Skip to main content
book cover for Tear Drop (Detective Elizabeth Ireland, Book 1)

Tear Drop (Detective Elizabeth Ireland, Book 1)

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Aug 27 2015 | Archive Date Feb 03 2016

Description

The crimes of the past echo in the present...

Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop...until now.

An Irish newspaper receives a chilling letter claiming to be from Campbell, which promises a new reign of terror. As death stalks the dark streets of Cork City, it soon becomes clear to the police and the media that a serial killer is on the loose.

Elizabeth Ireland, a former detective with The Metropolitan Police, was the lead investigator on the original case when Campbell vanished. However, only she believes that Campbell didn’t send the letter.

She embarks upon a frightening psychological journey to uncover the killer's identity, where she's pulled into a lethal game in which the killer sets the rules and waits for her next move. With the crimes of the past echoing in the present, can she find the killer before he comes for her?

Tear Drop is the first book in the new Irish crime thriller series featuring Detective Elizabeth Ireland. Book 2, Insincere, is coming soon.

The crimes of the past echo in the present...

Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop...until now.

An Irish newspaper...


Advance Praise

Very different storyline. Great thrill ride!
I never once guessed right who the killer was so had to read in one sitting to find out, can't wait for the next...
Loved,loved,loved this book! The characters.....the story....the fact it was set in Ireland. A great read. Looking forward to more from this Author.
5 Stars! This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning.

Very different storyline. Great thrill ride!
I never once guessed right who the killer was so had to read in one sitting to find out, can't wait for the next...
Loved,loved,loved this book! The...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781515187998
PRICE $2.99 (USD)

Average rating from 91 members


Featured Reviews

5 Stars! This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Former detective Elizabeth Ireland was the lead detective in the case against serial killer Ross Campbell, AKA Tear Drop over 10 years ago, when he disappeared off the grid. Fast forward to the present, when a letter which is delivered to high profile reporter Brendan Mahon, signifying that Campbell is back. When the murders begin, Ireland assists with the case, but she knows the letter wasn't written by Campbell. She can't say how she knows, she just does. But can she convince the others that it isn't Campbell and find the real killer? She is right, isn't she, it couldn't possibly be Campbell...

The plot of this story is excellent, truly well thought out. I was pulled into the story and really couldn't put it down. There were twists and turns along the way that kept me guessing and I found myself really analyzing the story, looking for clues while I was trying to solve the mystery along with Ireland. Full of suspense and surprises, this book will not disappoint.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about murder, mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. This is the first time I've read anything by this author but I can assure you this will not be the last!

Was this review helpful?

Please see blog

Was this review helpful?

Clancy does it again! Masterfully woven with clues and intrigue she manages to change my idea of the killer multiple times and have it come together beautifully at the end. Elizabeth is a retired detective from London having moved to Cork, Ireland after the serial killer she caught was found not guilty. A serial killer is haunting Cork and the police believe it's the teardrop killer, but she knows it can't be possible. A fabulous and exciting new series be prepared to enjoy a thriller and test yourself. The publisher sent me a copy through Netgalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first in a new series books, featuring detective Elizabeth Ireland. Elizabeth was a police officer, but due to a case gone wrong, she is now a private investigator. All points that the serial killer has gone, but suddenly he returns. Or did he. The story line has a lot of story twists that I didn't see, and leaves you with the WOW factor intended. This is the first book by Joanne Clancy I've read, but I will make sure its not the last. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked this book. And, we knew almost immediately who the killer wasn't which became another mystery because all the deaths looked the same as a former serial killer.

And of course, everyone I just knew was the killer, I was wrong, they were not the killer. That just means the author did a good job in writing the book. No one wants to know who did it at the beginning of the book. However, I really did think it was the reporter. Grrr!!!

The story went well and was well written and I liked most of the characters, of course, there is always that one jackass cop and unfortunately he tends to be the big man. Well, he's in here too.

It's a short read and one that I definitely think you will like. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to the author and Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this highly entertaining e-galley.

Was this review helpful?

A great fast paced read. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, I never once guessed right who the killer was so had to read in one sitting to find out, can't wait for the next in the series. .

Was this review helpful?

Well written Irish crime/serial killer/thriller, the first in a new series by Joanne Clancy. The writing style and the plot gripped my attention right from the start and kept me interested to the end. Former detective Elizabeth Ireland, the main character, is a multi-layered protagonist and her relationship with the detective in charge of the case worked well. My only criticism: it was too obvious who the villain was from fairly early on. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the red herrings and will certainly read book 2.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book,can't wait to read more from this author.couldn't put it down

Was this review helpful?

