I have absolutely loved this series from the beginning and A Soul For A Soul does nothing to change that. In this novel, Kate Young is now a Detective Chief Inspector, and whilst that means she's not at the coal face of the juicy investigations so much, it does give her the opportunity to focus on the investigation that's been running through the whole series, and that's arguably more tense and exciting than the murder investigation in this novel. However, this means that this novel is unsuitable to be read as a standalone, but you should absolutely go back and start the series from the beginning because it's fantastic.

The detectives who were previously members of her team, Emma Donaldson and Morgan Meredith, are now acting Detective Inspectors and I loved the opportunity to see how they managed their own team and flourished as a result of being mentored by Kate. Emma and Morgan's relationship has also developed over the series and I was interested to see how this would work out too.

With every novel Carol Wyer writes, the plotting becomes more complex and intelligent, and although it keeps me on my toes, I absolutely love it as I try and work out the answers before the detectives. The investigation in A Soul For A Soul showcases a particularly unusual method and I was really gripped by it. The underlying plot is also complex, especially as Carol Wyer includes the voices in Kate's head as part of the narrative, more so in this instalment than previous ones, and I really hoped that Kate would be able to resolve this.

If you read my blog regularly, you will know that I absolutely love a twist and A Soul For A Soul has one that made my head spin!

Okay. Before we begin, I will just clear one thing up. There is often a debate about series books and whether you need to start from the beginning. For this series, absolutely. The previous two books at the very least as there is a wapping great spoiler for them at the very heart of this book (and in the blurb to be fair) and as this book kind of brings an end, more or less, to the series story arc, even I - the great shirker of tradition and series etiquette - say start from book one. You'll appreciate the whole story more if you do. Right. That's the housekeeping done with.

Well, what a book. Carol Wyer has pulled another blinder with A Soul for a Soul, keeping the team, and readers, on their toes with a very complex case, and Kate Young more than a touch distracted in her quest to find the sender of a mystery message before it derails her career and her freedom. The murder investigation actually allows acting Emma Donaldson a chance to take centre stage in her first real case as Acting DI. The body of a woman is found buried in at new building site, someone who was reported missing just three weeks earlier. There are some very obvious suspects in the case, her husband for one, but, as always, we, the reader, know better. Maybe.

What I like about this series is the way that the author intersperses the main investigation with scenes from the perpetrators point of view. In this case it is some who has a very personal connection to one of the team, and a total lack of remorse for what they have done. We do get some insight into their personality, although their identity is kept very carefully hidden until near the end of the book. Knowing that we are watching them, watching their future victims adds a real chill to the narrative and increases the jeopardy that is felt as their make their approach. We may not always get the opportunity to know the victims in this case, with one notable exception, but there is something so very clinical about the act that it makes its mark regardless.

I do really like Kate Young as a character. She is more than a little broken - I'm being nice here - and the events of the past four books really do take their toll this time around. She is a woman under pressure which manifests itself in rather worrying ways, but Carol Wyer has managed to make this part of her character so natural, so part of her identity, that her slip into melancholy and nostalgia are seamless. In fact, there is a lot of transition between present day and the memories of a number of characters, sometimes used to fill in gaps in our knowledge, sometimes to mislead, but the transition between the scenes works well and movers the story onward. As for the sider team, it is great to see Emma in a starring role as she is a very capable and positive character. I liked her pairing with her new DS, Scott Hart, and they really worked well as a team. it's not easy seeing a new work dynamic part way through a series but this pairing works well, a testament to the authors skill that I was so quickly invested in this new partnership.

