Helen Field's DI Luc Callenach and DCI Ava Turner series keeps up dramatic suspense in the latest installment. While it is interesting to begin the series with the first book, each can be read as a stand-alone.
In addition to her main characters, Field has a great cast of secondary characters, and it is always nice to catch up with them. Edinburgh also functions as both setting and character.

One for Sorrow is compelling and fast-paced as a lone bomber creates chaos in Edinburgh. Luc and Ava are at a loss as to motive, but the deaths are devastating. The bomber targets police and ambulance workers, those who are there to help--adding another degree of horror to the chaos being inflicted.

The bomber gives the police tips and leads them into traps, and even after they know what to expect, they have no choice but to respond.

Two timelines, twisty, dark, and engrossing, the book gets your adrenaline going.

Read in December.

NetGalley/Avon Books UK. Thriller. March 3, 2022. Print length: 400 pages.

I have just finished this book this afternoon and was devastated by the ending. It felt so unfair.

A brilliant book - full of twists and turns. Grim at times but the Edinburgh bomber - murderer but also victim - was eventually caught.

Emotionally charged when your own colleagues are victims but still needing to do a good job - this was the hardest of this series to read.

Interesting questions were asked about how police treat victims of crime, the effects of not being believed and the way our system of justice can be manipulated.

As always Ava and her team kept me hooked!

This one was a wild ride! It sucked me in immediately. After the first shocking death, I thought I had probably just read the craziest death scene I had ever read, but I was wrong because author Helen Fields was just getting started. One for Sorrow was an intense, pulse-racing, high-stakes thriller. An Edinburgh bomber is leaving a trail of bodies with every horrific crime, and it's up to exes and current housemates (it's complicated) DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callenach to stop him while caring for their seriously ill roommate and friend. The subject matter is dark, many scenes are graphic, the pacing and the writing are brisk, but the characters are well-developed, and their emotional depth makes the twists land harder. My stomach was in knots, and I was up way too late because I could not stop reading. Unputdownable! This book is the seventh in the series, but I had no trouble getting up to speed on the back-story, and this easily reads as a stand-alone. It's hard to say much more without spoiling anything. Highly recommended police procedural! Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Omg! Wow! What a great book! It was a little heart wrenching but also had suspense, intrigue, action and a great who done it with a crazy twist!! I did not see that coming! Omg what a storyline! I really don't like sad books but the way the author did this book, it was really sad but I was so wrapped up in the story and on the edge of my seat that the sad parts didn't affect me the way they.normally do?! kind of weird lol but it truly was an amazing story I'd love to say something about the bad guy in the end but I don't want to give anything away! I highly recommend reading this book! Its so worth reading! I really loved this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! And a big thank you to Helen Fields for your amazing words! Great book! Great story!

I was first introduced to Helen Fields writing via NetGalley and she has become one of my instant request or pre-order authors! I have read every book in the DI Callanach series as well as some of her standalones and I was so excited to receive the ARC for the latest instalment – One for Sorrow.

One for Sorrow starts with a bang with a funeral of a beloved character (no spoilers, it’s literally the first page) and does not stop until it’s thrilling conclusion. There are some really gory and intriguing crimes, a puzzling riddle and sky-high stakes in this book which allows the pace to fly and no sleep to be had whilst I was reading it. Fields tiptoes that perfect line between allowing the standalone crimes to be impactful and interesting but also giving the reoccurring characters a lot of development as we go along.

The book alternates between Ava’s perspective solving the crimes in the present and ‘before’ flashbacks from a character named Quinn. We know that these chapters are somehow linked but the information is drip-fed to us and allows us to make some incorrect assumptions about what might be going on! I enjoyed both narrators and didn’t find myself trying to rush or skim one of them to get back to the other one. If you have read the other books, there is a lot of character development in here which may have a lot more impact with previous backstory so perhaps try and read the others first – you will not be disappointed! There was also a fabulous cross-over character from one of Fields standalone books that I was really surprised and happy to see included!

The book ends with a chapter from an unnamed book coming out in September 2022 and I shall be queuing up to get my copy – I know I’m in safe hands with Helen Fields! I also can’t wait to see what happens next for Ava Turner and Luc Callanach!

Overall, One for Sorrow is a gripping and high-stakes thriller you won’t be able to put down. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DI Callanach #7

One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret that will soon be told.

