My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer Publishing, and author D.S. Butler, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for August 27, 2024.

If you happened to spot my GR’s update you would have seen that I finished this book in a day. It’s been a hot minute since that happened, and I’m thankful that all my Chakras aligned; my coffees remained hot and my phone remained quiet, so that I could immerse myself in Leave No Trace.

As seems to be my “norm” this year, I have (again) dropped into a well established series. Leave No Trace is book #9 in the Detective Karen Hart series by author D.S. Butler; and again, I’ve been lucky enough to fall into another well written police procedural-mystery that can be read quite easily as a standalone novel. Readers already familiar with this series will know what I’m talking about.

At its core, this is the story of a missing child. Eleven-year-old, Tommy Burton, has disappeared while on a visit to Tattershall Castle with his mother, Amber. For Detective Sergeant Karen Hart and her team of detectives, a missing child meant that every moment wasted could be the difference between life and death.

The author has served up a well-written and engrossing story. A totally immersive plot where no one (at first glance) is what they appear to be. At the site where Tommy was last seen now lies a lone blue teddy bear. This one piece of evidence links back to a case some fifteen years ago, where three boys were taken and murdered - a blue teddy bear was left at each scene. At the time, this piece of evidence was withheld from the public. A suspect was found, convicted and is currently serving time. So the question for Hart and her team now is - do they have themselves a copycat, or, is the wrong person sitting in a jail cell?

The writing style is concise and engaging, and the banter between characters has just the right amount of sass; with the author sprinkling the dialogue with just the right amount of wicked humour written into what is a very serious crime.

All characters play a role in this investigation, which earns this a big ✅ from this reader. Hart is the consummate leader, even going so far as to include DC Sophie Jones - who, in a previous book, was attacked and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Recuperating at home and very bored, Hart recognised that Jones could benefit from inclusion in the case. Jones exhibits high attention to detail and that attribute could prove a bonus in this case, so Hart sent over reports for her to go through and mark any inconsistences she could find.

🌟Brilliant pacing
🌟Enthralling storyline
🌟An excellent police procedural investigation (which focuses on the use of procedure and its officers)

She looked around the table. It was the friendship between all four of them, despite their disagreements and differences, that truly made them all work well together. and she was proud to be a part of the team.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#LeaveNoTrace #DetectiveKarenHart #NetGalley

4* Good storyline, but what a toerag!! Can't name who I mean, but not sure I felt sorry for them 😐

Book 9 in this series can be read as a standalone although there's the aftermath of Sophie's attack in the previous book that is still apparent, with her boss, boyfriend and parents trying to help her get back to full physical fitness, although her mental health will no doubt be something else altogether. It's not a huge part of the tale but if you've not read the previous one, you might have questions.

The storyline seems simple but the secrets of suburbia, and of a young boy, are quite shocking in quiet rural Britain. Did I see the culprit before the ending? It depends on who you class as the culprit/s, but the answer is No and No. Not at all.

The reveals were well paced, and events were low-key shocking, with a really good finale. I think one person got what was coming to them, but the other, emotionally troubled or not, didn't quite, at least not in my book, no pun intended, which left me unsatisfied at the end. Sadly, whilst this is decent writing and a decent tale with seemingly realistic police procedures, the characters lack charisma and standout visuals, so for me, once I'd read the book and left it a couple of days, I struggled to recall names in order to recall enough to leave a review. Still, it's worth a read, but Thomas and Mercer has better offerings.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.

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Leave No Trace" by D.S. Butler is the new, captivating instalment in the Detective Karen Hart series. When eleven-year-old Tommy Burton vanishes at Tattershall Castle, a blue teddy bear left behind recalls a series of abductions and murders from fifteen years ago.

Detective Karen Hart and her team, including DI Morgan, who worked on the original case, must work-out if the police convicted the wrong person or if a copycat is at large. Butler's sharp writing creates a sense of urgency and dread, with well-developed characters, particularly the determined and empathetic Karen Hart and the haunted DI Morgan. Their dynamic and the well-chosen list of suspects kept me guessing.

The plot is full of twists, each clue leading to more questions. "Leave No Trace" blends intense suspense with deep emotional undercurrents, making it a great read for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Three boys were taken and murdered fifteen years ago. The killer is in jail. So why is history repeating itself?

