Trick or Treat
by Katerina Diamond
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Pub Date 14 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 16 Oct 2021
Avon Books UK | Avon
Description
‘Stunningly brilliant… Full of more twists and turns than the best ever rollercoaster, with an epic ending’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TRICK OR TREAT?
When six-year-old Marcus is taken from outside his house on Halloween it shakes his quiet neighbourhood to the core.
Everyone was ready for a night of trick-or-treating. Now the unthinkable has happened.
TRUTH OR LIES?
As Detective Imogen Grey arrives to question Marcus’s parents, they tell her there has been a mistake. Their son is just fine.
But if that’s true, where is Marcus?
INNOCENT OR GUILTY?
Imogen becomes locked in a race against time to find the missing child and uncover the truth. Can she discover what’s happened to Marcus before it’s too late?
Detective Imogen Grey returns in a completely addictive page-turner, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, TM Logan and Shari Lapena.
Readers are gripped by Trick or Treat:‘Started and finished in the same day!… I was HOOKED!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Brilliant!… A gripping race against time’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fabulous rollercoaster… Five stars seems hardly enough!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I LOVED this book!… I just couldn't put it down… Fast-paced… Keeps you always wanting more… Amazing’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF CRIME!!… LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!… 5 stars hands down’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So ridiculously good… Absolutely gripping from page one… Didn’t let up until the very end’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I am completely stunned right now… The conclusion is amazing! The last line of the story… I actually gasped when I read it’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Brilliant… Fast-paced, thrilling and full of tension and suspense… I loved the twists… I didn’t want the book to end… A cracker of a read’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fantastic… One night I’d put the book down to go to sleep but had to pick it up again just to read a little more!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow!… Incredible!… If you love Cara Hunter, Karin Slaughter and TM Logan, then you’ll love this’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9780008484095 |
PRICE | US$4.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 400 |
Featured Reviews
I still haven't forgiven Diamond for what she did to Adrian in the last book next! in this series but it is good to catch up with him and Imogen for a new case. Most of the plot was strongly written but I did see more than one twist coming, that doesn't detract from it being another enjoyable instalment in this well established series.other
I can't wait to read what happens
Trick or Treat by Katerina Diamond
It's Halloween and Marcus Carlyle who is 6 is out playing on his bike . He doesn't come home ( every parents nightmare ).
They receive a call that proves he has been kidnapped , a ransom is asked along with a threat not to contact the police . Unfortunately a member of the public has witnessed the kidnap , and does exactly that.
This is the first time I've read a novel by this author , and loved the way she has the knack of bringing the reader right into the storyline.
Trick or Treat can be read as a standalone , but Katerina Diamond has already wrote about D'S Imogen Grey in her many other titles.
As I enjoyed this one immensely , I shall search out all her previous ones. Excellent.
Trick or Treat is the 7th book in Katerina Diamond's DS Imogen Grey series and as one who has followed it from the start it's a book I've really been looking forward to.
The book begins on Halloween when 6 year-old Marcus Carlyle is kidnapped while riding his bicycle..His parents are called by the kidnappers asked for a ransom and warned not to call the police, which they agree to. Unknown to both parties someone else has seen Marcus' fate and does exactly that.
DS Imogen Grey investigates and it's obvious to her that all is not as it should be in the Carlyle household and her and her crew find themselves in a race against time to find Marcus.
This being a Katerina Diamond book there's no such thing as a straightforward crime and things very quickly escalate ,twist and turn ,throw up red herrings and keep the reader on their toes.
While this book can be read as a standalone you'll get a lot more pleasure from it if you've already read the other books in the series. Adrian Miles has now left the police and his story-line from the shocking events of the previous book continues. There is also the welcome re-appearance of a couple of other characters from earlier books ,who I won't mention so as not to spoil the enjoyment of fans of the series.......but at least one big surprise.
If you're already a fan of Kristina Diamond you'll love this one,if you're new to her books expect twists,shocks ,dark subjects and some pretty explicit violence..
Wow, how am I only discovering this author now! This might be book 7 in the series but it can easily be read as a stand alone thriller. At one point, about halfway through the book, I did wonder how the author would stretch out the story but I had reckoned without the imagination and cunning of Katerina Diamond. The kidnapping of Marcus Carlyle is only part of a spectacularly clever story. The detectives really have to work as a team to bring down what turns out to be a criminal mastermind. As soon as I finished this book I purchased the entire Katerina Diamond back catalogue so I think I'll be sitting up for a few nights to come.
#TrickOrTreat #NetGalley
A good read.
Marcus is taken from outside his house on Halloween it shakes his quiet neighbourhood to the core.
Everyone was ready for a night of trick-or-treating. Now the unthinkable has happened.
TRUTH OR LIES?
As Detective Imogen Grey arrives to question Marcus’s parents, they tell her there has been a mistake. Their son is just fine.
But if that’s true, where is Marcus?
NNOCENT OR GUILTY? mogen becomes locked in a race against time to find the missing child and uncover the truth. Can she discover what’s happened to Marcus before it’s too late?
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for giving me an advanced copy of this book.
I have loved every book in this series and this latest one did not disappoint. Fantastic catching up with what happened with Imogen and Adrian. Plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Definitely worth reading
Another fantastic book in this series by Katerina Diamond. This is the next book in the series about Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles, it has been fantastic seeing these characters grow and this book developed them and their individual storylines further, continuing a year after the last book ended. It was great to see some previous characters return in this book and I hope to see more of them. The end of this book was left ripe for another in this series and I hope it doesn’t take long to arrive. Highly recommend if you love police and crime drama stories and this is one of the darkest I’ve read but done absolutely brilliantly.
This book was sent to me on Kindle by Netgalley for review…the plot involves a child kidnapped, and at times, it is dark and horrifying…the story moves slowly, but eventually, there is a resolution…family dynamics…sympathy for the child…this reads almost like that of a psychological thriller, but strays from those dynamics…mystery and intrigue…
Not your usual detective fare - some controversial and taboo subjects handled tastefully and integral to the plot. Part of a series, but can be read on it's own, there is enough background to follow the story with no problem - evil bad guys, troubled good guys, some clever plot twists, and a lot of suspense along the way.
I have read all of Katerina Diamond’s Imogen Grey series and thoroughly enjoyed them and this was no exception. Although part of a series this could easily be read as a standalone.
Marcus Carlyle, 6 years old, is kidnapped on Halloween as he rides his new bike along the street outside his house. The kidnappers call the parents immediately and tell the parents not to call the police, however, the kidnap had already been reported to the police, anonymously.
DS Imogen Grey investigates and she is concerned about the father’s reactions to the kidnapping and ransom demand. There is a race on to find Marcus before anything happens to him.
Imogen’s boyfriend, who has left the police force and is working at a private security firm is facing his own demons, which does continue from the previous book. This is a sensitive subject and treated with care and respect.
This author manages to throw in so many twists and turns with great building of characters and impeccable plotline.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Katerina Diamond for my ARC of Trick or Treat in return for my honest review.
Excellent read, highly recommended.
Book release date 14th October 2021
YES YES YES ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF CRIME!!
Gosh I have waited what feels like a lifetime for this installment. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOKS 1 TO 6 THEN DO!
Book 7 trick or treat was everything I expected and more.
Adrian and imogen are still together it's been 14 months since the assualt and a lot have changed! Adrian is no longer on the force and imogen has a new partner. Their relationship is on the edge Adrian hasn't told anyone what happened to him and he is searching for his attackers. So when his search and Imogen's case intermingle things aren't looking good for either.
Where to start, the case is a great one to get stuck into Jason is busy robbing his ex girlfriend house when he witnesses a little boy being kidnapped. His parents haven't reported the kidnap and Jason doesn't want to tell anyone he is the one who made the call. FYI I kinda love jason and feel he should get a spin off series!!
