This was an enjoyable read although I did manage to guess (deduce?) who the killer was fairly early on. The ‘romance’ between the two main characters didn’t really interest me as I found it a little formulaic. All, in all, a good book and I will certainly look out for more Helen Field novels.

I have been a fan of the series featuring Detective Inspector Luc Callanach and Detective Chief Inspector Ava Turner since I picked up the first book in the series which is called ‘Perfect Remains’. ‘Perfect Remains’ was released on 26th January 2017. I have read each subsequent book in the series and I can honestly say that this is one series that has gone from strength to strength. I couldn’t wait to read the fifth book in the series called ‘Perfect Crime’ and I devoured it (well not literally as that would be a bit weird) in what felt like record time. I absolutely loved ‘Perfect Crime’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Inspector Luc Callanach? Well for starters, he is certainly a different type of police officer. He is half French and half Scottish- his mother was French and his father was Scottish. He is bilingual although he sometimes struggles with some of the Scottish colloquialisms and accents. Following a bit of a scandal, he left his policing role in France and he moved to Scotland, where he hoped that he would be able to make a fresh start. Trouble followed him to Scotland but that was all dealt with in a previous book. In ‘Perfect Crime’ Callanach faces turmoil of a different kind in that he has learnt something shocking about who his birth father and how he (Luc) was conceived. He throws himself into his work in an attempt to distract himself from his worries. He also has the friendship and close working relationship with Ava Turner. There’s definitely a spark between them and I just knew that somewhere along the line things would turn serious between them. The cases that feature in ‘Perfect Crime’ are going to test the detective duo like they haven’t been tested before. Do they solve the cases? What is the exact truth? Will Luc & Ava become lovers as well as colleagues? What shocks are in store for them? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
As with Helen’s other books, I was addicted to ‘Perfect Crime’ from the moment I read the synopsis, never mind from when I started to read the book. I knew that I would have to cancel the plans I had for the rest of the day because there was no way on this earth that I would be able to put the book down. So it proved to be. In fact had anybody even tried to attempt to take the book out of my hands they would have been told what for and sent away with a flea in their ear. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I felt as though the book had a hold over me and that if I put the book down, I would risk missing out on something (which I would hate to do since I am such a nosy parker) and I would break the hold that the book had over me. As a result of my inability to put the book down, I binge read the book over the course of a day, which really helped my enjoyment of the book because it gave me a sense of the intensity and urgency of the police investigation. I seemed to finish the book in what felt like record time but in which reality was a matter of hours.
‘Perfect Crime’ is brilliantly written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Helen Fields. She has a way of dangling enough bait to entice you into the story and then she keeps your attention all the way through. That’s what happened to me anyway. I was gripped throughout the book and I was frequently on the edge of my seat- literally. The story is perfectly paced. It certainly hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. The story gathers momentum until a tense and shocking conclusion. At times the book is scary and shocking in equal measure. The scariness and the shocks were not severe enough to make me want to stop reading the book. In fact the scarier and more shocking the better. I must be a sadist!
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Perfect Crime’ and it is sure to soar up the bestsellers list, which is no more than it deserves. I would definitely recommend this author and this series to other readers. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, which is called ‘Perfect Dark’ and it is due to be released on 6th February 2020. ‘Perfect Dark’ is available for pre-order now. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Another fab read by Helen fields, I can't wait to see whta Luc and Ava get up to next, I just wish they would hurry up and get together properly. They are obviously made for each other

This was an amazing read. A very disturbing read, as the premise of htis, I found quote creepy, however I couldnt put it down! Make sure you are comfortable reading this, as you wont want to move until you have finished it!

If you have read any of these books before, you will know that there is nothing Helen Fields likes more than finding ever more gruesome ways to kill off her victims. This is an author with a deliciously dark mind who does clearly enjoys seeing what kind of psychopathic killer she will release onto the streets of Edinburgh.

Ms Fields also likes to give her more regular characters a rough ride. So just when you think the fortunes are pointing the way ahead to D.I. Luc Callanach and D.C.I. Ava Turner, Fields will snatch away any chance of that in favour of yet another deeply frustrating set of encounters. This will they/won’t they game is played with aplomb, but this time Helen Fields has really set the cat amongst the pigeons.

