A truly gut gripping read, while dealing with very sensitive issues like physical abuse and rape against women, which Mel does with extreme sensitivity, this book is a fantastic thriller, I stayed up all night reading it. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read it.

This is the 2nd book in the Detective Sergeant Eden Berrisford series by author Mel Sherratt and can be read as a stand alone but the personal side of it works better if you have read the previous novel.
In this novel women are being attacked and Detective Sargent Eden Berrisford is leading the investigation to try and find a link to the attacks . The story is full of interesting characters who all have their own story to tell and for me the books got better the more I read.
This is the 2nd book I have read by Mel Sherratt and I have enjoyed them both. She has a good writing style and paces the novels very well keeping the reader wanting to know more.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this Mel Sherratt novel in exchange for an honest review.

Don’t Look Behind You by Mel Sherratt is the second book in the Eden Berrisford series and, being quite a fan of Mel’s writing it was a book that I had eagerly been waiting for. Having read several of Mel’s books already, I can safely say from the start of this review that Don’t Look Behind You is undoubtedly her best novel to date. Gritty and engaging from beginning to end, I found myself flying through this book at an incredible speed.

Within the book we are reunited with Detective Sergeant Eden Berrisford, a single mum to her daughter Casey and the team leader of the Community Intelligence Team. Upon meeting Eden in Don’t Look Behind You, we learn that the small city of Stockleigh is in shock after three women are brutally attacked within days of eachother. As we follow Eden throughout the investigation, we not only see her cross paths with Carla who is desperately trying to rebuild her life after her marriage to an abusive man ended in tragedy but also put herself in grave danger. Can Eden catch the person responsible for the attacks before they strike again?

As I have come to expect from a book written by Mel Sherratt, all of the characters that we meet within Don’t Look Behind You really come to life. Carla was a character who I felt extremely emotional for, my heart went out to her throughout the book and I couldn’t help but feel the fear that she did herself being faced with what she was. There’s no doubt in my mind that hers is a story that will stay with me for a very long time to come, one that I won’t forget in a hurry. Meanwhile, despite experiencing a few troubles of her own in her personal life, Eden once again comes across as a strong female lead who is extremely passionate about and dedicated to both the job and the victims. Meeting Eden for a second time in Don’t Look Behind You, I would say that whilst this book can be read as a standalone novel the first book in the series provides the background information you need to understand what Eden is going through more so I do recommend reading them in order.

Dealing with domestic abuse and painting what I fear is a very real picture of it, I can’t say that Don’t Look Behind You was always a pleasant read and there were many times when I felt more than a little bit uncomfortable. However, I do believe that Mel is to be commended for the way in which she handles this topic in such a brilliant and expert way, with sensitivty and tact, demonstrating how abuse can not only affect someone physically but also emotionally which I feel can sometimes be so badly overlooked.

A truly thrilling yet also a very harrowing read, I often had to remind myself to breathe whilst reading it, Don’t Look Behind You was one that pulled me in from the start and gripped me from the very first page. It was dark, full of twists and turns and everything you'd expect a good thriller to be. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author and seeing where she will next take us in what has so far been a great series!

When three women are attacked over a period of three days in the small city of Stockleigh, detective Eden Berrisford and her team on the relatively new Community Intelligence Team get serious about finding who's done them before someone else falls victim. Based on some of the terminology, I assume this is somewhere in the United Kingdom - my London-born-and-bred daughter-in-law provided answers straightaway to my questions about a couple. Who knew, for instance, that "bacon butties" and "chip butties" basically are sandwiches - one filled with a ton of bacon and the other with big fat fries (the skinny ones she's been subjected to now that she's living here in the states would never do, she emphasized).

Meantime, Eden helps her sister at a women's refuge, which provides shelter for those who have suffered from domestic abuse. There, she gets to know several of the here-and-gone-and back-again women such as Carla, whose husband, Ryan, just got out of jail. Carla has been forced to move several times since the death of their young daughter because Ryan has managed to track her down each time, but she's enjoyed a long respite while he was behind bars. Now, she's back to double-checking locks on doors and windows and looking over her shoulder at every step.

