Member Reviews

**4 Goodreads Stars**

When I read the synopsis for Dylan Young’s Before She Falls, I was intrigued. This book is one of the several books I’ve read this past year that examines how social media can be unleashed for evil. The books that come to mind include Britney King’s The Replacement Wife and The Social Affair, Nick Clark Windo’s The Feed, Laura Marshall’s Friend Request, AV Geiger’s Follow Me Back, and Kathleen Barber’s Are You Sleeping. Given these times, I do often wonder what would happen if social media and the internet ceased to exist.

How would we learn to communicate with each other again? Would we be better off?

Dylan Young’s Before She Falls makes me believe that yes, we might be better off without social media. It involves the deaths of mostly young people that appear to be inspired by a social media challenge called the “Black Squid.” The Black Squid challenge specifically targets people who are depressed, lonely, isolated, and experiencing suicidal ideations. The challenge helps accentuate these feelings, encouraging participants to commit suicide. As the book describes,

“This was the destruction of a human being from a distance. A sick and twisted game with death as the prize.”

I appreciated the author’s knowledge of the entire forensics process. As someone who has a tad bit of knowledge in this area (such as how to identify human remains), I could tell the author knew what he was writing about. I also liked that the author paid close attention to character development. This story was not merely about a crime, but also the people who were trying to solve it. Anna, the lead detective in the story, had an interesting and intriguing back story that intersected with the case she was trying to solve.

Overall, this is a really strong read that made me think twice about the “power” of social media. Thank you to Bookouture, Dylan Young, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Before She Falls!

Was this review helpful?

Detective Inspector Anna Gwynne is a self described high-functioning introvert. She has a quick, sharp mind allowing her to make connections more quickly. Enter a serial killer who has deemed her a worthy ally and you have a multi-layered and compelling thriller. Very well written making it compulsively readable.

Was this review helpful?

This is the third in the DI Anna Gwynne series set in Somerset, England. I’ve read and enjoyed both previous books and think this is the best yet. There is enough background to easily follow this if you are new to the series, although as with many others of this type, you would miss out in the character development and inter-relationships, particularly between Anna and Hector.

The Black Squid has resurfaced, manipulating vulnerable youngsters into committing suicide through a series of internet challenges. Hector Shaw, the Machiavellian serial killer incarcerated for murdering people he holds responsible for the death of his daughter through the “game”, takes Anna to a site identified by one of his victims as a burial-place, but even he is surprised when two bodies are discovered. What is their connection to the secure psychiatric unit nearby, and will the team find out who’s responsible before another young life ends...?

I really like Anna, and her new love interest Lexi. Ben is also an important part in her new happier life, but it seems there’s an unwritten rule in crime fiction that all detectives must have unresolved family conflicts, and sure enough, Anna’s mother is there to throw psychological grenades. The plot got a bit complicated but was resolved very satisfactorily - I loved the epilogue, and was very pleased to discover that there will be more to come. Hector Shaw is a brilliant character, with his own twisted morality. This is well written and researched, but without any feeling of being lectured to. The only thing I didn’t like was the title, which didn’t really fit.
While there’s nothing terribly original here, it is turning into another great British police series, ideal for fans of Angela Marsons or Robert Bryndza.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Before She Falls is available now.

Was this review helpful?

I have never read this author and I now have a new favorite author. Detective Anna finds herself questioning everything when she starts to investigate the death of a young lady Kimberley. What caused her to plunge to her death and who is the one sending the messages? Will the messages lead to more death and violence or will they find out who is behind them? Thank you for allowing me to write about this.

Was this review helpful?

Sorry the book was archived before I had a chance to download it so unfortunately I wasn't able to read it.

Was this review helpful?

So I made a booboo, I was a cover hoe, and I signed up for the tour without realising this was the 3rd book in the series! I like to keep it interesting! So now, all I have done is added more books to the ever-growing TBR list! But it was ok to read as a standalone – Phew!!!! And I have found a new author that I want to read more of (Noelle!!!!!!!!)

This book kept me gripped and I had a little crush on Anne! She is badass, she is up there with Jenna Alton from D.K Hood’s series!


The book deals with teenage suicide, all due to a new phase of deadly games on the big world wide web. More bloody trouble then it is worth sometimes! These poor teenagers, vulnerable teenagers being groomed. Groomed to take part in the “Black Squid” game! The internet is a dangerous place, and this book amplifies this.

Why did Kimberley jump????