DI Ava Callanach is grieving for the loss of her friend, pathologist Dr Alice Lambert who had been horrifically murdered in a targeted attack in her laboratory. News comes in about another threat to life on the streets of Edinburgh. The story has a dual timeline and they are seamlessly woven together as the story moves along. You will have mixed feelings while reading this engaging plotline. The twists come at us fast and furious. the ending has left me wanting to read the next book in this series now!

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #HelenFields for my ARC of #OneForSorrow in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review "One For Sorrow" by Helen Fields - the latest in the Ava Turner/Luc Callanach series, of which I have read all the previous entries.

This was a tough read - so much sorrow and so many deaths; but it's a great entry in the series which finds Ava and Luc investigating a series of brutal and somewhat ingenious murders, starting off with their great friend, the veteran Medical Examiner, whose horrible demise seems to set the tone of the book.

This is a story of obsession, stalking, revenge - both on the part of the police services and the antagonist - and retribution.

As with previous books in the series, we're witnessing present-day acts of horrible murder and also a glimpse of what led to the crimes through flashbacks.

There is too much integral to the plot to go into much detail, but the ending will leave you - as it left me - breathless.

This book will have your pulse racing and your heart in your mouth right up until the last sentence! Ava Turner is leading the investigation into the Edinburgh bomber, but becomes personally involved when one of the victims is a close friend and colleague. The story is told in a before/ after sequence, which at times was a little confusing, although made total sense towards the end of the book. Quinn, one of the key victims (in the 'before' chapters) was an amazing character, full of strength, love and vitality, so well written and well rounded, I felt as though I actually knew her. Although the focus is heavily on the police procedural, it doesn't detract from the depth of characters and emotion in the tragedies that occur, and the loss you feel as a reader. I couldn't put thus book down and I think I held my breath for the last 100 pages!! Absolutely stunning writing.

ou know those books that really make a mark? The ones that you just can't switch off from and that linger in your mind for a good while afterwards? Where the books is so intense and unforgettable that you just power through it with all your nerves on edge just preparing yourself for the next shock? Well that was One For Sorrow for me. It started with an 'awww - can't believe you did that', progressed to a 'awww - did you have to do that?' by the midway point and ended in an almighty 'OMFG - WHAT DID YOU JUST DO???"

Now, Helen Fields has never been one to shy away from the tense and dramatic in her novels, and the 'Perfect' series has some very memorable and sometimes macabre scenes, but if you thought that what has gone before was shocking, you have seen nothing yet. From the very beginning we are faced with a story that will provoke a rollercoaster of emotions, especially if, like me, you are big fan of the series and have become invested in all of the characters. You may think you know, but trust me - you know nothing. It is not just our favourite detecting team who are tested in this book. As readers we are taken to the very edge with a case that is set to rock Edinburgh to its very core. And it ruddy well shook me too.

You know those books that really make a mark? The ones that you just can't switch off from and that linger in your mind for a good while afterwards? Where the books is so intense and unforgettable that you just power through it with all your nerves on edge just preparing yourself for the next shock? Well that was One For Sorrow for me. It started with an 'awww - can't believe you did that', progressed to a 'awww - did you have to do that?' by the midway point and ended in an almighty 'OMFG - WHAT DID YOU JUST DO???"

Now, Helen Fields has never been one to shy away from the tense and dramatic in her novels, and the 'Perfect' series has some very memorable and sometimes macabre scenes, but if you thought that what has gone before was shocking, you have seen nothing yet. From the very beginning we are faced with a story that will provoke a rollercoaster of emotions, especially if, like me, you are big fan of the series and have become invested in all of the characters. You may think you know, but trust me - you know nothing. It is not just our favourite detecting team who are tested in this book. As readers we are taken to the very edge with a case that is set to rock Edinburgh to its very core. And it ruddy well shook me too.

Now I don't want to say too much about the plot. The blurb tells you all you need to know. And yes, it is every bit as dramatic as the blurb suggests. A terrorist attack, the like of which the city has never seen, but as to perpetrator or motive - the police are clueless. The killer taunts them, providing just enough notice and clues to cause maximum devastation - and devastate it does. Helen Fields has played a very clever game as whilst the reasons behind these attacks may remain hidden from Luc and Ava, they are slowly being revealed to us as readers in slow and almost painful fashion. This is a story in two halves. The first part - the main part of the story - is the terror that holds the residents of Edinburgh in its thrall. The second part alerts us to the motive - maybe.