A string of suicides in Edinburgh now appear to be murders, though it takes the police a while to come to that conclusion. In this fifth book in the series, Fields has strengthened he cast with some new promotions including DI Pax Graham and the team as a whole now looks more solid and lode bearing which should allow for greater flexibility in the forthcoming story arcs.

The murder/suicides form the first part of the story arc, whilst a long running story involving Luc and his past forms the second thread. I’m pleased to see that D.S. Overbeck plays a larger role in this book and we begin to understand a bit more about her as a character.

As to the serial killer, it’s fair to say that finding the culprit isn’t a hard spot, but that matters little as this well-written police procedural keeps you glued to your seat as you navigate the tension-fuelled pages.

Verdict: Dark, entertaining, witty. A fast-paced, thrilling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and puts your heart in your mouth as you wait for the outcome of a battle to the death.

I enjoyed this one, so much so that I'm heading off to Amazon to buy the rest of Helen Fields books.

Perfect Crime is book five in the D.I. Callanach series.

DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are challenged in their next investigation.

A potential suicide turns into a murder after a post mortem.

Then another.

Luc and Ava are against the clock to find out the killer.

I really like when an author gives us several storylines within a story. We have a murder storyline here and we are given Luc and Ava’s story as well.

If you like crime fiction then get reading this series. Helen Fields is in a league of her own with this amazing series and brilliant characters. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

Love this series the stories get better and better an this book is no exception. You are on the edge of your sit trying to guess who it is. An I love the two detectives in this series a will they or won’t they relationship. Can’t wait till the next book.

I haven't read any of this series before, but this book reads well as a stand alone novel.
Police Callanach and Ava obviously have history (I'm sure I'll go back and find out more about that in the previous books soon), and it comes to a head in this story. They are investigating a suicide in the town, when it becomes clear that everything is not all it appears to be - is someone actually murdering people who previously tried to commit suicide?
This was a fun book, with decoys and twists to keep you guessing, I have to say I didn't figure this one out!

When I started to read this book, I did not realise that it was the fifth book in the series. That is completely my error but luckily it didn't impact the storyline at all; the only thing it did mean was that some things, events and people were mentioned that I didn't fully understand the relevance of because I hadn't read the others. But again, that is to no fault of the author and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series; both previous and any future novels.

The cases being investigated were SO GRIPPING and I truly did not see the culprit being who it was. There were so many well consealed facts that it was easy to see how the killer was so clever, meaning you'd never guess it was them. The detail that is conveyed into their planning and reasoning was truly well written, and fascinating to read.

The plots of deception and misslead were ingenious and everything in the last few chapters were conveyed with such urgency! I felt like I couldn't turn the page fast enough to see what was going to happen next. The novel is so well written and thoroughly enjoyable to read.

Somehow this series of police procedurals set in Edinburgh have passed me by- don't know how that happened! Even though I hadn't read the others I was able to slot in & engage with the characters right away.

A young man is all set to jump off the Queensferry bridge into the icy waters of the River Forth when a counsellor who also works for a suicide prevention charity manages to talk him out of it. Not long after the same young man is found at the base of a high castle wall. It is presumed that he had eventually succeeded in his death wish. Another body is found. The method of suicide seems to be very unusual. There is nothing to connect these people. When another death occurs in the most bizarre method of suicide there still doesn't seem to be a connection apart from their previous thoughts or attempts at suicide.

Luc Callanach has other worries. An old man in a care home dies shortly after Luc visited him. A visit where he had used his police credentials to gain entry. This puts him under suspicion.

This was a fast paced enjoyable read. For once I guessed the killer! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I'll be looking out for the next one.

Another brilliant book by Helen Fields. I’ve read all the Luc Callanach books and look forward to each one.
Following an attempted suicide, Stephen Berry is later found dead at a local landmark. Following similar incidents, other potential suicide victims are being murdered but what is the link?
In a story running alongside, Luc tracks down the men responsible for raping his mother, with disastrous consequences.
Once again, a great thriller and I can’t wait for the next one.

