A fantastic, thrilling, fast-paced story by J.G. Roberts.

In this third book of the series DCI Rachel Hart investigates when Abi Wyett goes for her morning run. But when Abi's friend Hannah, doesn't turn up to their allotted meeting place on time, Abi sets out on her own. As she runs through the wood following their usual route, she is greeted by an appalling sight: Hannah’s body, hanging from a tree. Hannah’s friends and family insist that she had everything to live for, but when murder is confirmed, Rachel starts to realise that there were plenty of people with reasons to want Hannah dead. Then a second woman is found strangled in the same woods, and Rachel starts to wonder if there is a serial killer on the loose.

Even if I had not read any of the other books in this series, I would still have been happy to jump straight in and read this as a standalone story. The author, J.G. Roberts provided enough background information on the characters and setting so new readers should not feel at a disadvantage. Rachel Hart is a caring, determined detective with plenty of inner reserve and I would have gladly had her on my team.

This novel was a fantastic, electrifying and solid police procedural and I really warmed to Rachel from the outset. Well-balanced with many twists, red herrings and a number of possible suspects that could be responsible for the killings, it had me glued to the pages as I was desperate to know the outcome of the story. The attention-grabbing plot was very cleverly written, being gripping and suspenseful but not unbelievable. Each individual had a defined role in the story and I found myself really rooting for Rachel to succeed in capturing the murderer(s). All of the time the tension was being ratcheted up a notch as the author's writing flowed effortlessly while Why She Died delved into a world of secrets, revenge and menace.

All in all, a brilliant, breathtaking and highly recommended crime-thriller.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Detective Rachel Hart was back with a twisty delectable murder where red herrings and suspects kept her in the fog of mystery. My third book by author Julia Roberts, and the stories kept getting better and better. The author’s writing narrated this police procedural with conviction and confidence. She and Rachel had indeed traveled far.

Abi went for a run and saw a body hanging from the trees, it was her best friend Hannah. DCI Rachel Hart and her team were called to investigate.

Having read all the earlier works of this author, I was eager to get into this one. Rachel was real, like us, with strengths and vulnerabilities especially where her sister was concerned. She was strong while digging into the alibi of the suspects, but gentle while talking to the family of victims. Her methods were focused, her brain sharp, yet she never let go of the humane factor.

All was not as they presumed, that was the theme of this story. The author layered their story with subplots. I liked the winding lanes of a thorough investigation, the twists that changed the course of the book, and the final reveal.

A fast paced police procedural with a humane cop at the helm made this an entertaining read.

I have been a fan of the Detective Rachel Hart series for a little while now. In fact, I have been a fan of the series since I had the good fortune to pick up a copy of the first book in the series called 'Little Girl Missing'. I couldn't wait to get hold of a copy of the third book in the series called 'Why She Died'. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because 'Why She Died' was released on 29th May 2020. 'Why She Died' is another cracking addition to the Detective Rachel Hart series and I enjoyed every single minute of it but more about that in a bit.
I took to the character of Detective Rachel Hart from the very beginning. In fact, it didn't take me long to feel as though I had reunited with an old friend in Rachel. I really felt for her because not only has she got a heavy caseload, which is to be expected in her line of work, but she also has her own problems to deal with. Her sister has vanished and nothing has been seen or heard from her since her disappearance. Rachel is desperately worried about her sister, which is only natural, and I did wonder if she was perhaps biting off more than she could chew in trying to work full time and look into her sister's disappearance at the same time. I feared that worrying about her sister might distract her from her other police work. Rachel is kind, compassionate, sensitive, determined and at times very stubborn. Rachel leads a small team, who work well as a team but equally all the team members can work perfectly well on their own too.
It's no exaggeration to say that I became addicted to 'Why She Died' from the moment I opened the front cover. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I worked my way through the story. The killing that opened the story intrigued me and I had to know if Rachel found her sister, so of course I had to keep reading. For me, 'Why She Died' was unputdownable and the true definition of a page turner. I soon got to the end of the story, which I had mixed feelings about. Don't get me wrong I was pleased to finish because at least I knew how the story concluded but 'Why She Died' was so darn good that I just didn't want the book to end.
'Why She Died' is extremely well written but then I think that of the other books in the Detective Rachel Hart series. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. She has a way of making the reader feel included and as though they are part of the story and investigation themselves. That's how I feel anyway. For me, the book was well paced. The author grabbed my attention from the start with a shocking death and she then took me on one hell of an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride through a tense and dramatic investigation.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Why She Died' and I would definitely recommend the Detective Rachel Hart series to other readers. I will be reading more of this author's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Why She Died by J.G. Roberts
Detective Rachel Hart #3

Murders happen
Killers kill
Why do they kill
And
How do they choose their prey?