Imogen is convinced the father is lying about the abduction and believes he knows more than he is letting on. Her gutt feeling is she needs to investigate the father but now she partnered with Adrian anymore she doesn't trust herself.
Adrian is working for a private eevruity firm. But he is also doing his own investigation he has a list of possible suspects for his attack he just needs to narrow it down.. whilst trying to hold it all together. Gosh I was waiting so long for this installment I wanted to check on Adrian and i must say Katerina Diamond has done her research on survivors and Adrian's storyline has been written so well..
This is one of the best in the series and I just loved it. The prose is done perfectly. The descriptive writing really helped me feel like I was there!
In summary YES READ I LOVE THIS BOOK LOVE THIS SERIES LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I honestly think this is by far the best book in the series thus far. Roll on book 8 9 10 11 etc please don't make us wait just as long Katerina!!! 5 stars hands down if I write more in this review I will fill it with spoilers so I will end it here
Thanks to Katerina Diamond, Netgalley and the Avon publishers for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Still by far my favourite author ❤
This book was yet another great addition to the series. It kept me engrossed.
The series is amazing.
But this had so many twists and turns. If someone is looking for a mystery and a thriller at the same time they should definitely pick a copy of this series up.
A totally immersive and thrilling read!
Wow! This book was incredible! Having never read a Katerina Diamond before I am now completely hooked.
This book has serious pace to it which just didn’t let up. Katerina Diamond has really demonstrated her story telling skills in Trick or Treat. This book features so many characters, of which some are on the perimeter the main plot and have their own stories but through masterful writing skills are all connected to the missing child - Marcus.
I loved the emphasis on police procedural, that for me always guarantees a strong crime fiction read. And I was surprised at how emotional the plot truly was. Rather than making the book all macho and ‘guns blazing’. Diamond really tapped into the characters emotional reactions and physical responses to what was going on around them. This gave the book a much more human quality and solidified the characters in their own reality.
A top read! I don’t often agree with the author comparisons in the book synopsis but in this case I genuinely agree… If you love Cara Hunter, Karin Slaughter and TM Logan, then you’ll love this read.
Thank to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and thought it was a brilliant follow on from the previous book in the series. It starts about a year after the previous book ends and DS Grey and her team investigate a case where a young boy has gone missing. Who has taken him and why? There is a hell of a lot going on in this book and quite a few different ongoing story threads which I loved. At one point I wondered how everything would all link together and the further I read things began to make sense and fall into place. A horrendous event from the previous book played a big part in this book for one of the characters and there is a hint of more to come from this. I loved the authors writing style, it was very engaging, held my attention from start to finish and was one of those books I found really hard to put down. I really like the main character, she is believable, very tenacious and I was rooting for her and her colleagues throughout. I thought the book had a great and very well thought out plot line, was excellently written and flowed really well. It was fast paced, thrilling and full of tension and suspense. I loved the twists in the plot and had a couple of ‘wow’ moments when reading and I didn’t want the book to end. For me, this is the best book in the series so far, I feel the author has wrote a cracker of a read and one which really hit the mark for me. Really looking forward to the next one.
Katerina Diamond has done it again. I didn’t realise how much I had missed Miles and Grey until I started this again. Trying not to give it away but I really like the way that some subjects are being dealt with. Not to mention the return of one of my favourite characters! If you liked the others in the series, you will love this
As always, Katerina Diamond delivers a book full of emotion and excitement! It follows the story of Grey and Miles from the last book - no spoilers here - and this one is almost as distressing as the last one for different reasons! Now we are 7 books in, we are not just dealing with crime side of life, but delving more into the personal stories too....it's a really immersive read! One of my favourites is back too - again no spoilers!! - but it added an interesting dimension to the story! I still love Grey and Miles and Katerina Diamond's books are up there as all time faves.....and what an ending too, can't wait for the next one already!!!! ❤
This book was provided to me via Kindle by Avon Books, Avon UK and #NetGalley for my honest opinion.
A suspenseful thrill sure to thrill a multitude of audiences.
My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Good plot and great characters with just the right amount of tension and intrigue. I didn’t realise it was part of a series and haven’t read any of the others but it was great read as a stand-alone. I will definitely look to read more books in this series now and by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so ridiculously good. I ended up finishing it in two sittings. Absolutely gripping from page 1 and it just didnt let up until the very end. Bring on book 8.
I have read everything Katerina Diamond has written and punished. I loved every book. This series with Miles and Grey has been amazing from the very first book. I did struggle with the last book about the assault on Miles, but I also respect the fact that Katerina just wants to write about real life struggles.
This book is so well put together, the characters, old and new, work together to answer many of the questions from the last books, but the book also has a very clear plot of its own.
A kidnapping, murder, prison, false identities and hidden evidence- what more could you want from a plot?
I’ve really enjoyed reading this book as a review copy before it was publish- thanks to netgalley- and I would totally recommend this whole series if you like a twisted, real life thriller. Be prepared, these books are chilling.
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. A young boy is kidnapped on Halloween in a quiet street. Detective Imogen I job is to find the boy before its too late. This book kept me guessing.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This is book 7 in the series and they just keep getting better and better, it drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the last page. A definite must read.
Six-year-old Marcus is kidnapped from outside his house on Halloween and Detective Imogen Grey is immediately on the case. At first his parents deny that anything has happened to him, but then admit that he has indeed been kidnapped. Can a witness to the kidnapping help discover what has happened to him? It is a race against time to find Marcus and those responsible before it is too late... Another great entry to the series, with a thrilling plot full of twists and turns. As usual it was great to hear about Imogen and Adrian again, particularly to see Adrian battling his own demons. The book can be read as part of the series or just as a standalone title, either way it is a good read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
Firstly a massive thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this book early.
This is not my first Katerina Diamond book. I have read the whole Miles and Grey series so i was super chuft to be able to read Trick or treat before its release. As ive read the whole series previously, i have a love for the characters already amd this book has continued that. At first with this book i was waiting for that moment of oh my god, but actually, it wasnt needed because it was just a continuation of amazing characters and brilliant storyline. From reading and finishing this, there is no way it can be the last of the series. There was a return of much loved characters in this book, along with the amazing main characters. Katerina has smashed it again with this book, and to be honest i never want her to stop writing about miles and grey as they are an amazing duo. Now im sad because i have to wait even longer to find out where Katerina will take the characters next. An obvious 5 stars from me on this one
Coming up to Halloween a young boy, Marcus Carlyle is cycling in front of his house when he is kidnapped by 2 men in a white van. Across the road Jason Hitchins is a witness. But he reluctantly gets involved as he was commiting a crime at the time. Phoning police on a pay as you go phone he is surprised later when there is no mention in the news. Was it a Halloween prank or something more sinister.
Imogen Grey takes on the case with a relatively new team, but her thought are with life partner and former work partner Adrian Miles who seems to be lost in his own world.
I love the Grey/Miles books by Katerina, this book certainly didn't disappoint. It shows the depths that some people go to to get money.I
I was very happy to be accepted by Netgalley and publishers to read an advanced copy. My opinions are my own
Thanks to Netgalley and Katerina for allowing me to read this book before the publication date.
When 6 year old Marcus is taken from outside his home on Halloween, there is only one witness and he does not want to be identified. However his conscience makes him place an anonymous call to the police to report what he saw.
When DS Imogen Grey calls at the Carlyle house, the family deny that there is anything wrong but her instincts tell her otherwise.
The investigation ramps up in the search for Marcus and uncovers some surprising results.
This is a total page turner with more than one storyline.
Trick or Treat was the first book in the series which I have read and I found that the character development was top notch. I really want to read more of Katerina’s books.
This was the first book I’ve read by Katerina Diamond, but it won’t be my last! Well developed characters drive a concise, twisted plot! This book or series, would make for a great Netflix series.
