Fasten your seatbelt and be prepared for whiplash. In ‘One For Sorrow’ Helen Fields throws bombs on the 7th of her DI Luc Callanach series.

The book explores the lengths someone will go through when they have nothing to lose after the system has failed at every turn.

You’ll be left with your jaw dropped, gut wrenched and heart shattered. I am not kidding. This is a book where Helen Fields wrings every drop from your emotional range, It’s that good. There are also moments of levity there (thank you Sgt Lively and Daisy).

Be warned: the final pages left me brutalised. Helen and her publisher Avon Books need to set up a support group.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this arc

I really enjoyed this, I’d say it was a medium paced thriller/mystery and I did enjoy it but felt it could’ve been faster paced but with that being said I felt it allowed the full extent of my anger I felt alongside Quinn and her family for not getting the justice she deserved.

I’m really intrigued to see what happens next

Not just a police procedural, not just a psychological thriller, not just a few twists and turns, but all that combined and then put on steroids. That’s the best description I have for One for Sorrow by Helen Fields. This may be the most intense book I’ve ever read, and certainly is the most intense one I’ve read in the recent past. Not only is there good, solid police work shown being completed, complete with personality clashes and departmental divides, the psychological tension is enormous; and that’s before you get to the twist that turns the whole thing on its edge.

The beginning of the book establishes two important storylines. Initially there is the police procedural storyline, which starts with a painful view of the coroner's death, captured on tape and being viewed by DCI Ava Turner. If you don’t like violent details, you may want to stop here, because this is just the beginning. DCI Turner is immediately drawn into battle with her superior officer over whether or not she will run the case, a discussion that gets cut short with an urgent call into headquarters requiring available resources to assemble at the scene. The police work and the graphic violence are part and parcel throughout this storyline of the book.

The second part is woven throughout the police procedural and tells the story of a young man who becomes obsessed with a young woman he meets at her place of employment. They begin a slowly developing romance, which feels disconnected from the other part of the book. Thus begins the reader’s introduction into the psychological thriller that awaits them in between periods of policework.At this point the reader either makes a leap of faith based on other information about where this portion of the story is going, or continues to read, perhaps with a suspicion of how the two stories fit together, and hoping they are wrong.

Throughout the book there are revelations about characters, some of whom are familiar to readers of Fields' other books. These characters are well developed and so succinctly drawn the reader may see them in their mind’s eye or even in unknown strangers they pass on the street. They are distinct, and crisp in their presentation.

It would be a major spoiler to discuss the twists and surprises that exist within this novel, which I choose not to do. I would not want to lessen in even a tiny amount the reader’s enjoyment of the book and the revelations to come. I will say, while some of these turns may be expected and some readers may be braced for the turn, there are at least one or two twists that will come out so unexpected that no reader will be expecting or preparing for them.

This is a stand-alone novel that features some characters who have been central in previous books Fields has written. To determine who, if anyone, will continue to a new book, or whether the series will continue in a different form or not, the reader will simply have to wait for the next book to be released.

Be prepared to sit up late into the night as you read, this is a hard book to put down. While it was a little difficult to get started, that may be because it begins with a gripping narrative that leaves you knowing this is not going to be an easy read. The only question left is how compelling it is going to be. My answer, about as compelling as they come.

I would like to thank Avon Books, UK for providing me with an advanced publication of this novel for review. For anyone who likes complex books, strong characters, gripping action, and people you can care for, this book is for you. This recommendation, along with the other recommendations and observations expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One for Sorrow – Helen Fields

I bloody loved this regardless of how utterly brutal it was. One of those books that really gets you thinking about right and wrong and how the lines are never that clear. A cacophony of emotions regarding injustice and loss. How humanity can be scary, wonderful and earth shattering, often simultaneously. Our first responders are incredible, but they are only human. Humans makes mistakes with devastating consequences.

http://www.hazelbutterfield.com/blog/2022/jan/reading-is-to-the-mind-what-exercise-is-to-the-body-joseph-addison/

Thanks to Helen and NetGalley for allowing me to read One for Sorrow before the publication date.

In Edinburgh, a killer is booby trapping live human beings in order to kill secondary targets.

The first victim is Dr Ailsa Lambert, the Chief Forensic Pathologist in Edinburgh.
Ailsa is a close friend of DCI Ava Turner, making the investigation personal for Ava.

