Nothing to Lose

A great tense read! Full of gripping moments and twists and turns.
The story was exciting to read and the characters were fleshed out well.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good mystery.

Ziba Mackenzie is a freelance profiler who is called in when a woman is murder who resemble her what shocking a early murder of a different woman resemble her to.

As she investigate she wonders what connect these two women and does it have to do with her or something more.

Also on her plate is she investigating the murder of her husband and attraction to her friend she calls Wolfie and when she find a flash drive that her husband had hidden might lead to why her husband was murder but in doing so makes her a target.

I like that also explain dissociative fugue when we find out who the killer is and how that person manipulate the killer.

A good read, a bit of a slow starter for me and it did take me a while to get into it but good characters who I soon got involved with.

Overall I enjoyed it but didn't love it so I am not sure I would recommend this book.

This was an engrossing mystery. I almost read it in one sitting because I was enjoying it so much. The characters are interesting and the story kept me gripped and eager to keep reading.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of Nothing to Lose, the second novel to feature freelance criminal profiler Ziba MacKenzie.

When two similar looking women are killed and eviscerated in just over a week The Met calls in Ziba to help the investigation, not that her help is welcomed with open arms. Ziba, however, is distracted as she has just uncovered new evidence in her hunt for her husband’s killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed Nothing to Lose which is an exciting thriller with two strong plot lines. I must admit that I had a good idea where they were both going from early on in the novel, perhaps because I read so much crime fiction, but it didn’t spoil my appetite for the detail and the way the two plots unfold, especially as the author has a good few twists up her sleeve. I found it a gripping read from start to finish.

The novel is mostly told from Ziba’s first person perspective with some interjections from an unnamed abused wife who suspects her husband of being the killer. This latter is extremely well done, bringing a whiff of smoke and mirrors to proceedings. Ziba’s narrative is interesting as being in the first person it brings the reader up close and personal with her character and experience. I’m not sure that I like her all that much. She seems humourless, hard and driven with few soft edges but that may be due to the loss of her husband and her need for justice. It’s difficult to tell on the basis of one novel.

Nothing to Lose is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

* I read this in a day,which always means it kept me interested enough to turn the pages quickly.
I didn't always enjoy the flipping between storylines though.
I'd just get into the flow of our serial killer story,and then we're talking about a 2 year old death that hasn't been solved.
However both stories were rounded off... slightly in a complicated manner for the killer story.
Always good to read new ideas on who and why though.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it as the characters so vivid and believable. I loved Zibas and Wolfe's characters and relationship and I really hope to see more of them in future books. I also enjoyed the back story of Ziba trying to find her husband's killer at the same time as trying to profile a serial killer!

I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book! Ziba is a an amazing character and i loved seeing her develop and evolve as she worked with Wolfe and their relationship grew. The plot was so cleverly written and i loved the inclusion of real life profilers like John Douglas, it shows how well researched Selman's books are. I devoured this in a day and i really hope there's a third book because this could be an amazing series.

Nothing To Lose is a thrilling serial killer mystery. Twists and turns enough to grab your attention and keep it until the end. It's a good read overall.

I loved this book - it’s definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys pacy police procedurals starring strong but flawed characters.

The protagonist Ziba MacKenzie is instantly likeable and I like the way the plot hinges on not one case; but two - the one she’s been employed as a profiler to solve and the one concerning the circumstances of her husband’s death. One of the things that makes her so compelling is the realistic way she anticipates situations and spots danger as it approaching (something so many other protagonists conveniently appear to miss for the sake of plot).

Selman’s characterisations are spot on and I loved the tiny details about each of the officers on the case. It’s also clear that she’s done her research when it comes to profiling. But what made it really stand out for me was the potential romance simmering away at the heart of the book. I’d like to see more of that in the next book - which I’m already looking forward to.

