I thought this book was a really good physiological thriller after reading the author’s previous books was really looking forward to reading it and it didn’t disappoint. From start to finish it got you hooked and was a really well laid out story with lots of very interesting characters who were so different but was very good the way they were all able to be connected together. Would really highly recommend this book.

Karen Hart is becoming must read for me!

Karen is back with another mystery that hits close to home. Karen's colleague is brutally attacked in a deserted area which causes more questions than answers.

What was Sophie doing in that location alone, and who had something against her? Karen feels an obligation to solve this crime as it was a colleague and she knows that Sophie looked up to her.

I was torn on this one. It was great to come back and see Karen in more of a supervisory role and the whole side story with her and the local gangster is interesting. Sophie's motives and actions are very questionable, and it leaves the reader wondering if she is really fit for police work.

There are several things thrown at you, and it is a little frustrating for Karen to keep reminding herself that things are not always what they seem, but then not using that at times when it was critical. It is very obvious early on who the attacker is, but we are given so many red herrings that if you are not careful, you might blink and miss it. What starts out as an attack on police officer, bleeds over into something far wider reaching and more sinister.

On a personal note, it is good to see Karen moving forward after all the tragedy in her life. I feel the supporting characters were not given enough to do, and it does leave you wondering where things stand for at least one person....their actions are never fully explained and they may be in another story.

All in all, the action and "clue gathering" is interesting and holds your attention. I would recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the series, which may answer some of the questions.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review by Net Galley and the publisher.

This is the first D.s Butler/ dective karen hart book have read took a bit for me too get onto i think its just because am new to the series it took a minute too understand the characters etc but once i got into it i loved it.

It was really gripping and it was a surprise for me who the attaker was.

Brilliant book I loved it and Karen Hart is determined to solve this case as it is a hard one for the team,from the start till the end this book had me gripped and I had the culprit nailed.D.S.Butler writes brilliant books and I do love the Karen Hart ones,5*

Although every crime is investigated as thoroughly as possible, this time DS Karen Hart and her team are taking it personally. One of their own detectives is the victim. DC Sophie Jones was working off hours (unbeknownst to her coworkers) investigating a potentially huge case when she was beaten severely. She was hospitalized in an unconscious state and did not wake up. The detectives immediately set to work looking for witnesses and some understanding as to why she was alone in a deserted location at night.

They quickly determine an auto shop to be the shady location involved with Sophie’s attack. The owner is ruthless, intimidating, and not so surprisingly, he’s an associate of Karen’s nemesis, Quentin Chapman. There end up being several different suspects to investigate and the pressure is on when Sophie’s condition deteriorates. Everyone struggles to be impartial, but it weighs on them. Will they be able to track down the perpetrator and get justice for Sophie? Or will Karen take the law into her own hands regardless of the consequences?

I quite enjoy this series and this latest is no exception. The characters could be your own coworkers, always squabbling but caring fiercely for each other underneath. Because there are multiple suspects, you’re not sure who has the most motive or who’s secretly connected to one another. Is only one of them responsible? A few of them? All of them? And the interactions between Karen and Chapman are priceless. Sometimes it doesn’t matter which side of the law you’re on, loyalty is universal. I just loved it!

I have read and enjoyed all of this author books and this was no exception. A great storyline that had me gripped from the first page. Although it's part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone although it's better to read in order to get all the background story. All in all an excellent book that I would highly recommend this book and author.

I have read all of d.s. butlers previous books so was so excited to start reading this latest one. It did not disappoint I love all of the characters, I love that it is set in lincolnshire as that's where I am from and I can picture the places that the author mentions. I did not guess the ending to this one which to me is always a good sign. Can't wait for more thank you

GOODREADS RATING 3.75
I loved this novel! It was my first NetGalley book, and despite not having read the first 7 books, I was able to follow the story and character development. The intrigue right from page 1 kept my interest, and it was hard to put down. Everything was nicely tied up at the end. I hope there will be another novel to update us on Sophie's recovery and another adventure for DS Hart!

Fab instalment of the Karen Hart series which begins with Sophie from the team being attacked and critically injured and in hospital. The team work hard to piece together how it happened and who did it and as it happened outside a garage affiliated with a local criminal there are plenty or suspects. Love these characters and found it really interesting how Karen’s relationship developed with the crime boss- can see him featuring in future books
Although I love this series, this could be read as a standalone- great storyline and whodunnit

I really enjoy the ‘Detective Karen Hart’ series by author DS Butler so I was really looking forward to this one. Yet again the author has given us another fast paced crime thriller that is difficult to put down. Intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and clever twists make this an excellent addition to the series. Can be read as a standalone but why miss out on all the previous books.

DC Sophie Jones is brutally attacked in a dark alley and is now fighting for her life in an hospital bed. This case is personal to Detective Karen Hart who not only fond of Sophie but acted as her mentor, taking her under her wing. As Karen Hart starts investigating she senses the involvement of mobster Quentin Chapman who quickly becomes the prime suspect. The case takes an unusual twist when Chapman not only denies any involvement but requests her help.

This is a very good crime thriller and makes an excellent read.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all the books in this series and have enjoyed to varying degrees. This one focuses on the attack of one of their own with a few twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended thankyou for advanced copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

When one of their own is attacked and hospitalised, detective Karen Hart and her team investigate. Who would want to hurt Sophie and what was she doing in th location she was found? Investigations lead to a garage and known criminals.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced with lots of twists and turns. I did have my suspicions as to who did it and was proven correct. This didn’t put my off though, as I enjoyed reading how Karen and the team also came to those conclusions.

A great series and well worth a read. Great as a stand-alone book too.

Absolutely unreal, one of my favourite authors and I love the Karen Hart series, a great detective and amazing storylines especially in this book

I like this series and the main characters. This one didn't feel as polished as some of the others in the series though. It did seem a little far fetched in places, especially with how much trust was placed in someone who had caused so many problems for the team in the past. And would a young fairly inexperienced detective really go off on their own like that? Will be interesting to see where the next in the series goes after this one.

A great murder mystery. Kept me guessing all the way through.
After a few books from this author, it's like reading about some friends
Great work

Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!

I love murder mysteries —especially those with heightened levels at stake. I was not disappointed as I greatly enjoyed Before the Dawn and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
Having read and liked quite a few books by this author, I was disappointed in this read.
DC Sophie Jones is hospitalized after a brutal attack. Detective Karen Hart and the team are horrified and determined to find the attacker.
Unfortunately I found the story bland and like so many others in this genre ... it felt so familiar.

Great book and series! I haven't read all in this series but I'm definitely going to look into it! This book was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, Action, intrigue, mystery, murder, great who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!