Loved it! Great thriller! I started reading and couldn't put it down. Grabbed me from the very first chapter. Very different storyline. Great thrill ride!

Was this review helpful?
Not set

I am grateful to the author and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Elizabeth Ireland was a detective with the metropolitan police until she was forced to leave due to a charge of mishandling a case. She moved to Cork and became a private investigator.

A murder occurs which closely replicates the tear drop murders which Elizabeth investigated in London and police are quick to assume that Ross Campbell is responsible for these killings too. Elizabeth knows that this can't be the case because he is dead, yet she is the only person who knows he is dead.

This is a good book. I was slightly baffled by all the characters and their relationships at times but they will all become clearer as the series progresses. It was a simple storyline with plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep the suspense going and I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series.

Not set
Was this review helpful?

I highly recommend this. It was a fast read, and the characters are fully developed. I liked how Ms. Clancy didn't waste my time with a lot of unnecessary words, she was crisp and to the point. Even though this is a short story, I don't think you'll figure out the who-dun-it. I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented author.

**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.**

Was this review helpful?

Elizabeth Ireland does not believe the "Teardrop" killer has returned and she is the only one who believes that because all signs point to his return. She was the lead detective on the original case but is no longer a member of the Metropolitan Police and as she tries to uncover who the real killer is before he kills again it draws her closer and closer into harms way. Great Read!!

Was this review helpful?

This certainly grabbed my attention right away. Started off with a bang by a short produced version of how Detective Ireland's last case, Teardrop, got flubbed & continued with a fast paced account of her newest case. The writer didn't waste any time in superfluous details but it did not make the story any less satisfying. I really enjoyed the bluntness of the tale & since Elizabeth Ireland was a very no-nonsense detective, I really felt like it was her telling me about this case. For some reason I thought Joanne Clancy was a new author but after reading this one, I looked her up & was surprised that she has a lot of books out. I wouldn't hesitate to read one of her earlier books & look forward to her second book in this series: Insincere.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the first in the series and WOW what a way to start. I enjoy a thriller where I can not figure out the killer and this was just like that. It held my attention until the very last page.

I enjoyed meeting Elizabeth but I also enjoyed that we were not bogged down in the beginning of the book with so many details that the mystery was a background story like some authors do in the first book of a series.

I have not read Clancy before but this was such an enjoyable read that I plan on some day going back and reading more from her. Any fan of thrillers will enjoy this story. And look forward to the next one too.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

“Tear Drop” (Detective Elizabeth Ireland, Book 1) is Joanne Clancy’s latest crime thriller release novel, and having read just about all of her books, all I can say is she has done it again with another winner!

Joanne is an Irish mystery writer, from Cork, Ireland, the setting for this novel, whose books combine murder, mystery, and suspense with a twist of psychological drama. Book 2, in this series is called “Insincere”, will be released in October 2015.

This book had me hooked right from page one…

“Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop…until now.”

Elizabeth Ireland, a former detective with The Metropolitan Police in London, was the lead investigator ten years ago, on the original case against serial killer Ross Campbell, AKA “Tear Drop”. But then he just vanished. . After this case, she left the force and set up in business as a private detective in Cork, Ireland.

Then an Irish newspaper receives a letter claiming to be from Campbell…warning of many murders to come! But Elizabeth, who has been brought in to assist with the case, as a consultant, believes that Campbell didn’t send the letter. Elizabeth knows the truth and is has been hiding a major secret all these years, one that she is not ready to reveal.

Elizabeth must convince the others that it isn't Campbell and find the real killer! A serial killer is on the streets…but who is the killer?

This now becomes a game of cat and mouse, the killer sets all the rules and Elizabeth must react!

The killer has given them seven days to find him before he disappears again. The clock is ticking!

The Academy teaches you skills, but the streets teach you instinct.

This well written crime novel will not disappoint. Strong characters and a steady-paced tempo. Settle in to unravel the mystery. I loved it and now will be looking forward to reading “Insincere”, Book 2 in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great read! It's a whodunit with a spectacular ending. I can usually guess the culprit, but this time I was taken completely by surprise. Great characters. I can't wait to read the next book!! 5stars!!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first Joanne Clancy book I've read and it has definitely whetted my appetite! Someone is killing women in Cork, exactly like a murderer in London, years ago. . Elizabeth Ireland is a PI assisting the police. I liked this character who was a bit on the touchy side - the sort who wouldn't suffer fools gladly. A loner with a kind heart - if you can find it! I can recommend this book to anyone who likes murder mysteries.

