A decent if far from stellar crime novel where the bad guys are all typical gangsters and the police officers are all damaged but dogged.
I don't advise reading this book if you haven't read the first instalment because it makes frequent, heavy references to it.

I have not read book one in this series yet, but did not feel the lack. The author does a terrific job of giving readers just enough information to understand the horrific tension formerly undercover detective Petra Merrow lives with constantly, always looking over her shoulder for an attack from Gus Perrin, while DI Toby Clarke is still recovering from almost dying from a gunshot, delivered by one of Gus' men.

These two police officers are brought together to investigate a kidnapping of a wealthy family's child, which leads them to previous, similar cases, opening up a can of worms and bringing to light a connection with another criminal, Gus Sykes (introduced in book one).

The tension is high, and the author had me hooked from the opening pages, with this story of two detectives under tremendous pressure, surrounded by who knows how many corrupt cops, journalists, and just out right criminals.

I was intrigued by the ending, which shows Petra experiencing some slight reduction in stress, and questions left open (though thankfully no cliffhanger), leading to the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
#1. Safe
#2. Kidnap
I chose to read the first in series prior to reviewing the second. I'm glad I did so. This is a continuation of the story of criminal rivals and officers seeking answers. In this second Clarke and Petra series, Petra is severely traumatized after occurrences of "Safe". Alive but damaged, she is drawn into a case of kidnapped children. Someone is targeting wealthy families. The threat of violence is very real. Secrets kept hidden may well come out into the light of day if the little ones are to return safely to their homes. How far would you go to protect the innocent? Will it cost you all you are within?
Excellent series. Sets the reader up for the next book but no cliffhangers.

Kidnap by Jane A Adams.
Merrow and Clarke book 2.
Detective Toby Clarke’s day does not begin well. He is to investigate the kidnapping of a missing toddler, Joshua Banks — the latest in a string of cases. Toddlers are going missing. In their place, a note that warns what will happen if they call the police along with a number to call. The number is for a previously targeted family. Toby ropes in Detective Petra Merrow to help investigate, but it’s not going to be easy. None of the families are willing to talk. Then the case turns sideways — little Joshua Banks is found murdered. Will another innocent life be lost? Meanwhile, Petra is living in fear of retribution from the Perrins crime family, and the villainous Kyle Sykes, who would like nothing more than to see her dead.
Petra and Toby are in a race against time to solve the case — and bring a killer to justice.
A really enjoyable read with good characters. I liked the story and plot. I liked Petra and Clarke. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for a review.

I requested this book without realising it was the second in a series. I quickly got through the first book of the series before beginning this and I’m glad I did. This book follows on 6 months later from book 1 (safe) and I would definitely recommend anyone read that one first.

I really enjoyed this book. It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did, I was really invested in the story. I liked that it concentrated mostly on Clarke & Merrow and the bond it started to create between them. This book focused more on the investigations and figuring out who was kidnapping children, the connection between the affected families and motives etc. I did find this book a little bit slower than the first, as I said it focused mostly on the detective side of things rather than the gangs activities in book one so it lacked a bit of action and drama for me, that’s one thing I’d have liked a bit more of. I also feel like they could have developed Clarke’s character a little more, it’d be good to find out a bit more about him, his childhood, what made him choose the route he did in life etc but maybe we’ll find that out in the next one. I liked the ending also and feel like the mysterious woman working for Perrins is going to make the next book in the series very interesting indeed. Looking forward to the next but overall a very good read.

A very good read, but it does follow on nicely from Book 1, so best to read them in order for maximum enjoyment. It combines the tough world of gangsters with the emotional wrench of child kidnapping. I thought it was intricately plotted and woven together. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

KIDNAP by Jane Adams takes us on a sinister complicated look at the kidnapping of small children for ransom and returned to their parents without harm; until one day a child is killed.
Who could plan and execute such a scheme? Once the police start looking into it, the lives of almost everyone gets turned upside down.
Jane Adams is a masterful storyteller and Kidnap is one of her best stories yet.

I really enjoyed this book, I have also read the previous book which I also enjoyed thoroughly, a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and lot of edge of the seat stuff so I would recommend this book ..

