This is the second book in the series and I loved it!
Carol Wyer has the knack of drawing you deep into the story and really makes you care who the killer is.
I love trying to work out who it is, but was completely wrong in this case.
Two women have been murdered in front of their tiny children and writing is left in blood on the walls.
Natalie is unsure what the words relate to and the partners of the women have no idea either. Natalie and her team soon face a race against time to stop a third murder.
We also learn more about Natalie’s personal life and the problems in her marriage.
This book was left on a cliff hanger so I hope it’s not too long before the next book is out.
This is a great series that I would highly recommend to any crime fiction reader.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is the 2nd in the Detective Natalie Ward series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, 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):
Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, but also a woman who is trying to juggle her job and her home life. Her husband had a gambling problem and lost all their savings. Then he lost his job, and he is now working from home. He is feeling inadequate, and Natalie finds herself constantly having to massage his fragile ego. Although she tries, she feels like she is neglecting her two children, even though they know that if she is on a murder investigation, it has to take precedence. She is often torn.

My Synopsis:
Charlotte Brannon, a prolific fashion blogger is brutally murdered, while her 6-month old little boy lay in his crib in the next room. Charlotte’s husband Adam is the prime suspect. He had motive, means, and opportunity. He also insists he is innocent. His alibi is questionable, and his past is troubled.

As the case evolves, Natalie finds that her investigation is being hindered by lies. Everyone they question seems to be lying or omitting details that could help them solve this murder. Even the baby-sitter is hiding something. Everyone has an alibi, but the team isn’t sure if those can be trusted.

When another woman is murdered in front of her young son, Natalie fears they may have a serial killer on their hands. But there are connections between the two murdered women.

Meanwhile, a psychiatrist is trying to interpret the dreams of a patient who seems to be enthralled with blood. But are they dreams?

My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series. The writing is great, and Wyer is really building on the traits of her characters.

The pace is fast, and therefore a very quick read. The twists kept coming, so that I was sure I knew the perpetrator, and then I didn’t….

I admire Natalie, and her dedication to both her job and her family (although I think she should give her husband a kick in the butt). With this second book, we are seeing her team work closely, and we are learning more about their lives. This makes us crave the next book….that and the ending.

A woman's husband finds her dead body in their home. Detective Natalie Ward is on the scene, and soon begins questioning everyone in the murdered woman's life. The woman, her husband, and everyone connected to them seems to be keeping secrets. When a second woman's body is discovered, and connected to the first crime, the field of suspects starts to narrow. Meanwhile, Natalie's home life with her husband and kids is deteriorating, especially as she spends more time working.

This is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer. I have read the first book in the series, The Birthday, but this one could be read as a standalone novel. The crime in this novel is completely separate from the crime in the first book, but there are continuing story arcs involving Natalie's family and work life.

Well developed and intriguing characters. Dark and gripping story. The mystery is complex enough that it is not obvious who is behind the murder. I love when a story keeps me guessing. Overall, a great read for fans of crime thrillers.

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

If you don't know how much I love Carol Wyer's thrillers, I can only suggest you have been living under a rock. This series featuring Detective Inspector (DI) Natalie Ward is still in its relatively early stages, but all the characters are so well developed, I feel as though they are like my own friends. Natalie has a fascinating back story, with a husband who has a gambling addiction, teenage children and an estranged sister, and Wyer gives us just enough information to leave us wondering what will happen next . I have a feeling it will become explosive very soon and I cannot wait!
The investigation itself was full of twists and turns. With the turn of every page, the plot thickened and I discovered that nearly everyone, including the victims, had secrets. The plotting is brilliant, and I loved all the connections between the characters that left a web of lies for the reader to untangle. I didn't get anywhere near, but I really enjoyed trying to solve the puzzle myself!
I also enjoyed the scenes between the doctor and Patient X. Their identities are not revealed straight away, but it gave me some insight into the mind of the twisted individual that Natalie and her team are trying to catch, and added some extra intrigue.
Last Lullaby is incredibly fast paced, nothing more so than the ending, which becomes a race against time to catch the killer. It was very tense and I could not rest until the killer was brought to justice.

Who could possibly be deranged enough to brutally murder a mother right in front of her baby boy? And follow that up with another bloody murder, once again leaving a young child without a mother? Figuring that out is the task of Detective Natalie Ward and her team of police officers in Samford, U.K. The only clues are the words "why" and "who" written in the victims' own blood - and, partly because they're written out of the usual who-what-where-when-why journalistic sequence, they don't provide much help.

There is, however, no shortage of suspects - ranging from first victim Charlotte Brannon's dicey husband, Adam, to Adam's ex-con friend, a couple of young thugs, a teenage babysitter, a rock star and an estranged sister who triggers unpleasant memories of Natalie's relationship with her own sister. But every single one denies committing the crimes, and several have seemingly ironclad alibis. Or do they?

