A Cut for a Cut

In this exciting installment in the Detective Kate Young series, Kate is juggling quite a bit. Not only is she looking for the murderer that is proving to be a serial rapist, Kate is also determined to get behind her husband's recent attack and murder, certain that Superintendent John Dickson is behind it. As pursuing her current investigation is quite consuming, all while keeping Dickson unaware of her suspicions and activities, Kate struggles to maintain her focus.

All the while, Kate is still processing the various stages of grief, and trying to spend time with her visiting stepsister Tilly and nephew Daniel. Kate and Tilly have had their troubles, so this time together is sorely needed. Duty between work and family plagues Kate more than once.

As Kate unearths matching clues about the recent murder, her interviews prove more than one likely suspect. Although saddened about other recent deaths during her investigations, Kate soldiers on. Nearly floored by a late-breaking link, time truly proves to be of the essence for Kate. Locating the killer is more imperative than ever.

This gripping read by Carol Wyer hit the ground running, with the tension increasing at a rapid rate. Utterly thrilling, this book was more than exceptional and ended with a pulse-pounding conclusion that literally took my breath away. A truly amazing book. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for Kate and her team.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this advanced ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A cut for a cut is the second book in the series following on from An eye for an eye. In this book DS Kate young is called to a crime scene where a female body has been found dumped inside an Industrial bin with the word “mine” carved into her skin. As the investigation goes on, more female bodies are found.

This book is right up my street! I love crime fiction. I was gripped wanting to know who was raping and killing the women and I was nervous wondering who the next victim would be, hoping it wasn’t a particular character I liked. I’ll definitely be continuing with these! Looking forward to book 3 🙂

Another absolutely cracking book by Carol Wyer. This is the second book in the Kate Young series and is proving to be just as good as her other work. Excellent plot lines and characters you feel at home with. I like the long running plot alongside the main story. I thought it was obvious who the rapist was, but I think the point was not whodunnit, but would they catch him. A five star read.

A serial killer is on the loose, raping and murdering women and carving the word 'MINE' into his victims. DI Kate Young and her team try to solve the case while Kate battles her own demons, convinced that there is a conspiracy within the force. When her step-sister reveals a long kept secret, Kate realises it may just help catch the serial killer and it is a race against time to solve the case before anyone else dies. A thrilling follow up to the first in the series, 'An Eye for an Eye'. Good to see the team back again and see how Kate's life is going. I was kept guessing until the ending and found the book to be exciting and gripping. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.

Another exciting read in the Detective Kate Young series. It starts off at a fast pace as Kate searches for a murderer and a rapist. It's a thrilling read, it's well written and has good characterisation with a satisfying conclusion leaving the reader wanting more. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find some unanswered questions to Kate's probing into bent officers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have always enjoyed Carol Wyer's books and look forward to each and every one. I feel like I can just fly through them and don't want to put them down. This book was no exception. I was a little hesitant at first when she announced a new series as I loved the last and wasn't ready to let go, but right away I got into the book, and the main character, Kate. This is the second book in the new Kate Young series and we delve more into Kate's past, the death of her husband, trying to catch his killer, all the while still doing her job as a detective. The A and B stories flow seamlessly together, Carol always sets the scene and isn't afraid to show the flaws in her characters, this is what makes them interesting. Can't wait to read the next one!

Second in the DI Kate Young series. Kate's team is investigating the death of a young woman, while she is also secretly trying to find evidence about corruption in the police force that led to the death of her husband. This was decent. I'm not in love with this series, but it is good enough that I would keep reading. 3 stars.

In this second book of the DI Kate Young series, there is a murdering rapist terrorizing young women and carving the word 'MINE' into their bodies. He is a cunning perpetrator, as he has stalked each woman to learn her schedule and when she was certain to be alone and vulnerable. The pressure on Kate's team becomes worse when one of the victims found is a civilian investigation officer. It becomes personal to the force, but then Kate is not allowed access to the officer's laptop - a key step in any investigation. No surprise that it's Superintendent Dickson who orders this. He's the official that Kate has been secretly investigating for corruption, and the one she believes ordered the death of her husband, Chris. But she can't disclose that to anyone and it becomes tough to stay unbiased due to his interference on this serial killer case.

In addition to these investigations, Kate is adjusting to her stepsister, Tilly, and nephew, Daniel, being back in the area. Tilly had moved to Australia with her husband, Jordan, Kate's ex-fiancé, which obviously put a dent in their relationship. But now Tilly is back after discovering that Jordan was cheating on her and she wants to reconnect with Kate. Now with her energy focused all over, Kate fears losing her connection to Chris and that she's not doing his memory proud by avenging his death. Strong as she is, how much stress can she take before she loses it completely?

Her mental health get progressively worse throughout the story. Her habit of having conversations out loud with Chris and speaking in his voice continues and Kate's more upset when she doesn't hear him! She feels guilty every time she's not completely focused on him. I worry that she'll be exposed by Dickson as unstable and any hopes of justice for Chris will be lost. She clearly needs help before everything backfires on her. And I can't say I enjoy Tilly as a character, she's selfish and thinks only of herself and what she wants. Even when she realizes she treated people badly, she never acknowledges remorse and continues her self-centered behavior. And Kate just forgives her for all of it and actually feels bad for her. Anyway, let's hope that Kate can hold it together in the next story and start making that awful Superintendent Dickson pay for his sins.

What a great read! I loved the first of this series and couldn’t wait for book two! It didn’t disappoint! I think Kate is a fantastic, believable character and the story had me guessing right up until the end! Really hoping there’s book three

Now then, now then, Carol has done it again..... got me hooked on another detective series! I really like this character and the book is as expected if you read other books by Carol. Strong story line, couldn’t put the book down and read until by eyes gave in. I’m really invested in the characters and the only critique I will give is the wait now for the next book!!!

This book was good , it had suspense, drama, action, and was a little gorey lol it had a who done it vibe too! But I did loose interest a few times and my mind wandered?! Like I said it was good and worth reading but just ok for me! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

The second in a series with a cracking theme running through the two books so far in the series
There is a unique trait to the main character in this book. A detective whose husband was murdered, but still lives on, and talks to her in her head.
His voice is there chirping at her, constantly trying to get her to pick up the investigation that got him killed, and that’s the running theme
The main story in this book centres on the investigation of a series of brutal murders, but is there more to it than there seems
The victims are seemingly unrelated in an way. The murderer leaves his calling mark on each victim.
Where has this brutality started, a small Staffordshire village is not the place this type of thing usually happens, and where is it leading.
Two storylines, both brilliantly woven into a cracker of a plot

If there is one thing you can guarantee when picking up a thriller by Carol Wyer, it's that you are about to go on one hell of a bumpy ride. A Cut For A Cut is book two in her Kate Young series, and is a tense, high stakes read which kept me completely rapt. This isn't your straight forward police thriller, at last Kate is not your average Detective Inspector, for reasons that become apparent in the reading, but with a mixture of mystery, heart thumping action and a more than generous dose of conspiracy and corruption, the stories really do stick in your mind long after the final page.

This time around we find Kate and her very select team on the hunt of a vicious serial rapist and murderer. Whilst we are never present during the act itself, the repercussions are keenly felt, and the abhorrent nature of the acts is clear from the reactions of the team and the emotional impact on the families. this case has a personal connotation for Kate too, bringing her far too close to memories from the past. You feel the frustrations of the team as they hunt down their suspect, and the tension that builds between them adds to the jeopardy that is already inherent in the story. The narrative focus moves between the investigation, Kate's personal life and, to a more sinister degree, the point of view of the killer, whose own motivations start to become clearer the more you read and progressively more disturbing too. There are scenes which will make you uncomfortable - they should - but they are not over stressed or used to gratuitous effect, just to explain, but not excuse, what comes to be.

Now for many reasons, one of which being you will miss a good book otherwise, I would definitely recommend that you read book one before venturing further into Kate's world. There are threads in this story which begin with An Eye For an Eye and whilst this is a self contained story, and enough of the background to Kate and her investigations is revealed, it will mean so much more read in order. There is a secondary element to this story, one which is extremely personal to Kate, but one which also needs to be followed carefully to allow you to draw your own conclusions and fully understand the implications of what is going on. It's interesting to see Kate's reactions, torn between what is right and discovering the truth.

As always Carol Wyer has created some brilliant characters. Kate Young has a few, how should I put it, unusual character quirks that might make your brows furrow a touch, but they do really ring true and I can picture someone with the intensity of emotions that she feels acting in this way. I don't think we got to know as much about her immediate team this time around, much of the focus falling on the relationship between Kate and her estranged sister, but each of their personalities still shone through and I had a clear and vivid picture of each in my head as I read. The pacing is just right, the tension and anxiety building as we know an attack is imminent, the bits that remain unsaid about the killers motivations playing out in my head making me more intent to get to the end to be proven right (or possibly wrong ...)

A tense, gripping read that left me with a whole host of unanswered question and a real hunger for the next book in the series. Definitely recommended.

I really enjoyed this second instalment of the DI Kate Young series. I thought the rape case was really interesting and I enjoyed following the team's efforts to solve it.

The book was well-paced and I liked the descriptions of the area, you could almost feel like you were there yourself. It was nice to get to know the team a bit better and I'm hoping that Emma and Morgan are developed further in book 3 as they seem promising but I don't have much of a handle on their personalities yet.

The investigation into Kate's superior at work is an interesting storyline, but I am starting to find her conversations with her dead husband a bit grating.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend the series. The Natalie Ward series is still my favourite but I'm looking forward to getting to know the team better in the third outing for Kate Young.

Carol Wyer never disappoints. I’ll pick up any new book by her. This book was just as good as the first one. The only complaint that I have is that you know who the culprit is right away but the story itself is great.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
This is the second in the DI Kate Young series and a good one.
Kate has her step sister, Tilly, and her young son Daniel visiting from Australia. Tilly is thinking of coming back for good after leaving her husband. After the two sisters had a difficult past, Kate is happy to try and mend their relationship. She's been lonely, really only communicating with her dead husband Chris, not a healthy state of mind. She's still trying to find a way to bring down his probable killer, Superintendent John Dickson.
At the same time she and her team are looking for the serial rapist/killer of young women who all look alike and have the words 'MINE' carved into their backs.
It's a tense, fast moving story and though I like Kate a lot, I wish she'd stop talking and listening to Chris; she's going to end up mad and losing her job. I wished she'd adopted the cat belonging to one of the victims. She needs to have another being to greet her and take care of when she comes home, maybe that would help ground her a bit.
I like this series and look forward to no. 3 in the series. Definitely recommended!

Great read....... Thankyou to netgalley for letting me review the 2nd installment of the DI kate young series. Who can kate trust???? Her husband chris has been murdered and kate is convinced her dci dickson has involvement in it, can she prove it???? Tilly, Kates stepsister has returned to the uk after a falling out with her husband jordan in australia, jordan is also kates ex......... can kate get the confirmation of the corrupt officers her husband was looking into?????.. love the characters, one twist after another, cant wait for the next one ,........

I literally have no words. This book is spine tingling creepy and the very last paragraph, so deliciously disturbing I had to go back a page and reread it because I thought I missed something! Do not miss out on this book!!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review

#ACutForACut #NetGalley
Good read.
DI Kate Young can’t trust anybody. Not even herself.
In the bleak countryside around Blithfield Reservoir, a serial murderer and rapist is leaving a trail of bloodshed. His savage calling card: the word ‘MINE’ carved into each of his victims.DI Kate Young struggles to get the case moving—even when one of the team’s own investigators is found dead in a dumpster. But Kate is battling her own demons. Obsessed with exposing Superintendent John Dickson and convinced there’s a conspiracy running deep in the force, she no longer knows who to trust. Kate’s crusade has already cost her dearly. What will she lose next?When her stepsister spills a long-buried secret, Kate realises she’s found the missing link—now she must prove it before the killer strikes again. With enemies closing in on all sides, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them down. But time is running out, and Kate's past has pushed her to the very edge. Can she stop herself from falling?
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for giving me an advanced copy of this book.

This is the second instalment of the DI Kate Young series by Carol Wyer. The first book definitely needs to be read before reading this one to get the detective’s background story. Even though a few things are recapped, I think you’d still feel a bit discombobulated without knowing all the facts.
This is a good read and a perfectly adequate crime novel; however, I did feel it missed a little bit of the wow magic that the first book had. There was the large underlying twist regarding her partner Chris in the introduction; however, now that we know what is going on, it made the conversations a little annoying. You know it is all her thoughts, so instead of it being tragic and sad, it came across as more delusional this time. The investigation into what happened to Chris was quite interesting, but it did jar against the main storyline a little; it felt like reading two different stories.
The crimes that Kate and her team are investigating are heinous and interesting, but they did lack some of the Carol Wyer gruesomeness that I have come to expect. They were short of the truly horrifying details.
I had been really looking forward to the continuation of this new detective’s story. However, I was left a little disappointed. Like I say, it was a good enough read and nothing particularly wrong with it, but the first book was so phenomenal I found this one to be a letdown in comparison. I don’t know if my expectations were too high or if the first book just couldn’t be competed with. I will still continue with the series to see what the outcome will be in regards to Chris; I just hope the next book has a bit more spark. I’m torn between whether it is a three or a four-star read. I’m going to settle on four as I have high respect for the author, her writing and her dedication to her stories. Maybe I was just in the wrong frame of mind going into this.

4.5 stars

DI Kate Young and her team are summoned to Abbots Bromley where a female body has been found in an industrial bin. She’s been raped and has MINE tattooed on her right shoulder. This investigation becomes deeply personal for Kate and runs parallel to an ‘off book’ investigation she’s running to try to prove Supt John Dickson is corrupt and involved in the death of her journalist husband Chris.

This is another gripping read from Carol Wyer. I’m not going to pretend it’s an easy read with the rape angle, although whilst it’s not graphic it’s not sanitised either - quite rightly. The novel deals well with the emotional scars of rape which is movingly explained by more than one character. This is a tense, pacy thriller from the beginning, it has good twists, it’s dark and a very compelling read that’s hard to put down. You do guess the perpetrator but that does not in any way spoil the outcome. The two gritty storylines work well together and the threads are easy to follow. The conspiracy/corruption angle is excellent and you can see that it could get extremely dangerous for Kate but she’s totally invested and doggedly pursues the truth. The characters are good although the primary focus is on Kate who is fascinating. Her issues especially her mental health following Chris’s murder is extremely well done. There are some good descriptions of places such as Abbots Bromley and Uttoxeter which makes it easy to visualise scenes. The ending is exciting and makes you want to sign up for the next instalment where I hope Kate gets closer to proving the corruption. My only negative and it’s a small personal one, is that I’m not keen on the killers ‘voice’ - I’m not sure if we needed it?????

Overall, a well written and an absorbing read from a talented author.

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

With a serial killer and rapist on the loose on D.I. Kate Young’s patch, it doesn’t leave her with much time to spend with her sister, Tilly and Tilly’s son, Daniel who are over from Australia.

Kate is still convinced that Superintendent John Dickson is behind her husbands death. Can Kate put all the pieces together and will she and the team capture the rapist & killer?

This is the second book in the series and boy, does it pack a punch! The story took me on a white knuckle ride and my heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest! Well written characters and some that leave you with the hairs on your neck standing on end as they are so bad. The author has written a difficult but compelling story with great plots. If you haven’t started this series yet then get cracking, you won’t regret it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was really in the mood for a good serial killer thriller and based off of this book’s synopsis, I thought it’d fit the bill. The book was engaging enough to keep me flipping the pages but ultimately, it’s never going to wind up on my favorites list.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend the full series. I'm looking forward to getting to know the team better in the third outing for Kate Young. This book has left me wanting more!

This is book 2 in the Detective Kate Young series and it’s brilliant.
Kate is still trying to find a way to expose Superintendent John Dickson for his involvement in her husband’s death but he seems to be untouchable.
Kate and the team have their hands full with the murder of several women who have been raped and strangled. The killer is also leaving his mark on the bodies.
One victim survives and is able to give Kate some vital information that helps her and the team track down the killer but the real help comes from Kate’s sister, Tilly.
This is a gripping crime thriller and I loved the way that the story was told, bringing in Kate’s probing into Chris’ death along with the hunt for another killer.
I can’t wait to see how this series pans out and hope Kate gets justice, but I suspect there’s more to come on this aspect first.
If you haven’t started this series, now is the ideal time to pick it up as we’re only at book 2 at the moment. If you enjoy a great crime thriller then this series is definitely for you.

Another engaging instalment in this new of although I did find most of the plot direction obvious long before events were revealed.
I look forward to the next instalment and hopefully finding out if Kate finally manages to nail Dickson

I was delighted to receive this book from Carol and Netgalley, having read the first one and thoroughly enjoyed it.

It’s like Staffordshire’s answer to Line of Duty! Poor Kate she’s stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea not knowing who she can trust, and whether there is a “rat” in her team.

As she is dealing with nasty rapes and attacks on women there’s still the unanswered questions as to who is bent and who isn’t, and who can she trust? Her step sister has arrived from Australia with her little boy and that is a welcome relief from the atrocities that she’s facing.

The team are likeable, albeit a bit small, and we do get to know a bit more about them. Kate is still listening to her husband which I thought was a nice touch, and hopefully in the next book she’ll find out a bit more about who was behind what happened to him.

I do like Kate and the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, which I know a bit about as my mum and Nan used to live in Rugeley.

I just want to thank Carol, the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and look forward to the next one.

Wow! This second DI Kate Young novel packs a wallop. I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series and I liked it.

