This was a fun read. The cover got me super excited to read it.
I was in the mood for a good thriller and this book delivered. If you want to be kept guessing read this book!
Thank you

Alright, did I love this one? No. Did I hate it? Also no.

There were several things about this book that just didn't work for me, but before I get into that I'll say what did, and that's the topic. This book focuses on 2-3 larger distinct crimes that are happening all at one time. Each crime is unique, and I'd say 2 of them are interesting!

I also loved that every case wraps up very neatly. I didn't have to create my own ending and justice was served which is all you can ask for in a detective novel.

Now on to what didn't work for me:

1) The book moves around at a pace that is very jagged. While the nature of the cases were interesting, the execution of each was off-putting. I could not keep up with what the hell they were talking about or why we needed to have the cases together except to have Maeve find her confidence again. We could've completely went without her case she's working on in the beginning because it adds nothing to the story.

2) The other eye-roll worthy part of this is the romance between Maeve and Josh. I had not read any others in this series so I can't speak to whether this is an ongoing factor in the series, but the constant back and forth of "will they or won't they" premise drove me nuts. Get together or don't, this is annoying.

3) Maeve and Josh are kind of just annoying. Josh is a fucking prick. I cannot stand him as he's egocentric, selfish, and kind of sexist in a way. I really hated him and cannot find any appeal.

I love it when I go into a book with zero expectations and know nothing about the author or the storyline, then to be utterly blown away. by the book! This is what happened to me as I read Jane Casey's The Close. I actually thought I was reading a standalone book, and the only reason I found out I wasn't is that about halfway through the book, I was enjoying it so much, I said to myself, "Who is this Jane Casey?" That's when I realized I was reading #10 in a series about DS Maeve Kerrigan, and her partner DI Josh Derwent. Joy! I had a total of nine books to go back and explore!

There are plenty of reviews that talk about the plot, which by the way I found fresh and engrossing. When the detective partners pretend to be partners in life, and take up residence on Jellicoe Close, they are supposed to track down the perpetrator of a murder of one of the neighbors in the Close. But there is crime a plenty in this stylish suburban neighborhood, and more mystery and crime going on than they had bargained on.

Besides a story line that keep me guessing until almost the end and had lots of twists and turns, it was the writer's ability to make her characters jump off the pages. In particular, her two main characters were so engaging and real, and also funny! There was romantic tension between the two, although thankfully I would not classify this as a romance. The dialogue between the two characters was so fresh and fun. It had me chuckling in a few instances. This all comes down to a good writer, and Ms. Casey is obviously a very skilled storyteller and good at her craft.

Before I finished this book I was already searching for titles in my library. I want to start at the first book and see if it can possibly be as good as The Close!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jane Casey, and Harper 360 for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I struggled to get through this read. I would start, stop, start, stop. I did this so many times I started to lose interest entirely. In reading other reviews, it sounds like reading the other novels is the way to go, then read this one. I treated this as a standalone and that may have been why I couldn’t get into the characters or story. Don’t let my review deter you from this series, sometimes I am my own worst enemy.

This is the tenth Maeve Kerrigan in the series. I had not read any of the other books.
This has various turns that you are not expecting. So good that I couldn't put it down.. A true mystery.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

This book takes us on a journey through the seemingly idyllic streets of suburban bliss, only to reveal the ominous underbelly lurking beneath the surface. From the very start, the contrast between the picturesque facade and the dark secrets concealed behind closed doors sets a captivating tone for this suspenseful tale.

At the heart of the narrative are the compelling characters of DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent. Their complex dynamic adds depth to the plot, as they navigate the treacherous waters of posing as a couple while delving into the dangerous truth that resides within the neighborhood. The blurred lines between their personal and professional lives heighten the stakes and create a captivating sense of urgency.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of the neighborhood itself. The vivid descriptions of the well-manicured lawns, friendly interactions, and children's laughter create a vivid backdrop against which the darker elements unfold. This contrast serves to intensify the impact of the shocking revelations, showcasing the author's prowess in creating a multi-layered narrative.

With nonstop action and a compelling characters, this book will keep you hooked through all the twists and turns and have you turning the pages long into the night. A must read.

