One for Sorrow

Avon,
I can't express how thankful I am for the opportunity to read and review book seven!
Now I'm obsessed with the D.I. Callanach set!

One For Sorrow by Helen Fields book 7
Even though I have not read.1-6 this can read as a standalone.
I do intend to read the ones before. Because I hate reading a series out of order.

One for Sorrow,
This addictive story flows so well. I was seriously captivated by the story and before I knew what time it was I damn near done! Had to slow it down some.
The story was amazing, a real thriller that grabbed me from the start. 
I loved how real this story felt! Its amazing to me really how an author can do what they do. And Helen did the dang thing with this one.
A great page turner from Fields, I devoured it in a matter of hours and am already anxious for the next instalment. 
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Now I'm off to figure out how I can get book one through six!
Because I need them all now!

Thank you again to Avon, NetGalley and Fields for this phenomenal story!
I will post to my platforms closer to the pub date!

This is the 7th book in the DI Callanach series by author Helen Fields. This is an excellent series that features a former member of Interpol, Luc Callanah who is now working for the Major Investigations Team of Police Scotland, based in Edinburgh. I really enjoy this series which has great characters, interesting plots and always a page turner. This latest book is again written at a very high standard and is sure to please readers of the series.

A lone bomber is spreading terror across Edinburgh as he targets victims and no one is safe. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach face death everyday in their chosen careers and not just the deaths of the people being taken hostage by the killer. It becomes apparent that with every tip-off they are walking into a trap designed to kill them too, It becomes a race against time to stop the bomber before he causes any more deaths with Ava and Luc facing the ultimate price. All the time the dead body count is rising as the police seek to find the bomber.

This is a real page turner with twists and turs and plenty of action. The tension rises to the very end of the novel.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Having read books by Helen Fields before, I knew what to expect and certainly wasn’t disappointed. If you haven’t read any of Helen’s books then you are missing out and this is as good a one to start with as any, although if you don’t like to jump into a character or characters who have appeared in previous titles, missing out on some of their life stories then start from her first books and work up to this one.
Fast moving, nice twists and a very enjoyable read.
Recommend.

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

Helen Fields has really wrote a cracker of a read here, and one which had me enthralled. She is one of my favourite authors and her books have always hit the mark with me. The book started off so well, with a beginning I couldn’t have ever imagined and it just got better as it progressed. I’ve followed this series from the start and wow, this book is a great addition to an already fab series of books. I loved being back in the world of the MIT and following Ava and Luc as they investigate a case where a lone bomber is targeting citizens of Edinburgh. Who is he and why is he doing this? I loved the dual time line and had empathy for some of the characters in the story whilst loathing others. The inclusion of a character from a previous book was a brilliant addition to the story and gave depth into the bombers motivation and actions. I hope to see this character feature more in future books. Overall this was a thrilling, fast paced read that was so very well written and engaging. There were many ‘wow’ moments for me and twists galore that made this such a great read. As always this author knows how to connect with a reader and keep that connection going all the way through the book. Highly recommend this book and series and looking forward to Helen Fields next book.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review electronically…Temes of friendship, respect, murder, and mayhem. Although the story moves somewhat slowly, it does speed up to a conclusion that is satisfactory. The characters are realistic with problems of their own, combined to mesh together to enclose the main idea of this book…. Try this one…this author is an excellent writer in keeping the reader’s attention.

Firstly massive thank to Avon books and netgalley for the oppurtunity to read an early copy of this book.
I have read and loved all of the Luc and Ava series so far. I think its quite hard for a writer of a series to keep up the suspense and thrill for so long, but Helen Fields has managed it and each book gets better.
I was excited to read the next installment, and from thenvery beginning i was hooked. I was guessing the whole way through and when i thought i knew, i was proved wrong. At one point, i felt like id been slapped, because i couldn't believe what i was reading. Then when i thought i had recovered, Helen dealt a blow so hard, i had to put it down because i knew what was coming and i didnt want to have to read it. Well done Helen, because you have managed another amazing installment to an amazing series. Some series tend to get a bit slow after so many books, but this series has just got better and better. Now please wrote the next book super quick because you left it on such a cliff hanger, i need to know whats going to happen.
If i could give more than 5 stars i would because it deserves so much more. Amazing book, i definitely advise reading it

I've been an avid reader of this series from the start, very few authors consistently write such tense, high stakes, high quality dark crime thrillers.

This series is at its best when Ava and Luc are working closely together, with high threat levels, racing against time to prevent the next major crime, and this book delivers.

There is a bomber causing carnage with devastating explosions, Luc and Ava must try to get get one step ahead before the bomber strikes again. Dr Connie Woolwine who starred in The Shadow Man also makes an appearance.

This book has it all, brilliant characters, tension, twists and danger from the first page to the last. The 'Before' plot (which goes deep into the history behind the bomber's motivations) is excellent, surprisingly poignant and as involving and all-consuming as the race to stop the crimes.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, one of the very best books from one of the best authors in the genre.

It would work as a standalone, but if you haven't read the previous six books you should really treat yourself.

The perfect continuation to the 'Perfect' series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK

Wow, what can I say? I finished One for Sorrow late last night and I can honestly say I’m still reeling. What a triumph for Helen Fields. Few words come to mind upon reflecting back on my voracious read of her latest book;
Fast-paced. Relentless. Powerful. Breath-taking. Emotional. Devastating. Heart-stopping.

I have been an avid reader of Helen Fields since 2018 when I first stumbled across Perfect Remains just as I started my Masters. Delighted to have discovered a series that was already well-established and highly praised, I began reading and listening my way through the rest of the series on my morning and evening commutes to and from college – it has to be said that Robin Laing does a masterful job of narrating the series and his portrayal of Luc, in particular, is exemplary. I quickly learned that this was the story of two detectives with a difference and with so much to offer both new and enduring readers.

Fields’ realistic and refreshing portrayal of a man who is left to deal with the aftermath of a false rape allegation is manifest in our first protagonist, Detective Inspector Luc Callanach. Cleared of all charges, he escapes France and returns to the country of his birth, Scotland, to start a new life, a new job, and to ultimately try to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Luc is a real gem and Fields provides him with the room and tools to grow as the series progresses. This is evident in his work ethic, his relationships with his colleagues and closest friends, his endless empathy for victims, and the difficult challenges he faces and overcomes. Following his character development and journey is such a pleasure.

Our second protagonist is Ava Turner, a sharp, bright, unfailingly hard-working detective who, as the series progresses, quickly rises through the ranks. At the end of Perfect Prey (Book #2), we see her rise to the position of Detective Chief Inspector of the Major Investigation Team. Although entirely well deserved, the role does not come without its challenges and Ava finds herself, more often than not, shouldering the brunt of the investigations she leads, getting up close and personal with the truly gruesome and horrifying aspects of these crimes.
It was in Perfect Silence (Book #4) that Ava tells Luc, “Police work turns you into an emotional sieve. You start off with so much hope and good intention. Little by little it runs out of you and you’re left with only the hard bits of yourself.” This is especially evident in One for Sorrow. While Ava is a no nonsense, boots-on-the ground detective, she has an unshakeable compassion for victims and little by little, it is revealed to the reader the extent of the impact these horrific crimes have on her, physically and mentally, and yet, she perseveres. The reader can only hope that Ava takes action before she allows herself to become the sieve she once cautioned Luc about.

Luc and Ava’s relationship is, for me, the highlight of this series and Fields does a fantastic job of portraying their enduring friendship, their struggles, and later, their deep love for one another.

And so, we arrive at the heart-stopping events of One for Sorrow. From the get-go, we are flung right into the action, brought on a journey that grips you tight and never lets go, even to the last page – I can certainly say this book will stay with me for a long time.

Luc, Ava, and the rest of Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team are plunged into a destructive plot that seeks to maim and kill innocent victims all over the city. It becomes clear that no one is safe and Edinburgh’s finest find themselves at the very centre of it. The twists and turns are unrelenting and as the reader navigates their way through the shocking events, it becomes abundantly clear that everything is on the line.

I really enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters that make up MIT again; DS Lively, DS Tripp, Superintendent Overbeck, DI Pax Graham, and new joiner Dr Nate Carlisle. Fields does a wonderful job of portraying their rapport with one another – I have become so invested in the team I feel like I know them personally. Also, our beloved Natasha – I constantly found myself laughing at her antics and her exchanges with Luc and Ava. She is simply irreplaceable.
Other highlights of my read included Dr Connie Woolwine’s appearance (from Helen Fields’ standalone The Shadow Man). The conversation she has with Luc in the bar is a stand-out. Also, I really enjoyed Dr Carlisle’s appearance - I am looking forward to seeing him again at some stage.

One for Sorrow had me gripped from the very start to the very end. Truth be told, it took me an exceptionally long time to pick up my jaw from the floor after reading the last page.
For any prospective readers out there that are looking to delve into a series that has superb character development, enthralling plotting, and unforgettable twists and turns please consider this one – I promise you won’t regret it.
I would like to sincerely thank Helen Fields, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I didnt rea.ise that several other books had come before this one fesaturing the same detective, however that didnt stop me enjoying this book. It was gripping and tense, full of mystery and suspense and was so unpredictable. A great stroy, great writing and well devloped characters makes this one of my new favourite charcaters and a new author that i need to devour at every opportunity.

I have read every single one of Helen's books and enjoyed them all. This one was just as brilliant maybe even better. I love following DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach's lives and seeing what they get up to. I would say you really need to read all the other books to get a sense of each character and hear their back stories. Trust me as soon as you pick this book up, you will not want to put it down. It is a cracker of a read with twists and turns coming at you from every corner, you won't know who to trust, or what is going to happen. The story had me from the first chapter and I managed to read it in a day. I think this is the best detective series I have ever read and I wonder where it will go from here on out. This series would be perfect for a TV series. I feel as though Ava and Luc are my friends and I was rooting for them to find the killer in their next investigation. Such a great story that I want to re read, just to get that feeling again.

As twisted as always from this author. Well written with a complex plot, the return of several characters and a killer conclusion

When a madman intent on taking lives and destroying property begins detonating bombs all over Edinburgh, Detectives Ava Turner and Luc Callanach are tasked with tracking down the killer before he can strike again. Playing a deadly game with a killer leaving them clues, Ava and Luc are aware that every step closer to the killer means that they are putting themselves in harms way. What is the killer’s agenda, and who is next on his list? This is a tight, believable police procedural that kept me on the edge of my seat

Absolutely brilliant! I have loved every book in this series but this is by far the best. Tense and gritty it has left me very unsettled. More please.

How had i never come across this author before?! This, for me, was the perfect book!! Its so complex and well written, there are twists and turns and it keeps you hooked right through til the end! It's nice and dark and edgy and really does send shivers down your spine at parts. The characters themselves are so well crafter that these are almost real people woth real personalities and backgrounds and it just adds so much to the story and to how invested you get in these people when you are left feeling you do really know them. They're not characters anymore, these are people you care about and who you want to see come out on top and I loved that about this story. This book keeps you so edge for so much of the story that once you do finish it, you will definitely need a lie down to actually process the insane journey this book takes you on! Amazing!!

