The 5th in this fabulous series is back as DC Maggie Jamieson is on the trail of a sadistic and brutal killer.

As ever Noelle Holtena inviting and pleasing writing style drew me in as she creates another crazed killer. Full of action. As tense as you want any thriller ,

Holten and her Protagonist are growing with each and every book, and this is probably her best yet and that’s not easy to say as the series to date have been excellent.

Suspenseful and with great pacing, this is a cracking police procedural and you won’t read many better thrillers all year

🔥🔥🔥🔥

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S DEAD MERCY ABOUT?
The closing chapter of Dead Secret set this up (as Holten is so good about doing): a business has gone up in fire and a body has been found inside—possibly the body of someone Maggie's worked with in Probation. From the start, this case has its hooks in Maggie.

It's soon decided that the body was the source of the fire—and before the victim had been set ablaze, he'd been restrained and had teeth pulled. The killer had wanted to punish him, not just kill him.

Soon another victim is discovered—and the team has to race to find a connection so they can prevent anyone else from suffering this fate.

When the link is finally discovered, it suggests potential new victims as well as several suspects. It also shines a bright light on a striking failure of the criminal justice system.

BETHANY AND KAT
Back when I talked about Book 3, Dead Perfect , I wrote that they were overworking PC Bethany Lambert, "Miscellaneous errands, thankless tasks, things requiring technological expertise, and more fall to her. I lost track of how many things Maggie threw her way to do—on top of her own assignments. I have multiple notes about how they're working this woman to death." They've yet to let up on her—however, it's talked about both as the way she likes to work and as something other people are concerned about. This is efficiently done—the characters around her get to be observant and sympathetic, and they can continue to throw too much work at her so Holten doesn't have to create 2-3 more characters to keep the stories moving at that pace.

Dead Perfect was also where DC Kat Everett was added to the team—she's better integrated into the action over the last couple of books now and I really enjoy her. I'm ready to read a spin-off series focusing on her now, either in her same assignment or transferred somewhere. Her brashness would make for a fun protagonist (not that Maggie isn't brash, but hers is a side-effect of her impetuousness).

A REFRESHING APPROACH
With most police procedurals you get the maverick, lone-wolf detective—maybe with a couple of people they trust. Or (particularly with UK-based procedurals), you get a focus on a detective squad. With the Maggie Jamieson books, we get a good look at her squad, probation services, and other social services.

Not just as a drop-in for a convenient bit of information, either. But characters that matter, there's interconnectedness between the groups and it's good to see the flow of information (formally, informally, unauthorized) informing the investigations. I like seeing that approach, and I like to think it reflects reality far more than any lone-wolf thumbing their nose at regulations.

Although, the pathologist still seeming to hold a grudge over one of her staff being (justifiably) questioned a while back seems to be petty. Which, so it's not all super-professional and mutually helpful.

LET'S HOPE THIS IS FICTION
Not every author spends too much time on the motivation behind the killings, but an author that gives a believable motivation separates their work from the pack. This is another of those areas that Holten excels in.

Yes, this is a work of fiction. Yes, things are heightened. But when you read this, there's going to be a voice in the back of your head saying, "I could see that happening."

Not only that, there's a pretty good chance that you're going to be a little conflicted about the crimes. Odds are, you're not going to be hoping that Maggie and her team fail, or that the killer (killers?) gets away with it. Buuuut...once you understand the motive pushing the killer(s), you may not feel that bad about what happens to the victims.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DEAD MERCY?
Holten's got this down now—the characters and world are well established, as are the relationships in them. Despite the relatively brief chronology between books 1-5, there's been some decent character growth on several points, too. So a new Maggie Jamieson thriller is a chance to spend some time catching up with new acquaintances while getting to go for a pretty intense ride as those acquaintances try to stop a brutal killer.

Okay, maybe that's not the ideal way to catch up and check in on anyone, but it's a pretty exciting read.

Crime Reads had that piece a couple of weeks ago discussing "all crime is cyber crime," which was ringing in my ears as I read this. This very visceral series of murders is evidence to support that thesis—cyber-policing wasn't enough to stop the series, either, but it played its part. Holten's always been good at balancing the computer-work and the boots-on-the-ground policing but might have outdone herself here.

