Member Reviews

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review electronically…Temes of friendship, respect, murder, and mayhem. Although the story moves somewhat slowly, it does speed up to a conclusion that is satisfactory. The characters are realistic with problems of their own, combined to mesh together to enclose the main idea of this book…. Try this one…this author is an excellent writer in keeping the reader’s attention.

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Firstly massive thank to Avon books and netgalley for the oppurtunity to read an early copy of this book.
I have read and loved all of the Luc and Ava series so far. I think its quite hard for a writer of a series to keep up the suspense and thrill for so long, but Helen Fields has managed it and each book gets better.
I was excited to read the next installment, and from thenvery beginning i was hooked. I was guessing the whole way through and when i thought i knew, i was proved wrong. At one point, i felt like id been slapped, because i couldn't believe what i was reading. Then when i thought i had recovered, Helen dealt a blow so hard, i had to put it down because i knew what was coming and i didnt want to have to read it. Well done Helen, because you have managed another amazing installment to an amazing series. Some series tend to get a bit slow after so many books, but this series has just got better and better. Now please wrote the next book super quick because you left it on such a cliff hanger, i need to know whats going to happen.
If i could give more than 5 stars i would because it deserves so much more. Amazing book, i definitely advise reading it

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I've been an avid reader of this series from the start, very few authors consistently write such tense, high stakes, high quality dark crime thrillers.

This series is at its best when Ava and Luc are working closely together, with high threat levels, racing against time to prevent the next major crime, and this book delivers.

There is a bomber causing carnage with devastating explosions, Luc and Ava must try to get get one step ahead before the bomber strikes again. Dr Connie Woolwine who starred in The Shadow Man also makes an appearance.

This book has it all, brilliant characters, tension, twists and danger from the first page to the last. The 'Before' plot (which goes deep into the history behind the bomber's motivations) is excellent, surprisingly poignant and as involving and all-consuming as the race to stop the crimes.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, one of the very best books from one of the best authors in the genre.

It would work as a standalone, but if you haven't read the previous six books you should really treat yourself.

The perfect continuation to the 'Perfect' series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK

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Wow, what can I say? I finished One for Sorrow late last night and I can honestly say I’m still reeling. What a triumph for Helen Fields. Few words come to mind upon reflecting back on my voracious read of her latest book;
Fast-paced. Relentless. Powerful. Breath-taking. Emotional. Devastating. Heart-stopping.

I have been an avid reader of Helen Fields since 2018 when I first stumbled across Perfect Remains just as I started my Masters. Delighted to have discovered a series that was already well-established and highly praised, I began reading and listening my way through the rest of the series on my morning and evening commutes to and from college – it has to be said that Robin Laing does a masterful job of narrating the series and his portrayal of Luc, in particular, is exemplary. I quickly learned that this was the story of two detectives with a difference and with so much to offer both new and enduring readers.

Fields’ realistic and refreshing portrayal of a man who is left to deal with the aftermath of a false rape allegation is manifest in our first protagonist, Detective Inspector Luc Callanach. Cleared of all charges, he escapes France and returns to the country of his birth, Scotland, to start a new life, a new job, and to ultimately try to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Luc is a real gem and Fields provides him with the room and tools to grow as the series progresses. This is evident in his work ethic, his relationships with his colleagues and closest friends, his endless empathy for victims, and the difficult challenges he faces and overcomes. Following his character development and journey is such a pleasure.

Our second protagonist is Ava Turner, a sharp, bright, unfailingly hard-working detective who, as the series progresses, quickly rises through the ranks. At the end of Perfect Prey (Book #2), we see her rise to the position of Detective Chief Inspector of the Major Investigation Team. Although entirely well deserved, the role does not come without its challenges and Ava finds herself, more often than not, shouldering the brunt of the investigations she leads, getting up close and personal with the truly gruesome and horrifying aspects of these crimes.
It was in Perfect Silence (Book #4) that Ava tells Luc, “Police work turns you into an emotional sieve. You start off with so much hope and good intention. Little by little it runs out of you and you’re left with only the hard bits of yourself.” This is especially evident in One for Sorrow. While Ava is a no nonsense, boots-on-the ground detective, she has an unshakeable compassion for victims and little by little, it is revealed to the reader the extent of the impact these horrific crimes have on her, physically and mentally, and yet, she perseveres. The reader can only hope that Ava takes action before she allows herself to become the sieve she once cautioned Luc about.

