When I first heard that Noelle Holten was bringing out her debut crime novel, I was more than excited, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Needless to say, it went straight to the top of my TBR pile, and after the chilling and powerful opening, I was hooked.

Dead Inside is a well-crafted debut; I just know that I’m going to be reading every book that follows on in this series. Noelle draws on her own experience of working as a probation officer, and this adds a ring of authenticity to her book.

This is Lucy Sherwood’s story, a probation officer who is currently handling cases of domestic abuse. Lucy speaks to men daily who abuse their partners, and for her, this begins to hit far too close to home. Then we have DC Maggie Jamieson who has just been handed the toughest case of her career when the body of a man connected to a case of domestic abuse is discovered. Then two more bodies are found. And soon the case draws back to Lucy.

Dead Inside can be quite a tough read; you can see where Noelle’s own personal experience from her line of work has fed into her novel, and the emotion in her writing comes through so strongly. The emotions of the team working on the cases of the murdered victims come through very well, particularly as none of the victims are likeable, and many of the police officers feel they have got their just deserves. It must be so hard working on cases similar to this and to try and not let your mind be clouded by judgement. I’m sure there are many who will think that the person carrying out these crimes is doing the public a favour.

The pace in this novel never drops, and Noelle kept me on my toes as I tried to work out what was going on and who was behind the murders that were taking place. When everything started to come together towards the end, I thought I could see everything coming together clearly, but Noelle still had one clever twist up her sleeve which completely threw me and it was one that I didn’t expect.

Noelle sets the scene perfectly for book two in the series, and I for one can’t wait to find out what happens next. If you’re a crime fiction lover, you have to give this a try. Dead Inside wins a very easy five stars from me.

Dead Inside is the story of domestic abuse and the repercussions in the form of murder for the abusers. Lucy Sherwood is a probation officer and has a number of clients that are domestic abusers. She knows a thing or two about abuse because she also lives as an abuse victim at the hands of her husband Patrick. Abusers start to die by being beaten and slashed to death. When her abusive husband is murdered, Lucy is the common tie that binds all the dead abusers together. Did she finally have enough of them and take mattes into her own hand? Or is she a further victim of circumstance?
Thank you netgalley for an advanced reader's copy for my honest opinion.

An absolutely fantastic start to a new detective series . I devoured this book and loved every chapter . A brilliant storyline and some good strong characters . This is Ms Holtens debut novel and it’s a cracker of a read. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed this book. It is well written and the pacing is quite wonderful! I will read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads, and Noelle Holten for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone has a motive and you can’t help but think the victims got what they deserve in this dark, gruesome and hard hitting debut novel. Beginning with a prologue that details a woman’s dread as her husband arrives home drunk, how that night something even worse than usual happens as he rapes her for the first time, I knew instantly this would be hard to read in places.

Though this book was filled with lots of characters and is written from more points of view than any other I’ve read, it was never confusing which was a testament to the skill of this author. Some of these were obvious stereotypes while others, like Lucy weren’t. She isn’t what you think of when you imagine an abused spouse and this helped to highlight that anyone has the potential to find themselves in that kind of relationship. Reading her chapters was often difficult but for me the ones I found most sickening were those told from the point of view of the perpetrators. The ones who first come to mind are Patrick and Robert. The insight into their twisted minds, the sheer enormity of their rage over the slightest perceived wrong, and how they recognised and enjoyed their behaviour made my stomach crawl.

Probation isn’t a side of crime usually included in crime fiction so it was interesting and refreshing to read about it in this book. It’s a side of the law I have never really thought about and I was sad but not surprised to read how so many of those convicted of domestic abuse re-offend, as it was to read how many victims are almost complicit in the cycle as they struggle to break free of their abusive partner or spouse.

The unsettling subject matter made this an emotive read. I’d veer from empathy for the victims of abuse to anger and disgust at the perpetrators, to feeling quite glad the men had been killed and thinking the murderer was actually doing society a favour by administering their own version of justice. Though at times predictable, this was a compelling and provocative novel and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

Really enjoyed this book, however too many characters were introduced in the beginning making it a bit confusing. Kept my interest until the end. Definitely a good read

Dead Inside is a bold, mysterious and chilling crime thriller about a very emotional and disturbing subject, however the author handles it with understanding and compassion. Domestic abusers are being brutally murdered and DC Maggie is chosen as a member of a team to solve the murders. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and I didn't want it to end! Exceptional story, a powerful plot and excellent character development. This is an amazing book, with a deep awareness and insight into the minds of abuser and victim. My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I remember being at Harrogate when Noelle started to talk about this novel. Her passion and hard work have resulted in a debut that it was a pleasure to read. Noelle is a great book blogger and friend and there's some of the blogging people actually in the novel which was a nice touch.

