Every time I pick up a Helen Fields book, I wonder whether she can deliver another cracker. It must be so hard to sustain this level of tension and mystery. As I read One For Sorrow, I found myself wondering about the mind of a writer who constantly seeks new and innovative ways to wreak havoc and destruction upon their subjects.

Of course I need not have worried. One For Sorrow is explosive, dark, riveting and thrilling. It’s also, and perhaps this is signalled by its departure from the Perfect in the title which has graced this series to date, a game changer.

Shocking from the outset, Ava, Luc and the team have to contend with a monstrous bomber who is terrorising Edinburgh with the most grotesque staged events imaginable. It’s strange to find a city you know so well become the subject of something so terrible and the sheer perversion of these acts set against the old cobbled streets and fascinating history of the city gives this story an extra frisson of horror.

At the same time, we are given the creeps by the worst kind of harassment and coercive control as a man stalks a woman and when she spurns him, makes her life a living hell.

Luc and Ava are tested as never before and Ava is taking the events in this book so personally, feeling responsible for things that she could never have foreseen, never mind prevented. She is unlikely to be the same woman by the time this ends.

I very much enjoyed the addition of Connie Woolwine into this team. First brought to our attention in The Shadow Man, Connie is a lively, forthright American psychological profiler who knows her stuff. I hope we see more of her in future books in this series as well as in her own starring role.

I know that you will want to know how the Luc and Ava story develops, but of course you won’t want me to tell you. All I can say is that nothing is ever straightforward for these two and by the time this book had ended my heart was in small bits on the floor.

Verdict: Helen Fields never fails to keep the tension high, the adrenalin flowing at top speed and the excitement bubbling over as events develop with a fast and furious pace. Every time I think she can’t top the last book, she outdoes herself. One For Sorrow is another fabulous, twisty, intense and devastating book in this unmissable series.

Oh. Wow. Book 7 in the series and although it doesn't have the word Perfect in its title that's exactly what it is.

Within a couple of chapters was the first O.M.G. moment and then there were plenty more.

The description of loss, grief and devastation was so powerful I had tears in my eyes.

The plot was full of drama, high tension with twists and turns galore. With each call out my heart was in my mouth. I was 100% absolutely convinced I knew who it was. Come the big reveal I turned the page and.......nope. Totally blindsided.

The inclusion of Dr Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man brought a new dimension to the plot.

If you love dark, twisted, gruesome thrillers then you'll love this series. I seriously cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I have been a fan of Helen Fields and this series in particular for a number of years now. She has never disappointed me and with this book she delivers one of the most thrilling and gut-wrenching book yet.

A bomber is on the loose in Edinburgh and targeting first responders and those in the supporting positions. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are the lead detectives trying to find the bomber but with each passing day it seems another bomb explodes with lethal consequences. Trying to find the links between the targets to uncover who is behind the deadly campaign is met with increasingly frustrating results.

Switching back and forth between before the bombing begins and the current situation, the reader is given a peek at what transpired in the lives of certain people and perhaps a motive for the bombings. As more information is revealed, one can see why the investigation is so slow in uncovering the identity of the bomber.

This is a dark, psychological thriller that may be hard for some fans of the series to read because of how close Ava and Luc are to the victims. Also, reading about first responders being the target of a crazed mind was sometimes difficult. It is, however, a first-rate mystery. It kept me guessing, often incorrectly, and devouring the book to see if my suspicions were correct.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of this amazing book. The publication date is March 3, 2022.

Now that my heart rate is back to normal here is my review of one of the best books I have read in the last two years and I read a lot. This book definitely deserves more than five stars. I have literally been sat on the edge of my seat and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. Yes this book is that good. While reading this book everything else was on hold. The crimes are horrific, visceral, abhorrent and darn right terrifying. This book grabs the reader by the throat and does not let go until the final page and the conclusion was heartbraking. I never thought this author could top her Perfect series and we still have the two main characters Luc and Ava but this latest case is on another level. Loved loved it. Switch off your phone, order a takeaway and delve into a tour de force of a crime thriller.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

I have read Helen Field's standalone novel The Shadow Man and I was very much impressed with her work that I have decided to read all her books. Well, One for Sorrow is actually a DI Callanach series and even though I haven't read a single one of DI Callanch series, I actually didn't mind and read this book more like a standalone novel. And boy, I enjoyed reading this book so much!

A series of bombins are taking place around Edinburgh targeting victims including ones who are working in law enforcements, both DI Callanach as well as DCI Ava must find the bomber before claiming more victims.

I was that into the book when I started reading this one. The story changes back and forth in the timelines--to the present day where bombings are claiming victims with the bomber's tactics beginning to improve to the past about an innocent girl named Quinn who is being harrassed and stalked by her ex boyfriend Liam. Initially, through reading this book, you do find that there's a connection between the past and the present. The writing was really good and the author did a good job of drawing the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are in a cat and mouse chase finding the bomber! This was filled with twists and turns, and quiet unputdownable as I stayed up all night reading this book, waiting to find out what's going to happen next though I had a pretty much idea on who the bomber is towards the end of the book. The ordeal that Quinn had gone through was heartbreaking and emotional. But nonetheless, while reading this book, I felt like I was watching an action packed movie on the TV!

