Dancers in the Wind

This is a dark suspense, not quite a thriller, but an oddly quick read with so many chapters. This is about an author who writes freelance doing a human interest piece about prostitutes, one in particular who has had a terrible life who seems to have had everything stacked against her. Even as she is doing this piece she can see those around her using her. The author, Hannah, has just had a child of her own and she feels compassion for this girl.

At the same time someone is killing prostitutes and they have killed four so far. After the old inspector was found part of the problem he retired and the new inspector, Tom, has taken up. Hannah interviews him as well. He has taken a liking to her. She isn't sure what she feels for him.

After a brutal beating Princess shows up at Hannah's door almost dead and begs her no hospitals and no police. Hannah doesn't know what to do but she finally calls a friend who is a doctor to come by and look at the girl.

They then start to share a somewhat contentious relationship of landlord tenant with Hannah going back and forth between wanting her gone and feeling badly for her. She confides in Hannah very little until she lets her know she has written everything down incase something happens to her. When she goes missing, Hannah is beside herself with worry.

This is a hard book to read. Or it was for me. Be sure to understand that if you have sexual triggers this may not be the book for you to read either.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cops, Journalists, Prostitutes, and Evil residing in high places. Coates delves into the life of a single mom doing free-lance journalism. A cop that seems to care but has a hidden vibe projected. A prostitute with a unfortunate past finds herself in a close to death encounter. Bleeding, clutching her simple pink bag Princess collapses on the porch step of Hannah who had interviewed her for a magazine article. Tom our police detective is working to put the pieces together to solve deaths of three young ladies of the evening. All of these ladies were reported missing weeks before their bodies were discovered. Now Princess is missing! Wonderful writing that kept me reading till I was finished with the book. Thank you to author and publisher via Net Galley for the opportunity to reivew such a great crime drama.

I really enjoyed this book,I thought it was well written and I liked the main characters..I read it really quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, I was kept guessing right up to the end I wasn't sure how it was going to pan out,and that is good.Thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

very much enjoyed liked the characters would recommend to friend

I really enjoyed this book and read it fairly quickly as I was quite gripped by it. The characters are well written and the story is well developed with plenty of twists and turns.

I would definitely like to read more by this author.

Thank you Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters so much that I cannot wait for the sequel. I hope Hannah and Tom are still together.
Thank you Anne Cotes for an enjoyable read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Hannah finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of vice, murder and corruption following an interview with Princess. The story is layered very well with the relationship between Hannah and Princess, alongside the murder investigation that they are both drawn into. A well written book and I will definitely recommend. Looking forward to the sequel.

This book captured my imagination right from the first chapter. Hannah a freelance journalist and new mum to Elizabeth has her life turned upside down after interviewing a young prostitute who later turns up on her door step near to death after being brutally beaten. Princess the name the prostitute uses for her clients is terrified that Hannah will call the police and have her taken to hospital. Hannah is so afraid for the girls life that she calls a doctor friend for help and he manages to patch her up. Princess tells Hanna that she will not go to the police about the beating as she says she doesn't know who to trust as people in high places are involved not just in her but other girls who have gone missing. This is just the beginning of their nightmare and it left me holding my breath in places.

This is a very enjoyable novel which I devoured in the space of 24 hours. No scrap that, it was more like 7 hours which for me, is super speed reading. I couldn't put it down. Once I became immersed in Hannah and Caroline's tale, I was hooked! Before starting this book I wasn't sure what to expect. The cover suggested murder and violence but the title...didn't! I now know why the book is called Dancers in the Wind and I feel a little silly. It all fits perfectly!

Freelance journalist Hannah Weybridge is working on a feature to coincide with the release of a television documentary featuring young prostitute, Princess and new copper on block, DI Tom Jordan. The interview with Princess opens Hannah's eyes and she hears things about life on the streets that she would prefer not to. With DI Jordan it's clear to see the sparks fly but Hannah is far too professional to make anything of it. And DI Jordan has enough on his plate trying to solve the murder of a local prostitute. When the body of a second girl is found Tom is suddenly aware that the first murder was not the work of an overly frisky punter but something much more sinister.

