I must be losing my touch because the culprit wasn't even on my maybe list! I was a little unsure at first about how many climbing references there might be, but they were only as needed to give the characters substance and to advance the plot. I enjoyed this book I'm hoping the next one comes out soon.

Detective jack kent book 1
Another new author for me. I enjoyed reading this book. Jack is a mountaneer as well as a detective, whilst on a climb jack, loses her partner hannah. She carries the guilt, that she couldnt save her.. when a case lands on her desk, is it possible it could be personal? A climber? Jack has to fight to keep the case her male superiors are not happy...... As they piece the puzzle together, can the team solve the case? I was drawn into the books characters and their stories. Great police procedural. Hope there is a follow up

This was the first investigation story of its kind where more disgusting secrets are revealed as the chapter continues. I liked that Detective Jack Kent was a professional climber and that the primary investigation revolved around climbing. I also liked the multiple layers of this criminal novel—personal matters mixed with professional issues. Narration from two points of view is always welcome as it adds another dimension to the mystery. Overall, I liked it, but at times my attention slipped away.

The blurb for this book made me really want to read it but overall I found it a bit hard going. Quite slow paced and a more gentle read rather than a gritty read. Climbing and death of a friend whilst climbing I've come across before. Also I didn't find it very believable - why she would get the case, the feelings for lost friend, some of the factual details.
I think it's worth pursuing this series with this author as I hope it will go from strength to strength

I enjoyed Silent Fall and liked the characters. But I'd started reading a copy before it had been amended. I felt that not all of the story had been tied up,but this might have been altered in the updated version.
I would read more books in this series and overall liked the story.

Detective Jack Kent Book 1

Is there anything better that starting a new series. Getting to know new characters. A new series is exciting.

Detective Jack Kent is working her first murder case. Jack is an elite climber. Jack will need to work fast to find this killer.

The book turned out to be quite an easy read and a pretty quick read. Not over complicated, it was easy to follow, i did however feel there was something missing, something to grip you that little bit more.
It did turn into an enjoyable read and I certainly would look out for more, I'm hoping this is going to be a series that grows in strength and excitement the more it progresses.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy. This is my honest review.

When I read the synopsis for the story, I was very intrigued. As I started reading it, I will openly admit, I became confused quickly. I’m not for sure how informing us that a detective that’s never investigated murders before and her little misfit crew get put on such a high profile murder case.

Also, I had a few questions/issues with some of the forensics. I am not a forensics expert, and I do not pretend to be that being said, I’m pretty sure fingerprint dust is does not blow away.

I found the struggles of Jack, having lost her partner, her best friend, her lover, in an avalanche sad. I would’ve liked to of seen more development into this issue. Other than just stating that she hadn’t planned on climbing another mountain anytime soon due to the loss of Hannah.

I really think with a little bit more finesse, some more research into forensic and mountain, climbing, and how the police system works in the UK the story could really be something interesting. Not to mention maybe a few more passes from an editor.

I did like the story concept, and I think, given time in a few more passes this has the potential to be a good series.

I found this book a very slow read which was hard to get into, after about halfway it did pick up a bit .Climbing plays a large part in this story which I just couldn't get interested in ,nor was I interested in Jack Kent she just didn't seem to have anything going for her but that she was a famous mountaineer .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .

This is a new series, set in Birmingham, and another strong female lead character in Jack Kent. it's a bit of a slow burner to be honest but still a good read. I struggled to like Jack, although I did like Nadia and feel there is more to be fleshed out with her. The story was good, there are multiple flashbacks and I never guessed the bad guy. I would definitely read the next in the series, overall it's a good start. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Possibly the best thing about this interesting book is the character of police officer Jacqueline (aka Jack) Kent. Since this is supposed to be the first in a series about Jack, that's just as well!

In this book, Jack is investigating her first murder, which is an intriguing locked room mystery. A well-regarded doctor is found dead in her apartment with all the doors secured from the inside. So how did the killer get in?

The answer seems to lie in a series of break-ins in apartments located in high-rise buildings. This finding dovetails nicely with Jack's unusual skill set. Her family has a history of mountaineering activities - albeit not without serious mishaps.

So could it be that somebody is actually climbing the buildings in order to break in? It seems extreme, and the necessary experience required to do this would be limited to a relatively small group of people. It could even be someone that Jack knows...

In between juggling the demands of the investigation, Jack must also deal with her complicated family relationships, especially those with her mother and sister.

There are some flaws in the forensic examinations described in the story, but that problem could be addressed with more attention to such details in the next book. With this first offering, Downes has created a fascinating but flawed character who many readers may find relatable. Bring on the rest of the series!

