I read the first book in this series and loved it and was so excited to see a sequel. Unfortunately the second book was not as good as the first. I like the characters Claire and Noah but the story line for this book was honestly boring. I really didn't get into this book till I was almost in the middle of the book. I hate giving bad reviews but I really prefer a book that keeps me reading into the night. If the author does write another book I will watch for it because the first book in this series was great and the writing is good. So crossing my fingers the next book is just as great as the first!

“Beneath the Ashes,” the latest novel by Dea Poirier and it is a masterfully written novel of suspense and intrigue. Tracking a serial killer is a difficult job for a local detective, and it is extremely difficult in a small community where everyone seems to know something or someone related to the murders of young women. Ms. Poirier has a rare talent that allows the reader to be mystified until the very end. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In a rural area of Maine a detective is called to assist the local police in a grisly murder of a young women. Ashes from a smokers trash can have been dumped on the body. As the investigation continues more bodies start to turn-up. There are a few suspects but they all alibi out. The deceives boyfriend, a journalist, is a distraction as he also wants to investigate the murders. This story's a surprise ending!

This is the second book in the Calderwood Cases Series and can be read as a stand-alone. Dea Poirier has crafted a detailed novel in which she artistically utilizes the harshness of Maine winter as part of the story’s dark underpinning. Poirier’s plot moves at a steady pace with limited foreshadowing, giving the reader a heighten sense of trepidation throughout the story. Characterization is strong, making Claire’s internal and external conflicts relatable and her character’s attributes really stand out. While the first book highlighted who Detective Claire Calderwood was and defined her background, this story gives the reader a glimpse of what it’s like for her to just exist in the aftermath. Fabulous read. 5 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC, which I read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beneath the Ashes is a fantastic book that has twists and turns. It kept me guessing and entertained. Well written.

I really enjoyed this one just as much as the first. I really like Dea's work. This book had me guessing all wrong with the plenty twists and turns it left me in. It was written beautifully and the characters were very likeable. I hope there's another one in this series.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fresh off the investigation into her sister’s death, detective Claire Calderwood is called to investigate a murder in a nearby community. A girl’s body has been found tied to the bed of a hotel room, covered in ashes. Without witnesses, and with few clues, Claire must figure out who killed this girl while dealing with her own memories and the realization that her boyfriend, Noah, has been keeping secrets about his own past.
And then another girl is found, and another. Now, faced with a serial killer, Claire has to find out how the three girls, text messages from a burner cell phone, and GPS coordinates tie them all together while under pressure from the local police and a very irate hospital CEO to find the killer.
In her follow up to Next Girl to Die, author Dea Poirier has expertly crafted another thrilling who-done-it. The storyline is fast paced and with just as much intensity as book one. Claire is someone you can just identify with, she isn’t perfect, but she’s exactly the person her past has molded her into. While characters in some books seem to act just to advance the plot line, Claire is consistent and genuine. Poirier has also done an amazing job of bringing the details of Maine to life so that the setting acts as another character, helping to bring a stark, harsh richness to an already chilling story. The crime and resolution is just as satisfying as I’d hoped (no spoilers from me!).
Beneath the Ashes (The Calderwood Cases #2) will be released November 19, 2019.

*I received an ARC of Beneath the Ashes from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I really liked the first Claire Calderwood book and was excited to see the continuation of Claire as a strong detective but also Claire and Noah, While a classic mystery romance novel, it had some twists and turns that didn't have me fully guessing the end right away. My negative feedback is that there are a few story lines that were upsetting and didn't add to the overall book - I don't think it needed to be added unless its setting up the way for book 3. The story almost had too many "add-ons" that took away from the original intent of the book.

A fantastic whodunnit mystery. I will read more I. This series . It had good plot and characters and was an enjoyable read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

A good murder 'who done it book. Page turner, lots of suspense and twists as Detective Claire Calderwood is assigned to the case. Is it a Serial killer?
This book is part of the Calderwood case series , I didn't know that when I started off and I discovered they can be read as a stand alone.
The character of Claire - strong female detective is going to solve the crime, no matter what!
Small impact from her boyfriend Noah who is involved in solving the case.
I will look forward to reading book three. 3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and author - I received an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review

this book surprised me, an interesting mystery, an interesting main character a flawed persistant female lead, i would read her books again. i also liked her inclusion of a few gay characters as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

I had not read the first book but still really enjoyed this one, the characters were great and the motivations were done perfectly.

