to the author for being confident enough to do that, particularly in her debut. As someone who was a 'cover the bruises with make-up' artist for a friend and workmate who was being used as a punch bag and raped almost on a daily basis, the mindsets of the victims and abusers rang so true to me. It actually brought back very bad memories.

It's clear that the author's work experience and research were used in full. The moral of the story? You can never tell what's going on behind closed doors, however if you have proof, do something about it.

My thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC. I chose this book from a selection at NetGalley. I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed it, and all opinions are my own.

This novel is the first in the Maggie Jamieson Crime Thriller series and it is the stunning debut novel of Noelle Holten, better known to the blogging community as Crime Book Junkie, a well-respected reviewer with a preference for the Crime Thriller genre. Once a long-serving Probation Officer, Noelle brings talent and authenticity to her writing and uses short snappy sentences and chapters to express the urgent nature of a Police Procedural Crime Novel. Oozing with talent, and with fabulous writing skills, Noelle introduces us to her two main characters.
DC Maggie Jamieson leads a specialist team of police detectives in a new and prestigious unit. She is hunting down a prolific serial killer who has chosen the first three victims, all with criminal histories of terrifying, demeaning and violent domestic abuse. They have more than that in common though. They are all in the care of Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood, who specialises in handling and monitoring domestic violence perpetrators who offend within their personal relationships; violence usually carried out against their vulnerable partners. They are manipulative liars who can be charming, but soon show their leopard-like spots. Lucy is the second main character in this intriguing story. Her partner is Patrick, who has brought his two children into their family, both of whom have already witnessed domestic violence and Lucy cherishes them, knowing that Patrick is looking for a loving and nurturing home for his adored but traumatised children.
The fast-paced story continues with a frantic and exhausting police investigation. The team must crack this case, and quickly. The murderer is keeping a few steps ahead of them and the crimes are carefully planned and meticulously executed, with few clues to chase up. When a fourth murder is committed, with startling differences to the first three, it begins to look as though Lucy may be under suspicion. Maggie must work with even more urgency because she cannot believe Lucy would do such a thing and she doesn’t want to send her innocent colleague to gaol. But could it be that Maggie is wrong and her suspect is standing in clear view? Only time and talent separates these two scenarios.
This gripping and accomplished novel has it all; thrills and spills-a-plenty, fabulous storyline, multiple characters all with different agendas, and includes graphic scenes of abuse, dark secrets, fear, rape, adultery verses loyalty and evil, odious, unforgiving, manipulation. I cannot wait until the second novel called ‘The Other Killer’ is published, but I do know that it is available to pre-order already. It’s a definite addition for my wish list! So a blogger becomes an authoritative author and I’m so glad that I was accepted to review this debut novel, received through NetGalley and from publisher Killer Reads. Thank you very much for my copy sent in return for a well-considered review. There is no doubt at all in my mind that this will be a massive literary hit when it is published on 31st May. It’s a well-earned 4.5* review from me. Welcome to the club Noelle.

So. This is interesting. A book I have been looking forward to reading from a long time from an author I know relatively well and someone whose journey from blogger to published author I have been following. It makes it both a great and also scary prospect when you sit down to read as it becomes a question of what happens if you don't enjoy the story and, if I do, will people even believe what I have to say about the book anyway? I could lie and say I've never heard of Noelle's blog, but blogging is a very small world, made smaller by the power of social media, and to say we've never met would be a lie as the photographic evidence is there all over the tinterweb.

Well - thankfully I don't have to worry about the first half of that question as this is a book that had me hooked from the start, a book that I literally tore through finishing in a few hours. With Dead Inside, Noelle Holten has created a world which brings together the many facets of a police investigation, and all of the agencies who are integral to solving crimes. Many of them are typically overlooked in favour of the common or garden Police Detective, the lads and lasses with the warrant cards etc who do the digging, the plodding and the arresting and make life generally difficult for the bad guys. There inclusion in Dead Inside adds a new and interesting perspective to the book, giving it a sense of authenticity which is then backed up by an entertaining and engrossing plot.