But nothing is that straightforward. When I thought I knew the who, perhaps the why, I still had my resolve, my absolute certainty shaken, and my thoughts and feelings were turned on their head more than once. This secondary story is truly authentic, tragic in its own way, and almost as nerve wracking as the attacks on the city. Certainly by the time this part of the story reached its conclusion my emotions were heightened, and I couldn't help but shed a tear for all that had happened. The author has done a brilliant job of pulling us into this story. For making us as emotionally invested in it as we are shocked and broken by the main investigation. I was conflicted. Sympathetic and yet still angry, but not always in the ways you might expect.

Now the tone of this book is very melancholic and, at times, very dark. It is packed with tension, and the emotional pull and impact of the case upon the characters is almost palpable. You can feel their anger, their loss and their determination. And not just between Callanach and Ava. I love the whole team in these book, and each of them, even the brusk and often objectionable Overbeck, has a real part to play in the story. But this book really belongs to Ava as she struggles to come to terms with what is happening all around her and the sense of futility that everything she does to try and protect the city still is not enough.

If you have read Helen Fields' last novel, The Shadow Man, then you may well recognise one of the guest characters in the book. It was great to see Connie Woolwine pop up to provide some well needed insight into the mind of the killer, something that worked to reinforce my assertions about the who, if not wholly the what. She is a quirky character, but I do love her direct style and forthright attitude. She gives Callanach some much needed guidance, and not just into the case, perhaps allowing him the room to lay some old demons to rest. Even Lively seems to appreciate her style, and he is no easy character to win over.

This is the first book not to feature 'perfect' in the title, and that makes sense as there is a real change in tone in this book. It is every bit as thrilling and pacey and intense as its predecessors, but you can feel something just a little ... different about it. It's hard to put a finger on it, but there is no doubt by the end of the book that nothing can or will be the same.

And talking of the end ... My god. What the hell? I am ... I went to sleep thinking about this book. My waking thoughts were about the book. The if onlys and they why didn't theys of the story. Had one single thing been slightly different ... If a certain character hadn't made that choice ... And I know that these are just characters in a book. It's not real. But the emotions I was left with after reading this book were so intense, for so many different reasons, that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think every author of a long running series has that book to write. The one that changes everything. The one that heightens the emotions, grabs your attention and makes your jaw drop. This is that book. And if you love this series, love the characters, I am sure you will feel the same.

I may be too scared to see what, if anything, comes next, but I can't deny this is probably the best book in the series to date. Dark, intense, full of action and emotional in all the best and worst of ways. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Ava and Luc are back in this next instalment. This time, we have a bomber on the loose in Scotland, and Ava and Luc must work through the limited amount of evidence and clues to catch the perpetrator before another bomb goes off, killing more innocent people,

This is one of my favourite book series. Ava and Luc are both excellent characters, with a private on/off relationship, as well as working closely together to catch Scotlands criminals. We also catch up with Natasha in this series, who is Ava’s best friend and now one of Luc’s closest friends. Natasha is also a real breath of fresh air, her character is just perfect. The writing in this book is excellent, as always, and has many twists and turns in the hunt for the criminal. It’s a real page turner, and I’m always disappointed when I finish the book, and having to wait for the next one. I couldn’t recommend this book more!!

One For Sorrow is the seventh book in what is referred to as the DI Luc Callanach series set in Edinburgh, but the main protagonist here is DCI Ava Turner with Luc in a supporting role. I’ve read the last couple but they all work fine as stand-alones. I moved this up my ARC queue because every time I saw the title on my reading list, I’d get the poppy song of the same name by British 90s band Steps in my head and it’s been driving me crazy. I had forgotten how dark and twisted this author’s books are, or I might’ve delayed it, and this one was equally grim yet compelling, with a high body count.

Ava is grieving the loss of a dear colleague and friend, who was murdered at work in a particularly horrible way, when the team are called to another major incident, which ends very badly for the emergency services. A bomber is wreaking havoc on the city and is always one step ahead of the police. How do they connect to an earnest young woman embarking on her first relationship?

I feel this could do with a bunch of trigger warnings, but to do so would involve significant plot spoilers, so let’s just say that it should appeal to those who like their crime fiction tense, gory and bleak, and be avoided if you’re feeling sensitive or sad. I guessed roughly what was going on quite early but was tripped up a couple of times on the who and how. It ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger - Ms Fields is as cruel to her characters as GRR Martin - I’m undecided whether I want to continue the series - they’re great but I’m losing my taste for this much darkness - but probably will need to know what happens next!