Was this review helpful?

Tear Drop is a crime thriller based in the city of Cork starring the retired Met detective turned private eye Elizabeth Ireland.

Elizabeth retired to the Emerald Isle after a horrific investigation and capture of a serial killer back in London which ended in an acquittal of the suspect. Nine years on, a local reporter receives a letter supposedly from this killer saying he is going to strike again. Elizabeth involves her senior policeman boyfriend and suddenly bodies start to appear. Is it Elizabeth's nemesis or is it a copycat?

I really enjoyed this book, helps it being my favourite genre! Joanne's writing is brilliant, I felt I was there in Cork. Even though I've never been, i conjuring up my own version of the city and the characters. As I was introduced to each new character my suspects and theory changed but I didn't guess the actual culprit - the sign of a good crime thriller!

I'll definitely be reading the next instalment for Elizabeth Ireland.

Thank you to Netgalley and Joanne Clancy for giving me this ebook for me to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Even though I already have six other books on my tbr list that I have previously bought by this author, this is the first one that I have read so far and I finished it in a matter of a few hours of picking it up. I was sucked straight into the story like a spider devouring its prey and couldn't put it back down again till I was done. It was brilliantly written, fast paced and had more twists and turns than a helter skelter. The characters were authentic and the storyline was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through, it was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and when the killer was finally revealed it was a complete shock, I certainly didn't see that coming. All in all a fabulous book and I look forward to reading more of the Elizabeth Ireland series very soon. Thank you to Joanne Clancy for allowing me the opportunity of reading an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. I will be bumping those other six books up to the top of my tbr list. Well deserved 5 stars from me! My review will be posted on Amazon and Goodreads on publication day.

Was this review helpful?

Yes! This author has left me wanting more and right now

This is book 1 in a brand new crime series by Joanne Clancy. I have read other books by this author and she never ceases to astound me, her writing is always spot on for a reader, she starts off at a tremedous rate that only keeps you gasping for more as each page you flip.

Ross Campbell vanished from the face of the earth. He was wanted by the Police. He was a Serial Killer. TEAR DROP All becomes clear why he is nick named Tear drop as you read on.

Elizabeth Ireland, a former detective with The Metropolitan Police [now turned Private Investigator} was the main lead Investigator back then.

Then it seems the Serial Killer has come back, ready to start again.

There is an Irish reporter working for an Irish newspaper who receives a letter, this points to all and sundry that Ross Campbell is back and starting his killings again.
Everything points to the fact and there seems to be deaths mirroring the same type of crimes.

Elizabeth is invited to come and involve herself in the case as she was vital to the role before several years earlier. Which she takes up. However, not all goes to plan.
Elizabeth has a secret of her own. Its a secret that I can feel many times within the book, I can feel Elizabeth sweating it out, as she changes the subject many times, I don't know how she coped with the secret.

Someone else is brought back to, he is now what you call a Profiler. He takes all the facts and makes them into a profile of the Killer. Not all the Police are welcome to new ideas, however, there are those that can see the logic in it.

Preston though is part of Elizabeth's past, there is some tension to be had.

The author has thought this plot through and had me fooled. I had three suspects, then it was two. I was completely wrong on all counts.

Personally I really do not know how she came up with the superb storyline but I really need book 2 and fast.

How did it make me feel

That I was breathing this book. I didn't even go to sleep until the early hours because I wanted to finish it. I wanted to carry on until the conclusion because this is how this author makes you feel. You can't rest until you have read the entire book, I kid you not.

I would definitely recommend this book, its a 5 * from me because it had all the elements for a thriller. Crime, intrigue, edge of your seat, biting my nails, making the reader think they 'got it and worked it all out', only to find you are off the mark.

The flow of this book was fast paced, no dips, or no dull moments, well, not for me anyhow.

I want to thank the author for my copy. Superb piece of craftmanship.

I need the next book!

Was this review helpful?

'Teardrop' was my first Joanne Clancy novel, but it most definitely won't be my last. It drew me in from the first page and kept me hooked until the very end. I loved the main character, Detective Elizabeth Ireland, and look forward to reading more of her story as the series continues.

A fabulous 4 star read. A link to my full review will be added soon.

Was this review helpful?

Was this review helpful?