Interesting idea of flats being burgled from high verandas. Liked the characters and all the climbing info too. There apparently were a few problems initially, but I read an updated version and couldn’t spot any issues. Look forward to reading more in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Silent Falls follows Detective Jack Kent whose interest in some seemingly altruistic robberies take a deadly turn. Through this she is struggling with heavy PTSD and guilt from the death of her best friend Hannah. This event happened only a handful of months before the crimes begin so Jack has to struggle with both.

I liked the obvious research Downes put into the climbing aspect. It was a different twist and made the crimes and characters within the books’ climbing community all the more real and believable.

Also I liked that Jack’s PTSD wasn’t miraculously healed by the end of the story and the author’s portrayal was some of the most believable I’ve seen to date. I am looking forward to future stories in the hopes that Jack will forgive herself, but this isn’t going to happen in just a few months.

Overall a really really great read and the first thing I’ve ever read by this author so I’m looking forward to seeing more from Downes in the future.

This was an excellent and intense story. Lots of twists and turns with the outcome unkown until right at the end. Well described characters and a fast moving storyline. Loved it!

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It drew me in from the first page, the characters were well drawn and it had a great story, I look forward to reading more featuring this detective.

Thoroughly enjoyed 'Silent Fall' by Nicky Downes and am thankful to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to be an ARC. Nicky had clearly done her research on climbing which was key to the book both for the central character DI 'Jack' Kent (female) and the perpetrator of the crime whose name I will not reveal in this review. The book kept me gripped from first to last page.

Silent Fall by Nicky downes a new police procedural series. Author is new to me and I have to say I really enjoyed it the storyline kept me intrugued and even though I know nothing about climbing I really enjoyed it.
The main character Jack has her own demons to fight so hopeful of a second novel.
Thankyou for advanced copy.

Iv not read anything by this author before. I'm impressed with the story and the writing.
An amazing book with twists and turns that I didn't see coming

I had some problems with this book, so I want to go over those before I get into my rating. I was a little confused at the statement, “ Jack knew that the other officers considered Jack’s small team to be the station misfits, which often meant they were allocated the weird or difficult cases that were hard to convict”. Why would someone who has never worked a murder case be given all the difficult to convict cases? Wouldn’t those be given to the people with more experience with such things? Also the case was presented to her as a B&E, not a murder. As the story goes on, I’m about 31% of the way through it, Jack’s working the case, and still… no mention of a murder. Since I picked up the story for that reason, I was a little irritated that it didn’t seem like the book was heading that way. I felt a little like I had been lied to since that is what the synopsis advertised. Finally, at 35%, there’s the murder. As far as the police work, it seemed as though the author had a very basic knowledge of forensics, but only as far as what she could find on the internet with no actual working knowledge of it. For example, finger print powder doesn’t just blow away with the wind. It’s extremely messy and sticks to everything. It has to be cleaned off, it doesn’t just blow away. Also, gathering a piece of evidence without having a team of techs go over the whole scene. That just doesn’t happen. Maybe I’m just be picky because I have a background in forensics, but this was annoying to me. In any case, the slow pace did start to pick up around the 40% mark. The story is definitely there and was far more interesting in the second half. I think with a little more research on the forensics front and another couple of rounds of editing, this could be a brilliant story.

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

This was my first book by Nicky Downed I loved how it was set near where I live hearing places I know. DI Jack is a strong character and I can’t wait to learn more about her. The ending was jar dropping I absolutely loved it! This book is so well written it just flowed I was completely intrigued and didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to find out more about Jack and her team

"Silent Fall" by Nicky Downes delivers an electrifying mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With a gripping plot filled with murder, intrigue, and suspense, this book masterfully weaves together a complex web of crimes that will leave you guessing until the very end.

The protagonist, Detective Jacqueline "Jack" Kent, is a standout character whose relatable nature and determination make her a compelling lead. As she delves into the baffling case of a murdered doctor found in a locked apartment, her own expertise as an elite mountain climber adds a unique layer of intrigue to the investigation.

The author's vivid descriptions and skillful storytelling make you feel like you're watching a high-stakes crime drama unfold before your eyes. The tension is palpable as Jack races against time to decipher the mind of a twisted killer who seems to have a personal connection to her.

What sets "Silent Fall" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend the main murder mystery with haunting side stories, like the tragic death of Jack's best friend on a mountain. As well as that of her police partner who suffered an assault. These layers of personal history add depth to the narrative and intensify the emotional stakes.

As the lines between Jack's personal and professional life blur, the story takes unexpected turns, leading to a jaw-dropping conclusion that will leave you stunned. Nicky Downes skillfully combines all the elements of a phenomenal mystery - intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a chilling atmosphere - to create a book that is impossible to put down. "Silent Fall" is a triumph in the world of detective fiction, and a must-read for fans of the genre.