So this is part of a book series, which I didn't know when I requested it on Netgalley. But thankfully, while reading it, there wasn't really a single moment where I felt like I was missing something. It definitely works as a standalone too! However, I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read all the other books in the series first. Because sadly, it was pretty hard for me to fully get into the story. I think that was mostly because I expected there to be more of a focus on the kidnapping and solving the case and less on the relationship between the detective and her boyfriend... I would have preferred to see Marcus' POV. It would have been intriguing to see what he went through and how he experienced his kidnapping. I also somehow expected it to be way creepier than it actually was.

I did appreciate that in the second half of the book, tension rises and the tempo gets a little faster. I enjoyed the big "showdown" at the end and thought it was pretty clever how everything (that seemed a bit of a mess at the start) came together. Oh and the Adrien side plot definitely had me intrigued, I thought it was very well done and it's definitely important for representation. I'm not gonna add too much detail about that here because it's a bit of a spoiler. So if you wanna find out what it was, go read the book.

Thank you to Avonbooks UK, Katerina Diamond and Netgalley for providing me with me an e-ARC of this book.

Overall rating: ★★½

I love Grey and Miles they are such a great team and keep me immersed in the story till the end. I was worried after the last book where the story of the main characters would take them but I was so pleased to see the emotional journey this book goes on and with the return of an old character (no spoilers) the brilliant ending has left me wanting more. It is not essential but it would help to read the previous book in this series no.

I read this book near Halloween and it was just the perfect book for the time. It was such a fun thrilling story and I had a blast with it.

Love this author
And she didn’t disappoint with this book
An absolute page turner
Love Detective Imogen grey and her team
This series is fantastic
Thanks NetGalley

Thankfully, although this is only the second book in this series that I have read, this time around I didn't feel as though I was missing anything. And although a past case was referenced quite often, I didn't feel as though I needed those details as the outcome (and the long lasting effects) were plain enough.

However, this book was so hard for me to get into. For one thing, there was a lot more emphasis placed on Imogen and her boyfriend Adrian that I felt took away from the kidnapping portion. I understand it was most likely the author's intent to use this as a way to create depth to the characters (and to bring to light a rather taboo subject), I didn't feel as though it came across that way.

The policing aspect was also longer and more drawn out than I felt it needed to be with a surprise twist that honestly didn't make much sense. I also wish we would have gotten insight into Markus and his state of mind during his captivity. What did he see? What did he hear? I understand it might have been difficult as he was only six years old, but I feel like this would have given the story the depth the author was looking for.

Also, potential spoiler, but it needs to be said, this story does end on a cliff-hanger which encourages the reader to continue on with the series, however, at this time I am unsure as to whether or not I will be doing so.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Katerina Diamond has done it again!
Absolutely fab if not her best work yet.
I’m in love with this series and already waiting for the next one!
Katerina, I love you and your wonderful mind

I really enjoyed this title. I liked the twists and turns and the writing style is nice and smooth. The story flows well and kept my attention. Thank you for the opportunity to read this title. I will be recommending this one to friends.

I love the Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles series and after the last instalment (Woman In The Water) I was waiting patiently for this one. I would recommend reading in order especially when it comes to this one as there is a lot of background information that is crucial to fully immerse yourself in the storyline. This one did start off at a slower pace but it was needed in order to get to grips with specific aspects of the plot. I love Diamond’s style of writing and she has such a way of weaving a story that intertwines so well along with how she makes it all come together. The twists and turns happen exactly as needed and really keep you guessing. It’s like your mind fast forwards but your eyes aren’t taking in the words fast enough. As always the characters of Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles didn’t disappoint and I’m even more fond of them if that’s even possible. I literally could not put it down when I did get the chance to sit and read. Katerina Diamond please don’t leave us waiting to long for the next one as I can’t wait 😝.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read and review this ARC that was published on the 14th of Oct.

So this is actually book 6 (I think) in the series and I haven’t read any prior to this one but honestly I don’t think it matters and this could easily be a standalone - although it has made me want to read the other 5!

