'One Deadly Lesson' was a great crime procedural that had me hooked from chapter one. Picking this book as my first Netgalley ARC, I had no clue this was book three in a series, but can still be read as a stand alone. I loved the banter between Scott and Abby, which had my giggling out loud at times. There was also the perfect amount of suspense as we tried to figure out who the murderer was and why. I'm totally going to be reading the first two books in the series and follow along with Detective Scott.

One Deadly Lesson had a natural progression and was (with a few exceptions), very clearly written, However, there were a few aspects of this book that were lacking (for me as a reader). For one, there is not much character development. The characters have one main aspect to them. There wasn't time to care about those being murdered. Also, the transition from one character being focused on to another part of the story is at times jarring.
I couldn't find anything to latch onto in this. Usually a thriller will, at some point, whether due to a character, the plot or the tension. I couldn't find anything that made me care.
It was an interesting premise, but I don't think that the book followed through.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

didn't care for the writing style of this book. It was far too descriptive when it didn't have to be. The book was too character driven (not my style; just my personal taste). Not enough action in between murders. There wasn't enough time spent getting to know the characters that were dying, so I felt absolutely nothing when they were killed.
The plot was interesting as a premise, but I found myself really bored and began skimming 100 pages in. Our murderer has had an injustice done to him/her and is seeking revenge. I guessed the reason before chapter 10, so no surprises at the end.
I did enjoy the narrative as far as using British "speak".
All in all, this just didn't work for me.

Fast paced, tense and gripping with twists a plenty I couldn't put this book down it was utterly compelling all the way through

DI Scott Baker is called to a boarding school when a body is discovered, a PE teacher in nearby woods. There is a note and white feather. Soon another teacher is discovered in similar circumstances. The race is on for Baker and team to solve who is behind this series of attacks. The school is filled with secrets and dark corners.
This is the third book in the series, but a first for me. I didn’t feel like I have missed any background story but not reading the previous books, but will read them anyhow now as a truly enjoyed the plot and characters.

Really great read, I do wish you had said that this is Retribution re named. All the way through I had a feeling I knew this story and I was right. I did enjoy the Re read as I’m a big Jay Nadal fan. Tense, thrilling, dark in places and a huge roller coaster of a ride. I can’t say anything bad about this I loved it. Jay is an amazing writer and this didn’t disappoint totally deserves five stars.

Book 3 in the series, these books can be read as standalone. Edmunston-Hunt boarding school is an exclusive boarding school for the elite. When Scott Baker and his team are called to investigate a series of suspicious deaths at the school they are met by a wall of silence, a school that deals with it's own problems with no help from the outside. When Scott gets close to the killer is he putting himself in danger. A great read!

One Deadly Lesson by Jay Nadal.
Scott Baker Series, Book 3.
Edmunston-Hunt boarding school. An exclusive establishment for the elite. Steeped in history, bound by traditions, known for discipline... and now for murder. Detective Inspector Scott Baker and his team are called in to investigate when a series of suspicious deaths are linked to the school. But the elite take care of their own and Scott is met with a wall of silence which makes this an exceptionally difficult case. Scott’s superiors, disappointed by his lack of progress, question his tactics and put him under relentless pressure.
And there is no respite when Scott finally begins to close in on the killer. Because they are hunting someone who is able and willing to strike back and Scott realises that he and his team may be in terrible danger.
I am really enjoying this series. Love Scott. 5*.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of One Deadly Lesson, the third novel to feature DI Scott Baker set in Brighton and Hove.

The body of a teacher at the elite Edmunston-Hunt boarding school is found hanged, the first of a series of suspicious deaths among the teachers. Baker and his team find themselves blocked at every turn in their quest for information and their lack of results leads their superiors to question their abilities.

I thoroughly enjoyed One Deadly Lesson, which is a straightforward murder investigation with some unexpected twists and turns. It is designed to entertain with a fast moving plot and likeable characters and does so well. This means that it is not a profound read, but the plot is interesting and detailed enough to hold the reader’s attention throughout.

