Fatal endings by Anita Waller.
The Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries Book 3.
I did enjoy this book. I did like the team DI Karen Nelson, DS Ray Ledger, DC Jaime Hanover, DC Iain Jameson, DCI Daniel Armitage, Superintendent Carl Granger, and PC Rachel Quixley who is new to the team. I did like how they worked with each other. I got into it straight away. I couldn't put it down. I read in two sittings. Even though this is book 3 I was able to get into the story and plot. I did like Matt Karen's husband, Hermia, Steve, and Carol. A great team. I definitely didn't see that coming. My jaw was on the floor. I do hope there is more to come in this series.

Blurb.
Nobody is safe…

When the murdered body of a woman is found in a Sheffield carpark, former cop turned private investigator Matt Forrester finds himself embroiled in the case, because the last call the victim made was to him…

But the case isn’t as simple as the drug theft it looks like, and – when a young boy becomes the next victim – Matt and his life partner, DI Karen Nelson, realise they’re investigating a terrifying series of revenge killings.

Arrests start to be made, but enemies are being made. And, as the killings continue, nobody is safe…

A totally unputdownable crime novel, from bestselling author Anita Waller, guaranteed to keep readers up all night.


@AnitaWaller #fatalendings #TheForresterDetectiveAgencyMysteries #BoldwoodBooks #HardBoiledMysteries #PrivateInvestigatorMysteries #FreeBookReview #netgalley

This is a brilliantly written book, it's full of suspense and a linked crime or two. I loved Matt and Karen's characters, I like how they are with each other, you can tell they are in a loving relationship and care for each other.

The team Matt has is also a strong one and they can solve the crime with the clues they find. I like Jamie and Rachael also, think they will make a good friendship over time. Rachael joins the team and she's thrown in the deep end but just gets on with it.

The crimes are emotional at times, the stories of Josh, Diana and Susan are sad ones, innocent people, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Freddie and Liam think they can get away with murder, literally but time will tell if they truly can or not.

Hope there is more in the series as I have really enjoyed reading this book! I've read this out of order but didn't feel like I was confused as the writing explains who each person is. I will go back and read the others though at some point.

Anita Waller is one of my all time favourite authors. She rarely disappoints whoever she is writing about, and she's excelled herself with Fatal Endings the third book in the Forrester Agency trilogy. The main storyline is exciting on its own but wow! does it have some unexpected surprises! The usual characters are all there and to the regular reader it is like meeting up with family they are so well written. I hope Anita continues to write for many years to come as I'll be here ready to read them all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the Forrester Detective Agency series but can be read on its own. It was my first introduction to Matt, a former detective inspector who now runs an agency, and his partner Karen, a detective inspector.

Waller creates a very compelling narrative. The body of a woman is found near a shopping precinct and it's assumed to be linked to drugs. The woman was known to Matt's agency. Another killing makes it clear police are searching for a revenge killer.

The compassion and emotional intelligence of the police, and the team at Matt's agency, makes it a joy to read.

There's a shock as police hunt down the killer, with a gripping finale.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Fatal Endings by Anita Waller is a gripping conclusion to the Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries series, delivering a potent mix of suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth. Waller, known for her ability to craft compelling narratives, brings her A-game in this final installment, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last.

The novel begins with the body of a murdered woman found in a Sheffield carpark. Former cop turned private investigator Matt Forrester is drawn into the case when it’s revealed that the victim’s last call was to him. This personal connection adds a layer of urgency and complexity to the investigation, as Matt must navigate a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth.

Waller excels in character development, and Fatal Endings is no exception. Matt Forrester is a deeply relatable protagonist, grappling with his own demons while trying to solve the case. His interactions with Sgt. Dee Jackson, his steadfast partner, are particularly well-drawn, showcasing a partnership built on mutual respect and shared history. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding depth and nuance to the story.

The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Waller’s pacing is impeccable, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, introspective scenes that explore the characters’ motivations and backstories. The narrative is tightly woven, with each clue and revelation building towards a nail-biting climax.