Solid police procedural. Written well with deeply fleshed out characters I found myself rooting for. I didn't realize this was part of a series when I got it it was still enjoyable and I will be looking up other books by this author

In this tenth entry in the Maeve Kerrigan police procedural series, she and her boss DI Josh Derwent have gone undercover as an engaged couple in a quiet cul de sac. Several vulnerable young men have been found in abandoned houses throughout London dead from neglect and exposure. The investigation has uncovered a link to Jellicoe Close where an elderly woman has been taking in disadvantaged men for a few weeks then moving them on. They are determined to prevent more young men from falling into their hands and punishing the offenders. But the quiet street is a simmering kettle of resentments and wrongdoing on the verge of erupting. Maeve is an engaging protagonist and in this narrative she is struggling to keep her personal feelings and her professional life separate. I have read and enjoyed others in this series as they always provide a solid plot and a realist approach to investigating the crime. Casey creates a cast of believable characters each bringing a different personality and outlook to the detective squad and the crimes are always diverse and interesting. If you enjoy a solid British crime novel I recommend you give this series a chance.

For fans of the Maeve Kerrigan series. this will be a treat. Casey has chosen to put Maeve and Josh Derwent together in close quarters to solve a crime in a small cul-de-sac community. Posing as a couple (aren't they), they manage to unmask the culprit amidst other bizarre neighbors.

In The Close by Jane Casey, Maeve Kerrigan and Josh Derwent go undercover as a couple to investigate a murder and a suspicious death in the seemingly idyllic Jellicoe Close. As they navigate the complexities of the close-knit community, their personal histories and the dangers of the case intertwine, creating a tense and captivating story.

The book delves into Maeve's journey of recovery while she works to solve the crimes. The chemistry between Maeve and Josh adds depth to their undercover operation, and their complicated relationship dynamics add an extra layer of intrigue. Casey skillfully constructs the story, weaving together the investigation, personal struggles, and the secrets hidden within Jellicoe Close.

With well-developed characters, realistic dialogue, and a satisfying resolution, The Close is a gripping police procedural. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, but it also offers further depth to fans of the series. I am grateful to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for providing me with an advance copy to review.

As with all of the other books in this series, The close, can be read as a standalone. But as someone that has read all previous Maeve Kerrigan novels, I think knowing the characters adds something more. The mystery was a good one and things differed as Maeve and Josh (and Georgia) interacted mostly outside the office. They were more human. With more human emotions. Oh boy were there more human emotions! I was glued to this book for days. I brought it everywhere I went, in case I could steal a moment or two to read more. And when I finished? I want to know when #11 will be released. Jane Casey is an awesome writer!

Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating mystery that unfolds within the pages of Jane Casey's masterful novel, The Close. From the moment I embarked on this literary journey, I found myself transported to a world that echoed the charm of Wysteria Lane. While the settings may differ, the allure and fascination that reside within these fictional communities are parallel.

Casey's vivid description of The Close immediately drew me in, much like the allure of Wysteria Lane did. The author weaves a tapestry of secrets, hidden desires, and dark undercurrents that lie just beneath the surface of this idyllic neighborhood. Each house within The Close holds its own story, and as the reader peels back the layers, a mesmerizing and intricate web of intrigue begins to unravel.

The Close presented a cast of diverse and compelling characters. Each resident harbored their own shadows and desires, leaving an array of suspects when an unexpected tragedy befalls the community. Casey reveals glimpses of their lives, carefully hinting at the secrets they hold close to their chests, gradually building the tension and keeping the reader hooked until the final revelation.

Casey's writing style is exquisite, akin to a skilled painter delicately applying brushstrokes to create a mesmerizing portrait. Her attention to detail brings The Close to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and emotions of this intriguing neighborhood. I felt as though I was a silent observer, peering through the curtains of each house, catching glimpses of the lives unfolding behind closed doors.

The Close is a book that will leave you pondering the complex nature of human relationships and the extent to which people will go to protect their secrets. This novel enthralls with its exploration of the dark underbelly of seemingly ordinary lives. The plot twists and turns, taking unexpected detours that keep you guessing until the very end.

The Close is a mesmerizing tale that effortlessly captured my imagination, drawing me into a world reminiscent of intrigue and fascination. Casey's storytelling and the compelling mysteries that lie within The Close make it a must-read for anyone who loves to investigate the depths of human nature and the secrets that lie just beneath the surface.

