Many thanks to both Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Out of the Ashes, by Louisa Scarr. It's the fifth (and possibly the last) book in the Butler & West series.

Expected publication July 6, 2023

3.5 Stars, rounded up

Out of the Ashes has it all! Mystery, suspense, arson, stalking, and romance all wrapped up in a whodunit!! This book finds DS Freya West investigating a stalker, and DI Robin Butler investigating a string of arson attacks that have escalated to murder. The cases seem to be connected somehow and it kept me guessing until the end.

Although I enjoyed reading most of Out of the Ashes, toward the end the plots started feeling less believable to me, and parts felt too over the top. Still, I enjoyed this page-turner, and absolutely loved Robin!

Freya West has a stalker case. Robin Butler a series of arson attacks that later involve murder. Their teams are brought together when it seems that the various cases are all linked. Relationship conflicts continue when there was me thinking that they had been sorted in earlier stories (to my relief if not satisfaction). Got that wrong. Good story writing though especially about the arson and motivation, Lots of small details that add to the story without becoming tedious. Satisfactory ending to a long running series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I didn't realize at first, that this is what I think is the final book in a series featuring the same two main characters. There's Freya West, a detective and her partner Robin Butler (in this book he's her former partner that moved away and has come back to work a case), It doesn't take long for the author to hint at a history between the two main characters. Robin is back in town because of a serial arsonist case that he thinks may be connected to fires set in Freya's (and formerly Robin's) town. Robin comes back with his girlfriend Jo and their baby Tom. Freya, is surprised to see Robin back at their "Nick" (British slang for police station). Freya's fiance Josh isn't too happy to see him back. Freya is working on a stalking case and Josh gets put on Robin's team to investigate the arsons. Before long, Freya, Robin and Josh end up on the same team investigating the fires and the stalker since they are trying to see if/how the two are linked. The mystery deepens as they try to stop the person responsible for the escalating fires (that have killed two people). The pace of the book is good and it kept me guessing until the end. I had no clue who the culprit was until it was finally revealed. I love a book that can keep me guessing. Some of the romance vibe interlaced into the story was a bit overdone and had a couple of odd moments of popping up near the end. But, that being said, it wasn't too much and clearly, if I'd read the books in this series that came before this one, I'm sure it would seem quite a natural evolution and resolution to what appeared to be an ongoing "undercurrent". I won't say much more as I don't want to give any spoilers. I liked this book and I think I'll go back and read the ones that came before this one so I can get some of the main character's backstory and get a better sense of them as characters.

I wish I would have realized this was a series before reading this. I usually like to read books in order. The cover just really drew me in. his book was a little slow in the beginning for me, so I did skip around some. The ending was a lot better, however I'm not sure I would go back and read the other books by her. Some good suspense; little slow for me.

I have read one other book in this series and although the characters have developed it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story.

A gripping tense read the author keeps the suspense up throughout the book, she writes with a descriptive pen which gives a real insight into plight of the characters.

Was sad to read this was the conclusion to the series but as they say all good things must come to an end and will be interested to see what comes next from this talented author.

Have enjoyed all the previous books in the Butler / West series and this one hit the mark. Plenty of suspense throughout and likeable characters. Look forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

This is the first book i have read from louise scarr so the first time i have been introduced too freya and robin it was really loveley and heart warming too read and see the relationship between them. I didnt guess who the killer was either i suspected someone else which i think was the point. I was gripped and stayed up all noght reading because i just didnt want too put it down..

I read this as a standalone but will be remedying that ASAP and are downloading the rest if the series as we speak!

What a book! It's got twists, turns, tension, suspense and mystery. I got so invested I the characters lives and struggles and I can't wait to see how it all begins

The story is constantly moving forward and although it's descriptive and paints really vivid images of the setting, it doesn't stray into the territory of droning on about irrelevant details or interrupting the flow of the plot.

Can't wait to go back to the beginning, what a book!!

I absolutely loved this series and while I'm utterly depressed that it's over, I feel mildly satisfied by this final installment (I only say "mildly" because I'm still not happy it's over). If you've read the first four books in this series and are invested in one of my personal favorite crime fighting duos, you should pre-order Out of the Ashes asap. If you've yet to experience the joy of Butler & West please start book one (Last Place You Look) immediately,

Out of the Ashes was just as twisty and entertaining as the previous books in the series and I am a huge fan of Scarr's writing. This series is definitely a hidden gem and I won't stop talking about them until more readers get their hands on Scarr's books!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book; all opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to be an early reader.

A satisfying conclusion to the Butler & West series! I was getting a little wound up about the Freya and Robin situation at the end of book four and wasn’t sure how it was going to resolve itself, but I like how Scarr handled everything.

I will say I didn’t love-love where the crime story went in this one - it was a bit out there for me - but I still enjoyed every second and love Louisa Scarr and *cannot wait* to start reading her new series (the prologue of which was included at the end of Out of the Ashes and includes some familiar characters!)

This series should be wildly popular and I’d love more people to read it!

Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

<i> 3.5 rounded up </i>

<b> Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3.5/5 | Ending: 3.5/5 </b>

<b> SYNOPSIS </b>

Butler and West are reunited for one last case... the case of WILL THEY FINALLY BANG OR NAH????

<b> MY OPINION </b>

Now ya'll know I'll jump around a series without a single qualm (in fact, I started this series with book #4), but I don't recommend reading this one first. The last (*kim kardashian ugly cry*) instalment is definitely for fans who have been following along and are INVESTED in Butler and West's slow-burning romance. There's a lot of time spent on feelings here, which you may not give af about if you haven't read the other books. Also, since it's the last hooray, it's good to have all the background on the MCs to see how far they've come.