This is the second in the Eden Berrisford series, which I requested and received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Apparently, Eden's still-husband Danny unexpectedly walked out a couple of years earlier, leaving her with their daughter Casey (a situation I assume was outlined in greater detail in the first book). Now, Eden has found a significant other of sorts in Joe, although their relationship is a bit rocky - partly because Eden hasn't yet divorced Danny and partly because she throws her heart and soul into her work.

Chapters focus on the investigation into the attacks as well as what's going on (and happened previously) in the lives of the women at the shelter - complete with scenes that are rather graphic, for those bothered by such things. Readers also learn "secrets" in Eden's own life that she'd prefer to keep to herself. There's really nothing pleasant I can say about the story or any of the characters, except that the details of the investigation play out interestingly - with a few surprises tucked here and there - the action is pretty much nonstop (heating up near the end) and the whole thing is very well written. There's even an issue left dangling which, I presume, will be revisited in the next installment. I'm in!

A mystery told from multiple points of view and with multiple storylines. There's a rapist attacking young women walking alone at night. Eden Berrisford is the DS trying to see if the attacks are related and find the attacker. As a community intelligence officer, she also visits at a refuge for abused women. The additional storylines concern those women and the counselor who works with them. We hear from Carla, the counselor, in the first person personal, looking back over her own story of abuse.

The different stories are all engaging. Sherratt does a good job of walking us through the abuser’s tactics and how the women are beaten down both physically and emotionally, until they are ghosts, attempting to blend into the background.

This is a very fast moving mystery. I really enjoyed her writing style. Sherratt calls her style grit-lit and it fits. Very direct, taut.

I didn't realize this is the second in the series until I read up on the author. So, it's not a problem to read this without going back and read the first one first.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

My thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for this ARC which I have chosen to read and review.

Eeeeeek! I have been desperately waiting for #TheReturnOfEden and I am over the friggin moon to say that it was well worth the wait!

Set in the fictional town of Stockleigh, the reader comes face to face with domesic violence, power, control, relationships – both positive and negative, intimidation, violation, fear, survival and retribution.

The grit is back in this fast paced, twisted read and you are immediately sucked in from the start! The story is mainly told from the third person POV, although you do get Carla speaking in first person as she reflects back on certain periods in her life. The storyline is dark, emotive, hard-hitting, explosive and gripping! Two threads are seamlessly woven leaving no doubt about the outcome. The reader gets drawn into the pages with no mercy being dished out – a lot of the story really touched a nerve and the realism left me feeling exposed and raw — how the hell does Mel Sherratt do that!!

This book was full of well developed characters that sat perfectly within the storyline. DS Eden Berrisford really comes into her own in this book and we see that behind her fiery passion, there is a vulnerable woman looking for answers in her own life. I love the dynamics of Eden, Jordan, Amy & Sean in the Community Intelligence Team but also enjoyed how Phil was thrown in to contrast the differences in policing – Phil being very much an old school neanderthal! Love a bit of conflict! Carla was a wonderful portrayal of a woman in fear of her life and what she endured really exposes the reader to just a few of the things a survivor of domestic violence goes through – and these women are survivors…not victims. I could go on and on about the characters but just want to say that the baddies….well they made my skin crawl! I was angry, repulsed and very protective of the women in this book….this is the sort of read you find yourself shouting out about!

What I also love, is that you can easily read this as a stand-alone, but The Girl’s Next Door was also a great read, so you may as well treat yourself to both! A whopping Hell Yeah recommendation from me and I seriously hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book in this series!

This is the second book in the Eden Berrisford series and it did not disappoint.I love the strong characterisation of Eden and the hint into a troubled personal life kept me intrigued. The subject matter of domestic abuse is handled very well throughout but some of the scenes are a bit harrowing. Well written and a very good read. many thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads and Amazon.

Having enjoyed the first book in this series I was excited to see what the author would bring with this book.

Eden is once again thrown into the thick of things with a brand new case. But, as expected, this is not a straightforward case. There are quite a few different story strands throughout, and trying to work out what was going on at times was a bit difficult. The story is written extremely well and it had me hooked right from the start.