The accent does fall on the physical world, of course, given the nature of the crimes. If your stomach doesn't church a little at the description of the murders (likely both as they're happening and as the pathologist breaks them down), you're made of pretty stern stuff. Thankfully, Holten's narration doesn't ever seem to relish in the disturbing details as too many do.

Basically, this is a top-notch thriller with a lot for the reader to chew on as they're burning through the pages.

It does appear that this is going to be the last Maggie Jamieson book--at least for a while. I'm hoping it's just a break, and we get back to Maggie and the rest of the Major and Organised Crime Department soon. If not? These five books are a great set and I (again) strongly recommend them to you.

Whenever I start a new book in the series I always read the last chapter of the previous book not just because they follow on but the author always finishes every book with the best cliffhangers! I just had to re read the last chapter of Dead Secret (Book 4) to get that feeling back! I was thrown straight back where the previous left off and D.C. Maggie Jamieson is back on the case of another murder.

The storyline, as always was well plotted with many lines of suspicion. I found this slightly confusing but also exhilarating as it really threw me off course on who the culprit could be. I love to guess who it is and although I did guess from quite early on, I did debate other characters as being the culprit.

I found this book in the series a step up in terms of how dark and descriptive it was. Anyone who knows me well will know I like my crime novels to be slightly overstepping the mark of acceptable and this certainly did that for me. The description of the Murder scenes was spot on and certainly made me wince. However, I don’t want to put more sensitive readers off as it’s not as dark as some other books I’ve read.

As the fifth book in the series I can say that I found the characters are well formed and continue to do so as the series progresses and I look forward to seeing how some of the relationships between characters advance in subsequent novels.

An fabulously dark crime thriller!

The 5th book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series but could be read as a stand-alone. A great police procedural thriller about a very sensitive subject, child abuse, which could be a trigger for some, so please be aware. This is however covered in a way that is not gratuitous. The first chapter clearly sets out the subject of the book and the way you should expect it to continue; it’s harrowing but also strangely cathartic - what goes around comes around. Some great and strong female characters in the book, not just the indomitable Maggie but also Dr Kate Moloney and Maggie’s potential love interest journalist Julie Noble.

Briefly, DC Maggie Jamieson and her team are on the case looking for the person who brutally tortured and killed a man. The body was burned and, whilst still alive, teeth were removed and taken away. When another body is found, similarly tortured, the team are looking for a link between the victims. When they find it it opens an investigation into historical child abuse in children’s home’s and the abject failure of the authorities to deal with the perpetrators at the time.

Holten clearly has an excellent knowledge of police procedures, the probation service and the pathology department. It’s clearly detailed but without turning this into a text book! I found this quite compulsive reading “just another chapter” …. A very enjoyable read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The fifth book featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. After a series of murders where the bodies are burnt and have teeth missing, Maggie and her team undertakes these cases to bring the killer to justice. It is only when a clue to an historical case is found, things began to make sense.. I loved this book. Noelle Holton does not disappoint. I love the banter between Maggie and journalist Julie Noble. A good book with sad stories of children being abused in care.

Another excellent installment of this series. Really enjoy them and the writing has matured since the first one.

This book is an excellent read. It's fast-paced, has relatable characters, and you aren't sure who the killer or killers are until the author reveals it at the very end. I always like to see if I can guess by the clues the author drops, and I'm rarely wrong, but I didn't guess this ending. To me, if I can't figure out the perpetrator ahead of time, it's a winner. Noelle Holten is now on my list of must-read authors as she writes masterfully.
DC Maggie Jamieson is after a vicious serial killer. One it seems, with a drive for torturing the victims. The story is told via DC Jamieson and the killer. Having the perpetrator telling the story gives insight as to why it has to happen but not who is doing it. DC Maggie Jamieson, her department head, and her partner must figure out what connects the victims and stop this killer before there are any more deaths. Uncovering a past horrible injustice seems to be a possible connection. They must work quickly to figure out who could be next, the killer seems to be one step ahead, leaving the detectives rushing in after each ruthless murder.
In my opinion, this is an impressive read, and if this is one of your genres I recommend this book wholeheartedly. Thank you NetGalley, and publishers Harper Collins Inc. for allowing me to read the eARC.