Perfect Crime by Helen Fields is the 5th in the Luc Callanach series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Luc Callanach is half French and half Scottish, living most of his life in France, and working for Interpol. Due to a false rape allegation made by co-worker Astrid Borde, he leaves France, his job, his friends, his mother. Very few are sad to see him go. With some assistance from his bosses, he heads to Edinburgh to take command of a homicide team. His welcome is not particularly warm. He and DS Lively will never be close, but they tolerate each other - barely. Luc does make friends with a colleague, newly appointed DCI Ava Taylor, and finds an unlikely friend in a journalist.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Some new members have joined the team. Although Max Tripp has worked with them for years, he has now been promoted to Detective Sergeant. DC Janet Monroe and DI Pax Graham have now both transferred permanently. They will all be needed. There are a couple of cases on the table, and neither one is straight forward.

There seems to be a run on suicides right now, and it looks like whole team is going to be kept busy. There are a lot of questions regarding these deaths, and some of these are leading to the idea that there could be a serial killer out there, helping the victims die.

Then there is Bruce Jenson, an Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home. Luc had visited the man, just prior to Mr. Jenson being murdered. If the true reason for his visit comes out, Luc will have a good motive, and move to the top of the suspect list. DI Graham will be investigating this murder, and already he and Luc are not seeing eye to eye.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Luc and Ava may be heating up….or not.


My Opinions:
This series continues to be one of the best out there right now. Each book takes the reader on a ride investigating the horrors of humanity. Helen Fields makes sure that her readers see every crime scene in vivid detail. Reader be warned!

The writing flows, the plot twists, the characters bleed….and we feel and see it all.

Helen Fields adds depth to her characters through their personal stories, which are often woven through the crimes that they are investigating. This worked very well in this book.

This book took a look at mental health and suicide, the long-term effects of rape, and of stress. How these affect not only the victim, but others. The author handled all of this really well.

The author, as always, gives us an idea of where the next book may head, and I can’t wait…, and yet I almost wish she wouldn't do this.

When words like gripping and won't be able to put it down are used next to the title, it tends to inspire a certain expectation of what's inside the book. Don't get me wrong, Perfect Crime is a good enough crime thriller, but gripping? Not so much. There are two cases running side by side, and both are way too easy to figure out from pretty early in the story. That said, the book does run the usual formula for the genre, and there are plenty of tense situations to keep things moving along at a good pace. There's also some romance between our two main characters, and honestly, I'm still not sure how I feel about how that part played out. Nevertheless, the story is well-written, and it did hold my interest even after I had it figured out.

BOOK BLURB

Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge until a suicide prevention counsellor stops him. A week later, Stephen is dead. Found at the bottom of a cliff, DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are drafted in to investigate whether he jumped or whether he was pushed…

As they dig deeper, more would-be suicides roll in: a woman found dead in a bath; a man violently electrocuted. But these are carefully curated deaths – nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they’ve been made out to be.

Little do Callanach and Turner know how close their perpetrator is as, across Edinburgh, a violent and psychopathic killer gains more confidence with every life he takes…



BOOK REVIEW

Hats off to Helen she has yet again delivered a masterpiece of criminal genius. If you have not read previous books in the series its ok you will pick up the thread in this. But its definitely best read in its place within the series to get the greatest benefit of who and what the books are about. This story is more about the dynamics of Luc and Ava than the crimes they are investigating. Sometimes within a series of books you long to know more about the characters and its that storyline that binds this book together. This is a storyline that is will they wont they scenario ? get together ? kiss ? fall in love? you get the picture. Its those questions that rattle round your mind more than the who committed the crimes. That's ok they keep you trapped within the book making it even more compelling. As bodies mount up and cases overlap we see the MIT team chase down leads to bring about a conclusion. The added ingredient of a blast from Luc's past gives us a whole new avenue to follow and adds a surprising sting in this tale. With an ending that will keep us the reader gasping for the next one. It has also given Helen more avenue's to explore as the series progresses.