There are parts of the novel that the reader can guess in advance of the detectives and parts that the reader is told from the unnamed killer’s perspective, but neither spoiled my enjoyment of the twists or my overall journey to an unbelievable ending.

There are themes in the novel, notably bullying in its many shapes and forms, but it’s not a deep dive, more illustrative of a power play by certain characters. Still, it’s not pleasant reading.

One Deadly Lesson is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

This book was absolutely insane. I went in blind, like I always do, and I’m so glad I did because holy twists and turns! Love.

I’m really enjoying this series and this is a fast paced thriller while also being character led. This book is mainly set around a posh private school and includes some horrible bullying. The only thing missing from the book is that you don’t see the culprits suffer for their actions. The romance between Scott and his girlfriend is very tenderly written and is another reason why this book is so good.

Really enjoyed One Deadly Lesson - my first Jay Nadal book.

It was such an intricate murder mystery and was more exciting than I thought it would have been. So many elements, grief, school (and adult!) bullying, dark traditions, murder, revenge and relationships. Loved the setting of a traditional boarding school with military undertones, the murders were detailed but not too graphic and the bullying really hit home.

Lots of twists and a thrilling read. Really entertaining.

A deranged killer. An elite school. A wall of silence.

When I decided to read this book I was feeling like reading a crime thriller and picked it because of the cover not always the best reason but I was not disappointed I enjoyed this book even though it was the 3rd book in the series something I did not realize till I started reading but I decided to continue any way. I liked the characters and settling of the story and found the plot kept me interested . I am sure I would of had more background on the main characters if I had of read the previous two books but I also felt like I was still able to enjoy this book.although after finding this book interesting I do plan to read the previous books at some point.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an
ARC of this book. Unfortunately this book is not available on Goodreads so I can’t share my review there.

DI Scott Baker and his team are called to investigate a death by hanging discovered by a pupil who is being horribly bullied at an exclusive boarding school. The deceased is a teacher at the school.
Not long afterwards, there are more deaths and they all have the same Latin phrase written on a piece of paper, and a white feather on them.
It seems that the bullying at the school has been an ongoing problem for many years, and revenge is being taken.

My second book that I have had the pleasure to read by Jay Nadal, I read the second in this series a while ago.

I enjoy the good police work, following clues, and the look into the personal lives of the main characters.

I recommend this police procedural, and would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this book is not available on Goodreads, I cannot share the review there.
However I have shared it in a Facebook group.
Amazon won't allow me to review either. Sorry.

This was a complete package. I had expected a simple murder mystery. Instead, I ended up getting a far more nuanced and multi faceted story. It dealt with grief, bullying, revenge and moving on. Scott Baker is still not over the death of his wife and daughter. He struggles to move on with Cara. In the midst of this turmoil, a suicide investigation opens up. However, when bodies start piling up, they start investigating it as multiple homicide. All of this links to the elite boarding school.
This story dealt with bullying. Boys are considered weak if they don't "man up". They are hardened to accept being tough as the norm. Anything out of the ordinary is scoffed at and tried to be eliminated. Matthew was being horrendously bullied by the people who were supposed to lead by example. The system refused to help him, believing that this was the way to pull him out of his shell and reform him. They took the term "blackballing" seriously.
The killer goes on a spree to kill four of the teachers who were also ex-militia. Scott started connecting dots and finally ends up uncovering the truth behind the dark legacy of the school.
This was a smooth read. None of the parts felt dragged. However, some scenes and dialogues felt forced and trying too hard. The climax felt a little rushed and I wasn't shocked when the killer was revealed. Therefore, I rate this book 3 stars.
I was given the ARC by #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent novel in the series featuring Detective Inspector Scott Baker and his team, this time investigating a death at the Edmunston-Hunt boarding school. It pays to read the previous two books in this series which are both unputdownable books.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!

This was a suspenseful journey through a boarding school (spooky setting!), themes of tradition and military (intimidating!), and what happens when people hurt the ones you love. Questions of loyalty also arise, and make you as a reader wonder how far you would go to avenge the innocent. Characters were flawed but likable, and the story was thrilling without being overly complicated. Such an incredible, suspenseful read!