Policemen follow clues
Look for reasons
Killers kill
Hoping to stop
Another murder

Coming into a series after t he main character and her team have had two books to settle into their roles is not always easy. I did have enough tidbits of information to realize that Rachel was in charge, had been off duty a bit due to a family situation, had suffered a bad situation with her twin during childhood and that her twin was missing. Rachel seemed a bit fragile but willing to do her job. Her team were there to follow the clues and determine who the murderer was from a whole lot of contenders.

Most of the characters in this book are friends from college, the people they are dating or work with and a few are family. There are also policemen and women and the people they encounter and live with or date. There are some twists, turns and surprises before the book is wrapped up at the end. The police procedural aspects flowed, and it was easy to follow the reasoning of those working the case.

I felt there were many threads to the story as it was not just limited to the murder case but also a couple of side stories that eventually tied into the overall story. I am wondering if I had read the first two books I would feel I knew Rachel and understand her reasoning and actions better in this book. That said, it was able to be read as a standalone and will appeal to those that like British police procedurals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Hannah wakes up late for her morning run with her best friend Abi. As she starts to get ready, she asks herself why she even bothers. But, friends are friends, and Abi is training for a mountain climb, and Hannah as agreed to help her. When Abi doesn't answer Hannah's knock on her door, Hannah decides to head out anyway, figuring she'd run into Abi somewhere along their regular path in the woods. What Hannah finds is the most shocking, the most devastating thing she can imagine - Abi hanging from a tree.

Detective Rachel Hart is assigned the case and it takes her very little time to realize that the crime scene is more than a bit off. As Rachel begins her investigation, she interviews all of the students that are sharing the same house while at university. Once the cause of death is officially ruled a murder, Rachel really hones in on her investigation, and soon realizes that she has the scope of her investigate.

Meanwhile, Rachel is finally happy in her relationship with lawyer Tim. She had a tragic past and lost her twin sister when they were very young, so it took her quite some time to come close to trusting and opening her heart. The story shifts from time to time to Tim, especially when he visits someone at a prison. Her relationship with Tim and his actions make me appreciate having read the first two books in this series, Little Girl Missing and What He Did, as I was able to feel a connection to Rachel as a person, as well as a cop.

Why She Died is a gripping story that weaves tension and drama in at breaknet speed that garnered my attention from beginning to end. I love that the book left readers wondering what is next for Rachel. Kudos to J. G. Roberts for writing another thrilling book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

Why She Died by G.J Roberts is the third instalment of the D.C.I Rachel Hart series. It is always better to have read the other books but it also works on it's own as there is enough background within the book so the reader doesn't feel lost.
A young girl Hannah, is discovered hanging from a tree in the local woods by her best friend, Abi. They had planned an early morning run together and Hannah did'nt show up so Abi set of alone.Rachel is called in to investigate when what they thought was a suicide turns out to be foul play. Rachel has just returned to work after time out, but still has the worry of her sister going missing from Mountview hospital's Psychiatric ward in her mind. Then another body is found,Rachel's mind goes into overdrive thinking it could be her sister.
I thought the characters where very believable and I loved Rachel. I empathised with her from the start, the strain of her sister being missing, the feelings of guilt she carries, I was with her all the way!
A captivating and fantastically crafted and well paced police procedural with plenty of red herrings, twists and turns that kept me reading and guessing too! I shall be reading the first two books I enjoyed it that that much. With thanks to Bookouture-Books-On-Tour for my blog stop on this blog Tour and Netgalley for my copy of the book

To stop the killer, you need to know…why she died. Why She Died is the third book in the Detective Rachel Hart series but was first book that I read. This crime thriller gets right into it right from the start and the amount of plot twists and turns will guarantee to give you whiplash (but in a good way!)

I also liked how each chapter took on a different character’s point-of-view so that you understand their thought process, feelings and emotions until the very end and I love how descriptive Roberts writes these – putting the reader right into the character’s mind. This kept the story refreshing and was effectively written that was not confusing for the reader.

