Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

I really like Nick Louth's DCI Craig Gillard series and this book did not disappoint in any way at all. There is an a hell of a lot going on in this read which certainly grabbed my attention and held it throughout. Gillard and his team investigate a murder of a business man which runs alongside another separate investigation. Are the two cases linked? I think this book is very well written, I like the writing style and that the book flowed effortlessly. The plot line is very intricate and complex and well executed and went off in a way I did not expect making me want to know more. I've always liked the small glimpses into Gillard s personal and home life and enjoyed seeing his character develop in this series. I hadn't a clue who the murderer was or how the cases would connect and really enjoyed the tension, thrills and suspense the author created here. The last part of the book was an absorbing read where everything starts to come together nicely. I'd say this can be read as a standalone although if you've not read any of the previous books in this series you're best to read them from the beginning. I'm quite sad this is the last book in the series to be honest and know at some point in the future I'll return to reread them, and am glad the author gave a good and satisfying closure for one of my favourite Detectives.

4.5 stars

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The end of an era with this, the last book in the DCI Craig Gillard series
Just like the other books it’s a brilliantly written, realistic and original plot
This time Gillard is not only leading a serious crime investigation but he’s also trying to get time to spend with his wife, who is about to give birth.
Facing an uphill battle in the investigation, and feeling increasingly guilty about being pulled away from his wife, his conscience is getting to him
Don’t let the billed end of a series fake you into a false sense of the ending, because I didn’t see it coming.
Is this really the end, or will there be a spin off
What ever Nick Louth writes next, I’ll be at the front of the queue to read

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Another great book in the Craig Gillard series. Sadly very topical and tackling a difficult subject. Shame it is the last one in this series I have enjoyed them all. Best to read the whole series not really a standalone.

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The Body in Nightingale Park is the 12th book in the wonderful DCI Craig Gillard series.
Having just moved house to Guildford with his pregnant wife Sam, Gillard is on two weeks leave and the baby is due any day. He learns that a number of women have been raped in Nightingale Park which is very near to his new house. When a jogger is killed in the park Gillard finds himself centre stage, and also due to another ongoing investigation into the murder of a retired police officer he finds himself much to Sam’s consternation being called back into work to help, his exemplary skills at investigation much needed.
This is a story with great characters, sparkling, punchy and sharp dialogue added to which are jaw dropping and heart pounding moments.
As usual with this author we have a riveting and brilliantly constructed crime thriller. I have loved every book in this series, they are entertaining and keep you throughly invested in the characters throughout.
I look forward to the next new series from Mr Louth.
Thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

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This is the twelfth book in the DCI Craig Gillard series by author Nick Louth featuring the detective based in the Home Counties.

I really enjoy this series having joined it around the halfway point and every time I finish the latest instalment I tell myself I will have to catch up on the very early books. This latest instalment, “The Body in Nightingale Park” is another excellent crime thriller that for me was a real page turner. Nick Louth is a very good author and has constructed an excellent character in DCI Craig Gillard with a perfect balance between the investigations and his personal life. In this book he is thrown into an investigation when two murders occur in close proximity to his new home.

The author builds up the tension throughout with a mix of the challenges Gillard faces at work and at home with the imminent birth of his child. With most of his focus being on the upcoming birth his attention is turned to the sudden murder of retired police sergeant Ken Stapleford. DCI Craig Gillard is very conscientious and even though he would rather be at home he is still determined to solve the case.

When a jogger is brutally killed in Nightingale Park, Gillard finds himself at the heart of the investigation. The two seemingly unrelated murders are found to have a fascinating forensic connection that defies all logic. This intriguing and unexpected twist lifts the novel to another level as Gillard tries to uncover the truth.

This book is well written and I enjoy the authors writing style. I not only plan to read the early books in this series but also some of the standalone novels. The descriptive text, attention to detail along with the very good characters make this series one of my favourites. I really enjoy police procedural thrillers and this series is full of them.

DCI Craig Gillard is a well developed character that is relatable and an excellent multi-dimensional protagonist who tries to balance his need for justice with the demands of his personal life.

This is a very good fast paced thriller that had me hooked and begging for more. Well written and full of suspense that kept me guessing throughout and is a very good police procedural novel. Works as a standalone but I would suggest reading the other books in the series like I intend to for the full deal.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

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DCI Craig Gillard is, according to statistics, going through two of the most stressful situations at the same time! His wife, Sam, is just a week or so away from giving birth to their first child, and they've just moved house! Unfortunately, his new location near Nightingale Park has recently gained a dangerous reputation, and some locals are unhappy about the lack of results from the local constabulary. When Craig becomes unintentionally involved, the resulting phone call from his very persuasive boss means his two weeks leave are over before they've even begun.

Working high profile cases is nothing new for Gillard, but when he finds unexpected links to crimes committed across the country, even he can't hide his surprise or concern. With Sam's due date getting ever nearer Craig wants nothing more than to be with her but as the evidence keeps drawing him closer and closer to home it won't be long before that is the last place either of them will want to be.

This is the twelfth and final outing for Detective Chief Inspector Craig Gillard, and, I am absolutely sure, it won't only be me who will miss him enormously. From the start this has been a brilliant series with well rounded, likeable, and loathsome, characters who leave their mark on the reader as they commit or work on complicated, detailed, crimes expertly written by one of the best criminal thriller writers out there.

There was nothing I didn't like about this except the 'final' part! The tension was palpable, exploding into action at various points throughout until everything came together in a finale I was totally invested in with sweaty palms, racing heart, and a desperate need to keep reading, it was just WOW!

Once I'd calmed down a bit I read the tantalising excerpt from Mr Louth's new series and he's absolutely done it again, starting off with a jaw dropping investigation which already has me keen to keep reading. For now, though, thank you, DCI Gillard. It's been a pleasure.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Canelo, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was crime writing of the highest calibre, and I loved it.

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Good book! I definitely enjoyed reading this one! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, Action, murder, serial killers, mystery, great detective work, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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