I tried.
I really did.

But early on (I mean the first few chapters) I just knew this wasn’t going to work for me and so it became a DNF.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review ♥️

I'm delving into the seventh installment of Linda Hagan's series, a new author for me. Initially, I worried about getting lost in the narrative, but I've found it to be a standalone gem. The story follows the tenacious and endearing DCI Gawn as she probes a spine-chilling pattern of assaults, where victims awaken with a sinister smiley face etched on their skin. As the crimes intensify, Gawn's unyielding resolve drives the investigation forward.

DCI Gawn is trying to solve a puzzle and it's getting intense. The team is using clever tricks to catch the bad guy. The ending is exciting and reveals a dark secret. This story highlights a big problem: many crimes go unreported because people are afraid or don't trust the system. It's a timely reminder of the issue and its impact. I appreciate the author shedding light on this.

Also author's masterful storytelling and lightning-fast pacing ensnares you from the start, and the heart-pumping plot keeps you riveted and on edge.

It's a thrill ride that will keep you flipping pages and checking your surroundings, as the excitement and suspense overflow from the pages into your reality!

This is the 7th book in the series, written by Linda Hagan. With this being the first one of her book I have read, I thought I would be lost/confused with the characters or story line but was surprised when I realised that It did not impact this book.

We meet DCI Gawn who is approached by a journalist and tells her that she has been assaulted after a night out she wakes out the front of her home disorientated and later finds a smiley face on her abdomen. After some research they find that 4 other women have had similar things happen to them.

Gawn is a determined and strong character - whom I also find highly likeable and relatable - and sets out to find out what has been happening and to try and catch the culprit as they seem to escalate.

I find Linda Hagan writing very easy to follow, making the book fast past and a quick read. I managed to finish this in a day! There is also a strong story line, which managed to just suck me in from the beginning, I could not put it down!

I would 100% recommend and will definitely have to get the other book in the series, and will most likely end up bingeing them all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Linda Hagan and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I found this an easy read. Not complicated and held my interest. I enjoyed the Authors style and really liked the main character. There were parts of the plot I thought were a bit silly and unrealistic but it was entertaining regardless. It can certainly be read as a stand alone novel with no issues.

I liked that the main Detective is somewhat damaged and goes outside the box. I’d definitely read other books from this Author. It’s one of those books I read quickly but didn’t pop out as a 5 star read. 3 solid stars as I did enjoy it overall.

This is the seventh in a series of books, written by author Linda Hagan - having never read any of the previous six novels I thought I may be at a loss with the characters/story line but was happily surprised when I realised that I did not need to know any back story.

We meet DCI Gawn who is approached by someone who is a journalist and tells her that she has been assaulted - after a night out she wakes to feel strange and a smiley face on her abdomen. After some research they find that other women have found themselves in the same predicament but hit a block wall whilst trying to seek out some help.

Gawn is a determined and strong character so she sets out to find out what and who has been doing this heinous crime to these women.

I find the way author Linda Hagan writes easy to follow and with a strong story line such as this, Nothing but Smiles had me gripped from page one. A great read and I will ensure to get the other novels in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley, Linda Hagan and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Set in Northern Ireland approaching Christmas, Nothing But Smiles (2023) by Linda Hagan is a fine police procedural. Belfast DCI Gawn Girvin gets promoted to Acting Detective Inspector when she is appointed to head up a crime task force. The newspaper scoop on a person drugging women and leaving a painted smiley face is news to Police Headquarters and requires decisive action. Gawn investigates as various suspects are vetted but there is no helpful forensic evidence to assist the investigation. When an operation fails to capture the suspect, the pressure mounts as the police hierarchy want a resolution despite the escalating attacks. This is a standalone review of the seventh book in the series, which makes for an enjoyable crime mystery with three and a half stars read rating. With thanks to The Book Folks and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

A really great and intriguing read. I loved the characters and the story. Will look out for more from this author.

Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, Action, intrigue, mystery, revenge, murder, abuse, kidnapping, great who done it, great plot twist, 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

Wow! This had every hair on end and I was checking the locks at night. This wad the 1st I'd read out the series but didn't feel I was missing anything having not had more of the backstop. The writing style is easy and I was so completely absorbed in this from the start. It is literally every womans worst nightmare and so close to home for most of us. It's well written and has an eerie and tense atmosphere. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series now! The plot line was original and just so realistic. Such a good book!!

This is the first book I've read by Linda Hagan in the Northern Irish crime series. There are six more books in this series but the first I have read. I received it from The Book Folks via Netgalley and it came out on the 24th of July.

DCI Gawn Girvin is approached by a journalist who has quite the story for her. She claims to have been a victim with a horrible story. What she can remember about it is that there is a smiley face emoji drawn on her abdomen. By her own investigation she found more victims having had the same experience. DCI Gawn Girvin starts to investigate but is initially unable to get anywhere. The perpetrator even gets away with an attack right under their noses. She herdelf becomes a target and now she is more motivated than ever to find out who the perpetrator is.

For me, it did not matter that this was book 7 in the series. I had no difficulty in understanding the storyline in combination with the characters. Because it's already book seven in the series, the characters are worked out quite well of course and the story itself was an interesting one with lots of action and it is rather fast paced so you don't have to keep guessing too long because you just want to keep on reading. Sometimes the actions taken by the characters are a bit far-fetched but you get used to it when you read on. The character of Gawn was quite likeable and you really understood her motivation for her actions.

All in all, a decent police thriller you will like.

4/5⭐

Nothing but smiles by Linda Hagan.
DCI Gawn Girvin book 7.
Women in Belfast are waking up after a night out with no recollection of their return home. Not too unusual an occurrence, except there is a sign something is seriously amiss: a smiley-face emoji daubed on their abdomens.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Gawn. Wasn't who I thought it was. I hope there is more to come. 5*.