Waller brings Sheffield to life with vivid descriptions that capture the city’s gritty charm and atmospheric tension. The cold, wintry backdrop adds to the sense of foreboding, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside Matt and Dee as they unravel the mystery.

Waller delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the impact of past traumas. These themes are explored with sensitivity and insight, adding emotional weight to the story. The novel is not just a thrilling mystery but also a poignant exploration of the human condition.

Fatal Endings is a fitting finale to the Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries series. Anita Waller has crafted a compelling, emotionally resonant story that will satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

Whether you’re a fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, Fatal Endings is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood books,and the fantastic author Anita Waller for an early copy of her book to read.

This is book 3 in this brilliant series,I really enjoy reading her books...A womans Body is found,Matt Forrester works in a detective agency and he knew the victim. Karen his partner is a Detective inspector and working on the case.another murder of a young boy involving drugs.is there a connection between the two cases? Another fantastic read from this author. Looking forward to reading the next instalment.

This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk

This is my first Anita Waller book, and I read right through it with heightened interest. The plot is clean, the characters are mostly riveting, and once I started the book, I did not want to put it down. Matt Forrester, of the Forrester Detective Agency, is the partner of Karen, a police detective inspector. Although Matt no longer works for the police, he becomes involved with multiple murders in the book. Secondary characters involve Harry, Matt's son, loved by Karen as well, and Lynn Earnshaw, beleaguered mother of Josh, who is enticed by his older brother, Freddie, to do some dangerous drug running.

Fatal Endings is a police procedure of the best kind. The reader is drawn in by the strong and realistic relationships among all the characters, including Steve and Hermia, new parents, and Carol, the paragon who works for Matt Forrester. Creepy and evil Liam Marshall is the grandfather of Freddie and Josh, and husband of Diana, who is sister of Paula. The two ladies are busy planning a nefarious end for Liam, if possible. At the police station, Ray and Jaime are solid support for Karen in her role of DI.

The end of the book is nothing short of a shock. I'm not quire sure why this part of the book has to be so brutal, but it is realistic, indeed.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the privilege of reading this book. I will look for other books written by Waller.

Finished in two days. Absolutely brilliant. It has bestseller written all over it. What a book! Fast, edge-of-your-seat stuff. Each time I set the book down I had to remind myself to breathe.

Gripping, Tragic..
The third in the Forrester Detective Agency mystery series and the murder of a woman found in a local car park is the catalyst for a gruesome series of crimes and an unearthing of underworld dealings. A gripping, and often tragic, storyline with a deftly crafted cast of characters populating a pacy and often unexpected plot make for a compelling read. A worthy addition to this new series.

Title: Fatal Endings
Series: The Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries Book 3
Author: Anita Waller
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: November 13, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 295

Matt Forrester is a former police officer and now runs a private detective agency; his partner is DI Karen Nelson.
When a woman is found dead in Sheffield carpark Matt finds he is in the middle of the case as the last call she made was to him! She is someone Matt knew from an earlier case and he really had no desire to talk to her again.
It appears to be drug related case but when a young boy is also a victim - it just might be a revenge killing.

I wasn’t too excited about this when I started and then ended up with
Yikes! I didn’t expect THAT!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this this great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 13, 2024.

Matt Forrester missed a call from an unknown number. The person is later found murdered, and his life partner, DI Karen Nelson is the lead in the case.
A young teen is killed next, and it seems that the cases are linked.

I am crying. This is such a sad book. I can't say much, I don't want to give the whole plot away.
I read the first in this series, and enjoyed it thoroughly, but haven't read the second book, unfortunately.
I love the way Karen's team are so close knit, and she is the 'mother' of the team so to speak.
I couldn't put this book down, it was gripping and kept me awake long after I finished it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow, just wow! Anita Waller has done it again!! Great characters and an excellent storyline. Two serious cases become entwined, the agency takes another case just to keep you on your toes and I am still reeling from the absolutely shocking ending. Couldn’t put it down.