Loved it! Even better than the first in the series. Can’t wait to meet Ziba again, she’s my kind of girl...a ‘slug of wine’ and ‘baby gravy’ were two of my favourite quotes from her. This book combines a likeable main character and lots of twists and turns, what’s not to love?!

This novel was great. The characters were believable and well developed, as well as the story. Ziba is a profiler and it was really enjoyable to read the details when it came to her profiling. I was unaware that this was a second in a series, but I enjoyed reading this as a standalone, although I would like to read the next, if there is one!

I love suspenseful books that keep me wondering what will happen next. A killer watches your every move and knows what you will do before you do it. Women are being murdered who resemble our main character. The killer is targeting her but why? I can't wait to get back into this thriller.

I loved the first book in this series so went ahead and request an ARC of Nothing to Lose because I couldn’t wait for the release date.

Blood for Blood kept me hooked because clues where left to put the reader off the scent and every time you thought you figured it out, bam, nope think again.

With Nothing to Lose those same red herrings were fed through but I didn’t fall for it this time. I actually figured out who the murderer was early on and was bitterly disappointed that I’d got the measure of the author so quickly. I was so wrong! Out of left field right at the end of the book a plot twist. Well hot damn, did not see that one coming!

Another really great read from Victoria Selman. Cannot wait for the next book.

Can’t get enough of this series! Full of twists and turns with the underlying story of Ziba , Duncan and Jack running through it for continuity.

Profilers fascinate me as I live what they can pick up from the nonverbal signals we all give off

Excellent storytelling, can’t wait for the next instalment

Brilliant second novel. I was totally gripped from the start. I really like the relationship developing between Ziba and Jack. They are strong characters that I would like to read more about. The plot in this book was really good. It was very cleverly thought out and had me guessing right up to the end.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Nothing to Lose Victoria Selman

I have to admit that I didn’t realise when I downloaded this that it was the second book in the series. The first book being Blood for Blood which is on my has to be read pile. Although I will say its plenty good enough to be read as a standalone.

How spooky for Ziba MacKenzie a freelance profiler to attend the second crime scene of a horrific murder, as soon as she see the victim she realises that the victim looks just like her as does the victim earlier in the week. Both women have been horrifically mutilated and graphically displayed, their wombs ripped out being the most gruesome of the victims injuries. Ziba and DCI Falcon soon realise that they could possibly have a serial killer on the loose.

Ziba has lost her husband Duncan through foul play so while she works on the murder of the two females she is desperately trying to figure out what happened to him. As if that’s not enough to be going on with she’s also confused about her feelings for Duncan’s best friend Jack.

This is a fast paced thriller that will find you reading ‘just one more chapter’. Its definitely a book I will be recommending to everyone.


Read for an honest review. Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley

I have just finished this book which held my attention from page 1. A very well written and informative book. A profiler is involved in 2 cases. Her husband's murder and a serial killer. She has to make a very hard decision on the one to priorities. It give lots of insight into mental illness, child abuse and deception. Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book.

I have recently read the first book in this series. I am glad that I did since the author did not do a very good job of integrating the information from the first book into this book. If I had not read the first book, I would not have known what she was talking about much of the time. Otherwise, it is a decent mystery read.

The second in the series and I hadn't read the first but this didn't stop me from enjoying it. A good read, a bit of a slow starter but good characters who I soon got involved with.

Overall I enjoyed this book and intend to read the first in the series

Blood for Blood was my Amazon First Reads selection for January and I absolutely loved (!) the book and the character, Ziba Mackenzie, a former special ops agent now freelance profiler working for the MET in London. When I found out there was a second book in the series, I was thrilled! NOTHING TO LOSE is the continuation of Ziba's story and she is back, despite her personal loss and her close encounter with a serial killer in Blood for Blood.