When a report is received of a pregnant woman hanging from a bridge, the emergency services attend and try to cut her down, only to find that they have walked into a trap.

Ava and DI Luc Callanach are faced with an investigation where there is no indication of why these murders are happening, let alone who is carrying them out.

In parallel with the current murders, there is a secondary story which has taken place in the past.

Quinn McTavish is a 19 year old girl, living at home with her parents and baby sister.
Then she meets the good looking, charismatic Liam.
Whilst her uncle is concerned about Liam, Quinn is besotted with her first real boyfriend.
Then she takes off her rose tinted glasses and realises that Liam is not who she thought he was.
Quinn finishes with Liam but he refuses to give up his ownership of Quinn.

A tense, fast paced book with so many factors in play. It was obvious that the parallel stories were connected, but Helen throws in many twists and turns before the truth is revealed.

This is the first of Helen’s books which I have read and it will not be the last.

No way!!!! Oh my goodness, what an absolute cracker of a read this book is. It has everything you want in a thriller, by the bucket load. I could mention the plot, the twists, the suspense, the characters, the setting....and that totally amazing ending which dealt me a punch to my abdomen. I am off to a dark room now to weep and find solace! This is the best book I have read in a long time, Helen Fields has written a fantastic addition to the crime genre and it's an easy 5* from me. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC, I can't recommend it highly enough and fans are in for a rollercoaster of a ride.

Oh I do love this series and yet again Helen Fields does not disappoint. There was tension throughout and I cant so much more due to spoilers, if I say anything I am conscious I am going to trip myself up. Please just read this and have a great afternoon/evening, I could not put it down even though it was getting later and later.

I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

What did I just read !

If only there were more than 5 stars.

Helen Field has outdone herself in Book 7 of D. I. Callanach.

Ava, Luc and team are racing against time to find a deadly bomber that is killing innocent people, their co-workers included.

I could not turn the pages fast enough to get the end.

One for Sorrow will stay with me a long time .

I eagerly await and nervously Book 8 in the series: what can happen next?

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk, Avon for a hold your breath read.

Oh no Helen, why are you like that? What have you done? Whyyyy???
I had the huge privilege of getting an arc, so that's a thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon books (even though this is a most not influenced review)

Last night, my boy (who's not even two yet) went to sleep almost an hour later than usual. And why it's that even relevant you ask me. Because it's Helen's fault, obviously. I just couldn't put the book down. I went from around 20% to 70% just yesterday. If I hadn't a baby, I'm sure I wouldn't even bother with eating. I was so sad when I realised I was already at 80%, I wanted more, I knew I was going to be sad when it over bc this book is just so good! Fast paced, unstoppable, enthralling.
I was in a reading slump and Helen just made me devour a story like there was nothing else in the world - again, may I add. This book made me gasp, chuckle even with all the tension, almost cry and managed to surprised me when I thought I had all figured out.

If anyone has a direct line to Helen, please let me know, I have a few questions (the first being HOW DARE YOU)

This is my second book by Helen fields and my first in this series. Her writing style is so eloquent and easy to read that it makes reading her books a joy. I read this one very quickly and it really does start with a bang! If you love crime thrillers or police mystery’s this is for you. I am now going to have to go back to the start of this series and read them all !

Absolutely bloody brilliant! Absolute must read if you are a Luc and Ava fan....so good, full of twists and I need the next one 😂

this book is covers all basis looking at mass killings, stalking, tragedy. its an heart-breaking book and the story books is so intense its completely unforgettable. Tinged with sadness this book will haver your pulse racing. I especially liked the ‘Before’ chapters, I felt they gave me great insight. i am very much looking forward to reading the next instalment.

