Member Reviews
Gritty police procedural, intricately woven. Lots of twists and turns . Good characters and a cliffhanger of an ending.
Two years ago DC Maggie Jamieson was a major player in putting mass murderer Bill Raven behind bars. Maggie had been the main interviewer as Raven confessed to chopping up at least 3 women, and although he named them, he didn’t say where their remains were, and they were never found.
Now he wants to retract his confessions, throwing doubt onto everything about the original conviction, including the in Jamieson’s integrity.
Then dismembered body parts start to show up. Forensic tests show that they belong to the women that Raven confessed to killing. The problem is he’s been in jail for 2 years, and the women have only been dead a matter of days. Where have these women been, and who is killing them.
The clock is ticking as Maggie tries desperately to solve the murders and tries and link Raven to them before he is released on appeal.
Maggie’s visits to interview Raven are a complete mind game. She knows it but is having trouble convincing her own colleagues, let alone the legal system. So she turns to her friend, Dr Kate Maloney, to help with a psychological profile.
What a story. Noelle Holten is fan of Crime Fiction, and a skilled writer. This book played on every perceived conception I had as I was trying to work out who was the killer. She has written it in such a way that I was kept guessing right up to the end, and what an ending it is.
The characters are fantastic. Maggie is close to being insubordinate, yet insecure at the same time. Bill Raven is brilliantly written, as good a nemesis as I have ever come across.
This book will take your breath away more than once, but don’t relax, one of the biggest gasps comes right in the very last line of the book.
This is the second book featuring Detective Maggie Jamieson and judging from the last sentence we will soon be graced with a third in this delicious new series. While a police procedural, it has the feel of a story you are being told by a friend, you feel really connected to Maggie and her sidekick Nathan and the author writes in a way that makes you feel really close to all the action going down. When Maggie’s stomach churns so does mine. Love that we are finding out more about Maggie and her personal life and excited to see if she gets involved with Kate, a psychologist/profiler featured in both books so far. Fangirl name - ‘Maggate’ perhaps. The plot is a serial murderer, put there by Maggie, is appealing his conviction and his victims are suddenly appearing, piece by piece. Can’t wait for book three!
Book 1 in this new series by Noelle was just brilliant and so I had high hopes for the second instalment. I wasn’t disappointed, it’s another brilliant read if not better than the first book. Fast paced and gripping I didn’t want to put it down. It will be good to see how the characters develop over future books. It’s hard to believe Noelle is a new author and this is only her second book as it’s amazing. Bring on the next one!!
I have been impatiently awaiting Dead Wrong, the second book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series, it seems like forever since I read Dead Inside by author Noelle Holten. The author knows how to draw the reader in from the off, even more so when you realise one of Raven’s victims is named after you! I would forgive you for thinking this could sway my review, but you would be dead wrong! (See what I did there?). Personally I think Dead Wrong is even better than the first book in the series, it’s what I would describe as a ‘heart-pounding, page-turner with a dark, gritty heart’.
Raven, admitted he killed three women and is serving a life sentence for his crimes, but fast forward to present time and body parts of his said victims start turning up, so he must be innocent right? And Raven makes an appeal to the courts to be set free, so begins a nightmare for DC Maggie Jamieson’s, as she attempts to solve the case once and for all. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a crime thriller that features a chilling but intriguing serial killer, and Raven is one such character, he lacks remorse, he’s callous, a master of manipulation, and a pathological liar. The heart of the plot focuses on Raven toying with Maggie, is he lying? Or is he mentally ill? Was he coerced by Maggie, admitting to crimes he didn’t commit? So many questions, but for those of us who love playing the amateur detective, it’s the perfect crime read to get those brain cells working.
Hallelujah! DC Maggie Jamieson isn’t your standard stereotype you often find in a crime thriller, she’s not an alcoholic, nor is her character bogged down by personal problems or a shady past which makes a refreshing change. That doesn’t mean Maggie lacks depth, on the contrary her character is continuing to develop, she’s relentless in her pursuit for the truth, committed, and has literally no personal life, I’m sure there are a lot of DC’s who can relate to that!
It’s obvious the author has an incredible insight into the justice system and the way different agencies work together, which adds an authentic feel to the plot, I find some crime thrillers lack this vital ingredient, mostly because authors have relied heavily on research, rather than personal experiences.
Dismembered victims turning up in pieces made for a gristly read, but these scenes are paramount to the plot, and add a profound sense of tension to the overall plot. Like any good crime thriller there are many read herrings, and well-plotted twists, and that ending! Let’s just say it will leave readers desperate for the next book in the series. Noelle Holten’s writing goes from strength to strength, her writings bold and confident, she has a vivid imagination, her plots are exciting and gripping. If ever there was someone who was born to write crime thrillers, it’s this author. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a crime thriller.
This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog
I bloody LOVE this series - books that have the ability to make my heart pound, gasp out loud and make me feel outrage and shock at the end (oh my god - that ending!) because THE NEXT BOOK IS NOT EVEN WRITTEN YET BUT I WANT IT RIGHT THIS MINUTE(!!) are always winners for me.
Unusually there are no main characters that bug me, I’m intrigued by them all and I’m sure we will get to know about the characters in the background as the series progresses.
Thanks to Harper Impulse for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You would never think this only was Noelle’s second book. Cracking read. Totally gripped from start to finish. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for the advanced copy
Dead Wrong is the second book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and I was so eager to read it after loving Noelle Holten's debut Dead Inside. I was in no way disappointed! This book focuses much more on Maggie and I really enjoyed getting to know her. She's determined and feisty, often to the point of being stubborn, so I could definitely relate to her. I loved her relationship with Doctor Kate Moloney which provided a few moments of humour alongside the murders.