Detective Anne Gwynne has to dig down deep in this case, she has to try and prevent this from happening to anymore, but will she work with the one person she really REALLY does not want to! Hector Shaw. This name means something to people who have read the other books! To me, it didn’t but it does now! Chills!

This book is dark, gripping and tension is palpable. It is a fresh plot and I feel like I know Anne and her team. This book twists and turns, and don’t forget the red herrings! All this makes the book so addictive, I was turning the pages furiously with the need to make sure no one else gets hurt!!!

I can’t wait to pick up the first two books, and to catch up and see where Detective Anne Gwynne go in the future!

Was this review helpful?

Detective Anna Gwynne is called upon to investigate the death of an apparent teenage suicide but it soon becomes clear that a huge network of young internet followers are being challenged to take up the deadly 'Black Squid' game. However, it is far from a game, in fact, vulnerable teenagers are being groomed by a website to incite suicide.

Sixteen-year-old Kimberly is found dead after falling from a cliff. It's hard to believe that a young girl with so much to look forward to would take her own life, but the deadly squid marking is found on her face.

The investigation takes Anna to convicted serial killer Hector Shaw whose own daughter was a victim of the 'game' many years previously. He has done his own research into who the mastermind of the twisted challenge is, but is reluctant to share information. Will he help Anna catch the killer?

The book is fast paced, gripping and cleverly written with a brilliant end. It is the third in the series and I, unfortunately, hadn't read the previous two. However, the crime thriller was still extremely enjoyable and I will be delving into other books involving Detective Gwynne and her team.

Was this review helpful?

Happy Publication Day! Before She Falls is book three in the detective Anna Gwynne series, but reads well as a standalone. I will be going back to read the previous two books cause this was so good!

Before She falls is a gripping, page turner of a read. It pulls the reader in from the first page. A belter of a thriller and case. A lot of pressure for Anna here to solve the case(s) and find evidence and answers. Brilliantly written and fast paced.

A well deserved four stars. Would highly recommend! I love finding new authors I can devour and Dylan will be one to add to my list. Impressed. Very impressed.

Was this review helpful?

This is a third book in the detective Anna Gwynn series but for me it was a first.
Good plot and I liked the characters. The story was well written and there was a lot of suspense throughout.
Dark and thrilling, I don't really have anything negative to say. I may even check out the first two books in this series cos I was really impressed! :)

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic series and this book is my favourite so far.
Detective Anna Gwynne is alerted to the fact that another person has been killed by a cult group called the Black Squib, which targets vulnerable people and encourages them to take their own lives.
This links in with the death of Shaw’s daughter and whilst in prison, he asks to see Anna again to trade information.
Links are soon found with a mental illness facility and when it’s discovered one of the victims worked there, the investigation takes off.
Anna gets on well with her team but when it comes to her mother, things are fraught with tension.
Ben and Lexi help her through this and Dawes is on hand at work to support her.
This is a great read which kept me gripped throughout.
With what happens towards the end, I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Before She Falls by Dylan Young is the 3rd in the Detective Anna Gwynn series.

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

Series Background:
DI Anna Gwynne works Cold Cases. She also has a rather unusual relationship with Hector Shaw, a man who is serving life sentences for multiple murders. He killed and tortured his victims while trying to avenge the death of his daughter, who he believes was targeted by a group called Black Squid. His daughter committed suicide at their direction. Hector helps Anna solve some of her cases, by giving her the locations of dead bodies. His “help” has almost gotten her killed.

My Synopsis:
A girl leaps off a cliff, and it becomes evident that she had done so at the bequest of someone else. Is Black Squid back? Are there more teenagers out there being tormented and directed to kill themselves?

When Hector leads Anna to the body of another victim of Black Squid, they are all surprised when the cadaver dogs scent another dead body not far away. The bodies are found by a set of railway tracks. Beyond the tracks is a 17’ high fence securing the residents of a mental hospital. On further investigation, it appears that one of their nurses went missing at the same time as the young boy who had committed suicide. Two graves, so close together, cannot be a coincidence.

Meanwhile, Hector seems to be ailing. They aren’t sure what is wrong with him, but Anna is trying to wrap her head around their relationship. As much help as he has been to her, he is still a convicted murderer. Should she be sympathetic?

On another note, Anna is having more problems with the relationship between her and her Mom. But she may finally find the reason behind all the animosity.

