I have been waiting for another book in the Detective Erika Foster series since 2018 and I was so happy when Fatal Witness was announced. Despite the four-year gap in the series, it felt like no time at all had passed. I hope the wait for the next book isn’t as long though!

I was worried I’d have forgotten some things about the characters and their lives but events from the previous books are quickly summarised and I soon caught up. It works as a standalone for that reason but I’d definitely recommend reading the rest of the series!

I liked the new developments with Erika’s life and I hope we get to see more of that in the next book. I love Erika but she’s very career-driven and loses herself in every case so much so that she forgets to look after herself and her life outside of work. She definitely needs a better work-life balance and I was pleased to see that this might be happening now!

I loved the continued banter between Erika, Moss and Peterson. They all work together but they crack a lot of jokes and it made the book a bit more light-hearted. There’s some really gruesome murders in this story so the banter was definitely needed and appreciated. I was also happy to see Isaac return as I really like his character and his friendship with Erika.

I haven’t read a crime book that revolves around a true crime podcast before and I found this particular plot very interesting. It was full of plenty of twists and turns that kept me invested in the story and the mystery was well-plotted. I was suspicious of a few characters, but I did not see that ending coming!

If you’ve not read this series, please do because it’s one of my all-time favourites. Every book in the series is utterly thrilling and unputdownable. I highly recommend it!

Engaging from the start with a break-in that turns into a brutal murder, this story pulls you into the intrigue of Detective Erika Foster investigating a crime in her new neighbourhood. Including a mistaken identity, creepy neighbours, poor alibis, eccentric characters, family secrets, and former lovers, you won't want to put this book down! Including clues pointing to several questionable characters, you will be guessing the villain's identity until the end. A good thriller, led by an equally interesting main character, Detective Foster.

While part of the Detective Erika Foster series, this book can easily stand alone and still give you a good overview of who she is in the midst of this case

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this title. Fatal Witness is the latest in the Erika Foster series which started with The Girl in the Ice. DCI Foster has just moved to a new flat in Blackheath, SE London, but before she can get settled in she finds herself the first on the scene at a local murder. All, however is not as it first appears and the other residents of the property, which has a number of flats all have their own agendas. As per his other books this is tightly plotted with a number of potential suspects and Erika has a close escape before the denouement. An enjoyable read, only spoiled by the author playing fast and loose with the geography of SE London, e.g. you would need to have Superman's vision to see the Houses of Parliament from Lewisham.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of Fatal Witness; the new Erika Foster novel from Robert Bryndza. I thoroughly enjoyed all the previous instalments in the series and was thrilled to have the chance to read this new addition.
Erika has moved on to a new phase in her life. She has moved into her first house - only one problem with it - it’s a wreck. No time to fix it though as a serial killer is on the loose. The house will have to wait...
A brilliant read and highly recommended.

A good plot with some solid police work and astute following up the leads. The narrative is kept tight without much of deviation. What I felt as clichéd was the conclusion where Erika gets injured unnecessarily and is then beaten and gets almost killed during the great reveal. The whole scene was dramatic and felt like a B grade movie. Hence I am reducing one star.

She is back. - Erika Foster and what a storyline. I have read a lot of Roberts books and he never disappoints. Can’t wait for the next instalment. Would thoroughly recommend this author to others.
Thank you so much for this ARC.

I never repeat the blurb. Another instalment (long overdue) in the cases and career of Erika Foster. Great plot which keeps you guessing to the end, which was just a tad rushed. Good stuff.

Fantastic addition to the Erika Foster series. Having newly moved into he new house finding a murder nearby is not an ideal start to a happy new home. Well written with returning characters love these books

I must start by thanking NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. DCI Erica Foster is rebuilding her life, this is book seven in the very exciting series, and the draw you feel towards its character’s continues. Each new addition only builds on what we know about the tight knit group that once again works to solve yet another shocking crime. This is one of the few multi book series that do not disappoint with each new addition.

Oh Erika Foster, how I have missed you!!
When a body of a girl is found stabbed to death by her sister, there is no real rhyme or reason to why she had been murdered.
Throw in a mistaken identity, a creepy neighbour and a whole host of suspects and you will be taken on a rollercoaster ride!
I loved the plot and I love that Erika may or may not have a new beau, but I know I will have to wait a while for the next one! really good read!!

As expected this latest DCI Foster boom is as brilliant and fast paced as all the rest in this series. I highly recommend everyone too read these books and also his Kate Marshal books also. Brilliant. #ErikaFosterReturns #NetGalley

Robert Bryndza and Erika Foster are usually a home run for me. I genuinely like Erika despite her flaws, maybe because of them. She’s a great detective who puts her heart and soul into every case. Fatal Witness was not any different, but it did take me much longer to become hooked on this story. I’m not sure why, it was probably just not the book for me at this time. I persisted and found the same Erika that I love, just farther along in the book.

What starts out as the murder quickly evolves into two complicated murders. Tack on several old assault cases and you find Erika and her team embroiled in a case that has tentacles reaching into the upper echelons of the police department.

Once again, the conclusion finds Erika in a life threatening situation during which she is very seriously injured. And - again her sister and team show up for her. For someone who seems to lead a lonely life she does have people who care about her and her well-being.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC and the chance to offer my opinion.

