Read the first book a while ago and was so hooked, so delving into the immersive story of the second instalment in this series was no challenge.

Jody Brettkelly explores themes of historical secrets, allowing the reader to be hooked by the story since the first page.

The themes of trauma explored felt so incredibly natural and realistic, making the story and the plot far more interesting and engaging.

The lead travels through the story alongside the reader, a character who is compelling as she is strong, yet still holding an element of vulnerability.

The twists and turns of this mystery held me from page 1, causing me to fall deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole that was the plot.

I stayed up till 3:30 in the morning to finish this book last night.
It's a sequel to another book but is easily read as a stand alone with the writing giving enough context and explanation without being a rehash or " where the heck did this character come from".

Martyrs’ Convent by Jody Brettkelly starts with potential, especially with its intriguing mix of crime, dark secrets, and a touch of drama.

Journalist Isla Joyson is a relatable character who is determined and ambitious, which makes her journey engaging. The initial call for help from the nun sets an exciting tone, and the immediate shift from hope to tragedy holds your attention. However, as the story unfolds, parts of it feel a bit slow. I had difficulty connecting with some of the characters or believing their interactions. While there are tension-filled moments, there are also sections that lag, filled with exposition that detracts from the pacing.

Overall, the book is a decent read with some compelling ideas and twists, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark as a standout thriller for me.

#NetGalley

When a nun turns up dead in the Thames, Isla Joyson has a race against time to find her story.

This is book 2 in the series and it is filled with drama and plenty of wows.

I really liked this book. It is an pacy exciting read and the plot is well planned and the characters all added something to the tale.

I enjoyed the setting if the creepy convent and come the end I was happy with how it all turned out... is there a book 3? Can't wait..

Stayed up late to Read this in a night, I really enjoyed this book. I would read more books by this author

Martyrs Convent ended up flopping for me as a follow up to the first Ilsa Joyson book. I was so excited to see where Ilsa and Declan were and to dive into a new mystery. But between the writing and pacing which I struggled to follow, it was Ilsa and Declan's inability to communicate that really made me dislike the book. I felt like the growth they had in the first book vanished. The unplanned pregnancy trope was also just a little overboard with the foreshadowing that she was pregnant

Thank you NetGalley and Jody Brettkelly for the eARC.
Journalist Isla Joyson needs a compelling story to get to the next level of her career.
When she gets a phone call from a nun who tells her there'll be a drug drop soon, she thinks that may be what she needs. Especially when the nun's body is found in the Thames river!
The story is a fun read with a good dollop of romance as well as an absorbing mystery.
Jody is feisty and I liked her get-up-and-go attitude and her handling of her boyfriend's daughter, who's an interesting teen.

Martyrs' Convent by Jody Brettkelly is a suspenseful and thrilling mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. Isla Joyson, a determined journalist, is drawn into a web of intrigue when she receives a cryptic call from a nun about a drug shipment, only to find the nun’s body in the Thames the next day. What follows is a fast-paced race against time as Isla uncovers dark secrets tied to a convent and a manipulative aristocrat.

The blend of suspense, drama, and mystery was well-executed, and I appreciated the layers of tension that built up throughout the story. Isla’s character was compelling, and I enjoyed following her as she navigated dangerous situations to uncover the truth. The atmosphere, especially in the convent setting, added an eerie and gripping quality to the plot.

While the pacing was solid, I felt the ending could have been a bit more satisfying in terms of resolution. Still, Martyrs' Convent is a great read for fans of thrillers with a mix of mystery and societal intrigue. I’d rate it 3.5 stars—entertaining, with some minor areas that could have been stronger.