Without a doubt the best book I've read in 2021, probably in a very long time. This is the most gripping, horrific and heart wrenching book I've ever read. I couldn't tear myself away from the pages, I cried I raged and now I am desperate for the next book! What an excellent piece of work, the author should be very proud.

The latest instalment in the Helen Fields ‘Perfect’ series. Fans of Ava and Callanch will not be disappointed.

From the off, this book had me gripped. I felt tense as I read on, as each chapter was action packed and full of yet more twists and turns. Whilst reading, I gasped, I cried and may even have laughed once or twice.

I really recommend this book to all. It can be read as a standalone, or as part of the series.

I have followed this series avidly from the start and it never disappoints, I was delighted to receive a copy from Netgalley for One For Sorrow and had to dive in as soon as my approval email popped up. The 7th installment but by no means any less tense or engaging than its predecessors this book truly had me gripped from the very start.
A bomber is wreaking havoc on the city of Edinburgh. MIT detectives Luc and Ava are a formidable and robust duo, tasked with bringing the reign of terror to a close.
This book was a real page turner. I would urge you to read the first books in the series, as the history and background just make these books so, so good, but it could easily be read as a standalone.
The writing is seriously clever, the actions of the killer make this book truly terrifying, but the twists add another level of surprise that truly leave you in awe and on the edge of your seat.
I loved the appearances of characters from other standalone books by Helen fields. These characters are so well written they truly feel real. The relationships between the characters are so believable and natural, that you can truly picture the conversations and connections between the characters leaving you not just invested but feeling them really come alive.
The dual timelines give you different perspectives adding another level of tension and true horror to the book. As I was reading I was trying to piece the story together, trying to guess how this was all going to come together.
I am always left impatiently waiting for the next book of this series but the ending of this left me truly horrified that I will have to wait for the next book to find out what’s next for this pair of characters. The ending was absolutely brilliant and without giving away any spoilers has been the very best yet!
If I could award more than 5 stars for this I would, it’s an absolute masterclass of a thriller!

Stop everything you’re doing and read this book. The next in the DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach series – and seriously, start reading this modern crime classics if you haven’t already – sees Edinburgh in a state of terror, unlike anything the city has ever known. A lone bomber is targeting victims, seemingly at random, meaning no one is safe. The police face down death every day but they couldn’t predict the speed, or trauma that would be inflicted on families in the city… and within their own professional lives. Once they realise that every tip off leads them into another trap, they keep working, putting their lives on the line to look after others’. But the story is complicated, and as the body count rises and they’re at a loss as to who is responsible – and why – will the more-than-friends colleagues discover the truth? There are ample twists and turns to keep you entertained and the writing and plot are so well crafted, that it’s hats off and a round of applause yet again for Helen.

DI Luc Callenach and DCI Ava Turner #7.

DCI Ava Turner attends a funeral of a good friend, she’s dazed, angry and full of grief but informs Death that it hasn’t won and she will exact revenge no matter the cost. This is the start of an adrenaline fuelled, high octane investigation with fury unleashed on many people including the Edinburgh based MIT team led by DCS Overbeck placing them all in terrible danger. The race is in to find the source and cause of the cruel mayhem. Interspersed with the horror of the investigation is a back story that contrasts sharply with the terror being witnessed and which is absolutely heartbreaking and poignant. I’m keeping things as vague as possible as this one is best entered blind for maximum impact.

I have loved the series since Book One but in this Helen Fields is on fire, it really is a strap yourself ride into shock city. Talk about unleash all your creative juices in this latest instalment, it’s a no holds barred journey into anguish, fear, sadness and pain. The pace isn’t just fast it’s almost warp speed. What transpires makes for incredible reading, I literally gasp in a few places as it’s such an unexpected punch to the gut. The plot has everything from despair to danger and inconceivable violence that seems to defy explanation. I love this police team who feel so familiar now with all their likeable flaws and I’m still just a tad in love with Luc. There are such great vibes between Luc and Ava and I also enjoy the tense standoff between Ava and Overbeck. I do figure some of it out but not all by any means and as for the ending …. can you hear me shouting from here Ms Fields???? I trust you won’t keep your fans hanging too long.

Overall, if you want a jaw dropping, fast paced, tension as taut as piano wire read with excellent characters, a rollercoaster plot that has so many twists it’s dizzying and dazzling then this is for you. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the other six books (they are good though!) as this one is just begging to be read.

With thanks to Netgalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Oh my this is an high octane of a book! From the get go it set a heart racing pace, a nail biting narrative and a true triumph for Helen! This is the 7th book in the DI Callanish series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. I have a wee confession that although I own all the previous books in the series I haven't read them all and I had no problem following the threads from the previous outings. However, this is a mistake that I am going to rectify!

Ava and Luc are dealing with a serial bomber in the Edinburgh area, one who seems to be targeting front line workers like the police and ambulance services. It's a complex case with not many leads. However, the bomber keeps tipping off the police and they are having to respond even though they know they are walking into a trap. Ava in particular is being very reckless when responding as she is reeling from a personal loss and Luc is at a loss at how to reach her.

I read this book in one sitting and I can honestly say I will be recommending this both on my personal blog and via Murder at the Bookshop. 'One for Sorrow' was a deeply moving and empathetic look at obsession and the consequences of failing to curb this both on a societal and personal level. The number of twist and turns meant you were constantly on the edge of your seat and left you guessing right up to the end. It truly is an example of a writer at the top of their game and I for one am very excited to find out what comes next!

Another excellent addition to the DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner series by Helen Fields. I've enjoyed this series since I read the first book 'Perfect Remains' back in 2017 and it was great to be back with the Major Investigation Team; this time the case becomes very personal. As with all series, it's ideal to start at the beginning to follow the character and relationships progression. Saying that, the case and its escalation work independently and provides a high paced, thrilling read. Turner is the character focus for this book in the series; she's an intense, committed officer who's going through grief and crisis during the book whilst tackling a traumatic and violent serial bomber. Interspersed with the main narrative are back story events and we slowly begin to piece together the developments into one plotline. Along the way, Fields pushes red herrings and twists skillfully to keep the intrigue and tension building. There's also some very emotional moments and those who are following the series will be moved and upset by these... and, wow what a shock ending!
Highly recommended.

Just when you think a series can't get any better, Bam She's done it again. The Story of Luc and Ava continues with them facing a lone bomber. This is an absolute page turner of a book with so many twists and turns. It's an absolute belter of a book and I can't wait for the next one.

A Determined Killer…
Turner and Callanach are back in this gripping and suspenseful thriller and Edinburgh is the grasp of a high terror situation. With ongoing threat and a rising body count will the detectives be able stop this determined killer in their tracks? The trouble is that the killer’s traps are also meant for them. With a constant thread of tension and menace, a wholly credible cast of characters and a sharp plot this is a one sit, chilling read.

Another great edition in the Ava & Luc series. Gripped from the first page as always with Helens books and didn't let go, plenty of twists and turns with a very tense suspenseful story at times. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the series from the beginning to get the background of the great characters. I highly recommend this book, series and author.

This is a really dark addition to Helen Fields series staring Ava Turner and Luc Callanach. So much death and destruction as a lone bomber terrorizes Edinburgh. It is written with empathy as well as unflinching descriptions of the aftermath of the bombings. There are interludes in the form of a dual timeline which is puzzling at first but becomes clear as it progresses. The suspense throughout is brilliantly maintained as Ava and Luc strive to find the bomber’s identity. Not only is Helen excellent at suspense, she writes characters that leap off the page, they feel so real as you follow their lives beyond work encompassing sadness, happiness and joy. A terrific read and I recommend the series.
Thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for an Arc in return for my honest opinion.

#OneForSorrow #NetGalley
A good read.
A bomber is targeting people and this is getting more sinister and it seems that the police is dealing with their darkest case till date. How will they solve this case?
A second story of Quinn is going on which seemed unconnected in the beginning but Helen Fields made a connection.
Read this thriller to know more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for giving me an advanced copy.

Wow. Having ended the previous book in this series with Natasha seriously ill with cancer, we open this one with a funeral. A very upsetting start and we finish with yet another cliffhanger. Hope the next book comes soon !
From beginning to end though it's top quality and while it's pretty obvious what the motivation is there are plenty of twists and turns. Very enjoyable as was the appearance of Dr. Woolwine from The Shadow Man.

This book is the 7th in a series which features DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach it is set in Edinburgh. It does not disappoint, Helen Fields has not lost impetus with this story, it starts with a killing of a member of the team and it becomes apparent that there is a serial bomber loose in Edinburgh. I couldn't put it down!!The cast of characters are fantastic and well observed. The dynamic between Ava, Luc and their flatmate Natasha is well written. The plot is so devious and twisted a page turner until the last page which left me open mouthed. I loved it !!!

DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach return in this 7th instalment of the series. Ava is mourning and investigating the death of her close friend and team pathologist when events lead to another fatal bombing situation. Then a whole series of attacks follow and the pressure is on to find the attackers. A fast paced and adrenaline filled time for Ava and the team which is reflected brilliantly in the writing. A sub plot, which occurred a few months earlier is also instrumental to the events taking place in the present.
The last chapter really choked me up. I am anxious to read what happens next.

Heck, this one certainly grabs you by the throat! No need to repeat the story as others have, in fact I always think it’s best to read a book knowing very little about it. I have not read any of the previous books in this series so didn’t know anything about the characters, but for anyone else in the same situation it really doesn’t matter. This is an excellent standalone story and there are useful references to what has occurred previously. It’s a proper thriller, and brings out every emotion that you can think of. It’s full of unbelievable horror, excitement, anguish, fear and, at times, extreme sadness. If I had to sum it up in just one word it would be harrowing. I preferred the first half of the book to the second, probably as I’d half-guessed what was going on by then and the pace seemed to slow a little. The only reason I’ve given 4 stars and not 5 is that it was just a tad ‘over the top’ for me. It was very well written, and I’ll definitely be reading the next instalment.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

The latest book in the Luc and Ava series by Helen Fields, which is one of my favourite crime series.

The premise is so clever and seriously dark – it pulls no punches – and the dual timeline narrative, the BEFORE that starts to work up to the "why" of the crime is so well written, and utterly heartbreaking.

I felt like I had my pulse in my throat from about half way through, and it stayed there all the way up until the end.

It is an incredible, heartbreaking, terror-filled, pulse-in-throat thriller. So brilliantly plotted, clever and slick and so, so dark. You will struggle to put it down, and then when you run out of pages you’ll be absolutely bereft.

And that ending . . . No spoilers, but I'm still not over it.

Wow! I love the D I Callanach series but Helen Fields has outdone herself with this one. Full of twists, turner and reverses. I absolutely loved it. Where now?

I just finished One for the Sorrow and it was just brilliant, I feel like all my emotions were put in the tumble dryer on high speed spin for 8 hours, what a ride that book was. From the first pages my heart was in my mouth, phenomenal read, the characters are perfectly written, everyone of them a star, cannot wait for the next book.