Another well crafted plot with twists upto the conclusion to keep the reader glued to the book. The team chemistry is working well with equal inputs from everyone. As a former detective Adrian should have been portrayed as someone with more mental grits rather than a whimpering victim. A good addition to the series.
Marcus carlyle, a6 year old boy, who is out riding his bike, is suddenly kidnapped by 2 men in a white. The only witness to this appears to be Jason, who has broken into the house opposite as a revenge act against his ex girlfriend. Jason annonymously fed orwards his evidence to the police although is suprised when the case does not appear to hit the news.
Sara and peter, marcus s parents receive a ransom demand of money they are absolutly unable to raise. However with help from Saras father, sara has the money to take to the planned drop off. However en route she is seriously injured and hospitalised, alongside no return of marcus.
DS imogen is assigned this case. As her suspicions unfold, we learn of multiple identities and a twisted web of lies surrounding peters life. The race is on to try and find marcus alive which as the days pass, feels very unlikely.
Imogen also has to battle with her own relationship with Adrain as he shares a hidden secret....do the 2 cases link in some way?.
Although this is book 7 featuring Imogen, and i have not read the previous ones, this in no way spoilt the storyline. Fast paced with twists throughout, i would highly recommend a read.
I adore Katerina Diamond, and I have read all of her books - and I really love the Imogen Grey series.
I have to say, I think this is my favourite so far!! I was gripped from the very beginning, and I was hooked to this page-turner.
Such an interesting premise, so many twists and turns. It also has so much heart - not something you usually get from a thriller. You really feel for the characters and whether you have read all of the previous books in the series you immediately will feel connected.
I think this book should have some trigger warnings for sexual assault as it is very hard to read at times - I think this would be super triggering for anyone who has experienced this - something to bear in mind before going into this book.
I cannot recommend this book enough!! Brilliant. Gripping! Everything you want in a thriller!
I wish to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC in return for an honest review. I greatly appreciate being introduced to authors previously unfamiliar to me. This was a gritty, emotional, psychological thriller and police procedural by Katerina Diamond, with strongly developed, memorable characters, twists and turns, and surprising revelations. While reading Trick or Treat, I immediately purchased and downloaded the previous book in the series and one of the author's standalones.
There are several threads in this complex crime story and many intriguing characters, but it works with brilliantly connected elements in this compelling, well-structured plot.
A six-year-old boy, Marcus, is kidnapped on Halloween day while riding his bike near his home. The crime is observed by a teenaged boy, Jason while committing the crime of vandalizing a nearby house. Disguising his voice, he uses a burner phone to alert the police and takes a picture of the crime in progress.
This puts the determined and tenacious detective, Imogen Grey, on the case with a new team. She is obsessed with finding Marcus before he is harmed. She is also preoccupied with thoughts of her work and life partner, Adrian Miles. He is a broken man, distant in their relationship for the past year. He has quit police work and is in anguish from a trauma he will not reveal.
On a visit to the boy's parents, they first deny anything is wrong. When faced with the fact of the kidnapping, the mother is distraught. The father's reactions cause Imogen to suspect he knows something he is not telling. He is too cool and rigid. There is a call demanding a ransom of a huge amount of money for the safe return of Marcus. The grandfather supplies the money. Marcus's mother, Sara, is to drop the ransom money in a suitcase at a spot designated by the kidnappers. The police are watching, but everything goes wrong. Sara is severely injured, and the ransom money disappears. The criminals express anger at the loss of the money and demand a similar sum, or Marcus will die.
Jason is feeling some remorse for trashing the house and worries about Marcus. He fears going to the police with the photo he took that clearly shows one of the kidnappers and the van. His older brother is soon due for release from prison while his single mother moves from one unsuitable man to the next. Jason's father, absent for many years, shows up at home. At first, Jason is delighted for his father's company and reunited with his brother home from prison, but things go horribly wrong.
As the days pass, Imogen's fear grows for Marcus's safety. The search for suspects leads them to a hardened group of ex-prisoners who may know something about the crime. Rumours are circulating that Marcus may be trafficked and sold to predators to compensate for the loss of the ransom money. Time is of the essence. Their leading suspect is a master of stolen identities and seems impossible to track down.
Miles has been employed with a private security/surveillance firm that also comes into the investigation.
One former prisoner is believed to know about the kidnapping, but he is brutally murdered right after Miles visited him for a secret, personal reason. Miles has an airtight alibi that he was elsewhere at the killing, but he refuses to reveal it. He prefers to go to prison on a murder charge, knowing that he will be targeted as an ex-policeman once inside.
The storyline comes together in a shocking, tension-filled conclusion. I definitely intend to catch up
on previous books in this series that I missed.
Thankyou to NetGalley and the author, Katerina Diamond, for the opportunity to read Trick Or Treat in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such a good read.
Action packed with plenty of intrigue, it keeps you guessing.
Well worth a read.
Wow! Well what can I say? I loved this book. Katerina Diamond is a go to author for me I have read all of her books. So I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book and for me to have received an ARC of it completely blew me away.
This book is #7 in the DS Imogen Grey series. Each book follows a different crime so they can be read as a stand alone but there are references to previous books so it is probably better to read them all to have a better understanding.
This book had me gripped from the beginning as has been the same for all Katerina’s books.
This books follows Grey as she tries to find out who is behind the kidnapping of a child on Halloween. Will she find the child before it is too late?
There is lots going on in the book with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing!
Former DS Adrian Miles is again featured in the book. For me he is my favourite character I love his charm and wit.
Although the story is difficult to read in places it is very well handled by the author.
Please, please say there is a book #8 🙏🏻
If you haven’t read one of Katerina Diamonds books I highly recommend that you do, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read in this series and look forward to catching up on the previous ones.
How do you find a six year old boy who has been kidnapped when constant obstacles are put in your way? That is the dilemma for DS Imogen Grey and her team. When the prime suspect suddenly goes missing, they are in a race against time to discover where they are before it’s too late.
A great fast paced story with a good plot and a shocking secret. I look forward to the next book in this series.
For me, this book was much anticipated and did not disappoint. Deserves a 5 star in my opinion as I really love this detective series about Imogen and Adrian. We're onto book 7 in the series and we are all settled in well getting to know them both and following their own personal lives as well as a different police case each time.
Adrian has drifted off on another path away from being a detective (which I won't reveal why) but still his new line of work gets him in the radar of Imogen's team and so the race is on to get Adrian out of prison and get the real culprits in prison.
Genius to bring back a much loved character into the storyline and sounds like he'll return in book 8. Yay
The case for Imogen this time is an abduction and the ransom goes missing and involves a different family with their own troubles.
If you haven't tried this series, I really highly recommend that you do! Katerina Diamond is my absolute clear favourite author and the suspense is already killing me on where book 8 will take us.
This book has everything! It is well written, a brilliant multi-stranded plot and subtle characterization that creates empathy for all the characters particularly the main ones. I had read the early books in the Miles/ Grey series but somehow missed the last couple (too many good books to read!) While it didn’t matter as this works well as a stand alone, I have to read them, particularly the previous one where a difficult subject is probably treated with as much sensitivity as it is here. Love the way Katerina writes and the way the story flows. It is a police procedural but so much more. I recommend highly.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Miles and Grey are back!! This is the next book in the series that follows police officers Adrian Miles (actually, ex police officer) and Imogen Grey. They are also a couple, that haven’t been feeling very coupley recently. In the previous story we know that Adrian suffered a serious sexual assault when working his last case, and following the assault he made the decision to keep it away from Imogen and not tell her at all. In this instalment we see how distant Adrian has become in his relationship, and Imogen knows something is wrong. But, she has no time to worry about it when a young boy, Marcus, gets kidnapped from outside his home. But the kidnappers didn’t bank on a member of the public, who was committing a crime at the time, to watch the whole thing and take pictures. Imogen knows she doesn’t have much time if she wants to find the kidnappers and the missing child.
