Cover Image: Why She Ran

Why She Ran

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A great, thrilling read, which will keep you entertained throughout. A good one sitting read, get the nibbles ready, close the door, and read!

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This is the second book in the series, and luckily I've read the first book as well. The book reads nicely enough as a standalone, but treat yourself to a good book and read book one as well! Gripping until the end, highly recommended.
TB

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When a young nurse is brutally murdered in an isolated treatment center, Detective Iris Locke, still spinning from personal trauma, is called to assist in the investigation.

Motive is hard to determine. Clues are slim. And the prime suspect, a teenaged female resident at the center, is now on the run. Hiding in the dense, vast, dark forest, makes it extremely difficult for Detective Locke and partner Slatterly to find her.

But did she run to conceal herself, or to save her life?

Astute characters with complicated, layered lives. An involved crime investigation that keeps building until the unpredicted end.

In typical superb style, Geraldine Hogan delivers an intense and compelling read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Geraldine Hogan’s, Why She Ran.

Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

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Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why She Ran by Geraldine Hogan, had me from the first page. This is the second installment in the Detective Iris Locke crime thriller series. It should be noted that I feel it is important that the reader has read the first installment. It is referenced constantly and is the foundation to which our main characters, Iris Locke & Ben Slattery, have formed their relationship and Iris's character development.
This book centers around the murder of Rachel McDermott a care worker in a kids home who is brutally murdered and the young girl she is in charge of Eleanor Marshall is now missing and is potentially the suspect in this fast paced thriller.
Once again, I enjoyed the character development of Iris Locke and her budding friendship with her cantankerous partner Ben Slattery. Ms. Hogan has an amazing descriptive writing style that allows the reader to feel like you're there and seeing it through your own eyes. This was another interesting case that keeps you reading, why did she run?
I can't wait for the next installment in the Iris Locke series.

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My only regret was not reading the first book in this series before reading "Why She Ran." This was a chill inducing thriller that kept you guessing throughout the book. I was hooked from the first 10 pages and really enjoyed the ride this book took you in. A must read for thriller fans.

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A good read,,strong characters and a great plot makes this a page turner that keeps you gripped till the end. Look forward to the next one to find out more about the two lead detectives

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I was delighted to continue on with this fabulous crime series.

There are two aspects to these books that I really like. On the one hand, we have a gripping crime story, and on the other, we have insight into the lives of the detectives who attempt to solve the crime, Iris in particular.

Life has changed so much for Iris, and she’s having to pick up the pieces and start again. Her work is the perfect place to start.

As in the first novel, we have a thoroughly engrossing and haunting story. The pace is a little slower than the last book, but this suits perfectly, building the tension.

I thought I had figured out who the killer was, but yet again I was proved wrong.

Strong characters, a gripping plot, and evocative scene-setting make for another fantastic book in this excellent series. You won’t want to put this book down until the mystery is solved. Highly recommended.

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More than a police procedural, the Detective Iris Locke series, gives the reader an insight into a darker side of Ireland. The rural landscape, the importance of community and family, are often portrayed as defining themes of Ireland. This series explores them from a different perspective, which is thought-provoking.

'Why She Ran', is a self-contained mystery and crime story, but Detective Iris Locke, the main protagonist, is recovering from a tragedy that makes her question everything about her life before it.
There is enough detail is in this second book, for the reader to form an opinion of Iris, and understand her motivations, but reading the first book in this series is the preferred option.

Irish is tasked with solving a particularly brutal murder. The prime suspect is on the run, but as Locke and her partner Slatterley investigate, they wonder if the obvious answer, is really what happened.

The plot is gently paced, there are twists and a surprising final twist. The clues are there for this solution but it is cleverly written. Character-driven, this story has complex authentic characters, who are relatable and in keeping with the setting. The story has a definite voice, which makes it unique in a popular genre. I look forward to the next book in this engagingly, dark crime series.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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The second in the Iris Locke series. I had read the first but as it was a while ago, I’d forgotten lots of it, this is definitely a series that needs to be read in order.
I really enjoyed this book however, it starts with a care worker being murdered, the girl, she is looking after, Eleanor, escapes from her room and runs away. Despite a huge search for her, she has disappeared, could she be the murderer, or is she in danger herself?
It doesn’t help that Eleanor is the daughter of one of Limerick’s most influential and wealthy men.
What is the families secret?
Iris is still reeling from the death of the man she thought was her father and the true story of her own family. Does she have the strength to see the investigation through?

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Review for 'Why she ran' by Geraldine Hogan.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley

This book was the second book in the Detective Iris Locke series. I didn't quite realise this when I first chose to read and review this. I believe this DOES need to be read in order and this book after the first one to get th most of it. Although this was the first in the series that I read there was quite alot of reference to events from the first book that I knew nothing about so everytime they spoke of those previous events I felt like a late passenger on a train sitting there not knowing what was going on which I do think spoilt it quite a bit for me.