Kate juggles a lot in this story. A rapist who carves the word "mine" in the flesh of his victims' shoulders. Her half-sister has returned with her young son. Kate wants to spend time with them, but her workload conspires against it, and then there's the ever-present thread of who was behind her reporter husband's murder? She's certain she knows it's someone high ranking in the department and maybe even her immediate supervisor is corrupt, too.

This was a rollercoaster ride and I held on with white knuckles until the very end! I hope there will be more in this series as I loved it so much.

Carol is an extraordinary writer and brings her written world to life so much you feel like you're in the villages and witnessing the crimes and/or the investigations.

I received a copy of A Cut for a Cut from NetGalley and Carol's publishers, Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.

Number two in the DI Kate Young series. I enjoyed this book greatly, even more than the first in the series. Going into this understanding the relationship between Kate and Chris, (no spoilers here for anyone who has not read the first one) I was able to appreciate the characters and the brilliant development in the sub plot better. There is lots going on in this book and it doesn’t disappoint. In addition to dealing with the investigation into the rape and brutal death of a young woman, Kate is rebuilding her relationship with her step sister who has returned from Australia. As the investigation grows and more bodies mount up, things become all too close to home. Coupled with that Kate is forced to compromise all her professional principles if she’s to continue to pursue her own investigation in the subplot. Away from the rollercoaster of the plot and subplot the emotions that Kate is experiencing are beautifully dealt with and instantly recognisable to anyone who has suffered the loss of someone close to them. This series has so much more to give and has a fantastic twist at the end that just whets your appetite for the next instalment

I have to say that this is my least favourite of Wyer's series so far.

Personally I find Kate really hard to connect to and sympathise with, though I can't put my finger on why. Likewise, the team didn't really see any development in book so I don't really feel as connected to them as I have to supporting characters in say the Natalie Ward series.

I was also hoping that the over arching series plot would develop and/or culminate in this book but actually we are no further forward than before. Maybe there is now some evidence as opposed to guess work but it hasn't moved on significantly. I actually found the whole storyline frustrating as opposed to tense in this book, the blatant interference of those under suspicion and a brick wall of those in power hiding things just isn't ever a trope that I've enjoyed, so perhaps this is just down to my preferences.

The rape/killer plot was brutal and I 'enjoyed' it, but I felt like there were far too few leads. There wasn't really anything to sink my teeth into, even if it was just a red herring or two. It seemed that the police investigation was purposely slow to give more time to the overarching series plot.
It also seemed a bit far fetched to have it all link back to Kate's family again. I feel like it is enough for her to be investigating Chris' murder without then having this whole other link. Personally I would have preferred if the link hadn't been established and it was just one of the victims who triggered the killer.

I read the whole book and I can't say that I wanted to give in at any point but I also wouldn't say that I enjoyed it. Having read all of the Natalie Ward series (which I've given either 4 and 5 star ratings to) I just feel like this series is lacking something.

After the first in the series, An Eye for an Eye, this is a brilliant follow up and I will be waiting for the next in the series! I feel so incredibly lucky to have read an advance copy.
Kate is having trouble knowing who to trust, and following the second murder she really feels like something is amiss in the force. She is being very careful who she asks questions of and who she shares with. It was a frustrating case for the team as they just couldn’t seem to find any hard evidence.
Kate’s step-sister Tilly and her young son were visiting from Australia, and fitting in some family time was tough. Tilly reveals some details about her own rape many years ago which Kate hadn’t known at the time. There are some crime scene descriptions that had me wincing, but they set the scene of how the mind of the killer works.
Kate is still having conversations with Chris and she does things in an unconventional way sometimes but I love the quirks of her personality.
I found it a very tense read and my heart was racing.
It's a cracking book, a truly gripping read which I totally recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Carol Wyer for the early copy in which I give my honest opinion.

My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Uk for a copy of “ A Cut For A Cut “ for an honest review.

I was really blown away from the previous book in this series and couldn’t believe my luck to get permission to read this follow up . It definitely didn’t disappoint!
As before ,the characters were really well written and the plot really kept you guessing.I live in the area where this series is set and I love visualising the scenes and places mentioned.
I enjoy how we get an ending to the story but the storyline regarding Chris continues.
My only problem now is having to wait for the next in the series .

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book - and boy, the readers are in for a treat. Although following on from “An Eye For An Eye” , “A Cut For A Cut” can be read as a stand-alone story too. There are twists and turns galore and the outcome isn’t as clear cut as you think. . For fans of crime thrillers this story really does hit the spot and makes you ponder life, who you befriend, who takes revenge later in life and in general, makes you aware of your surroundings. I think actually Carol has surpassed even the excellence of “An Eye For An Eye” ..... but I am not revealing anymore of the plot.....

I am delighted to be finally reading another Kate Young book. It seemed like a long wait. This is the second book in the series and is possibly even better than An Eye for an Eye. We have got to know Kate better and she comes across as a much more sympathetic character. She is, however, still fighting her demons. As I have mentioned before, one of Wyer's many strengths is the detailed descriptions of her characters, enabling you to empathise and care about what happens to them. Whilst one of the storylines follows on from An Eye for an Eye it is also stand alone as there are so many threads to the plot. Kate continues to seek answers and justice for her husband's death. At the same time she is under immense pressure to prove herself to her nemesis, the corrupt Superintendent John Dickson, who knows she is on to him, hates her and just wants her gone. How far will he go to rid himself of her? Her job is to catch a violent and sadistic rapist and murderer before more lives are lost. We also have the developing relationship between Kate and her formerly estranged half sister Tilly and the bond she is forming with her little nephew, Daniel. The story moves to a thrilling climax but there are plenty of unresolved issues so we know there will be another in this thrilling series.. I cannot wait.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An excellent second book in the D.I. Kate Young series which I could not put down. Best to read the first book An Eye for an Eye in the series which again was superb. A female body is found in a bin, raped and murdered with 'mine' engraved on her body and the investigation into her death begins and keeps one guessing to the last page who is the murderer.

Book 2 in the DI Kate Young series and I do need to go back and read book 1. Although it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book there is a backstory that is important to this book. This is a great police procedural thriller with the protagonist, Kate, in the throws of hunting a serial rapist and murderer whilst pursuing her own agenda; hunting out her husband’s murderer. Very well written and a pleasure to read.

Briefly, following the death of her husband Chris, Kate is back at work and although she appears to be coping she is determined to avenge her husbands death and bring her boss Superintendent Dickinson to book for his part in it. Kate doesn’t trust anyone, the only person she can talk to about work is her dead husband! Whilst Kate and her team are investigating a serial murderer who mutilates his victims by carving into their skin, Lizzie, her stepsister has returned from Australia with her own issues that Kate wants to help her deal with. But can Kate deal with her own demons?

I did find the talking with her dead husband a little bit off putting but I can see how this is Kate’s coping mechanism. The reader will probably, as I did, realise who the likely murderer is well before he is revealed, but I think that is intentional. There still seems to be a long way to go to conclude the underlying story of Chris’s murder, the young girls and the sex ring and the corrupt police officers, but I’m guessing that’s for another book. Overall I enjoyed the book and a 4.5* read for me.

My thanks to Carol Wyer, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book in the Kate Young. Series. A great storyline that kept me turning the pages wanting to find out what happened. Although it can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading the first in the series before this one to get a bit of background. I can’t wait to find out if Kate finally nails the corrupt Dickson. Bring on the next book!

A Cut for a Cut is the second installment of the Detective Kate Young series. Kate is still graveling from the recent murder of her husband and has not yet found a way to cope as she believes the superintendent had something to do with it. While still trying to cope, Kate, is once again thrown into a manhunt for a serial rapist/murderer. This is a wild goose hunt to catch a killer and a nail biter to say the least. You wont see this ending coming and it quite literally took my breath away.

If you enjoy mystery thrillers with a serial killer on board, this is the book for you. Though I felt it slow and confusing in the beginning, it sure picked up it's pace and enravelled into a thriller.

A Cut for A Cut is the second book in the DO Kate Young series and I found it as compelling as the first. In this novel, a serial murderer and rapist is prowling the local area, carving the word ‘MINE’ into his victims. Late and her team are struggling to find any leads even when one of their own is found dead. Kate has her own issues where she’s still trying to expose Supt John Dickson as corrupt and is convinced conspiracy runs through the force. She’s unsure who she can trust. But when her step sister spills a secret from her past, it seems Kate may have found the missing link. Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and the author for the chance to review.

I loved this book its an amazing follow up to the first just as gripping and filled with twists and tension until your fit to burst! And i believe the 3rd is tge final book and i cant wait to see all the saga wrappee up and justice is finally served!!

This was another great read by Carol Wyer. Carol brings her characters to life and the series progress you get caught up in their lives. This is the second book of this series and we are seeing more and more of Kate is going through. Kate is still struggling accepting the death of her husband and believes that if she doesn't talk to him he will disappear from her memories. Kate is also still trying to find the links between her boss and the death of her husband and now others who were investigating what happen at the club were a young man was murdered.

She also is trying to solve the murder and attacks on the young women in her district. And also trying to reconnect with her step-sister who she hasn't seen in many years.

You won't be disappointed in this book, it will keep you guessing on who was attacking the young women and what were the reasons behind it.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you for my copy of this book to review.

I couldn’t wait to read this after how much I enjoyed An Eye for an Eye.

The plot really kept me interested and moved at a good speed, it was good to see the characters from the previous book develop and I enjoyed the few chapters told in the rapists voice.

Although this book is the second in a series and there is continuity with characters and one of the storylines, it could still be read as stand-alone.

I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the third one.

I've loved Carol Wyer's previous books, especially the crime novels, but the DI Kate Young series is just something else! An Eye For An Eye ended on a huge cliffhanger and A Cut For A Cut started in the same vein - with a big bang! Wyer's writing is absolutely brilliant. Everything is tightly plotted and although it's detailed, nothing is insignificant.

I really enjoyed getting to know Kate, Morgan and Emma in An Eye For An Eye and in this instalment, they are joined by Jamie. It's interesting to see how he affects the dynamics of the team and I'm sure there is more to come from him in the future.

A Cut For A Cut is incredibly fast paced and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole novel. There are a few chapters that are written from the perspective of the perpetrator and this did give me some valuable insight into his very warped mind. It did give me some hints which meant I had an inkling who the perpetrator was before he was revealed but this in no way took away from my enjoyment of the novel.

Once again, the ending of A Cut For A Cut indicates that Kate's business is far from over and I can't wait to see what happens next!

DI Kate Young is a doggedly determined police officer which is just as well because her life is complicated to say the least. Recently widowed she now has to focus on her job in a totally different way because she is convinced there are people all around her just waiting for her to fail.

When a young woman is raped and murdered only a stone's throw from her own front door Kate and her team are quickly on the scene. The only clue to their killer is the word 'mine' carved into the young woman’s back and when another body is found just a day later Kate knows time is of the essence if she is to prevent more deaths.

With step-sister Tilly visiting from Australia and the continuing unauthorised investigation into husband Chris's murder, both running alongside her new case while she has no idea who to trust means Kate is pushing herself to the limit. Tilly however has her own secrets and one of them could have potentially fatal ramifications for both Kate's personal and professional life.

This is the second in this excellent series and makes a promise of more exciting books to come. I found Kate much more readable and likeable this time around, and wanted her to be able to get her act together sufficiently enough to prove how good she still is. Her demons are just beneath the surface but more controlled, to me at least, this time, which makes me think she will gradually become a serious force to be reckoned with like Carol Wyer's previous much loved female protagonists.

This is a book which gets better and better; even after finishing it I was linking things together and trying to work out what could happen next. The main investigation was tense with plenty of twists and turns and once again the final chapters gave a hint of what was to come. Kate's latest discoveries were shocking and surprising and I can't waIt to find out how they will impact on her ultimate goal of discovering how deep police corruption extends within her force and its link to her late husband’s death.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a first class read and I loved it.

Another brilliant story from Carol Wyer. I really like DI Kate Young, though she has so much going on in her personal life, it's hard to keep track of everything. The story of a serial rapist and killer really is tough to read but written well enough to want to keep reading. Can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

It’s always exciting whenever Carol Wyer has a new book out. I loved the first book in this series, so I couldn’t wait to start A Cut for a Cut. This is such a gripping police procedural. I think it does help to have read the first book in the series. There is a strand of the story, which carries on from the first book. But I think it is possible to read it as a standalone; there is an individual storyline that is new. DI Kate Young is facing another tough investigation, and it is about to hit very close to home for her.

Kate is a fascinating and a very real character. She is still grieving the loss of her husband, who was killed in a terrorist attack a short while ago. However, this time, she now has her sister and her nephew for company, who are visiting. I thought the scenes in which Carol Wyer explored their relationship were done very well, and I thought it helped develop Kate’s character further.

Kate and her team are on the hunt for a very deranged rapist and killer. There have been several attacks on young women. Kate feels sure that the same person has committed the crimes. But Kate is also having to deal with corruption within her own team, and she is fighting to bring the person involved in this corruption to justice. You can clearly see her frustration that this person has been able to get away with what they have done for so long. She has a lot on her plate, but she is determined to see both cases through, and nothing is going to stop her. It’s what makes both books in this series so pacy and gripping. You have no idea how things are going to pan out for Kate, she’s aware that she is putting her career at risk, but she is willing to do that to get justice. She also finds it harder to trust the members of her team. She doesn’t know who else could be involved.

I’m sure that when the next book in the series is released, it will be shooting straight to the top of my TBR pile. I can’t wait to read more from this series.

Another great second instalment in this series, one of my favourite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed reading more from Kate Young. All the characters were well developed and interesting and there were plenty of twists and turns along the way that kept me involved in the story line.

I am looking forward to the last one in this triology and thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

A welcome return for policewoman Kate, still on a mission to solve her husband's murder. This book centres around the hunt for a serial rapist and ties in to developments in Kate's family life. our heroine walks a fine line between clarity and insanity, fighting an internal style between her desire for the truth and her duty as a policewoman. Definitely a 'can't put down' read and I'm now desperate to read the next in the series.

Really enjoying getting to know Kate Young and her team, all fantastic characters in another gripping storyline. Having read everything this author has written I'm certainly looking forward to more in this series.

I actually had no idea that this was the 2nd installment in a series until I had finished and was looking to download the rest of the authors works! It works brilliantly as a stand alone so don't worry if like me, you didn't read the 1st book 1st.

This book sucks you in and really does have you rooting for the main character. There were twists and turns a plenty although the major twist may have been a bit predictable as the story went on. In saying that, it was still a highly enjoyable story...... and the ending....... I'm still not quite sure what to say about that lol.

I will be awaiting part 3 to find out what that was all about!!

This tale had so many twists and turns that it made me dizzy at times.
A book which I couldn't put down, so read in a day!
Losing a partner is tough enough, but when there's foul play...that's more than bad luck. Kate still talks to her husband and he helps to drive her on to solve despicable crimes. So sad...but comforting at the same time. Tilly and Daniel come back into her life and past differences are settled, so normality can resume, or can it?

I absolutely loved Carol Wyer's first book in the Detective Kate Young series, An Eye for an Eye, and could not wait to dive into this one! And it did not disappoint! I think I loved it even more than the first!!

DI Kate Young and her team are back and tasked with hunting down someone who is raping, mutilating and killing young women, marking them by carving the word "MINE" on their backs. He's leaving no clues to his whereabouts and the team is stumped for answers. In the meantime, Kate is also secretly working on solving her husband Chris's, murder and bringing down corrupt cops involved in a pedophile ring.

I am in love with Kate and her team and love how they all interact with each other. It's a complex story line but Wyer makes it so easy to read and become engrossed in the story.. hands down, this is my favorite detective series I've read by far!

This is book 2 in the Detective Kate Young series - and it' great!
There is a continued storyline as Kate deals with the death of her husband and attempting to reveal the true murdered, but this book could be read as a stand-alone.
In A Cut for a Cut, Kate Young is chasing down a serial murderer of several women who have been raped and strangled with a savage marking of "Mine." Kate doesn't know who to trust, including herself, when a member of her team is also killed and her stepsister reveals an old secret.

When her stepsister spills a long-buried secret, Kate realises she’s found the missing link—now she must prove it before the killer strikes again.

Great book, and fantastic series, Recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Having enjoyed the first book in this series I was pleased to be approved for this one. I did enjoy the book although it didn’t really wow or thrill me. Kate is grieving and determined to find out who was behind her husbands murder and why. At the same time she investigates the murder(s) of local women and has several false leads until her team get a much needed break in the case. I thought this was a well written, easy read that underwhelmed me just a bit - I liked the two separate story threads, the plot twists and I suspected correctly from early on who the murderer was. At times though I thought the story was just a little too drawn out for my liking, some of Kate’s police team characters irritated me and my interest in the story dropped a few times. I loved the final twist though, it was unexpected and did wow me ...... I’ll definitely want to read the next book to see what happens next.

3.5 stars

My first NetGalley review ☺️🤓 @carolwyer

#acutforacut #netgalley

A Cut For A Cut. Just WOW !! Another superbly written book by Carol Wyer.

Three days it took me to devour this novel, this was the second instalment in the Detective Kate Young series and I found it hard to believe I’d read the first one four months ago, it felt like I’d never left the story, what with another exceptional prologue taking you straight back to where you left off.

With the introduction of another case for DI Kate Young and her team but never losing the importance of the big case from the first novel. I found that the two novels were cleverly linked together and never forgetting the anti corruption dealt with previously.