Another absolutely cracking book in the DI Callanach series by Helen Fields. As the book opens, Ava is devastated by the cruel death of her close friend and highly respected pathologist, Ailsa Lambert. Worse, she has to watch Ailsa’s horrendous death on video. The amazing first chapter of this book perfectly depicts grief, as well as the very essence of Ava.
Of course, being a book by Fields, Ailsa’s is certainly not the only death, and the murders get more and more gruesome as the book goes on. One for Sorrow is awash with mass killings, stalking, tragedy and heartbreak. There are also some gloriously happy moments—and a humdinger of an ending.
To my delight we meet tough, no-nonsense and straight-talking Connie Woolwine again, the forensic psychologist commissioned to do a psychological profile of the murderer.
Said murderer is organised, meticulous, a master manipulator, highly intelligent – and way ahead of the Major Investigations Team.
Fields writes beautifully. Once again her evocation of Edinburgh—its beauty and its depravity—and how she brings her characters to life had me enthralled. I enjoyed catching up again with the ghastly Superintendent Overbeck, old-timer DS Lively, and DI Graham, and, of course, the complicated, physically perfect Luc Callanach.
I absolutely loved this book, and give it all the stars. It can be read on its own, but do yourself a favour and read the entire series for an even more enjoyable experience.

I am a big fan of the Turner and Callanach series by Helen Fields and One for Sorrow does not let the side down and is probably the best book so far.

Well plotted with numerous twists and turns this excellently paced book was a pleasure to read and is definitely recommended.

I love the DI Callanach books and devoured this latest offering from Helen Fields in a day. The relationship between Luc and Ava is (and always has been) compelling. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in admitting I’m a little bit in love with him too. I can’t say too much about the plot without giving too much away, but after the ending I have my fingers firmly crossed for number 8 in the series coming very soon.

Absolutely BRILLIANT!
Had me gripped from the very first page and I couldn't put the book down.
I already love the characters from reading previous books in the series so this was no different and I was gripped by the plot from the start.
Highly recommended but now I am DESPERATE for the next installment!

Wow, this hits you in the feels from page one!
It’s only been a month since I read book six, but it’s been two years since it was released. So for those that read it at that time, this has been a long time coming! Was it worth the wait?
Oh hell yes!!!
The end of chapter two hits you straight away with a twist, and you are thrown right into a new investigation! The speed of this book doesn’t let up; it is full-on the entire time. It’s more investigation heavy this time around, but the personal element is interwoven throughout that. If you thought the beginning was a tough read, it doesn’t get any easier. The book keeps hitting you around the face with shocks and loss.
I really enjoyed the ‘Before’ chapters, you could tell it was building up to something, and I wasn’t sure how it would play out. It had me guessing the entire way through. I wasn’t right in the slightest, although I did sort of guess motives. The unfolding of it all is quite hard to bear due to all of the loss throughout the book. I understand Ava’s problem with the entire situation.
Now for the worst part, the ending!!! Not worst as in it was terrible, but oh flipping heck, why are you doing this to me!?! I think another reviewer summed it up perfectly with noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I’m really hoping the book advertised for release in September 2022 is the next in this series; otherwise, there will be hell to pay for leaving it like that for longer than the already six months!
Without a doubt, the best in the series, and if I could give it more than five stars, I would!

An interesting look into the mind of a killer--or so it seems. This is a well-paced book that leaves you guessing right to the end while also giving the reader a taste of modern-day Edinburgh. Well-done!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the advance copy of #OneForSorrow by #HelenFields.

A masterclass in thriller writing. The action never stops.
Ava and Luc her second in command are searching for an highly skilled serial killer.
As the body count raises they have to search each and every clue trying to find the answer and stop this killer.
A rollercoaster ride with plenty of twists and turns. Well worth the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

5 horrified stars!

I’d like to leave it there but I guess I should say a bit more about the book. It was gut wrenching! It starts with the most bizarre death of Ava’s dear friend, pathologist Ailsa Lambert. And then it goes on a rampage of murder and violence. Edinburgh is in the grip of a deadly bomber who is always one step ahead of the police. He seems to be targeting his attacks on first responders (police, paramedics and firemen) while the public at large seems to be relatively safe.

The bomber sets up elaborate traps that no one can predict. It’s brutal and filled with jaw dropping moments. And he makes it quite clear that there is more to come. The police are at a complete loss to make sense of this series of crimes.

Interspersed with the mayhem we get the back story of a young woman who falls for the wrong guy and he makes her life hell with his stalking. You might wonder how these plot threads are related but things are not as they seem. I don’t want to say any more as I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. It is, however, very violent and indescribably sad so if you are sensitive bear that in mind. The story ends, I hope, on a cliff hanger as I’m not sure I could bear the alternative! This is book 7 of the author’s Luc Callanach series and it is one of the best crime thriller series out there. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.