This is the 4th book in the Jessica Daniels series. It can be read as a standalone book, but obviously it would be useful to read the other books first as it would explain the characters backgrounds (plus they are very good books!)

In this instalment, Jessica witnesses a horrific fatal crash. When she goes to help, she finds the body of a missing boy in the boot and an unrecognisable driver. No one knows who the driver is, but on the passenger seat is a map and a key. Jessica knows who the boy is as he has been reported missing for a few days. When Jessica and her team follow the map, it takes them to an area of woods where, when they start to dig, find the clothes of another missing boy who disappeared 14 years before. Again, with very few clues to go on, and an unidentified body, Jessica and her team have their work cut out to find out what is going on.

I loved this book. Whilst Jessica is still growing stronger with every book, she still can’t just help herself from either putting her foot in it or going off against everyone’s advice and doing her own thing! There is also a lot more ‘humour’ in this book – Jessica’s slip on the ice being the best so far! I loved the fact that Jessica’s personal life featured more and, without revealing spoilers, how we finally might be seeing the new improved Jessica. Watch this space!

Whilst I did love this book, and felt it is the best one of the series so far, I was slightly disappointed with the ending, which is why I’ve marked it down on the stars! Just felt the ending was a bit ‘far-fetched’, but you’ll understand why when you get to it!

I have all the books in the series, but now have to switch from the kindle edition to proper book so it may take me longer to get through them. But I’m still going and can’t wait to start the 5th instalment!

The story opens with a fatal crash with a stolen car. The deceased driver is unidentified, his injuries making him unrecognisable. The damaged boot reveals the body of a young boy, shrouded in plastic sheeting and ready for burial. A shovel; a key and a map to an area of desolate woods complete the picture. Thus begins the next case for Detective Jessica Daniel as she races to identify the abductor and murderer before he finds his next victim.
This is an excellent police procedural, full of twists and turns, well written with a sympathetic central character.

After witnessing a car crash Jess finds a dead man at the wheel and a boys body it the trunk.
The beginning chapter grabs you but from there on it's very disappointing. I found the conclusion to be unbelievable and disappointing. This is my first time reading a book by this author so I might have to give another of their books a try. This is just my opinion of this book.

This is the fourth book in the author's series featuring Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel, who has lived in Manchester for about 10 years and works at the Longsight Police Station. I had no problem following the story as a standalone, but at the same time, hints here and there made me think I'd have enjoyed it more had I started at the beginning (something that's true of most series, IMHO, so I'm not picking on this one in particular). It's fast-paced with an attention-getting plot, and I thank the publisher for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

On her way to work one day not long before Christmas, Jessica witnesses an horrific car crash in which the driver is killed. In the boot (trunk), she finds the dead body of a young boy wrapped in plastic. Neither is readily identifiable (and the driver ain't talking), so she follows rather sketchy clues that lead to child's clothing buried in a remote spot. It turns out the boy has been reported missing and gets a name; but then other clues lead to a shed in a plot of rentable sheds where a list of children's names is found with the trunk occupant's at the top.

Problem is, there's no apparent connection among any of the children's names. So when another one on the list goes missing, Jessica and her police cohorts find themselves scurrying to get to the bottom of things before yet another one disappears. Learning the car driver's identity helps a little, but even then, progress seems to be moving at a snail's pace - especially since whoever's been taking children may have started well over a decade ago.

Meantime, Jessica must grapple with personal issues like a former boyfriend (one instance, I suppose, where reading previous books might have provided a bit more insight) and an intense dislike of Christmas - the only more objectionable holiday, it seems, is New Year's. But this time, the new year may bring a bit of much-needed closure to everyone involved. All in all, a satisfying read - and another solid series to add to my ever-growing list. Bring 'em on!

This is the 4th in the series and I hadn't read any of the others. I don't think that was necessary, it feels like it could stand alone. A quick, easy read on a cold winter's night.

Fast-paced and thrilling with a shocking ending. It works as a standalone, but I'd recommend starting this series from the beginning. I think they improve as they go on, and it's great to watch the characters we met four books ago grow.

Jessica Daniel is met with a grisly sight when she opens a car door to check on the driver after witnessing a car crash: his face is completely mangled. He's definitely beyond help. She notices that the boot of the car is slightly open and sees something else terrible... the body of a child. The car is stolen, and DS Daniel and her team immediately start work on identifying the driver. Who was he, and what would motivate him to kill a little boy? What does it have to do with the map and key fob found in the passenger seat? It all leads them to clothes buried in the woods thought to belong to a child that vanished fourteen years ago and a list of local children all about the same age, with the boy she found at the very top. Then another child from the list vanishes as well. They must work quickly to find out who is snatching children... and may have started fourteen years ago.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

Detective Jessica Daniel and her partner witness a car accident, which turns out to not be so simple. The body of a child is wrapped in plastic in the boot of the car. This starts an investigation that goes in several twists. Jessica is not your normal detective. She has a temper and is a bit temperamental. I have not read any of the previous Jessica Daniel novels, but I want to now. Great thriller!