Tons of typos in the early edition I read, but otherwise pretty darn fantastic. The author did a great job representing everyone without making everything black and white.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of One for Sorrow, the seventh novel to feature DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach of the Edinburgh Police.

A lone bomber is wreaking havoc in Edinburgh, but with no idea of the motive or any clues to link the events Ava ans Luc are struggling to solve the case.

I thoroughly enjoyed One for Sorrow, which is a tense, difficult read full of twists and turns. The novel is mostly told from Ava’s point of view with Luc’s added at strategic moments and is intercut with the story of a young woman, Quinn, and her difficult relationship.

The bombings are gruesome and only for readers with a strong constitution because they have a high body count and some warped and fiendish delivery systems. Still, it is extremely well done and the reader can feel Ava’s tension and stress as she tries to progress the case. I also liked the misdirection in the second half, where all is not as it seems. This part of the novel is a bit over the top in terms of what is realistically possible, but so what? It’s exciting, entertaining and pushes the reader to keep turning the pages.

I had no idea where the author was going with Quinn’s story, but I think it is almost better than the bombing thread because it is so realistic. I found it harrowing and all too believable as it closely resembles an article I was reading today by coincidence.

There are no winners in this novel and the solution is tinged with sadness and what ifs. This can also be said of the conclusion which ends in a massive cliffhanger. The next novel will be interesting.

One for Sorrow is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Wow. Now I’ll admit that the DI Luc Callanach series is one of my favourite crime series and the tension is ramped up in each book. Helen Fields has surely surpassed herself with this, which is an adrenaline packed page turner.

Book 7 is explosive and gripping. It also leaves us on a major cliffhanger - I could not help exclaiming “Oh My God!” at the ending of this.

Dear Ms Fields, please don’t leave us in limbo too long and those characters we know and love, you know, can we have a happy outcome for them?

I’d like to say thank you to Avon and Netgalley for kindly giving me an electronic arc of this story in exchange for my review.

I’ve been a fan of Helen Fields and the ‘Perfect’ series from the start, and this latest instalment was incredible. Shocks and twists from the start with moments of genuine out loud gasps of horror. No spoilers here but just a wholehearted recommendation for fans of the police investigation/ crime thriller genre. I hope it’s not long to the next one because the ending is begging to be resolved!

WOW What a great read this book was.
A lone bomber in Edinburgh is targeting victims but the link is unknown its left to DCI Ava Turner and D I Luc Callanach to solve the case.
With every tip off they are walking towards danger.The body count is growing and they have no idea who the killer is.
Told from the now and before prospective.
The writing is so good you feel what the characters feel at each turn.
From the first page I was hooked and the last chapter left me shouting "NO DON'T STOP NOW".
Can't wait to read more in the series,
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC

This is the 7th book in the DI Callanach series by author Helen Fields and I haven’t read the previous 6 but that’s no problem, it works beautifully as a stand alone novel. That said I can’t wait to read the rest of the series in order. Set in Scotland its a real page turner. Lots of drama, heart stopping tension and a page turner from start to finish.

This is the 7th book in the DCI Turner/DI Callanach series, they can be read as a stand-alone, situations are explained as they go along!

Ava Turner is attending the funeral of her dear friend and pathologist, she then has to go and watch the video of how the death happened.

This book is not for the faint-hearted! It is very gruesome and graphic but wow, what an absolute roller-coaster. I could not put it down

Highly recommended

Wow! What a brilliant book. Totally had me gripped from the first and held my attention all the way through. Such a roller coaster of emotions and horrors and tense moments. Wonderful storytelling.

A mad man is on the loose in Edinburgh. He's kidnapping random people and then using these victims to stage elaborate situations, drawing as many first responders as possible so that he can blow them up. It is up to DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach to try and put a stop to him. They are racing against time to figure out who the Edinburgh bomber is and what is driving him on.

This is the seventh book in the DI Callanach series, a series which has passed me by so the characters are completely new to me. Being new to such a well established series did not spoil my enjoyment at all as you are immediately gripped by the story.

The opening is very sombre but the author then goes straight in to two explosives scenes that have your heart racing. As the story develops the reader feels as if they are part of the investigation team, questioning exactly what has happened but more importantly, why?

Alongside the current day action is interwoven a backstory which eventually explains the motivation behind the bombings. You cannot help but feel a mixture of disbelief, sadness and anger as this backstory unfolds.

Even when you've figured out "who" is responsible the author keeps pulling the rug from under the readers feet, making you literally gasp in disbelief. Nerves are fraught and emotions left in shreds right until the last page.

First of all, thank you so, so much Avon books for sending me this book. It was through Netgalley and Avon books that I first came to discover Helen Fields and she's been my favorite author ever since.

This book was absolutely fantastic, absolutely amazing! From the complexity of the story, character analysis and plot to ideas and themes discussed, this book blew my mind. I read this in one sitting, going to bed at 2 am on a Sunday. Don't know what more to say to make you understand my appreciation for this book or for Helen Fields.

The book follows a serial bomber who seems to have a vendetta against the police&comp. The story is told in parallel timelines following both the search for the bomber and the story that led to the existence of the murderer. It was at no point predictable, even when you think you know whom it was, it isn't.

She touches on matters of rape, the inadequacy of procedures, how to deal with the feeling that you're letting everyone down, the difference between being crazy and crazed, how the world is never black and white and it would be foolish to assume so.

It's only fit to have this part of the "Perfect" series. It was a perfect book.

Gripping. Scary. Enthralling. Unputadownable. Loved it. I’m not one for vicious murders preferring my Murders grim free. This was great. Well down to the author. Really enjoyed it.

As ever Helen Fields has produced a classic crime thriller. It has the usual cast but it is written as a before and after the crimes. It is very well written with some unique ways of murdering someone remotely, which gives food for thought. I loved it and had great difficulty putting it down. She shows as ever an in-depth knowledge of policing as well as pathology. Not a book to sit and gather dust!

I’m at a loss for words to describe this book. It was actually one of the most horrifying books I’ve ever read. Brutal and vicious to the core. My heart raced from page one. The past/present writing started off seemingly mild but escalated quickly. Once we got to the root of the story the brutality made sense to me. I found the perp was not a shocking surprise despite is not being alluded to. As a parent my perspective on this story went from sheer heart stopping terror to anger and sadness… sometimes in the same chapter. This is one of those books where I hate to say it.. the villain is also the hero. Well done, well told, gripping and nightmare inducing.

A fantastic read most unusual and. Quite terrifying way to extract revenge,lot’s of twists and turns from beginning to end kept me enthralled right to the very end and even then a final twist leaving the reader wondering what comes next

I've read several of Helen Fields' books now and I am always impressed, so much so that I would easily think of her as one of those authors that I would happily seek out and pick up any of her future or previous releases.
You just know that you will enjoy them.
Even though I wasn't aware that this book was part of a series, it can definitely be read on its own.
This really did hold my attention the whole way through.
I enjoyed how many twists and turns there were, most of which I did not see coming.
After that ending I will certainly need to read the next book in the series!
It may not be my favourite Helen Fields book but I still very much enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book! I didn’t want it to end! It had me gripped from the first page! A five star recommendation. I love this author and I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.

Many thanks to netgalley and Helen Fields for the advanced copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I have not previously read this author and when I requested it wasn't aware that it was part of a series. I wasn't sure if I would have trouble understanding what was going on since I hadn't read the prior books - nope, not a problem at all! There is a ton of action and suspense and extremely fast-paced! I thought I knew what was going to happen but boy was I wrong. You will not be able to put this down once you start. I now need to go back and read all the prior books as this was that good! Thank you for turning me on to a new series/author.

Wow - I was absolutely gripped by this book and couldn’t put it down!

It was my first read from this author, so I read One for Sorrow as a stand-alone, even though it was part of a series. This didn’t matter - the characters were engaging and the storyline flowed well.

I will be reading the next one!

In the past month two things have devastated me mentally and emotionally. The first is the 10 minute version of All Too Well by Taylor Swift. The second is this book by Helen Fields.

One For Sorrow is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’m nearing the 150 mark for books read. I was pacing the room as I devoured this, I couldn’t sit down I was so tense.

With this story, Luc and Ava face a challenge like none before. A killer who wants them to be aware of what he’s doing and make them feel powerless to stop him as he leaves carnage across the city. From the first page you can feel the stakes have been raised. This isn’t just fast paced it’s a rollercoaster and every page seemed to have a new twist, a new moment that left me shocked. This killer favours bombs and creates traps so devious and cunning it makes you feel that you’re walking a tightrope. There were chapters where I swear I didn’t breathe. The dark mind of this bomber leads to one of my favourite parts of the book, the arrival of Dr Connie Woolwine a profiler from Fields excellent book The Shadow Man. She is an incredible character and though only plays a small part in this book she leaves a big impression. Her conversation with Luc has such emotional impact and the foreshadowing is exquisite.

This case is personal, it cuts deep and Ava is determined to catch this killer by any means necessary. You’re by her side, feeling her sadness, pain and fear. After seven books we really know Luc and Ava, we love them and going through this gave me emotional whiplash.

In many ways it feels like things have been building to this book and it finally explodes. There is pain, joy, death and an ending so shocking I might never recover.

Five stars isn’t enough

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

Helen Fields never disappoints me. From the beginning of this series to Book #7, she sends us on a rollercoaster ride, that we may never wake up from. One of their own is murdered and that sends them on a trail that even DCI Ava Turner and Luc Callanach never thought they would encounter in their careers. The killer is sending them messages, where and when he or she will kill next. This is personal, and Ava and Luc will leave no stone unturned! Even if it kills them!
I hope I don't have to wait too long for #8 in this series?
Helen Fields is a treasure in the book world. I love this series, as well as her stand alone books. Bravo! 5 out of 5 for me. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this new book from Helen Fields!

5⭐️

#7 DI Callanach series

Yay! Luc is back 💕 with Ava Turner, with the next in the ‘Perfect’ series. I am a big fan of this series.

It has 2 time frames, the before one unravels with its relevance to the present.
The present is told from Ava’s POV.

From the outset it is fast paced and action packed, more so than the other books. It’s compelling reading,with a very good plot progression.

Ava and Luc are likeable, there’s still the will they won’t they sexual tension. I felt engaged with Quinn and her issues.

What a rollercoaster read!! OMG strap yourself in for this one. For me it’s the best of the series, and there have been some crackers!
The tension at times was off the charts! It’s very emotional too. I can’t wait for the next one.

One for Sorry by Helen Fields is the 7th book in the DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner series. I wasn’t aware of this but didn’t spoil the enjoyment as you can read this as a standalone.
DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are on the hunt for a lone bomber that is terrorising the city of Edinburgh and killing a lot of innocent people. Not only Police but also members of the Emergency services that are there to help people. But what is not known is why? What are the motives for the killings?
We also learn the life of Quinn Mactavish a young woman who was push to her limits and ended her life after her relationship and then abused by Liam Cook. Only at the end of the story we find out the link between the two stories.
Wow this is action packed thriller, full of twists and turns and full of explosions I was quite surprised how good this was. It was quite sad too, especially the ending. Which left a cliff-hanger to what is going to happen in book eight. I will not spoil the plot by telling you. You will have to read it yourself. 5 stars from me.

