I have never read any of this author’s novels before. I will definitely be seeking out more of her work. This is the third in a detective series starring DI Fawley. I will recommend trying to read the books in order. I didn’t, and there were some things mentioned that I felt I probably should have known about prior to reading. I loved how the author used emails and transcripts to further the story along. It opens with a terrible house fire just after the Christmas holidays. It is quickly determined that the fire was no accident, and family members have perished inside the home.
The story is told though first person (the eyes of Adam Fawley), but also uses third person to help you see what the other members of the detective squad are thinking and feeling.
This was a really well done detective procedural- unique and engrossing. Highly recommend if you like this genre. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read it as an ARC.

4.5 stars. Another great offering in this excellent British police procedural/drama. I don't often keep reading in a series 'back to back', liking a bit of a change ......but with this series, I can just keep reading right through them.....they're that good! I'd recommend reading them in order, as they continue very close to where the last left off. This is a fast, compelling read, & Hunter adds current technology & social media to the mix.....making it quite a 'present day'/ real, feel. I'm already looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend this to those who enjoy a continuing police drama, a familiar team trying to suss out the mystery/crime.
I received a digital ARC from publisher William Morrow via NetGalley for review purposes. These are my own fair/honest opinions.

"No Way Out" by Cara Hunter is a gripping and intricately plotted thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its clever twists, compelling characters, and taut suspense, Hunter delivers a masterclass in crime fiction that will leave readers guessing until the very end.

At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic Detective Inspector Adam Fawley, whose sharp mind and unorthodox methods make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of police procedurals. When a young woman is found murdered in her home, Fawley and his team are thrust into a complex investigation that unravels a web of secrets and lies lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic neighborhood.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Hunter's writing is precise and methodical, with each clue and revelation meticulously plotted to keep readers guessing. The pacing is brisk and relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels the story forward with nail-biting tension.

The characters in "No Way Out" are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. From the grieving family members to the eccentric suspects, each character is brought to life with authenticity and nuance. Hunter deftly explores their motivations and innermost secrets, creating a cast of characters that readers will find themselves both sympathizing with and suspecting.

The novel's setting—a quiet suburban neighborhood—is both familiar and foreboding, adding to the sense of unease that permeates the story. Hunter expertly captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of the close-knit community, where everyone knows everyone else's business and no one is truly safe from suspicion.

In conclusion, "No Way Out" by Cara Hunter is a riveting and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its clever plotting, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting, it is sure to delight fans of the genre. Hunter proves herself to be a master storyteller, delivering a twisty and satisfying tale of murder, mystery, and deception that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.

I really enjoyed this! I like how it has interviews with the suspects and is very through in detailing the investigation which I think is a really unique touch. I like the twists and this is extremely well written. I would HIGHLY recommend this! Special Thank You to Cara Hunter, William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars - Top Pick

D.I. Adam Fawley and his team are called in on a horrific case. A house has burned down and a toddler is found dead and his ten-year-old brother is in critical condition. Due to the demotion of another team member, Chris Gislingham is the acting DS on this challenging and disturbing case. However, it will take the whole team to get to the truth when so many witnesses and possible suspects aren’t telling the truth. Soon one thing becomes evident – the fire was not an accident, it was arson.

No Way Out is the third book in the DI Adam Fawley series, but the first I’ve read. The story is told from multiple points-of-view, so I felt I got to know most of Fawley’s team, both the strengths and weaknesses of each detective. Even though I’ve not read this series before, I have read a standalone book by this author, and I love her style of writing. Mixed in with the narrative of the investigation are elements such as newspaper articles and transcripts from police interviews. I enjoy these extra touches that add realism and make the story more interesting. The book has the details of a police investigation, but is also very suspenseful. It is very dark having children as victims, but there are some small moments of humor, some in the “newspaper articles” to help lighten the story.

The plot of the book is twisty and surprising, so I don’t want to say too much and spoil any of the revelations. I will say that although the ending of the case is sad, the book as a whole ends on a hopeful note. I highly recommend this engaging procedural thriller. Now that I have read this book and gotten to know Adam, Chris, and the others on the team, I can’t wait to read more in this series!