There are quite a few twists in the story, and I found myself trying to work out who it was one of the characters was after. The author does a great job at having the reader constantly trying to become almost a detective themselves to try and decipher all the clues and weed out the red herrings.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

I can't fault Mel Sherratt. Always an enjoyable gripping read. I couldn't put this down!

This one hit me right in the feels. Prepare for an emotional ride, especially if you yourself or a loved one has been through domestic abuse. It's not often a book makes me cry, but this one got me. It was cathartic, though. The ending tied everything up nicely. It still put me through the wringer. Well written as well.

It's a very quick, emotional, fast paced read with several different storylines. We have Eden, who we met in the first book. She's still dealing with the aftermath of her husband up and leaving her and their daughter one day. She's also a great detective: driven, intelligent, and a bit of a badass while still able to emotionally bond with the victims she speaks to. If I were a victim, I'd want her by my side. If I were a criminal, I'd be afraid of her.

Young women have been attacked at an alarming frequency, and often very close to their own home. Some are raped and some are beaten, they are all brutal and leave them damaged. Eden and her team have to figure out who is responsible, and quickly. As they chase leads, more women are attacked. It's clear that the crimes won't stop or even slow down until the man is behind bars. Another storyline featured is a survivor named Carla. Broken down after an abusive marriage and her daughter's death, she spends her time trying to help women who've been abused while constantly looking over her own shoulder. Ryan has been in jail for a long time, but he's out now... and she fears he will keep his promise to find her and make her pay.

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

This is an absolute cracker of a book. Totally engrossing, nail biting action from the beginning to the end.

I almost chewed my fingernails off as you don't quite know what action is going to happen next.

Another brilliant book from Mel.

Don't look behind you by mel Sherratt is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
She got into bed but sleep didn’t come easily. Every creak in the house made her alert. She was waiting for him to come and get her.
The small city of Stockleigh is in shock as three women are brutally attacked within days of each other. Are they random acts of violence or is there a link between the victims? For Detective Eden Berrisford, it’s her most chilling case yet.
The investigation leads Eden to cross paths with Carla, a woman trying to rebuild her life after her marriage to a cruel and abusive man ended in unimaginable tragedy. Her husband Ryan was imprisoned for his crimes but, now he’s out and coming for her.
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved the story. Full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley

This is the second book in the Eden Berrisford series.

Women are being brutally attacked within days off each other. Detective Sergeant Eden Berrisford has been given the task to arrest the culprit. Eden has to work out if there is a link to these women or if they have been randomly chosen. The only link she has so far is they were attacked at night while they were on their own.

Mel Sherratt has another best seller with this storyline. Eden Berrisford Is just the right person to solve this case. She is such a strong character. I found myself holding my breath and my stomach churning at times, but for this plot it would not work if the reader did not get pulled into the storyline. I throughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Mel Sherratt for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed it. Though it was a bit heavy at times
The story line keep you wanting to read more from the beginning, the scenes depicting the abuse of the woman came across as very realistic, making you feel for the women.
It was good to see the key characters coming across as strong at the end with the men getting the tables turned onto them.
I would highly recommend this book, look forward to more

Absoloutly loved this book. The author handles some very sensitive subjects brilliantly giving you the story from both sides. Eden is a thoroughly likeable charachter from the start and as the story goes on you invest more feeling into her. The story was brilliantly written with some very well thought out twists added in to throw you off. Highly reccomend this book.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Mel Sherratt for this advance review copy.

Detective Eden Berrisford is back for this second story of the city of Stockleigh and it's residents, the criminal and the victims. There are a few stories here running alongside each other. Firstly there is a violent rapist stalking the streets who becomes bolder with each attack. Then there's a woman's refuge where no one is feeling safe. And then there's Eden's own past beginning to catch up with her. The theme though is prevalent though. These are all stories of women who are victims of one sort or another, and their reactions to the violence and manipulation of their partners. Some take it, some fight back, and some even become complicit to protect themselves.