Luc and Ava’s relationship is, for me, the highlight of this series and Fields does a fantastic job of portraying their enduring friendship, their struggles, and later, their deep love for one another.

And so, we arrive at the heart-stopping events of One for Sorrow. From the get-go, we are flung right into the action, brought on a journey that grips you tight and never lets go, even to the last page – I can certainly say this book will stay with me for a long time.

Luc, Ava, and the rest of Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team are plunged into a destructive plot that seeks to maim and kill innocent victims all over the city. It becomes clear that no one is safe and Edinburgh’s finest find themselves at the very centre of it. The twists and turns are unrelenting and as the reader navigates their way through the shocking events, it becomes abundantly clear that everything is on the line.

I really enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters that make up MIT again; DS Lively, DS Tripp, Superintendent Overbeck, DI Pax Graham, and new joiner Dr Nate Carlisle. Fields does a wonderful job of portraying their rapport with one another – I have become so invested in the team I feel like I know them personally. Also, our beloved Natasha – I constantly found myself laughing at her antics and her exchanges with Luc and Ava. She is simply irreplaceable.
Other highlights of my read included Dr Connie Woolwine’s appearance (from Helen Fields’ standalone The Shadow Man). The conversation she has with Luc in the bar is a stand-out. Also, I really enjoyed Dr Carlisle’s appearance - I am looking forward to seeing him again at some stage.

One for Sorrow had me gripped from the very start to the very end. Truth be told, it took me an exceptionally long time to pick up my jaw from the floor after reading the last page.
For any prospective readers out there that are looking to delve into a series that has superb character development, enthralling plotting, and unforgettable twists and turns please consider this one – I promise you won’t regret it.
I would like to sincerely thank Helen Fields, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the ARC.

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Avon,
I can't express how thankful I am for the opportunity to read and review book seven!
Now I'm obsessed with the D.I. Callanach set!

One For Sorrow by Helen Fields book 7
Even though I have not read.1-6 this can read as a standalone.
I do intend to read the ones before. Because I hate reading a series out of order.

One for Sorrow,
This addictive story flows so well. I was seriously captivated by the story and before I knew what time it was I damn near done! Had to slow it down some.
The story was amazing, a real thriller that grabbed me from the start. 
I loved how real this story felt! Its amazing to me really how an author can do what they do. And Helen did the dang thing with this one.
A great page turner from Fields, I devoured it in a matter of hours and am already anxious for the next instalment. 
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Now I'm off to figure out how I can get book one through six!
Because I need them all now!

Thank you again to Avon, NetGalley and Fields for this phenomenal story!
I will post to my platforms closer to the pub date!

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This is the 7th book in the DI Callanach series by author Helen Fields. This is an excellent series that features a former member of Interpol, Luc Callanah who is now working for the Major Investigations Team of Police Scotland, based in Edinburgh. I really enjoy this series which has great characters, interesting plots and always a page turner. This latest book is again written at a very high standard and is sure to please readers of the series.

A lone bomber is spreading terror across Edinburgh as he targets victims and no one is safe. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach face death everyday in their chosen careers and not just the deaths of the people being taken hostage by the killer. It becomes apparent that with every tip-off they are walking into a trap designed to kill them too, It becomes a race against time to stop the bomber before he causes any more deaths with Ava and Luc facing the ultimate price. All the time the dead body count is rising as the police seek to find the bomber.

This is a real page turner with twists and turs and plenty of action. The tension rises to the very end of the novel.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

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