I have found a new crime thriller series to follow - Helen Fields' series DI Luc Callenach. The description of One for Sorrow attracted me as did the setting in Scotland. What I didn't pay attention to was the fact that this is book 7 in the series. Arrgh! I do this all the time, start with the wrong book.

The good news is I am completely captivated by the characters DI Luc Callenach and DCI Ava Turner and plan to purchase all six previous books. The writing style is spot on, grabbed my attention and I read every time I had a chance to open my Kindle.

The plot involves a bomber in Edinburgh leaving a trail of bodies with every crime. Revenge drives the bomber and you'll slowly see the pattern and worry about favorite characters with every threat. Ms. Fields' doesn't play it safe with the elimination of a few favored cops so you won't be able to guess who may suffer with the next target. The crimes are brilliantly described.

There is side story about a young woman named Quinn MacTavish which slowly blends into the plot line. All of her chapters are titled Before. Love the police procedural genre and there is a thriller element here, mental illness is certainly a factor in the plot as well. Did I guess the identity of the bomber? No, I did not. The ending leaves you ready for the next book but I will satisfy myself with catching up through books 1 -6 for now.

Publication date is February 17, 2022 by Avon Books U.K. Genre: General Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book. I was not compensated for the review, all opinions are mine. Loved the book.

Sharing with Joy's Book Blog for British isles Friday.

An emotionally charged, ‘explosive’ thriller - Helen Fields is at the top of her game!

Book 7 (!) and I’m utterly hooked. During this series, Helen Fields has crafted not just some amazing plots but some really loveable characters that I for one, look forward to reading about in each book. Technically, Ava and Luc are two characters that you shouldn’t adore. They’re just too perfect! Even their flaws make them endearing. But the way in which Helen writes them makes them inexplicably engaging. I had a massive ‘whoop whoop’ moment on the arrival of Connie Woolwine!

Reading Helen’s books is like catching up with old friends. You’ve missed them, you want to know what they’ve been up to and you want to be there for them when things go wrong. And boy do things go wrong in ONE FOR SORROW!

This book is not for the faint hearted. Right from the start we are thrown into chaos and I LOVE it!! Fast paced, thrilling and totally brutal this book hurts. It’s a totally compelling read that if I didn’t have a life I would’ve devoured in one sitting.

The story is complex and driven across two timelines. BEFORE and NOW but with Helen’s amazing writing ability you will be kept guessing even when you think you know, and even when you’re told who must be behind all this misery and mayhem. I didn’t guess who it was (my guess was not even a considered option in the book) but I didn’t care. I was swept up and so obsessed with this book I was happy to just enjoy the ride and be led.

I genuinely feel this is one of the best books I’ve read all year! Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell me how over the past 3 days I kept blurting out how much I’m enjoying it and I can’t stop reading - even to those that have no interest in my love affair with books!

This book is thrilling and heartbreaking in equal measure and massive changes happen that will have profound impact on the books that follow. This is Helen Fields’ END GAME and once the dust has settled we’re going to have to deal with the fall-out.

Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Couldn't get this book to download despite several attempts, 3 tickets logged to net galley and reaching out to them over social media.

I am giving it 5 * as I absolutely adore this series and have no doubts that it will be an incredible read

First, their pathologist is killed, then another attack is clearly aimed at police and paramedics. Edinburgh has to face a brutal serial killer who is not targeting the public to cause general panic but only aims at the forces. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are confronted with death every day – but not the death of their colleagues and friends. It is obvious that the cases are linked, but they simply cannot find the thread that holds them all together, they only know that it is just a question of time until the bomber hits again, taking more lives of those who help others every day.

Helen Field’s latest case for her Edinburgh team is full of twists and demands everything from her protagonists. This time, it is personal, Ava is affected directly by the death of her friend and still grieving when she needs all her wits to hunt down the serial killer. “One for Sorrow” is already the seventh novel in the series and in my opinion definitely the best. It had me gripped immediately and I kept speculating about the identity of the killer, following wrong leads cleverly laid out again and again.

There are two time levels in the novel. On the one hand, we follow the police investigation which is always several steps behind their enemy. The killer is knowledgeable and perfectly follows his plan. What I liked especially was the scene where they ask a profiler to help them to identify the person behind it all. It made absolutely sense and was highly informative and interesting to follow the line of argumentation.

On the other hand, there is a kind of totally gone wrong love story about a young woman named Quinn and her boyfriend who, instead of accepting the breakup, turns into a freaking stalker. It is obvious that this is the missing link to the bombings, yet, you need to see the whole picture of Quinn’s story to understand the motive behind it all.

A suspenseful and highly emotional mystery I hardly could put down.

An outstanding book.

A big plot, and with emotional depth, this is a hard-hitting crime novel that isn't afraid to ask uncomfortable questions.

It follows a police investigation into a bombing campaign that appears to be targeting first responders as well as individual victims. Being so well written and engaging, the book drew me right into the action - and there's plenty of it. I did gasp out loud several times at the turns the plot took.

Throughout, and this is what really makes for an all-round satisfying read, we are given a close insight into the emotional impact of those dealing with the case, as well as a blow by blow account of the tragic circumstances that lead to the bombing campaign. By the end, we are faced with the ambiguities of 'right' and 'wrong', and in the tradition of the very best of crime fiction, we are invited to view the ways in which all of our actions might contribute to what happens in our wider society. Can't say it enough - outstanding!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and Helen Fields for an ARC in return for an honest review.

There are bomb attacks in Edinburgh. The death toll is rising. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are investigating and up against the clock to prevent more lives being taken.

Oh. My. God, Nothing could have prepared me for this book. I have been a fan of Helen Fields since the first Ava Turner book came out. Sometimes you worry that as times go on the books won’t be as good, but I can assure you that is not the case here. One for Sorrow is fast-paced, dark, thrilling and utterly mind blowing. There are so many twists and turns. I can’t recommend this book enough. It deserves more than five stars!

This was the best in the series yet. Ava and Luc's relationship was paralleled by the story and ended (for once) with pretty satisfying results. Throughout the book, it was a riveting plot that I hated to see end.

Having read all of the perfect series I was eagerly awaiting this one. Helen Fields is one of my my favourite authors in the genre as she never disappoints when it comes to a gripping story that really is a page turner. Once again this one is a top notch read and I could not put it down from the first till the last page.
There is a cross over with the last book that was not in this series and I hope that this progresses more. Why these books have not been picked up for a TV series is beyond me (though they are a bit grizzly at times).
This is a must read and another great book in the series.

One For Sorrow by Helen Fields
I give this book 4.5 stars

One for sorrow, two for joy
A lone bomber is targeting victims across Edinburgh and no one is safe.

Three for a girl, four for a boy
DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach face death every day

Five for silver, six for gold
It becomes clear that with every tip-off they are walking into a trap designed to kill them too,

Seven for a secret never to be told…
But with the threat – and body count rising –Neither Ava nor Luc know whether they will live long enough to tell the tale…

This is book 7 in a series but l read it as a standalone with no problems.
Wow what an explosive thriller!
I was gripped from start to finish by the well written,twisty and suspenseful plot. There is a dual timeline with 2 stories going on, so plenty of action and a relentless pace throughout .l found the main characters had great depth and the secondary characters were really well developed which made this so much more than a police procedural read.Highly recommended l now need to read the rest before the next one comes out!!
With thanks to Netgalley,Helen Fields and Avon Books UK for my chance to read and review this.

It will come as no surprise that I have given this book all the stars & a couple of extra too.

A bomber is terrorising Edinburgh & the team must find out who is behind the bombings before they strike again. Written across two timelines this is filled with action & drama in one & ramping up the slow burn tension in the other, providing the best of both worlds.

Helen Fields has done it again & I don't know how she keeps creating stories that are so compelling, twisty & gripping while keeping in the humour & humanity of the characters. What I love about her writing is that I can see everything in my head with such clarity & hear the voices of the characters, their tone & delivery.

Smiles, goosebumps & plenty of snotty tears. I could have read this in one sitting & I'm dreading the wait for the next book.

Stunning, one of the best books I’ve read this year. Two stories begin the tale and then they, seamlessly, weave into one as we are gently introduced to the connections. As ever, Helen’s books have a good level of gore and shock factor but this supports a fantastic storyline rather than replaces is. I’m a forensics graduate with a fairly strong stomach but I had to ‘look away’ a few times and regroup. Having read the previous books in the series I was also pleased to catch up with the main characters, although some sadness to be discovered in this part and a nervous cliffhanger to boot.
The focus of the story introduces us to very real but believable evil and the character is built up stealthily and expertly. There are also big questions and food for thought about whether actions are ever justified and some excellent and poignant psychological assessments and comments on life and grief.
I guessed the ending in part but this certainly didn’t detract from a fast paced, thoroughly addictive book which I was compelled to finish in a day. Thank you, I honestly cannot wait for your next book.

Your Worst Nightmare Leaves to Devastating Actions.... Addictive Reading 💣

One For Sorrow is told between present day... a homicide of someone very close to DI Ava Turner, then leading to various bombings putting Ava under pressure to solve the case without more lives being lost, which is proving challenging. To Before following the life of Quinn, whose world is turned upside down by an admirer and her unfolding story. Can DI Ava and her team solve this before more lives are lost??...

Another great read from Helen Fields, look forward to reading more.

DCI Ava Turner is our protagonist. She is feisty and dedicated, and when a serial bomber turns their attention to those close to her, she is determined to bring the culprit to justice. Written across two timelines the stories are absorbing and compelling, and when they come together they are excellent. The twists and turns are so well written, and the ending superb. Usually I have at least an inkling of the outcome, but not in this case, brilliant! All loose ends came together, but we were still left on a cliffhanger.

This book started with a bang and just kept rolling, definitely a “just one more chapter” kind of story.

I did not realise that this was the latest in a long series of books with the same characters, and usually that would deter me from reading as they can be full of in jokes and vague background stories that the reader needs to know about before enjoying the latest offering. Not in this case. It was a perfect standalone, which I feel shows just how good this author is, in that she can write a series, but not alienate readers who just like to dip in to different books.

Definitely a 5* book, would thoroughly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley.

I blitzed through this book over the weekend as I just could not get enough. Light and witty I enjoyed every second. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book from Helen Fields. Could not put the book down and what a page turner. The story of Ava and Luc trying to find the bomber, twists and turns right to the very end. Looking forward to the next one

This novel quite literally had it all: drama, suspense, tension, action, and so much emotion. This was a great, fast-paced read. I struggled to put it down.

An amazing read! The first pages pulled me in, and the narrative didn't let up right until the end. Heartbreaking, tense, incredibly sad, full of drama and angst, and a few sweet moments too, it tugged on every emotion throughout.

