Member Reviews
I’ve lost track of how many books I've read by this author, but one thing remains true: I've enjoyed every single one of them. "Fatal Endings" marks the final installment in the Forrester Detective Agency series. Matt and Steve's personal and professional lives are running smoothly, but as always, twists abound. This gripping read intertwines murder mystery, humor, sadness, joy, and even some tears. Once I dove into the book, it was nearly impossible to pull myself away; I was eager to discover how everything would unfold.
I started this series on the second book and absolutely loved it. So couldn't wait to catch up with the goings on at the Forrester Detective Agency.
Waller has created some great characters in Matt and Karen, both emotionally complex, credible and so easy to invest in.
The plot is fantastic and takes us on a dark and twisty journey. It's a fast paced finale, filled with unease and shocker moments.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
I read this book and enjoyed it before realising that it was the third in a series. It did not detract from my enjoyment of the book so it does read well as a stand alone. It is a well written book with believable characters. Whilst the perpetrators of the murders is known quite early into the storyline you still want to read the rest of the book to see how things work out. Needless to say there are twists and some surprising outcomes!
Matt Forrester, a former high ranking cop, runs a private investigation firm with his friend Steve and his life partner Karen is the Detective Inspector in charge of the police investigations. Business and personal lives cross when Forrester comes across one body and is the last person another victim called before her demise. There are thrills and emotions aplenty in this thriller.
Fatal Endings is the final book in The Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries series. I was looking forward to reading this one as I have read the previous books and was keen to find out what was next for Private Investigator Matt Forrester and his partner DI Karen Nelson.
Anita Waller is an author who can keep a reader on the edge of their seat so easily. She has the skill of creating characters that I get invested in. I felt like I was back with friends returning to Matt and Karen. It was a roller coaster ride of a story that had me turning the pages so fast.
Matt and Karen get involved in a murder investigation for a woman and boy. What they don't realise is that this isn't as straightforward as it could be. They aren't prepared for the turn this case is going to take.
I still don't know how Anita Waller manages to write such a shocking, dark story and also makes it have such heartwarming elements too. She never lets me down with the quality of her writing . Fatal Endings ticks every box for me to say this is a superb story. Highly recommended read. In fact, the full series is unmissable!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
Another brilliant and entertaining mystery in this good series that I'm enjoying.
Well plotted, fast paced, and full of surprising twists that kept me turning pages.
I was glad to catch up with characters and found the plot intriguing and compelling.
It's the third in this series and it can be read as a stand-alone even if reading the rest of the series will make it more enjoyable.
Good storytelling and a tightly knitted plot, fleshed out and interesting characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I have read the previous 2 books in this series and enjoyed them . I liked this book too, though the investigation seemed a little fragmented. Set in Sheffield, the book follows both a private investigation bureau, run by Matt snd his partner, Karen's investigations as a DI . Sometimes their investigations collide . There are lots of twists , highs and lows in this book as well as a lot of action . I think it is best appreciated as part of the series rather than a stand-alone because you get to know the chracters better that way.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
When a suspicious death is connected with Matt's detective agency, he is drawn into the case his partner Karen investigates in major crimes. When another death occurs, and there is a connection, the sense of danger and menace increases, and the team finds themselves embroiled in a sinister web of criminality. I like the investigation team. They have family connections, which can make them cohesive but sometimes vulnerable. It's a compelling, suspenseful story and resonates because you care about the main characters. I like the relationship dynamics, the twists and the urban Sheffield setting, which makes the story authentic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a Forrester Detective Agency mystery set in South Yorkshire. It's apparently the third in the series, and I haven't read either of the previous two books, but after reading this, I think I would like to.
From the beginning, I found the characters very relatable and genuine, and there was something about their behaviour and conversations that really resonated with me. I think it was the characters and their relatability, coupled with the murder investigation, that I found both intriguing and unsettling. I felt as though the characters could easily have been friends or acquaintances of mine.