Her partner in life, and former partner in crime fighting, Morgan, is one a team trying to crack a trafficking ring and this does lead to some friction between the pair. It was interesting to see how the author played this, especially with how much was at stake for them for differing reasons. Jamie Webster is still on the scene as well, working along side Morgan on Operation Moonbeam. This is a less harmonious pairing, but reflective of the ongoing tension and division at the heart of the series.

the book is split between the murder investigation and Kate's ongoing quest to end the corruption within the Force. That comes to a head in this book, exposing the final secrets and with some shocking revelations to boot. What that means for the future, especially for Kate given everything she has done to find the truth, remains to be seen. With the final quarter of the book a mixture of tension, apprehension and surprises, it fairly powers along to a finale which is not quite as cut and dried as you might expect. I'm not sure what comes next, but A Soul For A Soul is another cracker of a read that brings closure to certain elements of the story arc, whilst leaving questions in others. Prepare to be kept on edge, prepare to be shocked. Most of all, prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Definitely recommended for fans of the series.

I find it more and more difficult to immerse into the world of Kate Young and her hearing voices thingy. I understand she went through a lot of trauma, but the constant paranoia isn't relatable anymore, not much makes sense and it was quite hard to get to the end of this book.

I've somehow missed this series- and likely would have enjoyed this more had I read the earlier books. That said, it's a fast paced and twisty tale of secrets, corruption, and determination. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a good story which kept me turning the pages throughout the night. Great mystery, writing and plotting will recommend to all my friends who love this genre.

I have been following this series from the beginning. I have to say that, even though it tied all the loose ends up nicely, it was also the book I liked the least in the series. It’s not that I didn’t like it, just not as much as the previous ones. For one, Emma’s constant neediness started really grating on my nerves. I understand what the author was trying to do, but it seemed like such a far cry from her normal happy and positive self. She was like a totally different character. As far as Kate, all the voices constantly talking really got annoying. Again, I understand what the author was doing, but man it really got overwhelming. It was enough to pull me out of the story a few times. I understand Chris and even William, but she has enough guilt without Dickson cutting in. In any case overall I did like the storyline. It might be the end, or it might not be. I guess we’ll find out soon.

Huge thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

I wasn't a fan of the first few books in the series but the last book and this one have really turned it around. Very intrigued as to what happens next! Will there be another installment?

A Soul for a Soul is another gripping page turning read in the Kate Young series.

Kate is now a DCI and is grieving over the death of her mentor William. She knows with all her soul that William was doing his best to bring down those police in the syndicate and she is desperate to finish his work.

Who can Kate trust and who is not who they appear to be.


Emma is now a DI with Kate as her boss and she is on her first big case and eager to prove herself.

The working relationship as the two stories intermingle worked very well.

Does Kate resolve who is in the syndicate: the reader must take that journey for themselves

I do not want to give anything away.

Carol Wyer always has you hooked from beginning to end and you can count on red herrings and a few twists and turns.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an outstanding read.

A soul for a soul by Carol Wyer is book 5 in the series and another great episode in the series.
Since the previous novel, Kate Young is now DCI after her friend and mentor William died. She is feeling guilty about his death and the death of Superintendent John Dickenson which she played apart of. So, with that and her determination to find the members of the syndicate and take them down. She also missing her part in the investigations and going out on the beat. As her job is more of a desk job, giving orders to other people.
Meanwhile Emma Donaldson is now a DI. She oversees an investigation of a serial killer/robber who incapacitates his victims with drugs and then robs them of their belongings.
This is another great police procedural by the author that I enjoyed. This is a more complex case then in previous novels and two timelines with the other of Kate doing her own leg work to try and find the other members of the syndicate. Even investigating some of her own colleagues in the process as Kate doesn’t know who she can trust. I don’t know if it was me just personally, although I did enjoy this. I found the story quite long and wondering if this the end of Kate is or is their more to come. 4 stars from me.

Really enjoyed it and would give the book 3.5 stars. Not sure if this is the final book in the series, especially with Kate's decision at the end of the book. She brought down almost all the bad guys and now deserves some much needed relaxation. Kate needs to talk to someone about all the voices in her head. Her sister is the the only option, since she can't talk to a therapist about what really happened. The talking out loud in the different voices got to be too much after awhile. Loved when Kate finally discovered the identities of Gamma and Iota. There were so many twists and turns. I would have never guessed these people were involved and was definitely shocked when Iota was revealed. With the help of Felicity, Kate is able to uncover the truth about William Chase's murder.