I do love Anita wallers books but this one felt a bit of a letdown, seemed to be a few things happening in the story but with not much explanation...

A very sad ending ...however it would be nice if just for once there was no need to kill off a character and just let them have a nice life

A well-written novel with great characters. I was gripped by this fast-paced thriller involving drugs and murders. This is the third book in the Forrester Detective Agency series. I haven't read the previous books but it still worked well as a stand-alone novel. Lots of twists and a shocking but sad ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Matt Forrester is now a private investigator, having previously been a police detective. His partner, Karen, is a police DI.

Karen and her team are called to a suspected murder; a woman has been found dead in a Sheffield car park. Matt becomes involved because it turns out that the last number the dead woman called was his.

An excellent police procedure that I enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Another 5* read from one of my favourite authors. This is the 3rd and final installment of the Matt Forester series and it does not disappoint.

All of the team are back including a heavily pregnant Hermes and a now fully recovered Harry. This book is primarily focused on drug running and a very complex family. Half way through the book was a storyline I didn't see coming that brought a huge lump to my throat.

I have often put on reviews that I feel some books would transcend wonderfully to tv and I think many books by Anita Waller would, and this series would be perfect.

I highly recommend this book. Yes it can be read as a stand alone but I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Fatal Endings", the third book in the Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries series by the incomparable Anita Waller. ( I am reading her other series, also, and recommend that one also.)
Having thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in the series, I was so happy to be given the chance to review pre-publication. I was not disappointed, but it was an absolute emotional roller coaster of a ride (more about that later).
The Forrester Detective Agency is quite busy, with Matt handling most of the work as Steve and Hermia prepare for the birth of their child. Meantime, Karen Nelson (Matt's life partner) and her team are called out to a murder scene. It appeared that the victim had called Matt before her murder, but he had not answered the phone, as he did not recognize the number (and it was after business hours). Turns out, the victim had a tangential connection to the Agency, but was not a client or a subject. It appeared that she had been killed for the prescription drugs that she had just picked up from a night pharmacy. The investigation seemed to stall, until a second body was discovered days later in the same place, and the evidence from that killing pointed to whoever had murdered the first victim.
It was a domino effect of killings: the murder of Victim A related to the murder of Victim B (a young boy), and as a result of that second killing, a third - retaliatory - murder led the team to a very good suspect.
In the background, Hermia and Matt welcomed their baby to delight of all involved; and Matt and Karen became engaged.
What ensued absolutely broke my heart. I spent roughly the last quarter of the book with tears streaming down my face. I don't know the reason behind that plot twist (don't want to spoil anything, so enough said), but I guess we'll find out if/when there is another book in the series. This one was very aptly titled, as there were fatalities right, left and center.
Can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you immerse yourself in the previous books - you won't be disappointed.

Fabulous read from this wonderfully talented author.
Characters big and small are well written and brought to life in my head.
Prepare for some real shockers, that is all i can say.
A not to be missed read.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.

Anita is one of those authors that flies under the radar I feel, and unfairly so. She is a great writer, her stand alone novels are fast paced and always bring a new perspective. This one is one of her police procedurals which o did enjoy but aren’t my favourite. Still a great read for fans of Anita!

Why? In the first 2 books of this trilogy, the author created a great world with wonderful characters and complex storylines, and that continued until perhaps 60% or 70% through this book. Then the author did something that I don't ever want to see, and because she did it brutally well, I cried through most of the remainder of the book. However, I don't read to have my heart broken, and I fail to understand why an author would choose to implode the world she created. As if that wasn't enough to disappoint fans of this series, the final plot line can best be described as a dark Lucy and Ethel scheme that is a particularly sloppy way to end a book, much less a series. I truly wish I had not read this final book in the trilogy.

Why then did I rate it with 3 stars? I did so because the majority of the book was well written, deserving of a 5 star rating, and I must give credit where it is due. Readers who develop no attachment to series characters, and can overlook an almost comedic murder plot, may enjoy it.

The narrator is deserving of a 5 star rating and did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life.