Eleven years old Tommy goes missing on a day out with his mum. He’s not exactly a baby so why didn’t Tommy shout out or scream for his mother.
D.S. Karen Hart and her team have their work cut out finding the boy. Detective Morgan remembers the case from fifteen years ago and regrets not finding and saving the boys then. Can Karen and Morgan find Tommy before it’s too late.
Leave No Trace is an exciting book with plenty of red herrings. It can be read as a standalone though it is book nine in a series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An eleven year old is taken at Tattershall Castle while his mother is distracted and a blue teddy bear left in his place. The MO is reminiscent of three children abducted and murdered fifteen years ago, but someone was arrested and is in jail for those crimes. Could they have charged the wrong person, does he have an accomplish, a copy cat, or is something else at play here? DS Karen Hart and DI Morgan investigate.

This is a fast paced, well plotted, suspenseful mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I didn’t want to put the book down. I enjoy this main character.  She is engaging, capable, empathetic and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. D.S. Butler is another author who always captures my attention and doesn't let go.

The ninth in the Karen Hart series, it is the fifth I have read. Although the main players’ stories progress with successive books, each one can be read as a stand alone.

Just finished reading this, I enjoyed the premise of the book I just don't find the characters show much personality in this book so they're forgettable once you've finished reading.
The actual story line was good and unravelling all the clues to find out who had taken the young lad and why.

This is my 1st read by this author and it didn't disappoint. I was invested in the characters from the beginning and could see how the dynamics would change. I was hoping that Saffy stayed for her interview and didn't get sucked into the problems of her friend. There were lots of twists and turns and i was kept guessing until almost the end.

An amazing mystery where no one is what they seem. This time, there is a ticking clock, since a child is missing. A blue teddy bear left behind ties this with a string of abductions that Morgan investigated back in the day. The culprit was caught and is still in prison. The new baddie seems to know details that were never made public so back to the original case Morgan goes. Karen is convinced that it’s a red herring and, as they keep finding clues, the case gets more complicated. The tension between Morgan’s and Karen’s investigating skills also comes to a head. Her following her instincts instead of the rules adding some tension to their interactions. The cast of suspects is well chosen because most of them are likable and, the more they learn about the case, the more the motive seems, if not justified, at least understandable. The last part is very suspenseful and I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened to two furry supporting characters (extra kudos for adding them to the plot). Very entertaining, as usual with this series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.

Amber Burton and her son Tommy are on a day out at Tattershall Castle when Tommy goes missing. When a blue teddy bear is left in the place where Tommy was last seen, it brings back bad memories of a crime 15 years ago. DS Karen Hart and her team get assigned the case. Many years ago, 3 boys were abducted and murdered and blue teddies were left. For DI Morgan on the team, he wonders if they caught the correct man or is it a copycat. This is a fantastic book with lots of police procedurals, tension and drama. I loved it. I cannot wait to read more by D S Butler.

Gripping, exciting another bestseller from this fabulous author. Please keep them coming I can’t wait to read more!

A killer is in jail for murdering 3 young boys 15 years ago. Unbeknownst to anyone but the detectives, he left a blue teddy bear when he took each boy.
Now another young boy is missing and a blue teddy bear has been left behind.

The story takes the reader on a wild ride in which the circumstances keep changing and the list of possible killers keeps growing.

This one is a binge read since you won't want to put it down.

A decent read, for those who enjoy crime fiction. Although not a page turner in comparison to some I have recently read, it was still enjoyable.

How lovely to have another book in the long running DS Karen Hart series. Starting a new book really is like getting together with old friends. Karen, Morgan and the team have their hands full with an abducted child in 'Leave No Trace'. Investigating the case leads them on a merry chase back to one of Morgan's cold cases and into most of the families in one of Lincoln's smart cul de sacs. There is certainly no shortage of red herrings and twist and turns and ending itself is totally unexpected - well it was to me! A thoroughly enjoyable 5* way to pass a wet Sunday.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my copy of Leave No Trace by D S Butler.
The ninth book in the Detective Karen Hart Series.
When Karen and her team are called out for a missing child everyone knows the first 24 hours are crucial.
But even in a busy place with lots of families enjoying the sunshine no one saw Tommy Burton disappear.
All that's left is a small blue teddy, the trademark of a child killer put away 15 years ago.
Is this a copycat, did they get the wrong man? the team race to unravel the clues before another child dies.
The story keeps moving along nicely with clues and misdirections. I am enjoying this series.