Definitely recommend the book and the previous ones in the series. It was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I hope that's not the last we see of Detective Kate Young. Maybe there will be a series about Emma and her team of detectives solving crimes. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another one of the great series i enjoy, including this installment.. After the ending of the last book, which i never saw coming, are things going to fall apart for kate? She has a promotion to DCI but does she deserve it? She goes on the hunt for 'Digger'as it is possible he saw what went on that night. Will kate find him?
As a couple at home and at work emma and morgan kates team have been given promotions but to two different teams, one half is not as happy as the other. Kate is searching for the elusive document her friend and mentor william chase has hidden with names of police, who are corrupt. Does the document exist? This is a great read, again i didnt see the end coming., had me guessing until pretty much the end. Lots of twists, fast paced, highly recommend

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fifth book in the DCI Kate Young series but it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the previous four books in the series- I was easily able to establish the background.

Kate is tormented by the death of her mentor and close friend DCI William Case, who it is believed was murdered by a fellow officer - DI Harriet Khatri. William was investigating police corruption and a group called the syndicate when he was killed. Harriet approaches Kate and says she was framed and asks Kate to help her prove her innocence. Kate is determined to identify all members of the syndicate and find out whether Harriet is telling the truth. She is spurred on by the voices of William, Superintendent John Dickson and her late husband Chris.

Alongside Kate’s investigation DI Emma Donaldson is trying to find the murderer of a woman whose badly decomposed body was found buried. Emma is determined to find the killer and keeps Kate updated as she progresses.

This book is a very good police procedural with characters who are clearly established. I was willing Kate to solve the puzzle of the missing syndicate members and somehow find some peace and have time to grieve for William and Chris.

I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Carol Wyer.

With both Emma and Morgan after promotion, will their relationship at home be affected by the different cases they are dealing with at work?

Emma is working on two cases that she is convinced are linked but can she find the evidence to prove this?

Kate is still grieving the loss of her mentor, boss and friend, William. She is now DCI but is still working alone and trying to bring down the syndicate. Not only has she got Superintendent John Dickson’s voice constantly bothering her, but now she has William’s. The one voice she really wants to hear, her late husband Chris’, appears to have disappeared altogether.

I have enjoyed this series and liked seeing the characters improve and strengthen over each book. Emma is a force to be reckoned with and I love her character.

There are some superb twists along the way in this tale. I found myself completely in the dark with regards to the members of the syndicate and was shocked by some of the names that came to light.

The story is well written and kept me on my toes throughout.

A dark and powerful read, I can’t recommend this series enough.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Carol and NetGalley for allowing me to read A Soul for a Soul, the 5th book in the series, before the publication date.

Kate Young has been promoted to DCI, a role which requires her to step back from the front line and manage her teams. Yet she finds herself with more work than ever.

DI Khatri, who has been charged with murdering DCI Chase, contacts Kate asking for help. She is adamant that she did not murder Chase, despite the video evidence which seems to prove that she did. The relationship between Kate and Khatri has been frosty to say the least, but Kate feels compelled to get involved.

Although Supt. Dickson is dead, Kate is convinced that the corrupt Syndicate which he led, continues to operate.
She is determined to identify the members, but her investigation must remain unofficial and leave no trace.
With no idea who she can trust, she struggles to appear in control while hiding the effect of the ever present voices which are in her head.

The Operation Moonbeam team , set up by DI Khatri, continues to investigate the people traffickers, who are always one step ahead, raising concerns about a mole within the team.

Acting DI Emma Donaldson is excited to find herself leading the investigation into 2 murders. When the long hours involved with the investigation impacts on her private life, her partner, DS Morgan Meredith, is less than supportive.

The tension exists from the start and Carol has again increased that tension using an interesting, but very effective technique which is initially puzzling.