There was so much powerful emotion throughout this novel in regards to how Kate Young deals with the murder of her husband whilst working her cases and running a separate investigation on corruption that could cost her, her job as DI.

I cannot wait for the next edition in this series and am intrigued as to how this is all going to end.

My overall rating for the one is five stars out of five because I felt completely gripped not only from the start but the whole way through; I didn’t feel as though I was left wanting more. Superb.

I love Carol Wyer's police procedurals so much! After a few meh reads I needed something good before the dreaded slump hit me, so I turned to a trusted author and I was rewarded with an amazing story. It started with Robyn Carter (who I still miss Carol!!!), and then there was Natalie Ward and now Kate Young. 3 strong and determined police officers who I love to read about.

A Cut For A Cut is book 2 featuring Kate and we are still learning about her. She is still grieving the death of her husband and throwing herself into her work. She now knows who was behind his murder and is determined to bring them to justice. Her sister has come back to England with her young son and she is getting to know her all over again. All this while she is chasing a serial murderer and rapist, and one that has taken one of their own. Kate does not have alot of time for sleep.

Once again, I was left wanting more.. Carol has an way of sucking you into the story and writing characters that you can connect with. Ready for book 3 now!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for my advanced copy of this book. A Cut for a Cut is out June 29th

I liked this one better than the first! Good paced, interesting (but difficult) story. Kate is still annoying, and definitely needs some professional help, which she won't get--see annoying. I'm also put off by the whole idea of work coming before anything else, like how dare anyone have family obligations or want to be around their spouse. But it was very engaging and readable.

I am loving this author! Her books are just getting better and better.
Definitely a book my book club needs to read.

The second book in the Kate Young series is as exciting a read as I have come to expect from this author. The subplot going through the series doesn't take away from the main crime, that of a serial rapist and murderer. I loved the introduction of Kate's stepsister Tilly and her son, hopefully we will see more of them. The identity of the killer left me reeling, I wasn't expecting that at all. I am left eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Soon please Carol.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for my advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 in the DI Kate Young series by Carol Wyer. The first book needs to be read before reading this one, if you are to understand the background story. Some bits are repeated, but you may feel as if you are not fully up to date.

For me book 2 was a lot better than the first. Although there were very few leads or even red herrings to pull you in. It was blatantly obvious what was going to happen, fairly early on. The crimes are probably more standard crime story fayre than the first book, but still heinous and interesting.

There is nothing majorly wrong, but I am still struggling to connect with the supporting characters, or even sympathise with DI Young, don’t really know why. Personally, I felt as if there should have been more progress or even a culmination in the sub-plot, by now. It was still a good way to spend a few hours and an easy 4 stars, was contemplating 5 at one point but the ending was a bit meh.

DI Kate Young returns in A Cut for a Cut which is the second book in the series by the prolific Carol Wyler and it is a very enjoyable police procedural novel.

Young and her small team are handed a complex murder investigation that soon escalates whilst Young is also trying to find out about the corruption which was behind the death of her partner.

The book is the usual page turner although I felt that the subplot at times overwhelmed the main storyline however I still enjoyed it and look forward to book number 3

3,5*

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Carol Wyer for an ARC copy of A Cut for a Cut, I enjoyed it great deal and I hope others will as well. :)

The second book finds Kate right where we left her in previous, [book:An Eye for an Eye|53624264]. Having found out her husband was murdered, she is gathering evidence on her own about corrupted policemen and their involvement in underage prostitution at the Maddox club. Officially, she and team are having another hard case on their hands: that of a serial rapist and murderer who stalks his victims and renders them helpless in a heartbeat.

What I liked:
-I actually liked the plot of the second book much better than the first one.
On one side, new case is more sinister. Even if men were killed in gruesome way in first one, it did sound a bit too fictional or fantastical because the killer used a special type of tool. Like one of those ritual murders you see in movies. But in this one bad guy stalks women and knows their routine, so he attacks them in convenient places, renders them unconscious and then proceeds to rape them before he kills them. There is something truly vile about his entire <i>modus operandi</i> because it's rather simple and thus, realistic. There is no some kind of special reason, just an opportunity. Investigating this crime showed how hard it was for the police to find out anything and I doubt it would be much harder if the story is set in a bigger town.
-On the other side, the overreaching arc of Kate doing her own private investigation into death of her husband gets to be more complex. By all means, Kate we meet in first book is an excellent cop, well respected by her colleagues. She is suffering through some form of PTSD while her mind developed its own mechanism to cope with consequences. In book #2, we see Kate unravelling further. Right away in the first chapter we see how far she is ready to go to find out the truth and that is to compromise herself and her job. I like flawed characters and the ending line hints she is in much deeper problem then she or readers were aware. I'm truly looking forward to see what will Wyer do with this.

What I didn't like as much:
-Exactly because I liked the simplicity of the case and the new bad guy they have to catch, I was disappointed it turned out to be, once again, very close to Kate. Plus it made for the awkward and far-fetching culmination.
-Morgan and Emma were well realized side characters with their distinctive personalities. In this one, another person is added to their team and honestly, they all sounded interchangeable in dialogue scenes.
-There were certain parts that read like they were written as a part of scenario. I distinctively rememberer one particular scene that went something like: during an interview Kate's phone rings and she sees Emma's name. She says to person: "Excuse me I have to take this." And goes outside to call Emma. It really took me out of the story, because it crossed my mind it reads like a guide of how the scene plays out.

Despite those minor things that bugged me, I had a great time with it and read it in a single sitting. Looking forward to the next one!

The 2nd Kate Young series from the excellent Carol Wyer,
This book doesn't disappoint after the strong first book.
A new mystery for the team to investigate and continues the arc about her husband from the first novel.
Very enjoyable and fans of Carol's books won't be dissapointed.

A Cut For A Cut in the second in the Kate Young books by Carol Wyer and once again Kate is in the middle of fighting crime and police corruption singlehanded. In the first book Kate’s husband, a journalist has been killed and Kate is still trying to bring his murderer to justice. She is convinced that Dickson a senior police officer is behind his death and others and will try to prove it.
In this storyline Kate’s stepsister arrives from Australia for a visit with her young son, Daniel after she finds out her husband was unfaithful. Tilly was raped when she was 14 and the rapist has never been caught. Kate is investigating the vicious rape and death of women in this book and it looks to tie in with the attack on Tilly.
Highly recommended

Gripping, Fast Paced…
The second in the Detective Kate Young series and Kate is having problems with knowing who to trust and when. With a disturbing plot line and characters that are well rounded and credible together with a solid sense of place this is a gripping, fast paced read and a worthy follow up to the first in the series.

This novel is the second in the Detective Kate Young police procedural series and picks up on Kate’s grief after the death of her husband, also a policeman, an untimely and tragic murder. She is in a quandary and knows her usual decisiveness and drive are temporarily missing. She doesn’t even know who she can trust and feels like she cannot trust her own instincts. Literally and emotionally she is struggling and wavering between fantasy and clarity. She is desperate to bring down Superintendent John Dickson and expose the evidence of corruption she has hidden away to bring justice for her husband and avenge his death.
Meanwhile a disturbed and savage serial rapist and murderer is wreaking havoc in the local triangle of Abbot’s Bromley, Uttoxeter and Blithfield. He is seeking out and maiming young vulnerable ladies and leaving them for dead. One of his targets is a colleague known to Kate’s team and other police personnel on the beat. She was found unceremoniously dumped in a skip. She knows she must pull herself together and concentrate on matters at hand, so she can apprehend this twisted, determined and amoral adversary before the body count expands.
However her personal life is becoming a great joy to her, with her stepsister and nephew having returned from Australia to Stafford after a split up. Kate and Tilly have had issues in the past but their relationship is mending and becoming important to Kate. In fact it is a secret spilt by Tilly that gives Kate the impetus she needs to move the investigation ever forward.
The finale is totally unexpected. Oh my, the excitement and revelations were totally shocking, bringing a satisfying closure to the case. The cliff-hanger at the end is massive and I for one will definitely read the next novel in this thrilling series.
I enjoyed the novel which cleared up the case of a mysterious and brutal protagonist. I loved the very fine storytelling, the great characterisations and the strong and riveting storyboard. I thought the novel was well paced and engaging. The setting of this story is very familiar to me. I live within the local area and enjoy walking through the fields and woods surrounding Blithfield reservoir, I know Abbot’s Bromley tennis club and Uttoxeter town very well. It is an idyllic, rural and very beautiful area, thankfully very peaceful and quiet.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer for my copy of this stirring novel, sent in return for an honest and fair review. It’s a 4* review from me.

This was the 2nd book in the Kate Young series and to understand the ongoing storyline these are best read in order.

Another gripping case to be solved by Kate and her team whilst running a personal investigation too.

Looking forward to the next instalment already.

I always get excited when a new book by Carol Wyer comes out and A Cut for a Cut the second instalment in the Detective Kate Young series does not disappoint.
Still struggling over the death of her husband Chris, Kate Investigates a serial of rapes and murders. With the victims are tattooed with the words Mine on their bodies. Surprisingly one of the victims survives but is left traumatised. But they are able to give information to the police to help find the killer. She is also helped by her stepsister Tilly that has come back from Australia. She was raped years previously and somehow it is linked to her current case.
She is also investigating the death of her husband and of her boss Superintendent John Dickson who seemed to be having something to do with the death of her husband while he was investigating a club called the Maddox club. She is aware of some corruption in the Police force.
This is another exciting read from the author that is a continuation from the first book in the series. So, to have a clear picture of what is going on, you need to read the first one. Kate is a strong character and although struggling and also talking to her husband all through the story she still gets the job done.
The story is quite realistic in the way that the police have to cope with the long hours and shortness of staff, and I really liked the way that the author not only showed of her working life but her personal life too. It makes the story more believable. I also like the camaraderie between her small team. This is another fabulous read from the author and I can’t wait for book 3. 5 stars from me.

I really enjoyed getting to know DI Kate Young in the first book so I was excited to get a copy of this second one in the series and it did not disappoint! It started out strong and it held up the intensity all the way through.
Kate is investigating a serial rapist and murderer and tries to figure out how they’re connected before he strikes again. While she’s handling the investigation, she’s still trying prove that Superintendent Dickinson is involved somehow in the murder of her journalist husband.
Meanwhile, Kate’s sister and her son come back to town to stay and that brings some further complications into DI Kate’s life, including a last minute revelation that brings new light to the case.
This is fast paced and full of intense scenes that leave you guessing up to the end!
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

While I love the character I am more attracted to tsome other aspects of the novel. The imagery of this novel was mesmerizing.

I think that this series will very easily become one of my favourite series. It just has so much going on for it and it really shows just what I love about this authors work.

I enjoyed the first book of the Detective Kate Young and the backstory from the first book continues with strong storylines in this book too. The grief Kate carries is well described and drives her determination to uncover police corruption. I liked that is not too predictable and you are not sure who is corrupt. I look forward to this series continuing.

I really enjoyed A Cut For A Cut which sees Di Kate Young on the hunt for a serial rapist and killer.

Although this is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series this can be read as a standalone book and still enjoyed.

Kate is grieving and determined to find out who was behind her husband's murder and why but this latest case consumes most of her energy.

Because she is convinced there are bad apples within the force she begins to question her colleagues and their motives.

Can Kate trust those she works with?

Although I had my suspicions as to who the killer was the final twist still kept me turning the pages to see if I was right.

I am keen to read the next book to see what happens next!

And I really hope Kate is able to get justice for her husband's murder.

‘A Cut For A Cut 🔪🩸’ by Carol Wyer
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5
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Another incredibly exciting read from @carolwyer! This was book two in the DI Kate Young series and it did not disappoint. To be able to understand the background it is best that read ‘An Eye For An Eye’ first, otherwise you might get a bit confused!

The book starts off strong and it is fast paced. I liked finding out more about Kate’s personal life which really brings the character to life and makes you feel like she is real. Again, like the first book everything is believable which in some way makes the book even more creepy & disturbing!

For me, this book was better than first which is hard to do & I often find that the other books in the series don’t live up to the first. I was gripped from the start and cannot wait for the next one ☺️
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Thanks to @netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and @carolwyer for the advanced copy! Publication date 29th June 2021 📖

A Cut For A Cut - Carol Wyer

DI Kate Young is back and is hell bent on revenge. She is convinced that her husband Chris’ death has something do do with her Boss Superintendent Dickson. She has Chris’ journalist files suggesting he is corrupt and involved in a paedophile ring- the information which cost him his life at the hands of a hitman hired by one of the ring.
Dickson claims no knowledge of what transpired and Kate doesn’t believe him, he is her primary focus.

In the meantime she has a murder case to solve, a young woman brutally raped and murdered and cut with the letters MINE.
There is a serial rapist on the loose and we see this through flashbacks from his POV. And the tension mounts as more women are murdered, can Kate and her team solve the case or is someone trying to stop her?

We are back with Kate with a bang and straight back in it, it was like revisiting old friends. I loved this book even more than the first, An Eye For An Eye, probably because I knew the characters and their backstory but I would say you can read this as a standalone.

I did spot the clues fairly early on as to what may happen but I have to say I enjoyed this book, it steamrollers along at a pace, I love ballsy Kate as a character and we are beginning to learn more about the team too. There is just a hint of the Line of Duty’s here with the secondary corruption storyline running through as well from book to book.
There are lots of threads cleverly woven in to guide you this way and that, plenty of suspects to hold your attention, I felt tense reading this one and was vindicated in my choice of killer but I was led up the garden path on the way I can tell you!

This is a gripping rollercoaster of a book, tense right until the end, I would really recommend this series!

✩✩✩✩✩

My thoughts 📚📚📚

Whohoo Detective Kate Young is back in the second book in this not to be missed crime series. If you haven’t already read the first book in the series, I would highly recommend you do 1: because it’s so darn good and 2: there’s a thread that’s ongoing from An Eye For An Eye the first book in the series. Carol Wyer certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention with a riveting opening, and a plot that grips the reader from the off. 

Kate and the team have their hands full with the murder of several women who have been raped and strangled. Alongside the investigation into the murders, Kate pursues her own investigation into her husband’s murder, believing there is a conspiracy within the force. Although there is a modicum of normality returning to her life, that comes in the shape of her estranged sister Tilly and nephew Daniel. 

Kate has an extraordinary trait, but it’s also one that causes concern, you can’t help but question her mental health, but I couldn’t help thinking ‘here’s a woman who needs closure’, until then she finds herself trapped by her past. The crimes that Kate and her team are investigating are heinous, but at no point did I feel the descriptions were gratuitous.

With intermittent chapters told from the POV of the unidentified killer the readers gets an insight ‘why’ they kill, it’s these chapters heighten the tension tenfold, but they also give the plot an ominous edge. The authors masterful use of two threads running alongside each other means there’s always something going on, leaving the reader no time to catch their breath as the plots gather momentum. 

Once again the Carol Wyer has written a crime thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, taut with tension and bursting with suspense, it’s a book that crime thriller lovers will race through. With an influx of crime thrillers to choose from, crime readers are spoilt for choice, so why read this book? It’s a riveting read, with an engaging plot, and the author has a style of writing that immerses the reader from the start. Highly recommended.

A Cut for a Cut is a fast paced , edge of your seat finish and leaves you wanting the next book in the series.

Kate trusts no one at work as she knows there is corruption at some level in the police force and as she strives to find proof she and her team are now facing a serial rapist/killer.

The clock is ticking very fast.

I loved Book 1 and Book 2 is even better.

I cant wait for Book 3 , I will be first in line.

Do yourself a favour and don't miss the Detective Kate Young series. (Or any book by Carol Wyer).

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK , Thomas & #38; Mercer for a fast paced , hold your breath ride.

Absolutely loved this book! It kept me on tenterhooks wondering what was going to happen next. Carol Wyer has written another cracker and I can’t recommend reading it enough!

Thankyou NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author, Carol Wyer , for the opportunity to read A Cut For A Cut in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such a good, cracking read. I couldn't put it down.
The storyline was well written with compelling characters. Plenty of action sees you turning the pages to discover how it all ends.
Worth a read.

Having read and loved the first book in this series, An Eye For An Eye I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second Detective Kate Young book. And Wow! what a story!

The author does fill in details about Kate and her life from the first book, but in all honesty, I would recommend reading the first book to get a proper idea of what Kate has been and is currently dealing with.

It is often the case that the lead detectives in fiction do have some trouble or scarring from their pasts. With Kate, however, this is something that she is not over dealing with, she is constantly reminded of her loss. I am not going to delve into this too much, but what the author did with this thread at the end of the book left me with goosebumps and also worried about Kate! Such a subtle sentence!

The case itself is brutal. A woman found dead with the word MINE carved into her skin is only the start of the investigation. Having only a small team at her disposal keeps Kate on the back foot to a certain extent. Lacking the resources but still having the pressure from those above doesn't help her but her tenacity is something that keeps her going.

As the case intensifies the intrigue is built upon. Occasional italicised chapters add a very tense edge giving a more brutal, chilling psychological side to the story.

There is so much I want to say about the case, Kate's personal life and the story in general. It is a brilliantly woven story and I am only just touching the edge of what happens. Fear of leaving spoilers and ruining it for those who have not yet read this is keeping this review vague.

With a personal story, a family reunion, pressure from the hierarchy it is a wonder Kate holds everything together. Is she holding it together or is she just hanging on? This is where the author has worked some magic, keeping Kate juggling so many things.

This is a brilliantly worked second book in the series and one that had me gripped. It is brutal, chilling, carefully worked and just amazing reading. One for those who like a gritty, crime, thriller and one I would very definitely recommend.

