Detective Natalie Ward is faced with the murder of teenage girls that is reminiscent of an old case for which the murderer was never caught, could this be the same killer or a copy cat killer with a twisted mind

As well as her work and team she is also dealing with an unhappy home life and knows a decision needs to be made that will impact her home and work life

Another corker of a read

The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer

This book literally blew my mind away; so much so I am not sure my review will do justice to this thriller. I am falling short of adjectives to describe this riveting read – shocking, thrilling, jaw dropping, gripping, absorbing, spell-binding– I probably have to refer to the thesaurus for more words.

Detective Natalie is once again faced with a perplexing case of missing fourteen-year-old Isabella Sharpe who disappears during a concert. The body of the teenager is discovered and Natalie Ward and her team are called to investigate and the gruesome scene immediately reminds her of a previous case The Blossom Twins. The killer was caught and killed in prison but the case never fails to haunt her because of its sheer ghastliness.


Soon twins Ivy and Erin Westmore go missing while camping. Their bodies are found alarmingly posed just like the Blossom Twins with attention to such details that were never made public. Natalie starts questioning her judgement and doubts whether they had caught the right perp the previous time, or was this just another copycat murder.

She is thrown into a whirlwind of investigations where new challenges are thrown at her at every point. Added to this is her failing marriage with David, her secret feelings for Mike, her new boss who seem to hate her and the inclusion of the difficult John Briggs to the team. The nail biting suspense is sometimes too much to handle and we will want to turn the pages fast to keep up with the pace - such is the build up of tension in the plot.

Supplementing the narrative is the point of view of the killer who is manipulative, cocky, conceited and sinister. The antagonist tends to become an instant favourite with the reader because of the sheer terror he instils.

I have always found Carol’s writing to be crisp, visual and yet vivid. Of course Natalie has always been a favourite. We can almost identify with her. She is no super woman but she is clever and competent. She has real problems in her marriage and is struggling with her feelings for Mike.

Highly recommended and please make sure you have enough time on hand when you start reading. You will want to finish this in one sitting.

Oh my word what have I just read ??? This is book 5 in the DI Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer and it was just completely and utterly fantastic. This book hooked me right in from the very start and I felt like I was holding my breath at times. A totally addictive and compelling read that will have readers gasping out loud at times. In my opinion this is the best book in what is a fantastic series..

I am a big Carol Wyer fan .... I’ve read all of her work, and I’m excited when she releases a new book. I found The Blossom Twins started off a bit slow .... took me a bit to sink my teeth into ... but then I did and I’m so sad about the ending ... I know it’s just a book ... but I’m just not sure how I feel about how it ended.

The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is the fifth book of the series featuring Detective Natalie Ward. This is the third book of the series that I have read, and my high expectations for this one were not only met, but exceeded. This is an author who simply never disappoints.

The muder of a young girl at a concert venue brings Detective Natalie Ward to the forefront of an investigation that evokes an eerie sense of deja vu. Natalie recalls a case from the past that bears striking similarities to the crime scene, and when twin sisters are found murdered soon thereafter, Natalie is certain that the 'Blossom Twins' killer has returned.

This is a pacey, heart in your throat read that kept me guessing until the final stunning conclusion. I cannot wait to see what is next in store for Detective Natalie Ward and her family.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

It's a good book but unbelievably predictable from the start which spoilt things a little. . . .

This is yet another amazing story from one of my favorite authors. A killer from Natalie's past has appeared to return even though they thought the right man had been caught and died in prison years ago. At first no one wants to believe the current cases are related, but Natalie feels her gut instinct kick in right away and she can't believe she has to live through this again.

Just like several years ago, teenage twin girls are being killed, their bodies left together, holding hands, the victims strangled. No one can figure out how these girls are being lured away, as each time they are last seen they are alone and safe, no sign of anyone spiriting them away. It's up to Natalie and her team to determine if this is indeed the same killer or a clever copycat.

I have to say that this is one time an 'unbelievable ending' lives up to its name. I never thought it would end the way it did and there's not much more to say without giving anything away. That makes it so hard! You certainly won't forget it and if you're like me, you'll wonder how on earth Natalie and her team will continue on as usual. It may be just a story, but I had a hard time handling my emotions! I've always connected with this author and her realistic story arcs, but this time, I rather wish I was more detached. Would have been a lot easier to make it through this one. And you can bet I'll be first in line for the next, as usual!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Blossom Twins!

Overall this book was pretty good. Natalie is a detective working a murder case when she notices similarities to a case she previously worked a few years ago, the Blossom Twins. This case gave Natalie nightmares and she still feels as though they could’ve prevented two of the murders so now that she suspects the killer is back, she’s determined not to make the same mistakes. However, she doesn’t realize how close the killer really is to her and her family. Semi-spoilers ahead... Personally, the killer was rather predictable and not a big shock however the end was rather shocking. There a lot of books where you think “oh there’s no way that’s going to happen” and I you’re right, it doesn’t happen... not with this book!

