Member Reviews

A former police inspector's body is found inside a ride at the local fair... a place where thousands have left fingerprints, DNA, and non-clues. Detective Holly Turner must find who committed the crime that seems to have connections to the disappearance of her best friend 25 years earlier.

I wanted to like this book because I particularly enjoy British police stories. I read over half the book before skipping to the last couple of chapters for the 'reveal'. If characters can't be likeable, they should at least be compelling, but they were neither, including Holly, the main detective. It plodded along at a slow pace until I ultimately gave up in boredom and indifference to the outcome.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Her Final Secret by Paul J. Teague is a gripping, nerve-wracking thriller that takes hold of your imagination and won't let go until the very end.
Teague has crafted a well-written, exciting mystery with layers that reveal themselves as the story goes back and forth in time. There is a sense of urgency to find a killer out for revenge while at the same time a 20-year-old cold case is intertwined with the current mystery, giving the entire storyline a thoroughly engrossing feel.
I had not read anything by this author before, but you can bet he is on my list now!
Thank you for the ARC of #HerFinalSecret to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing.

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It is 1999 when two friends out for a night of enjoyment at the Hull Fair when the unthinkable happens and one of them, Moira, disappears. Hollie puts all her efforts into the ongoing search for her good friend but unfortunately no leads are found, and the case goes cold.

Struggling through the emotions of all of this, Hollie drops out of school and takes up a career with the police. Now 25 years later another body is found, that of a retired police superintendent. The dual timelines work well, opening the events that have occurred over this twenty-five-year period. So, what did happen to Moira and will Hollie finally get the answers she needs to put to rest her past?

A strong plot and likeable characters keep this mystery/thriller moving a long at a good pace and keeps your attention throughout trying to work out what happened all those years ago and how it relates to the most recent incident.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

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This is #5 in the Detective Hollie Turner series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Hollie’s university friend, Moira, disappeared 25 years ago at Hull Fair and was never found. Now, the body of a retired police superintendent has been found at Hull Fair, so this brings back all sorts of memories for Hollie, and the possibility of the cold case linking up with the current case.

Secrets from the past start to appear, including abuse at a local children’s home – where Moira had lived prior to starting university.

An absolutely gripping read. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the first four books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

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Book 5 in the DI Hollie Turner series had me gripped from the start. We learn more about Hollie and her background, particularly about her experience as a student, where a close friend goes missing, and Hollie still blames herself for not doing enough to help find her. When an ex police officer is murdered, it triggers more memories for her; as things evolve she becomes even more involved and determined to do right by the missing girl. Unfortunately the subject matter is all too believable and relevant. The fact that authority figures are involved is also too realistic, and still allegedly happening. I think the way this book is written handles the crime of child abuse really well, no sensationalism and very readable.

Although this book is part of a series, it still works as a standalone read. Gripping, page turner and thought provoking. A nicely twisted plot, and while I thought I knew where it was heading, the ending was still dramatic and pleasing. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of Her Final Secret by Paul J Teague.
This is the fifth book in the Detective Hollie Turner but could be read as a standalone.
The book centres around a cold case from 25 years ago when Hollie was at university in Hull. The town where the series is set.
With a new murder of a former police officer, the past is brought to life. Can Hollie find the killer?
I’m enjoying this series and it gets better with each book.

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A fast paced thriller who's main character is more involved than usual due to her history. The dual timeline really helps you to discover the truth from different perspectives. Intense and enthralling.

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This was a solid police procedural read with an interesting personal connection as the main character, DI Hollie Turner, is overwhelmed with memories of her missing friend Moira when a murder occurs at Hull Fair where Moira went missing 25 years ago and it soon becomes apparent the two cases could be linked. There’s some fantastic characters in this and a gut wrenching story which sadly feels all too plausible. Told mostly in the current day as they try to identify the murderer and also if there’s links to other recent crimes but also interspersed with flashback from the last 1990s, most often at a crucial point in the present day action! I haven’t read any previous books by this author but it seems there was some backstory to Hollie but nothing that impeded my enjoyment of this.

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Her Final Secret is book 5 of the Hollie Turner series. I’ve not read the previous books in the series and enjoyed book 5 as a stand alone.
It is a fast paced thriller written in a ‘then and now’ format. The ‘then’ chapters giving background info to help build the story; and the now chapters gradually pulling everything together to tell the story of the disappearance of Hollie’s friend Moira many years before and how that fateful night and the following events forged Hollie’s Police career.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially the twists at the end.