Prepare to be enthralled, for once you enter The Close, you may never want to leave.

“Unveil the secrets lurking behind closed doors in Jane Casey's spellbinding thriller, The Close."

"Prepare to be ensnared in a web of intrigue and deception within the seemingly picturesque neighborhood of The Close."

"In The Close, Jane Casey weaves a tale of mystery and suspense that will keep you guessing until the shocking finale."

"Step into The Close, where the whispers of hidden desires and buried secrets echo through the streets."

"Enter a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary - The Close is a gripping tale that will leave you breathless."

"Jane Casey's The Close takes you on a tantalizing journey into the shadows of a neighborhood filled with obscure characters and dark truths."

"Unlock the doors to The Close and discover a labyrinth of twisted fates and gripping revelations."

"In The Close, Jane Casey masterfully blends the allure of suburbia with the sinister secrets that lie beneath the surface."

"Beware the quiet streets of The Close, where every house holds a secret waiting to be uncovered."

"Dive into The Close and lose yourself in a world where the line between neighbor and foe blurs into a spine-tingling mystery."

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Mystery and murder are at the center of this novel. The characters are realistic. The main character tries to discover who killed the doctor. Red herrings abound

Multiple crimes and a neighborhood that holds a profusion of secrets....welcome to Jellicoe Close.

I was hesitant to jump into this series at book ten, but I just couldn't resist the premise and the drive to find another good detective mystery series.

I had a great time immersing myself into this story and the messy and complicated relationships that surrounded the protagonists and the secondary cast of characters. The ambience of a neighborhood with secrets hidden behind closed doors and the way in which DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent had to deduce who was up to what while playing a role themselves, was highly enjoyable and atmospheric.

I will add that I did not feel lost when it came to Josh and Maeve's narrative in terms of the broad strokes, but I know that there are some undertones and a history that could make my understanding of their dynamic more informed by reading the previous nine books. The good news is that this story had me immersed from the start-and while there were a few stretches that weighed down the pacing-I found this is a series that I am definitely going to add to my TBR list!

I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Harper 360 (Harper Collins) via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.

Jane Casey returns with her popular series, DS Maeve Kerrigan Mystery #10, THE CLOSE—the highly anticipated domestic thriller/cop procedural with two main characters we love and an intriguing mystery in a perfect suburban neighborhood. What secrets lie behind closed doors?

DS Maeve Kerrigan knows all murder investigations are different, yet they seem to begin similarly.

Three crimes, a lot of sexual tension, and more in store in #10.

At a London hospital car park, age 34, Dr. Hassan Dawoud is discovered murdered in his car. His husband, Cameron, was away. Maeve is still recovering from her trauma of past events, domestic violence, and not at her best.

In the meantime, DI Josh Derwent, her boss, suggests she join him on a stake-out undercover, requiring them to live together, posing as a couple in a rural suburban neighborhood.

Of course, lines will be blurred, but she accepts his offer, and the new surroundings may help her.

Josh is Maeve’s landlord and boss, but they have a strong friendship. Josh is in a relationship and has a stepson, Maeve is single after coming out of an abusive relationship.

The two Met detectives are sent undercover by the senior aide to the London Mayor to discover how her brother-in-law ended up dead.

At first glance, Jellicoe Close seems to be a perfect suburban street THE CLOSE with well-kept houses with pristine lawns and neighbors. However, dark secrets lurk below the surface, and a ruthless criminal is on the loose.

It is up to DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent to uncover the truth. They pose as a couple and move into The Close with the academy dog, Pippin.

Davy Bidwell was found dead, and Judy Thwaites had been looking after him for a few days. Davy’s family believes that Judy is part of a team exploiting vulnerable adults. Others have disappeared in the last six years in this same neighborhood.

For Maeve, she has the pressure of running a murder investigation, but she has DC Georgia Shaw and Zoom calls. And while Maeve and Josh try to gather the evidence they need, they have no idea of the danger they face – because someone in Jellicoe Close has murder on their mind.

The neighbors are nosy and immersed in everyone's business (quite a cast of colorful characters). This was fun and suspenseful, with the two posing as a couple and seeing how they would hold up. both professionally and personally.

