You think by now I'd be used to giving my little opinion on the Perfect series of books by Helen Fields, but honestly I bore myself with how much I rave about them. So I shall apologise in advance.
I'd quite like to do this review by a series of gifs or something, but it's beyond my technical capabilities; Perfect Crime was for me, a bit of a rollercoaster ride though. I'm going to talk about the actual crime bit in a minute, but it would be totally remiss of me not to say, (apologies for shouting, but) HELEN FIELDS WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME? I am of course talking about my enduring love affair with Luscious Luc and the ever-wonderful (in my eyes) Ava - I know I'm probably banging on about this, but please get them together, I'm not sure my heart can take much more! It feels like Romeo and Juliet and the whole ill fated lovers. And I'm not being rude when I say that this was my favourite part of Perfect Crime, the relationships between Ava, Luc and the rest of the MIT (not forgetting journalist Lance).
Anyway, my little rant over; thank you if you've got this far!
Obviously I totally enjoyed the latest instalment of the series, Helen Fields proves herself over and over as a great crime writer. The idea of turning the vulnerable character into the murder victim was an interesting slant, and even though I did do the whole guessing the perpetrator thing, I really enjoyed the labyrinth journey to the conclusion. Perfect Crime is as twisty as all the previous book, and I'm going to do my ever-so-little warning that the murders are a teensy bit gruesome, and then I'll temper that with, but I liked it! The whole toaster scene though does make me a little worried about the way Helen's mind comes up with these things - hopefully you'll know what I mean when you read it! And honestly, please do. Where was I? Ahh yes, twisty....it's full of them, and when you combine that with dear Luc getting himself in the firing line again, you've got more than enough to keep you hooked on every page.
See the only problem for me, is just the length of time I have to wait between each book! I don't know what else I can say without turning into a complete fanatic really, so I'm just going to state the fact that if you love crime thrillers, please order a copy of Perfect Crime so you get it in your hands on 18th April.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an HONEST review. Perfect Crime is published by Avon Books on 18th April 2019.

I really enjoy the series featuring DI Luc Callanach. This is a really good thriller with murder and suicide as the plot. Engaging characters and well written with the relationship developing between Luc and Ava. Helen Fields never disappoints. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. Reviewed on Goodreads and Facebook.

My Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review. I requested it based on the description. Much as I hate to criticise an author’s hard work, I’m afraid that this book wasn’t for me and I struggled to finish it, feeling that there was a better use of my time.

Set in Edinburgh, the main protagonists are DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach with a full supporting cast of murder squad officers. This is the third book in a series involving these characters so there’s some back story, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. The theme of the crimes being investigated this time is suicides and are they really that or possibly murders and if so who is the perpetrator. This basic idea is a good one but for me there are too many coincidences and things that just wouldn’t happen in real policing. There are descriptions of the suicides, not just the aftermath but several pages of the actual event itself. I understand that the author is attempting to convey how disturbed this character is who is being sought is, but for me, it was just depressing. Added to which there is a strong on /off attraction between Ava Turner and Luc Callanach, who incidentally is half French and incredibly good looking. Of course, he is! I nearly lost it completely after several pages of detailed sexual foreplay.

If you want an Edinburgh based crime detection story there are several better to be had. If you like a dose of relationship/romance with your crime thriller/police procedural, then this may be the one for you. I’m sorry but I like mine separate.

The Perfect Crime Helen Fields

Perfect Crime is the fifth book in the DI Luc Callanach, DCI Ava Turner series.

Luc is an ex-Interpol detective who transferred to Scotland when he was wrongly accused of assaulting a female partner.

He has found solace in the company of DCI Ava Turner, both on a professional level and as a friend, but he is still a bit of a closed book to everybody else. Respected for his work everyone on the team like him as a cop, but some of the men see him as a threat to their manhood.

In this book more of his back story comes to light in a way that puts him at the forefront of the suspects in a murder inquiry, and he finds out who his true friends are.

As the senior officers isolate him, from the investigation he is a suspect in, he carries on working with Ava on an investigation which is looking at the suspicious deaths of people with a history of depression and attempts at suicide.

The investigation against Luc puts the pressure on his relationship with the Scottish Police and even worse may compromise Ava professionally.

This series is really good Police Procedural with the undercurrents of a will-they-won’t-they relationship between Luc and Ava.

In this book that relationship is stretched to the limit. Maybe Luc isn’t the innocent man he has been portraying himself as.

