This is a fantastic book, I do feel I’d have been better to read the previous book in the series as there were a few references to Cats past and personally I like to know everything about the characters I’m reading. However not knowing didn’t take anything away from this book which I really enjoyed. I was gripped from start to finish and only put it down to sleep.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

This was a new author for me and I have to say I wasn’t disappoint, the storyline was steady all the way through and the characters were relatable. There were two stories intertwined within the narrative and I found myself wanting to know more about the story of Cat, her dad, her boyfriend and the history that binds them together. The main storyline kept me guessing right to the end and as with any good book there were characters I warmed to and there were characters who deserved a good dose of karma. I will certainly look out for other books by this author and maybe if this book becomes part of a series. The story was well written and easy to read definitely my kind of book and written in a style I like.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my advanced copy.

This is the second book featuring Cat Kinsella. I think I should have read Caz Frear’s first novel, Sweet Little Lies which outlines Cat’s back story. But this certainly didn’t put me off as it could be read as a stand-alone thriller.

Written in the first person with a great plot and a ‘he said/she said’ premise.

Highly recommended.
Rating: 3.5/5

Firstly, I’d like to thank Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book before the release date.

Description: When DC Cat Kinsella is approached by Joseph Madden for help with his wife, Rachel, there's not much she can do. Joseph claims that Rachel has been threatening him, but can't - or won't - give Cat details as to why. Dismissing it as a marriage on the rocks, Cat forgets about it.

That is until Naomi Lockhart, a young PA, is found dead after a party attended by both Joseph and Rachel, and Joseph is arrested for the murder. Joseph says his wife is setting him up. His wife says he didn't do it. The trail of evidence leads to even more questions.

All in all a very enjoyable read, with some very interesting characters, particularly Rachel and her womanising and fantasist husband Joseph. The book is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns, however as a word of warning I would read the first book in the series first before reading Stone Cold as the first book tells you about The lead character Cat’s backstory. This is important as she has a complex history and the first book explains this.

Looking forward to the next book in the series

#2 book featuring Cat Kinsella, but while you miss the background to the Maryanne story it’s easy to read as a stand-alone.

DC Cat Kinsella is picking up her coffee from The Grindhouse, and the flirty barista, chases after her, he wants a quick chat. He asks for advice on his wife, said she’s acting oddly and threatening him, saying she will make him pay…..he won’t elaborate any further so Cat tells him it could be Controlling and Coercive behaviour and to speak to his local police station……she then forgets it, but gets her coffee elsewhere from then on…

Then the body of Naomi Lockhart is found and when interviewing friends and family, they find Joseph, the flirty Barista….is a prime suspect.

He says his wife is setting him up……she says he didn’t do it…just who did kill Naomi?

This is told in Cat’s voice, her humour and personality shine through with all its flaws and personal life issues alongside her determination as a detective. The working relationship she has with Parnell feels so true to life, with its banter and emotions…all credit to Caz Frear’s creative writing…..

It’s not a fast paced read, but there are plenty of twists and turns, with Cat’s internal thoughts adding to the investigation, to make this a compelling page-turner…..

Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review

This was another fantastic addition to one of my favourite crime series. It was great to be able to catch up with Kinsella and the team again!

Cat Kinsella is fast becoming my favourite female protagonist and I really enjoyed the careful balancing act she does between her work and dealing with her rather dysfunctional family. She’s strong, brave, and capable but is able to show her vulnerabilities too which makes you warm to her quickly. Her team in the police are also very likeable and I loved to read about all the banter between them. They seem very able to play to their strengths and weaknesses which made for fascinating reading. They are all very well drawn characters and seem to work together very effectively which was very nice to read about.