Later in the book, readers get a glimpse at what's on the culprit's mind through interactions with a psychologist. And as if she doesn't have enough on her plate, Natalie is wondering if her husband David, who is becoming more morose every day since losing his job as a practicing attorney, has gone off an all-too-familiar deep end from which, this time, there may be no recovery.

Well-developed characters, a fast-moving plot and plain old solid writing make this - the second in a series - a don't-miss book. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy. I'm already looking forward to the next one, reportedly due out early in 2019.

Wyer has done it again! I have, yet, to be disappointed in any of her books! This one is filled with lies and deceit. Natalie has her hands full as she and her team investigate the murder of Charlotte. Her husband and family make it difficult to get to the truth. Spinning Natalie in all different directions. Seems like Charlotte wasn’t very innocent. As tensions mount and another murder happens, Natalie gets increasingly frustrated. Especially when her own home life spins out of control. This will keep you guessing from start to finish! Love Wyer’s books and look forward to a new one already.

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

A really good fast paced thriller. This is a really good series. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. I like the fact that Natalie and her colleagues have back stories which are developing as well. There is a lot happening in this book. There is a lot of action and a lot of suspects. This is definitely a page turner.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

I received a free e-copy of Last Lullaby (Detective Natalie Ward #2) by Carol Wyer from NetGalley for my honest review.

First off, I absolutely love the first book, "The Birthday". This one was just as awesome. A great murder mystery with an amazing plot and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing till the end. Carol Wyer is a compelling writer that will forever be on my reading radar.

Book two in the Natalie Ward series . Whoop ! Whoop ! This is a deliciously intense and addictive thriller with a chilling and gruesome plot that keeps you guessing till the end ! I loved this book ! Carol Wyer is a brilliant storyteller !! Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review ! #Netgalley #Bookouture #LastLullaby

In this second episode of Carol Wyer's new series introducing Detective Natalie Ward, I feel that we're getting to know her better and see what makes her tick. She's a dedicated, hard working cop who looks after her team and struggles to spend enough time with her family. Her husband has recently lost his job and resents her putting her work before her family while he struggles to work part time from home. Natalie's team - Lucy, Murray and Ian are also starting to develop real characters through their personalities and actions.

In this case Natalie is called in to investigate the horrific murder of a young mum, Charlotte Brannon, clubbed to death while her baby is asleep in the next room. Natalie and the team have their work cut out chasing up suspects and clues. There's Charlotte's husband, a seemingly reformed ex-con, his shady mate Lee who's clearly up to something and then there are the two youths seem running from the house at the time of the murder. Charlotte is also not all she seems and has a secret from her wild youth that she had threatened to reveal.

The tension starts to ramp up in this well written thriller as Natalie and her team stumble across many roadblocks and bend in the road. When a young woman and her child are kidnapped, the pressure is on to solve the case quickly before they have another body on their hands. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series

An excellent follow up to the first in this new series, following Natalie Ward and her group of detectives.

This second book follows the investigation into the murder of a woman in her home and there are plenty of red herrings and dead ends. I certainly couldn’t guess whodunit!

We get glimpses into the private lives of the detectives, but the story’s main focus is on the victims, the families and suspects. I sense that there may be more focus on Natalie and her marriage in the next book, which I really am looking forward to - I sense unfinished business and an attraction still existing between Mike and Natalie.

Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This second installment of the Natalie Ward series does not disappoint. Natalie is faced with a murder mystery that has more than one person of interest. As is Wyer's usual style, the books bounces between Natalie's perspective and the internal dialogue of the real murderer. It is not until the end that the surprising identity of this voice is revealed. I hope there are more Detective Natalie Ward books to come!

With thanks to Netgalley and the fabulous Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Carol Wyer is one of my go to authors, I loved her DI Robyn Carter series and DI Natalie Ward Is becoming a firm favourite.

New mum Charlotte Brannon had returned home from her parents anniversary dinner. After a row with her husband, ex boxer Adam drove their teenage babysitter Inge home. A little bit worse for wear Charlotte checked her son Alfie was asleep and went to bed herself. About two hours later Charlotte heard noises outside her door, Adam was still out so she went to pick up his baseball bat from under the bed when her killer struck.....

Adam returned home to find Charlotte dead, Alfie was crying in his nursery but he was unharmed. The word `why` had been written on the wall in her blood.

Natalie was on such much needed annual leave when she got a call from her boss calling her back to work. Gym owner Adam said he went to the pub after dropping off Inge. Natalie was suspicious though because he did not want to see Alfie, preferring to stay in the office of his gym instead. The landlord of the pub confirmed he saw Adam and his friend Lee having a drink. However why was his car not picked up on CCTV? A neighbour saw a two young lads with lead piping near the Brannon`s home on the night of the murder.