The storyline itself was quite interesting although parts of it being quite unrealistic

(spoiler alert: how could a young girl stay hidden from the police for so long?). I don't think I expected the ending but I can't say it was HUGE shock at the same time, a good little twist though.

THE setting was in Ireland which was nice and well described although it took me a while to realise what it meant when they kept saying 'so' at the end of the sentences.

THE characters were strong and I did like their characters. Whether I would like to read more from this author would depend on how much she included in her next book from her previous 2, I would probably have to read the first book first, which I would probably only read if I happened upon it now. I couldn't say whether I would have preferred this book if I'd read the first one prior but I'm leaning towards yes.... Its just a shame I didn't and my views may be tainted by this now. However, an honest review was promised so that it what I must provide.

I would recommend this book to fans of crime, murder and mystery IF they have read the first book in the series first

Rated 3/5 on Goodreads and Amazon (It was OK)

£1.99 to purchase on Kindle

Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews

#NetGalley #WhySheRan

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An even better follow-up to “ Her Sisters Bones ” than I could ever imagine.. Detective Iris Locke is back in top form investigating the murder of a young Irish Nurse. hogan weaves many characters into a myriad of stories and the book delves into family secrets and how women are influenced by circumstances. Thoroughly enjoyable and readable without the first, but strongly you read them in order for a better understanding of Iris and what drives her to do the difficult work.

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It's been a long time since I've read two books from the same series one after the other. So when WHY SHE RAN came up as next on my TBR list, and I hadn't yet read the first one, something told me I had to read the first one before the second one. And I am glad that I did. Because had I dived into this one first, I would have been disappointed to have comes across the spoilers from the first book peppered throughout. So trust me....read "Silent Night" aka "Her Sister's Bones" first!!!

DS Iris Locke is still reeling from grief and coming to terms with the revelations that have left her life in turmoil. Unable to return to her flat after the events culminating towards the end of the last book, Iris has taken a room at boarding house for the interim but has thankfully stayed on at Corbally and the Murder Team in Limerick. Despite the ghosts of the past surrounding her in the town, Iris knows this is where she belongs.

When her partner DS Ben Slattery calls her with a new case, Iris leaps at the chance to push her thoughts to the back of her mind and focus on the investigation at hand. A young woman has been found murdered at Curlew Hall, a residential care facility for troubled teens with rich parents. Rachel McDermott was bludgeoned to death on the kitchen floor and the patient in her care, 15 year old Eleanor Marshall, has disappeared.

As the daughter of a prominent local businessman, Eleanor has been deemed troubled for years. With reports of arson, violence and aggression leading to her being placed in the care facility and now the fact that she is missing, leads detectives to suspect that Eleanor is responsible for Rachel's death. But Iris is finding it difficult to connect a 15 year old to such a violent crime...and yet the evidence appears to point in her direction. But if she's innocent, then why did she run?

Eleanor's father calls a press conference pleading for the safe return of his daughter and yet he supplies a photo that is at least 4 years out of date. What is he hiding? And why is he trying to control the information being conveyed to the press?

A massive search is underway as both the Gardai and the public comb the woods surrounding Curlew Hall for the missing teenager. But the woods are endless and the area massive...and Eleanor is a vulnerable girl suffering from epilepsy. What if she has a grand mal seizure? And if she does, what if, with no help at hand, she dies as a result? The race is on to find Eleanor before it's too late. Too long in those woods and they could be looking for a body.

When a body of a young girl is found in the woods near Curlew Cross, Iris and Ben immediately feel they have failed Eleanor by not finding her time. But upon arrival at the crime scene are surprised to find the victim is not Eleanor but her younger sister Karena. The mystery deepens as the team then try to figure out who would want to kill Karena and why?

Returning to the care facility, Iris and Ben question staff and residents once again. Someone is lying. Where is Rachel's laptop? Why did she have over twenty thousand euro and where did it come from? And what possible motive did someone have for killing her? Rachel was well-liked by everyone. And Karena? Where did she fit into all this?

Although I didn't pick the villain in this one, it didn't shock me. I'm not sure why that is...maybe coming out of the first book with a twist that was both brilliant and shocking, I may have felt this one was a bit of a let down. If Iris is still reeling from the shock of those revelations in "Silent Night" , I'm still reeling as well!

I enjoyed meeting up with the same old characters and the camaraderie between them all, particularly that of Iris and Ben who work extremely well together. Despite being so vastly different from one another, they seem to get each other perfectly. It was also somewhat bittersweet watching Ben with his estranged wife Maureen, in light of her recent diagnosis of dementia. The one character that was sorely missed from this installment was DI Coleman Grady. I especially wanted to delve into his past and uncover his secret tragedy. I hope his secondment was temporary because he was incredibly missed!