It works well as a standalone if you haven't read the rest of the series, and has to be one of the best, and most original, thrillers I've read in a long time. Highly recommend.

What a fantastic series that has not let up in it's excellence. "A Christmas Cracker"

I literally could not put this one down it had me hooked from the first to the last page, it absorbs you in, full of suspense, tension and action and the character development is superb!

I really can't praise this book enough a real masterpiece! Looking forward to #8.

"One for Sorrow" is a riveting story that draws the reader in from its first chapter where Detective Chief Inspector Ave Turner is watching a video of an autopsy performed by Ava's colleague/friend Dr. Ailsa Lambert. The ensuing string of murders are executed with a brutality that is horrific. The murders are each so bizarre that the reader never knows what to expect next. The story that is told from a dual time perspective where the reader also learns the back story of Quinn McTavish, a sweet young woman who had a relationship with a man named Liam that turned abusive. Have some time set aside to read this book because you won't want to put it down!

Brilliant. From the first page to the last sentence this book doesn’t fail to shock. Helen Fields never sugar coats the plot and this is no exception. Don’t make any plans when you start this book it is unputdownable. The separate threads of the plot come together in a tragic ending. Thought provoking and the reader can feel the authors frustration at the handling of stalker cases. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review .

My first 5 star read this year. If I could give this book more stars then I would.

I always really enjoy reading the books in this this series as I know they have well developed characters who I have come to like immensely. They are always fast page turners due to their excellent storylines. I was super excited to read this one.

I wasn’t disappointed, it is full of action and very fast paced. It had me feeling emotions too, happiness, sadness and I will even admit to shedding tears at some parts. Quite simply, for me, this is probably the best book in the series.

Now to wait anxiously for book 8.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It's not very often I read 7 books in the same series over 2 months, but I really couldn't resist reading the next in the series with this author. I loved the setting, Edinburgh, but it was the characters that brought the books alive for me. I hope that the author is typing away as I definitely need a book 8 in this series.

I think it will be helpful to have read the series before taking this one on. The detectives have some back history and an ongoing relationship that seems to deepen over time. The bad guy has a destructive motive and is making bombs - but as most bad guys, he also has a bead on those tracking him.
This is a good read, and good story- very atmospheric.

I had forgotten just how much I loved spending time with Luc, Ava, Lively and the rest of the team not forgetting Natasha of course and that is how it felt when I started this latest instalment of the DI Callanach just like being back with old friends.
So what a book this was it had everything you could wish for in a police procedural a thrilling plot that was clever and gruesome, twists that I never saw coming but what made it so special for me was the amazing characters that feel so real, I love them all even Overbeck.
I flew through the book I just couldn’t get enough of it I desperately wanted to know how it would end and omg what an ending it was and now all I want to know is what the heck is going to happen and I sure hope the next book won’t be too long in coming as I need to know !!
I really can’t praise Helen Fields enough she has an uncanny way of drawing you into a story with her superb writing skills and every single book of hers has been just wonderful both the DI Callanach series and her stand-alone’s I have never been disappointed in any of them.
Well I could go on and on about how much I loved this latest book but all I can really say is please do yourself a big favour a read this one , it can be read as a stand-alone but it’s a shame to miss the previous books.
A massive 5 big fat stars for this one and again many many thanks to Helen for a book I loved.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The first Helen Fields book I've read but sure won't be the last!
Keeps you on your toes. As I was reading this book I could picture it as a TV drama.
Characters were amazing and it kept you gripped and wanting more at the end. Can't wait for the next book.

Fantastic book. Enjoyed the series. Great characterisation as usual of Ava and Luc. Well written and good suspense. I couldn't put it down! Edinburgh is targeted by a bomber and it's up to Ava and Luc to find the answers...What is the ultimate price...

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an Arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This will always be my favourite crime series, it’s just brilliant.

It’s always such a great story and told brilliantly. Time and time again I’m blown away by how intricate and amazing the stories of these books are, I tip my hat to Helen for being able to come up with such storylines time and time again.

This book was just another example of a great crime story, written really well and kept me guessing and captivated throughout. And if I haven’t already said it enough, I highly recommend this series. Like highly highly. Super high.

Loved it. Quinn and her family are very believable. Quinn meets someone she believes is perfect for her. After he refuses to meet her fsmily, should that have been a clue to her?
Ava and Luc are working hard to solve some very different murders. Are they aimed at the health, fire and police personnel? It seems that way. Not only are Ava and Luc overwhelmed with trying to figure out these murders but Natasha is having a set back. Thanks netgalley for chance to read another great Helen fields novel.

Omg! Wow! What a great book! It was a little heart wrenching but also had suspense, intrigue, action and a great who done it with a crazy twist!! I did not see that coming! Omg what a storyline! I really don't like sad books but the way the author did this book, it was really sad but I was so wrapped up in the story and on the edge of my seat that the sad parts didn't affect me the way they.normally do?! kind of weird lol but it truly was an amazing story I'd love to say something about the bad guy in the end but I don't want to give anything away! I highly recommend reading this book! Its so worth reading! I really loved this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! And a big thank you to Helen Fields for your amazing words! Great book! Great story!

I was first introduced to Helen Fields writing via NetGalley and she has become one of my instant request or pre-order authors! I have read every book in the DI Callanach series as well as some of her standalones and I was so excited to receive the ARC for the latest instalment – One for Sorrow.

One for Sorrow starts with a bang with a funeral of a beloved character (no spoilers, it’s literally the first page) and does not stop until it’s thrilling conclusion. There are some really gory and intriguing crimes, a puzzling riddle and sky-high stakes in this book which allows the pace to fly and no sleep to be had whilst I was reading it. Fields tiptoes that perfect line between allowing the standalone crimes to be impactful and interesting but also giving the reoccurring characters a lot of development as we go along.

The book alternates between Ava’s perspective solving the crimes in the present and ‘before’ flashbacks from a character named Quinn. We know that these chapters are somehow linked but the information is drip-fed to us and allows us to make some incorrect assumptions about what might be going on! I enjoyed both narrators and didn’t find myself trying to rush or skim one of them to get back to the other one. If you have read the other books, there is a lot of character development in here which may have a lot more impact with previous backstory so perhaps try and read the others first – you will not be disappointed! There was also a fabulous cross-over character from one of Fields standalone books that I was really surprised and happy to see included!

The book ends with a chapter from an unnamed book coming out in September 2022 and I shall be queuing up to get my copy – I know I’m in safe hands with Helen Fields! I also can’t wait to see what happens next for Ava Turner and Luc Callanach!

Overall, One for Sorrow is a gripping and high-stakes thriller you won’t be able to put down. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DI Callanach #7

One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret that will soon be told.

DI Ava Callanach is grieving for the loss of her friend, pathologist Dr Alice Lambert who had been horrifically murdered in a targeted attack in her laboratory. News comes in about another threat to life on the streets of Edinburgh. The story has a dual timeline and they are seamlessly woven together as the story moves along. You will have mixed feelings while reading this engaging plotline. The twists come at us fast and furious. the ending has left me wanting to read the next book in this series now!

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #HelenFields for my ARC of #OneForSorrow in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review "One For Sorrow" by Helen Fields - the latest in the Ava Turner/Luc Callanach series, of which I have read all the previous entries.

This was a tough read - so much sorrow and so many deaths; but it's a great entry in the series which finds Ava and Luc investigating a series of brutal and somewhat ingenious murders, starting off with their great friend, the veteran Medical Examiner, whose horrible demise seems to set the tone of the book.

This is a story of obsession, stalking, revenge - both on the part of the police services and the antagonist - and retribution.

As with previous books in the series, we're witnessing present-day acts of horrible murder and also a glimpse of what led to the crimes through flashbacks.

There is too much integral to the plot to go into much detail, but the ending will leave you - as it left me - breathless.

This book will have your pulse racing and your heart in your mouth right up until the last sentence! Ava Turner is leading the investigation into the Edinburgh bomber, but becomes personally involved when one of the victims is a close friend and colleague. The story is told in a before/ after sequence, which at times was a little confusing, although made total sense towards the end of the book. Quinn, one of the key victims (in the 'before' chapters) was an amazing character, full of strength, love and vitality, so well written and well rounded, I felt as though I actually knew her. Although the focus is heavily on the police procedural, it doesn't detract from the depth of characters and emotion in the tragedies that occur, and the loss you feel as a reader. I couldn't put thus book down and I think I held my breath for the last 100 pages!! Absolutely stunning writing.

ou know those books that really make a mark? The ones that you just can't switch off from and that linger in your mind for a good while afterwards? Where the books is so intense and unforgettable that you just power through it with all your nerves on edge just preparing yourself for the next shock? Well that was One For Sorrow for me. It started with an 'awww - can't believe you did that', progressed to a 'awww - did you have to do that?' by the midway point and ended in an almighty 'OMFG - WHAT DID YOU JUST DO???"

Now, Helen Fields has never been one to shy away from the tense and dramatic in her novels, and the 'Perfect' series has some very memorable and sometimes macabre scenes, but if you thought that what has gone before was shocking, you have seen nothing yet. From the very beginning we are faced with a story that will provoke a rollercoaster of emotions, especially if, like me, you are big fan of the series and have become invested in all of the characters. You may think you know, but trust me - you know nothing. It is not just our favourite detecting team who are tested in this book. As readers we are taken to the very edge with a case that is set to rock Edinburgh to its very core. And it ruddy well shook me too.

You know those books that really make a mark? The ones that you just can't switch off from and that linger in your mind for a good while afterwards? Where the books is so intense and unforgettable that you just power through it with all your nerves on edge just preparing yourself for the next shock? Well that was One For Sorrow for me. It started with an 'awww - can't believe you did that', progressed to a 'awww - did you have to do that?' by the midway point and ended in an almighty 'OMFG - WHAT DID YOU JUST DO???"

Now, Helen Fields has never been one to shy away from the tense and dramatic in her novels, and the 'Perfect' series has some very memorable and sometimes macabre scenes, but if you thought that what has gone before was shocking, you have seen nothing yet. From the very beginning we are faced with a story that will provoke a rollercoaster of emotions, especially if, like me, you are big fan of the series and have become invested in all of the characters. You may think you know, but trust me - you know nothing. It is not just our favourite detecting team who are tested in this book. As readers we are taken to the very edge with a case that is set to rock Edinburgh to its very core. And it ruddy well shook me too.

Now I don't want to say too much about the plot. The blurb tells you all you need to know. And yes, it is every bit as dramatic as the blurb suggests. A terrorist attack, the like of which the city has never seen, but as to perpetrator or motive - the police are clueless. The killer taunts them, providing just enough notice and clues to cause maximum devastation - and devastate it does. Helen Fields has played a very clever game as whilst the reasons behind these attacks may remain hidden from Luc and Ava, they are slowly being revealed to us as readers in slow and almost painful fashion. This is a story in two halves. The first part - the main part of the story - is the terror that holds the residents of Edinburgh in its thrall. The second part alerts us to the motive - maybe.