When Ziba gets a call in the middle of the night regarding the second murder eerily similar to one a few weeks before, she isn't thrilled to be called back to work and there are those at the MET who aren't there with open arms to welcome her either. Ziba has just discovered a hard drive with information pertaining to her murdered husband's last case and much of that information points directly back to dirty cops somewhere within the MET. However, when Ziba arrives on at the scene of the murder she realizes that the murder victims bear an uncanny resemblance to her. If anyone should profile this case, it is Ziba. With divided attention, Ziba throws herself into both cases but her split attentiveness could lead to danger.

Ziba Mackenzie is a character full of flaws. She brassy, rash, drinks too much, is moody, abrasive and impulsive. These are her good qualities, actually. They are what make her an excellent profiler and an interesting person for a thriller. You know from the beginning that she will end up in trouble; there's simply no way for her to avoid it. You also know that if you needed someone working on your case, you'd want someone like Ziba. Victoria Selma does a fantastic job bringing this character to life. I can envision exactly what Ziba would look like, how she sounds, even to the point that I want to tell her to cut out the slang already when it gets to be too "over the top." When you, as a reader, can feel the character's persona then you know the writer has done their job. In addition, the plot is ripped from today's headlines. It's gripping, suspenseful and not so horrific - although it is quite awful - that I would think it's unbelievable. Selma even goes to the point of explaining a fugue state involving one of the victims and a nuance of that state of which most people are unaware. It's attention to detail like this that puts Nothing to Lose in category of top-notch thriller. If you like action as well as old fashion detective work, you will love Nothing to Lose. And yes, you can read this as a stand alone, there is plenty of back story included, but I highly encourage you to read both books.

Thank you to #Thomas&Mercer, #VictoriaSelman and #Netgalley for my advanced reader copy of #NothingtoLose

Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book, my first by this author. I will certainly be looking out for more! The author captured the suspense perfectly it had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath in places. I can’t find any negatives in this book, I loved the characters and the storyline it kept my interest from page 1 right the way through to the end of the book. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing and very clever twists they were because I didn’t guess the outcome of the book. A very well deserved 5 stars, I loved it.

I would first like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a free, advanced copy of "Nothing to Lose" in exchange for an honest review.
Her debut thriller "Blood for Blood" quickly climbed the charts for good reason. Now, follow Ziba Mackenzie once again in the second book of the series.
Being as I was such a huge fan of her debut novel "Blood for Blood", I had high expectations for Victoria Selman and her 2nd book "Nothing to Lose". As another fast -aced, hard hitting thriller, Selman did not disappoint.


In this sequel, Ziba once again finds herself being called for her profile expertise. As she builds the profile and as the serial killer continues to target victims, she realizes that the victims all look like her. Could she be the killer's next target? While trying to help police with the profile and catching their newest serial killer, Ziba also becomes determined to solve her husband's murder. He has left loose ends in his own private investigation and Ziba takes it upon herself to pick up where he left off. As she continues to get closer and closer to finding answers, she also becomes less and less sure of herself. Are there murderers and dangerous criminals that are truly "untouchable"? How much power is too much and can this power protect their secrets forever?


As Ziba continues to work on both cases, she finds herself paying more attention to the investigations than the dangerous situations she puts herself in. She has a few close calls and a few times where readers are sure that her luck will eventually run out. She almost gets distracted by trying to find answers to her husband's murder and this could give the serial killer an opportunity to make her his next victim.


Overall, this book was fast paced and I finished it pretty quickly. I really like the short chapters in Victoria Selman's books and sometimes they read like a criminal investigation TV show. Her writing is easy to read while still providing enough details, and of course suspense. At times, this book became a little confusing because of all of the characters involved in both of the cases she was giving attention to but all of the characters played a purpose. It wasn't as if someone walking down the sidewalk while Ziba was driving was given a random name for you to try to remember for no reason.


I am really looking forward to seeing what else Victoria Selman has in store for Ziba Mackenzie. I'm definitely a fan.


-D

With thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Nothing to Lose is the second book featuring ex special forces turned profiler Ziba Mckenzie. I missed the first book in the series but Nothing to Lose can easily be read as a standalone.

