Dead Secret

Dead Secret by Noelle Holten, I can't believe that this is all ready the 4th book by this author. It doesn't seem long since reading her debut and I'm thrilled at the success this series has achieved. Since that first book I have eagerly awaited each new instalment and I have to say they are just getting better and better. I didn't think it was possible after the first book. I think this author has an advantage as a book blogger, she knows the sort of books people enjoy and she is now in a position to deliver the exact read that people want. Bravo Noelle, you are smashing this.

so Book 4, what did I think. Simple, loved it. The end.

This is a fantastic addition to the series, familiar characters, new characters and a story that gets you involved, absorbed into the pages, wanting to read as quick as possible, then not wanting it to end.

Its time that Maggie started to think of herself, too much work and not enough fun. But with a missing DCI is that going to be possible.
While investigating a murder, it emerges that DCI Hastings is missing! But then it appears that his wife and daughter are also missing. Is Maggie taking on more than she can handle.
A domestic case brings Maggie into contact with Lucy Sherwood, who has set up a shelter, a safe house to help people from domestic violence. But Who is this lady that needs help and what has happened to her, it's a struggle to find anything out.
With everything going on in her life it's a wonder Maggie knows what day it is, but as always everything she does, she gives her all.

I again found this book really engaging, not wanting to close the pages, needing to know what was happening. It really did pull me in, and oh my god, it spits you out at the end and leaves you gasping, needing more but knowing you are going to have for the next book to find out what is going to happen next. Fantastic ending.

How on earth is this book 4 already?! Although I feel as though I’ve known Maggie Jamieson forever as she has really become a favourite character of mine now and I do feel as though I know her personally now! Yes, she is that well brought to life by crime author Noelle Holten who has once again delivered a dark, shocking and thoroughly gripping read!

Maggie never seems to get a break does she?! Not only does she have the death of a young man to solve but she also finds out that one of the DCIs and his family have gone missing. And if she’s not busy enough, her friend Lucy also calls upon her for help when a terrified woman lands on her doorstep unable to speak or hear but who has obviously had a very traumatic experience! But Maggie is one of the hardest working police characters around and she packs a lot into this one book as she tries to solve crime and handle her complicated personal life at the same time. And it’s definitely a cast of likeable and relatable supporting characters who make this police procedural for me. Everyone feels authentic and the criminal acts themselves and those who commit them are perfectly described. Noelle has a keen eye for the darker side of the criminal justice system and her experience within that world means that you really do feel like you’re in a real police station watching events unfold in real time much like those who are working there. And the post-mortem examinations also feel very real so be prepared and maybe don’t read this while you’re eating! Although to be honest, you may have to as you probably won’t want to put Dead Secret down once you start it. I picked it up and then read the whole book in one session-desperately turning the pages to find out if my theories were correct-they weren’t!!

This is a brilliant crime thriller that’s part of a brilliant crime series! I absolutely love Maggie Jamieson! What I don’t like is being left hanging and I can’t believe that Noelle Holten finishes this book on such a massive cliffhanger for the next book!! I was like “WHAT?! You can’t leave it there!! I want more!” Yes, I’m now on countdown for DC Maggie Jamieson #5 and know I will be in for a thrilling ride if the last few pages of Dead Secret are anything to go by! If you’ve not read the previous books then do as you’ll get a much rounded picture of one of the best fictional detectives around at the moment and by then you’ll be ready for more…just like me!