Spooky and thrilling - just what I love! The storyline to this was brilliant - there was multiple characters involved and it follows their story and relevance to the crime but it wasn’t too much. I didn’t find myself getting lost unless I’m just getting better at keeping up 😂

I liked all the characters and their role, obviously Imogen as she’s the main role but I LOVED Adrian. His secret he was keeping was just getting me and I wanted to hug him through the book! But that’s also what made me begin to love Imogen more and then two as a couple.

It was full of twists and turns and I did have my suspicions which were correct, I didn’t see some of the things that were going to cope up and I was on the edge of my seat while reading! I struggled so bad to put it down!

The perfect read for the Halloween season!

I was nervous to read this as I haven't read the other books in this series and I was aware of the fact I could feel lost when reading this, I wasn't! It can be read as a stand alone book and is well written. It grabs your attention from page 1 and it has genuine twists and turns. A very good read and one that is perfect company for the dark nights!

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC of this one.
This was not what I expected at all, I think when I was approved for this I thought it was gonna be a spooky book as the cover suggests, it is in fact a thrilling crime novel but that absolutely did not Dissapoint.

I found myself wanting to pick this up constantly & it was one of those books that I couldn't stop thinking about when I wasn't reading it, its thrilling, devestating, infuriating, heart warming and everything in between, I had such a range of emotions whilst reading this, it touches on very hard topics such as the aftermath of a rape victim who cannot find the strength to tell anyone what happened & those parts truly were hard & very emotional to read but I think Katherina covered it in a very real & respective way.

The main storyline is that of a Kidnapping, it follows a few different stories & it constantly swaps perspectives which I love, so you are gaining details of the crime from all different sides, the parents of the kidnapped child, the police investigaters & then 1 of the witnesses to the Kidnapping, it builds up fast & the pay off in the end was very good

I enjoy the way Katerina writes and enjoy her books.
This was fast paced and gripping with lots of twists and turns to keep you gripped.

A great read

Another great book by an amazing author. The plot twists and turns with so many avnues being opened at the same time. Searching for the missing boy and the rapist of Adrian kept me on my toes throughout. I have read most of Katerina''s books and they just seem to be getting better. Highly recommend this and all of her books to anyone

I absolutely love Katerina's books and adore the follow on of Imogen and Adrian's stories. This was so gripping, addictive and juicy from the first page. It's sad, shocking and is definitely one of my favourite of her books so far. And very apt for the Halloween month!

This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone book, as the back story is covered in part. I enjoyed this book and have found myself interested enough to go back and read the previous books in the series. I like the way that the main characters seem to have many layers which make them more real, which in turn has made the story flow more. This is well worth a read on these cold dark nights.

Excellent read. Great addition to the series! Would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next,

This is a new author for me which i enjoyed from beginning to end. I enjoyed being pulled into this story from the first word. It is a well written story that is hard to put down and full of action. It is a story of a stranger, a child and someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. What will happen to this child? I enjoyed how the characters are relateable and brought the story to life. I also enjoyed their growth as well as the plot throughout the story. This is a great story that made my Halloween. I highly recommend this book.

Wow, I have been wanting to read this for ages but purposefully saved this for Halloween. Wow, so worth the wait. Absolutely love it and devoured this within a couple of days. I love this series and cannot wait to read more stories about Detective Imogen Grey!

Before picking up this book I saw a review stating ‘ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF CRIME’ and after having read Katerina’s latest book, I completely and utterly agree! The seventh instalment in the DS Imogen Grey series, however I haven’t read all of the previous 6 so this can definitely be read as a stand alone. I will be making it my mission now though to get through her previous books! It’s extremely fast paced, I was on the edge of my seat throughout eager to know what would happen next and where the story would go. Lots of clever twists and shocking surprises which I loved. Everything is woven together so tightly and intricately, I found it very engaging and gripping. From the offset, it’s a race against time to try and find kidnapped Marcus, and you can really feel and experience the time pressure as the story develops. Definitely one of the best crime thrillers I’ve read this year.. for sure one to add to your TBR piles!

I had no idea at first that this was a series. To be honest, I felt like the narration of it was quite chaotic with so many different point of views and I don't think it was clearly stated as to whose point of view it is for every chapter. I guess I have to read some of the previous books to sorta be even more hooked to the story of each of these characters. It had a lot of twists and turns and it still kept me guessing till the end so I guess that's why I didn't DNF it. Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.