Another brilliant read from Helen H Durrant, It is full of suspense with a storyline that kept me guessing right up until the end. The descriptions bring the book to life and make the for an entertaining read. Can't wait for the next in the series.

🏞🔨Enjoyed it🤗

4.5🌟 stars
A really good read! This murder mystery had what I consider the perfect balance of investigation versus personal drama for the lead, in this case a mature and seasoned female DCI considering retirement in the not so distant future. DCI Alice Rossi's personal history is, however, closely enmeshed with the string of brutal murders by the Mad Hatter in ways she's known about for years, as the serial killer seems to have a vendetta against Rossi, and in connections that Rossi only finally puzzles out as the story develops.

I found the plot engaging, the writing clear and to the point, and the investigation had some twists that created a bit of unexpected suspense. I also liked that the investigative team works well together instead of being steeped in rivalries, back-biting and office drama.

I had heard of the author but this was my first time reading a Helen Durrant murder mystery. I was happy to get in at the beginning of a new series and will definitely be reading more by Durrant and especially this series.

Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

It was Ok. I couldn't care much for the main character or the plot. I won't pursue the series, but thank you for the opportunity.

The start of a fabulous new series from Helen H Durrant. I felt that Alice Rossi was a believable central protagonist and this narrative belted along at a cracking pace, Alice was previously taunted by a serial killer called the Mad Hatter. A disappearance and a murder at the Still Waters luxury holiday park initially seem unrelated until a tweet from the Mad Hatter directs Alice’s attention to her new crimes. Brilliant book - I loved it.

I’d like to thank Joffe Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Ash Lake Murders’ written by Helen H Durrant in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Alice Rossi is a middle-aged Detective Chief Inspector with Greater Manchester’s Serious Crime Squad. For some years an old adversary known only as ‘Mad Hatter’ has been fixated on Alice and when it becomes clear that the killer is choosing victims at the Still Waters Lodge complex from the wealthy retired residents, Alice realises she must up her game to identify and arrest the killer before she herself is the next victim.

It's always a pleasure to read a thriller written by Helen H Durrant especially when we’re introduced to a new sleuth in the form of Detective Alice Rossi. ‘The Ash Lake Murders’ is the first in a new series and fills in details from Alice’s background so we’re up-to-date with her history. We meet DS Jason Hawkes who’s impressed Alice with his hard work ethic and astuteness, and her boss Superintendent Frank Osbourne who’s friendly and supportive. The plot’s had me engrossed from page one and I’ve been kept guessing with the number of possible suspects who could be ‘Mad Hatter’, but it’s down-to-earth police work that finally gives up clues. As I was getting closer to the last few pages I kept thinking there must be more and was waiting for a final twist to appear, and I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and with the manner in which this one ended I can envisage a long and interesting series with Alice Rossi in charge which I’m very much looking forward to.

The Ash Lake Murders is a quick mystery/thriller with a blurb that mentions a woman serial killer, which is extremely unique, so I was immediately curious to read this book. The main character is a DCI (Detective Chief Inspector for any other that didn’t know that acronym) & a middle aged woman & grandma at that, something else outside of the norm, which I appreciated & added another layer of complex authenticity to the story.
There were a few moments that felt like they were plucked out of a dramatic crime show, but then there were also moments where I felt genuine horror whilst reading this thriller. So I gave the author major props for being able to illicit real scary feelings.
I didn’t love part of the ending because it felt a bit far-fetched on how things were handled. But I did enjoy the main character & found some parts very clever.I also understand that because this is a series some things have to be set up for future stories.
The Ash Lake Murders comes out March 24, 2022.
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: This book mentions and/or contains gore, violence, murder, gambling & death of a child.

DCI Alice Rossi has been chasing a serial killer nicknamed the Mad Hatter for years, and it has definitely become a personal case. When a new tweet is found that alerts the team to activity by the Mad Hatter, Rossi is immediately swept into the new aspects of the investigation. This was a good detective book

A brand new series that has lots of potential, for me this book got better as I read through, I found the beginning a bit bland and not much new, as the characters started to develop and the story became a bit more of a mystery as to who did it and how it all came together. I am curious to read the next instalment and see if the twist at the end comes in too play in future books.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own .

I would recommend this book to friends and family.

Detective Alice Rossi has been working the same case of a serial killer called the Mad Hatter for the last six years. Her abusive husband died and the Mad Hatter blamed her for his death and had ever since tormented her with texts and phone calls. Every time the serial killer murdered someone she left no trace but always sent a text urging Alice to solve the case.
This is an unusual detective story with many different parts and it makes you keep wondering who was behind the deaths and for what reason. It is a very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series

It is very exciting when one of my favourite authors begins a new series and when that author is Helen Durrant it is even more so. The Ash Lake Murders introduce Alice Rossi. A new detective, a new location and a whole team of characters to get to know. I didn't anticipate being disappointed and I definitely wasn't.