The power of words written down can be amazing and it is a rare occassion to have a book that sweeps you away and leaves you thinking of the subject matter and events for some time after putting the book down but this is one of those occassions. The author deals excellently with subjects such as domestic abuse, psycopaths/sociopaths and police procedurals. No wonder the bastions of modern crime fiction like Martina Cole, Angela Marsons, Casey Keller and M.W. Craven have been singing the praises of this wonderful author.
I first came across this author through her great book reviews and crazy TikTok videos and social media antics and I knew that I was going to enjoy her books. I have been meaning to start with Book 1 but still not got around to it so when I got the opportunity to read an advanced review copy of this book I decided to just jump in at book 4 but I will definitely be putting the other 3 books as a priority on my TBR mountain.
I know very little about the author other than what is in the public domain but you can tell by the style of writing, and the knowledge imparted, that she has had personal experiences of events and procedures within the story.
There are more twists and turns than on The Big One at Blackpool fairground and they come along right through the book sometimes when you are least expecting it..
I hope the author has a big cabinet as I think following this book there will be some awards to put on display..
If you enjoy crime fiction you will love this book. Go out and get it and read the book to enjoy the experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins (One More Chapter) and Noelle Holten for providing me with an electronic advanced review copy of this book in return for an unbiased, honest review,
The Kindle edition is published on the 23rd April and the paperback will be published on the 22nd July.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

a young man is found bludgeoned to death with a hammer, which is found next to his dead body

a woman is found in her allotment shed stabbed to death, but this one hits closer to home for maggie and the rest of the officer, the victim is married to one of their officers who is also missing

hasting the missing detective is also a person of interest in these crimes.. all the collected evidence points to him and with his missing daughter all the force are on the look out for them

wow this book certainly sets a standard as its action all the way right from the first page and its none stop right to the end...

loved catching up with maggie and the rest of the crew and this time it was high octane right the end...brilliant

cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series

This is the 4th book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and I have read them all.

This book like the others is fast paced and easy to read and I think the books are getting better and better as we learn more about Maggie and her team.

This book has 2 main parallel plot lines that interlink. This time it’s very close to home to Maggie and the team too. Will they be able to solve the crime before anyone else loses their life.

...and what an ending.

A great read best in the series I can’t wait for the next one.

This is the 4th book in the DC Maggie Jamieson series, and while it could be read as a standalone you would get a better idea of the team dynamics if you have read the series.

This is was a really riveting read and one that I feel the author really got to grips with the plot lines. It feels much bolder and more intense as the main characters have quite a lot to deal with. A body is found beaten up, quite a grisly murder with very little to go on, but possibly a robbery.

While this murder investigation is going on a report that a fellow officer and his family have been abducted comes in. Definitely a full workload for Maggie and the rest of the team to deal with.

Lucy runs a refuge that is due to open, a stranger in need of help turns up on her doorstep. Reluctant to speak about themselves or the reason behind their wounds, she is an enigma.

I did mention this story had several plot lines, so along with the cases, there is also additional threads that delve into the more personal lives of some of the key characters. With various threads, the author very craftily weaves her story and gradually gathers the loose ends over the course of the story. I loved how it wasn't just about the cases, but also included personal stuff as well. It adds realism to the characters as they struggle with home and work life.

This is a story that I really, really enjoyed and I loved getting back up to speed with the characters again. The author draws on her knowledge of interagency investigations and her work with the Probation Service and Domestic Abuse cases, it does show as you read the story. It's the little details that are included that make this a riveting read.

This is a tense crime thriller that I read over a couple of days. It has various threads that have been twisted and worked throughout giving a wonderful read. It is one for fans of crime, thriller and procedural genres and one I would definitely recommend.

Dead Secret the 4th instalment in the Maggie Jamieson series and another great addition to this brilliant series. The main plot has you guessing, as the force have to investigate and think the worst of one of their own. Meanwhile Lucy helps a domestic abuse victim that arrives at her door, but all is maybe not what it seems with her. As the plots gather momentum the team seem at a loss as to find an alternative to the unsavoury truth that one of their own could be the culprit.
Lots of twists in the main plot and great character development in the sub plot make for a gripping read.

I loved this book, it was so twisty and kept me guessing all the way through. Although it was a 4th in a series it read as a stand alone book. Another new author to add to my ever growing list. I love discovering new authors and this book didn’t disappoint. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.