Wow move over Patricia Cornwell you have some competition!!! I was granted a copy of this book from Netgalley for free for an unbiased review ... free or not the review would be the same it was a cracking psychological thriller which left you wanting more. Elizabeth Ireland is ex police but assisting the local police with enquiries on their latest killer who has a lot in common with a killer she knew very well. There were a lot of twists and red herrings to dry and distract you from the real murderer but all gets tied up very neatly at the end. I am hoping that the second book gives a bit more background on Elizabeth as i just felt i wanted to know a bit more about her and what makes her tick ....

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Woke early this morning so I could finish this book and what a great ending! I have to start by saying that a couple of years ago I took one of Joanne Clancys books on holiday with me. Although I thought the storyline had great potential, I didn't enjoy the writing style and found it disappointing. I decided that her books weren't for me but then I kept hearing about her books from people in THE Book Club! They were raving about this book and as they usually have very similar tastes to me (and I trust their judgements totally!) I decided to give this one a go when it popped up on netgalley. Detective Elizabeth Ireland is back in Cork. She worked in London on the case of a serial killer called Teardrop a few years back so when it appears that Teardrop is back and killing again, Elizabeth is brought in to see if her experience can help to catch the killer. But Elizabeth knows for a fact this is a copycat killer. Why is she so sure and will she be able to track them down before it gets personal?
I really enjoyed this and am already looking forward to the next instalment. I loved the setting of Cork and Elizabeth's relationships with her colleagues. It had great twists and turns in the plot and I genuinely had no idea who the killer was till the denouement. It was just the right length for me and and I read it in a day as I just didn't want to put it down!
"Insincere" book 2 of the Elizabeth Ireland series is out on 21st October and available for pre-order now.
Many thanks to netgalley and the author for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by this Author but Joanne Clancy will be on my list of more books to read by her.

This book grabbed my attention straight away it was a page turner ( which I love).
The characters were great and the storyline is interesting.There are twists and turns along the way and I never guessed the ending so was surprised at the end (a sign of a good book when you can not work it out).
A fantastic read. Can not wait for book 2

Was this review helpful?

A real CPID book. Great to see a book set in Ireland that's not making caricature out of the Irish. Will be looking out for book 2.

Was this review helpful?

I want to know how on earth I’ve missed out on this superb author! This book is a fantastic page turner from start to finish, with great characters, mystery, misdirection, puzzles and suspense in an enthralling mix that is brilliantly written, fine tuned to perfection.

Elizabeth Ireland is now a private investigator, living in Cork but she used to work as a member of the Metropolitan Police in London. Her last case in London involved a serial killer who was nicknamed Tear Drop who she believed was Ross Campbell. He disappeared but she knows what happened to him and why he is no longer a threat. So who is starting to be a copy cat killer in Cork? Is she in danger? Can the killer be caught before he can claim many more victims?

The past events and relationships throw all sorts of red herrings and misdirections, making the reader assume they’ve sorted out who the killer is, only to find that they are wrong again! The characters are complex, fully developed and believable. The way additional clues are shared, the fantastic pace that keeps you reading and the flow of the whole story is so well choreographed that it is a superb work of art, a symphony beautifully conducted and utterly breathtaking.

This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it. I am certainly going to be looking out for more books by this outstandingly talented author in future!

Thanks to the author for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great book. If you like mystery and serial killers in one book you should check this series out. This book is full of surprises and twist and turns. So much is going on and I can't wait to see what happens next. * I received this book from Net galley in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful?

This book is a combination whodunit mystery and police procedural. I was hooked right at the start, and the story held my attention throughout.

Elizabeth retired from the police force in London after a complicated serial murder case. Now a private investigator in Ireland, she finds herself drawn back into another serial murder case with too many similarities. This is where we meet Elizabeth, as she works with the police to find the killer.

The author does a great job of making us question our assumptions about the killer's identity. The plot moves at a steady pace as we follow the leads along with Elizabeth. While this story is about a serial killer, we aren't given a lot of gory detail, making this an ideal read for those who prefer a mystery without all the violence.

My one quibble comes with character development. In the end, the 'what' all came together perfectly, but I wanted a little more of the 'why'. I would have liked to better understand the characters and their motivations. Despite this entire book being written in Elizabeth's point of view, I didn't feel as though I really knew who she was as a person.