The basic premise is clear from the blurb, so I don't need to go far into the plot itself. Whilst this is billed as a Maggie Jamieson story, and Maggie, the main Detective in this novel, will join us throughout the series, this is really Lucy's story. Lucy is a probation officer, one who has ties, sometimes tenuous, to domestic abusers and sex offenders, some of whom find themselves on the receiving end of some pretty rough, and ultimately deadly, justice. Needless to say that despite her job and her links to the police, the commonality between the deceased and Lucy as their PO is just too obvious to be ignored. But is Lucy a murderer or a victim?

Well, you're going to have to read the book to find out. I really liked the way in which the author set up the characters in the book, particularly in creating the complex domestic situation which Lucy found herself in. She has captured that feeling of isolation and resignation that defines so many victims of abuse, and the way in which an abuser can turn on a dime. Charming to friends one minute, wielding his fists or his tongue the next to his spouse or partner. You could feel the helplessness, the sense of defeat which Lucy experienced, but also the ultimate strength she had within her to face these types of people every day in her job and not crumble. This is where the author's own experience as a Probation Officer shines through as the scenes between Lucy and her assigned offenders, and also between Lucy and her colleagues, including the police, felt very real and believable. And Lucy is a very human character, with all the typical flaws and attributes that we can recognise, including an overwhelming sense of protection for her husband's children. Very noble, very sincere, very likely to be the cause of her undoing.

There are a lot of characters to get to know in this book, many of them we will no doubt meet again in other investigations. They were all diverse, capturing the true nature of people from all walks of life. Some were easy to like, Maggie and Lucy being chief amongst them. Psychologist Kate Moloney was an interesting introduction to the team, but we're really only just getting to know her in book one so I'm intrigued to see how the character is developed in the following books. Now there may be some very familiar names amongst the characters for some readers, but many are placed in very unfamiliar settings and situations so while it will likely make some people smile, there may be a few surprises in store for you too.

As for the killer - well, their identity is cleverly woven into the story and if you keep your wits about you there are enough clues for it to become apparent before the end, but also enough red herrings to keep even the most intrepid Miss Marple/Hercule Poirot on their toes. What I can say is that this book kept me turning pages all afternoon - I only stopped reading for a quick bite to eat - and in a year where I am struggling to focus on reading for more than a few minutes at a time, that is no small feat.

For me the author pitched this book just right. this isn't a book which trivialises abuse, and the victims of the abusers are portrayed in a very sensitive way, contrasting against the increasingly aggressive manner in which the abusers meet their ends. The author's love for all things crime fiction shines through in a compelling narrative, and I'm sure that it's just the first in what will be a very popular and successful series. And if you want to get ahead of the curve then book two, Dead Wrong, is already available for pre-order. I personally can't wait to see what Maggie and co get up to next as the ending of this book promised something very exciting to come.

A compelling, wonderfully layered, entertaining and occasionally quite emotive story that crime fiction lovers are going to eat up. Nice one Noelle. More please.

The first of what is to be a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson, this focuses more on another character, Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood who works with domestic abusers. When three abusers with whom she has had contact are brutally murdered, questions arise. When a fourth, who happens to be her husband, is killed, Lucy is arrested.

A debut novel, this is well written and gives disturbing insight into the savage world of abusers and their victims. Although the outcome is somewhat predictable, the story is engrossing and well paced.

The story concludes with a hint of what is to come in the next in the series. While Lucy and many of the other characters are well developed, Maggie is not. I hope this will be addressed in Book #2.

I find it hard to believe this is a debut novel. I know Noelle and a charming lady she is. How can this charming lady have such a twisted mind? I heard her read the prologue at an event in Edinburgh, Knew she had and that I would need to read this book! A great read that blurs the lines and shows Noelle to be an author to watch out for in the future. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

An excellent debut thriller, fast paced, a gripping read and an exciting page turner which is very well written with descriptive characters.