Book 2 in the DI Kate Young series.

This time kate and her team investigate the brutal attacks on young women.

I'm really enjoying the background plot that is carried on from book 1 but, for me, the main plot in this was far too predictable. It was obvious who the main target was.

I look forward to reading book 3 which will hopefully recapture some of the dark and gritty feeling of the first book.

If you enjoy a good police procedural thriller, Carol Wyer is up there with the best.
Another pearler of a novel and one which kept me entertained the whole way through.

A Cut for a Cut is Book 2 in the DI Kate Young series from Carol Wyer

"Kate is still reeling from the murder of her husband, Chris.His investigation into the corruption of the police led to his murder and Kate is desperate to bring those responsible to justice,
A serial rapist is attacking women and carving the word "Mine" into their back. Kate and her team are under tremendous pressure especially after one of their own is attacked and killed. Can Kate catch the killer before she is pulled off the case?"

This is more than a police procedural. Wyer's characters are dealing with grief - political pressure - family pressure - and a killer that's closer than you realize.
Kate is a complicated character with many layers. She's having conversations with her dead husband in her head. And she seems willing to bend some rules to get her evidence which leads to some internal conflict

Wyer keeps you on your toes because no character is safe. She is willing to kill any character if it advances the story. I had hoped for some resolution with the secondary story but hopefully in the next book.

Another great crime fiction novel from Wyers.
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Brilliant book loved it the characters go so well with the story and i will highly recommend it to friends.Shame we can only give 5* as i feel its worth more.

The second instalment of the Detective Kate Young series is back with a bang, grabbing your attention from start to finish.

Great to pick up with Kate and her team and see the brilliance in the series and writing has continue, can't wait for number three!

A gripping intense crime thriller full of tension and suspense that builds throughout from a highly talented author.

Loved this book even more than the first which I didn't think was possible. Kate is trying to track down a man who is attacking women at a very fast paced, they seem to be getting no leads until Kate realises just how close the danger is.
At the same time she's still trying to find justice for her husband but it's a dangerous task as she believes her boss is involved.
Can't wait for the next one especially given the ending about her team!!!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of A Cut for a Cut, the second novel to feature DI Kate Young of the Staffordshire Police.

Kate and her small team are on the hunt for a serial rapist and killer, but clues and suspects are thin on the ground, especially when her mind is as much on her unofficial investigation into police corruption as it is on her official investigation.

I have enjoyed Ms Wyer’s previous series but A Cut for a Cut is not to my taste, perhaps because this is my first dip into the series and I felt a little lost, but probably because I like contained novels rather than those with a thread that spans the series and I never find modern day corruption interesting or particularly believable, despite the current allegations against The Met. I struggled to get through it, not least because it doesn’t have much little forward momentum with the gains being small in terms of propulsion and development and I had guessed the perpetrator’s identity almost from the start.

The narrative is mostly from Kate’s point of view with the unnamed perpetrator chiming in with his obsessive thoughts from time to time and there’s not much new there, just a reinforcement of who he is. I didn’t take to Kate. I understand that she’s recently widowed but talking out loud to her dead husband isn’t a good look for an experienced detective and calls her mental health into question.

This novel is obviously part of a series, so, while the murder/rapist plot is self contained, the corruption part is ongoing, therefore the novels must be read in order. I joined midway through and never had the feeling of mastery or total understanding of these events. It all seems a bit disjointed with Kate gathering evidence against Superintendent John Dickson (and there are major steps forward) but no plan of what to do with it. The novel also ends with a cliffhanger in this thread with hints of more people being involved. If I had read the first novel first I would probably have felt more invested, but, as it stands, I found it hard to work up any enthusiasm or interest in it.

A Cut for a Cut is not for me.

Carol Wyer surely must be one of the best crime authors we have.

This is the second in the DI Kate Young series, where Kate is investigating a murder, alongside partaking in her own investigation into corruption in the force and the death of her journalist husband Chris some months before.

This feels like quite a complex story with a lot going on. Kate is also clearly struggling with some mental health issues following Chris’s death and is using some questionable coping strategies.

I look forward to reading the next book and hoping that Kate gets some answers!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

Omg where do I begin?
This is the second in the DI Kate Young series and is the most hard hitting book so far. Kate has so many problems to deal with both in her personal and professional life. She has to come to terms with the loss of her husband as well as solve the murders of innocent young women and try to expose a corrupt officer. Carole Wyer could certainly give Jed Mercurio a run for his money as the plot thickens and Kate finds out exactly who she can trust and who she can’t.

The theme is a very sensitive one as the murderer is also a rapist and the thought of that is very upsetting but there are no graphic details to that apart from a couple of comments.

The tension is quick to build and continues throughout until it reaches a crescendo. Carole Wyer is a master in the art of suspense building and weaves twists and turns into the story brilliantly.

I already can’t wait to read the next book in the series as Kate Young is a brilliant detective but also very vulnerable and I have welcomed her into my heart.

A Cut for a Cut is the second book in the new series about Kate Young. It is mostly a stand alone, but makes more sense if the first book was read. As always, Carol Wyer gives the reader a mystery to solve and characters that you feel are friends. I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon UK for an early copy to review.

A great addition to the series. I say this as I believe you may not follow along unless you've read the previous book. I like the repartee of Kate's team. The underlining mystery is riveting. A really good police procedural, especially with limited resources.

Cut for a Cut by Carol Wyer is the second in the likeable Detective Kate Young series and although I happily read it as a standalone there is obviously a back story which is mentioned when needed to.
In short, Kate has been recently widowed and suspects that her journalist husband was murdered by corrupt officers in her force, particularly by her Superintendent John Dickson so she’s on a personal mission to expose the dirty cops. Whilst trying to prove corruption she and her team are working on an investigation involving a serial murderer and rapist with a particular M O. This case becomes personal to Kate and she desperately needs to find the killer soon before it’s too late!
It’s a great crime story with plenty of likely characters in the frame making it a fast paced and interesting plot which cleverly connects both of her missions and although one of the crimes is solved, the other will no doubt follow on into the next book which I will definitely look forward to reading.
Big thanks to Carol Wyer, Thomas and Mercer Publisher and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

Second installment in the series. I think it definitely can be a stand alone. I enjoyed this book very much and I’m look forward to continuing the series! Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for this book!

I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘A Cut For A Cut’, the second in the Detective Kate Young series written by Carol Wyer, in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Women are being assaulted and left for dead but before their assailant finishes with the bodies he cuts the word ‘Mine’ into their flesh. DI Kate Young has to dig deep while searching for the killer as she also unofficially seeks evidence to prove police corruption, but who can she trust?

There are two themes running through ‘A Cut For A Cut’, the first where Kate wants to solve the murder of the women and secondly where she searches for the person responsible for killing her husband Chris when the train he was in was attacked. Kate’s step-sister Tilly and her son Daniel also appear in the story causing Kate to worry about their safety. I’ve enjoyed reading about Kate as she divides her time between work and family showing her strength and determination to solve the case but also investigate those police officers she doesn’t trust. This is a story for those readers who are addicted to exciting and action-packed police thrillers and don’t mind staying up half the night because once started it’s impossible to put the book down.

I loved the first book in this series and while I also enjoyed this one, it took me a little longer to get into. I had forgotten a lot of details about the previous book but still managed to follow and I think it could definitely be read as a stand alone. Will definitely continue reading this series and I look forward to the next installment.

I loved this story. The second installment is great . Already looking forward to the next one. This series is amazing

Is Carol Wyer the Queen of Police Procedurals? I say YES!

DI Kate Young is back, summoned to investigate the rape an murder of a young woman in Abbots Bromley while trying to prove the corruption in the police force that ended with her husband’s life.

Once you start a Carol Wyer book you know you won’t be able to stop until you’ve reached the end. This time she delivers another gripping read putting the reader in the midst of the investigation right from the start.

DI Young is such an interesting character. She’s still grieving her husband’s death and dealing with all the revelations she discovered at the end of “An eye for an eye” when she’s thrown into another stressful case, being not only against a killer but against her own boss who keeps trying to destabilize her. Her mental health issues are really well portrayed and although they could make her unreliable I think they actually humanize her.

Although it deals with an issue as sensitive as rape and the scars it leaves on its victims, it’s done in a respectful way with no graphic descriptions.

The corruption case is getting really interesting and I just hope she can find the proof she needs to nail those bastards on book 3. Once again, read book 1 first to really appreciate and understand all the details and subplots here (and because is one hell of a good book!).

The only reason this was not a 5 ⭐️ read was that it was quite clear from the start who the killer was (even though we don’t know its name) and I was kinda hoping for a final twist.

That final twist came in the very last page and now I’m dying to read book 3.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so it may have helped to have read the first book but it didnt matter that much and I now will read it. It was very fast paced and I wanted to know who the rapist was. It was setting itself up for the next installment. I especially liked the location settings - remember driving past the JCB place on the way to Alton Towers as well as the other locations mentioned. Very descriptive and this also applied to the characters.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Carol Wyer for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I’m a sucker for a good, gritty, gripping, police procedural and A Cut for a Cut certainly didn’t disappoint.

This is the second book in the DI Kate Young series; it can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the prequel (An Eye for an Eye) first, just to get a better grip on the backstory - it’s also an excellent read).

Carol Wyer is an exceptional author; her descriptive, detailed prose skilfully sets the scene and creates a real sense of atmosphere. The story is well paced throughout, with just enough twists, turns and fishy red herrings to send you sniffing up many a wrong garden path.

DI Kate Young and her likeable colleagues are relatable, well developed characters; there’s a genuine feeling of respect and camaraderie between the team, with authentically written dialogue and realistic, good-natured banter.

Police procedurals often feature a multitude of characters, too many (for my sieve-like memory) to keep track of; I usually find myself recapping and trying to remember names, but happily that’s not the case here; the pages aren’t cluttered with characters, so it’s very easy to navigate.

Overall, an excellent, read. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

This is the second book in the DI Kate Young series.

This can be read as a stand-alone however I feel you will get much more out of the book by reading an Eye for an Eye the first in the series to begin with.

This is a dark, gritty police procedural and if anyone knows how to write this genre it’s Carol Wyer.

Kate is still dealing with her past and her stepsister is back in the uk so she wants to find time for her and her nephew Daniel but bodies of women with MINE scratched into them have been appearing and she needs to find the killer and stop anyone else coming to harm.

This series has strong characters that work well, you want Kate to do well and find the killer but it’s not always that easy.

The chapters are quite long however I’m left at the end of each page wanting to know what’s happening next so still fast paced.

A great read

I loved the first book in this series - 'An Eye for an Eye' - and so jumped at the chance to join the blog tour for the second book. It was an absolute pleasure to be back in the world of DI Kate Young and her (familiar to me) Staffordshire stomping ground. Many thanks to Damp Pebbles and NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this instalment, DI Kate Young is still trying to prove her competency at work after the events leading up to and included in the first novel. She has been side-lined professionally and is working with a limited team when they are called in to investigate a brutal rape and murder. As the body count rises, she is forced to confront her past and the fact that someone within Staffordshire Police seems to be trying to undermine her.

Although this would work as a stand alone novel, I think it would be best enjoyed after 'An Eye for an Eye'. This gives so much background to Kate's personal situation and the reasons she is struggling at work - most of which isn't her own fault and is more down to the secret investigations she is undertaking away from the main case.

This is a deeply satisfying police procedural - although Kate's investigative tactics are often unconventional! The crimes in this case are horrifying - rape, murder and disfigurement - and the brutality can be hard to read about, but Wyer keeps the pace moving quickly and it doesn't feel unnecessarily voyeuristic (as is often the case with crime novels that focus on young women as the victims). Indeed, the pacing is well-judged and the crimes stack up quickly, giving Kate and her team a lot to do - and giving Wyer the chance to feed the reader lots of red herrings!

Although I did see the final denouement coming (only slightly ahead of the end), I loved that the tension continued to mount with a kind of inevitability about the events to come. As it became clear who the final victim was intended to be, I was rooting for Kate to work it out too! I also liked the fact that there is a thread from the first novel still not resolved (despite Kate's ongoing investigations) so that leads us - hopefully - into book three.

DI Kate Young is a compelling character and it is impossible to read this without wanting her to succeed - she has faced considerable personal trauma and seems to have the odds stacked against her professionally, yet on she goes. The only thing I'm not wholly sold on is the 'conversations' she has with a dead figure in the novel - although this is posited as part of the grieving process, it feels a bit strange at times.

Overall, I'd thoroughly recommend this book to lovers of good quality, well-plotted crime fiction. This is even better if you have read the first book in this series - but, either way, it's time you picked up a DI Kate Young book!

Another amazing addition to the detective Kate Young series. Well written, great plot and characters. I really like Kate herself more with every book as more of her past trauma is revealed.
Excellent read.

A Cut For a Cut is the second instalment in the Detective Inspector Kate Young series and is an even better police procedural than its predecessor. Kate is still grieving the loss of her husband, Chris, who was murdered by the gunman or hired hitman Kate believes was under the control of Superintendant John Dickson, who she is now conducting a clandestine investigation on in order to expose his involvement, corruption and to seek revenge for Chris’ tragic killing. Dickson has been associated with those providing underage sex workers/child exploitation, sex trafficking and has admitted to sleeping with a minor himself; Kate is busy collecting evidence to put him away for good. But, as always when a new case comes in, she must rearrange her priorities especially when there is a deranged and psychotic serial rapist and killer on the loose in the local triangle of Abbots Bromley, Uttoxeter and Blithfield. Legal secretary Laura Dean had moved to Abbots Bromley from Stafford and was a yoga teacher living at Bluebell cottage. She had stayed later than usual after teaching her Bikram hot yoga class to talk and on her way home, a man had grabbed her. The word MINE had been carved into her flesh and she had been unceremoniously dumped in an industrial bin. It becomes clear that the perpetrator stalks his victims beforehand so he knows their schedule prior to attacking them.

There is pressure to find the perpetrator from the offset, but when civilian investigation officer Heather Gault, who the police and Kate often worked intimately with, vanishes after leaving work at Trentham House one evening, the pressure rises substantially. She had been jumped from the bushes and her body found in a skip by a couple flytipping a sofa. Can Kate and her team collar the culprit before they can strike again? This is a compelling, absorbing and complex procedural with plenty of action, drama and happenings throughout the three strands of the plot; there’s the killer and rapist offing vulnerable women, the unofficial investigation into Chris’ murder and Kate’s private life. Kate’s stepsister, Tilly, who has recently split with her cheating husband, Jordan, and their nephew, Daniel, have moved back home from Australia. The sisters’ relationship has been slightly rocky as Jordan had once been Kate’s fiance and Tilly choosing him placed a huge strain on their relationship. But blood is thicker than water and she is hoping they can get it back on track. Kate is a realistic but damaged character and her constant talking to her late husband does bring into question her mental health when in such an important role. Told primarily from Kate’s perspective with scattered thoughts throughout from the unnamed perpetrator, this is an engrossing, twisted and compulsively readable thrill ride.

This is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series. I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one as there is an underlying story that is rolling across these books. It can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend you reading an Eye for Eye first as this too is a really good book.

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

"You're mine...forever!"

I'm always excited when Carol has a new book in the midst and eagerly await getting my hands on it ready to devour. Having followed DI Natalie Ward's story, I was thrilled to meet DI Kate Young in the first book back in January and while Carol left us dangling with a very alluring tidbit, I couldn't wait to rejoin Kate in her quest to bring down those responsible for the death of her beloved husband Chris and the corruption in the force linked to his murder.

However, while "An Eye for An Eye" was more ambiguous in that we were still getting to know Kate's story, sifting through events and all had transpired to lead her to the point we met her at, A CUT FOR A CUT is a little more transparent in that we know who she's hunting in her personal quest for justice. Not knowing who to trust, Kate relies on her wits and her fading memory of Chris to keep her focussed.

A word of advice for those wanting to jump in, you really need to read the first book "An Eye for An Eye" before delving into this one. Although the primary investigation is self-contained, the sub-plot is a recurring one carried over from the previous book and, while they are briefly referenced with enough information to keep the reader up to date, the get the full picture and background you really need to start from the beginning with the first book.

The prologue opens with Kate in a clandestine meeting with pimp Farai who supplied the underage sex workers to the Maddox club in the first book, in an attempt to garner whatever knowledge he had on her boss Superintendent John Dickson who she is sure is, not only corrupt, but behind her husband Chris's murder. Although Farai checks her over for a wire, Kate managed to secrete a tiny wireless tap in her bra to record their meeting, wanting a record of what took place should she need it.

Kate is enjoying having her once estranged step-sister back in her life having returned from Australia with young son Daniel in tow after the collapse of her marriage to Jordan, Kate's ex-fiance with home Tilly ran off with two decades ago. The sisters have plans to entertain Daniel by taking him to a theme park when Kate is summoned back to work to investigate the death of young woman found half naked in a restaurant dumpster and no ID on her. Her prints taken at the scene reveal her to be Laura Dean who lived alone in the village of Abbots Bromley with her adopted rescue cat Charcoal. She had been raped with the word "MINE" carved into her right shoulder before being strangled to death.

Enquiries lead her to one of the solicitors at the firm she had recently resigned from in Stafford before moving to the quiet village in which she died. The team also delve into the background of Laura's father's partner Steve after learning that the couple had been seeing each other prior to Laura's mother's death from cancer. With no other leads forthcoming, these are their only suspects thus far.