But nothing is that straightforward. When I thought I knew the who, perhaps the why, I still had my resolve, my absolute certainty shaken, and my thoughts and feelings were turned on their head more than once. This secondary story is truly authentic, tragic in its own way, and almost as nerve wracking as the attacks on the city. Certainly by the time this part of the story reached its conclusion my emotions were heightened, and I couldn't help but shed a tear for all that had happened. The author has done a brilliant job of pulling us into this story. For making us as emotionally invested in it as we are shocked and broken by the main investigation. I was conflicted. Sympathetic and yet still angry, but not always in the ways you might expect.

Now the tone of this book is very melancholic and, at times, very dark. It is packed with tension, and the emotional pull and impact of the case upon the characters is almost palpable. You can feel their anger, their loss and their determination. And not just between Callanach and Ava. I love the whole team in these book, and each of them, even the brusk and often objectionable Overbeck, has a real part to play in the story. But this book really belongs to Ava as she struggles to come to terms with what is happening all around her and the sense of futility that everything she does to try and protect the city still is not enough.

If you have read Helen Fields' last novel, The Shadow Man, then you may well recognise one of the guest characters in the book. It was great to see Connie Woolwine pop up to provide some well needed insight into the mind of the killer, something that worked to reinforce my assertions about the who, if not wholly the what. She is a quirky character, but I do love her direct style and forthright attitude. She gives Callanach some much needed guidance, and not just into the case, perhaps allowing him the room to lay some old demons to rest. Even Lively seems to appreciate her style, and he is no easy character to win over.

This is the first book not to feature 'perfect' in the title, and that makes sense as there is a real change in tone in this book. It is every bit as thrilling and pacey and intense as its predecessors, but you can feel something just a little ... different about it. It's hard to put a finger on it, but there is no doubt by the end of the book that nothing can or will be the same.

And talking of the end ... My god. What the hell? I am ... I went to sleep thinking about this book. My waking thoughts were about the book. The if onlys and they why didn't theys of the story. Had one single thing been slightly different ... If a certain character hadn't made that choice ... And I know that these are just characters in a book. It's not real. But the emotions I was left with after reading this book were so intense, for so many different reasons, that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think every author of a long running series has that book to write. The one that changes everything. The one that heightens the emotions, grabs your attention and makes your jaw drop. This is that book. And if you love this series, love the characters, I am sure you will feel the same.

I may be too scared to see what, if anything, comes next, but I can't deny this is probably the best book in the series to date. Dark, intense, full of action and emotional in all the best and worst of ways. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Ava and Luc are back in this next instalment. This time, we have a bomber on the loose in Scotland, and Ava and Luc must work through the limited amount of evidence and clues to catch the perpetrator before another bomb goes off, killing more innocent people,

This is one of my favourite book series. Ava and Luc are both excellent characters, with a private on/off relationship, as well as working closely together to catch Scotlands criminals. We also catch up with Natasha in this series, who is Ava’s best friend and now one of Luc’s closest friends. Natasha is also a real breath of fresh air, her character is just perfect. The writing in this book is excellent, as always, and has many twists and turns in the hunt for the criminal. It’s a real page turner, and I’m always disappointed when I finish the book, and having to wait for the next one. I couldn’t recommend this book more!!

One For Sorrow is the seventh book in what is referred to as the DI Luc Callanach series set in Edinburgh, but the main protagonist here is DCI Ava Turner with Luc in a supporting role. I’ve read the last couple but they all work fine as stand-alones. I moved this up my ARC queue because every time I saw the title on my reading list, I’d get the poppy song of the same name by British 90s band Steps in my head and it’s been driving me crazy. I had forgotten how dark and twisted this author’s books are, or I might’ve delayed it, and this one was equally grim yet compelling, with a high body count.

Ava is grieving the loss of a dear colleague and friend, who was murdered at work in a particularly horrible way, when the team are called to another major incident, which ends very badly for the emergency services. A bomber is wreaking havoc on the city and is always one step ahead of the police. How do they connect to an earnest young woman embarking on her first relationship?

I feel this could do with a bunch of trigger warnings, but to do so would involve significant plot spoilers, so let’s just say that it should appeal to those who like their crime fiction tense, gory and bleak, and be avoided if you’re feeling sensitive or sad. I guessed roughly what was going on quite early but was tripped up a couple of times on the who and how. It ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger - Ms Fields is as cruel to her characters as GRR Martin - I’m undecided whether I want to continue the series - they’re great but I’m losing my taste for this much darkness - but probably will need to know what happens next!

My main criticism here is with the dialogue - it’s set in Scotland but other than references to the Polis, nobody sounds remotely Scottish and the characters all speak the Queen’s English - even Luc who is supposed to have a strong French accent. I’m not saying it has to be all “Ach hen” and “Sacré Bleu” and I know Edinburgh is quite English - I lived there for ten years - but some variation in the voices and local colloquialisms would flesh out the characters and make them more realistic. I also got a bit bored with Ava’s angst and the weird dynamic with Natasha. On the plus side, the hilarious Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man makes a significant cameo appearance.

Overall this was a gripping well-plotted police procedural with some clever twists so fans of the series will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC; I am posting this honest review voluntarily. One For Sorrow is published on March 3rd.

Before you start this book, feed the household, and set a alarm for the next time it needs to be done, because once you get into this book, you won't be putting it down. It's a brilliant story, the author has surpassed herself with this one, honestly thought I had worked it all out, but no, two bombshell twists at the end blew my mind. The readers of this series, are going to love, so did I great read, thoughtly enjoyed it.

I loved this one it was unputdownable . It is well plotted with a keep you guessing plot that has you engaged till the end . Masterfully crafted mystery.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

5 horrified stars!

I’d like to leave it there but I guess I should say a bit more about the book. It was gut wrenching! It starts with the most bizarre death of Ava’s dear friend, pathologist Ailsa Lambert. And then it goes on a rampage of murder and violence. Edinburgh is in the grip of a deadly bomber who is always one step ahead of the police. He seems to be targeting his attacks on first responders (police, paramedics and firemen) while the public at large seems to be relatively safe.

The bomber sets up elaborate traps that no one can predict. It’s brutal and filled with jaw dropping moments. And he makes it quite clear that there is more to come. The police are at a complete loss to make sense of this series of crimes.

Interspersed with the mayhem we get the back story of a young woman who falls for the wrong guy and he makes her life hell with his stalking. You might wonder how these plot threads are related but things are not as they seem. I don’t want to say any more as I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. It is, however, very violent and indescribably sad so if you are sensitive bear that in mind. The story ends, I hope, on a cliff hanger as I’m not sure I could bear the alternative! This is book 7 of the author’s Luc Callanach series and it is one of the best crime thriller series out there. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Helen Field's DI Luc Callenach and DCI Ava Turner series keeps up dramatic suspense in the latest installment. While it is interesting to begin the series with the first book, each can be read as a stand-alone.
In addition to her main characters, Field has a great cast of secondary characters, and it is always nice to catch up with them. Edinburgh also functions as both setting and character.

One for Sorrow is compelling and fast-paced as a lone bomber creates chaos in Edinburgh. Luc and Ava are at a loss as to motive, but the deaths are devastating. The bomber targets police and ambulance workers, those who are there to help--adding another degree of horror to the chaos being inflicted.

The bomber gives the police tips and leads them into traps, and even after they know what to expect, they have no choice but to respond.

Two timelines, twisty, dark, and engrossing, the book gets your adrenaline going.

Read in December.

NetGalley/Avon Books UK. Thriller. March 3, 2022. Print length: 400 pages.

I have just finished this book this afternoon and was devastated by the ending. It felt so unfair.

A brilliant book - full of twists and turns. Grim at times but the Edinburgh bomber - murderer but also victim - was eventually caught.

Emotionally charged when your own colleagues are victims but still needing to do a good job - this was the hardest of this series to read.

Interesting questions were asked about how police treat victims of crime, the effects of not being believed and the way our system of justice can be manipulated.

As always Ava and her team kept me hooked!

This one was a wild ride! It sucked me in immediately. After the first shocking death, I thought I had probably just read the craziest death scene I had ever read, but I was wrong because author Helen Fields was just getting started. One for Sorrow was an intense, pulse-racing, high-stakes thriller. An Edinburgh bomber is leaving a trail of bodies with every horrific crime, and it's up to exes and current housemates (it's complicated) DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callenach to stop him while caring for their seriously ill roommate and friend. The subject matter is dark, many scenes are graphic, the pacing and the writing are brisk, but the characters are well-developed, and their emotional depth makes the twists land harder. My stomach was in knots, and I was up way too late because I could not stop reading. Unputdownable! This book is the seventh in the series, but I had no trouble getting up to speed on the back-story, and this easily reads as a stand-alone. It's hard to say much more without spoiling anything. Highly recommended police procedural! Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have been a fan of Helen Fields and this series in particular for a number of years now. She has never disappointed me and with this book she delivers one of the most thrilling and gut-wrenching book yet.

A bomber is on the loose in Edinburgh and targeting first responders and those in the supporting positions. DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are the lead detectives trying to find the bomber but with each passing day it seems another bomb explodes with lethal consequences. Trying to find the links between the targets to uncover who is behind the deadly campaign is met with increasingly frustrating results.

Switching back and forth between before the bombing begins and the current situation, the reader is given a peek at what transpired in the lives of certain people and perhaps a motive for the bombings. As more information is revealed, one can see why the investigation is so slow in uncovering the identity of the bomber.

This is a dark, psychological thriller that may be hard for some fans of the series to read because of how close Ava and Luc are to the victims. Also, reading about first responders being the target of a crazed mind was sometimes difficult. It is, however, a first-rate mystery. It kept me guessing, often incorrectly, and devouring the book to see if my suspicions were correct.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of this amazing book. The publication date is March 3, 2022.

Now that my heart rate is back to normal here is my review of one of the best books I have read in the last two years and I read a lot. This book definitely deserves more than five stars. I have literally been sat on the edge of my seat and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. Yes this book is that good. While reading this book everything else was on hold. The crimes are horrific, visceral, abhorrent and darn right terrifying. This book grabs the reader by the throat and does not let go until the final page and the conclusion was heartbraking. I never thought this author could top her Perfect series and we still have the two main characters Luc and Ava but this latest case is on another level. Loved loved it. Switch off your phone, order a takeaway and delve into a tour de force of a crime thriller.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

I have read Helen Field's standalone novel The Shadow Man and I was very much impressed with her work that I have decided to read all her books. Well, One for Sorrow is actually a DI Callanach series and even though I haven't read a single one of DI Callanch series, I actually didn't mind and read this book more like a standalone novel. And boy, I enjoyed reading this book so much!

A series of bombins are taking place around Edinburgh targeting victims including ones who are working in law enforcements, both DI Callanach as well as DCI Ava must find the bomber before claiming more victims.