Holten has a wonderful knowledge of the justice system and the way different agencies work with each other and this makes for a very believable storyline. I appreciated the nods to characters from Dead Inside to highlight this.
At first, Maggie and her team have very limited leads so the investigation moves quite slowly. In spite of this, Holten's writing style is very fast paced and I couldn't get enough of it; I was desperate to know what happened next. As the novel continues, the investigation suddenly bursts into life, revealing twist after twist that kept me glued to the pages!
Dead Wrong ends on a HUMONGOUS cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
book 1 was brilliant but wait till you read book 2 its brilliant Maggie has returned back to her old team because a murderer is trying to get released as body parts have turned up so he trying to get out Maggie is hell bent on keeping him locked up as she knows he has something to do with this so she needs to work out how connected this story is an edge of your seat book so cant wait for book 3 so recommend this new talented author
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. DC Maggie Jamieson returns with a blast. I absolutely loved this book and was just as good as her first book. 5 stars all the way
I have waited for this book and boy what gripping,gritty story it is and Noelle pulled it all together in a way to keep you hooked.Maggie has returned to her team after working with the Domestic Violence Unit to find that a Murderer she put away is trying to get released after body parts are found of the women he claimed to have killed.As he has been in prison he could not have killed them but maggie knows deep down he is guilty and is determined Bill Raven will never get out.I could say a lot more but that would spoil the book for others Noelle Holten i have loved both your books and now look forward to your next.5*
Wow this was a fantastic read I absolutely loved it! Everything about this book was awesome, the storyline, the characters and the suspenseful atmosphere.. It was a great second book in the series, I enjoyed it even more than the first book. A really great piece of writing that gets a bit 5 stars in my book.
I like the different angle with this crime series, not a straight police procedural but looks at all aspects of different agencies involved with the police force. Some real sick characters and awful scenes that I visualised only too well! Perfectly paced with the second half of the book being totally unputdownable. And that ending! Loved it and totally recommend this to any crime lover.
Full review to follow on my blog on publication day.
Holly Smokes!! Author Noelle Holten has done it again, given us another detailed thriller, a police procedural through and through.
DC Maggie Jamieson was back, this time with chopped body parts of a woman whom Bill Raven, The Chopper, had already claimed as his kill and was in prison for. Now he made an appeal to the courts to be set free, and Maggie's instincts told her that there was something more at play. Who would win?
My second book by this author, and I was blown away by the massive research and detailing she took on. Her careful etching of the main character Maggie had me looking at her with new eyes. There was confidence and determination along with tinges of vulnerability that made me respect her.
On the other end of the spectrum Chopper was as perverted as he could be. I loved the intelligence with which he'd planned the whole game. Yes, it was a game to him with Maggie as his focus. I actually wanted him in the next book too. I felt the author had just explored the tip of his evilness.
I was in absolute awe of the team around Maggie, they were the best support she could ask for. A special mention to DI Rutherford, DS Nathan, and Bethany. Every clue was painstakingly looked at and deciphered. But I had to admit, it was Maggie's instincts and her keen eye that saved the day.
The to and fro between the good and evil, the way Raven played Maggie during interrogation, the race against time to find other women that he'd supposedly abducted and killed had me flicking through the pages through the night up to 4am. And the ending line of the book tore me to pieces. That I did not expect. A massive twist. Kudos!!
Bring greedy, I wanted more of the malice of Bill Raven, I wanted things to get personal between him and Maggie, I wanted more of the thrill. I have this strange feeling that I'd see all that in book 3. Bring it on. I'm so ready...
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Dead Wrong.
I didn't realize this was the second book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series but Dead Wrong worked well as a standalone.
When the remains of a young woman who disappeared two years ago is discovered, and the man supposedly responsible is behind bars, Maggie realizes that there is a second killer she needs to find, because there may be other survivors.
Maggie Jamieson is a competent investigator, but I found her personality a bit brusque, at times.
I was most surprised (in a good way) at how the case took an unexpected turn in the end.
At first, it looks like a clear cut case, a copycat or someone working with the killer, but as Maggie probes further and unexpected witnesses show up, the case becomes something more.
I especially liked the cliffhanger in the end, and I'll check out the next book to find out what happens.
Twists and turns aplenty in the second book of another thrilling author, Dc Maggir Jamieson is haunted by The Chopper a man serving time for murder but facing an appeal, can she prove hes guilty before its too late
I read Noelle Holten’s first book and was really impressed so was excited to be approved for an advanced copy of her second novel, Dead Wrong. This book kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. It’s well written and moves along at a great pace. It’s gritty and thrilling and I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and the author for the chance to review.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was gripped from the beginning and all the twists were great. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
DC Maggie Jamieson has returned from the DV Unit to her old team and one of her cases is coming back to haunt her. The Chopper, Bill Raven serving time for murder is facing appeal as one of his so called victims has actually turned up dead. Can Maggie prove he did kill the women while time is against her?
I loved the first one in the series and this one was also fantastic. Brilliant mix of police procedure and the human side of an officer struggling to deal with a case.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I had absolutely no idea that this book was the second in the series. However, this has made no difference at all- this is a book which had me hooked from the very beginning.
Noelle Holten is a new author for me, but I have absolutely adored this gripping and enthralling read. I have instantly added the other book in this series to my TBR list.
Despite being part of a series, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have been kept guessing throughout and have been shocked on many occasions. I would definitely recommend this book to all lovers of true crime and psychological reads.
I have absolutely loved the main characters in this book. I have to admit that I have been a little uneasy with the character of Raven and found myself questioning his character throughout.
There was absolutely no way I could've predicted the ending of this book. It's actually left me like "wow".
This is one of those books which without a doubt should be rated higher than five stars because it is such a fantastic read. I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read more by this fantastic author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️