Then another woman is found nearby the following morning and is immediately recognised as one of their own, Heather Gault - a civilian investigator tasked with investigating cases alongside police. The MO is identical and Kate fears the killer will strike again if they can't identify him quickly. Then when Kate discovers that Heather's computer has been sent directly to technicians with strict instructions not to reveal its contents unless there is anything pertaining to her investigation, she begins to suspect something else is going on. Had Dickson gone over her head and issued this order? What was he afraid of Kate and her team discovering on there? Was Heather looking into the very thing that Kate was "unofficially" investigating? Is that what lead to her death? Surely not. The MO from Laura's murder was identical to Heather's and Laura had nothing to do with police corruption or underage sex workers. Could this just be a coincidence?

In the midst of two investigations, albeit one unofficially, Kate learns of a third victim. But this one is still alive. Olivia Sandman was found in the construction site across the road from the new-build house in which she lived with her mother and when she hadn't turned up for work, her mother began ringing around friends and the police in an effort to find her missing daughter. Now she is hospital in and out of consciousness and Kate needs to speak with her as soon as possible. Olivia may have key information regarding the perpetrator. But with a third victim there's even more questions. How were these three women linked? And why did she survive? Had he been interrupted and had to make a quick exit before ensuring she was dead? Is this his first mistake?

Alongside her investigation into these brutal rapes and two murders, Kate continues to delve deeper into the police corruption Chris had been investigating and which had ultimately got him killed. When she receives word that the man who had helped bury the body of an underage boy in the previous book wants to speak with her, Kate makes every effort to arrange a visit at the prison in which he is incarcerated. But before she can see him the prison governor calls her with the news that the man, Cooper, took his own life that morning. But Kate refuses to believe it and is sure that someone knew she was going to visit him and had him killed before he could pass on whatever information he had to give her.

On top of all this Kate is still processing the various stages of grief, determined to remain in the anger stage until she can avenge her husband. She continues to talk to him with his words of wisdom she imagines he imparts helping her to remain focussed. And then there is Tilly. She hasn't seen her step-sister in two decades and the two women are finally putting the past behind them to move forward together as a family. After all, Tilly is all she has now.

As Kate and her team unearth clues to bring them closer to identifying the killer, Kate unwittingly discovers a shocking link closer to home that leaves her reeling as time seems to be running out fast. All the while, someone in her unofficial investigation seems to be one step ahead of her while others in the force are out to undermine her and her ability to lead a team. Will she catch a killer and get the evidence she needs to bring down Dickson at the same time?

I thoroughly enjoyed A CUT FOR A CUT which is an excellent addition to this new series. It is a good solid police procedural with clever insights into the killer's mind at the same time. Although the story is predominantly from Kate's perspective, I love how there are excerpts in the killer's narrative also, providing insight into the delusions that drive him.

Admittedly, I identified the link to the killer and figured out who he was quite early on in the story. I also suspected another aspect about halfway through - one which came as a final twist at the end and possibly shocked many but instead of being surprise I felt vindicated as guessing correctly. It was a twist that was never even alluded to but I suspected it when there wasn't anything to suspect. Maybe I just have a suspicious mind. lol

I love Carol, her wit and her storytelling. And I love the undercurrent that simmers beneath the surface threatening to derail everything should Kate not succeed in bringing down Dickson and the underbelly of corruption within the force. The way Carol has left a breadcrumb trail throughout both books as we follow Kate in her quest for justice.

A rather compelling read, A CUT FOR A CUT is gritty and even brutal in parts, though not graphic in detail. Kate is incredibly flawed as she struggles with her grief and her mental health whilst trying to seek justice for her husband and bring down corruption within the force. Maybe she should call on AC-12.

Again, I cannot stress enough that the first book "An Eye for An Eye" is best read before this one or it could be a struggle to tie events and piece the puzzle together. The sub-plot of corruption, underage sex workers, paedophile rings and the death of her husband Chris all began in the first book and will continue to run in the background of each subsequent book until either Kate catches them or it runs its course. Who knows where it will end? Or how?

What I do know is that Kate is just getting started. So bring on book 3!!

Perfect for fans of gritty crime fiction.

I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #Netgalley and #AmazonPub for an ARC of #ACutForACut in exchange for an honest review.

A Cut for a Cut is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series. I have read the previous book in the series and I feel this one can be read as a stand alone book but there is a backstory so it may be more helpful to read them in order.
I enjoyed this one, although the subject matter is a difficult subject to read about and I look forward to reading future books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

There were a lot of aspects of this book that I enjoyed. Kate is a great character and I loved seeing her grit, determination and controlled policing continue in this book. I also loved learning more about her through her relationship with her step sister, and I think the way the author handles her grief around her dead partner is a poignant and original aspect to the story, showing a more vulnerable and human side to her.

I also loved the fact that as the book continued we got to hear from the serial killer. This definitely provides an additional layer of tension and completely twists and darkens the narrative further.

I do feel this book didn’t quite carry the pace of the first instalment but it was a good follow up nonetheless. I also figured out the perpetrator some time before the ending (not too long before hand though!) This didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the ending as it was definitely explosive, gripping and unpredictable in lots of ways still.

I wonder if there will be another book in this series as there seemed to be unfinished business with a certain character at the end? If there is, I look forward to reading it!

3.5 stars

A Cut for a Cut by Carol Wyer is the second in the Detective Kate Young series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:  (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Kate Young witnessed the aftermath of a massive shooting on a train.  She saw her husband’s body. He was a journalist, hot on the trail of corruption.  Her boss is DCI William Case, and his boss is Superintendent John Dickson.  She is starting to question their reliability, but they are questioning hers as well.  She works closely with DS Morgan Meredith and DS Emma Donaldson.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
The naked body of a young woman is found in a dumpster.  She had been raped, battered, and the word "MINE" carved in her shoulder.

Every lead seems to be a dead end, and pressure builds, especially when a second victim appears, and she's one of their own.  She is given extra help on this case, and hopefully Jamie will prove his worth,

Meanwhile, Kate is still hearing the voice of her dead husband.  He is hounding her for not doing enough to find his killer, and her frustration with both cases is tormenting her.  She knows Superintendent John Dickson is involved in Chris's death, but she can't prove it.  Now he seems to be goading her into making a wrong move on this new case.

On a positive note, Tilly, her step-sister is back from Australia with her young son, and Kate is hoping to re-build their tattered relationship.  When Tilly finally confides in her of an event from their past, Kate realizes she may now be able to solve her current case.  But time is running out.


My Opinions:   
I am truly enjoying this new series.  I like Kate, Emma, and Morgan.  They make a great team, and they are all likeable.

I realized early on that not everyone could be trusted, and by the end, my fears were confirmed.  There were no major twists in the book, but overall, the plot carried the book.

Again, there is some foreshadowing as to the next book, but that's okay.  Although I am not a fan of police corruption books,  apparently I am just going to have to live with it.

Although I missed the "excitement" of a good thriller, this was a good mystery, a fast read, and Wyer's writing skills shone through.  I think I liked the first one better.

‘A Cut for a Cut’ is all that you expect a book from Carol to be - fast-paced, superbly plotted, great characters and extremely chilling at times. Throughout the second half of the book, I was mentally screaming at the main character to work out what was happening in time! This was a great follow up to the start of the series and I'm already hungry for more!

In this outing DI Kate Young finds herself having to solve a series of murders where the victim has been raped and then strangled. If that isn't enough the perpetrator is carving into the women the word ‘MINE’. There aren't a lot of leads and when one of the civilian staff members ends up being a victim the pressure reals piles onto Kate. Her mental health is still in a precarious position since the death of her husband Chris and she is still obsessed in obtaining evidence to take her boss Dickson down for his role in that.

What I particularly enjoyed in this book was the character development of Kate. Yes, we still see a grieving woman who is struggling to deal with the loss of her husband, but you can still see a marked improvement in her mental health as her strength begins to recover. She is determined to help uncover what happened to Chris but she is also more willing to accept a little help and I can't wait to see how that pans out. I also liked the partition of her two cases as it shows that she is less bound up in her grief. As much as I want to find out what dirty Dickson got up to I also enjoyed the introduction of the new set of crimes. It gives a very solid base to the series as you know once that is resolved that the books can continue onwards.

‘A Cut for a Cut’ was a gritty, chilling and horrifyingly delicious outing for Kate and Im already hungry for more!

I was excited to read the latest newest thriller by Carol Wyer and her latest DI Kate Young book. This is the second installment of the series and is just as good as all her other books. Richly embroidered with memorable characters and twist and turns aplenty. There is a lot to digest here as it is sensitively written but not hidden as her heroine races to find a killer and chase the person who ordered the murder of her husband. This is a series which will remain high on my list!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!

This is book #2 of the DI Kate Young series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the series in order for better understanding of the characters back stories. Kate is on the case of a serial killer with a disturbing calling card. She’s also still trying to find a way to expose police corruption within her team but is finding it difficult to know who she can trust. I love Kate’s character but she still seems the troubled woman that we knew in the first book. Kate’s husband, Chris still features hugely in this storyline and Kate uses her gritty determined attitude that we’ve already seen to try and get justice for him.

The storyline itself is dark, disturbing and brutal. The serial killer storyline had me hooked and try as I did I just couldn’t connect the dots before Kate did. There are several plots running alongside each other both in Kate’s personal and professional life, but it was great to see some sense of normality for her when her sister returns after years away. Of course, I’ve read too many of this author’s books to think there wouldn’t be a twist in the tale somewhere and she certainly doesn’t let us down with red herrings, dead ends and complete shockers at every turn of the page!

Whilst its most definitely a gripping thriller of a read which had me hooked from page one, I also found Kate’s personal storyline so sad and I think this book broke my heart just as much as the first book. The book is filled, not just with the horrors of the killings but with the realities of grief and mental health issues which Kate is trying to deal with. There are some trigger points in the story but these are dealt as sensitively as they can be. I loved the corruption part of the storyline and this, along with trying to work everything out, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I have to admit I did wonder on more than one occasion whether we would see Hastings and the rest of AC12 coming to deal with the ‘bent coppers’ that Kate was trying to expose!

We are again treated to one hell of a book from one of my favourite authors. From turning the first page I knew I wouldn’t be able to put the book down until I’d finished it, and I was definitely right! It had my heart beating faster, my stomach churning and sent shivers down my spine throughout. Will Kate ever get the closure she so desperately needs? Will her team work out who the killer is? Will the network of police corruption be exposed? This is turning out to be an amazing series and I can’t wait for book #3 to carry on Kate’s story. If you’re looking for a fantastic police procedural thriller with a little bit of something different then look no further! Would highly recommend!

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/06/29/%f0%9f%8e%a7-a-cut-for-a-cut-by-carol-wyer/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I continued with the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/290914-detective-kate-young" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Detective Kate Young</strong></em></a> series.  Kate is smart but still burdened by the death of her husband and a lack of any friends or support.  Now her sister, Tilly is back in England, the sister who stole her fiance.  She has her son with her and their marriage is having problems.

The groundwork of Kate's close relationship with her husband and his death is laid well in  <strong>An Eye for an Eye,</strong> and is not repeated here.  She still connects with him but only briefly here and there.  She still believes he was murdered, as he was investigating corruption in the force.

Here we have a story of a rapist who is after women who look like Kate's sister, who was raped at 14.  Now that the sister is back in town, there is a rape and often murder, of women looking like her, almost daily.  I twigged to this faster than Kate. But Kate was also investigating facets of her husband's death.

Kate collects evidence on both cases.  She eventually solves her rapist case.  The cases are dark and gritty and twisted in with the police corruption which continues, including those Kate knows well and expects to be on her side.  I can't wait to see how she brings them down in some future book.

A CUT FOR A CUT - CAROL WYER
PUBLISHED BY AMAZON PUBLISHING UK THOMAS AND MERCER
PLOT - DI Kate Young is back with her team to solve another case where the victims body is a found in a dumpster.
Kate's step sister spills a long buried secret which could help Kate solve the cases esp when more such bodies are found.
Kate is battling her own internal demons to get justice for her dead husband...
But can she and her team catch the killer before it's too late!!
MY THOUGHTS -
The 1st book An Eye for an eye is just excellent..though this can be read as a standalone.. highly recommend reading the 1st book before this one!
Carols procedural description her prose is amazing!! She has handled the effects of rape very delicately without any graphic details.
I kinda figured the killer..but the final twist which leads to the 3rd book in the series was totally unexpected and am betting that the last one will be excellent too!!
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the second book in the series featuring DI Kate Young.

Kate and her team are called in when a female body is discovered in an industrial bin in the quiet village of Abbots Bromley. The victim has been raped and left with the word “MINE” carved into her flesh. The case quickly escalates into the hunt for a serial killer as more victims are discovered.

If dealing with such a heavy case load isn’t enough, Kate is also desperately trying to uncover the police corruption that she suspects is taking place within her own team. This leaves her in the difficult position of not knowing who to trust but Kate is such a strong character and determined to find out the truth.

The inclusion of chapters written from the POV of the killer – a feature often excluded from crime fiction - was an excellent addition.

The intertwined storylines made this a gripping read and one where I really didn’t know what was going to happen next.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the crime fiction genre.

A Cut For A Cut is a gritty and pacy detective thriller that vastly improves upon its predecessor.

I read the first book in the series, An Eye For An Eye, recently, but I didn’t enjoy this new detective series as much as I hoped. It was heavy with police strategy and planning and I struggled to connect to the characters. However, this second instalment much better balances the in-depth police procedural with its characters and I enjoyed both the investigation and the team’s dynamic much more.

You don’t need to read the first book before this one as the events of it are rounded up early on, but they are linked and I would recommend that you do so that you know the significance of what is going on in Kate’s life.

I saw the “missing link” from the beginning but there was still plenty to try and piece together as Kate tries to get ahead of the killer. The crimes themselves are brutal but the descriptions aren’t too graphic, as Wyer deals with the emotions of the victim’s of rape in a sensitive and insightful way.

Fast-paced and with plenty of action, it’s an exciting case to follow and I’m definitely looking forward to Book 3 to hopefully see Kate Young finally get some answers!

Here we are, all ready at the second book in this series. It's brilliant still getting to know DI Kate Young. She has so much going on her life its a wonder she doesn't spontaneously combust.
Battling the demons of her Husbands death and being at work tackling what could be a serial killer is really going to test Kate and take her to her limits.
​This is looking like it's going to be another 'must read' series of books. Carol Wyer certainly knows how to write a gripping series, she knows what the readers want and manages to deliver, each and every time.
This book certainly will not disappoint any fans of this author. For any fans of an exceptionally good crime series.
For me personally, I have to say start with the first book, An Eye for An Eye, get to know Kate and her rollercoaster of a life, she is a great character and one I just can't help taking a liking to.
A must read, a great book to get lost in, if one thing has help me me through the 'Covid years' it's reading, but especially reading books like this corker.
I have gotten to that stage now where I don't even read what the book is about before starting it. If it's by this author it's worth reading. I enjoyed each and every page of tis book and I know this series is going to be amazing. I can't wait for the next book.

I have been a fan of Carol’s for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written to date but I am getting there. I especially love the series featuring Detective Inspector Kate Young. ‘A Cut For A Cut’ is the second book in the series and it was released on 29th June 2021. Carol has done it again and ‘A Cut For A Cut’ is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
I love the character of Detective Inspector Kate Young and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact it didn’t take me long to feel as though I had been reunited with an old friend in Kate. Kate has certainly been through the emotional wringer and then some. She lost her husband and she is trying to build a new life for herself. Kate also ‘talks’ to her husband as if he is standing or sitting beside her. She has conversations with him but inside her head. I could totally empathise with her in this respect as I do the same. I didn’t lose a husband but my Dad died some years ago and I still talk to him in my head as if he could hear me and reply. Anyway back to Kate. Kate is determined to track down the killers of her husband and ensure that justice is done. She knows she is being lied to by her superiors and she is determined to uncover the truth. As well as her issues in her personal life, she also has to deal with an intriguing murder case which is handed to her very small team. Will Kate see justice done? Will Kate apprehend the murderer before any further lives are lost? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
As is often the case when I read one of Carol’s books, the synopsis grabbed my attention and Carol reeled me in much as a fisherman reels in a catch. From then on, I squirrelled myself away and I didn’t re-emerge until the moment I read the very last word on the very last page. To say that reading ‘A Cut For A Cut’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two to fill in half an hour but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over two hours and many chapters later. If I didn’t have the book in my hand, I would be thinking about the book. If I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I found ‘A Cut For A Cut’ to be a gripping and an unputdownable page turner of a read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘A Cut For A Cut’ is superbly written but then that is true of all of Carol’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing to date. She certainly knows how to craft one hell of a story that will take you on one hell of a journey that will open your eyes to just how evil some people really are. Reading ‘A Cut For A Cut’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Just when you think that you can take a minute to catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading every single minute of ‘A Cut For A Cut’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Carol’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

My word! Carol Wyer is pulling no punches with this series. It’s deliciously dark, the protagonist (Detective Kate Young) is well and truly mentally tortured and I love every excruciating minute of it.
If you haven’t met Kate Young before I highly recommend that you begin with An Eye For An Eye as it does lay a lot of character groundwork and some themes are continued into book 2. However, that said, this can be read as a stand alone novel as things referred to have enough explanation to make sense. You’d be missing a treat if you didn’t read in order though.
DI Kate Young has so much going on in her life. She’s trying to make amends with her previously estranged stepsister, deal with the death of her husband and delve into a conspiracy which could rock both her world, and the that of her profession. Obviously this isn’t enough and she’s also thrown into a new case of a serial murdered and rapist.
All of this contributes to Kate being a fairly unstable, but still brilliant, character. She’s juggling so much physically and mentally and I felt as though I was constantly on edge, waiting for her to break. I wanted to take her under my wing and look after her, protect her from everything and herself but I couldn’t. I became so invested in her.
The plot is edge of the seat stuff and at times I was holding my breath. There are so many elements that there’s never a quiet moment. Carol obviously planned every bit of this novel with precision and it all weaves together nicely so there really isn’t a feeling that you’re reading several sub plots at once.
A superb detective thriller and I am so excited to read the next instalment.