My Opinions:
Really enjoying this series. Anna is a strong female lead, who earns the respect of her team, and treats the team as a family. Love her character.

The subject of teenage suicide is bad enough without having a group goading them into it. It’s a scary thought, but Dylan Young handles it well.

This series keeps getting better as the characters get more depth. The plot is always fresh, with lots of action, and the writing clean. The books are a fast read.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

Brilliant. Fast paced and gripping the whole way through. Frightening how much children can be influenced by talking to someone online. It gave me chills down my spine to think that someone would do that. This book is really well written and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

The third book in the Anna Gwynne series. I have read the other two books in the series, and whilst this book can be read as a standalone, for continuity it would make sense to read the books in order!

We’re back with Detective Inspector Anna Gwynne and her team who are investigating the suicide of a teenage girl, Kimberley Williams. When her suicide is linked to the game ‘Black Squid’, Anna has to consider the possibility that she may need to have contact with convicted killer Hector Shaw, who believes his daughter was a victim of this game also.

The opening chapter of this book set my heart beating so hard I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. The descriptions of Kimberley Williams jumping to her death left images that stuck with me for the rest of the book. When Hector Shaw’s name came back into it, I didn’t know whether to jump for joy or hide behind the cushion. Whilst it took me a little while to remember the characters from the previous books, Hector was certainly one I couldn’t forget after I likened him to Hannibal Lector in the previous book of the series. He is one weird psychopath, but it’s always fun to have a psychopath in the story…..right?

It does feel a bit of a sad story involving teenagers who are being made to kill themselves as part of a game, but there is also plenty of twists and turns with Anna and her team using Hector’s knowledge to try and work out what the hell is going on. I love Anna’s relationship with Hector and in this book it felt there was more of a connection between the two – I’m really interested to read the next book to find out how this carries on. As the story moves on and the investigation begins looking at Ryegrove Hospital, a secure mental health unit, I was completely hooked by this point.

A dark and disturbing thriller which had me captivated until the early hours. Great writing and great storyline, probably the best book of the series yet! Would definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Kimberley Williams was a girl who had everything. But when she jumped off Southdown Cliff, her family and the close-knit community were shocked. Her suicide is linked to a game called the Black Squid. Detective Anna Gwynne and her team are put on high alert as a serial killer, Hector Shaw, blames it for his daughters death and his subsequent killing spree. What made Kimberley jump? She had everything to live for.

I broke my own rule when I read this book as it's the third book in this series and I have not read the first two books. Yes, I've broken it before, but I was lucky, they could be read as standalones. In this book though, I was kind of missing how somehow has a connection. I believe Shaw features in the first two books. That aside, this is a perfectly good read with a perfect ending. There is a good cast of characters who are likeable. The pace is steady with plenty of twists.

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

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This is a great book full of twists and turns. I like a book that has good flow to it and this one has it. A hard to put down book. Looking forward to more of Dylan Young books! Big thank you to the author, publisher and NelGalley for the copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes there are series where you can read all the books as stand alones. Sometimes I feel you really need to read them all in order not to miss out on too much. For this series, the latter applies in my opinion, but I am sure that people who have devoured them all, will agree that it certainly was not a waste of time. 

Anna reminds me of myself and Hector is so fascinating. Although of course I don't applaud what he does, I can understand him and my heart melted a bit here at the end.

This story shows how dangerous the internet can be, how cruel younsters can be and how vicious minds can take advantage of young people that suffer to manipulate them into very sick games. 

In this book Anna and her team don't know how everything adds up but soon clues are being picked up and the calm river turns into a white water one. 

I had an inkling of who might have been involved, but the author did a very nice job in taking me for a ride. Altough the story started at a slow pace, it soon took off like a rocket. 5 stars.

Thank you, Dylan Young, Bookouture and Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

A new internet "game" is inducing minors to commit suicide. Known as the BLACK SQUID, play involves completing 20 tasks that culminate in a suicide act. The game is especially designed to appeal to troubled children in fragile circumstances. One such girl is Kimberley Williams who leaps to her death from a cliff top.

The death of Kimberley and the news about BLACK SQUID are brought to DI Anna Gwynne and her team at Avon and Somerset Constabulary's cold case unit because of her relationship to convicted killer Hector Shaw. Hector's 13-year-old daughter was believed to have committed suicide, but now there's evidence that she was a victim of the BLACK SQUID. Will Anna have to interact again with Hector in order to get more information about those administering the game? Indeed. NO SPOILERS.