WHY SHE RAN is well-written but again, the story moved a little slowly in parts, going back and forth between the same people over and over. I don't have a lot of patience with overt descriptions and slow pacing in crime fiction. I enjoy the fast pace with pieces of a confusing puzzle coming together in an attempt to solve a baffling crime. But although it didn't have the same breakneck speed race to the end as the first one, but it is still enjoyable just the same.

Whilst I heartily recommend WHY SHE RAN, I do advise you to read "Silent Night" aka "Her Sister's Bones" first. This is one series you can't do standalones with.

I would like to thank #GeraldineHogan, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #WhySheRan in exchange for an honest review.

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Gripping! Edgy! Modern! Exciting! Addictive! Thrilling! Suspenseful! Keeps you guessing! Everything you could want in a psychological thriller with twist-after-unexpected-twist!

#WhySheRan #NetGalley

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Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for this ARC.

I’ve not read any books by this author before and this is the second in a series. This book can be read on it’s own, although there are references to a previous case and events and I’d I recommend the books are read in order. This book was a good and easy read, the main character is a temporarily promoted Detective Inspector who is investigating the murder of a young care worker. A possible witness to the murder is missing and DI Locke is trying to find where she is and why she ran away. Without giving too much away, the story flowed really well and had plenty of twists and turns in it. None that wowed me although I did like I the working relationship between Locke and Slattery. It held my attention from beginning to end and I would read the next book in the series and want to read the first book so I’ve caught up on previous events. 3.5 stars

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Detective Iris Locke is called to investigate the murder of Rachel McDermott who was killed with a hit to the head. Rachel works at a Rehab centre as a nurse. Rachel was looking after a girl called Eleanor who was seen running away from the centre. Karena, Eleanors sister says she would never harm Rachel. But then she is found dead . Has Eleanor killed them both or is there something deeper going on, plenty of twists and turns.
Thanks NetGalley

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What a thrill ride this book was. I definitely recommend reading the first book before this one because like me, I didn't know part of the first books plot, led into this one. It was still a great book and I'll definitely be reading more from this author.

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

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The title of “Why She Ran” is so intriguing, the “She” is a young girl from influential and moneyed parents. Why she ran is gradually unveiled as the story unfolds.

She, is Eleanor who is currently staying in a treatment facility and is estranged from her parents. She has escaped and Detective Iris Locke is desperate to find her her, and for more than the reason of being a suspect in the murder of Rachel McDermott, one of the nurses at the treatment centre.

This is the second book in the Detective Iris Locke series, and even though it can be read as a stand-alone, as I did, I would advise reading the first book. I say this because there is a story from the first that carries into this second book. The author does a cracking job of filling in the basics of what you need to know, but I felt that I would have a better understanding of Locke’s character if I had read in order.

Locke has gone through a hell of a time and is still coming to terms with changes in her personal life. She is thrown in at the deep-end to a certain extent as she is asked to lead this investigation into Rachel’s death and also Eleanor’s disappearance. There is some in-house rivalry that simmers through the story and it adds a good snarky moments for Locke to deal with. It is something she doesn’t really need a the moment as she has enough on her plate because Eleanor’s father has a lot of influence and she has to tread carefully.

This is a good story that moves a long at a slightly slower pace, but this sort of mirrors the pace the investigation flows at. It is quite a complex case as there are so many unknowns, but it is at the same time easy to follow. As well as the main focus of the case, Locke’s background, as I have mentioned, is touched upon. Also her second in command has a few of his own problems. I like this inclusion of personal details into a story like this, it humanises the characters and also grounds them.

The story took some surprising routes and concludes in a quicker paced finale. The quick step-up in pace gives a sense of urgency and comes at just the right point of the investigation and adds another level of tension.

I really enjoyed this crime thriller and I will try my very best to read the first one as I really want to know more about Locke, she intrigues me as the author hints at a how Locke was in the previous book compared to how she is now, almost like a before and after comparison.

This is a really intriguing read that threw some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming. A police procedural that has a different feel as it it not just a murder investigation, but also the search for a girl who has disappeared. Why She Ran is a book I would definitively recommend.

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Unfortunately I found this slow and bit boring. Had I not enjoyed book one so much I might have given up on it. That’s not to say I won’t be looking forward to book three as I know the potential this author has. Maybe this was a blip? Maybe it was just me?
Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

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So Good! I so enjoy this series by Geraldine Hogan. The intense drama and story telling had me enthralled from the first page. The plotline was fast paced and flowed smoothly. If you are looking for an intriguing police procedural check this series out!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book!
#netgalley
#whysheran

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The second book in the Detective Iris Locke series, Why She Ran is a good follow up on the first book. I like Slattery, he and Iris make a great team. To really enjoy the book, you have to read the first one, I think. Or you might not understand the references between these two. The story is a good mystery, even if it's not very plausible that a 15 year old girl can stay hidden for an entire police force.

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