Hannah meanwhile is getting on with her life, having forgotten all about the prostitute and the cop; she has a six month old daughter to care for and being a single mum, she needs the phone to ring with more work. But instead of the phone ringing, the doorbell rings late one night. On her doorstep Hannah finds the badly beaten body of Princess, she's barely alive. Against her better judgement Hannah gives the girl shelter and cleans her up. But what has Princess brought to Hannah's door? Are Hannah and her baby daughter safe? And will those responsible be held to account for their actions, or are they beyond the law...?

One of the things that stood out for me in this book is the fact that the main protagonist is a journalist rather than a detective or PI. She's not really an investigative reporter either, she's just a normal mum trying to do the best for her baby daughter. That appealed to me and I found it refreshing (surely I'm not growing tired of my grumpy, addiction riddled cops...am I?). Granted, DI Tom Jordan does feature quite heavily but he is by no means the star of the show. This story belongs to Hannah and Princess.

It's a gritty read and in some places quite shocking. My attention was held from the opening chapters to the very end. Once I'd finished the book I felt quite bereft and wanted more (there is a sequel on the way - no pressure, Anne Coates!).

This is another read where you suspect pretty much every character at one point or another. I always enjoy books which use that formula as I'm always keen to hone my detective skills.

Would I recommend this book? I most certainly would. Brilliant characters with heaps of mystery to keep you guessing. A thoroughly enjoyable read and very compelling.

Four and a half stars out of five.

Many thanks to Liz Barnsley, Urbane Publications and Anne Coates for providing me with a copy of Dancers in the Wind in exchange for honest review.

This book is full of suspense and is well written. Hannah, the lead character, is a single mum and a free lance journalist working on interviewing a prostitute. It is quite harrowing to read at times but I would recommend this book. It will challenge your preconceptions of journalists, prostitutes and the police. Many thanks to Net Galley, I enjoyed the read. I reviewed on Goodreads.

Detective Inspector Tom Jordan has a mission – to clean up the streets around Kings Cross, dealing with the prostitutes, vagrants, users and dealers one at a time. As successful as his undercover patrol teams had been, someone else seems to be helping a few of the prostitutes on their way by less natural means. Three women murdered in different and yet no less brutal ways. With a current media blackout in place, Jordan is looking for the one piece of evidence which could give him an insight into who is perpetrating these crimes, before any more young women fall prey to this vicious killer.

Hannah Weybridge is a freelance journalist, contacted by a national paper to write an article on prostitution around Kings Cross to run alongside a TV documentary about to be broadcast. As part of her article, she is introduced to young prostitute Princess, a girl whose tragic story is so typical of many women on the streets. Tough and yet frank talking, Princess gets under Hannah’s skin a little, making her determined to try and paint a more sympathetic picture of a girl whose life could have been so different if someone had only cared enough to help her. And the other side of her article - making the case for the police who are tackling the sin on the streets – is none other than the enigmatic DI Jordan.

When Princess turns up on Hannah’s doorstep, badly beaten and close to death, Hannah is drawn into a dark and violent world which she has no place being in. Because Princess has a secret, one she is too scared to share with Hannah or the police, especially Tom Jordan. Much smarter and more observant than people give her credit for, Princess has been keeping journals, and something within them may be just the clue that Jordan needs to find a killer.

Torn between helping Princess and keeping herself and her baby daughter safe, Hannah is uncertain where to turn. Princess is adamant that the police are not involved, fearing corruption on the inside. When Jordan contacts Hannah to see if she has heard from Princess who has been missing from the streets for days, she begins to wonder whether his involvement with the prostitutes is as altruistic as he would have her believe. Just why is he so keen to find Princess? And, as Princess disappears again and potential witnesses start to turn up dead, just how much danger is Hannah really in?

‘Dancers In The Wind’ is a great debut thriller from author Anne Coates. Taking the point of view of journalist Hannah rather than particularly from the police perspective it gives the story a different slant. Hannah is somewhere between a journalist, keen to expose the true story no matter what, and a mother, wanting to protect her daughter Elizabeth and yet feeling maternally towards Princess, knowing how easily her life could have been changed by a little love and care.

The premise of the story is not entirely new – prostitutes being murdered is sadly something all too believable, particularly in the time period this story is set, the early 1990’s. But the where, how and why is a little different. I won’t go into it too much here, but needless to say the people involved have a lot to lose. In some respects, this is an angle of the story I would have liked to have seen explored further, but it is perhaps good that it wasn’t. The nature of the deaths and Princess’s attack were particularly grizzly and too much detail would have spoilt the narrative. This book already has a few elements which are unsavoury, childhood abuse and neglect for one, but none are dealt with gratuitously.

