Member Reviews
This is a really good read and the next book in a great series. Dani is interesting to read about and I am intrigued to find out more about her. The case and the storyline were interesting and kept me reading.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
DI Dani Stephens and her team are called on to investigate when a woman is found floating in her bathtub. Evidence points to a suicide, but when Dani discovers that the woman was using an alias, she starts looking at this as a murder.
Dani's investigation takes her through a maze of organized crime, prostitution, and human trafficking. These are people who are willing to kill to keep their secrets.
More bodies fall and Dani doesn't know who she can trust .. especially when she becomes the next target.
Highly suspenseful, this well written crime fiction spotlights the skillfully developed characters as they follow the crumbs to solve this mystery. There is a second story line .. of that with Dani and her twin brother. It would be best to read the books in this series in order..as there are many spoilers in this 3rd story.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo Hera / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This latest in the series is more about the lead character than a mystery. Dani shows a lot of growth in this one. The case didn't grab me this go around. It's a good read, but I felt like it was more of a series filler. I will definitely read the next one, but this story doesn't live up to the previous ones.
Echoes of Guilt marks the return of Detective Inspector (DI) Dani Stephens in the third instalment of this tense and shocking Midlands-based series. It isn't strictly necessary to have the preceding books as the bulk of the story is self-contained, however, Dani’s backstory is a fascinating part of each book and by reading in chronological order you watch as she evolves as well as discovering what interested her in police work in the first place. DI Stephens and DS Easton are called in to investigate a seemingly open and shut case of suicide.
Clara Doyle was discovered deceased in the bathtub, having drowned, with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her corpse. But after further inspection, Dani’s gut tells her something isn't quite adding up and so she resolves to investigate the case fully despite pushback from colleagues and superiors. Their digging leads down unexpected paths and they uncover links to the murky and unsavoury world of the Romanian mafia, which is teeming with dodgy characters who wouldn't think twice about committing murder should it be "necessary", and a shocking connection to her twin brother, and convicted killer, Ben's past emerges.
This is a compulsive and complex case and as more bodies drop it becomes even more complicated with the level of dangerousness being ratcheted up to a maximum. It's a creepy, intense and action-packed police procedural and is full of twists and turns from the beginning. I never lost interest in the plot and there were no dull moments where I felt it dragged or the story petered out. The chapters simply flew by with enough included in each to propel the tale forward and the pacing was pretty spot on.
The ripples and repercussions of the last case are still being strongly felt and the fact that the case is now at trial adds more pressure to Dani's situation; you really feel for her when, as often happens in court cases, the unexpected comes into play. Then, of course, we get to see how brother Ben's attempt to kill her some time ago is still weighing heavy on her mind. A page-turner with an interesting and well-developed cast, some powerful twists, a tense and often spine-chilling atmosphere and a satisfying conclusion. Roll on number four! Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo Hera for an ARC.
DI Dani Stephens is back in the third instalment in this series. Still reeling from the last case which saw Dani’s boyfriend, Jason landed in intensive care having been attacked by a serial killer. Jason has a long hard road ahead of him in the recovery stakes and Dani knows only too well what it entails having been there herself after her brother tried to murder her leaving her with a debilitating head trauma.
This book sees Dani and her partner DS Easton thrown into a case when she is called to the scene of a murder or is a suicide, a young woman found in her bath, empty bottle of vodka and pills beside, it should be clear cut right? Dani doesn’t believe so and as a result enters a dangerous world of organised crime, human trafficking, sexual abuse and hard core violence against woman, as it always seems to be the case, her brother’s name comes up and Dani feels or wants to (there is a fine line) that her brother has a hand in what is currently happening.
As and aside the trial of the serial killer is ongoing and Dani is shocked to learn that they call her twin brother, Ben to give evidence having shared a cell with him and can attest to his state of mind and personality changes which apparently saw him turn into a serial killer….!!!!!
Dani has a lot to juggle at the moment what with case, Jason and letting Ben get under her skin again, can she get through it all unscathed? Another great instalment and we are learning more about the characters as they evolve. A fast paced police procedural plot with a few unexpected twists along the way. If you love this genre, then add this series to your TBA.
I love Rob Sinclair books, and Dani is one of my favourites. This novel was excellent and held my attention throughout. A real page turner. His books never disappoint. Loved that it brought elements and threads from previous novels, and yet a fresh and connected storyline. Looking foreword to the next one.
DI Dani Stephens #3
DI Dani Stephens and DS Easton are investigating the murder of a woman who had drowned in the bath with half a bottle of vodka and a packet of pills beside her. Dani is still haunted by her previous case that left her boyfriend in intensive care. Their search takes them into the world of organised crime - people willing to kill for their secrets. As more bodies are discovered, smiling in the background is the man who tried to end her life: her own twin brother.