Brutal Killings Ripped From (Somewhat Dated-ish) Headlines. Without going into spoiler-y territory, there are themes here that have been in the headlines and have been massive scandals over the last few decades - and which I believe even bigger scandals lay ahead, particularly in the direction this book ultimately goes.

The murders here are again particularly brutal, though perhaps not quite as straight up creepy as from Book 4, and this time no team member is imperiled - and yet Holten still manages to ramp up the tension almost as if they are.

This is labeled as Book 5, so that alone tells you that it *is* part of a series, and somewhat deep into it at that, but as a police procedural (even a British based one), it is still episodic enough that you can jump into the series with any particular episode, then backfill to see how the relationships amongst the team got to the point you first encountered them. And on that particular front, there are a couple of great reveals in this particular book, one from Jamieson herself and the other from another teammate in the closing paragraphs.

Yet another thrill a minute read that will keep you invested through all of its 400 pages. Very much recommended.

DC Maggie Jamieson has to be my very favourite detective! Such a flawed and often bossy character, I can't help but relate! Another great case to solve, another very clever plot and storyline. Looking forward to the next instalment.

The fifth book in the Maggie Jamieson and they are just getting better and better.

I’m really enjoying this series, easy to read, shortish chapters which keep a great pace and the book is gritty.

There’s a murderer out there but can Maggie find out who it is before anyone else dies.

Quite a dark story with parts that made me feel the pain.

The characters are really building now as we get to know more about them.

Great read

This is the 5th book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and I have to say, they just keep getting better and better. When a burned body is discovered, with identification in the name of one of her colleague's husbands, it looks like this is going to be a case a bit close to home. However, when the body count keeps rising, they soon discover a sinister history may well be behind the motive. With Kate returning to work that week after the ordeal she suffered after the Living Doll case, she worries whether Kate is going to be up to helping them on this case, but she soon proves herself up to the task.
I liked how much Bethany seemed to come out of her shell more this time, when she proves how invaluable her skills are to the team as much as the others. As per the other books, you don't need to have read the others in the series, it can be read and loved as a standalone, but I think its well worth reading the whole series to enjoy fully as you get to enjoy the characters development properly.
Once again, Noelle has written another cracker which I know readers will love!!

Here comes the fifth novel in the DC Maggie Jamieson crime thriller series. Watch out for publication day because this latest novel is compelling, fast paced and a very exciting read. I love how Noelle has named her titles, all five in this new series, using only two words with ‘Dead’ always being the first word. It is a snappy title and you soon realise that this protagonist is ruthless, determined and will continue the murders with no humanity at all.
Maggie and her team are baffled and with only a few ideas of how they can apprehend the killer until they fall upon a whiff of a clue. Another reason I like this story is that we already know Maggie’s team which have been carefully developed throughout the previous four novels, each character well defined and already like a long known friend.
The first murder is in an office which has been set alight. A body is discovered and strangely, teeth have been extracted. Upon primary inspection it appears that the body may be the husband of a probation officer known well by Maggie. Linking to this is the fact that a partnership with the probation services is already ongoing. It is a weird scenario but this death sets the scene for other murders and definitely baffles the attending police personnel. Noelle uses the fact that she worked for eighteen years as a Senior Probation Officer to enhance her story, adding authenticity and intricate details that are both fascinating and interesting. She also has many other Philosophy, Sociology, Crime & Deviance qualifications and a Masters in Criminology. We are in knowledgeable hands in this story and you know it.
The body count is escalating in ruthless and frantic pace. Maggie knows she must work extra hard to discover the vital connection that will help the team to solve this crime. The case suddenly breaks wide open and investigations from the dark past may be the lead they desperately need to stop the killer striking again. It is a race against time to apprehend the killer who always seems to be one frenzied step ahead. This spree of carnage definitely has roots from the bleak past and an historical crime never solved may be driving the action on.
The story is well told and thought provoking. The author is full of empathy and compassion concerning the historical crimes and the injustices of the past. It is a sad story of neglect, conspiracy, abuse, cover ups and cruelty. The slayer has reasons that have been frustrating and drawn a need for retribution regardless of the law. I love how the book cover gives hints about this novel. It looks sinister and the fiery colours suggest arson and carnage.
I was so excited when I saw this new novel and requested it for review. I quickly received a complimentary copy from publisher One More Chapter, through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you so much for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. It’s a 4.5* review from me, and a recommendation that this is a harrowing but very readable crime story where the sensitive handling of the storyboard mitigates the horror of the rampant serial killer.