Then another young mum Samantha Kirkdale was found murdered in her home with the word `who` written in blood on the wall. Samantha`s ex husband knew Adam and had sponsored a couple of lads from his gym. Natalie and her team have to catch the killer before he finds his `where` and `when`. We also get the POV of the killers mind in transcripts of interviews with a dream expert.

Natalie and her teams personal life is just as interesting as their investigation. Natalie`s husband David was upset because his father had a girlfriend. David felt jealous because his father praised his girlfriend`s son and had started logging on to gambling websites again. DS Lucy Carmichael was looking forward to the birth of her partners baby. The baby was fathered by her friend and fellow colleague Murray Anderson through a sperm donation. Ian was upset because he had split from his partner who had recently given birth to their daughter.

I enjoyed The Lullaby and found it hard to put down. The plot was neatly woven and I felt Natalie and her teams frustration every time a lead came to nothing. I read a lot of police proceduals but I had absolutely no idea who the killer could be. I recommend The Lullaby and Carol`s Robyn Carter series. The last line in the book told me Natalie will have more problems to follow, I can't wait.

Omg Carol wyer how do you keep coming up with these fantastic books. I thought I wouldn't like them as much as Robyn Carter but boy I do. Love how we are learning about Natalie her family and the team. Cantcwait for the next one x

This story was twisty and well written. I did like Natalie better in this story as opposed to the first one. Her husband is an ass. Hopefully she rids herself of him by the next installment... Natalie’s team members became more fleshed out and interesting.

The story seems obvious, especially when Adam leaves such a horrible first impression. Turns out he’s not the only unlikable one or the only one with secrets. Some good surprises and satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.

Last Lullaby by Carol Wyer is book 2 in the new Detective Natalie Ward series, following up from the fantastic The Birthday earlier this year. This book is fantastic filled with a great story and characters. It had me suspecting everybody and trusting nobody. Already desperate for book 3!!

Charlotte Brannon is murdered in her own home in front of her baby boy. Her husband Adam find her body and is immediately under suspicion. He has a shady past and struggles to convince the police that he is innocent. Charlotte was not an angel either, casting suspicion on all that she has come into contact with. And then a second mother is murdered in her home and the suspect pool widens. Natalie and her team are up against it to find and stop the murderer before they strike again.

I love the way that Carol Wyer brings her characters to life. Natalie is still forming her relationships at work and struggling to maintain her work/life balance. Her kids are growing up and her husband is beginning to resent her work. She is a tough woman but not without her faults. I look forward to seeing where we are taken in the next book.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

Loved this book!! I loved this more than the first book in the Natalie Ward Series. There were so many twists and turns. I pretty much suspected everyone. Most of the characters throughout the book are very unlikable, except for Detective Natalie Ward and her group of officers. Natalie's husband, David, is still as charming as he was in the first book. And by charming I mean unpleasant, whiny, insufferable and irritating. He acted like a baby because his seventy year old dad had a girlfriend after being widowed for ten years. What gambling addict simply pulls up a gambling website to look at it? Hopefully David is not in the next book.

Adam Brannon came home to a gruesome scene. His wife, Charlotte, was killed while their infant son was in a nearby room during the attack. Detective Natalie Ward is called to investigate Charlotte's death. Between interviewing suspects numerous times and hunting down possible witnesses, Natalie and her team have their hands full. Then another similar murder occurs and Natalie needs to figure out who is behind it before another woman is killed.

I loved the story, writing style and characters (even though they were all shifty). The book kept me in suspense until the very end. The killer was very crafty and resourceful and of course crazy beyond belief. The more I learned about Charlotte, the more I disliked her. That pretty much sums up my feelings for Adam, Lee, Jed and pretty much anyone associated with the Brannons. There were so many secrets surrounding them and all the lies. I'm not sure anyone knew how to tell the truth. All I kept thinking was - poor Alfie. I love getting to know the officers, especially Lucy and her partner Bethany.

Definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!!!

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Carol Wyer, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Last Lullaby is the second book in the Detective Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer and like its predecessor it is a well written and fully engaging police procedural thriller.

This time Ward and her team are called to the murder of a young mother where nothing is as it seems.

The author keeps the pace throughout the book whilst continuing to develop the main characters.

This is a very good book and I look forward to the next one in the series.

The second instalment was as gripping as the first. I did not see the end coming. Every bit of the investigation and the police procedures were interesting and well researched and written.
Natalie Ward and her team and fast becoming my favourites. It will be interesting to see how things pan for them on the personal front in the coming books.
Carol Wyer is wonderful with the plot and laying down a plan for her core team. I can't wait for the next in the series.

I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t stop reading it! Carol Wyer is an author I only discovered this year, But I have mannaged to read all her titles. I am patiently waiting for the next new release. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this title. I was gripped form the very beginning and was sure I knew who the killer was. I was wrong!! Fantastic main story and I love being able to follow the team through each title! Fantastic book