The plot had two distinct threads running through the story. Two years earlier Ziba`s husband Duncan a policeman, had been shot outside a restaurant. The killing looked professional but the gunman was never found. Ziba found a flashdrive that Duncan had taken the trouble to hide behind a fake plug socket. On it were concerns that Duncan had about a investigation called Sunlight. Excited to find a lead she went to the man who was investigating Duncan`s murder Bodi Caulder. Calder became defensive and asked for the flashdrive that Ziba had found. When one of the detectives in the Sunlight investigation commits suicide after speaking to Ziba she decided to do her own private investigation. Ziba discovered a scandal that could rock the police and British government.

Meanwhile Ziba was called in the early hours to the grisly murder of lawyer Lily Abian. Her murder bared the same hallmarks to the murder of young mum Yasmin Pejman who worked at the same firm. Another clue was that both Lily and Yasmin looked similar to herself. Ziba decided that the killer was emasculated by a female and was taking his anger out on another female. Her boss DI Issacson did not believe in profiling preferring old fashion policework.

Nothing To Lose was a fast paced book with short snappy chapters which kept tempting me to read just one more page. I enjoyed both investigations especially the murder of Yasmin and Lily. The book was very twisty, turny and I loved the double bluff at the end which I did not see coming.

I thought Ziba was a very interesting character, intelligent and tough enough to join the special forces. Ziba`s used military phrases which was not surprising, but as an English person she also used aye and scuttlebutt which stood out to me. I liked Wolfie who was Duncans`s best friend, although Ziba was attracted to Wolfie she was scared to move on. I hope they get together in the next book.

I am glad I have found another new author and look forward to next book.

Police thriller with many twists. Like the characters who are developing with each book. Look forward to the next one.

The second book in the Ziba MacKenzie series by Victoria Selman. Ziba is a profiler who works on gruesome murder cases. Her latest case involves the murder of two women who bear a striking resemblance to Ziba, making her a potential target. In addition to this case, Ziba is secretly investigating her husband's murder, which was never solved.

The first book in this series is Blood for Blood. In the first book, Ziba wasn't all that interesting to me, but I enjoyed her character more in this book. Maybe I was more in the mood for this type of read, or maybe this one is just a better book. Could go either way. Anyway, I recommend reading Blood for Blood first, but Nothing To Lose can be read as a standalone.

This story is told over a series of days as Ziba works to discover who is behind two gruesome murders. To complicate matters, Ziba seems to be a target herself, adding an extra layer of suspense. While the women's murders presents an interesting and twisty case, I also enjoyed Ziba's investigation into her husband's death.

A highly entertaining read for fans of crime fiction. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and exciting.

I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this so much I am going to read the first book as soon as possible. Excellent story, intelligently written with a main character who has brains, wit and justifiable confidence. There is an obvious backstory which will feature in the first and possible subsequent books and the two sat beautifully beside each other. No wonder the first book was so well received. More please!!

Ziba Mackenzie has a problem. Someone is killing women who look like her. Geez. She's a criminal profiler with a military background-and a very tough woman. And smart. She's also trying to solve her husband's murder. No spoilers! This has lots of twists and turns and will keep you guessing. I didn't read the first book but was fine with this as a standalone. It's very plot driven although I'm now a fan of Ziba. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. A page turner.

# Nothing To Lose #Netgalley #
Wow absolutely gripping, I love Ziba McEnzies character, also she’s doesn’t always play by the rules. Her character comes across as such a strong determined women, who is not only helping to find a serial killer. She’s hell bent on trying to look into the truth of her late husbands death. I love the fact the author has created such a strong powerful women no nonsense, yet with the vunrabilty deep down that not many see. She’s a master of getting into a criminal mind. Bloody awesome book, Victoria Selman you are amazing and I am so captivated by Ziba, a real page turner. When is the Next Ziba book out. I know it’s only a novel but Ziba has got into my heart, that’s how absorbing this book is. I finished it without realising I had not put it down not even to make a cuppa. Time was lost on me, I was on another world genius piece of writing with a amazing character.