Love this series! I can't wait until the next book. Kate finally gets to reunite with her stepsister after many years. Tilly and her son Daniel are back in the UK, after some problems with Jordan. I don't remember the circumstances on how Tilly ended up with Kate's boyfriend. It's nice to see Kate was able to forgive her. I figured out who the murderer had to be, not his actual name but who he ultimately wanted to kill. He definitely harbored some serious hatred over the years about this person and was never able to let it go, besides the constant assault/murdering of women. Superintendent Dickson is keeping his eye on Kate and definitely hopes she messes up. He only needs a small reason to get her off the police force. He must know that Kate has incriminating information on him. The best part of this series will be when Kate finally puts Dickson in jail. I'm hoping William isn't one of the corrupt officers.

Definitely recommend the book, although you need to read the first book in the series to understand what is going on. I love the characters, story and writing style. It's a great mystery/thriller. I can't wait until Kate is finally able to take down the people involved in her husband's death. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Would like thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book

A gritty realistic storyline that has our detective back in charge of a much smaller team ... and with the corruption she suspects at a higher level than herself it makes her job so much harder

As young women start to appear branded with the word mine on their bodies kate and her team are up against a violent rapist who uses the nerve in their necks to render them unconscious as the bodies start appearing more pressure from up above starts to take its toll

Edge of the seat stuff this one can’t get enough from this author

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Cut For A Cut' by Carol Wyer.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Carol Wyer and Thomas & Mercer publishers.

Publication date 29th June 2021.

This is the fifth book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'DI Kate Young' series and although I have read the first book called 'A Cut For A Cut' and highly recommended it, it can also be read as a standalone. I have also previously Carol's 'Detective Natalie Ward' series which I would also highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a huge fan of Carol and if this is half as good as any of her previous books it is sure to be a fantastic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Aberration Press Books. I have yet to read a book published by Thomas & Mercer that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 38 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book is based in Staffordshire, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Staffordshire on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is DI Kate Young. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.

OMG!!!! ANOTHER ABSOLUTE PAGE TURNER!!! What are you doing to me!!!!! Seriously!!!!! I hope you are writing your next book as I write this!!! I'm talking to you Mrs Wyer!!!!! Right, yes, well anyway let's give you my review....


Carol Wyer does it again!!! Fantastically written as always ensuring a smooth and easy read that sucks you straight into the pages. Vivid descriptions put me in the middle of the action looking at everything going on in High definition. The cover and synopsis works perfectly with the storyline.


The storyline itself was very fast paced, rammed full of action, murder, mystery, suspense, tension and twists and turns. At least three major bombshells of unexpected twists which I was not expecting (a rarity to surprise me after the amount of crime books I've read but Carol does it without fail every time!!!) and a major cliffhanger at the end!!! I CANNOT WAIT for the next in this series. The storyline was realistic so easily imagined and the killings themselves were unique which is definitely a positive when you have read the same ones over and over again!! An absolutely addictive and compelling page turner!!! If your going to start reading this then clear your schedules because it is absolutely unputdownable!!!!


Loved meeting all the characters again!! Kate is absolutely amazing, an extremely strong female lead who didn't hold back the punches while going through hell herself after the trauma she had been through. I always love it when an author brings in strong women. I also liked Katie's personality and really felt for her in several occasions. I'm still not quite sure what I think of Morgan at the moment, he annoyed me on several occasions so I'll leave him on the shelf for now until I get to know him more. However he did make me laugh on a few occasions and his headbutting with Jamie was certainly entertaining. Jamie is another character who I'm not sure about, sometimes he seemed OK and then he gave me a bit of a funny feeling and not in a good way so it'll be interesting to see what he is up to. Emma is another strong woman who I really enjoyed meeting again and getting to know more abut her. I'm still not sure what I thought of William either, I thought I liked him on introduction but I have a strange feeling about him. I absolutely adored Ervin who made me laugh on several occasions!!! He is such a unique character and one you won't forget for a while. Regardless of who I did or didn't like they were all very strong and well defined characters who I'm looking forward to meet in the next 'episode'. A great team who I feel may butt heads in the future.


I am really looking forward to the next book and would LOVE to see this made into a movie!!! It would definitely be a best seller along with this amazing novel which kept me up late at night (early in the morning) as I just could not put it down!!!!


Overall an addictive, explosive page turning start to what promises to be an epic series!!!

Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as Angela Marsons, Tess Gerritsen, anyone looking for a good book and YOU!!


365 pages.

This book is just £3.99 to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Every series this fine writer develops is well worth a read, whether the protagonist be Robyn Carter or Natalie Ward or, in this case, Kate Young. This is only the second in this thread but it is already becoming the most compelling of all. The twin strands of trying to identify the serial killer who cuts the word MINE into the flesh of his victims and Kate's obsession with rooting out corruption from her own force keep the reader involved and engrossed throughout. I look forward to many more instalments in this excellent series.

I swear with each book Carol writes she gets darker and darker! It is really no difference here! However, despite this darkness, she still finds the time to make you chuckle when you least expect it.

Such a dark topic generally, one that affects more women than it is cared to be thought of and here we are sucked down a rabbit hole. It was treated with care and respect and was not sensationalised to sell a book. It was obvious, I felt, who was being obsessed over, this gave me such a panic as I had to speed my way through to make sure they were ok. It gave the book that added intensity because normally you follow the creepy-ass killer and even though you do worry about who the intended may be, when it becomes someone you know that amps up that panic.

All the attacks were personal to the perpetrator, and carving MINE into their skin just added his dominance over them and over the woman he thought about still. He sees them as his property but also a means to an end. A thrill until he can get the prize he wants….again.

Carol being Carol, being the trickster she is couldn’t leave it without one final humdinger and boy it is a clanger. I want to just ignore this discovery because quite frankly I don’t like it. I mean why!!!! Why! It definitely going to put a spanner in the works for the next book, edging closer to that showdown we are hotly anticipating.

I do love characters that are ‘broken’ shall we say. Kate is broken but she is also on the path of fixing herself, she has a mission and once she has completed it. Once Dickson gets his comeuppance I look forward to seeing Kate heal. She is such a strong character, she doesn’t shy away from anything and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

I have read every single book Carol has written and in each book, you can see how much she has grown both in her writing and in her confidence. She writes such visceral and edgy scenes, making them so realistic I felt I could be there with Kate and her team. Not sure that is always a good thing!

She knows how to write a story that will suck you in from the beginning and sucker punch you at the end. She will leave you reeling from the shock but then dying for more! Page after page, you are left in a situation that you don’t want to put the book down because you don’t want to miss a thing but know you need to otherwise you won’t sleep – but then sleep is overrated no?

I never quite know where Carol may take us in a book but I always know it will be an adventure and it is no different here. I love her writing, I love being sucked into the story and spat straight back out. I love that I will still think about this for days after finishing those final words. That is a guarantee. This really is not a series to be missed.

I love reading Carol's books. I loved the first book and this is fabulous too. It had me gripped from the start. Im looking forward to reading more.

I’ve read all of carol wyer books and this is the 2nd book of the series. Like all the other books, I really enjoyed this one. Always include twists and turns that you will not expect. Brilliant read Thankyou for my ARC

I thoroughly enjoyed An Eye For An Eye, the first outing for Kate Young and I was keen to see what happened next. Would she get any closer to getting justice for Chris? So I dove into A Cut For A Cut with great anticipation! But first Kate has a matter of a brutal killer to deal with!

These are horrific attacks that face Kate and her small team and as I knew from the first in the series – nothing is easy for Kate. Blockers are put in her way almost like someone doesn’t want her to catch the killer! As I read, I got myself a suspect and I was eager to see if I was right. I swiftly followed the investigation with great intensity.

I really enjoyed Kate’s continued personal investigation and the rekindling of her relationship with Tilly. After losing Chris, she needs someone in her life and forgiving her step sister is a massive step for Kate. I would love to see this relationship and that with Kate’s nephew Daniel to develop. Kate needs her family!

A Cut For A Cut is a fast paced crime thriller with a bit of gore thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed my reacquaintance with Kate and I can’t wait to re-enter her world again. Each story has its own focus but bubbling away in the background is Kates personal life and crusade. I’m loving this series even after just two books!!

I read An Eye For An Eye (book 1 of the Detective Kate Young series) by Carol Wyer at the beginning of the year, and loved it. So when Emma @ damppebbles sent out the email that she would be hosting a blog tour for A Cut For A Cut (the next book in the series), I jumped at the chance to be a part of it, and I can honestly say that it lived up to all of my expectations.

Things pick up right from where they left off in An Eye For An Eye, and you dive straight back in to the world of Detective Kate Young. The story starts with a follow on from the events in the previous book, and a reminder of the difficulties Kate is still having to deal with. Alongside the continuation of the story, we also get a brand new case, which is the main story of A Cut For A Cut. Women are being brutally raped, murdered, and branded, and Kate needs to find out who is behind these horrific attacks.

One of the things I most enjoy about Carol Wyer’s writing, is that she doesn’t shy away from the brutal details. She really paints a picture with her words, and it truly draws you in to her stories. The story is told from multiple POV, including the victims, the killer, and of course Kate and her team. The killer’s chapters are at times a little difficult to read, but they certainly pack a punch, and bring a whole other feel to the story.

I love Kate and her team, they’re all such fantastic characters. I see a lot of myself in Emma in particular, because she’s emotional, and she’s not afraid to show it, but she can also take care of herself (we’re both trained in martial arts). Kate’s mental struggle with the grief of losing her husband is so raw, and realistic, and has been written extremely well. You’re constantly routing for her, desperately wanting her to find some closure, and some happiness.

I really enjoyed watching this story unfold, and the investigation side of it was so interesting. I always love piecing together the pieces of an investigation while reading, and this one was particularly enjoyable because there were so many aspects to it. Everything came together in an explosive climax that has you totally hooked. There were a few parts and questions that still require answers, but it sets you up perfectly for a 3rd book in the series.

A Cut For A Cut is as fantastic as I had hoped it would be. It is exciting, gripping, at times completely heart-wrenching, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I can not wait for the next book in the series, and for Kate and her team to continue their story.

I give A Cut For A Cut a 5 star rating!

Oh Carol you have done it again! I was spending every waking minute reading this book I was addicted and couldn’t put it down. I had my suspicions regarding Tilly but I also liked Kate was still investigating the death of her husband too. I can’t wait for this next book so see what unfolds especially after that ending. Right now I’m screaming out of anger how could he do that! Anyway not giving anything away but I urge you all to read this series it’s beyond good.

A CUT FOR A CUT (Detective Kate Young Book #2) by Carol Wyer is the second mystery/British police procedural that I have been waiting for. I loved the first book “An Eye for an Eye” with the introduction to DI Kate Young. The crime investigation in this book can be read as a standalone, but these books are better read in order due to the continuing personal investigation by Kate into her investigative journalist husband, Chris’ murder.

DI Kate Young and her team are called to a crime scene where a woman was brutally raped, marked and then thrown away like trash. Even after more violent rapes occur with the same M.O., Kate and her team have very few clues or viable suspects. When Kate’s stepsister finally shares a long-buried secret, she realizes her stepsister is the missing link in her case. Now she has to find the proof and catching the killer has become imperative.

At the same time, during the investigation for the serial rapist and killer, Kate is also privately learning more about the murder of her husband. Still battling her own personal demons since his death, she is convinced her superior and several others on the police force are behind his murder and are involved in an illegal conspiracy revolving around underage sex trafficking.

I find Kate to be a very compelling character. Ms. Wyer has brought Kate to life with her extreme grief that continues, but it also begins to turn to guilt as she moves on with her every day living as she begins to realize she does not think of him every minute of every day and she is afraid of losing his memory. I liked the addition of Kate’s stepsister and nephew to give Kate a reason to start to live a balanced, normal life and help with her grief. Kate’s team is also becoming more fully fleshed and complex characters as the series continues.

I very early on guessed the connection between the serial rapist and killer with the person he considered his first true love, but it did not take away from my racing to the exciting climax. The intertwining plot arc of Kate’s personal investigation into Chris’ murder will once again be carried over into the next book and once again I am anxiously waiting for its publication.

I highly recommend this main character, the series and this author!

What a book!

This has everything that I love in crime fiction – fantastic characters, gripping investigations and a fast pace that means you can not stop reading.

This is the second book featuring Detective Kate Young. Kate is still recovering from the trauma that devastated her life. But she is focused and determined to uncover the corruption that has led to the murder of her husband.

There are multiple strands to this book. Kate and her team are investigating a series of brutal sexual assaults and murder. There seems to be little connection between the women, but the perpetrator is escalating and the team is facing a race against time to prevent other women being killed.

Kate is also continuing to investigate the corruption and possible involvement of Superintendent Dickson in under-age prostitution and the murder of her husband. Kate has leads to follow up from previous investigation but she has to be increasingly careful. It’s not only her career, but also her life that could be in the line.

While all of this is going on Kate is also rebuilding her relationshionwith her step-sister Tilly. Her return from Australia stors up old jealousy and forgotten feelings as well as bringing joy to Kate’s life.

Wyer skillfully weaves these different strands into a compelling and fast paced thriller with lots of twists and a fantastic ending that will leave you desperate for the next installment.

I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and have recommended them to lots of people. If you’re a fan of Line of Duty and police procedural thrillers you will absolutely devour this fantastic read. It’s five stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you for my gifted copy as part of the blog tour.

Having stormed my way through this book, I am in awe of the fact that Kate Young is still functioning. She has so many different things to juggle in her life that the mere thought of them all has left me exhausted, but it sure makes for exciting reading.

Having solved the strange and brutal murders in the first book of this series, Kate is now faced with a series of equally violent and disturbing rapes scattered across her patch. With nothing more to link the victims than a physical similarity, and clues thin on the ground, the investigation is an uphill struggle, and she can do without the added pressure being placed upon her by her superiors. Particularly as there seems to be some blocking of her investigation going on from within the service. Is someone trying to make her fail?

As well as giving us a new tense investigation to follow, Carol cleverly weaves in the unsolved mystery from the previous book dealing with possible police corruption. Those of us who have been left hanging at the end of book one eagerly pounced on the fresh threads of the investigation into some of Kate’s colleagues, started by Kate’s deceased journalist husband, Chris. We know the stakes are high, and probing too deep could cost Kate her job, and possibly more, so the tension throughout the book is on a knife edge. The internal battles she has with herself, and her wavering mental state, are also gripping to read, and make for an interesting twist on the detective crime novel. Fans of Line of Duty will love this series!

An additional storyline features Kate’s estranged step-sister returning from Australia with her delightful nephew in tow. The girls have a complicated history, and there are bridges to be built, so it makes for an interesting personal perspective on Kate and her past, and a further difficult incursion on her work to read of. There is nothing better in a detective story than to be able to see the investigators as fully rounded and complex people, rather than just tools of investigation, it really makes the reader invest in the person and their success in solving the mystery. I defy any of you to read the book and not become personally involved in Kate’s life, both professionally and personally.

Carol has pulled off the great achievement again of giving this book a satisfactory conclusion, but leaving the door open for the next book and the reader needing to know what happens next. She’s a crafty minx, that one. I also loved the fact that the books are set around the areas of Staffordshire & Derbyshire I know well – my partner currently living in Alrewas and myself having previously lived in Ashbourne- it is always interesting to see someone else’s perspective on familiar places (I had never heard of the Horn Dance though, I need to check this out!)

A fully satisfying read in a great series, when can I get the next one, please?

"You're mine, forever."

All the stars for the latest exciting and addictive thriller from the lady who has rightly been referred to as the Queen of Crime. I personally think that the Kate Young series is Wyer’s best series yet, and I am loving these darker, gritter books.

In the series’ second installment, Kate and her team are trying to find a cold, calculated and controlled killer who stalks his victims before brutally attacking them and branding them by carving the word ‘MINE’ into their back. As the attacks escalate, the clock is ticking and the team races to find this twisted killer before he can claim another victim. But clues are in short supply until Kate’s stepsister Tilly provides the link they’ve been missing. Can they find him before it’s too late?

Propelling you straight into the action, I was hooked from the first pages. Compulsive, suspenseful and unsettling, danger is woven into every page. There is an undercurrent fear as the killer stalks his victims. This ruthless predator who enjoys their anguish and pain could be anyone, and Wyer had me coming up with some wild theories about his identity and suspecting almost every male character. Adding to the sense of mistrust is Kate’s secret investigation into the death of her husband and corruption within the force.

Ms. Wyer is skilled at writing characters who are both relatable and totally unique. They have something different about them, and Kate Young is a perfect example. She helps this series stand out from the glut of other crime series out there because she is original, fresh and compelling. No other protagonist I know of has conversations with their dead husband as if he’s still living. But while she is a little kooky, she is also intelligent, fierce, determined and fractured, making the reader care about her and respect her outlook and decisions, something else that is vital in a protagonist and police detective.