This is a book written on a very sensitive subject, attempted suicide but it is handled very well and keeps you wanting to carry on reading the book to find out what happens and who is behind it all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and being back with DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner. These two work very well together but this story tests their friendship.

Stephen Berry is a tormented soul who is trying to attempt suicide but has picked a very public place to do it. Unfortunately a large congregates and watches him with the police arriving and friendly soul who comes to talk to him. He starts having doubts and is eventually talked into coming back to safety and staying alive. A week later he is found dead at the castle and DCI Ava Turner is there to investigate.

Its an intriguing story and keeps you guessing without giving much away. This book is very cleverly written with some descriptive writing covering Edinburgh, the counselloring centre that tried to help the people trying to commit suicide and the police procedures. Lots going on to keep you interested in the book and I didn't want to put it down. I do enjoy this series.

I really enjoyed getting to meet Ava, Luc and the rest of the team last year. I still haven’t had the chance to read the earlier books so this was only the second book in the series that I have read. There were a couple of things that I felt I would have understood more if I had read the earlier books but they didn’t impact on my enjoyment of the novel.

What I like about this series is it’s originality. I read a lot of crime fiction but I have never read anything like the cases in this book. There are two investigations, one was a lot more complex and creepy than the other. Unfortunately part of it was completely believable, showing some of the more sickening sides to modern day life. It was this investigation that appealed to me most. The other, didn’t really have much of an impact on me until further on in the novel. I did have my suspicions, but thankfully they were wrong.

The relationship between Ava and Luc is a strange one. I want them to be together but at times it’s not a healthy relationship. I suspect that many readers have more sympathy and liking for him, but I prefer Ava. Probably because I am a late reader, if I read the earlier novels my feelings may change. Luc is just a little too needy.

I’m pleased that will be another novel, I didn’t read the extract (not good with waiting patiently) but it’s one to look forward to.

The book is set in Scotland where several gruesome murders are taking place. It doesn’t take long for the police to figure out that all the victims have previously tried to commit suicide. While the investigation is taking place another investigation into the death of an older man with dementia involves one of the police officers.
Even with several murders the book dragged along for me. There was too much extraneous stuff that wasn’t interesting at all and that goes for the sexual stuff too. I didn’t think it was necessary and skipped right over it.
This is one of the few times that I knew all along who the killer was and of course that didn’t make the story go any quicker.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

This was every bit as good as the previous four and I really love the way this series is going. Although this is the fifth book in the series, I dont feel like you would need to read this others to enjoy this book. D.I. Luc Callanach is absolutely fantastic to read about and has to be one of my favourite book detectives. I would let him save me any day. Lol DCI Ava Turner is such a strong character in world of men. She leads her team boldly and confidently; they are a fantastic team. I love every character in this book. Even Lively is starting to grow on me. This book, a series of victims who have previously attempted to commit suicide are being found dead in what at first looks like suicide but is soon found to be murder. Very vicious murders in fact. At the same time, a man with perhaps a link to Luc’s mother in the past ends up dead and Luc looks suspicious. Will Ava and her team solve this crime before one of their own is killed. Is Luc being set up for murder. Will Ava and Luc finally see how they feel about one another? I cannot wait for the next book

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books Uk for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
I didn’t realize this is book five featuring D.I. Callanach, still enjoyed as a stand alone read and I warmed to D.I. Luc Callanach a lot
Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge, his suicide is however prevented with the help of a counsellor but just one week later Stephen is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, was it an accident, suicide or murder? There are a few more deaths for the team who are being led by D.C.I. Ava Turner, a woman with her hands and feet bound is found dead in her bath and a young man horrifically electrocuted, who and why these three dead, what links them together .
A good well thought out plot which keeps the reader engrossed. There are two investigations going on, Luc is a witness in the second case and is stood down Luc and Ava are obviously attracted to one another, but they both have little time for a personal life, and just as the are getting closer Ava makes a discovery which throws them as far a part as ever.
Would definitely read more of this series and would be keen to read some of the earlier books.