Well done Noelle, I look forward to reading more from you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse Killer Reads for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

3.5 stars. Really enjoyable debut novel with a unique storyline. Look forward to the next in the series

What a gripping read! There's a handful of characters to follow and it can be confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, it gets easier to follow. It helps that the chapters are short. The culprit is predictable but that doesn't take away the satisfaction of reading it. I just wish the blurb didn't give away that much. Still, it is impressive and well-written. One I definitely enjoyed.

It was hard to believe that this is a debut novel. What a fantastic read!

Lucy Sherwood is a probation officer for domestic violence offenders. She is also living with an abusive husband. Three convicted domestic abusers have been found murdered and DC Maggie Jamieson is investigating their murders. Soon there is a fourth victim......and it is Lucy's husband. Lucy is connected to all of the victims. Is she hiding a terrible secret?

I found it a refreshing change to read a story which involves cross agency working and particularly detailing the involvement of the probation service with these offenders. I particularly liked the short chapters in the book - it made it easy to pick up and put down when I needed to. It also kept me up quite late just reading one more chapter...and then another! The story moves along at a fast pace - there is no unnecessary padding. The characters are varied and add depth to the story. There are a lot of characters but I found it easy to remember who they were and what their role was in the story.

This is a gritty and realistic story about domestic abuse and it is a shocking, emotional and uncomfortable read at times. A powerful hard hitting, well written book Well done Noelle, an absolutely brilliant debut book. I can't wait to read number 2 in the series.

Thank you to Harper Impulse & Killer Reads, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEAD INSIDE by Noelle Holten in exchange for an honest review. Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood frequently deals with wife beaters as part of her duties. When she’s in the office, she’s in control. However, at home, she, herself, is the daily victim of domestic violence. After several of her clients are brutally murdered, police look for someone to blame. As soon as Lucy’s husband is murdered, too, the police arrest Lucy as the perpetrator of all four murders. Is Lucy guilty? Will Lucy be exonerated? Either way, Lucy feels that her future will be better than recent past.

Though this is a DC Maggie Jamieson novel, the book actually focuses on Lucy’s story, and Maggie isn’t the key to cracking the case. I liked it, though.

Wow I can't believe this is the authors debut novel, it was awesome!

It took me a couple of chapters to truly get into it as there were quite a lot of characters but once I had got my head around who they were and where they all fitted I was well and truly hooked.

This book deals with domestic abuse so parts of it are pretty hard hitting but it's very sensitively done. You see the view point of the abused and the abuser which is quite a novel and interesting approach. I found this book really emotional and sad in places for what the victims were going through.

The storyline was intense and fast paced, the punches kept coming keeping me interested. I found it hard to put this book down at the end of the evening, I kept wanting more reading late into the night. I enjoyed getting to know DC Maggie Jamieson and her new team in the DAHU, investigating Domestic Abuse and Homicide, I feel there will be some cracking stories coming out in this series.

I can't wait for book two, I think Noelle has outdone herself with this one it’s a really good read. I am more than happy to give this a 5 star rating, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here is the publisher's blurb on the book:

A dark and gripping debut crime novel – the first in a stunning new series – from a huge new talent.
The killer is just getting started…
When three wife beaters are themselves found beaten to death, DC Maggie Jamieson knows she is facing her toughest case yet.
The police suspect that Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood – who is connected to all three victims – is hiding a dark secret. Then a fourth domestic abuser is brutally murdered.
And he is Lucy’s husband.
Now the police are running out of time, but can Maggie really believe her friend Lucy is a cold-blooded killer?

A dark, powerful, emotional and compelling and at times an uncomfortable and painful read, Dead Inside is Noelle Holten’s debut novel and is the first in the DC Maggie Jamieson series.
The author having been a probation officer herself, the book has an authenticity and a realistic and honest approach to domestic abuse, the abusers and the abused.

