Unexpected
A woman’s body is found in a trench at an archeological dig with a medieval torture device in her mouth and it’s up to DS Karen Hart and her team to find out who was responsible
This book was gripping with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns that had me hooked from the beginning. I think a big part of that was because the type of murder was so different to the usual ones in most detective fiction but I also enjoyed Karen and her team, they came across as real people who were a big part of the story
I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the dialogue jumping between the chapters instead of just at normal chapter breaks as some of it felt a little harsh and broke the story up a bit for me but that’s just a little thing
Although this book is part of a series, I hadn’t read the other books but I could follow the story and the characters. I missed some of the backstory for certain characters but it was covered well enough for me to be able to bond with the characters and see them as real people
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a murder mystery with a bit of a twist and characters who will keep you on your toes

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"In Plain Sight" by D. S. Butler is a gripping crime thriller that expertly balances suspense, meticulous investigation, and deeply developed character.

At its heart, the novel delivers an absorbing mystery, pulling the reader into a world where every detail matters. The protagonist, a sharp and determined detective, navigates a labyrinth of clues, misdirection, and unexpected revelations. Butler’s ability to weave tension through seemingly ordinary interactions is a standout feature—there’s a sense that danger and deception are lurking just beneath the surface.

The pacing is finely tuned, never rushing through the unraveling of the case but maintaining a steady build toward an impactful climax. The dialogue is crisp and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary exposition while revealing layers of personality and conflict. The investigative process feels authentic, showcasing both the frustrations and triumphs of detective work.

Beyond the central mystery, Butler crafts an engaging emotional landscape, where relationships—whether strained, professional, or deeply personal—add weight to the unfolding drama. The setting, vividly drawn without excessive description, enhances the atmosphere, making readers feel as though they are shadowing the detective’s every move.

For fans of methodical crime fiction, "In Plain Sight" delivers an experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking. It is a novel that rewards keen observation and critical thinking, offering twists that feel earned rather than forced. Whether you’re drawn to procedural precision or unpredictable storytelling, this book makes a strong case for staying vigilant—because the truth might be hiding in plain sight.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of DS Butler's Karen Hart series. The novel was an interesting weave of characters and the events taking place around an archaeological dig made a nice change. I have read all of this series in order and I think this offering was just 1% under par. That said I am looking forward to the next adventure.

Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and D S Butler for the eArc of In Plain Sight.

This is the 10th book in the Detective Karen Hart Series. It could possibly be read as a standalone as the MC, Karen Hart has a solid character throughout these books and each book has a different police protocol case. Saying that, you may miss some of the backing story that is running in the background of these books with Karen Hart and her team.

I picked this series up through Netgalley and loved every single one that I have read ( picked it up from book 8 )and will, at some point read them from the beginning. In Palin Sight is a solidly told police protocol that delves into a case that Karen Hart is investigating. We have great elements within the narrative, mystery, suspense, its psychological and has a nice plot to character building ratio. There is some nice twists along the way and keeps you both engaged and thinking on what way this narrative is going to take you. The finale of this book comes up trumps, both satisfying but also sets up for the next book.

I also listened to the audio version which is also very engaging thanks to the wonderful Henrietta Meire.

4.25 stars for story graph, 4 stars for other review sights.

Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed it. A strong four stars.

Taking a short cut through the archaeological dig would be much quicker than going round by the road. However when one of them stumbles into a trench and discovers a body it doesn’t seem to be such a good idea after all. The body is not an ancient one. The woman has not been dead for very long.
As DS Karen Hart investigates, It seems that the victim, Alison Poulson, was not very popular with anyone. But who disliked her enough to kill her?

This was an enjoyable police procedural. Just when I thought I knew whodunnit the story took another path Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book

Teenagers cutting through an archeological dig discover a grisly sight. A dead woman is at the bottom of a pit, with a medieval torture device called a Shrew’s Fiddle attached to her.

As DS Karen Hart and her team investigate the limited clues and numerous suspects, a second brutal death occurs. This is a fast-paced, well-written mystery.

I enjoyed the main character, as well as her supporting team. Karen is engaging, capable, empathetic, and doesn’t suffer fools. She also displays a good sense of humor and a quick wit.

Great book and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading previous books. Definitely a standalone even though it is part of a series.

In Plain Sight starts off with four teenagers stumbling on a dead body late at night. D.mS Hart and her team set upon the task of finding out who the killer could be. Is the killer hiding in plain sight?

This book is number 10 in the DS Hart series, I haven’t read the other books but that didn’t affect me reading this one. I was engaged from the beginning and the end didn’t disappoint.

In Plain Sight was a thrilling ride from start to finish. The discovery of the body during an archaeological dig immediately pulled me in, and DS Karen Hart’s investigation was both gripping and full of twists. I loved how the story kept me guessing with each new lead, from the bitter archaeologists to the mysterious teenage girl.

The suspense really ramps up when a second murder occurs, and you can feel Karen’s growing determination to solve the case. The pacing was great, and the characters were well-developed, especially Karen, who brought a lot of depth to the story.

