Kate Young is a very complex and troubled character and for very good reason. And it's fair to say that this is perhaps her most complicated case to date, which, given her current state of mind makes for one hell of an electrifying combination. If you are a fan of the series, then you are going to love this as it sees one element of Kate's very dark story brought to a rather dramatic head, whilst still giving all the twisted mystery and tension that we've come to expect from author Carol Wyer. If you are new to the series, this may not be the best place to start if you like to uncover every part of a character's history for yourself, but the case itself, the perplexing and seemingly unconnected murders that plague Kate and her team, are most definitely a standalone story that can be read in isolation.

Now the opening of this book is quite dramatic. It sets the scene for what comes to pass and it is fair to say that, once you have read it, you will automatically be on high alert. The killer in this case is no surprise to us as readers, the full circumstances of why they choose to do what they are doing may be. Although It's true that I've come to expect the unexpected in this series, and given Kate's own past, it is actually a very fitting way to take the series to the next level. It's tragic and emotional, but no excuse for what happens, and not something that the team are easily able to connect to the vicious, seemingly unconnected and almost clinical nature of the killings they are asked to investigate. It puts Kate and the team very much in the spotlight, and potentially gives those who want to see Kate's downfall, the ammunition they need to end her once and for all.

I really like Kate as a character. Yes she's a woman who is really on the edge, often battling with her conscience in pursuit of the truth, and there are many quirks to her character which give us, as readers, and her colleagues, pause for thought, but she is very likeable in spite of this. Her dedication to her job is never in question, although her private obsessions do prove to be often distracting and there is an element of her character which is in absentia this time around and it is really making a mark. That whole question over who she can trust, who is for or against her, is really brought front and centre over the course of the case, with surprising revelations throughout the book, If you know, you know. If you don't ... well start at book one and it will all be clear.

The book is packed with tension and emotion. There are scenes which are borderline uncomfortable, when you wonder if the author really has the darkness within to take the story where it appears to be heading. Whether she does, whether Carol Wyer is that twisted, you'll have to read to find out, but there were many moments when I felt my heart rate increase and I had that edge of the seat tension that I love in her books. Perhaps it is that question of 'can I really do this' that is reflected in the perpetrator of the crimes, that inner conflict and turmoil that prevents them from becoming a completely irredeemable character and amplifies the emotional impact of the crimes that are committed.

I have loved getting to know Kate and the team over the course of the three books, and seeing the development of Emma and Morgan, getting to know a bit more about each of them, has really added to the story. I like the camaraderie, and perhaps more, between the pair. They complement each other and they are fiercely loyal to Kate, even in her most abstract moments. Even Jamie shows another side to his character this time around which will only serve to make the next in the series an even more interesting prospect. And then there is profiler Samuel. It's fair to say he's a somewhat unusual character, although perhaps exactly what I'd expect in this particular team. Even by their standards though he's kind of out there and gives more reason than most for us to cast a sceptical and perhaps accusing eye his way.

This is another great addition to the series with an absolutely dynamite ending. Quite where Carol Wyer is likely to take us all next I do not know, but I'm damned sure I'll be going along for the ride.

I really enjoyed reading this book ,I haven't read any of the previous books in the series but it is a good standalone .This is a gripping story of seemingly random murders with a bolt gun with apparently no motive ,an almost impossible task to investigate but Kate and her Team are determined to solve the mystery and stop more people being murdered .There is also a sub plot of Police Corruption by Senior Officers and Kate is determined to solve her husbands death .Altogether a very exciting and interesting Police Procedural with a very unexpected ending .I look forward to reading the next book in the series .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .

A Life for a Life is book 3 in the Detective Kate Young series. In this novel we have a Erika killer on the loose with seemingly no links between the victims. It’s a random rampage that leaves Kate and her team with very little evidence as they race against the clock before more bodies turn up. Meanwhile Kate is still battling her own demons struggling with her husband’s death and still trying to bring a senior police officer to justice. This book, like the previous two, had me hooked. It moves at a fast pace with plenty of action and you feel with this instalment that you can really experience Kate’s suffering. A great read that is hard to put down. I would rate it 4.5*. Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author for the chance to review.