I loved The Girls Next Door and I loved this too. It would be so easy for this to be a man bashing tale but it isn't. It's a story of the dangers we all face, and how they can be completely random or from the people we love the most. The attacks on the women in this book are shocking but never is it described gratuitously - Sherratt obviously respects her audience and knows we don't have to read every little detail of an attack. For that reason her story telling retains a dignity that can sometimes be lacking in these sort of books - she definitely knows less is more!

A gripping and often emotional read, I'm hoping part three is not too far away.

All my reviews can be found at www.dejaread.simplesite.com .

Mel Sherratt has done it again. Her second installment of Di Eden Berrisford series is even better than the first. This is a harrowing but realistic crime thriller of a man attacking a raping women in a small town and Eden is in charge of it.

It also talks about a hard hitting subject of sexual and physical abuse and Mel writes very well to make this and easy read, but sensitive.

This is a brilliant unputdownable novel and I cant wait to see what she writes next,

I really enjoyed the first book of this series - The Girls Next Door(4 star review from me) so I was delighted to find out that Mel Sherratt had a follow up coming out. Having finished this book last night, it certainly didn't disappoint.

Don't Look Behind You sees the return of Eden Berrisford and her team and the small city of Stockleigh. Three women are brutally attacked in a short period of time, with the attacks becoming more violent. Eden is in charge of the cases and convinced there is a connection to the attacks and they are the work of the one perpetrator.

Her investigation leads her to a local women's refuge, where she visits regularly as a sort of community officer. Here she crosses paths with Carla, a counsellor at the refuge but one that we learn has a hidden past, an abuse victim herself, married to a man called Ryan who very violently abused her many years ago, ultimately ending in a family tragedy and on her testimony, the imprisonment of Ryan for 10 years.

But Ryan has recently been released from prison and Carla is convinced that he will come looking for her again. She sees shadows outside her house and is convinced someone is following her. Can these things be connected? Where and when will the attacker strike again?

I really loved this read. If anything it's a stronger book than the already impressive first in the series. Eden continues to develop as a character, with her past explored further, she really is a very strong central character to base this stories around and you are always rooting for her.

The subject matter is pretty heavy material, domestic abuse, and some of the scenes are quite horrific but I think the subject matter is handled really well.
Th book absolutely zips along as you are drawn into the story. The tension throughout is palpable and it doesn't seem to dip at any point.

I'm excited at the prospect of further Eden Berrisford books in the future. A sub plot in this novel has left the door open perfectly to continue in the next instalment, one that I can't wait to be written and released.

An easy five star review for me. I think we may have a very special series of books on our hands with the Eden Berrisford series. I'd highly recommend this to everyone.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Mel Sherratt for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say Don't Look Behind You by no means suffers from the so-called 'weak-second-book-syndrome'! In fact, I enjoyed this psychological thriller sequel significantly better than the first book, and that says something. First of all, the writing style is excellent and really makes it that much easier to enjoy the ride. Don't Look Behind You reads like a train and the amount of plot twists is just right. And while I had some minor problems with the main character Eden in the first book, she is really starting to warm up to me despite the fact that the recent problems in her private life does make her look more like the typical cliche detective character. Is this bad? In this case I don't think so, because it makes her so much more 'real' and her private connection to the recent events is intriguing. I could also really appreciate the fact that the whole abuse theme was given such a big role and was portrayed so realistically. It's a very important topic not nearly enough people are aware of, and on top of that it's also refreshing to read about after one too many typical murder/missing person case. All in all a great read and I will be looking forward to the next installment of the series!

This is the first Detective Berrisford book I have read although I have read the Estate series.
Women are being attacked in Stockleigh and Detective Berrisford and her team need to find out if they are random acts of violence or whether they are linked in some way.
She is also involved with a woman's refuge and has dealing with Carla whose husband has just come out of prison and she thinks he is out to get her. Domestic violence is a hard subject to tackle but Mel Sherratt does it well. This was hard to read because you feel for the women who can't go out without always having to be aware of their surroundings.
Don't look behind you is a powerful gritty thriller which sends chills down your spine.