Once I became invested, it was hard to stop turning the pages, and I found I was turning them very quickly. As I began to feel more deeply connected to Matt, and some of the other characters, I found that the storyline played with my emotions a little bit. I think I would be interested in reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
4.5 stars.
This book was such a surprise for me. I went in expecting your average whodunnit revolving around the murdered woman we find out about from the synopsis - but this was so much more. Like, I did not expect to get my heart broken, but here we are!
The writing really reminded me of the type of mystery story I loved growing up, like Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, but in a bit of a more grown-up style without being overly gruesome.
You get the thrills and chills from a seemingly never-ending amount of twists and shocking moments, but you also get the heartfelt camaraderie from the cast of characters. There are quite a few different groups of characters in here, but the author gives us quite a bit of context to get to know each of them and how they fit into the story as it progresses.
I read this without having read the first two of the series, but there was no complications with understanding it. Like most mystery series, you get a full fledged story in these pages. I will be adding the other to my TBR however, because I enjoyed reading this a lot.
Everything’s looking up for the Forrester Detective Agency who have also diversified into providing security systems for clients. Ex-DI Matt Forrester is blissfully happy with partner DI Karen Nelson and his son Harry has finally recovered from the pneumonia contracted during his adventures in the previous story, returning to school to a hero’s welcome. Matt’s best friend landscape gardener Steve Rowlands and now partner in the Agency is eagerly expecting a baby very soon with Matt’s sister Hermia and Carol the Scone Lady is doing a sterling job of organising their work for them. Nothing can go wrong – or can it? The body of Susan Hunter, the woman who caused them so much grief in book 2 is discovered at the steps joining the Crystal Peaks retail park and shopping mall, having bled out from a stab wound. Strangely, her last unanswered call was to Matt. Was she trying to tell him something as she lay dying? Karen and her team are on the murder case but have very little to go on except for the fact the strong drugs she had just collected from the night pharmacy are missing. Meanwhile Matt and Steve are quoting for new security at Birley Spa Bath House, a beautiful old building which has long been a target for vandals and drug dealers but on their return visit, sadly discover the bruised and battered dead body of a schoolboy. There’s a link to Susan Hunter and now Karen has two major crimes to investigate but at least has a viable suspect for one of them. This is just the start and nothing is as simple as it seems. One action sets off a devastating chain of events and danger lurks for everyone as some old faces return to wreak more trouble.
I would definitely suggest reading the books in order in this series to get to know the main characters and the various events mentioned will make more sense. The places featured are real and I always seem to learn about somewhere new and fascinating in Sheffield. This story was another pure joy to read, with the humour and witty caring dialogue balancing out the often grim and sad nature of the detectives’ work. The camaraderie in particular at the Agency and their family is lovely, and be warned, tissues will be required before this story is over! This is a beautifully written book, full of unforgettable characters who you can immediately love and care about, and brings to a close a wonderful trio of stories from one of my all-time favourite authors.
This is a great read.
You’re best to read the previous two books before this one as it’s a trilogy.
Matt is enjoying his work in the investigation agency but isn’t prepared to come across the dead body of a teenage boy when visiting a client.
Karen is involved in another murder case when Matt calls her about the dead body, and she soon realises that both are linked.
I can’t say too much more as it will spoil it for you, but there’s definitely a few shocks in store in this book.
I really enjoyed this trilogy and look forward to Anita’s next book.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
I missed out on Anita Waller's earlier series - although I still hope to catch up - but this one is unmissable!
Matt Forrester is settled in behind the desk at The Forrester Detective Agency; when the last call made by a murdered woman turns out to be to him, he finds himself involved in the investigtion. The next body to turn up is that of a young boy and DI Karen Nelson - Matt's life partner - realises that they are both investigating a series of revenge killings. As the arrests begin, enemies are being made and no-one is safe ...