Overall, if you like fast paced thriller then this book is one for you--worth five stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC of One For Sorrow by Helen Fields in exchange for my honest review.
I love the DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach’s books so was thrilled to receive the latest instalment, and thrilled I was wow what a book, it had me gripped from the start and reading late into the night. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you totally engaged with a couple gasp out loud moments.
Although this book could be read as a standalone i would highly recommend reading from the beginning of the series as the characters develop with every book you really get to know them and become invested in their lives and relationships, not only that but you would be missing out on a great series. I cannot wait for the next book thank you #HelenFields for a fantastic series.

I’d like to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘One For Sorrow’ written by Helen Fields in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are facing the greatest challenge of their careers, tracking down a bomber who has his own logical sequence of victims and is taking down with them as many of Edinburgh’s police officers and those involved with justice as he can.

Although I’ve enjoyed reading the previous books in the Detectives Turner and Callanach series, ‘One For Sorrow’ comes into a class of its own not only for being one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time but that it made me cry. From the very first page I was gripped and knew I going to enjoy it and I wasn’t wrong as I couldn’t put it down and read it in twenty-four hours. It’s superbly written with a plot packed full of drama, tension, suspense and so many nail-biting twists and turns that although I thought I knew the identity of the bomber I was way off the mark! When I reached the ending it was so shocking and unexpected that I couldn’t believe what I’d just read and had to read it again. I desperately need to know what’s going to happen next and can’t wait for the next in the series.

One for Sorrow is an amazing addition to the D.I Callanch series.

PLOT: Fields doesn't hold back any punches. She starts with a punch and end with one. I loved the case and trying to figure out how it connects to the flashback with Quinn. Although the series is called D.I Callanach, this book is more focused on Ava, and we mainly see the case, drama and action from her point of view. As the book comes to conclusion all the elements link together really well.



CHARACTER: Everything that has previously happened to Ava is weighing heavy on her shoulders and you see she is struggling. Fields is great at showing Ava struggle and her loyalty to her friends and work. I also love how the other characters try to support her.

WRITING STYLE: Fields writing style is easy and engaging. I read 75% of this book in one sitting, as her words had me gripped to my seat.



OVERALL: A great addition to an amazing crime series. Anyone who has read the series before will love. And new readers will become hooked on the characters.

My rating for One for Sorrow is 5 out of 5.

Another excellent read involving DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach series. If you enjoy becoming immersed in police procedurals involving memorable, unusual but wholly convincing characters against the background of beautiful Edinburgh and its environs, then the latest in this series is likely to please.
Ava, Luc and the team are desperately trying to track down a serial bomber who clearly holds a huge grudge against the judiciary and the emergency services. Wreaking havoc in the city as bomb after bomb destroys innocent lives, Helen Fields gives us a fast-paced, twisty plot alongside some fascinating psychological insights into what might trigger such behaviour.
In contrast to this extreme behaviour we also become involved in the lives of the delightful, very down-to-earth McTavish family. How does their story of everyday life become entangled with the extreme violence confronting Police Scotland? And amongst these strands is the perennial question: will Ava and Luc finally become a couple? ‘One for Sorrow’ is perhaps the best in the series, so far …!
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you Avon Books and Netgalley for the best book I’ve read for a very long time. I love the “perfect” series and Ava and Luc and Natasha and Helen you have left me with a huge problem I need to know now what happens!
This was an amazing storyline and so well done and totally gripping. I loved the character of Quinn and felt so sorry for her. Liam was just horrible but believable. This was a total rollercoaster of a storyline and my emotions are all over the place.
I don’t want to give spoilers but I need to know what happens next …!! Now please.
I can’t wait for the next instalment please Helen.
I highly recommend this book and one day I am going to sit down and read the whole series again one after the other.

This is a new author for me so I hadn't read any in the series so far. In terms of reading as a standalone, I think it can be read as an isolated book. But let me tell you, if this book is a guide, I'm off to preorder the rest of the series!
This is a BELTER. The opening scene was outstanding and will stay with me for a while. As will that ending. I gasped, shook my head in disbelief, and whimpered. Actually WHIMPERED.
This was a fantastically fast paced thriller which blew my mind at times, in awe at Fields' imagination.
The only flaw I had was with the amount of sub-plots to keep track of, and the characters I hadn't read about in previous books. I felt like the author crammed a LOT of ideas into this one, and perhaps could have been saved for a different book. But I would much rather a book have too much content than not enough.

Also posted to my Facebook and Instagram pages Curling up with a coffee and a kindle

Wowzers!
This is darker than I normally read but very good indeed. Brilliantly constructed thriller. Nice to see old characters making a reappearance. I'm a huge fan of this writer's work.

Excellent story. A continuation of the Ava and Luke series.
Non stop action and twists and turns from the start.

Highly recommended

OH MY
OH MY

This is most recommended series to all fans of thrilling crime fiction and the 7th instalment of the Luc & Ava "Perfect" series does NOT disappoint. A fast paced, heart in your mouth totally explosive police procedural that will have you holding on to the edge of your seat for dear life.