A fantastic who done it thriller with some twists throughout which keep you wanting to read more

Detective Claire Calderwood is called to a scene which strangely resembles aspects of her sisters murder could it be a copycat killet at large

Beneath the Ashes picks up where the previous book ended – with Clair getting a call from across the bay to assist the Camden Police Department with a murder of a young woman.

With Clair's experience as a homicide detective she is put in charge of the investigation along with being assigned a wet behind the ears female partner. Their investigation into the one murder slowly reveals that this isn't the first for this killer.

Clair is still struggling with the death of her sister and with her new relationship with Noah Washington, the reporter that help her find her sister killer in the first book. They both have demons from the past that haunt them today and it turns out that Clair's current case may have ties to a unsolved murder from Noah's past.

Good Serial Killer mystery. Second in the Clarie Calderwood series. This time she is asked to help with a gruesome murder. Before the week is out, another body is found. They both were at the same hospital a week before they were killed. Is this the only connection they have? As suspect after suspect is cleared, will she be able to find out the killer before it hits to close to home? Happy Reading 😊

When girls are murdered in this small town community Claire is called to duty as a lead detective. Each girls death is a reminder of her sister’s murder. Claire is determined and dedicated to this case. It’s personal on a level that only Claire and Noah understand.

Overall:
I enjoyed following Claire around this small town interviewing individuals. As a seasoned homicide detective Claire is well respected.
These books are part of the Calderwood Cases series, yet they can be read as a stand-alone. I sensed that this was an extension from another book with a few references mentioned about her sister and Noah.
I thought the killer was careless with his actions making it too easy for Claire to piece together this crime. I’m not sure Claire would’ve succeeded had the killer not been so impatient with his eagerness to kill.
Dea is a tease giving you just enough information to bait the reader. In romance books this is referred to as angst building. Not sure what to reference it in a homicide case.
I like how vulnerable and uncertain Claire is in her relationship with Noah, yet assertive and certain in her position as a homicide detective.

Beneath the Ashes by Dea Poirier is a “who done it” mystery thriller with a couple of intriguing twists throughout the book. This book also captures police procedure and has the reader follow through as the case unfolds. While the book itself isn’t overly complicated with the “who done it”, it isn’t a super easy conclusion either. I enjoyed trying to figure it out as everything unfolded.

The characters are one of my favorite parts of this book. Poirier has added just the right amount of supporting characters to really make things interesting. She has given the supporting characters just enough details and intrigue that keeps me wanting to know more. As in her previous story, Detective Calderwood continues to be a strong female detective who is determined to solve the case. Noah, Claire’s significant other is given more back story and plays a part in helping to solve the current case. There is also some tension that arises which adds to the intrigue. Poirier gives Roxie, Claire’s best friend and former partner a staring role that sets the future for additional Calderwood cases and plot development.

I would have to say that the biggest downside to this book is the “who done it” character seemed to not be as developed as I felt they should have been which makes me wonder if originally the bad guy was going to be someone else.

I look forward to continuing the Calderwood cases!

**I do rate this as a 4.5 star book

Thank you to the publisher as I received an advanced reading copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, but what stands out to me is that nothing about it really stands out. It has a decent plot and the author writes beautifully, but I suppose it just didn't have any extra 'oomph.' For example, I read the previous book in this series just a few months ago, but I can't remember much of anything about it. And the little that this story reveals about it still wasn't enough. This time around, Claire is assisting the police with murders that are occurring in hotel rooms, where the victim is asphyxiated and cigarette ashes are dumped over the body. The victims are young females who have been recent patients at a local hospital. There's clearly a connection there, and workers at the hospital are determined to assist the detective as little as possible.

That's really about it, save for the sub-plot involving Claire's boyfriend Noah. He travels back home to research a cold case murder he is obsessed with, which may have a new body related to the previous murders. Claire finds out he hasn't been honest with her about his past and she starts doubting their relationship.

I'm not sure if I'd be too interested in continuing with this series but it holds a certain appeal that readers will enjoy. Especially if Claire's friend, Roxie, becomes more of a central figure to the story line. She seems like just the right character to give the series the extra spice that it needs.

A nasty murder scene hits a little too close to home for detective Claire Calderwood, it reminds her of her sister’s gruesome murder. Claire’s boyfriend, journalist Noah Washington helped her solve her sister’s murder, but lately he seems odd, distant. She could use his help, but he seems to be keeping something from her. When another body turns up, it’s clear Claire has a serial killer on her hands. Does she have the fortitude to solve the case?