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Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the arc of this brilliant thriller book.
Her friend vanished twenty-five years ago. Now a new murder case could solve the mystery.
When the body of a retired police superintendent is found murdered at Hull Fair, Detective Hollie Turner is thrust into a case that will force her to confront her own painful history
First of all, this book is definitely a binge read, the author hooks you in right from the start. And what a story as it spans twenty five years, alternating between present and 1999.
I loved Hollie and now want to read her other cases, she's strong, compassionate and extremely likeable.
But what a harrowing story of her best friend, it made me feel so sad to read what she'd endured.
This author is extremely talented, to be able to grab your attention in such a way that you're invested from the off, is the sign of amazing talent.
The ending was a twist which if you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm a sucker for.
A must read
Kerry Kennedy Author

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This is book five in the DI Hollie Turner series, and although it could be read as a standalone, I recommend starting from book one, this way you won’t miss out on any key background details or four other great reads. Told via a ‘then and now’ timeline the author successfully blends tension and emotion to create a palpable atmosphere. The characters are well-written and believable, and I particularly liked the team dynamics. It was also interesting to get a glimpse into Hollie’s history away from her relationship with Léon. All in all, this a dark tale with more than a few twists and turns, which kept me fully engaged to the end.

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I've just finished this book and although I'm not fond of then and now books, it didn't take long for me to read it. The characters are well written, with families, emotions etc so more realistic. The plot moved along fast despite the flashbacks, which told the background to the current investigation. There are several twists so it wasn't until near the ending that it becomes clear who was actually a murderer. I haven't read all the books in this series so in my opinion it can be read as a standalone as I did and found it to be a good read

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Her friend vanished 25 years ago. Now a new murder case could solve the mystery. When the body of a retired police superintendent is found murdered at Hull Fair, Detective Hollie Turner is thrust into a case that will force her to confront her own painful history. Twenty five years ago, Hollie's university friend Moira vanished without a trace at the very same fairground. Now, as she investigates the superintendent's death, long buried secrets from that fateful night begin to surface!! Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, a great who done it and a few twists and turns. The story was interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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A gripping mystery thriller that pulled ,me into a web of secrets, lies, and dark truths. Told in dual timelines, the narrative alternates between 19-year-old Hollie and the sudden disappearance of her friend Moira at the Hull Fair, and the present-day DI Hollie Turner, now investigating two murders with unsettling connections to her past.

The dual timelines skillfully builds suspense as I was drawn deeper into the mystery surrounding Moira’s disappearance. The past and present collide as investigation into the recent murders unravels long-buried secrets related to the Children’s Home where Moira once lived, a place tainted by allegations of child abuse involving powerful men from Hull. Although these men were cleared of any wrongdoing, the shadow of their deeds looms large over Hollie’s quest for answers.

A dark and foreboding atmosphere looms with plenty of twists and turns. Even though this is the fifth installment in the DI Hollie Turner series, it stands alone remarkably well, making it accessible to new readers.

The character development of Hollie was a highlight. Her internal struggles, shaped by the trauma of losing Moira and the lingering guilt of not having been able to help her, add depth to her character and make her a relatable and compelling protagonist. As the story unfolds, we see Hollie confront her past while grappling with the present, creating a powerful emotional undercurrent that enhances the thriller’s intensity.

A big thanks to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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This was another really interesting read in the Hollie Turner series. This time we revisit the disappearance of Hollie's friend Moira in 1999, and find out how it is connected to a present day murder. The gradual revelation of clues and secrets leads to a huge cover up in the past, and finally some small retribution and closure for those today. I hope there is more to come in this series as I enjoy Hollie as a character, she is fair and thoughtful. This book captured my interest from start to finish. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy to read and review.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Detective Hollie Turner is called in, when the body of an ex police officer is found in the ghost train at the local fair. Very quickly things point to this being related to a historical case of a teenage girl going missing-Hollie’s friend who she was with that night.

Another fabulous instalment in this series. I found myself quickly reading the pages to get to the next piece of evidence. It was exciting, fast paced and at times I could feel Hollie’s frustrations. I enjoy the interactions of the team-a well oiled machine. This book in particular was good, as we got to see a younger Hollie, pre police, newly pregnant, and find out about her daughter’s father.

This could be read standalone or part of the series-I highly recommend reading as part of the series-it’s too good to miss!

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Her Final Secret is book 5 in a series I had not read. It is possible that had I read the previous books I would have enjoyed this one much more. I found the cast of characters quite large and confusing at times, causing me to go back and reread who was who (the author also switches from full names, first name, and last name, so I could not remember each character). I found it to be a slower detective story. There are some twists and turns, but it takes awhile to get to them. Previous storylines are mentioned, which shed some light and gave backstory to some of the characters. Please note that the main story line of this book is a sensitive topic.

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This was such a riveting book. I was glued to the pages. There are twists and turns. There is a lot of mystery and suspense. I was so invested in discovering the clues to lead us to Moira. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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Another non stop action stroy from Paul J Teague. I was gripped from brginning to end and very emotional at times. The tension remained right to the end and there was a very satisfying conclusion.

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Her Final Secret is a gripping thriller with a good twist at the end. This is part of the Detective Hollie Turner series and is Book 5 in the series by Paul J. Teague.

I liked Hollie as a character. I think she is tenacious and determined and a strong female protagonist. There were lots of characters to keep track of and how they intersected with each other.

Her Final Secret had a good plot, which has been done before, but the author was able to hold my interest, and Hollie and her team helped because I liked how they interacted.

The series is very good and has intriguing storylines and solid characters. I would recommend this book, this author, and this series.

#HerFinalSecret #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

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