Three men with a history of violence and domestic abuse are murdered. Is this the work of a vigilante or are the killings more personal?
Lucy, who has painful secrets of her own, is a probation officer and has the unenviable job of dealing with the scumbag (excuse my choice of word), every day. The three victims have one thing in common. They all have Lucy as their probation officer.
It is up to DC Jamieson and her team to find the answers. But when Lucy’s husband becomes the fourth victim, Maggie fears that the culprit they are looking for may be someone they know quite well.

Well done Noelle!

Thanks to the author, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and the NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I don't want to ruin this book for everyone who still has to read it, but believe me when I say that you are in for a thrilling read!
The story is really well written and I could not put it away. Can highly recommend!

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to all. It has a great story line, brilliant main characters and is a real page turner. I couldn't put this book down.

Dead Inside is a fabulous thriller that I could not put down. This is a must read for the year. The book is engrossing, written well, and great characters.

Never have i anticipated a debut novel as much as this one, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Noelle Holten really has produced a fantastic book with this, the first in the Maggie Jamieson crime thriller, and my lord, this is an author with a twisted mind! The subject of domestic abuse and the awful, awful consequences women suffer as a result has been tackled head on. It is clear the author has real life experience of dealing with offenders, because she writes so well and really draws the reader in. I can't wait for the second book in the series, and I've pre-ordered it so it drops neatly onto my kindle on publication day.

This was a fast paced and interesting story. I liked the main character and felt she was well written. I understood why she made the decisions she did, even as I was hoping she wouldn't!

The chapters are short, which makes it a very easy read as you can pick up and put down as often as you like. I found the story gripping and it stayed with me long after I'd finished the book. I'd like to read more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy.

Three thoroughly unpleasant men are murdered, all with a link to the same Probation Officer. When the fourth victim is discovered, it's even closer to home for the same Probation Officer. I won't tell you any more of the plot, so that you can enjoy it for yourself!

This is the debut novel by popular crime-blogger Noelle Holten and you can tell that she is steeped in the genre! Plus, I believe she used to work for the Probation Service - so tons of inside info there too!

There are lots of characters who may or may not be the murderer and there is an arc that will clearly run through to the second book in the series - so well done, Noelle!

This is the first time I've read a novel that is entirely based around domestic abuse - the abusers, the abused and the professional (and resilient) teams that have to deal with it all. It was a hard read for me, in that respect.. So much easier to read about some crime that is strange and unusual simply because it keeps you at a distance - it won't happen to you or anyone you know. Reading about domestic abuse, on the other hand, is difficult and uncomfortable because you know that it could be going on in your neighbour's house, your parental home - it's across the classes, across the generations..

I've given it 4 stars out of 5, only because I can't give it 4.5 stars - For me, it loses that wee half a star because I was pulled out of the story a few times by one of the characters whose name I know belongs to another blogger. and I kept thinking 'ooh I wonder if that's what sh'e's really like?!' :)

This is a confident start to what will be a long career as a successful crime-writer.. Roll on Book 2!

I’ve been anticipating this book for so long.
If you are a book blogger you will understand why I said that.

This is a debut novel, first in a series and boy oh boy what an example of a high standard of work here. It would easily shoot up in the ranks of Best Selling Authors who are already established.

The storyline is fierce, prompt, has pitch, power and pace, just the way I like it to keep my reader juices salivating to read more.

Lucy who is a probation officer for domestic violence is also experiencing this herself in her home life.
We see how this affects her and her job.

Maggie and her team are investigating several men going missing then things turn to more towards Lucy because the 4th man to go missing is Lucy’s husband.

It’s an intense fast paced read that will keep you turning pages.

There are a lot of characters that are introduced in quite a short time, but I was able to follow.

The only thing I had to get my head around were the familiar names in the book. Too many whom I knew on the net that for me knocked off one star.

Using one or two familiar people would be OK it’s been done plenty of times before, I’ve even been in a book once or twice, I just felt it was overloaded with familiar “known” people around the net.

That said.....
Once I got used to seeing them “in character” within the book itself it didn’t tend to matter so much.

An excellent read. And I can’t wait to see more from her in book 2

*these opinions are mine and may not reflect others*