This is book 3 in the Detective Kate Young series, which just keeps improving. Kate is a complex character, a very determined police officer, still recovering from the death of her husband. The team are investigating the murders of seemingly unconnected victims at the hands of a serial killer. Kate is still consumed with trying to bring down the corrupt Detective Superintendent John Dickson, who she believes is responsible for the death of her husband. A slow burner, but filled with suspense and tension, as Kate goes on a rollercoaster of a ride of emotions to catch a killer. I urge readers to read the first two books in the series, although there is sufficient background information to satisfy.as a stand alone. It's a 5* read from me. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The latest in a stunning series
This one has two stories running in parallel. The main story for this book is what appears to be a totally random series of murders. The pure unexpected deaths of the people, in an original and grisly manner, is a complete mystery to the murder team. The only connection, the manner in which they are murdered
The second thread is the continuing story of DI Kate Youngs attempts to find justice for her murdered husband.
She knows a bent cop was at a sex club and witnessed a murder. She knows her journalist husband was just about to expose the club and it’s members, which included some powerful people.
She just needs to find the one witness, she knows is out there, who could tie up her investigation and get the justice her husband deserves.
Brilliant

Wow I love Carol Wyers books normally but this seemed so chaotic and miss matched that I really found it hard to read. I finished it but I hope the next in the series is more balanced and paced. #ALifeforaLife #NetGalley

I enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and kept me interested enough to finish reading. I did like the characters who were not one dimensional! Yes all round good book

A Life for a Life by Carol Wyer is hands down one of the better crime/mystery novels I’ve read in a while. The story is captivating, and the writing is superb. The slow burn story transports the reader with life-like imagery. It just feels like you are there in the moment.

Kate Young, a detective with the local police, is trying to cope with the murder of her husband Chris while still running her special crimes unit. She used to hear him, speak to him, listen to him. But now that voice is gone, and she is desperate to get it back. She wants to avenge his death but maybe that’s the reason he left her. Maybe he doesn’t approve of her ways. But can she let go? Or will she sacrifice her morals and police oath in the name of justice?

When a young, intelligent accountant shows up dead at a railway station, DI Kate Young and her team set out to find why anyone could have wanted him dead. Sometimes the “why” isn’t what we expect. Kate and her team are baffled when another case with the same M.O. lands on their doorstep. With no leads, she knows the cards are stacked against her.

A saga of loss, dirty cops, and a reminder of karma, A Life for a Life will keep you guessing.
I intend to read more from this series and Carol Wyer. It is rare to find a book so well edited and clear. The words and storyline flow with ease.

I was given an ARC of this book and I enjoyed it because the plot was engaging and the characters pulled along the story very well.

Kate is a complex character – grieving due to the murder of her husband while balancing her job as a police officer to catch ‘the bad guys’ – yet, who exactly are they?

After the discovery of a bizarre killing, DI Kate Young is faced with a strange trail of events.

Themes such as murder, corruption, grief and insanity are the main ingredients in this book. There are parallels between Kate and...no spoilers from me.

I liked the writing style that had some great descriptions, thoughts and feelings. I haven’t read the previous stories in this series but that didn’t stop me from understanding what was happening, while the hints of the back story were enough to know the gist of its past meaning.

Some interesting characters also helped with the authenticity of the story.

A very good read and one I would recom

A young man is murdered, and it appears to be a random killing, no motive, no suspects. DI Kate Young is given the job of leading a small team of officers to look into this murder while still dealing with her grief following the murder of her husband, Chris, who died nearly a year ago. Not only that but she is also trying to bring down D/Supt John Dickson, who she believes is a corrupt officer and responsible for Chris’s death.