Now if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series I highly recommend you do. One for Sorrow does a great job in recapping the history of the main characters over the first half of the book but there is so much history and detail and character development laced through the earlier books that I just think you would love this book more if you had been on the journey. Plus they are excellent books so why wouldn't you...

Helen Fields - you are a literary gem but that ending OMG I am still reeling!

An absolute 5 starts must pick it up crime book of the year for me!

Grips you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last one!
I honestly can’t think of a word to describe how good this is.
DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are investigating after a toxic chemical is used to kill one of their close friends. While reeling from that they receive a warning of another device. When that explodes killing staff from all of the emergency services they know they have to stop him before he strikes again. They know the attacks were carried out by the same person but they are struggling to work out why and where his next target will be.
The case is taking everything they have physically and mentally but they know that every time they attend a scene they could be making the ultimate sacrifice.
Brilliantly written, tense, fast paced I didn't want to put this down. Every time I thought the worst had happened there was another shock. I really want to write a much fuller review but I don't want to give anything away because this is one book that has to be read to be believed.
5 Stars is nowhere near enough for this book

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon books and the author for the ARC. Unbelievably brilliant. This is the sort of book that you get totally engrossed in, have loads of ‘what!!’ moments and genuinely will not want to put down. I’ve read all the books in the Luc and Ava series and although the title may not have perfect in it, this is a most perfect read. Horrendous brutal crimes, that will actually have you re reading the descriptions because you won’t believe what you’ve read, really clever chapter alternation between the crimes and their back stories and two amazing endings, one the main plot and oh the subplot! We also get a cameo appearance from a very interesting character that we’d previously been introduced to in The Shadow Man, another outstanding read from this author, this time a standalone. I shouted at this book, was stunned by some of the crime delivery and shared the characters frustrations and fears. A brilliant brilliant read

I couldn't wait to read about Luc and Ava again, this series just gets better and better!
I cannot recommend it more: go back and read all of these from the start.
Couldn't resist and already pre-ordered the audiobook!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC.

CONTENT WARNING: grief, gore, murder, bomb explosions, blood, toxic relationship, mention of rape, stalking, death, suicide

I’ve been hooked on this series ever since I picked up book 4 and then had to read the rest of the books in order. Much like the others in this series, it’s the perfect mix of terrifying suspense, a mystery that grabs hold of my attention and refuses to let go, and characters that are so vividly rendered that I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that they’re real.

Fields cleverly got me hooked into this story immediately, and from the very first chapter, I was forming incorrect assumptions. It’s one of the best things about her books — the way I can see some of the pieces, make some connections, but never quite figure out the whole story until it’s all laid out for me.

Over the course of the previous 6 books, I have gotten attached to most of the characters — Ava, Luc, Natasha, Lively, and Graham to name a few. As expected, they feature into this story as well, and it makes for some witty and sarcastic banter. But there’s also a lot of character development for some of the characters — what happens in this story forces them to grow and reevaluate some things in their lives.

There’s also some interspersed chapters telling a different story from before, but one that relates to the main story, much like in the other books. It was so intriguing to see how the other story develops and ultimately plays a role in the current events. And while Fields commonly kills characters in a variety of ruthless ways, I was absolutely heartbroken at some of the losses in this story. I honestly never saw them coming. Not to mention the CLIFFHANGER that left me shocked and gasping. I know this book hasn’t even been released yet, but I seriously need the next book to come out soon because the cliffhanger was a rough one!

The story is fast-paced, and tension runs through the story at such a high level that I was practically biting my nails for the whole time I was reading. There’s a lot of action, but that isn’t all this book offers. Somehow, there’s humor and romance snuck into this story, as well as an emphasis on the importance of friends who become family. If you haven’t checked this series out yet, what are you waiting for?

This 7th book featuring DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanagh finds them faced with a series of bomb attacks in Edinburgh, the team must discover the identity of the bomber and the reason he chooses his targets before any more lose their lives.
Following a series of tip offs they realize they are walking closer and closer towards danger.
They lose friends and colleagues but seem unable to find what is driving the bomber.
The gruesome description of the bombings and their savage methods of delivery drew me in, I couldn`t stop turning the pages willing Ava and Luc through the twists and turns of the investigation.
This is a thrilling, fast paced, tension filled read.
A roller coaster that doesn`t stop until it reaches the finish.
A cliffhanger ending and the hope that the next book comes along soon.
I can`t wait !
An amazing book in an amazing series. You just have to read it, you wont be disappointed.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for sending me this as an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Part of a series but its not a problem to be read as a standalone, Following DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner as they have to solve the most brutal, gruesome murders they have dealt with. There are a few squeamish moments but they just add to the fast paced story.
Someone is carrying out horrific attacks against the emergency services, the race to find out who and why takes its toll on Ava as she is already reeling from the death of a close friend. Will this case break her?
At many times during this book I had to stop and catch a breath, there are some shocking, heart breaking scenes but at the same time some lovely dialogue between colleagues
I really do not want to give anything else away only to advise everyone to read this fabulous novel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, i was under no obligation to leave this review. My opinions are my own