I feel like I have waited years for the next instalment of one of my favourite book series. I love this series, I love the writing, and I love the characters. Reading these books feels like going back and seeing family. The characters are extremely well written, and relatable. I love Imogen’s bravery and confidence, and I love Adrian’s dry humour and wit. Every book from this author offers everything you could wish from a police procedural story: emotion, humour, a gritty storyline, strong characters, red herrings, twists and turns, and endings that won’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next one!!
I loved this book, i cant believe its no. 7 in the series as how well written and gripping it is you'd think it was book 1! love the characters, never guessed and it hade gripped from page one till the end and lefte craving book 8, please say there is a book 8 I can't live without imogen and Adrian!! as well as Dean and now Webb and jarvis!!!, wish it be made into a series on TV too!!!, big fan!!!
I’m a massive Katerina Diamond fan, but It’s been a while since I read the last book in the series and I had forgotten about Adrian’s ordeal in the last book. Trick or Treat starts where The Woman in the Water finishes. Adrian Miles has left the police force and is working for a security firm. Imogen is working with a new partner and investigating the kidnapping of a six-year old boy.
As you would expect from this author the plot romps along with plenty of twists and turns. The characters are totally believable - a face from the past even reappears to help Adrian. Brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was so excited when I saw the 7th book in the DS Imogen Grey series was available on netgalley! Six year old Marcus is abducted from outside his house on Halloween and Imogen and her team race against the clock to find him. I really enjoyed this book and although I guessed who was behind it fairly early on that doesn’t detract from the book as there is so much going on and a few different story threads.
I have loved this series and can never put these books down! They’re fast paced, full of suspense and Imogen and Luke are both such great characters. Book 6 was a tough read in places with a trigger warning for rape. Book 7 obviously follows on from this story line but it is so very well handled and written. It is hard to read at times but there were also some big sigh of relief moments (especially when a certain previous character makes a well timed appearance 🤐). Katerina diamond has smashed it again and keeps me wanting to read more! Thanks to avon publishing and netgalley for the advance copy!
Treat or treat by Katerina Diamond was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021, I was absolutely buzzing to get It as an ARC! so excited that I got approved, started and fished in the same day!
This book follows DS Imogen Grey as she tries to discover who is behind the kidnapping of a child on Halloween, helping the parents with ransom to try get their little boy back safely.
It also follows Adrian (former DS Adrian Miles) as he is on his own personal mission to find someone.
There was so much going on and alot to keep track of, I was HOOKED! I smiled, I cried and I was shocked. As I’ve read the whole series I feel such an attachment to the characters!
Each book is a different crime so they can be read as standalone however I’ve loved reading them in order which helped to get a better understanding of their personal lives and interlinking characters back stories
I LOVED this book!
It's an amazing story, I just couldn't put it down, it got me hooked since the first page. It's fast-paced and it goes to the point, doesn't waste time in unnecessary details, and it keeps you always wanting more!
I just recently discovered this book is part of a series, which I just added to my TBR. This book is amazing as a standalone. Very well written, It has many amazing twists and in the end, it all connects. Katerina Diamond really shows her talent on every single page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for this amazing ARC.
Can't say enough good things. You will find yourself rushing to get to the bottom this masterpiece. You will definitely be willing to give up sleep to get through this story. From the 1st chapter it will have you gripped
This was my first Katerina Diamond novel and certainly won't be my last.
Here we have the disappearance of Marcus on Halloween, taken by two men in a white van and witnessed by a young man who was also in the midst of committing a crime.
DS Imogen Grey is called upon to investigate without the help of Adrian Miles who has now left the police force (I won't discuss that part further in case some haven't read the previous novels).
Around halfway through the book, we come to understand what happened and the story continues as Grey attempts to get her man (or woman). This was an interesting ploy from Diamond, not to keep the final reveal until the last few pages or try and catch the reader out with a twist. I think it worked here and Diamond pulled it off.
What I think really made this novel though was the story of Adrian Miles as he attempts to come to terms with what happened to him in the previous novel. Such was his despair and torment I actually don't think I could go back and read the previous book as I am not sure I could cope with reading something like that. That's not a criticism of Diamond, in fact it is praise of how well she has written the character of Adrian.
Given the ending I am so keen for the next book to come out and can't wait to read it. Thanks to Avon Publishing and Netgalley for an advance review copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review
Trick or treat? Well this was definitely a treat getting my hands on this wonderful novel. Trick or Treat by, Katerina Diamond. This is a real good thriller. Who kidnapped Marcus? Will they find him alive? Gripped from chapter 1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the 7th book in this series but can be read as a stand alone. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really liked it. It did refer to characters that were in previous books but I was able to figure out their places within the story with no problem. A very sensitive event that took place in a previous book is rather upsetting but is handled beautifully.
📖BOOK REVIEW📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TrickOrTreat by @katerinadiamondauthor
⏩for synopsis
@avonbooksuk @netgalley
Wow what another great edition this one is to the series!
This book had everything; it was full of twists and turns, suspicion and red herrings to throw you off the scent. So in this one, you do get to know who the bad guy was pretty early on, and all credit to the author for keeping the plot jam packed and completely absorbing till the end.
As always, Katerina’s writing is on point, it’s easy to read and mixed with ulterior motives if you clever enough to work them out. I am not 😂. I didn’t guess the outcome and once again we are left with a cliff hanger ending. I NEED the next book now!!!
I love how the author develops the main characters but also brings some characters back from previous books in the series and continues to develop them with their own stories and returning them to the plot in interesting ways. I also love how she keeps other storylines bubbling away in the background which are separate from the main book plot but just as intriguing!
Overall an excellent thriller of a read! It did what it set out to do and had the elements of a good murder mystery. This one is quite mixed with up past books so I would recommend reading in series order to get the full experience!
With thanks to author #katerinadiamond, #netgalley and #avonbooks for allowing us to read this one early.
Released: October 14th 👏
-Emily @the_book_girls_1
An absolute page-turner. very gripping story from page one I read it in 3 sittings. its a 4.5 star book for me
Jason is determined to enact some revenge after being jilted by his girlfriend. When in her house he sees a van pull up and masked men kidnap the little boy on his bike outside. He reports the incident anonymously to the police. When the police knock on the parents door they deny the boy is missing??
DI Imogen Grey perseveres and the parent admit they received a ransom call and scared for Marcus’s safety. As Grey and the team delve deeper into the parents history, there is something that doesn’t add up.
A great crime thriller with plenty of twists that keep you guessing until the end which I really enjoyed. Having not read any of the previous books, the characters and their past events were described so could easily read this as a stand alone book. However I am now going to start with book 1 and start from the beginning!
This is the latest in a long line of Imogen Grey detective stories, and the second one I have read.
Marcus, a 6 year old is kidnapped off the street outside his home. No one sees a thing, or do they?
This book is suspenseful and has lots of twists, some quite obvious but still enough to keep the reader gripped.
I enjoyed the book, though did think it got a little convoluted in the middle, but sorted itself out beautifully!
This story tackled one or two sensitive subjects head on, and the issues were well handled.
Whilst this is one of a series of books, it does sit well as a stand alone, but the reader would really benefit from reading the books in order.
An enjoyable read, well written, would definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley.
Loved this book.
A book in the Imogen Grey series and an exciting part of this series. Hard hitting experiences of Adrian and brilliantly constructed story with twists and turns I could only dream about being able to process without a book. This series gets better and better and an ending that left me screaming no because I have to wait for book 8.