Dani thinks her brother is responsible for more than just one crime. This is a tense and creepy read. The case Dani is investigating takes them to people with secret identities, human trafficking, multiple murders and lots more. This is a well written book that's packed with action and twists. The pace is fast in this tense and atmospheric read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Rob Sinclair for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyed the first in this series The essence of guilt very much and was looking forward to this one. It was not as good which was a disappointment but still was a good read. Great characters. Well written . Plenty of suspense to keep me interested. Would definitely read his next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Echoes of Guilt, the third novel to feature DI Dani Stephens of the Midlands Police.
Dani is called out to an apparent suicide. Clara Doyle has been found dead in the bath surrounded by pills and alcohol but there are details at the scene that push Dani to investigate further. This takes her into the world of Romanian organised crime and her murderer brother, Ben’s past. In the background her previous case is being tried in court.
I thoroughly enjoyed Echoes of Guilt which is a tense, creepy read, full of twists and turns. It is told in the third person, mostly from Dani’s point of view with other voices added as required. This gives the reader a bird’s eye view of how Dani is feeling and coping with the case and an idea (but not too much) of what she is up against.
The plot seems well paced with developments in every chapter and it held my interest throughout. I liked the hint of the supernatural and the fact that it could be explained away if the reader chooses. It adds a certain frisson to the read and I found myself caught up in the characters’ jumpiness. I also found myself caught up in the court trial which Dani has so much riding on and which doesn’t always go according to plan. It’s quite tense in parts. Then there is Ben. According to Dani he is a manipulative psychopath whose influence she finds in all her cases. Ok, he tried to kill her so she has the right to be obsessive but I’m beginning to feel that it has run its course as a plot device and it’s time to move on. Despite these ongoing threads the novel will work as a stand-alone.
I like Dani. She’s damaged, both physically and mentally, but she’s indomitable, charging forward with her cases regardless of obstacles.
Echoes of Guilt is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
3.5 rounded up. This is the third in the series but I feel like this one could stand alone. I had read the prior books and just did not enjoy this one as much. It’s a solid police procedural but offers nothing special. Two things are going on Police Scotland is investigating a major leak and the police are protecting a witness who is testifying against her husband. Clare's love interest is in the US and someone else comes into the picture.
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Another fantastically creepy crime procedural by Rob Sinclair.
DI Dani Stephens, is past becoming oe of m favorite characters, she's gritty, real, devoted, driven and flawed.
The family issues and guilt she deals with is enough to make anyone crazy, but she still manages to move forward, fight crime, even if the personal costs are too great.
Intriguing case , Dani and her crew are fighting hard to solve. Fast paced and action packed, makes for enjoyable reading. Highly recommended the book, very realistic situations, relatable characters and the place of the story will not disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#echosofguilt
I never repeat the blurb. This is the second of these (that I've read) and while I enjoyed it for the most part, it did become a tad protracted and a bit too linked to other matters which didn't really impact.
A good thriller, gripping and entertaining. A fast paced plot, good characters and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Police thriller with a good pairing of detectives.Full of action,excitement and twists.Lots to hold your interest.
The third book to feature DI Danni Stevens and her colleague DS Easton. Danni is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury caused when being nearly killed by her twin brother Ben. Danni has no filter when angry or upset and just says what she thinks and to hell with the consequences. They are investigating a murder which in turn has links to extortion, human trafficking, Romanian organised crime and a serial killer. From the first page I was hooked. Full of tension, suspense, atmospheric, creepy and very gripping. This book can be read as a stand alone but I am sure you will be searching out the rest of this fantastic five star series. This book has definitely left me wanting more and I can't wait to find out what happens next between Danni and her brother the serial killer.
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Dani was back with Detective Easton investigating a made obvious suicide which was actually a murder.
Having read this series right from the first, I had a special connection with Dani. She was reckless yet determined. She made mistakes, yet stood up strong in the story. She was vulnerable due to her past, but she worked hard in those challenges. I have always had a soft corner for her.
The story had its twists, the plot turned. The author kept me invested in the book. Dani and her team soon brought the investigation to a flourishing finish, making this an entertaining read.
Usual series rules apply, especially as this book deals with the repercussions of the previous. The main story can be read stand alone but, to get the very best from it, I would recommend you start from book one and read in order.
A woman lying dead in a bathtub, a half bottle vodka and packet of pills lying next to her. On the face of it, looks like suicide. But on further inspection, there are thing that point to a different conclusion and Dani rules murder and, along with DS Easton they begin to investigate. What they find will bring the case close to home for Dani and, with her still suffering the fallout, and recovering from the events of the previous book, things are tough for her and her team.
