This will keep you reading. Two high powered women disappear, and their bodies are found in such a way that identification is difficult. Their families mourn their deaths while the police team, led by Luc Callenach, scratch there heads. Luc has been transferred from Interpol and has something to prove to his Edinburgh squad. A chilling tale of kidnap and psychological terror unfolds. This will keep you turning the pages!

This is the first in a new series introducing DI Luc Callanach who has recently departed Interpol and joined the force in Edinburgh. Well we are used to the scenario of a new member joining the team but when he is French and he comes from what could be perceived as an elite unit – needless to say he is not going to be welcomed with open arms. However he does seem to have an ally in the form of DI Ava Turner who is working on a different case but is happy to discuss their different cases with Luc.

Straight from the off he becomes involved when a body is found in a burnt out bothy even though it is not in his jurisdiction. Could this be the missing Elaine Buxton?

The story is narrated by a variety of characters and as this hard-hitting, stomach-turning plot unfolds we witness more abductions, more murders and more abandoned babies. Don’t worry, it all works and the plot more than holds together. It is well-written even though it is gruesome and I couldn’t stop reading.

I loved the characters of Luc and Eva and it is refreshing not to witness an introduction to a love-story. Clearly they admire and like each other and I can’t wait to see where their relationship will go and how it will develop as I am already intrigued by them as individuals rather than a couple. Eva, I find quite amusing, she is clever and perceptive and is a great foil to Luc’s more contemplative temperament.

Do not read this if you are squeamish. Do read it if you don’t mind your murderers cunning, evil and clever. Oh, but if you like your crime thrillers/police procedurals at the top of the game, then you must read it.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

#NetGalley #PerfectRemains I can't believe that I have only just got round to reading this book, 18 months after it was first published. What a thriller and what an explosive start to this series! I loved the characters of Luc Callanach and Ava Gardner and loved the way that both of their cases were woven into the one story. Luc came with a history that is slowly being unraveled and I was glad that by the end of the book he had at least established a friendship with Ava - who knows if it might go further! Well written, fast and nailbitingly twisty! I look forward to more in the series - in fact have just started the next book! A well deserved 5 stars!

Thank you netgalley and also Avon books for the opportunity to read this book. Wow this book had me on the edge of my seat. The storyline was second to none. The characters where exceptional. They played the parts really well. Great writing, very well written book. Definately a five star read. I will be recommending this book to everyone.

This is the first book in D.I. Callanach Series. While her books are better read in order I began with book 2 and it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. Helen Fields has become one of my favourite crime thriller writers or all time. She makes every story gripping and with characters you love and root for in Everyway. I really enjoy the way Helen makes the story seem real and plausible, her ex lawyer background has certainly helped her with this.

It is a little hard to root for the lead detective when you don’t like the character. I don’t mean that he’s not perfect, most genre readers are used to flawed characters. It’s hard to pinpoint why I didn’t warm to Luc Callanach, but I had a hard time sympathizing with him too much. The case is pretty compelling though: a body is found and it seems to be that of a missing woman. Shortly after, another woman goes missing and what appear to be her remains are also found. Callanach thinks that there is more to it. We find out who the bad guy is early on, so this is not a whodunit but a race against the clock to try to save potential victims. And what a baddie he is… not a very nice person at all. The rhythm is consistent and doesn’t lag, so it’s a solid debut and crime readers will not be disappointed.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Avon Books UK!

I loved this book, I really liked the main characters,and the action was relentless.it may not be for those of a nervous disposition ,there are some fairly graphic scenes ,but I also think that is par for the course these days.This was well written and pacy and I couldn't second guess what was going to happen.I think this is a terrific start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.

‘Perfect Remains’ is the first in a series of police procedural crime novels set in Edinburgh, involving DI Luc Callanach and DI Ava Turner. The former’s life has been complicated by personal difficulties in France where he has been living since a small child. Now disowned by his mother and no longer welcome as a member of Interpol, he has returned to work in the land of his birth. His ‘outsider’ label is, ironically, also suitable for Dr King, the villain of this piece, a man intent on humiliating and terrifying some of the impressive, intelligent women who have been unfortunate to cross his path.
The narrative has been very carefully plotted. There are plenty of cliffhangers along the way to keep the reader’s attention and the variety of vividly depicted settings allows us to become submerged in a very believable Scotland. Indeed, Field’s use of the city of Edinburgh makes a normally far-fetched crime situation horribly real. The dowdy house in the respectable area of Ravelston Dykes reminds us that we never really know what goes on behind our neighbours’ front doors and the University department dynamics prompts us to remember that the workplace can be a toxic cauldron of disappointment and resentment.
This story is not for the faint-hearted and, at times, the gruesome details of the crimes committed would be cushion grabbing moments if this were to become a TV drama! However, what makes ‘Perfect Remains’ stand out amongst much contemporary crime fiction are the characters of Luc and Ava. Interesting in their own right, the unusual friendship between the two adds to their credibility and I imagine that Helen Field will continue to build on their appreciation of and loyalty towards each other in the rest of this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

What a fantastic debut novel. Absolutely loved it from start to finish, a must read for crime, psychological thriller fans. Cannot wait to read more by this author. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this title.