This book is part of a series featuring Imogene, a dedicated detective and her former police officer boyfriend, Adrian. While Imogene tries to solve the kidnapping of a five year old boy, Adrian tries to keep a brutal sexual attack perpetuated on him a year ago, a secret. The identity of the kidnapper involves someone close to the boy who is one of the most deceitful characters in recent British fiction.Be ready for twists and turns galore along with a character dealing with severe trauma of a victim of sexual assault.
4-5 rounded up.
It’s Halloween and Jason Hitchin is still annoyed with Amanda’s betrayal for dumping him and in revenge he breaks into her parents empty house where from a bedroom window he witnesses a kidnapping of a little boy. This proves to be six year old Marcus Carlyle and his mother Sara soon receives a ransom demand. Thus starts the latest instalment in the excellent DS Imogen Gray and Adrian Miles series. This proves to be a very tough case on several levels as the police team come up against an elusive, ruthless, scheming master manipulator with chameleon qualities.
I love this series and this is yet another very good addition to it. This case is a complex one, there are several strands in the storyline and you wonder how or if they are connected and you are gripped and glued to the pages to find out! One storyline is extremely moving and emotional, there’s major trauma and suffering involved which this character is struggling alone. This is done very sensitively and though it’s a tough read I applaud how well the author handles this aspect of the novel. All characters are well portrayed, especially Imogen and Adrian, the addition of DC Gabriel Webb is a good one and DC Jarvis seems to be emerging as the character that makes your flesh crawl. DCI Kapoor is a diamond, everyone should have a boss like her. Jason’s storyline is a good one and you see a young boy caught between his home circumstances and his desire to do the right thing. The kidnapping storyline is excellent, it’s dangerous, scary and full of drama with tension rising and falling in a way that keeps you hooked. There’s one scene that is gritty if not gruesome but it does serve to show just how ruthless, cold hearted and terrifying the perpetrator is and it’s downright chilling as it seems they’re always one step ahead. The plot twists are good, the story flows well and it’s edge of your seat, white knuckle reading. The twist just before the end is a corker and as for the ending, yes of course I’m all in for number eight and here’s hoping the author is well on her way with it so we don’t have to wait too long.
Overall, a fantastic read. Although it’s part of a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Oh my gosh this is book is a MUST READ
If you love detective thrillers with excellent characters and story, this is the one for you!
I could not put this away, cannot wait to read more!
They’re back!
I’ll start by saying I haven’t forgiven you Katerina. What happened to Adrian in the last book still haunts me! ....but sadly not as much as it’s haunting him. :(
An emotional thriller and an absolute must read. In fact the whole series is a must read! If you love well written intelligent crime thrillers then grab this one next!
5/5 (10/5 if I could!)
Holy smokes, this was a rollercoaster of a read. I was unsure with the first few chapters if I was going to like this one, but then it grabbed a hold of me and didn’t slow down for a moment. Missing child, a unlikely witness and suspicious behaviour from those closest to the case. This book was horrifying and delved into sensitive subjects with tact and straightforwardness that I appreciated. It was so well done I could not put it down. This was a new author for me and I will absolutely be purchasing her other books. Well done!
Totally immersive thriller. I love everything by this author and this was no exception .
Trick or Treat by Katerina Diamond
Synopsis
When six-year-old Marcus is taken from outside his house on Halloween it shakes his quiet neighbourhood to the core.
Everyone was ready for a night of trick-or-treating. Now the unthinkable has happened.
As Detective Imogen Grey arrives to question Marcus’s parents, they tell her there has been a mistake. Their son is just fine.
But if that’s true, where is Marcus?
Imogen becomes locked in a race against time to find the missing child and uncover the truth. Can she discover what’s happened to Marcus before it’s too late?
Review
This is the 7th book in the DS Grey/Miles series. I really enjoyed it and read it very quickly.
I love the characters and really enjoyed the story, this is a great series of books.
Highly recommend.
Rated 4/5
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review (this book is out October 14th)
Wow! Wow! Wow! what a fantastic read, kept me captivated from beginning to end. if you haven't read any of Katerina Diamonds books firstly where have you been, secondly you won't be disappointed i recommend them to everyone, they are gripping reads with very likeable characters Trick or Treat is no exception, you could read this as a stand alone but i would highly recommend reading them in order, there will be plenty of late nights and lack of sleep but well worth it.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this to my kindle.
Good Suspense/thriller. Seemed to have two plots that eventually go together.
Marcus, a six year old boy is abducted in front of his house. Unbeknownst to the kidnappers, a teenager, who is breaking and entering at the time, witnesses the crime and calls the police. Detective Imogen Jarvis responds to the call. In her own life, her longtime boyfriend, Adrien, is dealing with his own trauma, but keeping it from her.
Some twists and turns, some I didn't follow right away. Overall a good read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I literally finished this in 1 day. An unstoppable rollercoaster that you gave to ride. A thrilling read to tbe very end
Katrina diamond does it again another dark and twisted thriller. In this story a little boy is kidnapped and the only witness is a broken hearted teenager ransacking his exes house across the road. As they investigation kicks off secrets and lies are on every corner and finally Adrian and Imogen have to face some home truths of their own which they have been holding on to for too long. Great story and I could not put it down.
Katerina Diamond's books hold a special place in my heart because #TheTeacher was my first ever crime thriller that I fell in love with, and the rest is history!
#TrickOrTreat is the latest instalment in the DS Imogen Grey series and after waiting a little bit longer for this one after the intense cliffhanger that was #TheWomanInTheWater it certainly did not disappoint! This novel is another carefully crafted thriller that shocks you at every turn. I couldn't put it down! Adrian Miles and DS Grey are amongst my favourite literary partnerships of all time - if you haven't read this series, I implore you to start!
A perfect autumnal read.
Wow this is another fantastic read by Katrina Diamond. Trick or Treat is the 7th Book in the Detective Imogen Grey series.
It is Halloween, Jason Hitchin has been dumped by his girlfriend. So, while herself and her family have gone on holiday on the family yacht, Jason seeks revenge by breaking into their home and thrashes the place.
Whilst he is there, he sees 6-year-old Marcus Carlyle riding his new bike on the drive when a van drives up to him and kidnaps him and drives away. While it is happening, Jason takes out his burner phone and anonymously phones the police. But when the police get there the parents say he is fine. Until they find out later. He has been kidnapped.
I haven’t read a Katerina diamond book in a while, and I wasn’t sure what I was expecting at first. But this book was so good. This is not your typical child abduction story. This is a story of many layers, cleverly intertwined that kept me hooked to the end. It has so much going on in this book. I thought the parts about Adrian Miles were well written and sensitively done. I can’t wait to see what develops on the next instalment. 5 stars from me.
I had really enjoyed Katerina Diamond’s previous book “Woman in the Water”, and this one was just as good. Although this is clearly a sequel, you can read it as a stand-alone, as all the information you need from previous books in the series is gently inserted into the current story.
The main story to be investigated by the police here is the abduction of a Marcus, a six-year-old boy, from outside his home. The police are alerted – not by his parents – but by an anonymous witness to the kidnapping. The parents are contacted by the kidnappers, and a demand for ransom is made.
The book opens with a teenager, Jason, taking revenge on his girlfriend for being dumped by trashing her parents’ house. Jason’s family is from the wrong side of the tracks, his brother in jail, his father AWOL:
“Feeling like a loser wasn’t even second nature to Jason, it was first nature.”
I began by intensely disliking Jason – the girlfriend had obviously made the right choice – but as the book went on, Jason redeemed himself, and becomes one of the heroes.
The police woman in charge is Imogen. Her partner from the previous book, Adrian, has retired from the police force with PTSD following his violent rape in “Woman in the Water” – which he has not mentioned to any of his colleagues. He remains in a relationship with Imogen, which is now under severe stress, as he will not tell her what is wrong.