This third book in the series brings back Anna, her new boyfriend Dr. Ben Hawley, and DCs Justin Holder and Ryia Khosa. In addition, a new man from Major Cimes, DS Phil Dawes, is brought over to liaise with the squad as the case becomes much more complex. And complicated it is with a new focus on Ryegrove Hospital, a secure unit for those needing mental health services -- especially the criminally insane who are sectioned and housed within.Two bodies are discovered buried right outside the fence of the hospital. Anna is sure that one of the victims must surely have been involved with the BLACK SQUID, but no one has any idea why or how the other one got there. There must be some connection between the institution and the suicide game...

The investigation moves slowly because of the many characters involved and the scope of the linked cases. I read this quickly because I was quite desperate to get to the end and find some answers. There are still some loose ends that I expect will be tied up in the next book -- of course I can hardly wait. I really like this series and the character of Anna though I feel she is more on the spectrum than simply a bit of INTJ psychometric. (I can say that because that is also my profile.) Yes she's focused, cynical and definitely antisocial but she sure gets the job done and seems to be able to have good relationships with her team and her boyfriend. Oh, and the dog. I like the writing and the excellent descriptions of the area that Anna and her team work around. Good crime drama and police procedural detail as well.

Can't wait for the next book but I do think it's a good idea to have read this series of three (so far) from the beginning as there is a lot of backstory to understand. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Before She Falls’, the third in the DI Anne Gwynne series written by Dylan Young, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Sixteen-year-old Kimberley Williams jumps off a cliff and when her body is recovered she’s found to have a black mark on her face, the hallmark of the ‘Black Squid’, the website designed to incite suicide in vulnerable victims. As more cases involving the ‘Black Squid’ come to light Detective Inspector Anna Gwynne and her team at the Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s Cold Case team are assigned the task of finding who’s involved.

‘Before She Falls’ is compulsive reading and an excellent addition to the series. It’s been brilliantly written with a spine-chilling plot, lots of action, and it’s so thrilling I couldn’t stop reading. There are twists and turns, plausible suspects – not to mention the evil killer Hector Shaw who’s locked away in prison but still manages to get beneath Anna’s skin. The story is full of suspense with Anna and Dawes battling against flood water and putting their lives at risk. As the story reaches its breath-taking conclusion we’re left with a cliff-hanger so Anna’s work isn’t over yet. This thriller is writing at the highest level and I’m praying there’s going to be a fourth in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Brilliant thriller with a startling conclusion!

An internet challenge entitled 'The Black Squid' was popular to teens with terrible self image/self-esteem. This twisted "game" included a 21 day work-up to the ultimate goal - suicide. Facilitators and administrators ran the "show", but a mastermind had to be behind such a ghastly scheme.
Hector Shaw was a convicted serial killer whose daughter had been a pawn of the Squid game and had taken her own life at a RR station. Shaw had killed one of the facilitators after he obtained as much information as possible from the guy. Shaw would only give any information he had about burial spots he had pried out of Krastev (squid facilitator) to one cop-. DI Anna Gwynne. The latest burial spot was close to the mental facility, Ryegrove. However, there were two bodies at this spot. One a teen as were the last two found (with a suicide-squid marking on their face) and an older nurse with no marking and a broken arm. These tragedies were about 16 years ago.
However,, the latest victim, just found, was recently dead of suicide off a cliff. And, yes, the squid marking was on her face. DI Gwynne had a dilemma. One victim had been older and not an apparent suicide- another victim had occurred 16 years after the first two. Two distinct variables to fit ONE crime?????

Anna and her team jump through many hoops (some of them terrifying) in order to get to the bottom of the case. Or in this situation, CASES? One person who had been elusive after his discharge from Ryegrove was Colin Norcott, who becomes increasingly suspect as time goes on...

This is certainly a read you cannot miss. The reader goes back and forth as to who is REALLY the mastermind behind the Squid Game (and) quite frequently. Just when you think that you have it figured out, a giant twist occurs. Indeed, one read that is sure to satisfy any suspense/thriller reader!!!


Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ride!!!'

Was this review helpful?

3.5
Fist book I’ve read by this author but third in the series. It works as a stand alone. Interesting plot and characters. Bit of a slow start. It made me think of Silence of the Lambs. Suicide games, mental hospitals, serial killers - what’s not to love? This had some good suspense and kept me guessing. I will probably go back to the first two just to get a more rounded look at the character background. I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?