This was a well paced book which was easy to get into and I soon found myself emersed into the story. The plot is very clever with lots of twists to keep me firmly on my toes. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, something would happen which would send the story in a completely new direction. It was a very engaging story with lots of different threads happening alongside each other to keep the reader interested. The cliffhanger at the end was very intriguing and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Zaffre Books for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

All I’m thinking after turning the last page of Stone Cold Heart is, whoa. Suffice to say it has left me eager to get my hands on the next Cat Kinsella novel as soon as possible.

Caz Frear is fast becoming one of my favourite writers. When I read her debut, Sweet Little Lies, I absolutely loved her writing style, and I instantly got on with Cat Kinsella. She is a character who is full of wit, but she isn’t without her own flaws. Events in the last book nearly broke her after she learned the truth about a girl who went missing from her hometown in Ireland almost twenty years previously. Although there are some references to that case in this book, it can still be read as a stand-alone, but I would definitely recommend that you read the first one as well.

The novel starts with a shifty individual, Joseph Madden asking Cat for help after he has become concerned about threats his wife has made against him and he is desperately seeking advice. Cat is quite quick to dismiss the claims, but after a girl has been found dead, after a night out at a party which Joseph attended, along with members of his family, she has to get to the bottom of what’s going on. And she has to unpeel the layers sewn together by those closest to events which took place to uncover the truth.

There are so many interesting aspects to Cat Kinsella’s character. I particularly enjoyed reading the scenes when she is with her own family and her relationship with them, particularly with her father, is put to the test, both in this book and in the last.

Caz Frear is a writer who really adds depth to her characters. It is as though they could be people you know in real life. Stone Cold Heart is utterly brilliant. Once the next book is out, I’m sure I’ll be dropping everything to read it. Great stuff. If you haven’t yet read Caz’s books, you really need to.

Do read Sweet Little Lies, the first book in this series before this one as there is so much background on why DC Cat Kinsella is like she is, both in relationships and her work. She really is a tough little cookie that I want to see make it big, as no-one really tries harder.
When Joseph Madden asks Kinsella for help, but won't explain what the problem really is, she dismisses him as a man with marriage troubles trying to pull a fast one on her but when a young woman is found murdered in her flat after a party attended by Joseph and his wife Rachel then it certainly pricks her interest. The Maddens are one extremely unlikable family that can't seem to live together but can't live apart.
The Maddens have a turbulent relationship that felt like everything they said was a lie. The more that was uncovered and the further away from the truth I seemed to get.
I loved the parts that involved Kinsella's family, a dark side of her life that she is desperate to keep away from the new one she is making. There is nothing worse for someone though than being told to keep out of her past. It only makes them more determined to find out why. What she sees recognises as trouble someone sees as glamour, something is brewing and bubbling, but I am not sure if she is reading this right.
Caz Frear has become to me the Queen of suspense in slow burn novels that have an almighty side punch at the end. Brilliant conclusion but left desperate for the next book.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

My thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an eARC via NetGalley of Caz Frear’s ‘Stone Cold Heart’ in exchange for an honest review. It was published on the 27th June and I have since purchased my own copy on Kindle.

I wasn’t aware in advance that this was the second in her series of police procedurals featuring D.C. Cat Kinsella. However, there was enough background so that I didn’t feel lost. There was snippets of information about the case covered in ‘Sweet Little Lies’ but as I intend to read it I just skimmed over these.

When D.C. Cat Kinsella is approached by flirty barista Joseph looking for advice about his wife, claiming that she was threatening him, Cat can only suggest that he contact his local station.

Then a few months later she is called to a crime scene. Naomi, a young Australian woman, has been murdered. It soon is revealed that Naomi was working as a PA to Kristie Conner, who just happened to be the sister-in-law to Rachel, Joseph’s wife. Joseph quickly becomes a suspect in this twisty whodunnit.

This was a very solid police procedural, the kind that I appreciate for the sense of authenticity linked to the investigation. It is not a fast moving read but one that carefully develops the case point by point with plenty of detail and strong characterisations.

Cat’s voice as narrator was very easy to relate to and her observations about her colleagues brought wry humour to a tense situation.