But what I think I love most about Carol is her villains. She has written some brilliantly mencacing antagonists, with this one being another to add to that list. This man is a terrifying creation; a man who is deeply disturbed and unhinged, yet is able to hide it all behind a mask of normality that allows him to walk amongst others unnoticed, those around him unaware they are in the presence of a monster. His chapters were chilling, ominous and searing, the hatred and vengeance seeping from every word.

Wonderfully dark, sinister and exhilarating, A Cut For A Cut is perfect for anyone who loves crime fiction, police procedurals or TV shows such as Line of Duty. This is one not to be missed.

My Thoughts: firstly this is the second book in the series and although I won’t be putting anything that I consider to be spoilers for this book, I may put spoilers for the first book, so if you haven’t read it stop reading now and go buy a copy of An Eye for an Eye btw it’s only £1 on kindle at the moment and is totally worth the read!

As with the first one I found the writing style flowed nicely and was easy to follow, before I knew it I was a few chapters in and I’d only intended to read a few pages before work!

I did find this story and investigation a little slower paced and not quite as gripping as the first one but I appreciated that and at times felt like it may have been intentional because it meant that I had more time to take in the smaller details which ended up being important!

I enjoyed getting to know Kate and her team a little better & found myself still very much mistrusting or certain characters (I won’t spoil which ones, but let me just say they are the ones you should be able to trust the most!

I really don’t want to give even the smallest detail about the story away, I feel like it’s important that you go into this one knowing as little as possible!

I love how not everything has a conclusion yet which has left the series wide open for a third instalment which I CANNOT WAIT to devour when it’s ready!

💭 ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
I went into this one blind and I was pleasantly surprised. I love a good detective story. Even though I did guess the ending, it didn't take away any of the suspense. It was building up nicely and kept me on edge throughout. I was really invested in the main storyline. And found the 'side story' a little much; I didn't care too much for how that ended and it took me out of the main story a few times. I do like were it was headed but there is definitely a lot more to it and would love if the next book in the series explodes it! Kate's character was really fun and strong, love some female power.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Short Chapters 📚
Whodunnit
Detective investigations
Rizzoli & Isle (TV show)

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘳, 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥: 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 ‘𝘔𝘐𝘕𝘌’ 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘴.

𝘋𝘐 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨—𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮’𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵. 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵?

A Cut for a Cut is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series and after enjoying the first book, An Eye for an Eye, I was keen to read this one!

This book is set in Staffordshire, about four months after the first novel, and Kate is still determined to investigate her boss, Superintendent John Dickson, after all she learnt about him and the corruption in the force in her previous investigation.

When a woman is found dead in a waste bin in a restaurant car park in Abbots Bromley, Detective Inspector Kate Young and her small team of Detective Sergeant (DS) Emma Donaldson, 23, DS Morgan Meredith, 24, and Detective Constable (DC) Jamie Webster, 27, are tasked with discovering what happened to the unfortunate victim, who has the word ‘MINE’ cut into the flesh on her back.

Kate is still struggling after recent events involving her husband, Chris, and the appearance of her stepsister, Tilly, and her five-year-old son, Daniel, newly arrived from Australia, causes more turmoil in her life. She has a rather difficult relationship with Tilly due to her stepsister’s former husband, Jordan.

When a second body is found and it’s someone known to Kate and her team, the pressure on them to find the murderer intensifies. The investigation seems to be stalling and they struggle to find any links between the victims or locate many possible suspects or any useful witnesses. Yet again, Kate’s boss, Dickson, seems to want her to fail and enjoys putting obstacles in her path and making her life difficult. She’s also still suspicious of Detective Chief Inspector William Chase who isn’t very encouraging either.

Tilly is planning to move to Staffordshire permanently after tying up her affairs in Australia and she gets back in touch with some old friends from school in Uttoxeter and arranges a few dates too. With a killer on the loose, Kate warns her to be careful but, despite being attacked in the past, her stepsister isn’t too worried and takes some self-defence classes.

The police hit dead end after dead end and can’t connect any of the victims or their families or acquaintances and, unbeknown to the team, the killer is starting to get even more agitated and it’s only a matter of time before he attacks more women. Will Kate be able to work out the culprit and his motive before it’s too late?

I really enjoy police procedurals and this was another brilliant read from the author! The story is engaging, well plotted and tense – at times, I was shouting at various characters as they did daft things and put themselves in danger!

Kate is a strong character and despite the traumatic events of the past year, she manages to stay focused and determined, and she works well with her small team, getting the best from them in trying circumstances.

The storyline is gripping and, although the investigation is frustrating at times as the police don’t seem to be getting anywhere, I imagine it’s very reminiscent of real-life cases where they just need that lucky break to solve the crime. The book was cleverly written and well paced and there were some vital breakthroughs at key moments.

Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I read it in a day and didn’t want to put it down! There were some good twists and turns and I enjoyed trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. I didn’t make some of the connections and was surprised by how things turned out.

This series is developing well and I’m enjoying getting to know Kate Young and her small team and can’t wait for the next instalment!

Laura is attacked while walking home from her Yoga class. The attacker violates her, after rendering her unconscious and then suffocates her to death with a message carved on her back “MINE”.
Detective Kate Young is assigned the case and she starts working on all possible avenues trying to uncover the perpetrator when another woman, one who belongs to the Police Force is found in a similar condition, dumped in a waste bin. DI Kate’s team of three has now to work under double pressure.
Kate’s step-sister Tilly, is in the town, with her son Daniel. Tilly has been a victim of a similar attack and Kate cannot help but imagine how difficult it must be to cope after this kind of an attack. Meanwhile, another woman is attacked but fortunately, she remains breathing, and that sets DI Young on a positive trail of the killer.
Parallel to this case, Kate is working secretly on her husband’s case, trying to uncover evidence to prove her superior Superintendent John Dickson is responsible for the death of her husband and is involved in underage sex acts.
This book is the second book in DI Kate young series. Although the two are connected, you can read this as a standalone novel as the author has discussed the previous case sporadically in this book.
I loved the last book, immensely. And I wasn’t disappointed with the second either. It was packed with action. There was never a moment of dullness throughout the story. My love for crime thrillers just multiplied with this book.
My detective lens swept over all the characters and I kept hoping it wasn’t someone I liked from the story. Kate’s battle with grief and her job were played out flawlessly, and Kate’s last scene in the story spooked me.
And yet I think that the author could’ve done away with some repetitive information about the last case and Dickson. That would’ve made the story shorter and crisper. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
It was an exciting, thrilling, and gripping read that ran ahead at full speed.
I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

The beginning of this book was tough to get into. The writing didn't grab me, although I liked more the story and the characters. I kept reading to fine out what was going to happen, and I got more engrossed in the story. When things started to come together, I couldn't put the book down. Although I wasn't sure at fist, I will buy the first book, and look forward to the following books.

This is the second book in the DI Kate Young series. I enjoyed the first one an Eye for an Eye and equally enjoyed this one too. It can be read as a stand alone however there is some of the back story going on which is great.
It's well written with a good storyline. I enjoy the short chapters. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better. It had plenty of twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens in next book after that ending. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy thrillers, crime and fast paced books.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Thanks you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

The overview:
DI Kate Young can’t trust anybody. Not even herself.

In the bleak countryside around Blithfield Reservoir, a serial murderer and rapist is leaving a trail of bloodshed. His savage calling card: the word ‘MINE’ carved into each of his victims.

DI Kate Young struggles to get the case moving—even when one of the team’s own investigators is found dead in a dumpster. But Kate is battling her own demons. Obsessed with exposing Superintendent John Dickson and convinced there’s a conspiracy running deep in the force, she no longer knows who to trust. Kate’s crusade has already cost her dearly. What will she lose next?

When her stepsister spills a long-buried secret, Kate realises she’s found the missing link—now she must prove it before the killer strikes again. With enemies closing in on all sides, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them down. But time is running out, and Kate's past has pushed her to the very edge. Can she stop herself from falling?

The second Detective Kate Young novel, A Cut For A Cut, takes readers on a painful journey. Once again, Carol Wyer brings a full range of emotions to her writing. The unspeakable acts taking place in these sleepy little villages break your heart.

After Kate wraps up one murder investigation, another one falls in her lap. Though she is more stable mentally with help from her sister, her fragile mind seeks answers. She has trouble putting her husband’s murder to rest, but she must in order to solve the newest case in her care. A rapist is loose with no sign of stopping. Instead, his actions begin coming closer and closer together. Kate and her team feel pressured to solve this case fast but meet nothing but dead ends. Kate knows that the blocks come from the top of the police chain, and she knows why, but she can’t prove it yet.

I love the character of Kate. Her spunk is enough to get me to enjoy reading about her. Her mental instability makes her more endearing. She isn’t perfect, yet she gets things done. Morgan, Emma, and Jamie make up Kate’s team. Jamie is new in this novel, and I can’t stand him. There is more to him than meets the eye, and his mannerisms make me cringe. Morgan and Emma support Kate with every movement. When you add in Ervin, Felicity, and Harvey, you get an incredible support system for Kate’s work. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Tilly, but I am glad she got a bigger role in this novel. Getting to know her helped me like her.

Wyer’s story kept me guessing. It wasn’t until closer to the end that I guessed who the rapist was. I admit that this novel was hard for me to read. The events hit too close to home for me, yet I found it a bit cathartic. This guy has some major issues that messed with my head.

I enjoyed the book, but it felt like it took me two hundred years to read. The story felt like a bit of a slog, yet I don’t know what I would cut out to make it read easier. There is a lot of information to take in with this series. The reason for the slog could easily be my emotional head spin while reading. I can’t put my finger on the culprit.

I award A Cut For A Cut 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is entertaining, and the action at the end felt intense. If you enjoy crime procedurals, I recommend this series. If you do read it, give Kate a little slack, she’s been through a lot.

This is the second book in the series, and while it can largely be read as a standalone you do lose out on some of the nuance and backstory especially with regards to the overarching plot, and I know for me at least part of the enjoyment was mapping the development between the two books, especially for the titular character. DI Kate Young was one of my favourite aspects of the first book because she was so well-written and as our POV character, she made for a fascinating and sympathetic narrator because of what she had gone through. In A Cut for a Cut, it feels as though Young has grown into herself, or rather that she is coming back to herself and beginning to see the world around her, and the situation she is in – and that her husband was caught up in – more clearly, and I loved how Wyer managed to capture this development making it very human and believable as gradual progress, not free of stumbling blocks, and it was wonderful to see the process of anger and grief being explored as part of life, and having to continue to work and focus on an active case.

This great characterisation is not limited to Young, and Wyer has populated her book with vivid, interesting characters on all sides of the situations that Young is involved in. In particular, though, I have to give a shout out to how Wyer writes her villains – and although I managed to connect the dots about who the killer was, it did not detract from the impact of the character.

As with book one, the plot and the pacing of this book are full-throttle from the very beginning and you can’t help but be swept along for the ride. I think Wyer upped the ante in this one, particularly with regards to atmosphere, because there was a wonderful combination of menace and fear as we are drawn into this case, and follow the course of the investigation. While I did connect the dots, there was a wonderful web of red herrings and clues, both with the investigation into the predator in the active case and within Young’s clandestine investigation. This was combined with a difficult, yet well-executed exploration of the emotional impact related to the rapes and murders being committed- it certainly wasn’t easy to read, and Wyer does not shy away from the brutal reality of these crimes, but nor are they sensationalised and that can be a very hard line to tread.

An engrossing, if not always easy to read continuation to this series. Wyer has taken Young and the subplot to new heights in A Cut for a Cut, while also upping the ante with regards to the ‘main’ investigation. I look forward to seeing where Wyers will take us and Young in the next book, and I would recommend this series and book to anyone who loves crime fiction, especially with a lead detective who stands out from the crowd.

I love everything that Carol Wyer writes and A Cut for a Cut, the second book in the DI Kate Young series, is no exception. It's absolutely brilliant: fast-paced, gripping, tense and fraught with danger. As it summarises the main plot points from book 1 (An Eye for an Eye), A Cut for a Cut can be read as a standalone, but it is so much richer and impressive when read in series order. Whichever order you read the books in, the Detective Kate Young series is a must-read for crime fiction fans.

Kate Young and her team are on the hunt for a serial rapist but Kate has one eye off the ball as she strives to bring her husband's killer to justice. With corruption in the force, Kate's every move is watched and reported back to dodgy Superintendent John Dickson. As Dickson works feverishly to cover his tracks, Kate is slowly gathering evidence against him but time is running out unless Kate delivers on the rapist case.

Ooh this series is SO good and Carol Wyer's plotting in A Cut for a Cut is dazzling. I was on the edge of my seat and feeling suspicious of pretty much everyone throughout this fantastic novel. With so much going on, it really kept me on my toes and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. As much as I wanted to find out who the rapist was, I was equally intrigued by Dickson's cover up as this is the thread that binds the series together.

Simply brilliant! A Cut for a Cut is outstanding from start to finish. It's a stunning addition to a marvellous series and I can't wait to see what's next in store for Kate. Very highly recommended.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

As I continue the DI Kate Young series I’m happy to see Kate continue her mission to bring down the dirty cops in her department even though those same cops are doing everything possible to push her out. For example, they are relegating her to lead an undermanned task force to find a serial murder/rapist and bypassing her authority to see all evidence in the case.

DI Kate Young has been through a lot. After a traumatic case that almost cost her her job and the murder of her journalist husband that may involve a dirty cop, Kate is holding on to her sanity…just barely. Being pulled two directions and living on little sleep, she is determined to find evidence on the man she suspects murdered her husband and she is working on a serial rapist/murder case with victims piling up and pressure from above to solve the case. Her career is on the line and the chips are stacked. Will she be able to keep it together enough to find her killers?

Kate is tough and vulnerable at the same time. She is keeping secrets from her team and her family as she singlehandedly seeks justice on her own for the only man who knew her best. Her sister Tilly and nephew Daniel are the only family she has left and she wants to keep them safe from the horrors of her job, but the deeper she dives into the present case, the more her past comes back to haunt them. In addition, the more Kate digs around in the past, the more her life is threatened by the people she once trusted.

Even though I guessed the rapist from the beginning, I still enjoyed the fast-paced investigation to implicate the killer. The story is told in Kate’s and the killer’s voices and there is nothing more creepy than the mind of a psycho.

I recommend this action-packed mystery full of unexpected twists and turns, a driven protagonist, and a number of treacherous and shady antagonists. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Ms. Wyer for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

This is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series. If you haven’t read the first then this could be read as a stand-alone book but in my opinion you would lose some of the story if you don’t know the background from the first book.

DI Kate Young is called in to investigate when a woman’s body is found in an industrial bin, with the words MINE carved into her shoulder. The team are trying to find clues when another body is discovered. The team suddenly have a serial murderer an their patch.

As well as the case, Kate is also running her own secret investigation into her boss, who she thinks could be involved in, not only, an underage prostitution ring but also the murder of Kate’s husband. Can Kate finally find some evidence that backs her claim and can she also find the serial murderer ?

This is a great addition to the Detective Kate Young series and in my opinion this one was a little better than the first, even though the first was a great read !! I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Kate and her team next.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Having read and been intrigued by An Eye for An Eye by Carol Wyer, featuring Detective Kate Young), I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and review book 2 in the series.

I am glad to say that the niggles I had from the last book were completely gone in this one.

Kate is now a more confident and clearly defined character. Still flawed and still grieving but in a much more believable way. In my view, Kate from book 1 almost certainly shouldn't have been a serving officer. However, Kate in book 2 was a  great character to get to know and I really enjoyed following her and the team.

The focus in A Cut for a Cut is on the pursuit of a serial killer who has been targeting women for years - his assaults are brutal and Kate and her team work tirelessly to track him down. There are plenty of suspects around and the whodunnit aspect of the book was great. As was the air of intrigue surrounding the whiff of corruption that floats throughout the story.

I liked the back story with Kate and her stepsister, it is good to get to know a character rather than them just being a detective - Kate Young is very human and this definitely adds tot he story.

Overall, this series is shaping up very nicely and I look forward to reading more from Carol Wyer.

A Cut for a Cut by @carolwyer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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After reading an Eye for an Eye at the beginning of this year I was left with so many questions. I was so pleased to be given this ARC so I could read the second book in the trilogy.
The story sees us back with DI Kate Young who has recently been joined by stepsister Tilly who has moved back from Australia. But their bonding time is cut short when Kate is called into work following the rape and murder of a young woman. This is shortly followed by further victims and Kate is under pressure to find the killer before he strikes again.
This book was fast- paced and gripping. The writing style is fantastic at telling the story, giving just the right amount of information to the reader. I developed a good image in my head throughout. I love a story that keeps me guessing and shocks me with a ‘twist’ unfortunately this book didn’t have this for me which is why I have given it 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carol Wyer for this fantastic e-ARC

Just as DI Kate Young is settling in a new relationship with her estranged sister and nephew of many years, Kate and her team are called in on a brutal new murder case involving a young woman horribly sexually assaulted with the word MINE carved into her flesh below her shoulder. The murder was perpetrated in a lovely area smaller than a village where crimes rarely take place and never a murder. Unfortunately this case has all the markings of of a possible serial killer on the loose because the very next day another young woman's body turns up in similar surroundings as well as the same details as the first killing. Kate takes this case personally and wants the vicious murderer found right away before other woman can be attacked or killed. Sadly, she only has a team of three with a new constable (Jaime) finally added to her team who seems to be a hard worker but does not get along well. with Sgt Morgan Meredith who is the only.one on the force that she feels she can really trust and confide in. Kate is still emotionally fragile from the devastating murders that occurred several months ago which included her husband and a large part of her is always trying to figure out how to bring the killers to justice because she knows who is truly responsible .but with his high ranking profile he is an untouchable. Will Kate finally realize that this is a battle she can't win or will she even survive through these new murders when there is someone possibly tracking her every move and wanting to see her permanent downfall in shame from the police department or does that someone just want to see Kate dead?