The fifth installment in the Maggie Jamieson thriller series. This is definitely one of the better series out there.

Maggie is a great character and I like the fact that she doesn't fit in a nice box. She is different and powerful in her own way but also has a softer side.

I really enjoy the relationship that is building with Maggie and the reporter. It is amazing as it feels very natural and it feels like it is growing organically.

I also enjoy the fact that a lot of the crimes seem to also have a focus of fire. Suits me as I love the difference since it wasn't one I read much of before. However that seemed to hide some of the most harshest items that deals with children's homes and abusive natures which can be very triggering.

You can see how tough this book is to write and to read as any cases that involve children are so tough. Not that it's a bad thing as these types of issues need to be discussed and brought out into the open to prevent this type of perversion.

This has one of the standard tropes of revenge that I have loved so much in the past. Something bad occurred to the villains of this piece and they go on a rampage to right the wrongs of the past.

This author knows how to write this style wonderful and has been in a couple of the books. I also like the way she makes the police look better than what they should. Police in the past are guilty of not following the standards and now the new police who are just trying to solve the case have to figure out ways to fix the issue and gain trust.

I really enjoyed the ending as well I found that it satisfied what I wanted to happen and it gave a great lead in to another story.

Another great book in this gritty and dark series. There have been several murders and the bodies found are connected to an old case that was never solved. Can Maggie stop this brutal killer from striking again?

Dead Mercy hooks you immediately. Its sharp claws keep you hanging on until you find out the truth. It is a skillfully written story, and impossible to put down. i have a feeling Maggie grew as a person in this book, and hopefully we will see some more of that in future books in this series. I hope we get to enjoy this series for many years to come!

Another great instalment in the Maggie Jamieson series. I have read and enjoyed every one. A well written police procedural about a tough subject that was very informative. I do like the main character but I’m not sure her attitude at times would be tolerated in a real police force!! A great read and look forward to the next instalment.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I have read all of the books featuring DC Maggie Jamieson books and have enjoyed them all, there were points in this book though where the writing felt rushed and that detracted from the story I felt.

This is the fifth in the DC Maggie Jamieson series; it is the fourth one I have read. Obviously, I enjoy Noelle Holten’s writing. Maggie, who in the past I thought was a bit too flighty, is starting to recognize her shortcomings and hopefully will continue strengthening her self awareness, techniques and skills.

This is a well paced, fast read. A solid police procedural, it delves into the savage world of institutional child abuse. I find Holten’s insight into and explanation of the British criminal justice very informative. Although part of a series, I think this can be read as a standalone…although the constant reference back to the previous book might make readers want to seek it out.

.I felt this novel was better than the last instalment butMaggie was still too opinionated and that wouldn’t have been tolerated in a real police investigation by a D C. .Good premise though with tough subject matter. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

"Dead Mercy" begins with a brutal opening. Indeed, the subject matter in this book is harrowing though Noelle Holten handles it with sensitivity. She also shows great empathy for desperate people in her writing. Holten gives us a real look behind the curtain of criminal justice through a fictional lens. I love the inside knowledge Holten imparts as regards systems and procedures within the police and probation service. She also demonstrates excellent technical detail. Holten knows her stuff and she knows her craft! The books in this series make for compulsive reading and I am looking forward to the next one.

I was finally reunited with Maggie and her team, and what a joyous reunion it was.

I absolutely adore this series and the characters that it is packed with. Maggie is just brilliant, her ability to relive crime scenes fascinates me, and adds to the enjoyment if the book for me.

Each case that Maggie and her team face is always pretty gruesome but also tightly knit to an extent that I can never figure it out. So I have given up with that and just enjoy the story and watching it all be pieced together bit by bit.

I so hope there is more to come from Noelle and the Maggie series because the addiction is real!