This is the fourth book in Wilkinson’s Jessica Daniel series and though you don’t have to read them in order, I would recommend that you do. There is quite a bit of character development and backstory by this point and I think that will have a richer experience if you start with book one.

When the book begins, Jess witnesses a car crash and is the first officer on the scene. One of the drivers is dead, and when she does a cursory search of his car, she discovers the body of a young boy. He’s been missing for a few weeks and she instantly recognizes him. Unfortunately she doesn’t have any idea who the driver is, and then when there are possible links to a historical similar case, she struggles to find a solid connection.

By this point, reading about Jess and crew is like catching up with old friends. Jess is still hot headed and temperamental, and she’s still working alongside Dave. She’s gotten even more daring and takes some series risks in this book in order to find answers, I love how gutsy she is. All the previous cast of characters make appearances here and all show signs of personal growth and depth that I loved. This was my favorite aspect of the book as I wasn’t quite as engaged with the plot as I would’ve liked.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a different type of case for Jess and team because usually they have a ton of leads to chase up, but this time there is virtually nothing. She’s constantly grasping at the most tenuous straws to try and figure out what’s going on, and honestly the lack of action left me slightly bored and wanting more.

Overall, this was an average read for me, as much as I loved checking in with Jess, if it was the first book I had picked up in the series I doubt I would’ve been impressed. I’m still a fan of Wilkinson’s writing style, the city of Manchester was experiencing a huge amount of rain and that added something dark and sinister to the novel. I’ll definitely be continuing on with this series, I’m just hoping for some more action and excitement in book five.

Whilst I was kept engaged in this book, I feel that I might have missed something.

Only after I started reading did I discover that this is the 4th book to feature DS Jessica Daniel. I think I would have been better to read the earlier books first.

Having said that the novel is cleverly woven and the tension does build as the detectives close the case.

I liked the structure of this police procedural tale and I thought the characters were believable.

I would consider reading earlier books in the series and I will keep an eye open for future books too.

I give thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan (Bookouture) for a copy in exchange for this impartial review.

Wilkinson takes the reader in unexpected directions with the latest in her Jessica Daniel series.

I have read most of the other books in the D.S.Jessica Daniels series but for some reason I missed this one which is fine as it worked well as a stand alone. There's lots going on in the book but it does all come together in a brilliant ending. Jessica doesn't always stick to the rules which is fine as it leads to more exciting reading. If you love police procedural this is a great book.

Think of the Children by Kerry Wilkinson is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
One is dead. One is missing. Who is next?
Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is first on the scene as a stolen car crashes on a misty, wet Manchester morning. The driver is dead, but the biggest shock awaits her when she discovers the body of a child wrapped in plastic in the boot of the car.
As Jessica struggles to identify the driver, a thin trail leads her first to a set of clothes buried in the woods and then to a list of children's names abandoned in an allotment shed.
When another child from the list goes missing, Jessica is desperate to find them but in order to do so, she must crack open the secrets of a case that’s been unsolved for fourteen years.
This was a really good read with good characters. Jessica is my favourite character. Full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

Just like my other reviews Kerry Wilkinson does a wonderful job of creating an world where Jessica Daniel isn't just a police officer but is human with emotions that she works hard to control. Every page the readers will feel as if they are standing next to Jessica watching though her eyes.
Well thought out story with twist and turns reader will not expect. Just when you think you know what is about to happen Bam you and Jessica are taken into another place trying to figure out if you will find the killer (s)

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Think Of the Children

Think of the Children

This is the fourth book in the Jessica Daniel series, but the books can be read as standalones.

Four books in and the series is really hitting up, you won't be disappointed! If you are a fan of fast paced police procedurals, strong and entertaining characters, and enough twists and turns to leave you dizzy, then you're sure to love this book and series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, with thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. 4*

Great read and easy to follow story line. Look forward to reading more from this author

Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is first on the scene as a stolen car crashes on a misty, wet Manchester morning. The driver is dead, but the biggest shock awaits her when she discovers the body of a child wrapped in plastic in the boot of the car.

As Jessica struggles to discover the identity of the driver, a thin trail leads her first to a set of clothes buried in the woods and then to a list of children's names abandoned in an allotment shed.

With the winter chill setting in and parents looking for answers, Jessica must find out who has been watching local children, and how this connects to a case that has been unsolved for fourteen years.

This is a great stand alone novel - and I will be getting more. A damn good book.