I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Left for Dead, the third novel to feature DI Temple of the Wiltshire Police.

Two young men are found shot through the head in their car. They are quickly identified as Aaron and Liam Fortune, members of a local crime family. Liam is dead, Aaron is clinging to life and nobody seems interested in helping the police with their enquiries. They were nasty men so the public has shrugged its shoulders and the family are determined to mete out their own justice.

This is the first novel in the series that I have read and it seems to work as a stand-alone with all Temple’s past difficulties that have a bearing on the present succinctly recapped. What I didn’t expect or like is that the novel is as much about a general prejudice against Temple at all levels of the force as it is about a murder investigation. The intrigue and scheming don’t interest me and I find it difficult to believe that so many people would rush to judge him harshly based on rumour and innuendo, but then, paranoia seems to be the predominant emotion in the Wiltshire Police.

The novel has all the usual attributes, tension, danger twists, blind alleys and a strong interest in Temple’s personal life. He is not as squeaky clean as he initially leads the reader to believe, but he is also not guilty of the many things his coworkers think he is. His unease and the threat posed to him by the Fortune family are the source of much of the tension. There is also the subplot about his mother’s murder, which seems a bit convoluted and obviously has more to offer in future novels.

The murder investigation is fairly standard in some ways, but the author manages to introduce enough kinks to make it interesting and enough procedural detail to make it realistic. It seems to get a bit tangled up in itself in the middle of the novel, with Temple’s past run ins with the Fortunes clouding the present.

Left for Dead is not for me, but readers who like a more character driven novel will find it entertaining.

When I requested this book I didn’t realize it was a series, but the author gave enough background information during the narrative that I didn’t fell I missed too much and was able to follow the history. Good suspenseful tale, lots of mystery and twists.

This is not a book to read if you haven't read the previous two books, it ends up too confusing. Suspense and intrigue it has just a bit confused. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I was wondering why I couldn't understand and follow this book. The first three chapters were so jumbled and confusing, each like their own prologue. Then as the book went on, I came to realise based on little character building this is book 3 in a series. Presumably this explains the confusion at the start. I tried to keep reading anyway, but unfortunately there were too many acronyms that meant I was just unable to follow sentences. For example, A and S, or MCU. It is possible that these are well known acronyms to readers of past D.I. Temple books but as an ARC I felt it worth reviewing and suggesting more clarity or spelling out the words instead of using acronyms, especially if there is a gap between. I am intrigued about D.I. Temple, the book reads well otherwise and I'll probably check them out. Thank you for the ARC. I do hope Netgalley may be able to make it more clear when a book is a part of a series. I will rate this book 3stars to submit feedback as that is the middle rating.

Mmm mmm not to sure about this one?! It did have the usual, it had suspense, intrigue, murder, and mystery! But the storyline was a bit confusing at times and I felt lost at times also?! It was a decent read and worth reading but just ok for me! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Left for Dead by Deborah Lucy

I was very sad when the dog, Toby, ran off. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I liked the storyline. It probably would have helped to read the prior books for some of the backstories. The story had me guessing about what was going to happen and who was involved. Such good twists and turns and very good drama and writing.

When I was done reading, the sentence I thought of was that "I don't think this story is over!" I would definitely recommend this book, this series, and this author.

#LEFTFORDEAD #NetGalley @JoffeBooks

This is the third instalment in the Detective Temple mystery series and a first for me, although i enjoyed the book I did feel that reading the two previous novels in the series would have enhanced my experience of what was going on as there was some follow up to previous cases.

However this instalment sees DI Temple joining a new team who are less than impressed by his arrival and it appears he's got a lot to prove.

Hes thrown feet first into a double murder case, whilst juggling the demands of his complicated personal life.

A gripping police procedural that was full of suspense and tensions a great read.

Suspenseful, Tense..
The third in the Detective Temple Mystery series, set in rural Wiltshire, finds the detective and team faced with a bizarre crime scene stumbled upon by a dog walker. Temple is well aware of local dealings and of a certain organized crime family - he also knows that their own brand of justice has nothing to do with the law. Pacy and well crafted police procedural with a rounded cast of characters and a carefully written plot. Both suspenseful and tense. A worthy addition to the series.

An amazing novel. Great storyline, characters. Love how this was written so thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read this. I shall recommend this to friends

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…Although this is a great story that would make a great movie, the la grave is too rough for me…it does not add to the story at all. That being said, the author is gifted at weaving a cannot put down book. The characters…some are likable while some are so not…that is part of being cast in a murder mystery. The story moves quickly with family issues as an aside…I can picture the actors to play the parts…mystery and mayhem…love and romance…family dynamics…all wrapped up in one book…