Rounded up.
Detective Erika Foster is FINALLY back! It’s been a long 4 years waiting for instalment #7 whilst Bryndza worked on his new Kate Marshall series. I’ve been SO excited for this new book, the Erika Foster series is one of my favourite 💛

I love her complex character and her support cast and their backstories is so intriguing, and with each case we get to know them that little bit better! In FATAL WITNESS, Erika is a exploring her new neighbourhood when she practically stumbles on the crime scene of a brutally murdered young woman. Never a straight forward case, we have plenty of twists and turns to keep us (and Erika!) on our toes.

👀 Addictive, twisted and chilling - Erika’s fans will be in for a treat!

This is the latest in Robert Bryndza's London based crime series featuring the Met's Slovakian DCI Erika Foster, a widow who lost her fellow police officer, Mark, murdered by a drug dealer, and is still traumatised by his loss. In her efforts to move on, she has moved to Blackheath having bought a house that needs doing up. She moves in, despite it having nothing, sleeping on the floor and there is no hot water. She goes out for fish and chips, and on her way back hears a heartrending scream. Tess has just discovered the gruesomely brutal murder of her 27 year old sister, Vicky Clarke, a struggling actress who had attended Goldsmith's Drama Academy, and a true crime podcaster. So begins Foster's complex murder investigation, where little is as it appears, with her hardworking team of DI James Peterson, DI Kate Moss, Detectives John McGorry and Crane and her bestfriend, pathologist Isaac Strong.

Obstacles appear almost immediately over the arrest of an unofficial caretaker, Charles Wakefield, who had assaulted a member of the police, her bosses warn her to tread carefully as the man has influential family connections to a senior police officer. As the police look into the other occupants of the flats, such as Maria and Sophia Ivanova, and Vicky's ex-boyfriend, Shawn Macavity, evidence slowly accumulates that Vicky might have been getting close to unmasking a sexual predator preying on young women in the past who had made applications to attend the drama academy. In what turns out to be a far more dangerous case than expected, a killer is determined to do whatever it takes to protect himself as further murders take place.

It is wonderful to see Foster slowly beginning to rebuild her life with her new home, appreciating the help of friends and colleagues, and supported by the re-entry into her life of an old Slovakian flame from her past, Igor, who is now working as a delivery driver. This is an engaging and dark crime read that I think fans of the author and the series will enjoy, and which has me looking forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

It’s been four years since we last saw Erika Foster, but I have not forgotten her or her team. I like this Erika, she’s really grown as a person and her softened edges make her more likable. There are some personal developments in her life that I approve of (I love you, George!) and the new case is twisty and addictive. Her team, as always, is up to the task and the dialogues bring some lightness to an otherwise dark plot. I was not such a fan of the last part because, well, someone does something so stupid as to be out of character, and some important parts happen off page. The book is still very fast-paced and super-entertaining. There is some animal cruelty that passes quickly but that I had to skip. Also, in the afterword the author mentions how he keeps in touch with his readers and that some are not political while others are. I give kudos to him for staying away from all that. The story is just pure fun, a solid plot, an excellent cast of characters and a great read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Raven Street Publishing!

Fatal Witness byRobert Bryndza is book 7 in the Detective Erika Foster crime thriller series and it is another totally engrossing read. The storyline was very clever and there were many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Highly recommended

A brutal murder, a case of mistaken identity, true crime podcasts and historical sexual assault cases all come together for Erika Foster's new case. Erika has just moved into a new house, while walking in her new neighbourhood she hears a scream and discovers a murder scene. Did the victim discover a sexual predator's identity while investigating historical crimes for her true crime podcast? With a number of suspects, including one related to a high ranking police officer, Erika and her team have plenty to investigate. Trying to furnish her new house brings Erika in contact with an old flame.

So pleased Erika Foster is back - a brilliant read.

Thanks to Netgalley, Raven Street Publishing and Robert Bryndza for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Mr. Bryndza does it again! I usually don’t commit to series that are longer than 3 books. I tend to get tired of the characters and am ready for a change. With that being said: I never want this series to end. Every single book in the Erika Foster series is amazing! Fatal Witness is one of my favorites in this series. It had me second guessing my initial thoughts of what the end was going to be like. And when the end hit, i was so so so surprised. Let me tell you that I did NOT see that one coming. If you haven’t started this series yet, please do. The books are amazing. You don’t NEED to read them to get caught up to understand this one, but I highly suggest that you do because the character development is really amazing throughout them!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Detective Erika Foster has moved into her new house - sans apparently everything but boxes of stuff then a cat moves in so that's an improvement. A brutal murder of Vicky, a true-crime podcaster - murdered in her bed, formally identified by her sister. Erica and team painstakingly gather the rather scant evidence. A spanner in the works follows - Vicky comes home having been in Scotland for a few days. Some quirky characters, some very dark characters and plenty for Erika and team to work with now. I love the little "speech bubbles" of Erica's thoughts at times - just the thing. Thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Erika Foster is back in another brilliant detective thriller.
I've been a fan of Robert Bryndza for years and this series always delivers, great twists, a likeable lead and equally likeable supporting characters - brilliant.
4 stars.