Much as I love this series, I'm not sure I was prepared for the shocks and surprises it contains. I found myself lying in bed in the early hours, unable to set it aside to get some sleep - just as well I'm retired! Once began, it's compulsive reading, with highs and lows and my emotions really got put through the wringer. A gripping read and a real credit to the author. Easily earning five glowing stars and my very highest recommendation.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Wow, what a ride! Fatal Endings is a rollercoaster from start to finish, with one big loop at the end to throw you out of your seat! DI Karen Nelson and partner (and ex-copper) Matt are drawn into the mysterious death at a retail park, and it's not long before another body turns up. Plus Karen, Matt and her wider team are dealing with issues in their personal lives too.
It's a great police procedural and then wham, one of the best twists I have ever come across is thrown at you. It's unique, it's unexpected and it completely changes your perspective.
I can't wait to read more from Anita Waller!
The Author, Anita Walker kept the whiplash going in this outstanding mystery. One minute we are learning of a murder. Then celebrating a happy occasion, only to have another murder occur. With all the twists and the shocking ending I was not expecting, this book kept me entertained and engaged. Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy. This review is my honest opinion.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Fatal Endings’ written by Anita Waller in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
DI Karen Nelson and her team are sent to investigate when the body of Susan Hunter is found in the car park adjacent to Crystal Peaks retail park, her phone showing that she tried to speak to Matt Forrester just minutes before she died. The case becomes complicated when the prescription drugs that were stolen from her were found under the body of youngster Josh Earnshaw whose brother Freddie is already known to the police.
I had to read ‘Fatal Endings’ as soon as I learnt it was the second thriller with ex-police officer Matt Forrester and his life partner DI Karen Nelson but I didn’t realise just how deeply it was going to affect me. This exceptional thriller had me in its grip from page one and wouldn’t let go through each surprising event and dramatic incident, with the tension steadily increasing until I got to the huge shocking twist that was totally unexpected. I enjoyed reading more of the wonderful members of Karen’s team who used their individual strengths to get to the truth, Matt’s lovely son Harry, and Carol who’s an essential part of the Forrester Detective Agency as she fed them tea and scones. I can wholeheartedly recommend this brilliant thriller as one that mustn’t be missed but be warned that it’s essential to have a box of tissues nearby as they’re going to be needed.
Oh Anita, what have you done to me, I am a blubbering mess after reading “Fatal Endings”.
This author puts so much love, thought and detail into her stories. She takes my breath away at how easily she can switch from a touching scene of family to one of a gruesome murder, but always keeping me, the reader enthralled and wanting more.
I knew when I picked this book up that it was going to be an emotional read. Saying goodbye to Matt, his sister Hermia and their friend Steve who run the Forrester Detective Agency, helped by Carol, their wonderful and unforgettable PA. Matt’s life partner, Karen, a detective in the police force, is a font of knowledge on the criminal underworld. My favourite person though is little Harry (Matt’s son) who through the author’s heartfelt words became a real living person to me and will be sorely missed.
Mrs Waller left no stone unturned in piecing everything together and bringing the culprits to justice. She does this quite craftily in some instances, which made me smile.
On the other hand, the shocking ending to this series left me reeling. It came out of nowhere, yet it was so in keeping with all that had gone before!
An outstanding read and worth far more than 5 stars!
Fatal Endings was an intense crime thriller, it got me hooked from the first chapter, a really well written book. DI Karen is on another crime setting when a woman turns up dead, she’s a great detective and quickly figured out what might have happened. I liked the back story too and it leading to the truth about the criminals family.
Great characters with a brilliant storyline. An unputdownable 5 star read.
First book I have read in this series but it was fine as a stand-alone.. It had plenty of suspense to keep me guessing. Great characters. Enjoyed the style of writing. Just too abrupt at end. All round great book. Look forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it
This is a story about actions, consequences and family. You are aware of who the guilty parties near the beginning but it is how and if they are going to be caught that that makes it a good tale. And then Anita lands a right hook ,so to speak, that throws everything off course. This is book 3 and it is better to have read the other two to get a good background to the story and makes it more alive.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC to review
Matt Forrester is a retired policeman running his own detective agency.
He becomes involved in the murder of a lady found dead in a car park. Her call to him was the last one made.
His partner, Karen, is still in the force and their cases start to overlap until tragedy strikes.