Aside from my wish to know more about the characters, this is a quick and engaging read that I enjoyed. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Elizabeth.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It is the story of Elizabeth Ireland, a Private Investigator who previously worked for the Met and has now moved to Cork. One of her previous serial killer cases, Teardrop, which she worked on 10 years ago, seems to be coming back to haunt her. Similar cases to those carried out in London are happening in Cork and it is a race against time for Elizabeth stopping the murderer reoffending. I did find myself getting a bit confused about who was who and which people belonged in London and which in Cork, but that was my fault, you have to concentrate! By the end of the book all becomes clear and the murderer was certainly a shocker for me! Extremely well written and entertaining, read it within a day.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this book! A great new detective with hidden depths and interesting characters surrounding her. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
I look forwards reading Insincere and am off to Amazon to buy some of the author's other books!!

Was this review helpful?

I was given this book by the author/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well Holy-Bloody-Cow! My mind is still whirling from the twists in this book! In case you can’t tell…I absolutely loved it!

I loved the story itself. The past coming back to haunt the main character (Elizabeth Ireland) and the mind games that ensued left me feeling as if I was a part of this story. Why have I not come across Joanne Clancy before!?

This book was fast-paced and I could not put it down! In fact, I think writing this review has taken me longer than reading the book!

Elizabeth Ireland is a great character. She is one of those chracters that keeps you on your toes. I particularly liked her personality which came across easily within the pages. I am also intrigued by her partner, Frank — who may now find himself burdened — no spoilers though. And Brendan Mahon…typical journalist. You don’t know whether to like him or despise him. There were so many more characters I could go on about…like Delaney…..hmmm….but I can say with all honesty that each person who reads this will be draen to some characters more than others.

Needless to say, this is one author who I will definitely be reading more of and I look forward to the next in the Elizabeth Ireland series which I will be downloading very soon!!!

#1 Bestseller in Irish Crime at the moment and I understand why!!

Was this review helpful?

A fantastic debut for Detective Elizabeth Ireland as she goes after a serial killer . Brilliant fast paced book which left me eagerly awaiting the next book

Was this review helpful?

“Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop…until now.”

An Irish newspaper receives a chilling letter claiming to be from Campbell, which promises a new reign of terror. The killer has given them seven days to find him before he disappears again. The clock is ticking.

Only Elizabeth Ireland, former detective and the lead investigator on the original case, knows that it can't possibly be from Campbell. She knows where he is.

But how does she convince the investigating team, as the bodies pile up, that Campbell isn't the killer without revealing her secret knowledge?

This is a cracking good thriller with more twists and turns in it than a snakes and ladders game. Don't plan on doing anything else once you start reading Tear Drop. I am looking forward to reading more in this, the first of a series.

Thank you to author Joanne Clancy, and NetGalley for the gift of a copy of Tear Drop in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I receieved this as an arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ross campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as teardrop...............until now.
wow. Fantastic read. Absolutely loved loved it. The characters and the plot was great. I was guessing who it could be and i kept getting it wrong. Had no idea. Coyld not put this down. Definetly a must read.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic start to a new series by this well known author. I loved every minute of the twists and turns and it kept me guessing till the end. Can't wait for the next book!

Was this review helpful?

From the beginning of Tear Drop, I was hooked. The plot of the book was superb - I was left trying to guess the ending throughout the whole book. So much so, I found myself trying to analyse it even when I wasn't reading! As someone who loves crime fiction, I would place this highly on my top books of 2015 - great characters & great twists.

I am looking forward to the next instalment of Elizabeth Ireland & can't wait to read more of Joanne's books. I really hope this book gets the recognition it deserves - 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in this series of books by Irish writer Joanne Clancy featuring Detective Elizabeth Ireland.A psychological crime novel that draws the reader in and keeps them guessing throughout. A book full of strong characters and lots of twists and suspense that keep you hanging on every sentence. The story is well told and excellently paced and such was my enjoyment that the 500+ pages went very quickly as I wanted to learn more.