5 stars isn't enough for The Blossom Twins !!

I am speechless !! What just happened ?

Carol , Carol you are devious and this is your best yet !

Murder, lies, deceit and more murder !!

I was praying that my ereader wouldn't freeze as I was turning the pages so fast.

What could I possibly read after finishing The Blossom Twins !

DON'T MISS THIS BOOK OR THE SERIES !!

Word to the wise; walk your dog before you start this book.

March 2020 for book 6 in the series, first in line; hope my heart rate slows down by them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for letting me experience The Blossom Twins !

Holy Moly!!

I didn’t not expect the ending at all!

Strap yourself in for the ride of your life, my heart was pounding.

I can’t wait for the next one in the series, thank you for letting me review this title

Well well well! Just when I thought Carol’s thrillers couldn’t get any more thrilling, she’s left me stunned with The Blossom Twins!

Again you are drawn into the lives of Natalie and her team, however in this novel there are more than one amazing twists that completely take you by surprise! I won’t say anymore as you must read this ASAP!!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and I really enjoyed it. I am a big fan and book 5 is as good if not better than book one knowing the characters and seeing them through there lives and experiences. Carol had definitely upted her game with this book and majorly pulled on the fans heart strings and pushed us to our limits. It has been a very long time that I have experienced so many emotions through one book. I am so intrigued to read the next book if my head and heart can take it that is!!! #fabulouslywritten #welldone

Another brilliant instalment in the Natalie Ward series. I have read all of them so far and I think the series just keeps getting better. I love Carol Wyer’s style of writing and this had the usual twists and turns but it’s also an emotional read that I felt like I had been wrung out by the end of the story. I love the way Natalie juggles her home life problems with her job and it makes for a great read. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading them in order to get the background on the characters. I can’t wait for the next instalment!!

The Blossom Twins (Detective Natalie Ward #5) - Carol Wyer

Wow! I bloody loved this book. I didn't get to read it as quickly as I would have liked but once I settled down to it there was no shifting me. (tea and toast for dinner/tea lol). I still can't believe you did this to us, you reduced me to tears and left me feeling bereft, what a belter of a book! I have to put it up there as being in my top 10 favourites of 2019.

As it says above this is #5 in the Detective Natalie Ward series and it’s absolutely the best so far. I don't believe these can be read as standalones, I feel that to enjoy the whole experience of getting to know Natalie, Mike and the rest of the team you really should begin at the beginning with The Birthday. You've probably guessed that these are police procedurals with women officers as the main protagonist and yes they have issues and personal problems which of us haven't?

There were in this novel that I wanted to butt and neck Natalie's husband David right out the front door. David obviously still has some unresolved issues with regard to his gambling but someone should have told him that pining like a lovesick puppy isn't an attractive look in an adult.. It's definitely tine to split and what we read in this latest instalment in their lives that is made ever more clear. I've developed a rather large soft spot for Natalie and her children always hoping for the right outcome for them, as the series has progressed I've found myself disliking in David but I do have to credit him for being a work from home dad.

As is always the case with plots that involve the abduction and murder of young children, specifically young girls and preferably twins this is going to be a hard read for all. Using a devious well thought out plan the perpetrator in this novel manages to entice his victims into his lair so to speak and also make Natalie doubt a conviction on a previous case dubbed The Blossom Twins. Having been lumbered with a colleague she feels she can't trust and a new gaffer she can't connect with make her working day even more stressful.

When we read the chapters from the point of view of the perpetrator we begin to understand that he is a chap with some very deep-rooted anxieties and issues. A man who is able to plan every minute detail to ensure maximum he has control over almost every aspect of his crimes. He knows exactly what he wants and that's to get to Natalie and he's managing to do just that. The author does drop us some clues that aren't visible to the team leaving me shouting at my kindle begging them to catch up.

It's such a hard book to review without giving away too much of the plot, I really don't want to spoil it for anyone but what a 'Blasted' read.

If you enjoy books by Angela Clarke, Angela Marsons or Patricia Gibney this authors police procedural work will be right up your street. I have absolutely no problems in recommending this or the DI Robyn Carter series.

Read for an honest review. Thank you Carol Wyer, Bookouture and Netgalley

Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC
OMG WHAT a read!! Brilliant main plot as Natalie battles to solve a case of young girl’s murders and with a sinking heart realises that they may be connected to a former case that still haunts her.
Couple that with explosive developments in the subplots and then they both collide!
After lots of sure leads which turn out to be false we are faced with the totally unexpected real villain
I can honestly say I felt my heart rate increase as the book reached its conclusion! Brilliant stuff!