I was that into the book when I started reading this one. The story changes back and forth in the timelines--to the present day where bombings are claiming victims with the bomber's tactics beginning to improve to the past about an innocent girl named Quinn who is being harrassed and stalked by her ex boyfriend Liam. Initially, through reading this book, you do find that there's a connection between the past and the present. The writing was really good and the author did a good job of drawing the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are in a cat and mouse chase finding the bomber! This was filled with twists and turns, and quiet unputdownable as I stayed up all night reading this book, waiting to find out what's going to happen next though I had a pretty much idea on who the bomber is towards the end of the book. The ordeal that Quinn had gone through was heartbreaking and emotional. But nonetheless, while reading this book, I felt like I was watching an action packed movie on the TV!

Overall, if you like fast paced thriller then this book is one for you--worth five stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC of One For Sorrow by Helen Fields in exchange for my honest review.
I love the DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach’s books so was thrilled to receive the latest instalment, and thrilled I was wow what a book, it had me gripped from the start and reading late into the night. There are lots of twists and turns that keep you totally engaged with a couple gasp out loud moments.
Although this book could be read as a standalone i would highly recommend reading from the beginning of the series as the characters develop with every book you really get to know them and become invested in their lives and relationships, not only that but you would be missing out on a great series. I cannot wait for the next book thank you #HelenFields for a fantastic series.

I’d like to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘One For Sorrow’ written by Helen Fields in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are facing the greatest challenge of their careers, tracking down a bomber who has his own logical sequence of victims and is taking down with them as many of Edinburgh’s police officers and those involved with justice as he can.

Although I’ve enjoyed reading the previous books in the Detectives Turner and Callanach series, ‘One For Sorrow’ comes into a class of its own not only for being one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time but that it made me cry. From the very first page I was gripped and knew I going to enjoy it and I wasn’t wrong as I couldn’t put it down and read it in twenty-four hours. It’s superbly written with a plot packed full of drama, tension, suspense and so many nail-biting twists and turns that although I thought I knew the identity of the bomber I was way off the mark! When I reached the ending it was so shocking and unexpected that I couldn’t believe what I’d just read and had to read it again. I desperately need to know what’s going to happen next and can’t wait for the next in the series.

One for Sorrow is an amazing addition to the D.I Callanch series.

PLOT: Fields doesn't hold back any punches. She starts with a punch and end with one. I loved the case and trying to figure out how it connects to the flashback with Quinn. Although the series is called D.I Callanach, this book is more focused on Ava, and we mainly see the case, drama and action from her point of view. As the book comes to conclusion all the elements link together really well.



CHARACTER: Everything that has previously happened to Ava is weighing heavy on her shoulders and you see she is struggling. Fields is great at showing Ava struggle and her loyalty to her friends and work. I also love how the other characters try to support her.

WRITING STYLE: Fields writing style is easy and engaging. I read 75% of this book in one sitting, as her words had me gripped to my seat.



OVERALL: A great addition to an amazing crime series. Anyone who has read the series before will love. And new readers will become hooked on the characters.

My rating for One for Sorrow is 5 out of 5.

Another excellent read involving DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach series. If you enjoy becoming immersed in police procedurals involving memorable, unusual but wholly convincing characters against the background of beautiful Edinburgh and its environs, then the latest in this series is likely to please.
Ava, Luc and the team are desperately trying to track down a serial bomber who clearly holds a huge grudge against the judiciary and the emergency services. Wreaking havoc in the city as bomb after bomb destroys innocent lives, Helen Fields gives us a fast-paced, twisty plot alongside some fascinating psychological insights into what might trigger such behaviour.
In contrast to this extreme behaviour we also become involved in the lives of the delightful, very down-to-earth McTavish family. How does their story of everyday life become entangled with the extreme violence confronting Police Scotland? And amongst these strands is the perennial question: will Ava and Luc finally become a couple? ‘One for Sorrow’ is perhaps the best in the series, so far …!
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you Avon Books and Netgalley for the best book I’ve read for a very long time. I love the “perfect” series and Ava and Luc and Natasha and Helen you have left me with a huge problem I need to know now what happens!
This was an amazing storyline and so well done and totally gripping. I loved the character of Quinn and felt so sorry for her. Liam was just horrible but believable. This was a total rollercoaster of a storyline and my emotions are all over the place.
I don’t want to give spoilers but I need to know what happens next …!! Now please.
I can’t wait for the next instalment please Helen.
I highly recommend this book and one day I am going to sit down and read the whole series again one after the other.

This is a new author for me so I hadn't read any in the series so far. In terms of reading as a standalone, I think it can be read as an isolated book. But let me tell you, if this book is a guide, I'm off to preorder the rest of the series!
This is a BELTER. The opening scene was outstanding and will stay with me for a while. As will that ending. I gasped, shook my head in disbelief, and whimpered. Actually WHIMPERED.
This was a fantastically fast paced thriller which blew my mind at times, in awe at Fields' imagination.
The only flaw I had was with the amount of sub-plots to keep track of, and the characters I hadn't read about in previous books. I felt like the author crammed a LOT of ideas into this one, and perhaps could have been saved for a different book. But I would much rather a book have too much content than not enough.

Also posted to my Facebook and Instagram pages Curling up with a coffee and a kindle

Wowzers!
This is darker than I normally read but very good indeed. Brilliantly constructed thriller. Nice to see old characters making a reappearance. I'm a huge fan of this writer's work.

Excellent story. A continuation of the Ava and Luke series.
Non stop action and twists and turns from the start.

Highly recommended

OH MY
OH MY

This is most recommended series to all fans of thrilling crime fiction and the 7th instalment of the Luc & Ava "Perfect" series does NOT disappoint. A fast paced, heart in your mouth totally explosive police procedural that will have you holding on to the edge of your seat for dear life.

Now if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series I highly recommend you do. One for Sorrow does a great job in recapping the history of the main characters over the first half of the book but there is so much history and detail and character development laced through the earlier books that I just think you would love this book more if you had been on the journey. Plus they are excellent books so why wouldn't you...

Helen Fields - you are a literary gem but that ending OMG I am still reeling!

An absolute 5 starts must pick it up crime book of the year for me!

Grips you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last one!
I honestly can’t think of a word to describe how good this is.
DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach are investigating after a toxic chemical is used to kill one of their close friends. While reeling from that they receive a warning of another device. When that explodes killing staff from all of the emergency services they know they have to stop him before he strikes again. They know the attacks were carried out by the same person but they are struggling to work out why and where his next target will be.
The case is taking everything they have physically and mentally but they know that every time they attend a scene they could be making the ultimate sacrifice.
Brilliantly written, tense, fast paced I didn't want to put this down. Every time I thought the worst had happened there was another shock. I really want to write a much fuller review but I don't want to give anything away because this is one book that has to be read to be believed.
5 Stars is nowhere near enough for this book

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon books and the author for the ARC. Unbelievably brilliant. This is the sort of book that you get totally engrossed in, have loads of ‘what!!’ moments and genuinely will not want to put down. I’ve read all the books in the Luc and Ava series and although the title may not have perfect in it, this is a most perfect read. Horrendous brutal crimes, that will actually have you re reading the descriptions because you won’t believe what you’ve read, really clever chapter alternation between the crimes and their back stories and two amazing endings, one the main plot and oh the subplot! We also get a cameo appearance from a very interesting character that we’d previously been introduced to in The Shadow Man, another outstanding read from this author, this time a standalone. I shouted at this book, was stunned by some of the crime delivery and shared the characters frustrations and fears. A brilliant brilliant read

I couldn't wait to read about Luc and Ava again, this series just gets better and better!
I cannot recommend it more: go back and read all of these from the start.
Couldn't resist and already pre-ordered the audiobook!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC.

CONTENT WARNING: grief, gore, murder, bomb explosions, blood, toxic relationship, mention of rape, stalking, death, suicide

I’ve been hooked on this series ever since I picked up book 4 and then had to read the rest of the books in order. Much like the others in this series, it’s the perfect mix of terrifying suspense, a mystery that grabs hold of my attention and refuses to let go, and characters that are so vividly rendered that I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that they’re real.

Fields cleverly got me hooked into this story immediately, and from the very first chapter, I was forming incorrect assumptions. It’s one of the best things about her books — the way I can see some of the pieces, make some connections, but never quite figure out the whole story until it’s all laid out for me.

Over the course of the previous 6 books, I have gotten attached to most of the characters — Ava, Luc, Natasha, Lively, and Graham to name a few. As expected, they feature into this story as well, and it makes for some witty and sarcastic banter. But there’s also a lot of character development for some of the characters — what happens in this story forces them to grow and reevaluate some things in their lives.

There’s also some interspersed chapters telling a different story from before, but one that relates to the main story, much like in the other books. It was so intriguing to see how the other story develops and ultimately plays a role in the current events. And while Fields commonly kills characters in a variety of ruthless ways, I was absolutely heartbroken at some of the losses in this story. I honestly never saw them coming. Not to mention the CLIFFHANGER that left me shocked and gasping. I know this book hasn’t even been released yet, but I seriously need the next book to come out soon because the cliffhanger was a rough one!

The story is fast-paced, and tension runs through the story at such a high level that I was practically biting my nails for the whole time I was reading. There’s a lot of action, but that isn’t all this book offers. Somehow, there’s humor and romance snuck into this story, as well as an emphasis on the importance of friends who become family. If you haven’t checked this series out yet, what are you waiting for?

This 7th book featuring DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanagh finds them faced with a series of bomb attacks in Edinburgh, the team must discover the identity of the bomber and the reason he chooses his targets before any more lose their lives.
Following a series of tip offs they realize they are walking closer and closer towards danger.
They lose friends and colleagues but seem unable to find what is driving the bomber.
The gruesome description of the bombings and their savage methods of delivery drew me in, I couldn`t stop turning the pages willing Ava and Luc through the twists and turns of the investigation.
This is a thrilling, fast paced, tension filled read.
A roller coaster that doesn`t stop until it reaches the finish.
A cliffhanger ending and the hope that the next book comes along soon.
I can`t wait !
An amazing book in an amazing series. You just have to read it, you wont be disappointed.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for sending me this as an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

Part of a series but its not a problem to be read as a standalone, Following DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner as they have to solve the most brutal, gruesome murders they have dealt with. There are a few squeamish moments but they just add to the fast paced story.
Someone is carrying out horrific attacks against the emergency services, the race to find out who and why takes its toll on Ava as she is already reeling from the death of a close friend. Will this case break her?
At many times during this book I had to stop and catch a breath, there are some shocking, heart breaking scenes but at the same time some lovely dialogue between colleagues
I really do not want to give anything else away only to advise everyone to read this fabulous novel.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, i was under no obligation to leave this review. My opinions are my own

Fasten your seatbelt and be prepared for whiplash. In ‘One For Sorrow’ Helen Fields throws bombs on the 7th of her DI Luc Callanach series.

The book explores the lengths someone will go through when they have nothing to lose after the system has failed at every turn.

You’ll be left with your jaw dropped, gut wrenched and heart shattered. I am not kidding. This is a book where Helen Fields wrings every drop from your emotional range, It’s that good. There are also moments of levity there (thank you Sgt Lively and Daisy).