The relationship between these two has played out over the nine installments, leaving fans with when and where?

From murder, child and domestic abuse, suspense, the investigation, the tension between Maeve and Josh, and the three storylines keep you turning the pages.

A razor-sharp police procedural with sizzling tension between the two main well-developed characters, with a twisty mystery set in a picture-perfect suburb where nothing is as it appears.

Fans will be excited about the long-awaited tension between Maeve and Josh. Highly entertaining! Fast-paced and INTENSE, another great installment by the talented Jane Casey.

THE CLOSE may be read as a standalone; however, if you missed any of the books in the series, you will be dying to catch up.

Thanks to #HarperCollins for a gifted ARC via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 13, 2023
June 2023 Must-Read Books

The latest book in the Maeve Kerrigan series and it is gripping, oozing with all kinds of tension and hard to put down. I have not read all the books in this series, just enough to have wet my whistle and have me wanting to read more!

In this book there is not one but two cases to solve. Dr Hassan Dawoud has been found murdered in his car. Maeve, who is not quite at her best yet begins to investigate before she and DI Josh Derwent are tasked with posing as a couple while house and dog sitting. While there they will investigate the death of an emaciated young man. The man was found with horrible injuries and his last known residence was in a home on Jellicoe Close. Jellicoe Close looks like a pristine street with nice homes, friendly neighbors, and happy children. But there are secrets on this street...

As I mentioned tensions mount in this book and some of the tension is between Maeve and Josh. They have engaging and fun banter. There has always been a spark there, will it ignite in this book?

I enjoyed this book and the cases. I enjoyed the character development and how everything unfolded. I also appreciate that Jane Casey writes her characters with flaws. It makes them feel more real and fleshed out. I also like that she has Maeve still coping with events in the past book. In the beginning interrogation scene, we see her stumble a little. This felt realistic and believable. I have only read a few books in this series, and I am kicking myself for missing so many. I will make it a priority to fix that!

Suspenseful, gripping, full of tension and well written!

I was really more interested in the growing personal relationship between the two main characters, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent, detectives sent to pose as romantic partners in an undercover operation by the police.

This meant that the weeks the two spend living together, pretending to be lovers, but really watching the house across the street, is a lead up to an impossible romance. This was so well done that my interest in the final pages of the police procedural plot waned. I was not as interested in the criminal cases - who the criminals turned out to be, how they were captured, etc,

If I read a follow up to this book in the series, it will be mainly to find out what's next in line for Maeve and Josh, the star-crossed would-be lovers.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this eARC this is my honest opinion of this delightful read.
This is the first Jane Casey book I've read and see there are many more of this series prior to this one. I will be going to find them as I enjoyed this book. It was not a problem reading it stand alone but did give me the inclination to read ones in the past but mostly to watch for the future ones as I want to see how DS Maeve and DI Josh’s relationship develops. The story is mostly about an undercover sting they partake in. It takes place in a close-knit but nosey neighborhood. Posing as a young in-love couple they must find out if a sweet old lady is really a cold-hearted abuser of challenged individuals. While working they must pretend to become friends with the very interactive neighbors. However, there is a very sinister person amount them whom no one knows about and who is possibly a murderer.
Yes I recommend this book and any future and past. I like Jane Casey’s writing style. You can follow the pace easily, it keeps your interest and she has very likable characters you want to know.

This was book was too long and dragged out. Also kinda predictable. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read the rest of the books in the series. Part of the characters’ backgrounds were lost on me because I have not read the other books

DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent move into Jellicoe Close in order to uncover the truth about all the dark secrets hiding behind the neat front doors. They are posing as a couple and have no idea of the danger they face because someone in Jellicoe Close has murder on their mind. This is the 10th book in the Maeve Kerrigan series. I have been reading this series from the start and I am really enjoying the entire series. I love all the characters which makes the book even more enjoyable. The book can be read alone but the series is more enjoyable if you read them in order from the beginning. The plot of this book is very different than the ones before as this is the first one that Maeve and Josh have finally done together. The story is told in the first person POV from Maeve so we get a real close picture of things that are happening. I am now looking forward to the next book in the series. Read this book and find out all the dark secrets of Jellicoe Close. If you like suspense with your mysteries then you will love this book.