The characters of Hannah and DI Jordan were both very well rounded. Hannah in particular was a very likeable character and I’m glad to see she is the focus of this series as her natural tendency to protect those around her is endearing, and yet her journalistic instincts push her to want to find the truth, no matter how dangerous it may be. She is not a natural investigative journalist, this comes across in the way Coates builds her character, but she is an idealistic one and her struggle between doing what is right and what is safe is written beautifully. As for Jordan, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him. I kind of liked him, but I kind of didn’t trust him fully either. He was clearly intent on finding the truth, had a clear, if somewhat domineering attraction to Hannah, and yet was hiding something, holding back. Just what his level of involvement was in the crimes is not revealed until the end, and Coates does a great job of creating just enough doubt to keep you guessing to the end.

The story relies a lot on the relationship between Hannah and Princess as opposed to the police investigation, a relationship which is more of tolerance than trust. Princess is never truly open and honest with Hannah and Hannah has her own reasons for holding back from trusting Princess. And when Hannah’s private world and Princess collide, it leads to a whole new element of doubt and danger for Hannah. And it is perhaps this part which I would have liked to have seen explored further. The ending, whilst still keeping you on edge wondering how Hannah will get out of it, did seem a little too easy.

That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was a pacey read, many of the chapters quite short to drive the story onward. The plot was intriguing and the author drew me right in and kept me engaged with a good strong narrative. The setting, the seedier side of London, pre euro tunnel and pre mass mobile phone, worked well and I think with Hannah we have a character who has a lot of scope for future novels. I can’t wait to read the next one.

A very satisfied 4 stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and publishers Urbane Publications for the copy of ‘Dancers In The Wind’ by Anne Coates in exchange for my review.

I was slightly dubious when starting Dancers in the Wind. The last few books I had read had all been at times difficult to read. But even though the storyline concerning prostitutes was gritty it was a quick and easy read.
Hannah is shocked when Princess turns up at her home in a life threatening condition. After providing medical assistance she reluctantly gives her a home, despite reservations. She has a young daughter and is worried about being in danger. But she agrees that she can stay and starts to think of her as Caroline rather than Princess, her street name. But Caroline does bring danger with her and Hannah has no idea of who she can trust.
What Anne does is ignore the popular image shown on a lot of TV drama of prostitutes stood on street corners wearing nice clothing and having perfect skin, hair and nails. Instead she shows a truer image of desperation, scared, emotionally and physically battered women who do what they do for any reason from paying the bills to paying for boarding school. But despite their hardships they were all very loyal to each other and wanted to help. Even if it put them at risk from their pimps or clients.
As I said earlier it is an easy book to read. Hannah is a very likeable person unlike the other characters that feature who have the same career. Some of the people she deals with are very unpleasant and she is shocked at the levels that they sink to when they have the power and the money.
I am pleased that there will be a follow up to this novel. I would be interested to see what Hannah gets involved in next.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy via NetGalley.

Journalist Hannah Weybridge is working for one of the national newspapers who are running a feature on the prostitutes of Kings Cross. The assignment appears to be a bit of an eye-opener for Hannah who finds that she is extremely uncomfortable learning about the lifestyle some of the girls are living.

What Hannah does not realise is that some of the working girls have been going missing – their battered bodies turn up a few days later but the nature of their occupation means that it has not been widely reported. One of the girls that Hannah interviews (Princess) seems to have had a particularly tough childhood – Hannah has paid for her story and they spend some time together while Princess tells the story of her path to prostitution.

When Princess turns up badly battered and bloody at Hannah’s door, Hannah finds she is compelled to get urgent help for Princess and also agrees to the girl’s request not to involve the police. Hannah takes Princess into her home for a few days but these days stretch on as Princess recuperates and Hannah tries to encourage her to stay off the streets.

The pair have a somewhat troubled relationship, their very different backgrounds lead to some feisty clashes but both seem to realise that Hannah just has the best interests of Princess at her heart. Problems arise, however, when it becomes clear to Hannah that Princess has a few dark secrets and that some people will do whatever it takes to ensure Princess never gets a chance to share her knowledge with the “wrong” people. Can Hannah keep her young friend safe?