I did find the resolution a bit rushed, but overall, it was an engaging and well-written thriller. Definitely worth reading for fans of crime mysteries!

Another great addition to the DS Karen Hart series! The premise of the case was great, full of red herrings that had me discounting and recounting suspects left right and centre. As always it was good to catch up with the usual characters- Sophie is back at work if not on duty, Rick is his usual entertainment as well as getting a deeper focus on Arnie which I liked.

A great read
A new murder for Detective Karen Hart
A book that pulls you in and wont want to put it down
Can’t wait for the next in this series
Thanks NetGalley

A great series which I have enjoyed all of them. This time Karen and her colleagues have a murder to solve revolving around an archaeological site. It has plenty of leads and sub plots to keep the reader immersed and wanting to find out who was the killer. I enjoy the subplots and continuing themes running parallel to the story. However the books, I feel, can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to the next in the series to see if any further development in the underlying subplots.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher and author for allowing me to read the arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

Ooh, I do like this series! I haven't read ALL the books but that is ok, I think this novel can be read as a standalone.

Yikes, this is a bit of a gruesome case for Karen to solve. It is a bit twisty, and I had a feeling I knew who the "baddie" was pretty early on and I was right, but it doesn't take away from the story in any case.

Medieval torture devices are being used, which is unsettling in itself. Who knows how to make them and who thinks to attach them to other people?? This is the crux of the case. And, of course, why would anyone want to kill these victims?

Good read, well written. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

After finding this author, I have binged this entire series. Seeing it available for ARC on NetGalley I scooped it up! Thank you so much Thomas and Mercer for allowing me a peek. Each book in the series seems to ground me in their community and I feel cozy. Many of these titles can be read as stand alone, so if this is your first welcome! Teens stumble on some remains in a dig site, a body is found, and Karen Hart is on the hunt to find a killer. New torture devices are used in this thriller, not something you or I would want to be used on us. Having a great team, you know they'll solve the case. Butler's writing keeps me engaged and flipping pages so quickly that when it ends, I can only hope her next one will release sooner than later! All opinions are my own.

I used the new Netgalley Reader for this novel as a change from reading on my Kindle. It’s simple to configure and fluid in page-turning. The “Read Aloud” is available in Extensions (MS Edge) for those who prefer to listen. I was concerned that there wasn’t a bookmark, but it holds your page without one. A dictionary might be helpful as an extra innovation.

Nobody deserves the brutality of mediaeval torture served out to hapless victims for the pleasure of a narcissistic psychopath. What an appalling way to die. It’s a harrowing discovery that starts the plot. A dead girl encased in a brutal mediaeval contraption, a shrew’s fiddle. It is excruciatingly painful and employed for control and misogynistic intent, but it didn’t kill her. There is a significant blow to the head that killed her to ensure his identity was unknown.

The author writes with captivating panache. She weaves a macabre but unusual, gripping tale for DS Karen’s congenial team to solve in the face of gruesome finds at an archaeological site. The team has a great rapport and is likeable with their idiosyncracies, humour, backgrounds, and flaws. You feel as if you know them. Sophie would make an excellent Profiler, and DS Karen Hart is on the same page. The author doesn’t waste time on lengthy descriptions and screeds of introspection. She moves seamlessly through the plot at a commendable pace in my favourite third-person chronological format. This gives scope to learn what other characters think, act or have suffered. There’s an excellent balance between narrative and dialogue, which provides depth and complements its authenticity. It’s a predictable story, but it doesn’t lose its fascination. Motive? Why is Christie so unnerved? Who can be trusted? Who is lying? How will the team resolve the crimes?

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley. A review will be posted on GoodReads and Facebook.

Excellent twisty storyline.
Keeps you guessing right to the end.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review

This was a compelling police procedural that dives into a chilling murder mystery involving a medieval torture device and a web of secrets. DS Karen Hart proves to be a skilled and determined investigator, supported by a strong team, making the unraveling of the case engaging and satisfying. The pacing is spot on, and while I correctly guessed the culprit midway through, the surprise ending still delivered an emotional and satisfying twist. Despite being the 10th book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone, though it left me intrigued to explore Karen's backstory in earlier installments. Fans of crime thrillers will find this a well-written and entertaining read!

In Plain Sight is the tenth book in the Detective Karen Hart series.

After four teenagers are tossed off a bus, they are in the middle of nowhere and attempt to walk through the fields to home. One of the teens recognizes the fields that are being excavated for an archeological dig. But as the cross through it, they find a woman who has been tortured and murdered.

DS Karen Hart gets the call to begin the investigation. There are the usual characters and the press to help along the way. Another fun addition to the series.

This is the second book I’ve read in this series. I do think they can be read as standalones and I quite enjoyed #9. This story didn’t flow as smoothly for me. I enjoyed it; it just wasn’t gripping enough.

I loved reading this, I was immediately drawn into the case and found myself surprised by the twists and turns.