Although I did, of course, want Marcus to be found alive and well, for me the most important part of the story was Adrian facing up to, and overcoming, his trauma. Male rape is seldom dealt with, seldom acknowledged – but the effects can be as devastating for men as women. Men don’t often live with the fear of rape as women do, and don’t have to worry about resulting pregnancy, but if women still have a monumental task getting their rapist convicted, they are at least nowadays generally believed.
“In her own mind there was nothing more damaging than rape. It was like killing someone without physically killing them, destroying something precious that could not be repaired. As a woman it was something she thought about often. Whenever she was walking home alone, in an underground car park, or a lift alone with a man she didn’t know. Even for the briefest of moments it might pop into her mind that she wasn’t safe, as though women were conditioned or resigned to the fact that it would probably happen one day.”
A man is assumed to be strong enough to repel any attack, if he doesn’t, then his manhood, his entire identity, is called into question. So, many male rape victims remain silent.
“‘I believe Corrigan used sexual assault to control and undermine men that were in his way. He knows none of them would say anything about it to the police.’”
Adrian’s suffering is so vivid in this book – I so much wanted him to find the perpetrator and live free again:
“But he knew he couldn’t live like this any longer. He couldn’t hold his breath every time he walked down the street or turned a corner, in case he heard that voice again. He had spent the last year wondering if the faces of the men he walked past belonged to the man he spent five hours with in the back of that van.”
There are two really evil people (as well as any number of bad eggs) in this book– one of them being the rapist. For the other, it takes a while before his true psychopathy is revealed, and Marcus is not his only victim.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an excellent police procedural, and also to anyone who wants to know more about dealing with the aftermath of rape. At the end of “Woman in the Water” there is a list of places offering support for male victims of sexual assault.
Trick or Treat by Katerina Diamond
I give this book 4.25 stars
TRICK OR TREAT?
6 year-old Marcus is taken from outside his house on Halloween.
TRUTH OR LIES?
As Detective Imogen Grey arrives to question Marcus’s parents, they tell her there has been a mistake. Their son is just fine.
But if that’s true, where is Marcus?
INNOCENT OR GUILTY?
Imogen becomes locked in a race against time to find the missing child and uncover the truth. Can she discover what’s happened to Marcus before it’s too late?
This is book 7 in a series but can be read as a standalone (like l did)
The first thing that caught my eye was the cover!!
A pacy police procedural crime thriller that held my attention throughout.l loved the short chapters and really enjoyed the deeper insight into the main characters personal lives which made me feel like l connected with them. This book was a dark,tense and twisty read with multiple layers to the plot line.
I enjoyed the characters and writing style so much lm now in a mission to read them all!
With thanks to Netgalley,Katerina Diamond and Avon Books UK.
Thankyou Netgalley for this book l. My first spooky book of Fall! The description initially intrigued me but the story went above and beyond!
When six-year-old Marcus is taken from outside his house on Halloween it shakes his quiet neighbourhood to the core.
Everyone was ready for a night of trick-or-treating. Now the unthinkable has happened.
TRUTH OR LIES?
As Detective Imogen Grey arrives to question Marcus’s parents, they tell her there has been a mistake. Their son is just fine.
But if that’s true, where is Marcus?
INNOCENT OR GUILTY?
Imogen becomes locked in a race against time to find the missing child and uncover the truth. Can she discover what’s happened to Marcus before it’s too late?
Trick or Treat is the latest book in the Imogen Grey & Adrian MIles series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, and the story is largely self contained, I really do recommend that you are least read the previous book, Truth or Die, as there is much that happens in this book that is a direct result of what happens there. The last book was quite shocking, one that really toyed with your emotions, and watching Imogen and, more importantly, Adrian, deal with the aftermath.
The book opens in an almost pedestrian way by the author's standards, at least up until the dying moments of that first chapter. Don't be fooled - this is a Katerina Diamond book. Be prepared to be taken on a rollercoaster of a ride full of mystery, and some very, very intense moments. This is the story of a child abduction, a young boy snatched from outside his home, and the only witness is someone who shouldn't even have been there. Ransom demands, dark threats and moments of danger that are right in the heart-thumping territory. With the sense that not everyone involved in the investigation is telling the truth, it falls to Imogen to save Marcus before it's too late. Just when you think you may have a handle on what is happening, the whole case tilts on its axis. Katerina Diamond is adept at keeping readers on their toes, but this case is full of those big surprise moments and whilst you may guess certain aspects of the case pretty early on, tapping into Imogen's innate senses, there are so many parts of the book which caught me unaware but had me completely engrossed to the very last page.
I do love the characters in this book. I came to the series a bit late, but have grown very fond of Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles, so I'm not going to lie - the last book was a big surprise and one of those real hit you in the gut moments. How do you follow it? Well - quite brilliantly as it turns out. Everything that happened led to a massive change for Adrian, its impacts being felt by Imogen too. Seeing him wrestle with his feelings, the emotional turmoil that he is going to and the extent to which it impacts him both personally and professionally, was very carefully handled and made the story all the more effective. It's hard not to be touched by everything that happens in the book, both the case and in personal terms, and everything about it, about the reluctance to face the issues head on, the concern about certain stigmas of the case, absolutely rang true. Its tough watching characters you care about going through the ringer - doesn't stop the author from pushing us all again though. Just how I like it.
There are a few surprises in store throughout the book - faces from the past who make quite an impact on the story. I'm intrigued to see where the author takes us next as the ending, whilst not a cliffhanger in terms of the case - that's well and truly resolved - it certainly left me with a whole host of questions and a real hunger for that 'what happens next' moment. I am hoping that Imogen and Adrian have turned a corner, although the road ahead looks like it will be very bumpy. But by 'eck. I am looking forward to the ride.
Trick or Treat is the latest book in the Imogen Grey & Adrian MIles series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, and the story is largely self contained, I really do recommend that you are least read the previous book, Truth or Die, as there is much that happens in this book that is a direct result of what happens there. The last book was quite shocking, one that really toyed with your emotions, and watching Imogen and, more importantly, Adrian, deal with the aftermath.
The book opens in an almost pedestrian way by the author's standards, at least up until the dying moments of that first chapter. Don't be fooled - this is a Katerina Diamond book. Be prepared to be taken on a rollercoaster of a ride full of mystery, and some very, very intense moments. This is the story of a child abduction, a young boy snatched from outside his home, and the only witness is someone who shouldn't even have been there. Ransom demands, dark threats and moments of danger that are right in the heart-thumping territory. With the sense that not everyone involved in the investigation is telling the truth, it falls to Imogen to save Marcus before it's too late. Just when you think you may have a handle on what is happening, the whole case tilts on its axis. Katerina Diamond is adept at keeping readers on their toes, but this case is full of those big surprise moments and whilst you may guess certain aspects of the case pretty early on, tapping into Imogen's innate senses, there are so many parts of the book which caught me unaware but had me completely engrossed to the very last page.
I do love the characters in this book. I came to the series a bit late, but have grown very fond of Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles, so I'm not going to lie - the last book was a big surprise and one of those real hit you in the gut moments. How do you follow it? Well - quite brilliantly as it turns out. Everything that happened led to a massive change for Adrian, its impacts being felt by Imogen too. Seeing him wrestle with his feelings, the emotional turmoil that he is going to and the extent to which it impacts him both personally and professionally, was very carefully handled and made the story all the more effective. It's hard not to be touched by everything that happens in the book, both the case and in personal terms, and everything about it, about the reluctance to face the issues head on, the concern about certain stigmas of the case, absolutely rang true. Its tough watching characters you care about going through the ringer - doesn't stop the author from pushing us all again though. Just how I like it.