The story didn’t lag but if there was anything that I felt lost some of its appeal was that there was a lot of back and forth dialogue amongst the detectives when they would ask each other if they did this or that. I’m sure that happens in real life, but it felt a bit unnecessary when it would have been stated as something that got taken care of when providing the reader further details of the case.

On another note, the characters were down-to-earth, which I enjoyed as the author had some of the characters doing normal things such as, DCI’s second-in-command, DI Graham Wilson giving his kids and bath and then putting them to bed. Roberts successfully penned the pressures of life outside of detective work and the sacrifices the police force must make if an urgent issue is at hand that cuts into their personal lives.

Overall, Why She Died was a great crime thriller novel that will keep you guessing up who did it up until the very end.

Why She Died is the third instalment in the Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Hart series and although preferable to have read the previous books this works perfectly well as a standalone as the author provides enough background to ensure new readers are not at a disadvantage. Hart and her team are called in to investigate when the body of a young woman is found hanging from a tree by her best friend Abi. They had arranged to meet at the local beauty spot to go for their usual morning run as the victim, Hannah, had been training to tackle Mount Everest but when Hannah didn't show Abi assumes she had already set off without her and so she begins running their regular route where she comes upon the body. The team initially feel all of the evidence points to suicide but soon come to the realisation that Hannah was brutally murdered. Who has the gall to kill a woman in a public place in broad daylight and hang her up like a decoration or trophy for all to see? As if she hasn't enough on her plate she discovers her sister Ruth has vanished from Mountview hospital’s psychiatric ward. And then a second body drops...

This is a captivating and exciting thriller with many twists, turns, red herrings and a number of possible suspects that could be responsible for the killings. I found this was the best instalment so far as this story is particularly well crafted. As police procedural's go this is a thoroughly enjoyable one; it has pace, is well written and full of surprises. It had me engrossed from the first couple of chapters and I thought the characters were as engaging as in previous instalments. I liked hearing more about our protagonist Rachel’s personal life and her relationship with her sister Ruth which appears to be a thread that'll run throughout the series. Rachel is also a very likeable person who strives to do her utmost to bring justice to the families of the victims. I wasn't expecting the conclusion and the ability of the author to keep the killer's identity under wraps until the very end was impressive and added to the drama and suspense. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

Loved it!!! I read the first book in the series (loved it) and somehow missed the second book. I definitely need to go back ad read that book. I'm loving this series. Detective Rachel Hart is not only trying to solve murder case but she is also dealing with trying to find her missing sister. Hearing what happened to Ruth and Rachel when they were younger was heartbreaking. I don't remember if this was mentioned in the first book. There were so many twists and turns. I wasn't sure who was behind Hannah's death because there were so many suspects to choose from. Abi had to mourn the loss of her best friend and then learned the truth about her. Hannah was not who she appeared to be. I never even heard of a shot girl before. The ending was not what I was expecting and completely shocking. People are CRAZY!!! Did that person honestly think Ruth and Rachel would love his/her idea??? It was insane!!!!! I feel like Ruth and Rachel's relationship will be even stronger.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the story, characters and writing style. It's a great mystery/thriller. Definitely looking forward to the next book in series and reading more books by the author. I can't wait to find put what's next for Rachel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rachel Hart #3

A young woman has been found hanging from a tree and Rachel has been called in to investigate. It soon becomes clear that this is not a suicide but a murder investigation. 5his is Rachel's first case since her twin sister disappeared. When a second body is found, it looks like Rachel has a serial killer to track down before the body count rises any higher.

Rachel is still trying to find her twin sister, Ruth as she investigates the serial killer. This is a twist filled fast paced read. The suspect list keeps growing. Everytime a womans ody is found, Rachel dreads that is going to be her sister, Ruth. I had my suspicions to whom the killer was. This is a well written and cleverly crafted story. The tension builds with every turn of the page. This is a super series and this book is a great addition to it. I do recommend this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author J.G. Robert's for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great read from J.G. Roberts.
Rachel is called out to a body found in the woods and at first assumes it’s a suicide but is then told the girl had been murdered.
The girl’s friends are shocked at her death and her boyfriend is upset but knows about some secrets Hannah was hiding.
Alongside the murder, Rachel is desparately looking for her sister who ran away from a health facility. When another body is found Rachel panics and assumes it’s her sister.
This is a clever crime thriller as it leads you up one path and then later in the book it turns out you are completely wrong! (Well I was anyway)
I really enjoyed this addition to the Rachel Harte series and look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