I'm sad to say it but other than the resolution of Butler and West's love story, this was my least fave of the series. I found the case really... strange. I won't spoil it, but it went a little too west for me to truly buy into. I will give it to Louisa Scarr though, those red herrings were GOODT. She got my ass. And they weren't like Freida McFraudulent red herrings where she shoves the same shit down your throat a million times like a cheap magician tryna create a diversion; these were simple, subtly, and naturally woven into the story.

I will continue to scream about this series until someone finally gets me kicked off this site LOL. One of my faves of all time. Beautifully written, well-researched, and distinct characters that you can't help but root for. Although I'm sad this is the end of the road for Butler and West (for now at least), I was super excited to read a prologue of her upcoming series that drops in 2024. Keep on writing Scarr!! You've got the magic touch.

<b> PROS AND CONS </b>

Pros: satisfying resolution to Butler and West's story (was a lil nervous about the collateral damage but she pulled it off), well-written

Cons: some questionable police work moments, the case was a bit OTT for my tastes but I know others will appreciate it

An utterly compelling read.
As a retired Fire Officer still working in the field of Fire Investigation, and Fire Officer Training I can only say thank you to Louisa Scarr for getting it right
The Fire Scenes, and the Fire Service Police interaction are spot on
The story is a page turner, both for the crimes being investigated and because of the “spark” between the two main characters
A definite must read boook.

This is a brilliant series, one of my favourites, with detectives Butler and West back together. This latest has murder, arson and stalking for the team to investigate, are the cases linked? I love the characters, especially Butler and the team dynamics are excellent. There is plenty of suspense, red herrings and the ending all wrapped up neatly. A brilliant ending to an excellent series which I highly recommend. My thanks to Canelo and Net Galley for my ARC.

Out of the Ashes starts slowly. Emily Rhodes asks for DS Freya West, her friend from university, when she reports a stalker whose behavior has become threatening and dangerous. Freya had hoped to work on an escalating arson case, especially since it is headed by DCI Robin Butler, her former partner with whom she has an involved relationship. Instead, she is given the stalker case and her fiancé Josh begins work on Robin’s team. Obviously, there will be problems. Soon the cases overlap and the detectives are working desperately to save one of their own.

This cannot be the last in the Butler & West series! Louisa Scarr, are you reading this? These police procedurals quickly became one of my favorites. There are so many strong, well described characters. Will Josh call Lucy? What will happen to Mina? To Jess? Jo? And I want to hear more about Robin and Freya. Please! Of course, this is a 5 star read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Louisa Scarr for this ARC.

Complicated mystery and complicated love lives for the detectives in this story. Plenty to keep the reader guessing right to the end.

Out of the Ashes by Louisa Scarr is a great addition to this series. I really enjoy this series and getting to know the characters even more.

There is stalking, arson, and murder in Out of the Ashes, and Butler and West are back together!!

When Emily Rhodes tells her old friend DS Freya West that she’s being stalked by someone she met on a dating app, Freya promises to do everything she can. But there are no leads, and the dating site refuses to give up its data.

To complicate matters, DI Robin Butler is back in town, investigating a string of arson attacks that have escalated to murder. When it becomes clear that Butler and West's cases are connected, they are thrown together again.

The relationships between Butler and West and their colleagues are just as much a part of the mystery as the arsons and stalking. The stalking aspect of the story is scary, nerve-wracking, and unsettling. It's a very good story and plot.

The author has an uncanny way in her writing that reveals very small details and unravels the mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the explosive ending. And the ending: What!? You could have knocked me over with a feather on who was involved. It was shocking.

The descriptions were done well and provided both visual and sensory senses that had you right inside the action and fires (i.e., the smoke was forming a dark cotton-wool coating across the ceiling).

The ending was quite satisfying. Fingers crossed that there are more in this series. I feel sad when I come to the end of a Butler and West book; it's like having to say goodbye to dear friends. But there is a new first book in a PC Halliday series coming out in May 2024 that I am looking forward to.

I would highly recommend this series and starting from book 1. An exciting read with believable characters, a solid plot, and page-turning action. Five out of 5 stars.

#OutoftheAshes #NetGalley @paperclipgirl

Although I was super excited to read this book it was tinged with a little sadness as this is the last in this series of books. And oh my Louisa Scarr you have saved the best for last. An absolute cracker of a book and I got the ending I had hoped for! This author has the wonderful ability to run two storylines side by side without compromising either. The tension is unbelievable and latter part of this book is gripping - the world could have stopped and I would not have noticed. Robin firmly planted himself as one of my all time favourite detectives in book one and there he will stay as a little part of me is hoping it’s au revoir and not goodbye. So take a bow Ms Scarr -a hell of a book to end a hell of a series. Thank you 💕

Great book! This book was awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! Now I have to go back and read the whole series! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, arson, a great who done it and great police work! The storyline was very very interesting and had me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! I can't wait to read more in this series! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

This was a page turner to read, although it morphed somewhat from a police procedural to a thriller with two of the detectives going rogue and coming a-cropper. I guessed the identity of the arsonist a little before the reveal, but as ever I'm not sure if that is because of my superior detective skills or the author's careful seeding of clues. Not everything about the plot was totally convincing (were the culprit's fires really so distinctively different from other arsons, for example? Emily could have helped herself if she'd changed her phone number earlier and not moved to an isolated house) but I was very happy with the resolution of the Robin/Freya/Josh/Jo love rectangle.

I hope there will be more of these when Robin returns from his career break.