After a bumpy start with this series cos I couldn't completely connect to Dani, book two cemented our relationship and I am pleased to report that we didn't fall out in this book. Yes, she can be a bit annoying at times but I'm pretty sure that's true of all relationships - real and with characters - so nothing new there! The story is interesting and intriguing, and gets on with itself very well with no superfluous waffle. No more than you'd expect in a series book that is. There is enough personal stuff going on to complement the main story and keep the characters developing nicely but not too much to be intrusive.
The plot twists and turns as it meanders towards a very satisfactory conclusion. It throws in the occasional shock along the way - some quite hard hitting - but all flowed well and kept my attention nicely.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is now a well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in this series I had high hopes for this book. I wasn’t disappointed, I think the author has wrote another great book which picks up a few months after the end of book 2. DI Stephens along with her colleague DS Easton investigate a murder which is found to have links with a missing person and people trafficking. I enjoy reading about these two characters, I love their working rapport and growing friendship and the little glimpses you get into Dani’s personal life. As with the previous books this one had my attention from beginning to end. I found it a real pager turner, I constantly wanted to know what would happen next and the last 10% of the book was full of suspense .... wow. There were so many twists in the story that I did not expect which, for me, made it a fab read. I look forward to the next book in this series and highly recommend this one.
Another brilliant read with book three in this series. DI Dani Stephens is back with another case with her almost partner DS Easton, she trusts Easton and is happy to have him working with her. Dani is still highly focused on a previous case Damian Curtis, who is currently on trial. But that case had been very personal. With Dani and her boyfriend Jason who at the time had also been a police officer being just two of the targets. Not only that, but Dani had been convinced her twin brother Ben had also been involved in some way. Throughout this book there are mentions of the court case which Dani attends a couple of times, and the verdict at the end.
But the main focus in this novel is the death of a woman found in her bath, to some it would look like a suicide, but to Dani her gut instinct tells her there is more going on, and that the scene has been staged. The woman is known as Clara Doyle, but as the team dig deeper they find that is not her real name, why is she going under another name? It’s only when Dani and Easton search the house that they find there is a lot more to this case.
This is a riveting read with different strands going off, keeping the reader engaged throughout, wondering which way the story is going to turn next. With young women being trafficked from Romania, after being tricked into believing they are going to have better lives. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
Although this could be read as a stand alone novel, i would recommend starting with book one, as you see the characters developing, as well as some of the storyline, with Dani’s brother and Jason her boyfriend who is still in hospital in this book.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #Canelo Hera for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
I was part of the blog tour for the first book of this detective series last year, and I enjoyed my second meeting with DI Dani Stephens last December as well... I've been looking forward to meet up with her character ever since. Echoes Of Guilt is already book number three and doesn't disappoint: it's without a doubt another solid and pretty shocking detective thriller! Fans of suspenseful and darker thrillers will be in for a treat with this series in general.
Once again, the main character Dani Stephens plays a key role in the plot. While in a way she can be seen as the typical damaged detective lead, I think her character has so much more dept than that. Why? Well, not only does she have a serial killer twin who almost killed her, but the brain damage she suffered as a result of that attack has changed her life and personality forever. She is still struggling with the consequences, and it has been fascinating to see her character develop over time. While the psychological aspect doesn't play as big as a role in this third book, the road to recovery is still present; especially in a different character too after what happened in book two. On that note: since the personal developments in the previous books have a big impact on what is happening in book three, I advice reading these books in order as you might not understand some references otherwise.
I loved the Romanian angle in Echoes Of Guilt, and especially the significance of the Strigoi Romanian folklore element. It really gave the story that creepy and almost horror vibe and took this thriller to the next level. It was also interesting to learn a bit more about the Strigoi and the original myth behind the undead and vampires. Romania plays a big role in general, with multiple characters from that country as well as folklore references. This gave Echoes Of Guilt an international vibe despite the Birmingham setting... And I always love having foreign cultures incorporated into a story!
Dani's serial killer twin brother Ben once again plays a role in Echoes Of Guilt. While I can't deny that he is a fascinating character, I did feel that his role in the plot in book three was a bit forced this time around. I think the story might have stood stronger without his involvement... Although I still can't pinpoint exactly why I felt this way. The case Dani and her team have to investigate is fascinating though, and the whole Romanian folklore angle really took it to the next level. Some of the scenes are quite spooky and sometimes even gruesome, so definitely not for those with a weak stomach. But if you don't mind things getting dark and twisted, Echoes Of Guilt will provide plenty of detective thriller reading pleasure.