WHOA
I have read every book so far in the Natalie Ward series. While Carol does always have a way of throwing little twists and turns into her books, this book was a whopper of a roller coaster ride.
Isabella and Kerry Sharpe attend a popular rock concert in their hometown. While Kerry is away getting them drinks, Isabella disappears. She is later found dead, her body covered with flower petals. Less than 48 hours later, sisters Ivy and Erin are also found murdered, again with flower petals over their bodies.
Natalie has seen this before, years ago, with the Blossom Twins killer case, although she and her department "solved' the case and put the murderer behind bars....or did they?
John Briggs, Natalie's rival is placed on her team to investigate the murders. From the get-go, Natalie does not like his attitude and his willingness to point fingers and pull the trigger on a suspect. He keeps pushing suspects on Natalie left and right, ignoring any evidence or facts.
One by one the suspects are eliminated by evidence and Natalie is growing weary trying to find the right killer. After a piece of photo evidence points to a new lead, Natalie is dumbfounded. This was the big twist. I cannot reveal who or why without spoiling the entire story so you will have to read to find out who the killer is!
Also though, keep the tissues handy, especially if you are a Natalie fan...this one does NOT have a happy ending

The Blossom Twins is the 5th book in the series about DI Natalie Ward by Carol Wyer. This is a stand alone story but so much richer having read previous ones in this group. Ms Wyer gives us a case to follow along with and enough personal details to make Natalie  feel like an old friend. As usual I hated to see my visit come to an end with the final page. Thank you Bookouture and Net Galley for my early copy.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have read all of the Natalie Ward books and each one just keeps getting better and better, Carol Wyer writes an excellent series, and I really enjoy DS Natalie Ward. I love how she intertwines her family life into her police work and whatever case she is working on for each book, especially this book, everything is tangled together this time for a startling climax, which I didn't see coming. Natalie is a truly flawed character that you can't help but root for, and I can't wait to see where the next book goes.

OMG! Carol, you broke me. I felt utterly bereft after the emotional journey from reading this book and it took days to recover. The fifth installment in the Detective Natalie Ward series may have a sweet, floral title but behind it Carol’s most shocking, jaw-dropping and emotional book to date. I quickly devoured it, filled with an urgent need for answers, only to be left wishing I hadn’t found them. This is her best novel yet and shows just why this woman is one of my favourite, must-read crime writers.

When fourteen-year-old Isabella Sharpe disappears during a concert a search soon leads to the discovery of her body. Detective Natalie Ward and her team are called to investigate and the macabre scene immediately reminds her of the first murders she investigated - The Blossom Twins. Those devastating crimes shattered Natalie and the mistakes made haunt her to this day. She tells herself she’s overthinking - the killer was found and died in prison - but she can’t seem to shake her suspicions.

Twins Ivy and Erin Westmore go missing while camping in their back garden and soon the girls’ bodies are found chillingly posed just like the Blossom Twins. Details that were never made public are identical. Is this the work of a copycat or did Natalie get the wrong man? She and her team race to find answers before more innocent lives are taken.

After four previous books it’s fair to say I’m attached to these characters and they feel like old friends. That made this a hard book to read as Natalie and her husband David are now separated but living in the same house and haven’t told the kids. He’s hoping for a reconciliation, she’s looking forward but is also battling immense guilt over how her children will take the news. This storyline is a big part of the book and Natalie’s emotional turmoil isn’t helped by her new case having disturbing similarities to an old case that haunts her to this day, a new boss that talks to her like she’s imcompitent, or the arrival of a former nemesis charged with helping the team find their killer.

The addition of John Briggs to the team added an extra dose of tension and drama to the story. He and Natalie worked together on the Blossom Twins case and its clear there’s no love lost between them. He rubs the whole team up the wrong way with his brash, aggressive and insensitive manner and consistently undermines Natalie by going behind her back to their boss questioning her capability to solve the case. I hated him. He was a perfect nemesis for Natalie and though I love how well the team usually work together, it was interesting to see how she reacted to someone who isn’t a team player and was determined to get in her way.

As is usually the case with Carol’s books, my favourite parts were those where we get the killer’s point of view. He’s manipulative, callous, cocky, twisted and sent a chill down my spine. It was terrifying how in control he is and how detailed his plans are. The flashbacks revealed just how far he would go to get what he wanted and how sinister he was. I had some wild theories about who this person was and I went through many different suspects, telling myself I must be wrong with the two I had the most suspicion of. It was a puzzle I couldn’t solve, which is something I love when reading this genre.

So if you want a fast-paced, nail-biting, addictive, heartbreaking and thrilling book then look no further. More than ever I’m desperate to know what is next for Natalie and her team. Though I’m a bit scared of what Carol might do next.

Thank you to Bookoture, NetGalley and Carol Wyer for my copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What a stunning book this is! All four of its predecessors have been very good but, in The Blossom Twins, Carol Wyer reaches a new level of brilliance. Both the plot and Natalie Ward's private life make for fascinating reading and, when the two converge, the tension is almost unbearable! When a number of teenage girls are found dead, Natalie fears a link to a case she was involved in five years earlier in Manchester and she battles false leads and conundra to solve the crime. Totally engrossing!