Nothing to Lose is the second book in the superb freelance criminal profiler Ziba Mackenzie series, based on the mean streets of London town; I have to say I loved this instalment even more than the opener as it takes you hostage for a very entertaining and thoroughly gripping few hours. These thrillers remind me of Criminal Minds in book form, a programme that has long ranked among my all-time favourites. I find the building of the unsubs profile absolutely fascinating and that transferred into huge page-turning potential here. Boy did I turn those pages till late into the night, or early into the morning depending on which way you look at it, but there was no chance of sleep until I had found out exactly how it ended.

There are two compelling strands to the plot; both are credible and interesting enough to engage with any problem for the duration of the story, and although I predicted quite a lot of what happened ahead of time it was so well written with a cast of such stellar characters that it did not put me off wanting to read it in its entirety. I'm pleased I did as there were still a few surprises in store for me. I'm looking forward to seeing if I warm to Ziba a little more in future books and hope we see a softer, more human side to her personality as right now she's rather snarky and spiky but clearly intelligent and dogged in her pursuit of those who are to face the full force of the law.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.

Summary: 
 
Ziba Mackenzie is back in action. The killer brutally murdered two women in London. What’s surprising these women look familiar to Ziba. Only Ziba notices this! But her mind is not on the case. It’s her husband Duncan’s unsolved murder that's on her mind. Will she be able to solve both the murders or she will be the next victim?
 
My take on the book.:
This is the second book in the series and by the author. Ziba Mackenzie is a profiler who specializes in serial killings. Even it’s a part of the series, one can read it as a standalone book. 
 
There have been two murders in 5 days and the Scotland yard has yet to solve the case before the killer strikes again. And Ziba is still looking into clues for Duncan’s murder. 
 
This book is good. But if I have to compare with the previous book, this is better. There are a few parts that make it better. Like, Ziba goes to the hospital (for some turn of events in the book) and she’s reminded of Duncan (can't describe it as part of the mystery comes out. That entire part is written beautifully. 
 
 This time the author has interwoven 2 stories. And they both have a good conclusion. In fact, both the stories are unrelated author worked well to give them a good ending. 
 
Moving onto the characters, most of them remain the same as the first book, except for the victims and the related characters. Ziba’s character didn’t change from the previous book. She does imprudent things at the face of a crisis. I can imagine the author has written the characters with flaws but it kept nagging. 
 
Victoria Selman has again done a brilliant job in writing a page-turner.

My Rating is 4 stars for the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the giving the ARC in exchange for an honest review,

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to get the second. I am enjoying Ziba's story but thought the plot of this one was a little out of left field. The writing was fantastic and the story was very suspenseful and entertaining. I hope there are more in this series.

I couldn't stop reading. I love how this author crafts her characters. There's always surprised in her books even if you think you understand most of the story. I wish the books were longer but then I'd never get anything since. Love it so much.

Well-written and fascinating, Victoria Selman's second novel in the Ziba MacKenzie series, Nothing to Lose, finds Ziba with her own problems two years after her husband, Duncan's unsolved murder. She has new clues she would like to follow, since she is determined to solve the murder, but her superiors require her to solve some grisly murders that may be being committed by a serial killer. These new murders are compelling, since the victims closely resemble Ziba herself. Ziba investigates, and as she gets closer to solving the murders, finds herself in grave danger as well. In addition, she discovers that Duncan's murder may have ties to her own co-workers, and she is warned several times to stay out of it. As Ziba discovers new evidence, she must decide whether to give up her investigation of her husband's murder or suffer the same fate.