This is #9 in the DS Karen Hart series but it can easily be read as a standalone.

I love the Karen Hart series and have read all the previous books, so I was eager to get stuck into the latest one. It didn’t disappoint!

Tommy Burton’s mum drags him along to Tattershall Castle for an outing when, like many 11-year-olds, he would rather have stayed at home with his computer. His mum takes a business call on her phone and tells Tommy to wait for her under a tree but, when she turns back, he’s gone. In his place is a brand-new blue teddy bear.

DS Karen and her team are called but she notices the look on DI Morgan’s face. It turns out he was involved in a case 15 years ago when three young boys went missing and blue teddy bears were left by the murderer as a ‘calling card’. But the perpetrator is still in prison so who knew about the teddy bears? Did he have an accomplice or is there a copycat?

Karen and the team have to find whoever took Tommy, and find Tommy before it’s too late.

A brilliant storyline with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the wonderful Thomas & Mercer and to Netgalley for this eARC.

“Leave No Trace” by D.S. Butler is a gripping addition to the Detective Karen Hart series, marking its ninth installment with a haunting narrative that delves into the depths of criminal psychology and the persistence of evil.

Set against the backdrop of Tattershall Castle, the story unfolds with the chilling disappearance of eleven-year-old Tommy Burton, echoing a sinister past where three boys were similarly taken and murdered fifteen years ago. The narrative masterfully intertwines the present with the past, as the original killer, Graham Donaldson, is behind bars, yet the same modus operandi surfaces—a small blue teddy bear left at the scene, a detail never disclosed to the public.

Butler’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the urgency and dread that permeates the investigation led by DS Karen Hart and her team. The character of DI Morgan is particularly compelling, as he grapples with the ghosts of his previous case and the possibility that the true perpetrator might still be at large. The novel raises poignant questions about the nature of justice and the possibility of redemption, all while maintaining a breakneck pace that keeps the reader on edge.

The strength of “Leave No Trace” lies in its complex characters and the intricate plot that Butler weaves with precision. The tension is palpable, as the team races against time to find Tommy and prevent history from repeating itself. The narrative is a labyrinth of twists and turns, where each clue leads to more questions, and the truth is as elusive as the shadowy figure orchestrating this new wave of terror.

Butler’s latest work is a testament to her skill as a storyteller and her ability to craft a mystery that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. With a perfect blend of psychological insight and thrilling suspense, “Leave No Trace” is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre and a stellar example of crime fiction at its best.

In summary, D.S. Butler’s “Leave No Trace” is a novel that entertains and challenges the reader, making it a standout in the Detective Karen Hart series. The haunting reality of the story’s premise leaves an indelible mark that stays with the reader.

A solid 4.5 stars out of 5!

i have read a few of teh detective karen hart books before so knew i would enjoy this one

its a really good story i like karen and did feel sorry for morgan in this.

it shows how with holding information can cause problems cos as soon as all the information was there the kidnapper was revealed.

glad sophies coming back even for a little bit.

Once again, D.S. Butler has returned with another case for Karen Hart with an intriguing case of a missing boy.

A very clever storyline, full of surprises and red herrings to throw you off the scent.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

Leave No Trace is a crime thriller set in Lincoln. When an 11yr old boy Tommy goes missing at a local attraction and a blue Teddy bear is found in his place the police team in charge fear Tommy may have been kidnapped. As things progress it becomes clear this is exacty what is. With many suspects, a murder and indiscretions thrown up along the way can the police find Tommy before the kidnapper kills him. With a 15yr old case possibly linked can it get any more complicated.

I loved this book it was engaging from the get go and I was thrust into the case of missing Tommy. With both POVs from the DS and the DI two very different ways are seen for their actions and way they deal with thus investigation. With plenty of twists to keep you guessing along the way this is one crime thriller I can't wait to be released to recommend to all my friends.

Another great Karen Hart book! Kept me on the edge of my seat and the characters were relatable and real life characters.