Be warned: the final pages left me brutalised. Helen and her publisher Avon Books need to set up a support group.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this arc

I really enjoyed this, I’d say it was a medium paced thriller/mystery and I did enjoy it but felt it could’ve been faster paced but with that being said I felt it allowed the full extent of my anger I felt alongside Quinn and her family for not getting the justice she deserved.

I’m really intrigued to see what happens next

Not just a police procedural, not just a psychological thriller, not just a few twists and turns, but all that combined and then put on steroids. That’s the best description I have for One for Sorrow by Helen Fields. This may be the most intense book I’ve ever read, and certainly is the most intense one I’ve read in the recent past. Not only is there good, solid police work shown being completed, complete with personality clashes and departmental divides, the psychological tension is enormous; and that’s before you get to the twist that turns the whole thing on its edge.

The beginning of the book establishes two important storylines. Initially there is the police procedural storyline, which starts with a painful view of the coroner's death, captured on tape and being viewed by DCI Ava Turner. If you don’t like violent details, you may want to stop here, because this is just the beginning. DCI Turner is immediately drawn into battle with her superior officer over whether or not she will run the case, a discussion that gets cut short with an urgent call into headquarters requiring available resources to assemble at the scene. The police work and the graphic violence are part and parcel throughout this storyline of the book.

The second part is woven throughout the police procedural and tells the story of a young man who becomes obsessed with a young woman he meets at her place of employment. They begin a slowly developing romance, which feels disconnected from the other part of the book. Thus begins the reader’s introduction into the psychological thriller that awaits them in between periods of policework.At this point the reader either makes a leap of faith based on other information about where this portion of the story is going, or continues to read, perhaps with a suspicion of how the two stories fit together, and hoping they are wrong.

Throughout the book there are revelations about characters, some of whom are familiar to readers of Fields' other books. These characters are well developed and so succinctly drawn the reader may see them in their mind’s eye or even in unknown strangers they pass on the street. They are distinct, and crisp in their presentation.

It would be a major spoiler to discuss the twists and surprises that exist within this novel, which I choose not to do. I would not want to lessen in even a tiny amount the reader’s enjoyment of the book and the revelations to come. I will say, while some of these turns may be expected and some readers may be braced for the turn, there are at least one or two twists that will come out so unexpected that no reader will be expecting or preparing for them.

This is a stand-alone novel that features some characters who have been central in previous books Fields has written. To determine who, if anyone, will continue to a new book, or whether the series will continue in a different form or not, the reader will simply have to wait for the next book to be released.

Be prepared to sit up late into the night as you read, this is a hard book to put down. While it was a little difficult to get started, that may be because it begins with a gripping narrative that leaves you knowing this is not going to be an easy read. The only question left is how compelling it is going to be. My answer, about as compelling as they come.

I would like to thank Avon Books, UK for providing me with an advanced publication of this novel for review. For anyone who likes complex books, strong characters, gripping action, and people you can care for, this book is for you. This recommendation, along with the other recommendations and observations expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One for Sorrow – Helen Fields

I bloody loved this regardless of how utterly brutal it was. One of those books that really gets you thinking about right and wrong and how the lines are never that clear. A cacophony of emotions regarding injustice and loss. How humanity can be scary, wonderful and earth shattering, often simultaneously. Our first responders are incredible, but they are only human. Humans makes mistakes with devastating consequences.

http://www.hazelbutterfield.com/blog/2022/jan/reading-is-to-the-mind-what-exercise-is-to-the-body-joseph-addison/

Thanks to Helen and NetGalley for allowing me to read One for Sorrow before the publication date.

In Edinburgh, a killer is booby trapping live human beings in order to kill secondary targets.

The first victim is Dr Ailsa Lambert, the Chief Forensic Pathologist in Edinburgh.
Ailsa is a close friend of DCI Ava Turner, making the investigation personal for Ava.

When a report is received of a pregnant woman hanging from a bridge, the emergency services attend and try to cut her down, only to find that they have walked into a trap.

Ava and DI Luc Callanach are faced with an investigation where there is no indication of why these murders are happening, let alone who is carrying them out.

In parallel with the current murders, there is a secondary story which has taken place in the past.

Quinn McTavish is a 19 year old girl, living at home with her parents and baby sister.
Then she meets the good looking, charismatic Liam.
Whilst her uncle is concerned about Liam, Quinn is besotted with her first real boyfriend.
Then she takes off her rose tinted glasses and realises that Liam is not who she thought he was.
Quinn finishes with Liam but he refuses to give up his ownership of Quinn.

A tense, fast paced book with so many factors in play. It was obvious that the parallel stories were connected, but Helen throws in many twists and turns before the truth is revealed.

This is the first of Helen’s books which I have read and it will not be the last.

No way!!!! Oh my goodness, what an absolute cracker of a read this book is. It has everything you want in a thriller, by the bucket load. I could mention the plot, the twists, the suspense, the characters, the setting....and that totally amazing ending which dealt me a punch to my abdomen. I am off to a dark room now to weep and find solace! This is the best book I have read in a long time, Helen Fields has written a fantastic addition to the crime genre and it's an easy 5* from me. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC, I can't recommend it highly enough and fans are in for a rollercoaster of a ride.

Oh I do love this series and yet again Helen Fields does not disappoint. There was tension throughout and I cant so much more due to spoilers, if I say anything I am conscious I am going to trip myself up. Please just read this and have a great afternoon/evening, I could not put it down even though it was getting later and later.

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

What did I just read !

If only there were more than 5 stars.

Helen Field has outdone herself in Book 7 of D. I. Callanach.

Ava, Luc and team are racing against time to find a deadly bomber that is killing innocent people, their co-workers included.

I could not turn the pages fast enough to get the end.

One for Sorrow will stay with me a long time .

I eagerly await and nervously Book 8 in the series: what can happen next?

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk, Avon for a hold your breath read.

Oh no Helen, why are you like that? What have you done? Whyyyy???
I had the huge privilege of getting an arc, so that's a thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon books (even though this is a most not influenced review)

Last night, my boy (who's not even two yet) went to sleep almost an hour later than usual. And why it's that even relevant you ask me. Because it's Helen's fault, obviously. I just couldn't put the book down. I went from around 20% to 70% just yesterday. If I hadn't a baby, I'm sure I wouldn't even bother with eating. I was so sad when I realised I was already at 80%, I wanted more, I knew I was going to be sad when it over bc this book is just so good! Fast paced, unstoppable, enthralling.
I was in a reading slump and Helen just made me devour a story like there was nothing else in the world - again, may I add. This book made me gasp, chuckle even with all the tension, almost cry and managed to surprised me when I thought I had all figured out.

If anyone has a direct line to Helen, please let me know, I have a few questions (the first being HOW DARE YOU)

This is my second book by Helen fields and my first in this series. Her writing style is so eloquent and easy to read that it makes reading her books a joy. I read this one very quickly and it really does start with a bang! If you love crime thrillers or police mystery’s this is for you. I am now going to have to go back to the start of this series and read them all !

Absolutely bloody brilliant! Absolute must read if you are a Luc and Ava fan....so good, full of twists and I need the next one 😂

this book is covers all basis looking at mass killings, stalking, tragedy. its an heart-breaking book and the story books is so intense its completely unforgettable. Tinged with sadness this book will haver your pulse racing. I especially liked the ‘Before’ chapters, I felt they gave me great insight. i am very much looking forward to reading the next instalment.

Another absolutely cracking book in the DI Callanach series by Helen Fields. As the book opens, Ava is devastated by the cruel death of her close friend and highly respected pathologist, Ailsa Lambert. Worse, she has to watch Ailsa’s horrendous death on video. The amazing first chapter of this book perfectly depicts grief, as well as the very essence of Ava.
Of course, being a book by Fields, Ailsa’s is certainly not the only death, and the murders get more and more gruesome as the book goes on. One for Sorrow is awash with mass killings, stalking, tragedy and heartbreak. There are also some gloriously happy moments—and a humdinger of an ending.
To my delight we meet tough, no-nonsense and straight-talking Connie Woolwine again, the forensic psychologist commissioned to do a psychological profile of the murderer.
Said murderer is organised, meticulous, a master manipulator, highly intelligent – and way ahead of the Major Investigations Team.
Fields writes beautifully. Once again her evocation of Edinburgh—its beauty and its depravity—and how she brings her characters to life had me enthralled. I enjoyed catching up again with the ghastly Superintendent Overbeck, old-timer DS Lively, and DI Graham, and, of course, the complicated, physically perfect Luc Callanach.
I absolutely loved this book, and give it all the stars. It can be read on its own, but do yourself a favour and read the entire series for an even more enjoyable experience.

I am a big fan of the Turner and Callanach series by Helen Fields and One for Sorrow does not let the side down and is probably the best book so far.

Well plotted with numerous twists and turns this excellently paced book was a pleasure to read and is definitely recommended.

I love the DI Callanach books and devoured this latest offering from Helen Fields in a day. The relationship between Luc and Ava is (and always has been) compelling. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in admitting I’m a little bit in love with him too. I can’t say too much about the plot without giving too much away, but after the ending I have my fingers firmly crossed for number 8 in the series coming very soon.

Absolutely BRILLIANT!
Had me gripped from the very first page and I couldn't put the book down.
I already love the characters from reading previous books in the series so this was no different and I was gripped by the plot from the start.
Highly recommended but now I am DESPERATE for the next installment!

Wow, this hits you in the feels from page one!
It’s only been a month since I read book six, but it’s been two years since it was released. So for those that read it at that time, this has been a long time coming! Was it worth the wait?
Oh hell yes!!!
The end of chapter two hits you straight away with a twist, and you are thrown right into a new investigation! The speed of this book doesn’t let up; it is full-on the entire time. It’s more investigation heavy this time around, but the personal element is interwoven throughout that. If you thought the beginning was a tough read, it doesn’t get any easier. The book keeps hitting you around the face with shocks and loss.
I really enjoyed the ‘Before’ chapters, you could tell it was building up to something, and I wasn’t sure how it would play out. It had me guessing the entire way through. I wasn’t right in the slightest, although I did sort of guess motives. The unfolding of it all is quite hard to bear due to all of the loss throughout the book. I understand Ava’s problem with the entire situation.
Now for the worst part, the ending!!! Not worst as in it was terrible, but oh flipping heck, why are you doing this to me!?! I think another reviewer summed it up perfectly with noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I’m really hoping the book advertised for release in September 2022 is the next in this series; otherwise, there will be hell to pay for leaving it like that for longer than the already six months!
Without a doubt, the best in the series, and if I could give it more than five stars, I would!

An interesting look into the mind of a killer--or so it seems. This is a well-paced book that leaves you guessing right to the end while also giving the reader a taste of modern-day Edinburgh. Well-done!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the advance copy of #OneForSorrow by #HelenFields.

A masterclass in thriller writing. The action never stops.
Ava and Luc her second in command are searching for an highly skilled serial killer.
As the body count raises they have to search each and every clue trying to find the answer and stop this killer.
A rollercoaster ride with plenty of twists and turns. Well worth the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️