This is the second book in the DI Kate Young police procedural series and I am so hooked. I just love Carol Where's writing and storylines and can't get enough. Now I'm disappointed (kidding) that I'll have to wait a long time for a new book to be written in this series and I want to continue reading immediately! I really enjoyed the new characters that have been added but love the continuation. of some of the others from Book one and they get intertwined seamlessly within this new story. This book could be read as a stand-alone but I feel you would be doing yourself an injustice without reading the book "Eye For An Eye" first since there are so many details that are very relevant to to how this current story plays out and also giving the reader a clear understanding of who detective Kate Young really is and also any of the other major characters that were involved in the first book (IMO), although for some readers this may not be a necessity since the book will give brief updates on any events that are mentioned from the first story so a person won't feel lost while reading this story so.please don't overlook this book if you haven't read the first one. ( Apologies for being redundant ). I'm just trying to emphasize what a great series writer "Carol Wyer" is and just a fantastic author period! As anyone can see I'm a big fan of this author and can hardly wait for the next book release
and I highly recommend these terrific books to any and all readers who enjoy detective/mysteries and thrillers.

I want to thank the publisher "Amazon Publishing UK"/ Thomas & 38 Mercer" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fast-paced story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

II have given this book a rating of 4 1/2 Intriguing 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 Stars!!

*4.5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a very interesting read with good characters. I like enjoy books by this author. Would recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, publisher Amazon Publishing UK: Thomas & Mercer, and author Carol Wyer for the electronic review copy.

This is Book #2 in the DI Kate Young series - and very good it is too!

Returning from leave after the murder of her investigate journalist husband Chris, Superintendent John Dickson has refused to allow Kate to head up her previous large team, instead she now has a team of 4. Dickson makes it known that he doesn't think she's ready to be back, but Kate knows he keeping an eye on her as he's suspicious of connections she may be making regarding his involvement with a paedophile ring - let alone having a hand in her husband's death - Chris was investigating that ring and especially Dickson. Indeed, Kate is continuing to pursue Chris's investigation.

In a sleepy village of Abbots Bromley Laura Dean is attacked on her way home from her yoga class; she's dumped in a waste bin on a restaurant car park The word "MINE" has been cut into her back. Kate and her team are called in to investigate. Then Heather Gault, a civilian working with the police, is similarly attacked on leaving her office - this is one of their own - what's the connection?
With each attack Kate can't help but dredge up memories of her step-sister Tilly's attack when she was fourteen - and these new victims all look very similar. Tilly and son Daniel have returned from Australia after marital troubles and Kate is gradually catching up with her.

Another attack takes place on Olivia Sandman - only this time she is left alive - just. With the investigation hitting nothing but dead ends, and with still no clue as to any connection between the victims, the team have to redouble their efforts. The killer knows his victims' routines and habits so must spend time stalking them before striking.

We intermittently have narrative from the point of view of the killer and his chilling motivations, but delightful moments as Kate continues to talk to her dead husband.

Can't wait for Book #3..

A serial murderer and rapist is raping and killing women and leaving the word ‘MINE’ carved into his victims. DI Kate Young is investigating these cases as well as clandestinely looking into corruption on the force which possibly resulted in the death of her husband, a journalist. Really a lot for one person to deal with. Carol Wyer is an author who is new to me and I'm very impressed. Oh, and I love this cover! I also have to comment on the name of the village where this novel takes place, Abbots Bromley - such an unusual (to my Canadian way of thinking at least) name but it sounds idyllic and I would very much like to attend the Horn Dance!

It took me a while to get into this book but I don't think it was a fault with the book. Too much on my mind and too many books on my plate! This book was very well written and easy to read but I thought all the conversations Kate was having with her dead husband were a bit much, with him even going so far as to supply her with a contact name. Whaaat?! It really made me question her mental health, especially when she mentioned having these conversations out loud. And the closing line! Very weird. I haven't read the first book in the series but didn't feel at a disadvantage and I may go back and read Book 1 if I ever get caught up on my other books. I'd give this book 3-1/2 stars if that was a choice but I'll round it up to 4.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
Publication Date: June 29, 2021

The long and the short of it: Kate Young is a badass!
This book played out like an episode of criminal minds and I was here for every second of it. Although this is the second book in a series, Wyers strong writing makes it so you do not need to read the first to understand and love this book (although after reading this you’re gonna want to!) I will be buying this book!

This is the 2nd book in the detective Kate young series and this series keeps getter better and better .i recommend you read the first book so you get her background . This is an action packed book that had my pulse racing and devouring every page .A great police procedural that will have you hooked . If you haven't read this series I recommend you do . You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one in the series

Kate Young has a challenge on her hands, trying to figure out who is stalking and then murdering young women - women who all look much the same as each other. She is also convinced there is corruption on the force and she doesn't know who she can trust.

However, she gets to spend some quality time with her step-sister and her nephew which gives her a bit of a break from her intense case.

This was a very good story which I enjoyed reading. The author certainly is talented in the way she tells a tale. I am really looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

Sadly this one in the series didn't live up to the previous in my opinion. The whole talking to Chris thing was unnecessary in the depth of takes on in her mind.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

An excellent well-written book, believable storyline, full of twists and turns, good ending. It's an intricate plot with a really good ending.

A Cut for a Cut by Carol Wyer is the second in the Detective Kate Young series. I loved the first book, An Eye for an Eye, so I was really excited to read this one.

I love when a second book is even better than the first. I really enjoyed this. Carol Wyer has an excellent writing style. She knows how to hook you, and keep you invested in the story. This is a great pace, and I really enjoyed it.

The thing that makes this book flow so well is the character development. Kate is such an awesome main character. She’s continued to be strong, and I feel like I know her, now. It was like catching up with an old friend.

I recommend giving this series a shot. This can be read as a standalone, but you get more character info if you read them in order.

Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

I hadn’t read the first book - which did put me at a slight disadvantage as I truly believe little things get missed. I loved carol Wyers previous procedural series and felt I had to give this a whirl.
Katie is a great lead - amongst many great leads at the moment as there does seem to be a plethora of crime series featuring bad ass strong female leads.
Most of the book kept me gripped and it was so well written, I just didn’t like the conversations she had with her dead husband - was a bit distracting for me!
Recommend for fans or Gina Harte and Katie Scott.

I wanted to read this book when I read the. It sounded just up my alley. But I didn't consider this book being the second book in a series. When I hadn’t read the first book I found myself missing some pieces of the story even though I got the basic relationships and what had happened told in this one as well. But it was a solid story but I had wished I had read the first one to feel more engaged with the story and the characters.

Here is an author that is Just brilliant, her books just get better and better. A Cut for a Cut by Carol Wyer was Just........Brilliant! This is the second installment in the newish and brilliant Detective Kate Young, series.

"Detective Kate Young can’t trust anybody Not even herself."

Kate is beginning to juggle everything around her. Not only she looking for a murderer and it's looking like they're a serial rapist Kate, is still processing several stages of grief, and trying to come to times with the attack and murder of her loving husband. However, she is also determined to get behind it. She's so sure that Superintendent John Dickson is behind it.

But, how can she prove it?

Kate is spending time visiting stepsister Tilly and nephew Daniel. and she is trying to make up to Tilly as they have had problems in the past. and they drifted apart. So time together is sorely needed.

Wow will Kate find who killed her Husband? and the catch the murderer in time before they kill again?

I highly recommend this series of books. Well, all of her books. Carol is just an amazing exciting author that just writes one of the best series of books you can read out there!

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Detective Kate Young is back in the second installment of Carol Wyer's Detective Kate Young series, A Cut for a Cut. To give a fair review, I read the first book in the series, An Eye for an Eye. Some books in a series can stand alone. With this one, you would benefit from reading the first book.

I am a fan of Wyer's two police procedural series, her DI Robyn Carter series and the Detective Natalie Ward series, and was excited about a new series.

Young is a damaged but determined detective who works with a small team. She is struggling to come to terms with her husband's murder, and her team begins to notice she is not on the top of her game when they are tasked with finding who is sexually assaulting then killing young women. The investigation hits home when one of the victims is a woman the team all know through work. All through this, Kate continues an unsanctioned investigation started in the first book.

Let me just say, if you are a fan of British police procedural and strong women characters, then this or either of Wyer's other two series are ones to read.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com

Carol Wyer is an incredible writer! A Cut For A Cut is genuinely creepy and compelling. Kate Young is a phenomenal character and I love following her journey.

Since reading An Eye for an Eye earlier this year, I have eagerly been awaiting the next instalment in the Detective Kate Young series and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

As I said in my last review, I just love Kate Young as a lead female detective and this second book cemented my thoughts on that. She is a very headstrong and determined woman and it’s great to see this in crime/thriller books. Despite all the difficulties Kate has had, she persevered until the end even when others are doubting her. Wyer has created the character brilliantly and shows bother her flaws and weaknesses, as well as he tenacity to get the job done.

The plot of this one is great in terms of a crime thriller. We see women being targeted by a violet, serial rapist and Kate and her team in a race against time to find out who it is and stop them. What I particularly liked about this novel is that although it’s fast paced, it also highlights to reality of police work and how slow a case can be. The team are finding it difficult at times to piece together the evidence and I found it refreshing to read and some crime thrillers are extremely fast paced and unrealistic.

As with any series, there is a backstory playing alongside the current investigation and I’m so intrigued as to where this will go! I love that it’s burning slowly in the background, never far from Kate’s mind. As with any Carol Wyer book, she writes her characters brilliantly. Whilst I have mentioned how I love Kate, her team don’t quite gel as they should but again I think this makes the series all the more interesting and there’s definitely something dodgy going on with one of two of them in the background…

A brilliant second novel in the series and one I would highly recommend. Carol Wyer always provides top quality crime writing, with in depth characters alongside complex and intriguing plots!

A Cut For a Cut by Carole Wyer is the second book in the Detective Kate Young series. I was so happy to be back to catch up with Kate. A woman who isn't a run of the mill D.I, so needless to say you can expect this book not to be a straight police thriller.
Kate and the team are on a case of a serial rapist and murderer. This perpetrator is vicious, the team and the family members of the victims are all horrifIed at these acts. For Kate herself they take her too close to her memories of the past. Every member of this investigation become more frustated and it becomes apparent as they continue to hunt for this killer they want of the streets. We move between Kate with her personal life, the investigation and to the killers point of view too. We learn of their motivations as the story unfolds.
This series is one that you really could do with reading the first book as Kate's background is continued within this story, although the first book was it's own story as is this. There are revelations that affect Kate in her personal life and we see how Kate reacts to wether to follow her instinct to find the truth or do what is actually right.
Carol Wyer and her characterisation is again spot on. Kate is a very realistic character whom I find intriguing. She is a widow whose husband died in a terrorist attack not too long back and she is still grieving. In 'A Cut For A Cut' we have her sister and nephew visiting her. We see the relationship between herself and her sister play out within these pages and I feel it added another dimension and depth to Kate for me anyway.
Another dark and gritty police procedural/thriller from Carol Wyer. I was gripped immediately just as I was with the first instalment of D.I Kate Young. A series I am looking forward to developing even more and I am eagerly awaiting number three!
Thanks to Emma Welton from Damp Pebbles Blog Tours, Carol Wyer and NetGalley for my copy of this excellent book.

Over-all the book was good but in some ways was predictable. There was a nice build-up in the end but didn't quite live up to it. Also since the book is in a series, I would advise that you read the previous book because the parallel story requires a background to it or else it can feel incomplete to the reader.

Another gripping and disturbing read from the talented Ms Wyer. Vivid characterisation and exploration of mental health issues along with skilful weaving of plot threads make this a page turner. Five stars!

A Cut For A Cut by Carol Wyer is a fast paced thriller that had me gripped from beginning to end. It is the second book to feature DI Kate Young and is every bit as good as An Eye For An Eye, which is the first book in this fabulous police procedural series.One thing I would say is that even though this book can be read as a standalone, reading An Eye For An Eye first would definitely make for a much richer reading experience in my opinion.

This time we catch up with Kate a few months following the events of the previous story, ready to try to prove herself once again and to continue with her investigation into Superintendent John Dickson, who she still doesn’t trust after everything she recently found out about him.

In A Cut For A Cut, a serial murderer and rapist is leaving a trail of death and destruction behind him, carving the word ‘MINE’ into each of his victims. Kate and her small team are put in charge of the investigation, but with very little to go on are struggling to find any leads. When one of their own investigators is found dead in a dumpster, Kate knows she must do everything in her power to find the murderer before he strikes again. Struggling with her own personal demons, Kate feels herself being pushed closer and closer to the edge. Can she and her team unmask the killer before it’s too late? Or will this investigation prove to be a step too far for her?

What follows is a dark and tense police procedural that keeps you on your toes throughout. DI Kate Young is a complex and interesting character who I’m looking forward to getting to know even more as the series continues. With a strong cast of supporting characters and a dark and twisted storyline, A Cut For A Cut is a clever and fast paced thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to see whatever Carol Wyer has planned for DI Kate Young in the future!

Recommended.

I love a book, that is a part of a series but can be read as a stand alone and not suffer from huge gaps of information covered in the previous book.

This is a tense and fast paced cetecti e thriller that kept me reading late into the night.

There are plenty of clues that lead through a dozen plot twists. A believable police procedural, a main character with plenty of room for growth - I am looking forward to the next installment.

Definitely a huge fan of Carol Wyer, love her writing style and the strong female characters that feature within the pages of her books.
Kate Young has the potential to become one of my favourites. She’s likeable and not to sharp around the edges, just worry about the amount of times she talks to her husband…..
We meet kates stepsister Tilly in this book too, so get to see how she interacts with her.
Hoping to see Kate grow and get help she needs to deal with the fate of her husband. Brilliant follow up to an eye for an eye

I have been so excited for this book after the previous novel. I definitely haven’t been disappointed.

This is a book that I have found gripping with some hard to read scenes. The author allows us to gain insight into the emotional scars of the characters.

This is dark and extremely hard to put down. I have been completely gripped by this unpredictable novel.

I love the characters in this one. I have been so excited to revisit Kate after the previous book. I am a huge fan of this author and already cannot wait to read more.

Just your average crime tale. I was looking forward to reading more about Detective Kate Young, thanks to her very interesting personal vice. While many detectives can't stay away from drugs, drink, or beautiful women, Kate's problem is grief. She finds that the only way to get through some of her work, and her life, is by talking to her deceased husband (even at times putting on his voice).

But unfortunately, this played a little off as the novel progressed, with Kate not talking to her husband for long periods, only to have disagreements with him in her own mind, and even telling herself that she's losing a grip on things.

Other elements of the story just didn't pack a punch. The pacing was so slow it felt like I was dragging my feet through the whole thing. There were no real surprises. Everything is very cut and dry and happens exactly as you would expect it. Having not read the first novel in the series, I didn't feel lost, which was good, and could pick up the story of the corruption in the police force without trouble, although the overarching plot of the corruption seems to also be very slow going.

Overall, it was a kind of disappointing read given the other stellar reviews. Unfortunately, A Cut for a Cut doesn't bring anything new that sets it apart from other longer-standing crime series, and it doesn't hold a candle to the Lisa Gardener stories I've read, so I probably won't be reading the next one.

💥💥 may contains spoilers 💥💥
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Thankyou netgalley,Amazon publishing uk and carol wyer for the advance copy for an honest review .
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This is the second book from this series and far much better on the first . I'm still struggling to connect with characters which is the reason why I left out the 1⭐️.
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Well written and the story is intriguing. Definitely worth to read!🥰
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❤️shaye.reads

I love Carol Wyer's books. I am always so excited to get my hands on her new releases. Book 2 with Kate Young does not disappoint! Another fast paced police drama with lots of wonderful characters. I love Kate and her team - they are such real people that you can relate too. A really tense read with some dirty suspects. I cant wait for Book 3.

Really good and fabulous book, loved the style of writing and the twists and turns. Fab characters and thrilling and unique take on the crime genre.

I would have given it a 3.5 star rating, but truly think it needed a stronger mystery element to get the 4 star rating.

I had a few issues with the plot, in particular the villain being so obvious. I was truly hoping for a twist and surprise revelation.
I would probably read the next book in the series to see how DI Kate Young progresses exposing the corrupt elements within the force.

I read the first book An Eye for an Eye and enjoyed following DI Kate Young in this police procedural so I was looking forward to reading this second book.
Kate and her team have to catch a serial rapist while Kate also secretly tries to uncover corruption within the department.
Can not wait for the third installment.

I am hooked on this series. Being a fan of J. D. Robb who has a strong female detective lead, this was right up that alley. With the on going investigation of the mystery behind her husband's death, this series has me hooked for future books. Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to discover this wonderful author.

I love this author.
This book is second in the new series
D.I. Kate Young is hunting a serial rapist and murderer and also trying to deal with corruption in her team.
This can be read as a stand-alone book but you will find out more about Kate and the corruptions.
Another great book
Thanks NetGalley

My thanks to Mercer an Thomas, Amazon. publishing blah and blah!
Sadly, this was just a.bushel full of Meh. Nothing but meh. And all.day, meh!
Should you read it? Meh?