There is a lot packed into this murder/mystery and at times it felt a bit confusing. It took me a little while to get into the story and I didn’t particularly take to Kate at first. However, the other characters, such as Emma, Morgan & Jamie were interesting and believable, and it did become a page turner for me as the book and plot developed. One thing I found unbelievable was the way when the body count grew, no action was taken to expand the investigation team, and even with the premise that a senior officer was influencing this, there are protocols that would have had to be put in place. However, as a piece of fiction, it was an easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Kate is alone. Her husband Chris was murdered and she believes she knows the motive. He was uncovering corruption within the Police Force. As a detective herself, grieving for Chris, she is determined to investigate herself and expose his murderer. With only one ally and the possibility that any of her colleagues could be an enemy a serial killer starts a bizarre killing spree with no apparent clues or reason, Kate struggles with her grief and attempts to hold on to the sound if Chris' voice while heading the investigation. The book ends with jerk more of a jerk than a twist ! Where is the next book......

Another fantastic read from Carol, I love this series.
Once I started reading I didn't want to stop. Kate is a great character who never gives up until she gets her killer. I look forward to reading more

Having read the Natalie Ward books and enjoyed I was keen to read this book. I hadn't read the first two but wasn't worried and indeed all you really need to know is recapped in first chapter. That said I do feel that the author has lost her way. Maybe I'm just being feeble, but I found the torture scenes at the beginning of the book absolutely shocking. as they had been orchestrated at the behest of a senior police officer. There does seem to be a trend, currently where authors compete for who can be the "grittiest", the "darkest" seemingly thinking that this is now the thing readers want. Well not this one. I enjoy a well crafted police procedural and whilst Natalie Ward could be annoying they were good reads. Quite sad really, as an author I previously enjoyed has gone so far off piste that the books are no longer enjoyable. The same story often goes on for ever. Very sad

Another gripping instalment in this now well established series with the return of several characters and a complex case for the team to solve.
Whilst Kate's need for revenge is understandable I do feel that too much of the book focuses on that as opposed to the main plotline.

A decent, if somewhat mediocre, police procedural. For a genre that should be about procedure, and the book keeps repeating that to us, the procedural part is lacking. The writing is decent, which helps a lot, since the book is overwritten in every sense, from the dialogue, to the (failed) attempt of internal monologue which is so repetitive to the point of exhausting the reader. It could honestly be half the size, and it would be a much better book.

I read A Life for a Life without having read the first two books in the series and consequently this hampered my enjoyment initially as I struggled to catch up with Detective Kate Young's history and all the characters. I'd definitely recommend that anyone wanting to read these books, starts at the beginning.

We start with a major tragedy for a family, which leads into some horrendous crimes. Against this is the backdrop of Det Young's thirst for revenge against those she believes murdered her husband and other colleagues. Kate is decidedly flawed and on the edge most of the time, but somehow manages to keep it together - just. There are some twists and red herrings along the way as she and her team struggle to catch the rather unique killer, before we are led to a satisfying conclusion. Definitely not your run of the mill murders.

Fans of police procedurals and contemporary detective fiction with a female lead might enjoy this read.

#ALifeforaLife #NetGalley having just read A cut for a cut, I couldn't wait to get into this new installment in the DI Kate Young series and it certainly did not disappoint! Whilst this is capable of being read as a standalone, the reader will get more enjoyment having read the previous two books and knowing some of the back story surrounding Kate and her husband's and her relationship with Dickson and William. Excellent writing, as I have come to expect from Carol Wyer. A plot that keeps you guessing, plenty of action and twists and turns and an ending I definitely didn't see coming. I hope this series continues for many more installments! A superb 5 stars.

Wow, what a roller cioaster ride. What a story. One of the best books I've read in a long time. This is the first Carol Wyer book I've read, she's an amazing writer. I'm now going back and reading the first two installments - it works well as a stand alone , but with how well it is written, I want to read more.

Loved it. A really human book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Carol Wyer does it again! I was up late into the night reading this. Can't wait to get it from audible so I can start the series again.

Another gripping instalment in the rolling series of detective Kate Young books!
Yet again the story is well written, thrilling, and unputdownable!
A great read.