The crimes investigated by Ava, looking at the deaths of people who had previously attempted to take their own lives, is compelling in its own way.

Helen Fields has found a group of vulnerable people who make ideal victims for a serial killer. She explores the reasons these people are depressed and what has led them to the place they now find themselves in.

She looks at the people that attempt to help them; and uncovers the nasty side, the people that pray on their vulnerability.

This book can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the first four in the series first. They are stunning crime novels, and once you’ve read this one you will want to read them anyway. So why not do it in order

Publishers: Avon Books UK
Publishing Date: 18th April 2019

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon books and author Helen Fields for this digital Arc in exchange for an unbiased review

Here's the blurb as they say it better than i do!

Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge until a suicide prevention counsellor stops him. A week later, Stephen is dead. Found at the bottom of a cliff, DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are drafted in to investigate whether he jumped or whether he was pushed…

As they dig deeper, more would-be suicides roll in: a woman found dead in a bath; a man violently electrocuted. But these are carefully curated deaths – nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they’ve been made out to be.

Little do Callanach and Turner know how close their perpetrator is as, across Edinburgh, a violent and psychopathic killer gains more confidence with every life he takes…

Great to be back with familiar characters, Helen Field has done it again! Throughly enjoyed, fantastic series!!

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I had read the previous book in this series from Helen Field and enjoyed it so was very happy to receive the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Many thanks. This was just as enjoyable. Set in Edinburgh, this series is more than satisfying. The characters are outstanding, especially Ava Turner and Luc Callanach. It's a bit gruesome in places which to be honest I don't like, but the characterisation makes up for this.

In Edinburgh a number of suicides are turning out to be more suspicious than the police would like. Soon they realise that in each case someone has helped the victim on their way. At the same time, a death in a nursing home is thought to be murder and DI Callanach was the last person to visit the victim. And he has a motive. These twin plots are kept effortlessly spinning in the air by Fields and come to a very satisfactory resolution.

If I have one complaint it is that Edinburgh itself doesn't really come to life for me in this book. I know the city very well as I have family there and I didn't really get a sense of the place coming through as you do in for example Ian Rankin's Rebus novels. Having said that I would recommend this series and I've just gone out and bought the first one in the series to bring myself up to speed.

Helen Fields has done it again! There are few authors who I will completely clear my TBR for, but Helen Fields is definitely one of them. I devour her stories, tearing through the chapters as a I need to know what will happen next. As this is now the fifth book in the 'Perfect' series I am seriously invested in the lead investigating officers Ava and Luc. However, the development of their relationship in this novel had me nearly throwing the book at the wall in frustration (with them and not the writing that is). Another stellar novel by one of my go-to crime writers. Helen please write faster, I need the next book already!

Stephen Berry is trying to jump off a bridge when a councillor stops him. Soon after he is found at the bottom of a cliff dead. DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are called in to find out if he jumped or was pushed.
As they dig more, more would be suicides are happening, but these ones are carefully created deaths -nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they have been made out to be. Luc and Ava don’t know how close they are to the perpetrator, but he is gaining confidence with every life he takes.

This was amazing!!! Every time I think Helen Fields books can’t get any better they always do. I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page. A really good thriller with characters from previous books who I have grown to love, I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In Edinburgh, Ava Turner and Luc Callanach are investigating a new case with their team where a series of suicides are not altogether what they seem...

Oh man, where to start with reviewing this book!! I am a huge fan of this series and it really just keeps getting better and better. I don't want to say too much about the storyline as it will give away too many spoilers but suffice to say that this is a roller coaster read choc full of excitement, tension, shocks and suspense. The "will they/won't they" storyline of Ava and Luc and their chemistry (apparent to everyone but themselves!) only adds to the storyline! Step forward ghosts from the past, a few red herring plots drawing us down rabbit holes, elements of crazy and character inner reflections, and you have got the best book so far in the series, if that is indeed possible as all of them are fantastic. Helen Fields has written a series where I feel like I am reading about old friends, where I am (in my head) practically a member of the police team so invested am I in the characters, and I absolutely cannot wait for book number 6.

Posted on Instagram, Goodreads and Twitter under "Elaine's Reviews".

Gritty police procedural set in and around Edinburgh. Familiar characters who's stories unfold a little more as they try to solve some grisly murders.
Some twists along the way and a surprising ending.