~ Christine

No Way Out by Cara Hunter is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine.
This is an excellent police procedural and I was hooked on every word.
I’m really enjoying this DI Fawley detective series.
This is the second book I’ve read in this gripping crime thriller and I’m hooked.
A fast paced, unputdownable and addictive read.
Such a clever and well plotted novel, with lots of twists and turns.

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Hunter masterfully weaves a tapestry of arson, child murder, and family intrigue, alternating between present investigations and the troubled past of the Esmond family. DI Fawley's character, haunted by personal grief, adds emotional depth, while the inclusion of newspaper headlines and online discussions enhances the real-time feel. Despite some considering it slightly below its predecessors, the novel remains a riveting exploration of the fluid dynamics of criminal investigations. Hunter's attention to detail, atmospheric Oxford setting, and a well-crafted narrative structure make No Way Out a compelling, emotionally charged crime thriller, delivering a shocking yet satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended for those seeking a crime novel that challenges the mind while tugging at the heartstrings.

This was my first book by Hunter, and it was a solid procedural. I'm definitely planning to get my hands on copies of the first two DI Fawley books and am looking forward to reading future books by her.

Way back in September, I mentioned No Way Out, the D.I. Adam Fawley police procedural by Cara Hunter. It’s the third in the series, focusing on Fawley and his police team in Oxford, England. There have been two other books published in England, but they haven’t been published here yet. If you’re looking for a new, well-written police procedural series, try these books. A warning, though. The theme of No Way Out is not for everyone.

It’s still the holiday season in Oxford, when a house goes up in flames on Jan. 4, 2018. The firemen find a toddler’s body inside, and rescue a ten-year-old boy who might not survive. But, why aren’t the parents in the house in the middle of the night? The firemen suspect arson, and D.I. Fawley’s team investigate, calling the toddler’s death murder, and searching for the missing parents.

While Fawley struggles with his marriage issues, his team members have their own issues. Acting Detective Sergeant Gishingham heads up the day-to-day investigation, while he has to work with the man he replaced, DC Quinn who was demoted. DC Erica Somer has only been with CID for three months. Seen through her eyes, Gishingham is methodical and hard-working, Quinn is brash, and Fawley is a gifted leader to be emulated.

As they dig into the story of the Esmond family, they learn Michael, the father, was dealing with an accusation at the university where he works. Samantha, the mother, had health issues. Everything wasn’t perfect in the Esmond household, and the reader discovers this through flashbacks.

D.I. Fawley tells his part of the story in first person, but the reader watches the rest of the team. There are newspaper accounts, reports from the fire department, phone calls. All these tools are used to tell the story of the case.

Hunter handles police procedurals well. There are twists right up to the end that surprised me, but they were appropriate, and worked beautifully. I’ll be watching for Cara Hunter’s other books. For those who like police procedurals, you can start with No Way Out. I wish I’d read the earlier books in the series, though. The first book, Close to Home, is followed by In the Dark. I’m pleased that I found a new British police procedural series.

No Way Out is the first DI Adam Fawley novel that I have read, but it certainly will not be the last. This Cara Hunter novel is complex, with much layering,, multiple narrators, great red herrings, twists and turns, and a plot that will keep readers up all night.

This plot is ingenious—a midnight fire and missing parents. Hunter’s plot sneaks up on readers. Nothing is as it seems. Who started the fire? Who can be believed? So many possible murders and murderers, and several leads that send police everywhere and nowhere. No Way Out is one of the most clever and complex police procedurals I have ever read. I kept seeing this novel as a BBC murder series.

I actually finished this novel a week ago, but I was on a small cruise ship in the midst of the North Sea, near the Orkney Islands and in the midst of the worst WiFi possible. Sending in a review was impossible. But what stuck with me was how terrific I found this novel. Read it!!! My book club will love it and I intend to recommend it.

Thank you to the author and to publisher, William Morrow, for sending this ARC to me to read and review. Obviously I loved No Way Out. Thank you also to NetGalley for making it possible for me to easily download this novel.