It certainly proved an engaging read and as said above I plan to read the first in the series and to remain on the lookout for further cases for Cat and Co.

Absolutely gripping!

Cat Kinsella has a boyfriend she keeps secrets from and a family she is keeping secret. She is also a detective investigating the murder of a young Australian back packer found dead in the room she’s renting from a former drug dealer.

Full of twists and turns and families keeping secrets from each other. This is the start of a great new detective series.

I did quite enjoy this book although it seemed to drag a bit for me and I did get a bit confused about who the different characters were at times. It was well written and overall a decent story but I didn't really like the ending and I'm not sure I'll be reading any more in the future.

A perfectly paced crime thriller, this 'whodunnit' is peppered with characters so well rounded you can almost believe you've met them in person. Everyone has secrets, everyone has a reason, and the main character - whose job it is to unravel all this - has secrets of her own.

A good story delivered well.

This is the second book in the series involving DC Cat Kinsella and although this is a stand-alone book it’s good to have read the first book Sweet Little Lies as there is a back story which continues in parts of this book which make more sense if you have read the first book. On saying that this is a good read.
The story flows well and you can relate with some of the characters.

Joseph Madden is a narcissist, he believes all women should fancy him. He asks Cat when she is buying coffee from what he makes out is his own business what he should do about his wife as he claims she is trying to try and frame him for something. Cat tells him he should go to his own local police station and ask there advice. She finds him creepy as he gives the big come on asking him to go away with him. A couple of months later when a young woman is found murdered in her flat that things start to change. Joseph Madden is brought in for questioning and everything is pointing at him as the murderer. Cat has a niggling suspicion there is more to the case. She does believe he is possibly capable of it and likes him even less. It’s just some things don’t add up. Is his wife lying? What about the sister in law! There are lots of different things going on in this story that will keep you wondering. Interwoven in the story is Cats relationship with Aiden whose sister was murdered which evolves from the first book. Cat is keeping their relationship secret from everyone or so she thinks. Uncle Frank pays Cat a visit and he is not the type of visitor she wants. Her relationship with her father has also had many ups and downs. This book does not disappoint and leaves you wanting more at the end.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC of this book to read all views and opinions are unbiased and all my own.

A Detective murder mystery thriller written in such a wonderful way that it ticked every box for me. DC Cat Kinsella comes from a dysfunctional family herself and this crops up throughout the story which shows the human side of the police officer and also leaves us with questions about her.
The storyline is told through Cat's eyes as she endeavours to uncover the truth behind the murder of a young Australian girl. The suspect is arrested and witnesses including family members are questioned but Cat isn't convinced by all the statements made. Slowly more information and evidence begins to emerge. Has the right person been arrested or is this a set up? Up until the last few pages I was still not sure who the real killer was which is the real test of a good writer who is able to keep the reader dangling till the very end. This book is part of a series but stands well alone. The last line of the book shows though that there is more of Cat and her family to come.

This the second in a series and I’d read the first one and thoroughly enjoyed it. I like detective books and this detective is strong, female and feisty. Recommend (and recommend the first one too!).
5/5 on goodreads.

**4.5 stars**

Stone Cold Heart is the second book in the Detective Cat Kinsella series (the first being the brilliant Sweet Little Lies) and it's published in paperback today! Wishing the author and Zaffre, the publisher, the happiest of publication days.  I received a free eARC of Stone Cold Heart but this has in no way influenced my review.

I loved Sweet Little Lies so I have been eagerly waiting for this follow up novel to appear on my bookshelf. And oh boy, it did not disappoint! Caz Frear's characters are utterly brilliant.  I fell a little bit in love with Cat Kinsella after reading the first book in the series but now, after book two, I'm totally smitten.  The way Frear writes her characters is so charming and with shedloads of warmth and humour that you can't help but fall in love.