Selman is a fairly new author, but writes as though she has much more experience. She knows how to tell a gripping and believable story, weaving in scenarios that readers can easily relate to. Selman also develops her characters so that they are true to life. Ziba is a great protagonist, since she has experienced loss and horror in her personal life with the murder of her husband. She is good at her job, and isn't afraid to go after what she wants.

The setting, in the UK, is different and charming; a unique setting makes a novel more interesting, and even though Nothing to Lose is fiction, there is something to be learned from different places and cultures which set the scenes in this novel.

Thriller aficionados who like to read something unique will enjoy this novel and the series. Selman is definitely an author to watch.


Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Book Review: Blood for Blood, Book 1, and Nothing to Lose, Book 2, Ziba Mackenzie Series, by Victoria Selman

Snap to, Mackenzie!

It's zero dark thirty. Enter Ex-Reconnaissance Regiment Special Forces Operator Ziba MacKenzie, now a consultant "offender profiler" freelancing for Scotland Yard, and specializing in solving serial killer crimes.

Both thrillers are set in London, with a healthy dose of multiculturalism; Ziba is a Persian name.

Book 1 shows signs of a debut author and begins a bit tight and contrived - a train crash where the protagonist haphazardly - and with rather too much of a coincidence, briefly gets acquainted with someone who turns out to be a key character in the plot.

"He did it. You have to tell someone." That someone on the train lives just long enough to pass on her cryptic message. The hunt for the "London Lacerator" is on.

(But what if Ziba missed her train?)

In Book 2, the story runs deeper. Not only does the protagonist have her hands full dealing with a serial killer (the "Primrose Hills Killer" / "Hillside Slasher"), she is confronted with the bane of her existence: the horrific assassination of her ex-Scotland Yard DCI husband.

The author finds her mojo - and pens a five-star gem!

She thrives in her element and showcases the depth of her research in actual serial killer cases, and as well a rather good command of suspect interrogation techniques and Special Forces tactics, mantras, - and timely SF /poker wisecracks.

"Train hard; fight easy!"

"A Smith and Wesson beats Four Aces."

Just the right tinge of humour to make the crime thriller a great deal of fun to read!

Review based on an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Thomas & Mercer.

This book was riveting from almost the start. I was experiences so many twists and turns as I read this story. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this.

Devoured in 2 helping and thoroughly enjoyed. its a new author for me and yet another I will be investigating further. Netgalley has certainly opened my eyes in the book world and I am enjoying each opportunity

I really like Ziba MacKenzie, she is tough but vulnerable as well.

When she is brought in on a case of a serial killer who is targetting women who look just like her, it is unsettling to say the least, but that is nothing compared to what happens when she continues the hunt for her husband's killer.

This was a complex book with a few red herrings and sometimes it got a little confusing. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading another book starring this character.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book and its twists and turns and also the two seperate stories that were intertwined. However, the blurb led me to believe something else was coming in the book and I was a little confused and kept waiting for this.

3 stars for me :)

Second in a relatively new series, and can't wait for the next one. Really like the fast paced fluid style, and in Ziba, we've got a really intriguing character with so much potential for future adventures!

I thought I had already left a glowing review for this fantastic riveting book by the highly talent Victoria Selman but it would appear I forget (Sowwie). Anyway I have spoken to Victoria on Twitter on numerous occasions and have since received a signed copy and will be purchasing a copy of Blood For Blood as soon as the chance becomes available. Victoria has wrote an amazing character in Ziba I like the fact that in these days of antisemitism (sponsored by the labour party and the loony left in the UK) its awesome to see a strong talented and extremely intelligent Jewish character. The story kept me guessing from start to finish and for someone who looks as sweet and innocent as Victoria was pretty damn brutal :) Definitely a writer to look out for in the future

I quite enjoyed this! Managed to finish it quite quickly and really loved the character of Ziba, this is the 2nd book in the series and I haven’t read the 1st one and so I’m off to buy it, if it’s anything like this I’ll not be disappointed!