What starts as a seemingly simple case suddenly takes a turn for what can only be described as “OMG, what the heck just happened?!?” I thought the author did a terrific job of laying the groundwork of the investigation for Rachel and her team. The investigation is straightforward…for the most part. I did think the author spent a little bit more time than expected on Rachel’s obsession with her missing twin sister, but by the end of the book, it is crystal clear why she did that. It all worked within the story, and certainly left my jaw hanging open in shock a few times. Read the other books in the series first, just for the backstory, but don’t miss this one. For a complete review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of this book.

When the body of a young woman is found by her best friend, hanging from a tree on their daily running route, DCI Rachel Hart's first impressions are attempted suicide. Although, the young victim story says otherwise. Turns out she was a bright ambitious woman with plans to climb the Everest one day! With boyfriend problems, living in uni dorms, could this be a silly fight between the girls? Detective Rachel Hart is about to find out.

Although, Rachel has her own issues with a twin sister who's missing and she's waiting any minute now for a bad news that her dead body is found. She's slowly coming in terms to trust her new lawyer boyfriend Tim with whom she's trying to set amends. Her DI is very efficient along with a brilliant squad, she is quick to put two and two together in time to catch the killer. Although, this time might be a bit difficult.


Wow what an entertainer! Kept me hooked and guessing till the end. Just when I thought I had finally got it - the whodonnit and then I realise there's a good 1 hour left on the book. Highly recommended crime thriller from Bookouture.

A page-turning, engrossing and enthralling read.

Set in rural England, Why She Died by J. G. Roberts, is a police procedural of the best type. It is a page-turning, engrossing and enthralling read, with police making headway in a satisfying way. As I progressed through the chapters, I was impressed by the author's organisational skills. I felt I was in good hands. My first of the DCI Hart series, it stood alone. I'd like to read the preceding and subsequent novels.

Well written and well planned, 'Why She Died' gives you interesting reveals every few pages. The chapters were of the right length to lead you into the different prongs of the investigation. The characters were interesting; slight back stories were painted of some, to just the right amount. The main protagonist, DCI (Detective Chief Inspector – I had to look it up) Rachel Hart, we got to know quite well.

The blurb and the prologue set the scene. Abi, Hannah, Lucie and Chloe are former housemates, currently living in the same halls while completing their final university year. When Abi sees Hannah hanged from a tree in the woods alongside the university, she is beside herself. It is a seeming suicide. Then why is Abi filled with so much guilt and even fear? Is it even Hannah? She's not sure as she only recognises Hannah's clothes and bright green sneakers.

DCI Hart and her team investigate the death, and forensics is called in. There are a number of POVs including Abi's, Hannah's, DCI Hart's, PC Eleanor's, DS Graham's and Tim the lawyer, DCI Hart's love interest.

The reader follows Hannah's routine on the night prior leading up to the early morning hours of the fateful morning. Like Chloe and Abi, Hannah is a part-time 'shot girl' at the local nightclub, 'Velvet'. Work finishes at around 2.30 a.m., but the tips are good. These girls in their early-twenties feel they could do with the extra money. Hannah wants to be the youngest woman to climb Mt. Everest. Lucie doesn't work at Velvet, due to her staunch Christian background.

We see all whom Hannah talked to at work except when she is inside the car park. The list of suspects and red herrings would do Agatha Christie proud. I had an inkling as to who might have committed the deed, but it was only an inkling, and indeed portrays the author's skill in throwing the reader, potential criminal 'bait'.

A parallel side narrative is developed, of DCI Hart's back story. When a second body is discovered, DCI Hart is terrified that it is that of her twin sister, Ruth. The detective team suspects that a serial killer is at work. What could the motive possibly be? Hence, the title. There are societal, emotional elements. The murders occur in the midst real life, after all. I picked up a thread in one of the other character's threads that was actually relevant, and patted myself on the back when it was revealed. No spoilers.