The team are called in to investigate the murder of 22-year-old, Naomi Lockhart.  Naomi hasn't been seen since attending a fireworks party held by her boss at her home on Saturday night.  The team struggle to come up with any concrete links.  That is until Cat recognises a familiar face.  Joseph Madden, coffee shop owner and all-round creep.  Madden had cornered Cat earlier in the Summer and after his failed attempts at flirting with her, he confided that his wife was out to get him.  Cat, feeling it was no more than a lover's tiff, advised Madden to report the incident to his local police station before making her excuses and NEVER volunteering to do the coffee run again!  But now Madden is their only suspect in the murder of Naomi Lockhart despite his repeated claims of innocence.  Will Cat be able to tie together all of the loose ends and make sure a killer is brought to justice...?

I love Cat Kinsella, I think I've already made that clear.  But I also love her supporting cast - particularly her DS, Luigi Parnell and her DCI, Kate Steele.  They are a brilliant team and one I want to return to again and again.  Parnell and Steele have a lot of history between them and it shows.  The way they both keep an eye out for newcomer, Cat, is just wonderful to witness.  Frear's books have so far had brilliant plots to keep the reader gripped but oh boy, her characters are a delight.  It's not just these three though.  Joseph Madden and his sliminess ooze from the page.  Cat's father and her 'uncle' Frank both play a pivotal role in the book and you're never really sure how much to trust either of them (definitely don't trust Frank!).  And Cat's gorgeous yet exasperated boyfriend, Aiden Doyle, who shows us Cat's softer, more vulnerable side.  What a superb cast of characters!

This book can be read as a standalone.  However, there are several mentions made of Maryanne Doyle and the focus of the first book in the series, Sweet Little Lies.  The reader isn't really given any details about this case but those involved are highlighted.  It doesn't interrupt the flow of the story and if anything it will make you want to read Sweet Little Lies if you haven't already done so!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Stone Cold Heart and Sweet Little Lies are both strongly recommended by me.  Frear has a way of writing believable characters, people you would want to hang out with at the pub after work (well, some of them anyway!).  I had a great time playing amateur detective with this one and, in the end, got it completely wrong...sort of.  I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling, character-driven police procedural and, if you're a fan of crime fiction, I suggest you get yourself a copy and meet the brilliant DC Cat Kinsella for yourself.

I chose to read and review an eARC of Stone Cold Heart.  The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4

DC Cat Kinsella #2

Joseph Madden owns a coffee shop. In the first book in this series his wife is threatening him and ask Cat Kinsella for help. Now, fast forward a bit and Joseph appears in Cat's life again. This time he's the suspect in the death of a houng girl. The evidence all points to him, but he claims that he's innocent. But his wife does not corroborate his alibi. There is something not quite right for Cat, but she can't quite put her finger on it.

The story is told from Cat's point of view. I have not read the first book in this series but I think that it can be read as a standalone. This has an extremely well written and thought out plot, and I liked the authors style in writing. The characters are true to life. It's a bit of a slow burner but with all the twists, the pace is set right. Cat's family are a bit dysfunctional. I will have to read the first book in this series now. A great read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and the author Caz Frear for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in this series and whilst some books can be read as stand alones, I felt I was missing quite a lot by not having read the first book.
This is my fault so had no reflection on my rating of the book itself.
Cat is called to a murder scene where a girl is found dead and as the investigation gets underway it’s clear there are a few suspects that had been with her at a party the night before.
The story twists and turns and we find out more about the complicated lives of the people at the party.
The lead up to the arrest is gripping and I didn’t guess who the murderer was.
This book had me hooked all the way through so thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Brilliant book, really enjoyed the way the plot unfolded. The twists of the storyline kept the reader hooked from the very first page. Highly recommended. Five stars

Many thanks to Netgalley and Caz Frear for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

An intriguing mystery of secrets and lies. A good premise and well written. Keeps you guessing throughout . Look forward to her next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.