I'm afraid the very graphic violence set it in this serial killer/police procedural totally put me off. The misogyny spelled out in such physical detail as women are dismembered and beaten was NOT a pleasure to read. Sorry, not for me

WOW !!! What a remarkable debut ! A chilling , horror tinged , dark and gruesome plot ! I loved this book !! I was hooked from the first thrilling page ! An absolute must read ! Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review ! #Netgalley #AvonBooksUK
#PerfectRemains

Dark and twisty serial killer? Check.
Heroic Detective? Check.
5* rating? Check!

This is definitely my genre and I'm pleased to say this is a hit! Kept me gripped throughout, looking forward to reading the 2nd in the series.

This is the first book I have read by this author and am I glad it’s the first in a series!
DI Luc Callanach is currently a member of Edinburgh’s homicide squad, he has a Scottish father and a French mother and has spent most of his life in France.
Until recently he was a valued member of Interpol, a man whose work was highly praised and successes many. Leaving under a cloud he is determined to prove his worth in his new role in Police Scotland.
He is tasked with solving the murder of a lawyer whose body was found burned beyond recognition in the Cairngorms. Helpfully the killer has left a tooth and a scrap of scarf with the victims blood on for the police to find.
We learn the identity of the murderer, Dr King , early on. A man who is highly organised, a truly deadly adversary. He is devious cruel and forensically aware.
This is a chilling tale and as the bodies mount up and more women disappear we learn the details of the brutality directed against his victims by Dr King.
The man is a psychopath and Luc and his team have their work cut out sifting through all the clues to catch the killer.
If you love a gory, shocking crime thriller, this is one not to be missed.
I have certainly discovered a new series I want to read as soon as.
I received this book from Avon books for free and have no hesitation in recommending it .

Never been to sure about books written in places I know and live however this was a really great read as it didn't go into too much detail of the areas. Great crime story by author I haven't read before but am looking forward to starting next one and development of main character.

This is the first in a series of novels about D.I. Luc Callanach. It is simply brilliant and I look forward to every new book in the series. This is a gritty story set in Edinburgh and can make you gasp. I have read three books in this series now and they do not disappoint. The interpersonal relationships between the team are realistic and the banter is funny. More please!

This is the first book in a series, and I can honestly say I can see this author taking it far. This book will keep you keep guessing from the start and ended brilliantly. Well done.

Tried really hard to get into this one but I just couldn't engage in the story. So sorry about that, I hate giving a bad review, nothing wrong with the writing just not for me.

My 5 star reading streak continues.

Perfect Remains is near enough a perfect read. I loved it. At first I didnt really take to DI Callanach but the more I read and with the Introduction of Ava it got better and better. The story is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of DI Callanach and the Creepy and Evil Dr King. As the story unfolds we find out more of Callanachs past and what has lead him to leave Interpol and relocate to Scotland. The book moves at a good pace and we dont get bogged down with superfluous background of any of the characters. Although we know who has done what the tension in the book is still palpable and there were a few twists that left me speechless.

A masterclass in how to write a Thriller.

A gripping Police procedural thriller set mainly in Edinburgh, Scotland. Very gruesome at times but a great story and fantastic characters.

**3.5 stars**
Detective Inspector Luc Callanach has just transferred from Interpol in France to the Scotland's Police Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh under a cloud. His first case is of missing lawyer Elaine Buxton, a body has been found in the Cairngorms with some teeth at the scene identified with her DNA.
The DI is described as a bit of a good looking playboy in his former life and you know something happened for him to move to his birth country of Scotland but his transition and interaction with his new team is not smooth sailing. There are two investigations running in this story, missing women and newborn babies being left on park benches. The second investigation is being run by DI Ava Turner and she is the only one who befriends Luc.

I enjoyed this police procedural. The two investigations didn't detract from each other and I loved the interaction between Luc and Ava and I'm interested to know where this will head. As the story progresses we also have the unfurling of Luc's past and why he has moved. Fast paced this kept my attention throughout and it was interesting to see how it all played out. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to pick up the 2nd book in the series when it appears.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.