This is a fast-paced murder, crime mystery with police at the heart. It will keep the reader guessing. DCI Hart is a likeable character, in whom the reader wants to follow through a series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Why She Died’, the third in the Detective Rachel Hart series written by J G Roberts, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Hannah is in training to climb Mount Everest and has enlisted the help of her best friend Abi as her training partner. When Abi is late for their early morning run she thinks Hannah has started ahead of her but as she’s running through the woods she comes upon Hannah’s body hanging from a tree. Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Hart’s investigations are overshadowed by worry for her twin sister Ruth who’s disappeared from the psychiatric wing at Mountview Hospital. Can Rachel unravel the truth before anyone else dies?

‘Why She Died’ is the first book I’ve read by J G Roberts and the first in this series, something I will rectify as I intend to read books one and two to give me a greater understanding of Rachel and her team. Although I wasn’t aware of Rachel’s and Ruth’s past I’ve quickly become involved in the story and the characters, trying to work out the identity of the killer but failing miserably. It’s a well-written novel with a good storyline, plenty of suspense, drama, and twists and turns, but it isn’t until the final twist that the identity of the killer is revealed, not at all what I was expecting. This is an enjoyable and enthralling thriller and one I’m happy to recommend.

I read this book on its own and can say it does well as a standalone book. A very gripping read that was thoroughly enjoyable. This is a fast-paced mystery/thriller that really kept me turning pages for hours until I got to the end of the book.

Detective Rachel Hart has a big problem on her hands. She must deal with the secrets of her past and above all, she and her team need to get to the bottom of the murder of a university student. But more dead bodies seem to be surfacing and it seems like there is a serial killer on the loose amidst a web of lies, betrayals and friendships. Are all the murderers really linked or is there something that doesn't meet the eye?

The characters are well written and as the story progresses we learn more about almost every character mentioned and not just the MC.

A very interesting novel that is truly movie-worthy. I am glad to have had the pleasure of reading this book.

This is a book I would add to my library/book collection.

This third book in the Detective Rachel Hart series has 2 interwoven (at times a bit competitive) plot lines as worked. The major focus is on a series of murders involving a group of college friends. Rachel and her team are trying to discover who murdered a young woman, when another murder victim is found. As they try to discern if the crimes are related, Rachel is still searching for her sister, Ruth, who disappeared at the end of the last book. Her personal life seems to be the only bright spot as she falls in love with Tim, a defense attorney she met at work. Just as Rachel is starting to trust this seemingly wonderful man, dark and shocking secrets come to light involving Tim, Rachel, Ruth, and the man who kidnapped the sisters as children. All the while, the team rushes to find answers, with a growing body count. The two storylines could each be a plot for a whole book, and while they keep the reader guessing, the denouements of both seem too quick and too easy. Still, I await the next episode in Rachel's life and seeing what lies ahead for her next phase of life.

Another fast paced and complicated case for Rachel and her team with several unexpected twists along the way. I only wish there was a bit more humour and lightness to balance the serious, heavy plot line.

# Why She Died #Netgalley
Just finished why she died. It’s 7.43 am been feasting through the night again. I thought I would read just a couple of chapters before I went to sleep. Well sometimes it probably the worst thing I should do. One I became hooked into a book I know I will not be going to sleep it was impossible to put down a medium to fast paced book with manny twist of who could have die it. You think you know then it turns out to right back to wondering who did it again you think you have the answer wrong again there are lots of twists and turns going off throughout the book. The charters are believable . You can not hep but have compassion at some points in the book especially when Rachaels sister Ruth is still missing, and ever time a body of some female are found.Racheal is always dreading it her sister Ruth. Who was sexually along with Rachel as I child. Although they are twins the abuser seems to have and want to abuse zRuth more tjstn Rachel he’s coming up for parole.he grads his parole yet Rachel is not aware of his iminant relates. Definitely a bloody good read. I didn’t think I had read of this series. However ii did somehow, I hsd read at Read the first book in on the Racal Hart series. Why I never read the second one I will never know. Only thing I can actually think of is with my books still to read plus my own londdg beryls much a must definitely must read

I absolutely love British crime novels/mysteries. “ Why She Died” was a page turner that I absolutely could not put down. This was a fast pace thriller that kept me up half the night. The main heroine had her flaws which made her extremely relatable and someone worth rooting for. The the storyline had great twist and turns that left you guessing till the end. I look forward to reading more in the Detective Rachel Hart series.