Alice Rossi is DCI of Manchester's Serious Crime Squad with nearly 30 years experience with the Police Force. Since the loss of her husband, Paul, 6 years ago she has lived alone. Her son is grown up and lives in Scotland and their relationship has been difficult since the death of Paul but they are getting on better recently. Alice is approaching retirement and should be winding down so the last thing she needs is a psychopathic killer from her past to turn up wanting to resume 'the game' that usually involves people dying. As Alice sets off to the Peak District she knows that the peaceful retirement hamlet of Still Waters is about to become the playground for Alice's nemesis who goes under the hashtag: madhatter.

I absolutely love Alice Rossi, she has her secrets but she is determined to beat madhatter whatever it takes. As her son gets dragged in to the game her determination increases. I loved getting to know the new team and their characters build steadily throughout the book. The descriptions of the area are brilliant and woven into the story in a way that avoids big chunks of descriptive text but still allows the reader to envisage the scene.

The story is full of twists and turns and just when you think it is all coming together in comes another massive curve ball.

This is a gripping edge of your seat thriller that will have you turning page after page all the way to the end. Absolutely brilliant I cant wait for book 2.

5 Golden stars from me.

Having read a considerable number of Helen’s books, I looked forward to reading this latest one and certainly wasn’t disappointed.
The story line flows along nicely, making it an enjoyable read, with a nice twist, leaving you keen for the next instalment which will surely follow.
Recommend.

Another stunningly good police procedural from Helen H Durrant. Fabulous plot and great characters, with everything I want from a whodunnit. The ‘why’ is also very well done here, with no killer’s POV (thankfully), everything has to be unravelled by the police. The relationship between the main police character and her son is very well done too, as is the sense that there was more to her husband’s death than we are told. Very, very good.

A great start to a new series. I really enjoyed it. Took me a whole evening to read. I couldn't put it down.
Amazing storyline.
Already awaiting the next one

This is a very promising start to a new detective series. It features DCI Alice Rossi, who is on the brink of retirement. The story interweaves some of Alice's personal life and her nemesis from the past. She is investigating a missing person and a body found on a lake and it's certainly filled with tension. I did guess a bit of what's going on in the story but it never stopped me from enjoying the read. The ending left me feeling surprised and with the promise of a follow up. overall, a quick and easy holiday read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

A new series from the author and what a start.
A missing twenty four year old Callum Hilton at the holiday lodge on still waters and a murder in the lake, sparks a warning off for DCI Alice Rossi fearing the mad hatter is back to make her revenge once again, the killers name is yet unknown, its a fable Alice in wonderland and this time Alice and her team are going to get that woman, still waters run deep, and the pattern is very familiar.
What a twisted story to this police procedural, and the main characters search far and wide with a added sense of humour, I loved it and will be reading more in this new series.

This was a good, solid procedural novel. I really liked the Still Waters retreat setting and it was fun getting to know some of the residents. I liked the easy writing style and the short chapters propelled the plot forward. The only reason I wouldn't give it full marks is that it was all a bit predictable and there weren't really any surprises. I would be interested in reading the second instalment in the series.

An Agenda…
The first in the Detective Alice Rossi series where luxury lodges in the Peak District are the scene of a brutal crime. A female serial killer has an agenda that must be stopped in it’s tracks. Enter Detective Alice Rossi, a determined detective set on success in catching the serial killer that taunts her. With a colourful cast, an intriguing storyline and a well written narrative this is an often gruesome but suspenseful read and a promising start to a new series.

A mother knows when there is something wrong with their child. DCI Alice Rossi knew that the mad hatter killer wasn’t finished yet. But why here is Still Waters? Alice knows why the killer wants her but she has never understood why? And bringing her here to solve a murder and to find a missing man. She knows that the mad hatter is close she has a couple of suspects but things have changed as the ones closest to her have been targeted. She needs to find out who the killer is before others die? But what does her dead husband have to do with anything?She just wants to put that all behind her but the killer wants her to pay. Will Alice stop her for good?
A good solid read. I love that Alice is a strong woman that still gets scared but she doesn’t back down from a fight.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Callum is lured to an isolated boathouse by an attractive older woman. When she gets him alone, she knocks him out with a single blow. As he wakes up, her voice comes out of the darkness, "You're a sprat to catch a mackerel". The police don't take Callum's disappearance seriously. But Callum's mother knows that something is very wrong.

DCI Alice Rossi has a nemesis who has been on a killing spree. For years it has been like a game of cat and mouse. Alice is due to retire soon from the police force but she gets a message telling her that she will be the Hatters last victim. This is quite a suspense filled read. With a missing person and a body discovered on the lake, Alice needs to keep her wits about her to ensure she is not the Hatters last victim as she tries to solve the other cases.

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

A well written grippign thriller with a good level of character development. It was fast paced and unpredictable and kept me guessing until the end. I will definitely be reading more by this author.