Excellent read. Starts very fast with a harrowing, but necessary scene, that goes a long way to explain the rather damaged nature of the main character, Kathryn. Don't be put off by this as I found this book to be a real page turner, to the extent that I finished it in 2 days (Unusual for me). The straight forward style of writing was also to my liking. No Hillary Mantel's for me thankyou (Although I am sure her books are very clever). The story is based around a hacker forced into helping the UK Security services investigate a religious cult on an isolated location in Scotland - Hell's Glen. I found the detail of the hacks undertaken in this story fascinating (and apparently, they are all real). Mixed with the mystery surrounding cults, the combination was unputdownable (That should so be a word :-)). The book also delivers what was a very satisfying ending, 2 really, but I won’t give any more detail, find out for yourself.
Give this one a go, you won’t be disappointed. 5 stars for me.
Note to author: I think your characters have the legs for a series, just saying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Hooked from the off. A dark intriguing start which gave a great insight as to why the main character was the way she was. Thought provoking throughout and had me guessing til the end. Loved it!! Would highly recommend to escape for a few days!

As the title suggests, things are not as they seem in what initially appears as a close knit community in an idyllic Scottish Glen.

Kathryn, who has not had the best start in adulthood in more ways than one is a professional hacker that has been caught out and is looking at a long stretch. But with a plethora of knowledge in the cyber security world that is key to solving the mysteries at ‘Hell’s Glen’ she finds herself on the other side of the law as she agrees to go undercover alongside detective Jamie in an attempt to gather intelligence needed to help investigate a group suspected of large scale International tax fraud.

A carefully researched and well written novel with all the ingredients to make it a great read! Drama, action, a twist of romance and lots of suspense, with a good insight into the life of professional hackers to spice things up

Highly recommend

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
#HellsGlen #NetGalley

“A cyber-criminal with a phobia…
The detective who caught her…
Their target: a religious community in Hell’s Glen.”

When I read the blurb for this novel, I knew this was right up my alley and I had to read it. The prologue does have a scene that may be triggering for some, but it was necessary to really understand Kathryn’s character. There were so many good elements to this story…mystery, murder, romance, a community of absolute whackos (or “happie clappies” as Jamie and Kathryn call them), and even a grumpy man-hating dog. I did not expect such a sweet romance in this story, I adored Jamie and Kathryn’s relationship. I would have liked to see more of the police units side of the story while Jamie and Kathryn were undercover, but besides that, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I loved it. The ending was so satisfying…a real cherry on top!

Thank you to Net Galley and The Book Whisperer for and advanced readers copy of this novel!

Review of eBook

Kathryn Sinclair, part of a cyber-hacking group known as Grey Nemesis collective, finds herself detained under several sections of the Computer Misuse Act. Facing years of imprisonment for cyber-crimes, she jumps at the offer of a deal, one that will ensure she does not face extradition, will waive her legal fees, and will drop all the charges against her.

In exchange, she will agree to go undercover to investigate a group suspected of large-scale international tax fraud. Her cyber skills will enable her to gather the evidence needed.

There’s just one catch . . . she must pretend to be married to the Detective Sergeant who arrested her. A man she detests.

Ultimately, Kathryn sees the deal as her only way out, and she agrees to go undercover with James Denton. But they’ll soon discover that nothing is quite as it seems in this remote, small religious community. It isn’t long before Jamie and Kathryn discover that the religious group is a façade; Hell’s Glen holds some repulsive people and some grisly secrets.

Will Kathryn find the necessary evidence to keep her freedom? And more importantly, will she find a way to convince the people around her that she and Jamie are a devoted couple?

=========

Although readers are sure to appreciate the trigger warning provided prior to the prologue, the main character . . . and the horrific events in her life . . . are realistically drawn. Sadly, her experience is true-to-life for many children. What sets this narrative apart is the handling of Kathryn’s issues. Granted, it does seem as if Jamie and Kathryn move from despising each other to falling into an immoderate relationship in the blink of an eye, but their relationship also moves the story along in a way that highlights the gentleness and patience with which Kathryn is treated. She's never forced beyond her comfort zone, never belittled or made fun of for her feelings.

With its strong sense of place and its compelling characters, the evolving story keeps the pages turning. At times grim and gritty, the narrative is occasionally cringeworthy, but [sadly] rather true to life. Astute readers may figure out the “secret” within the cult [it’s a doozy], but as the plot twists and turns its way toward a decidedly satisfactory denouement, everything has a way of working itself out.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from The Book Whisperer and NetGalley
#HellsGlen #NetGalley

I love a good crime thriller, pair that with a little romance and a large conflict that felt high stakes in a post Covid-19 world and you get an exciting page turner. The characters were clearly experts in their fields and impressive, but they were flawed humans. That for me, really made them relatable and brought the whole story back to earth. When the conflict got crazy it was the characters that centered the story. If looking for an exciting read with hackers, cults, and undercover missions where everything seems to be at stake, this is the book to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Gripped me right from the start. I enjoy a good mystery/thriller/ romance and this book had all of this that kept me turning the pages. There is a trigger warning to inform you of upsetting scenes. There is one that is alluded to at the start of the book, however this will give you a good understanding of Kathryn and why she is the way she is. Through the excellent descriptions I was transported to the glens of Scotland, the cyber world and into a religious cult. As the story builds it kept me intrigued until it all cleverly starts to fall into place on what is actually going on in Hells Glen. This book definitely left me wanting more from the characters Kathryn and Jamie and the author H.J. Russell!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
What an absolute breath of fresh air! A real page turner from the start. The start is dark, harrowing but ultimately required so the main character can be portrayed without confusion. The story is novel, exciting and capturing! I hope there will be a second, and a third and more!

This was a sad story describing the brutal treatment as a young 16 year old prisoner of war in the Philippines immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It details how it haunted his life and relationships for 30 years. Eventually he finds comfort and relief from his trauma when he a finds Jesus Christ and turns his life over to him as his Lord and savior. Truly loved this book. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and found it refreshingly different and compelling. For a romance suspense, it’s pretty ballsy ( note the trigger warning) and it gripped me from the start with a scene that gave context to the rest of the story and explained the main character’s behaviour. It’s not for the faint-hearted so be warned.
Kathryn’s an unusual character and I enjoyed reading about the cybercrime world from her point of view. I also loved the tension and sparks between her and Jamie.
The setting was also unusual: a religious society in the Highlands and again this was like a breath of fresh air. I appreciate when an author gives just enough detail to bring characters and locations to life without tedious lists of detail. This style of writing is unfussy and clear which gives the book pace. I found myself drawn into the story and was reluctant to put it down. There’s ample mystery and intrigue and for those who like a little romance, it doesn’t disappoint.
If you enjoy a blend of thriller and romance , I definitely highly recommend Hell’s Glen.