Interspersed with the storyline, she has included sections where she describes the conversations which Kate is hearing in her own head. It started with her deceased husband, Chris , giving her advice and guidance and warning her of potential danger. Now his voice has been replaced by those of her deceased mentor, DCI Chase, and corrupt Supt Dickson. Chase seems to be trying to help guide her investigation, whilst Dickson sneers and taunts, leaving Kate questioning her every decision and move.

Definitely a page turner.

I’m a huge fan of Carol Wyer and I eagerly anticipate each new book. I loved this one, but it felt like all the loose ends had been tied up and Kate was on her way to finally put her demons to rest and allow herself time to cope with her grief. In my opinion, it was a thrilling, surprising and satisfying end to a great series, so I was a little shocked by the last paragraph. Could there be more to the story? I eagerly await.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the copy of A Soul For A Soul by Carol Wyer. I really enjoyed the second book in this series and read the fourth book but I’m not sure why this one didn’t grab my attention. Maybe if I had read all of the previous books I would have been more engaged.
I kept waiting for something to happen and was waiting to read more about Emma’s case. I wasn’t really interested in the Dickson storyline, so maybe this wasn’t the series for me, and I really disliked the voices Kate hears, and I didn’t understand the point of them. I kept hoping they were a lead up to some huge plot point but I think they were just filler to give Kate ‘hints’ about what was going on or what to do next. I did enjoy the reveal, and it made it worth it to finish the book.

This is book #5 in the Kate Young series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the books in series order for better understanding of the story. I've been following the series from the beginning and was left wondering through the last book how Kate was going to cope with what had happened. We are back with her and it seems that someone knows her terrible secret. Can she work out who else is involved in the police corruption which has dominated her life for so long?

This was such a gripping read. Kate's secret is massive and could ruin her, but can she really get away with what she has done? I like Kate's character but have felt so sorry for her throughout this series of books. She really is one of the good guys trying to bring down the corrupt police officers which had a hand in her husband's death, but finds herself being dragged down with them. I have to admit to reading this and the last couple of books with baited breath, wondering what was going to happen. The book flows along at a great pace, and we again see the state of Kate's mental health with her hearing not only her dead husband, but her former bosses Dickson and Chase. I'd like to think that Kate will one day be free from the torment of these voices, but we go into the book with them talking to her loud and clear.

I did like the parallel storylines of the murder investigation and people trafficking with DI Emma Donaldson and DI Morgan Meredith taking the lead. All the storylines worked well together and my interest in all the cases was held throughout. The book is full of suspense and tension as to what is going to happen, and there are plenty of twists, turns and dead ends to keep you wondering. Whilst it sounds like a lot is going on, it's well written and easy to keep a track of everything. I was held into the action of all the storylines right to the last page. Could Kate be lucky enough to have some peace in her mind in the next book? Let's hope so for her sake! Would definitely recommend!

Number 5 in the Detective Kate Young series. All of which I would recommend are read prior to this book as, despite frequent references to it, the back story is quite complicated. Kate has been promoted to DCI in this book so we get the characters of Emma and Morgan being given a bigger role as acting DIs. This is very welcome as Kate's voices seem to be making a major comeback. I enjoyed the book as I have enjoyed all the series and did not guess the hiding place or the bad guys! However I am getting a little tired of the 'voices'. Hopefully they will settle into the background a little more if there are more books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Another fitting episode in this series.
Excellently executed, utterly engaging and a very satisfying conclusion.
One thing I must say is that, whilst the sub plot is explained all the way through, it would be well worth reading the others in the series first. Not just because it would save any confusion, but just because they are excellent too!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I enjoy this author's books, and if you are a fan of the series, by all means, pick up a copy.

That said, I am VERY glad that the voices that DI Kate Young heard might finally be done talking to her.

If you haven't read this series, a police woman in an early series committed a cover up (that in my mind was an ENTIRELY understandable and justifiable act) and her guilt caused her to hear voices. The hearing voices for commiting an act of self-defense were over the top and over done for me, however I did enjoy the mystery and would be thrilled for future DI Kate Young (sans voices, if they were to continue in future books in this series I will not continue the series).