Writing is sharp, chapters short and snappy and push on the tension. It's a great debut and Noelle has a long history and experience of the probation world which really adds authenticity to it. There's a unique angle to in the way that domestic abuse perpetrators are found murdered. It messes with your head as you almost put yourself in the head of the unknown killer - killing abusers raises troubling questions but it's a hell of a subject for a novel. The author sadly has experience of this too but it does mean that the novel speaks from the heart, battered and bruised as it is at times. This is not an easy book to read in parts due to the descriptions of abuse, but you just know it's authentic

Set in Staffordshire where the author worked. but most places have been made up for obvious reasons

Loved this thriller! Great storyline, character depiction and the writing just flows. Kudos to the author who truly managed to bring the story to life. I enjoyed the book very much and will definitely make sure to read more by this talented writer.

Lucy Sherwood works within the probation services with men who have assaulted their partners. Working along side a police team who want to solve domestic violence crimes until murders start. The murders are of men who Lucy deals with and its starting to get close to home. Wow! This was a gritty, realistic read. I was transfixed with it and couldn’t think about anything else but reading. Thank you Noelle and I can’t wait for the sequel!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Killer Reads for the eARC.
It's amazing to me that this is the first book by Noelle Holton, what a great debut! And the good news is it's the first in the DC Maggie Jamieson series...
The subject of domestic abuse is tough and was difficult to read about, especially because my best friend suffered through years of it. But it's handled with sensitivity, nothing lurid about it at all.
Maggie and her team are hunting a killer who targets domestic abusers and I hate to admit I felt no pity whatsoever for the 3 victims. Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood is connected to the 3 men, who were beaten to death. When the 4th victim found murdered turns out to be Lucy's husband she becomes a suspect.
This to me was a refreshing change from the usual serial killer genre - first of all because it shone a light on the world of Probation Officers and secondly because I could not help but empathize a bit with the killer.
I really liked both Maggie and Lucy, couldn't put the book down, loved the ending and can't wait for the 2nd in the series. Highly recommended!

What a debut! Absolutely amazing, fantastic characters, such a difficult subject but so well written. Really looking forward to the next in the series.

Incredible debut novel. Lots of character development and twists and turns. The police officers and their stress and responsibility not only in the murder case but attempting to help the domestic violence victims are apparent in this novel.Unfortunately, these topics are not usually stressed as much in murder mystery novels. We were also able to read about the probation side once the convicted are released from prison. I did not see the ending coming which I credit the author because in this case there were so many possible suspects. I hope Book 2 is available very soon.Thanks to NetGalley, the Publishers and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is definitely one hot debut novel. The characters have such depth and the story has such promise. I love the way that the story unfolds and truly think one of the better debut novels I have read.

This is a debut novel telling the story of three domestic abuse offenders found beaten to death.
DC Maggie Jamieson is tasked with solving the cases. Police suspect Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood being connected to all the victims is hiding some salient facts
Then a fourth victim is uncovered and it is Lucy’s husband.
It took me a little while to get into the story as there were different characters being introduced with each new chapter. Gradually I got hooked picking it up every chance I got.
Lucy has a hard life and I was interested to find out what would happen. It must have been doubly difficult for her when in her work life she was monitoring domestic abuse offenders whose actions mirrored her personal life experiences.
It was interesting getting to know DC Maggie Jamieson and her Police team. In fact work wise Maggie and Lucy were linked working in Domestic Violence field with Maggie investigating and Lucy managing the offenders.
It was near impossible for me to feel any empathy for the murder victims.
I did guess the perpetrators as the case progressed and was glad that justice was served in the end.
I thought the writing style was sharp with short chapters and positive character interaction. For me this was an excellent debut and I would recommend it. I will get the next book in the series when available.

Wow from first page to last a fantastic compelling read.This is Noelle Holden’s first book and it is a truevpage turner I am already looking forward to the next in this series.Add this authors name to your must read list,Congrats .#netgalley #harperimpulseandkillerreads

Just a WOW! Loved this. Thank you for this Netgalley ARC. Right out of the gate this story took off at a full run.
I will definitely keep a FOLLOW on this new author. I thoroughly enjoyed this. The only thing I wish authors would do is have a character list as sometimes I have to remind myself about a character if it hasn’t been mentioned for a couple of chapters. It would make life easier. Could be just me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this arc. But most of all a huge Thank You to Noelle Holten for an amazing debut novel!!
This is the first in the DC Maggie Jamieson series and I sincerely hope that the next one isn't far away!!
Lucy is the main character in this one and works in the domestic abusers probation sector. A job that is mentally tough and isn't helped by Lucy's home life!!
Domestic abusers are being brutally murdered and DC Maggie Jamieson is newly appointed to a select team just set up to deal with just this. The team are under pressure to solve this one as the murders mount up!! And just what is Lucy's roll in it all???
A vast array of characters, but so easy to keep up with who is who!!
This is a book you just don't want to end!! A firecracker of a read!!