There are a few surprises in store throughout the book - faces from the past who make quite an impact on the story. I'm intrigued to see where the author takes us next as the ending, whilst not a cliffhanger in terms of the case - that's well and truly resolved - it certainly left me with a whole host of questions and a real hunger for that 'what happens next' moment. I am hoping that Imogen and Adrian have turned a corner, although the road ahead looks like it will be very bumpy. But by 'eck. I am looking forward to the ride.
Full of tension, action emotion and brilliant characters, and a story that is very carefully told. I wasn't sure if the author could make such a physical impact with the story this time around and yet she has. This is one crime series that if you haven't started yet, I really have to question why not. The characters, the setting and the storytelling are just fabulous. Go on - have a read. You know you want to.
I had forgotten how good Katerina Diamond was!
This story partially leads on from a case where Adrian Miles, Imogen Grey's partner, was attacked which has since left him with unwelcome life-long memories.
Being a series, I'm looking forward to see how their relationship pans out, especially since a blast from the past is now on the scene!
This was a really brilliant addition to the series!
I thought the storyline following Imogen and Adrian would have made for an excellent standalone, but the addition of the new kidnap case really ramps it up and makes this a fast paced, procedural thriller.
Bursting with action and tension the characters I have become so fond of really come alive.
I was also really impressed with the gental handling of the plot following Adrian, centred around male rape. Its a brave plot to address and it is done with care and is incredibly realistic.
I was thrilled at the return if Dean, he's a really interesting character from previous books in the series.
I felt the end came together well, whilst only some situations were resolved it seemed more realistic that others should be addressed later in the series. So despite being left on a cliffhanger with the suggestion of (hopefully) another book, I felt totally satisfied with the answers I got.
Another masterclass by Katerina Diamond, I can't wait for the next!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, but my review and comments are my own.
Oh Diamond, you've done it again! Another violent, intense police procedural - well done!
Now, after the last book in this series, I wasn't sure there was going to be more - I felt it ended well, given the circumstances of book 5 (Come Out and Play). But book 6 is IN YOUR FACE with the events of Book 5 - this is a series that I think you need to read in order rather than starting with this one and going back to the beginning.
On it's surface, Trick or Treat is about a missing child. However, this is very much a follow on from Book 5, with a lot of (I would say half maybe?) the action taking place because of, or to deal with, the events in book 5. The VIOLENCE in Book 5 is revisited often in this one, and this is where I struggle. We know what happened. It's covered very early on in this story, as a refresher of the horrors. I'm just not sure we needed it so brutally described to us every time it was mentioned or dealt with in book 6.
Sadly, this meant that the crimes committed here didn't have the impact or shock factor, (the scene in a bedroom with one character hiding under the bed, for example), because they just didn't compare to the event in the White Van from book 5.
However, I am VERY looking forward to book 7, and the return of a character from earlier in the series - and hopefully some further healing for Adrian.
Finally, a new DS Imogen Grey…
Trick or Treat is a brilliant continuation of the Grey/ Milles storyline and in itself a great crime thriller.
The fluid story and short chapters keeps you hooked for the whole book.
The story of a child abduction, imposters and with a variety of twists along the way.
The portrayal of Adrian’s mental battle after a traumatic event is brilliant. An event that happens but is rarely written about, the description of Adrian’s feeling and actions is extremely detailed and well written.
This series is brilliant. I accidentally came across the first book in the series, The Teacher then immediately ordered the whole series. The standalone novel Heatwave is a must read too.
It took me a little while to review this because after a few pages I realized this was a series, so I had to go start at the beginning. And Wow what a series!
I loved watching Miles heal some in this book, it was really emotional at times. I was so worried that Grey was going to leave him as she was struggling just as much as he was.
The team just doesn’t let up when solving a crime, the suspense is always very high.
This was my favorite book of the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this. I can not wait for the next book to come out.
“This was all like a surreal nightmare he couldn’t quite get his head round, but then, life had been like that…maybe he died that night in the van…maybe this was hell.”
Justin is royally peeved that he caught his girlfriend cheating on him, and while he knows that she was “slumming it” being with him, he’s determined to teach her a lesson. Knowing she’s on holiday, Justin breaks into her home and begins vandalizing it. When he sees a white van pull up and snatch the little boy he just helped with his bike, Justin quickly snaps a picture of the kidnappers with his phone. But what to do with it? If he shows the police, they will arrest him for breaking and entering. If he doesn’t, what will happen to the boy?
After an anonymous tip to the police, DS Imogen Grey has been called in to check out a potential kidnapping of a 6-year-old boy in an upper-class neighborhood. After meeting the parents who claim there has been no foul play, DS Grey suspects someone is not telling the truth. But what type of parent could possibly cause harm to their own child?
Six-year-old Marcus Carlyle has been warned never to talk to strangers, so when a teenage boy approaches him offering to help with his bike, Marcus is skeptical. But what little Marcus doesn’t realize is that this stranger will become tangled in a deadly web…he could either become Marcus’ executioner or his savior…Trick or Treat…
When I requested this book via NetGalley, I did not realize it was part of a series, and the author actually did a good job of making this installment read stand-alone. Enjoyed and would recommend this very emotional crime thriller! Will be going back to read the previous books in the series!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Wow!! I read a lot of crime books and this is the first one that has dealt with the after effects of adult male rape. This seems like the last taboo; child abuse and the mental anguish it causes seem to be covered in a lot of books, but the rape of an adult male is rarely written about. I congratulate the author on writing about this as I’m sure many men have suffered, thinking they are the only ones this has happened to.
Even without this, the book really keeps you hooked. The police characters are so believable, showing that working relationships can sometimes be strained. What a fabulous villain too. This is a first class police procedural by a writer at the top of her game. I eagerly await the next book in this series.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have liked everything this author has written and this was just as good. A fast paced page turner thriller with lots of twists and turns, loved it.
This book was so tense, no time to breathe properly :) A teenager decides to break the home of his new ex-girlfriend and while he is leaving he is a little boy being kidnapped by a white van. Detective Imogen is on the case but it is not going to be an easy one. Mystery and lots of twists. This was great, for a long time a hadn't read such a tense story.
Thank you Netgalley for this Arc.
I had no idea this was part of a series. I wish NetGalley would make that clear like they do here on GoodReads. I haven't read any of six books before this but I was okay figuring this out. Who wouldn't love a good old Halloween detective story? I love the cover too as Autumn is my favourite time of year!
This is a hard case for DI Grey to crack. A little boy is abducted on Halloween and teenager sees the kidnapping so he calls the police. When the police arrive the parents say that their son is fine. This was a really gritty, grab your heart read and seeing as it deals with children it isn't for everyone.
This book was so good and there is a lot going on but that's what kept my interest, it wasn't the same thing being repeated over and over...I hate that. I really liked the characters and how twisty it was. There were many surprises...some I figured out but most I didn't. They say money is the route of all evil. And that ending was the best! I will have to check out more from this series as I enjoyed this so much.
A little boy playing outside on his bike goes missing the kidnappers contact his parents about a ransom and warn them not to contact the police. But a member of the public has seen the crime and has called the police this book is addictive and along with the twists and turns is well worth the 5*
This is my first time reading a book from the Detective Imogen Grey series and it was a delight. I pretty much can't resist a book set in Fall or on Halloween. That combined with a mystery and you might as well call it my kryptonite. I found the story to be gripping and well paced. I do think that despite being part of a series you could read this as a standalone novel which is great. Intricate and well woven mystery. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.
I received a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books.
This is book 7 in the DS Imogen Grey series.
A lot of mystery books focus on the crime and not give the detectives any backstory. In this series it follows the main characters story, allowing them to have their own lives outside of their job and to develop their personalities, as well as giving the cases their own story. It has the perfect balance between the detectives personal story and the crime being solved.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I found myself completely gripped all the way through it, I couldn’t stop reading!
I did not expect the reveals for the case, completely unexpected. It was very cleverly written! I’m really looking forward to the next book!