I would like to thank Net Galley and author Joanne Clancy for supplying me with a copy of this book in exhange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Having been hounded out of her job at a Detective with the Met, Elizabeth reinvents herself as a private detective in Cork. One day, a local journalist hands her a letter he has received that claims to be from the serial killer in the case that broke her - Ross Campbell. Instead of wondering why he has been dormant all these years only to resurface now, Elizabeth knows it isn't him, but for reasons we soon find out, this is not information she is able to share with anyone. As the bodies start to pile up, her links with the Cork Police, along with her expertise in the previous cases, allow her to inveigle herself into the investigation. She then embarks on a right cat and mouse game as she calls upon her old contacts from the Met to help her uncover who is the killer whilst the police carry on believing Campbell is back!
Ms Clancy is already a well established author but is a new one to me. I found her style of writing very easy to read and her way of crafting a twisty turny storyline has me dragged from pillar to post as I, along with Elizabeth, endeavoured to get to the truth. I do have one slightly small criticism insofar as I think there are maybe just a few too many "red herrings" for my liking, some of which I felt weren't quite as satisfactorily explained away as perhaps they could have been.
Characterisation was excellent. All of the characters - big or small - came across as real and dialogue and banter between them felt natural. All this allowed me to emote well with them - something I think is important in a book.
But, what I really loved about this serial killer book was the reason for all the killing. Obviously I can't share here what it is but, having spent the whole book trying to work out who and why, making up connections in my head - convoluted ones at that! To get "that" answer to the question during the great reveal was brilliant! If I was to tell anyone this they'd think I was mad but, in the context of all that had gone before, the killer's answer was, to me, just perfect!
All in all, a great series opener and I see that book 2 is out soon, I'll definitely be having a bit of that!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

When slimeball Brendan Mahon a journalist with The Examiner a leading Irish newspaper, tracks down Elizabeth Ireland, she is not the happiest of people, but her day is about to get worse. Nine years ago Detective Elizabeth Ireland worked for the Metropolitan Police as lead investigator on a murder case. Ross Campbell had murdered five women. All the evidence was there but during the trial Elizabeth was accused of planting evidence and the whole case fell apart. Ross Campbell, the Tear Drop killer walked free and disappeared. Elizabeth won her case for defamation of character and retired to Ireland to start her own Private Detective business with the compensation money she received. Mahon shows Elizabeth a letter he has received a couple of days earlier from a man claiming to be Ross Campbell. Only hours after sending a copy of the letter to Detective Chief Superintendent Frank Murphy the bodies begin to pile up. The police employ Elizabeth as a consultant for the case, unfortunately no-one will listen to her when she says it isn't Ross Campbell committing the crimes. Elizabeth has to pull in old acquaintances from her past at the Met to help put a stop to this killing spree. What a great start to a new series this book is. Elizabeth Ireland is sassy determined and far from squeaky clean which is totally refreshing. She shows compassion in the story and has the skill and ability to reach out to people from all walks of life.. There are many false trails with the novel having more twists and turns than any tornado. It certainly kept me on my toes and I feared for her life everytime she was alone with anyone. The end totally suprised me but when I thought back on the story all the clues were there. Another novel by this author is due out in October so I am already looking forward to reading Elizabeth Ireland's next case.
Excellent read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Author Joanne Clancy for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was a new Author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed her style of writing. It was a gritty, no nonsense police procedural storyline that kept the reader tense and very gripped as it progressed. I loved the characters and thought they were very well rounded and worked really well together.

I will definitely be looking out for the next book and have already recommended this book to a few people who enjoy similar genres.

Thank.you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Since leaving the Met police in London under a cloud, Elizabeth has been working the private sector in Ireland. When a journalist approaches her claiming to have been contacted by a serial killer, Elizabeth knows it can't be the man she tried to put in prison years ago. He is dead, that she knows for a fact because she killed him. This killer is copying the other. Who can it be? There is no shortage of suspects. How many must die before she and the Irish police can stop him? A brilliant who done it. Our heroine is carrying a lot of emotional baggage, but she is exceptionally good at her job. There was no way to guess who was our killer. I totally fell for the red herring.
Very enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I've read by this author but won't be the last . The start of the Elizabeth Ireland series and what a start . Elizabeth , now a private investigator gets drawn into a serial killer claiming to be the one known as the tear drop who disappeared when Elizabeth was a detective with the met . A quick story which keeps you guessing till the end , a sign of a good writer . I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented author.

Special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc

Was this review helpful?

Really good read! Very different crime thriller with Elizabeth Ireland a consultant. Look forward to more in this series!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first Joanne Clancy book that I've read and I can't wait to read more. The story pulled me in from the first page. It was well-written, fast-paced and full of twists and red herrings. All characters were very well drawn-out and convincing. I had several theories about the killer's identity and was delighted to find them all wrong, as I always feel cheated when I guess the culprit! I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

When I finished the last page of this book I immediately went to my purveyor of E-books and ordered the next in the series and preordered the third in the series. A good detective crime mystery. No over the top high tech gadgetry, no super-duper cyber sleuthing. Just plain old gumshoe work, using the all-powerful function of human smarts and intuition. The setting is in Ireland but it could well be anywhere. The author’s storytelling skills shine and while this is the first of her stories for me I look forward to the sequels. A serious talent for providing great reading.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: