Member Reviews

I really enjoyed the first book featuring Kelly Porter so I was delighted to get hold of the next book in the series. It is always with a bit of apprehension that I start reading the second in series, but I needn't have worried. This is every bit as good as the first- if not slightly better.

As Summer approaches the Lake District is hoaching with tourists. A woman's body is found in an old churchyard. Her body has been mutilated and the lines of a poem are found on(or should that be in?) her body. As the body count rises Kelly & her team struggle to work out who the killer (nicknamed The Teacher) will strike next. The Tourist Board are furious! They had encouraged interest in the 'Lakes Poets'- they didn't want them to be associated with dead bodies!Time is running out for Kelly when the Teacher strikes those close to her.

This is a fast moving police procedural. It is easy to feel at home with Kelly and her team. They are interesting rounded characters. The plot keeps the reader on their toes- as usual I didn't guess 'whodunnit'!!

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for this great five star read- can't wait till next one!

Was this review helpful?

I read this book in two sittings, barely able to wait to find out the identity of the killer. When a woman's mutilated body is found outside a church, the setting and the beautiful descriptions of the Lakes make the horror seem even more profound. The characters are so real that at times I found myself catching my breath at the sheer energy and determination of DI Kelly Porter. The relationship with her sister adds a new depth to her character that many readers will identify with. The ending is cleverly done - not so obtuse a twist as to be unbelievable but not one you see coming from the start either. Really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

Was this review helpful?

It was a good story and it kept me hooked but the thing is at times I felt like there were too many characters. Good plot. I do like the main character she's complex and interesting.

Was this review helpful?

Deep Fear is the second book in the DI Kelly Porter series and this time DI Porter is facing a serieal killer who murders people for the bad things done in life. The bodies are hidden in places easy to find and the notes, the police is finding in the bodies, makes it obvious that the killer thinks his handing out punishment where it belongs.
I really liked the plot and the setting was beautiful (if it ever can be the case with murders). The building up to the point when finally we (the reader and the DI) find out who the killer is was brilliant. And then came a twist that made for an even better ending, with moments fearing the worst for not only Kelly Porter but her family as well.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the first in the Kelly Porter series, so was looking forward to reading this second one. It certainly didn't disappoint. The story is set in the Lake District, so there are lots of lovely descriptions of the Lakeland landscape. These are in direct contrast to the ghastly murders that Kelly and her team are trying to solve. Women have been left naked and horribly mutilated, and all have some lines from poetry left with the bodies. This is a real page turner which will keep you guessing until the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the DI Kelly Parker series. The first one was brilliant, and so is this one. The setting is in the Lake District - my old stamping ground growing up with rambling, boating and rock mountaineering in Borrowdale and a team member of the rescue squad. A winter picture of Wastwater on a mobile screen. WOW! SO envious! My favourite, moody, sinister-looking place. Thank you for those memories. What makes the book stand out for me as well as nostalgia is the detail and all the interesting sub-themes like the Lake Poets - a bit of culture, graphology, philosophy and the psychological aspects. There was evidence gathering, the Autopsy while I was scoffing my pot noodles, how to deliver bad news to victim's families, interpretation of the facts they glean and the skilful questioning. Rob Shawcross is the new side-kick, so we learn how he's trained. I learnt such a lot about procedures. It's brought out well how little personal life detectives can enjoy. We learn more about Kelly's home and personal life. There are lots of victims, feasible suspects and red herrings and hold fast to your chair with the tense, nail-biting action at the end as they smoke out the miswired perp. Highly recommended reading. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo.

Was this review helpful?

When the naked body of a woman is found near a Lake District church, DI Kelly Porter immediately senses that the killing seemed personal and that the perpetrator had a particular grudge. When another body is found, however, she realises that there is much more to it and that there is a serial killer on her patch. With quotes from the Lakes poets being left with the bodies, the police know that they are dealing with a particularly disturbed individual who must be stopped before the body count continues to rise.

Deep Fear is the second book to feature Kelly Porter, the first being Dark Game. In the first book, we were introduced to Kelly who, after years of working in London, had returned back home to Cumbria. She could have been forgiven for thinking that her job would now be less eventful but, as she soon found out, the Lakes contain their fair share of dubious characters. In Deep Fear, we come across one of the worst sorts – a deranged serial killer who seems keen to mete out their own version of punishment.

This is very much a police procedural and a classic serial killer hunt – something I always enjoy reading. Like many serial killers, this one soon acquires a nickname by the press, in this case, ‘The Teacher’, as they seem to want to teach their victims a lesson. Initially, the victims seem not to be connected but as Kelly digs deeper, a link is found – has she found the right one though or is someone playing an even clever game? One of the things I liked most was that, in order to find her answer, Kelly and her team use a range of techniques, relying not just upon modern forensics, but also using good old-fashioned leg work.

Whereas a lot of the lead detectives in books such as this are very damaged, I find that, although Kelly has her issues, she comes across as a very real character. Her relationship with her family is well-written – it is very easy to imagine the tension caused by the dislike her and her sister share for each other. I also like the way Kelly works – she is a fair boss who still commands respect from the rest of her team.

This is definitely emerging as a series to watch and I look forward to seeing what the Lake District has in store next for Kelly Porter.

Was this review helpful?

Second book in the series featuring DI Kelly Porter but works perfectly well as a standalone book. People are being murdered because of bad things that they have done in their lives. They are also found with body parts missing and a note inside each body quoting lines of poetry. Really descriptive book bringing to life the scenes of the Lake District. Good characters and good storyline. Look forward to future books.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the series featuring DI Kelly Porter. I haven’t read the first book in the series yet but this didn’t really matter as it works perfectly well as a standalone book. I absolutely LOVED reading ‘Deep Fear’ but more about that in a bit.
DI Kelly Porter is one feisty and determined lady. It’s obvious that something has happened in her past, which affected her deeply and it still affects her to this day. It isn’t immediately obvious as to what has happened but little clues are given and much like a jigsaw puzzle, when all the pieces are put together you find the complete picture. DI Porter uses exercise as her coping mechanism and she regularly goes for a run on her own because it helps her think clearly and decreases her stress levels. DI Porter is one of those detectives that I would love to work for. She cares, she listens, she mucks in to do her share of the workload and if the poop hits the fan, she has your back. Porter works well as part of a team but I think that she works well on her own too. The start of the book sees the discovery of a body and the way the body has been positioned and the items around the body really get to Porter. Porter has a keen nose for trouble and when she is investigating a case, if something doesn’t feel right then it usually isn’t and Porter won’t settle until she has fully satisfied her curiosity and exhausted all investigative avenues.
This was a cracking introduction to DI Kelly Porter. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and before long you are hooked. I was addicted to this book from the moment I opened the front cover and began to read. I binge read this book in three sittings, which is unusual for me as I usually have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. Reading ‘Deep Fear’ became an addiction and I became desperate for my next fix. I just needed to know how the investigation progressed and the more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker I read. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. I really did get a sense of what a police investigation entails and the frustrations that police officers often feel in the course of an investigation. I have to say that reading ‘Deep Fear’ was often like riding on an unpredictable and sometimes scary rollercoaster ride. There were several twists and turns and there were moments where I just wanted to put my hands over my eyes as I feared what was going to happen next. I enjoyed everything about this book- well all except the way in which the victims were positioned and the evidence that was in the immediate vicinity. I don’t want to put too much more as it will give away too many spoilers.
As I stated towards the beginning of my review this is the second in the series featuring DI Kelly Porter but it works perfectly well as a standalone book. As I am a bit OCD regarding reading a series in the correct order, I will definitely be seeking out DI Porter’s first case and making reading it one of my top priorities and then re-read ‘Deep Fear’.
To conclude I must say that ‘Deep Fear’ is one heck of a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a read and it is a book which I would wholeheartedly recommend to other readers. I can’t wait to read the next case involving DI Porter and her team and here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this book and likened it to Anglea Marsons, another of my favourite authors, in it's style.
It's a comfortable read, well plotted and makes it easy to identify and empathise with many of the main characters.
Not overly gruesome but it doesn't pander to the faint hearted either.
I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending which I felt dropped off a bit but it wouldn't stop me from reading another by the same author.

Was this review helpful?

This is a chiller of a book two in the Kelly Porter series. A clear 4 star from me for this chilling page turner. Set in the Lake District, it beautifully captures the essence of the area. Read Dark Game first, you won't be disappointed.
Rachel Lynch is an author to follow. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. I reviewed on Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook.

Was this review helpful?

I read and reviewed the first book in the DI Kelly Porter series - Dark Game, and while I enjoyed it, for me, it was overly graphic and too factual, in parts. Deep Fear, the second book in the series has retained the action, pace and suspense of the first, while losing some of the gore and facts, making it a perfect 5* read.

Kelly Porter is a dedicated police detective, it is part of her life, and she often sacrifices personal matters for the job. Kelly's complicated relationship with her sister Nikki continues in this sequel as does her on, off relationship with ex-serviceman Johnny, both give an insight into Kelly's emotional side and are integral to the plot.

The dark and twisty plot makes compelling reading and something you have to finish. The Lake District and Cumbria is an exciting setting, which gives the perfect cover for heinous crimes. The stark contrast of the beautiful lakes and hills with the dark, horror of the murderous crimes adds to the suspense.

The authentic and well-researched plot and the realistic characters make this story come to life, with a well disguised serial killer. The final chapters are adrenaline-fueled with a heart-stopping ending. All the questions thrown up by the story are dealt with believably, although there is one loose end about a person of interest, which could be part of another investigation?

Readable as a standalone but if you want the full impact of DI Kelly Porter and her team, read Dark Game first.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed the first book in this series featuring DI Kelly Porter and found this even better. I love the Lake District setting as I have visited there many times so can picture the places described.
A naked and mutilated body of a woman is found in a graveyard. Whilst Kelly is involved with this murder, more bodies turn up. So there is a serial killer about who she nicknames ‘the teacher’ as he leaves verses of poetry on the bodies. We also see more of Kelly’s relationship with her sister Nikki and her mum, who has cancer.
This is a book you won’t want to put down, so many suspects and twists and turns with an unexpected ending, Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

A super sequel to 'Dark Game' this was another gripping thriller featuring DI Kelly Porter and there are many possible outcomes as the story unfolds. The writer is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the sights and sounds of the Lake District which provide and appealing backdrop to the action. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Di Kelly Porter is back in business in her second story. Making for a one sitting read that will have you turning the pages and wanting to read more.

Thank you for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved book one, Dark Game, so much so that I read it through the night, unable to put it down, so I couldn’t wait to get started on this book. DI Kelly Porter is one tough cookie. She won’t let anything or anyone stand in her way to get the job completed and catch her suspects.

I love how the books are set in the Lake District, one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, and Ms. Lynch brings the area to life with her descriptions, making the whole book atmospheric.

However, whilst I loved the plot surrounding the murders and the ritual placing of the bodies and the investigation into them, I thought there was a little bit too much about DI Kelly herself and her family situation. Her sick mother, a sister she detests. Whilst both were touched on in the first book, they kind of took over a few of the chapters in this one. I ended up glossing over some of the sections just to get back to the case at hand.

I enjoyed the build-up of the case, the plot twists as you wonder which suspect is the real culprit and the joy of the chase as the pieces are all put together and the puzzle comes to a close, this is what makes a great thriller.

The book is still engaging though and has a great plot, I just wasn’t as gripped to the story as much as I was with the first book, which was a real shame. I’m hoping that book three, which I will certainly read, is as good as the first.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book featuring DI Kelly porter. I really enjoyed the first in the series, dark game, so was eagerly anticipating this. I found this to be an engrossing police procedural and I was anxiously turning the pages to see what would happen next. This is shaping up to be a great series and I can't wait to see what's in store for Kelly in future books!

Was this review helpful?

WoW what a Book! Deep Fear by Rachel Lynch is the second book in the DI Kelly Porter series.
Deep Fear was just as excellent as Rachel's first book. I just loved it, looking forward to reading more of her books especially DI Kelly Porter series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

As I am part of the Deep Fear Blog Tour you will find my full thoughts here: https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress.com/ on 22 May 2018.
In the meantime 5* - this second book is a terrific follow up to Dark Game by Rachel Lynch my review: https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/dark-game-by-rachel-lynch/

Thanks to Canelo via Ellie Pilcher and NetGalley for this terrific eARC

Was this review helpful?

Earlier this year I read Dark Game by Rachel Lynch, which introduced DI Kelly Porter. I thought It was one of the best debut crime thrillers I had read. When I saw the second one was about to be published I was thrilled and delighted to receive an ARC. It did not disappoint in any way. What a chilling page turner. What an ending.
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series - soon please!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC - I loved it!

Was this review helpful?