Dancers in the Wind comes under the dark and gritty tag. The nastier side of London prostitution is laid out and we learn that Hannah simply cannot trust anyone. The police do not appear to be handling the prostitute murders with any sincerity, the newspaper Hannah works for is editing and spinning her stories and Princess is dropping mysterious hints about the past actions of several characters that Hannah encounters. The story keeps you on your toes, the only person you are reasonably sure is not keeping secrets is Hannah herself!

Take a great deal of suspicion, add in some cleverly edited story jumps which keep the reader off guard. Liberally apply some great end of chapter cliff-hangers (always guaranteed to keep me reading late into the night) and we have a nice wee thriller for readers to get their teeth into.

This book was gripping and once it had me it did not let go again till the last page was turned. Very original story line that flowed so well

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I liked this book. I wasn't sure when I started it, what I thought about the main characters, Hannah, Princess and Tom, and at the end I had finally decided that I liked them all, either way, I was spell bound and kept reading. I sympathized with Princess, how many young girls find themselves in the same place every day, her hard edges were just the way she was, the way she had to be. Hannah, against her own better judgement tried to do what was right and in the end, her life changed so much from this encounter. Tom, I wanted him to be a good guy so bad, I kept wondering if the author was going to make him a good cop or bad cop, I hung on and read and wondered and followed the story to its end. Great book, not the happy ending that a lot of books have, but a satisfying ending.

Will definitely look for more books from Anne Coates.

A great read with lots of tension and a story which is seen from a different angle.Well written characters whose lives are believable this book leaves you wanting to read a lot more from this Authors pen

Freelance journalist Hannah Weybridge is working on a feature to coincide with the release of a television documentary featuring young prostitute, Princess and new copper on block, DI Tom Jordan.
Set in 1993 and London's seedy world of prostitution, prostitutes are going missing and being found brutally murdered.
On her doorstep Hannah finds the badly beaten body of Princess, she’s barely alive. Against her better judgement Hannah gives the girl shelter and cleans her up. But what has Princess brought to Hannah’s door? Are Hannah and her baby daughter safe? And will those responsible be held to account for their actions, or are they beyond the reach of the law…?
A good read

Thanks to Netgalley the Publisher and Author for a chance to read this book......

Hannah Weybridge is a single mom and a freelance journalist. On commission to write an article concerning the seamier side of town, she meets a very young prostitute, Princess. She also meets DI Tom Jordan, who is investigating the brutal beating deaths of three sex workers whose bodies were discovered days or weeks after they went missing.

There's an attraction between Hannah and Jordan, but her compassion is all for Princess, especially as she hers her background. Princess is one of those people who are born victims.

And Hannah is proven correct when Princess shows up pn her door one night, badly beaten and barely alive. Hannah, much against her better judgment, lets Princess stay with her so that 'they' can't find her again to finish the job.

Princess drops a bomb shell --- she knows who is killing the prostitutes ... and why.

Does Hannah tell Jordan? Who can she trust when Princess tells her there is a major cover up. not only by the cops, but at people even closer to the top? Now Hannah is the one being hunted....

This book is a very compelling British crime thriller. Has a bit of everything for everyone... crooked cops, crooked rich people, a look at the darker side of life, violence, murder, even a touch of romance.

It's cleverly written with a riveting story line. If the author wanted Tom Jordan to be a bit mysterious, taciturn, a little blunt .. she nailed it. Hannah is a strong woman, drifting into dark places most of us wouldn't attempt. Princess, at different times, is very street-wise, yet has the petulance of a normal teenager. Princess is anything but a normal teenager.

Many thanks to the author / Urbane Publications / Netgalley for the digital copy of this gripping novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Certainly a good read. Set in 1993 the book covers prostitution in Kings Cross and when there are 3 murdered journalist Hannah Webridge herself comes under threat
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I didn't expect to like this story as much as I did, but I was highly impressed by it, I would certainly recommend it to my book lover friends! I was a huge fan of the character development throughout the whole story and the ways the author chose to handle the situations. Looking forward to read more books by Anne Coates! Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this beautiful book, you made me so happy!

This book had the perfect combination that a book should have in my opinion - good guys, bad guys and a little romance!
Hannah unwittingly becomes part of Princess's live, and tries to help Princess help rebuild her life. In the process Hannah gets involved with the DI investigating the girl's case and I would like to see in future books if there a romantic connection formed!
This was really an entertaining book, and I can honestly recommend it for anyone who loves a good read!!