I thought this was quite a good book to be honest even though I’ve read this genre before I found myself engrossed quickly in the storyline and characters, there’s 2 storylines here: a hunt for a new serial killer and also the hunt for Ziba’d husbands killer too who was shot a few years ago and the killer never found!

It was quite fast paced and had a few twists and turns in the book which always help kee you entertained, I found myself lost in it for hours and I look forward to reading more from the author.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer and the author, Victoria Selman, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Nothing To Lose in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book provided a good quick read full of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
The storyline was well thought out and written with well developed characters and a rollercoaster plot. Everything you could possibly want in a thriller. 3.5 stars.
Well worth a read.

I loved this book. Very intense. Kept you on the edge of your seat. With an ending and a twist you will not see coming.

Another fantastic ziba read, can't wait for the next one, struggled again to put this read down, great plot line, great charecters too

It took me a little while to get into the plot but once I did, I was hooked! Lots of twists and turns and I didn't guess the perpetrator for a good while. The shortish chapters worked well for pushing the pace of the plot along and adding to the tension. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Victoria in the future.

A thrilling read which kept me turning the pages, characters you care for and just brilliantly written. Great novel!!

Nothing to Lose is the second in the police procedural series featuring former Special Forces Agent turned Offender Profiler, Ziba MacKenzie. Having missed the first book in the series - Blood for Blood - I was happy to jump straight in and read this independently without any issues as the author, Victoria Selman, provided enough background to allow me to feel comfortable with the characters and setting. Set in the London town of Primrose Hill Ziba made a rather flawed, angry, impulsive and abrasive Profiler however, I would have gladly had her on my team.

This novel was a fantastic, electrifying and solid police procedural and I really warmed to Ziba from the outset. It was a well-balanced crime-thriller that had me glued to the pages and I didn't want to put it down as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story.

The up-to-the-minute plot was very cleverly written being so gripping and suspenseful but not unbelievably horrific. With two distinct threads running through the story, I could have been overwhelmed by the number of characters in the book, but each individual had a defined role in the story. As Ziba embarked on an exciting and exhilarating mission to solve the cases, all of the time the tension was being ratcheted up a notch as Victoria Selman hit me with some captivating misdirection and planted a few red herrings. The writing flowed effortlessly with a swift pace to it as Nothing to Lose delved into topics of abusive relationships and the power of evil with doses of deception,violence and brutality.

A brilliant, nail-biting and highly recommended crime-thriller.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this book, I like Mac and the way she thinks things through and reverts to her skill set. I do get irritated by how silly she is and how frequently she puts herself in danger.
I did like the twists and turns in this book too.

Full of twists and turns and expertly written. This author knows how to world build and to draw you into a book. Very descriptive and feels like an old-time noir mystery.

Really enjoy the ziba Mackenzie series. Always fast paced, good character development and full of action.

I did not enjoy the first book in the series as much as anticipated, and I decided not to continue with the sequel.

I like the character of Ziba. I think she’s interesting, layered and a tough female character in this genre.

This novel explored the circumstances of that tragedy a lot more than the first, giving you a better understanding of Ziba’s grief and motivations.

It relies heavily on the psychological element of profiling to catch criminals and that 100% works for me.

The secondary characters are brought to life as individuals and the interactions between them and Ziba are spicy; punchier than the typical in other procedurals. Ziba was more human in this second novel, more of her life is explored and she had more human moments outside of the case that provides a clearer picture of her life and where her head and heart are at.

I love when a crime thriller can introduce more personal aspects of the main character without forcing a cheesy romance subplot or creating drama for drama’s sake. Cops are more than their careers, and to explore that in a genuine way is always going to work for me.

This is a solid police procedural that appears to be setting up something big for the next novel. I’m here for it.

This is the second book in the ZIba Mackenszie series by Victoria Selman. ZIba is a profiler who works on really gruesome murders. When her latest case involves the murder of 2 women who look like her, she becomes a potential target.