A well-crafted, tense narrative hook opens the fifth book in the DI Luc Callanach series. It's great to be back with the Police Scotland where an unusual set of repulsive crimes is appearing. As always Fields' plotting is intelligent and she weaves the investigation of the crime around the men and women who are tasked to solve it. The central relationship of Luc and Ava is taking a much more personal turn,and there's a lot of focus on it, but I really enjoyed this development and the further insight into their lives and problems. There's a lot of backstory in this, so I'd definitely recommend reading from the start to understand Luc's past and how it links strongly into this story-line.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the unusual method of crime and the psychology of the killer.
Can't wait for book 6!

Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the arc and the chance to review this book before publication. Highly recommended for all crime fiction fans.

Luc and Ava are back, this time they may actually get some time together, maybe not, suicides are the name of the game, so they may look, well worth the wait, Helen Fields has done it again, brilliant series

This is the fifth book in the series and what a great series it is.
This book is another amazing read. Can’t wait for another by this author

Well Helen Fields "Perfect" book just keep getting better.
Once again it is hard to say too much without giving the plot away but the old team are back and as usual the story drags you in and the pace does not let up. The premise is simple it starts with a suicide attempt and then moves on - creating the perfect set of crimes.
I did feel that you got to know more about the characters of Callanach and Turner as their stories really start to unfold. In this story and really feel for them and what they go through.
I am amazed that the Perfect books have not been picked up for a series of TV dramas as they are so well told with so many twists.
Once again I can not recommend this book and the series enough. Read it at all costs.

Really enjoyable book. Good pace and characters. Shows the tensions and relationships between police team members.
Really need to pay attention as there are a lot of twists and strands to the story.
Would like to read other books in the series.
Would definitely recommend this book.

Although this is book 5 in the series, I was able to dig right in and enjoy it.

This is a very solid procedural/crime thriller.

The mystery is engaging. The author managed to keep my interest throughout.

It did take me a bit to engage with the characters – likely as a result of my being new to the series – but I got to know (and like) them very quickly.

I’m curious about the prior books and definitely look forward to the next one!

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

Damn! I’m desperately, overwhelmingly, devastatingly, head over heels in love with Luc Callanach!

Stephen Berry is going to jump off a bridge but Rune Mclure, a counsellor, talks him out of it just in time.
A week later they find Stephen Berry’s body at the bottom of a cliff. Initially the police assume he finally succeeded in committing suicide without intervention. But when they find another victim’s body, with a history of depression and previous attempted suicides, they realize there may be a connection between the victims.

There is a serial killer in Edinburgh and he is targeting the weak and vulnerable.
What is his motive? How is he choosing his targets? Who is next? And most importantly how can he be stopped?

Thanks to Helen Fields, Avon Books UK and the NetGalley for the advanced copy.

So the very fabulous DI Luc Callanach is back in this 5th instalment of the series and this one is a real belter !! I love Helen Fields writing I swear she could write instructions of how to assemble a wardrobe and I would read it.
As with the previous books in this series we are treated to a brilliant mystery thriller centring around apparent suicides/murders and a lot more back story of the reoccurring characters, especially the ongoing dynamics between Ava and Luc making for another unputdownable, entertaining read that I flew through and loved every page. If you haven’t read any of these books I would totally recommend them all, if you love a great police procedural and plot you have it all here ..Thank you Helen Fields you are terrific and please hurry with the next instalment.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really liked the story line where people who had tried to commit suicide were found murdered a few weeks later. Unfortunately, other aspects of the book were so unrealistic that I stopped reading. The relationships between the two main police officers was just not credible. Neither, was the backstory of Callanach.

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

When Stephen Berry decides to take his own life by jumping off Queensferry Crossing into the River Forth, counsellor Rune Maclure from ‘Reach You’ talks him down. A week later Stephen is found at the bottom of Tantallon Castle walls and DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach soon realise that someone must have pushed him. As they investigate, more cases of unusual deaths arrive on their desks and although there doesn’t appear to be any connection between them all the evidence points to their being killed by the same person.

‘Perfect Crime’ is a gripping and fast-paced psychological thriller with an intricately woven plot, full of suspense and lots of action, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Running alongside the main story is that of Luc’s mother who still lives in France and Astrid Borde who’s so obsessed with him she was the reason he had to leave Interpol and move to Scotland. I’ve enjoyed reading about Ava and Luc and their burgeoning relationship, and their team of DC Janet Munroe, DS Lively and DS Max Tripp who started off despising Luc for his good looks and are now his number one fans. There were enough suspects to keep me guessing, twists and turns, with a double twist at the end leading to a shocking and nail-biting conclusion. Helen Fields is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to read her next thriller.