It did take me a couple of chapters to get into this book. The characters are well developed, believable and we get some more background information. The story covers kidnapping, child death, suicide, and torture. The pace is steady throughout. Merrow and Clarke are bonding better now that they are working together more. I also liked the way the story ended. This book could be read as a standalone.
As is usual for Jane Adams, this book was extremely well written with great attention to detail and very carefully created characters. She is the master of suspense with many twists in her plots, which always come to a satisfactory conclusion with most loose ends tightly tied up, but always with an opening to lead us into the next one. I would like to thank Joffe Books for sending me this advanced copy which I have enjoyed reading and reviewing and am eagerly awaiting the next in this series.

Book 1 tells about Lauren and her past. A new name and a new life,
always afraid there will be retribution from what she has fled.
Young children snatched from there beds, a note is left.
Keep quiet pay the huge ransom and child is returned
What happened when one child was not, the reason and how it unfolds
Another chilling tense story by the author.
Given ARC. by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review
and my honest opinion

3.25/5
I seem to be in the minority here who didn't have as satisfying an experience reading this. I didn't pay attention that this was a second installment, and I hadn't read book 1 which might have helped with understanding the MCs. I wasn't that invested in Petra, one of the lead detectives, and the crime family confrontations fell flat for me. I do want to say the writing style was good and it was much more a case of it's me, not you. I'm sure many other readers will love this one much more than me.

3.5stars rounded up to 4

Merrow & Clarke #2

Detective Toby Clarke's day doesn't begin well. He is to investigate the kidnaping of a missing toddler, Joshua banks - the latest in a string of cases. Toddlers are going missing and in their place, a note that warns what will happen if they call the police along with a number to call. The number is for a previously targeted family. Toby ropes Detective Petra Merrow in to investigate, but it's not going to be easy. None of the families are willing to talk. Then the case turns sideways - little Joshua Banks is found murdered.

It did take me a couple of chapters to get into this book. The characters are well developed, believable and we get some more background information. The story covers: kidnapping, child death, suicide and torture. The pace is steady throughout. Merrow and Clarke are bonding better now that they are working together more. I also liked the way the story ended. This book could be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JaneAdams for my ARC of #Kidnap in exchange for an honest review.

Book two so enjoyable. So gripping, this series will blow your mind away. I loved it chapter after chapter, as all the characters blend together its hard to pick a favourite.It took me a few chapters to take to this book and decided to leave it and go back into it and I am glad I did.
There's nothing more to say as this great book came to a cracking end .

Swiftly Moving….
The second in the Merrow and Clarke series and a string of disturbing and seemingly senseless cases culminating in murder give the detectives much cause for consternation and plunge them into a race against time. With a swiftly moving storyline, solid character development and a distressing storyline handled often with appropriate empathy this is a fitting follow up to the first in the series.

A good, gripping story that kept my interest all the way through. The second in a series, but also readable as a standalone novel. Well rounded characters whose back stories are told in a succinct way, not too boring if you are following the series. Really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This is a good follow-up to the first book, with plenty of excitement and a neat ending.
Petra is still suffering from PTSD, and who could blame her after what she went through! She gets to work on a child abduction case with Clarke, which unfortunately goes horribly wrong. Besides the two gang leaders, who are brutal and nasty, there are some unsavory characters in the police force too.
As the case progresses, another kidnapping and a couple of murders occur, but Petra seems to find her footing and more of her old self-confidence, which was nice to see. Also, Clarke and her make for a good team which I enjoyed. A good read all around, which I recommend for fans of British thrillers and thrillers in general.

4 stars

An exciting follow-up to book 1, along with a complex mystery involving a child kidnapping ring. Decent character development for Petra, & smooth writing.

[What I liked:]

•The mystery with the kidnapping was both exciting & complex! The writer skillfully combined that investigation with the ongoing fallout of the Sykes case from book 1.

•Petra had some good character development. She’s dealing with a lot of trauma & not much support, & her reactions & struggles were both realistic & sympathetic.

•Clarke & Petra got more screen time together, & are starting to develop a closer worker relationship as well as a genuine friendship. Lots to explore there in future books.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Clarke didn’t get much character development, despite him being one of the MC’s.

•Lauren’s showdown happened a bit too easily. Wouldn’t her enemy have taken more precautions?

CW: torture, kidnapping, murder, suicide, child death

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]