My main criticism here is with the dialogue - it’s set in Scotland but other than references to the Polis, nobody sounds remotely Scottish and the characters all speak the Queen’s English - even Luc who is supposed to have a strong French accent. I’m not saying it has to be all “Ach hen” and “Sacré Bleu” and I know Edinburgh is quite English - I lived there for ten years - but some variation in the voices and local colloquialisms would flesh out the characters and make them more realistic. I also got a bit bored with Ava’s angst and the weird dynamic with Natasha. On the plus side, the hilarious Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man makes a significant cameo appearance.

Overall this was a gripping well-plotted police procedural with some clever twists so fans of the series will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC; I am posting this honest review voluntarily. One For Sorrow is published on March 3rd.

Before you start this book, feed the household, and set a alarm for the next time it needs to be done, because once you get into this book, you won't be putting it down. It's a brilliant story, the author has surpassed herself with this one, honestly thought I had worked it all out, but no, two bombshell twists at the end blew my mind. The readers of this series, are going to love, so did I great read, thoughtly enjoyed it.

I loved this one it was unputdownable . It is well plotted with a keep you guessing plot that has you engaged till the end . Masterfully crafted mystery.

"One for Sorrow" is a riveting story that draws the reader in from its first chapter where Detective Chief Inspector Ave Turner is watching a video of an autopsy performed by Ava's colleague/friend Dr. Ailsa Lambert. The ensuing string of murders are executed with a brutality that is horrific. The murders are each so bizarre that the reader never knows what to expect next. The story that is told from a dual time perspective where the reader also learns the back story of Quinn McTavish, a sweet young woman who had a relationship with a man named Liam that turned abusive. Have some time set aside to read this book because you won't want to put it down!

Brilliant. From the first page to the last sentence this book doesn’t fail to shock. Helen Fields never sugar coats the plot and this is no exception. Don’t make any plans when you start this book it is unputdownable. The separate threads of the plot come together in a tragic ending. Thought provoking and the reader can feel the authors frustration at the handling of stalker cases. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review .

My first 5 star read this year. If I could give this book more stars then I would.

I always really enjoy reading the books in this this series as I know they have well developed characters who I have come to like immensely. They are always fast page turners due to their excellent storylines. I was super excited to read this one.

I wasn’t disappointed, it is full of action and very fast paced. It had me feeling emotions too, happiness, sadness and I will even admit to shedding tears at some parts. Quite simply, for me, this is probably the best book in the series.

Now to wait anxiously for book 8.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It's not very often I read 7 books in the same series over 2 months, but I really couldn't resist reading the next in the series with this author. I loved the setting, Edinburgh, but it was the characters that brought the books alive for me. I hope that the author is typing away as I definitely need a book 8 in this series.

I think it will be helpful to have read the series before taking this one on. The detectives have some back history and an ongoing relationship that seems to deepen over time. The bad guy has a destructive motive and is making bombs - but as most bad guys, he also has a bead on those tracking him.
This is a good read, and good story- very atmospheric.

I had forgotten just how much I loved spending time with Luc, Ava, Lively and the rest of the team not forgetting Natasha of course and that is how it felt when I started this latest instalment of the DI Callanach just like being back with old friends.
So what a book this was it had everything you could wish for in a police procedural a thrilling plot that was clever and gruesome, twists that I never saw coming but what made it so special for me was the amazing characters that feel so real, I love them all even Overbeck.
I flew through the book I just couldn’t get enough of it I desperately wanted to know how it would end and omg what an ending it was and now all I want to know is what the heck is going to happen and I sure hope the next book won’t be too long in coming as I need to know !!
I really can’t praise Helen Fields enough she has an uncanny way of drawing you into a story with her superb writing skills and every single book of hers has been just wonderful both the DI Callanach series and her stand-alone’s I have never been disappointed in any of them.
Well I could go on and on about how much I loved this latest book but all I can really say is please do yourself a big favour a read this one , it can be read as a stand-alone but it’s a shame to miss the previous books.
A massive 5 big fat stars for this one and again many many thanks to Helen for a book I loved.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The first Helen Fields book I've read but sure won't be the last!
Keeps you on your toes. As I was reading this book I could picture it as a TV drama.
Characters were amazing and it kept you gripped and wanting more at the end. Can't wait for the next book.