Now and then I get excited about reading a book written by a debut author, so I almost wet my myself with excitement when I was approached by Noelle Holten and asked if I would read her debut novel Dead Inside, it was literally a “hell yes and how soon can I get a copy?” Moment. From the shocking and disturbing prologue I knew this was one of those books I would get so caught up in, that god help anyone who disturbed me whilst I was reading it. Part Domestic noir, part crime thriller this novel was a cracker, when you read as many books as I do in these genres you are always looking for “that” book that offers you that something extra, something that makes it standout out from the crowd, and OMFG the author has certainly managed that.

Domestic abuse is not the easiest subject to write about, how do you convey the emotions, the abuse without overstepping the mark? This is a subject that’s emotive and very disturbing but Noelle Holten writes about the subject with a great deal of insight, understanding and sympathy. One thing I noticed when I was reading this book is the author’s ability to write in such away you feel like you’re a voyeur watching from the sidelines, rather like a car crash you want to look away, but you are compelled to read on as the characters move from one crisis to another. The writing is gritty and pulls no punches, although this can feel uncomfortable it makes the read all the more shockingly credible, I should point out though the violence isn’t gratuitous and is very much in keeping with the plot and subject.

The author has created an array of characters some are much more likeable than others, you will love them, you will hate them, you will hope some of them get their “just desserts” but each character brings something different to this riveting tale. You will feel their emotions, their despair and their anger, you need to read on as your desperate for at least a couple of the characters to find an escape from their very unhappy and violent relationships. I thought this book was original as not only do you get the POV of the abused and the abusers but also the many agencies who are involved, supporting the victims and in some case their perpetrators. As I mentioned this is part crime thriller, and again the author keeps you riveted to the pages, as crimes are committed and the suspects mount, never giving away too much detail to spoil the read, at times the tension and suspense reached fever pitch.

There are a huge amount of fictional books that deal with domestic violence on the market, so what makes Dead a Inside any different? I hear you say It’s original, highly engaging, the writing is confident and bold with memorable characters and add in a compelling plot, and you have a the perfect mix.
The one thing I wasn’t expecting was the raw emotion within the pages, as I reached the last page I felt emotionally drained. Personally I’m already excited for second book from the very talented Noelle Norton, in my opinion she is an exciting and refreshing voice in fiction and one whose journey I will be following with a keen interest.

Review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

So... Well respected blogger - CrimeBookJunkie - has only gone and written a book! When I heard that news I have to admit that my interest was piqued although, once I got my hands on a copy I was a little scared to start it being as there was quite a buzz about it in the bookish world. But I have heard such good things about it from people I trust. So, fear aside, I dove in and... wowsers!
I read a lot of books - north of 300 a year - most in the crime genre, the majority of which are police procedurals. As you can imagine, they get a bit samey after a while so it was refreshing to see that this one featured a little used (in books) section of the justice system; the Probation Office. Not that this should be a surprise as the author used to work in this sector herself. This novel and original (to me anyway) bent made reading this book a break from the norm and a breath of fresh air.
So, domestic abuse offenders are being targeted and killed in nasty ways. Do we have a vigilante on our hands or is the culprit a bit closer to home, even within the Probation Office itself? Enter DC Maggie Jamieson into the investigation. Can she, along with her very able team, cut through the noise and bring the perpetrator to justice before the count raises further?
I've already said I loved this book. Even with my trepidation, once I started I literally couldn't put it down. Good job I read it on a weekend when I had little else planned. One thing that really stood out for me was that although there were a lot of characters, each had their own "voice" and it was very easy to remember who was who and what part they were playing in the whole. Something I often struggle with with big casts. Interaction between them was also good and there was a healthy dollop of banter which everyone who knows me knows I do live a bit of that in a read!
The style of writing also suited me as the author seems to have a no nonsense attitude to superfluous padding; there wasn't any! Also she uses proper words and phrases, and by that I mean that, unlike some debut books, she hasn't reached for the thesaurus to try and be too clever. I found that very refreshing and probably why the words literally flew off the page for me.
To be honest though, I'm not surprised I loved this book so much as the author definitely knows her crime books so well she's hardly going to write a duff one! That said, she also has to have the talent to pull it off and, believe me, she has that alright. I can even forgive the slight cliff-hanger ending she snuck in! (The main story is self- contained and complete, don't worry).
All in all a cracking debut that left me hankering for the next book in the series. A good job very well done. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.