If you’ve read the previous books in this series, you definitely need to pick this one up!
Another compelling book from Katerina Diamond and it’s great that despite being a series, they can be read as a standalone as I have to catch up with a few of the books. Imogen and the team trying to solve two different crimes that eventually end up being linked. I got this as an ARC to read and would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read it early. Such a cracking read.
I never repeat the blurb. I simply cannot get enough of these characters and their cases. While Adrian is no longer with the police, inevitably his life and Imogen’s latest case cross paths and events take a dramatic turn – leaves us again nicely poised for the next one, which I hope is not too far away. LOVE IT!!
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review
I loved this one. Very fast paced, had me turning pages as I tore through it – I had to see how it would end. The characters were well rounded and the narrative felt believable. Gave me chills. Solid five
I'm a fan of Katerina Diamond so was really pleased to receive this advance copy! A tense plot with familiar characters, I really enjoyed it!
Thanks to Netgalley for the loan of this book, much appreciated.
Wow! What an absorbing, brilliant read. Trick or Treat is the 7th book in Katerina Diamond's Detective Imogen Grey series and one of the best in my opinion. Having read her previous 6 books I just couldn't wait to read her latest book in the series and I wasn't disappointed. Fast paced, covering some dark topics, but a totally immersive book, I read it in 2 sittings.
It's Halloween, a little boy is riding his bike at the front of his home when he disappears. His mother receives a telephone call informing her they have her son, demanding money and warning her not to call the police. Across the road a disgruntled teenager has broken into his ex-girlfriends home with the intent of trashing her home. While in the bedroom he witnesses the boy being bundled in the back of a van and takes pictures before ringing the police. Enter DS Grey and Co. Will they manage to find the boy before it's too late? And will Imogen's relationship with ex cop Adrian survive the trauma he experienced in book 6? The answer lies within.
I would urge anyone who is a fan of crime drama to go and purchase this and the other books in the series. You wont be disappointed.
So I always anticipate a late night with a new release from Katerina as this series has captivated me from the start and it still has that hold seven books later now if that's not the marker of a great series what is?
Another master piece from the talented Katerina Diamond. I love the insight into the professional and personal lives of the main characters it makes them human and relatable too and I'm always eager to see where everyone is at.
This instalments sees the fall out from Adrian's attack twelve months before and the demons he wrestles with.
Katerina writes with great sensitivity and care whist dealing with some challenging subjects.
This is a multi layered story that Katerina weaves together expertly had me hooked from the start to finish a masterpiece that always leaves me wanting more, book eight please!
Trick or Treat by Katerina Diamond is the 7th book in the Detective Imogen Grey series. I have really enjoyed this series so far and this new chapter lived up to my expectations.
A six year old boy is snatched from the street where he lives while out playing on is bicycle. A teenage boy witnesses the abduction and phones the police. When the police visit the child’s house his parents deny that their son has been taken.
I was hooked from the beginning of this book and I didn’t want to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another fantastic installment in this crime series!
I love this series. The writing is always fantastic and gripping. I love the short chapters which always keep me hooked.
I really enjoyed the plot of this one. I love that it is set around Halloween, my favourite time of year.
It's hard not to give spoilers to this series but I'm really glad that it covers some of the issues that it does. It does so in a really sensitive and well done way.
I was hooked till the very end and could not see the ending coming. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.
As always, I love the characters in this series. I always feel so invested in their lives.
I can't wait to read the next installment in this fantastic series.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and the rest of the books in the series.
TW: rape, murder and violence
This book will hook you from the beginning, a child missing a frightened witness. A determined detective with personal issues of her own.
Fantastic writing, keeps you guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator.. who have they murdered to have this life and why?
It has it all, love, hate , murder, friendship and ultimately a team working together to do what’s right to protect innocent people.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading, James Patterson, Karen Rose, Martina Cole as Katerina Diamond is up there with the best and I for one can’t wait to read her next book.
I could not put this book down! Totally gripping story about a young boy's kidnapping, and the lives of all who are affected by it. Very suspenseful, twisted and absolutely frustrating but in the best kind of way. Definitely recommend.
# Trick Or Treat # Netgally
Wow what a superb gripping read from Katrina Diamond Adrian Imogen partner has suffered a personal assukt . Being explosive it was taking its toll on him. Imogen who is still in the police is dealing g with a kidnap of a 6 year old boy Marcus. The police received a tip off from someone who was actually watching the kidnap taking place he aS in a house he should not be in so he quickly relayed what was happening as it was taking place. He hung up and got out of the house as soon as possible from there the police were making enquiries around the are when imagine not rd this one omen who seemed to be pleading but her husband said everything was ine. Something didn't seem
M right so they went back and it transpired it was the parents of the missing g boy. But as the kidnappers I stricter no police both we're scared to say to much you will be gripped from the first page you will genuinely not be able to put the book down.with so many twists and turns from the kidnapping and from Adrians looking for his stay here your left wanting to turn page after page as quickly as possible what a climax of a ending the book is everything about this book from page one to the last page will just take I rd your life for a a while So I would suggest you started the book at a time when you do not ha e a lot to do as it will not get done Also if you want sleep then do not do a me and start at 11pm as I didn't sleep at all one absolutely brilliant highly recommended book it's a must must read
This is my first book by Katerina Diamond and when I requested it, I did not realize it was part of a series about Detective Imogen Grey. the book sucked in from the first page. Some of the twists I was able to predict but I still really enjoyed the book. I will be looking for more books from his author and series.
Trick or Treat is the 7th book in the DS Imogen Grey series.
I have recently read the first book in the series. A classic sort of police procedural. While the book can be read as a stand alone, I definitely missed some important information in the books in the series that I have not read yet.
In Trick Or Treat a young boy is kidnapped and the police need to find him before it is too late. With a title like this I expected more of a Halloween theme. It takes place at Halloween time but that is all.
I liked the characters and felt a little more invested in them than I did with the first book. I imagine I would feel even more so if I had read them all in order. I will be reading the rest of the series and look for other works by this author.
Thanks to netgalley and Avon Books UK for the arc
A fantastic fast paced story which had me gripped from the first page. I loved the twists throughout kept me guessing.
After being a little unsure about the last book in this series Trick or Treat was a great read. Imogen Grey is on the hunt for a missing boy, abducted outside his home. She’s working without her partner as Miles is now working for a private security company. I was so impressed by the writing in this and how the author brought together all the little individual story strands as part of the main plot. There was even strands from previous books that became connected to the abduction plot. Very clever.
A kidnapped kid, a troubled relationship, and a traumatic backstory kept me reading Trick or Treat.
What Worked:
Sensitive handling of the aftermath of a brutal rape. The author does an excellent job of describing flashbacks of the episode without getting too graphic—but you get the drift, for sure. The victim’s trauma and the resulting damage to the current relationship are heartbreakingly portrayed.
A nice mystery—kidnapped kids get my attention and the cast of characters appropriately creepy.
What Doesn’t Work so Well:
Some stilted dialogue—just didn’t flow but I’m picky about dialogue so….
Some of the action scenes lacked the kind of pace I would expect—just a little slow.
Ok—this is definitely just me, but with a title like Trick or Treat I’m expecting more than just a story set near Halloween.
Overall, Trick or Treat is a neatly written mystery. Though it is the seventh in the series, the book reads very well on its own. A good page-turner.
I admit I wasn't fully up to date with this series, but that didn't actually detract from the story.. A teenager is somewhere he shouldn't be and witnesses the kidnapping of a young boy. He calls 999 and anonymously reports it. Meanwhile the kidnappers have been in touch with the parents and warned them not to involve the police. DS Imogen Grey and her team have to tread carefully as the parents haven't contacted them directly.
She gets a vibe from the father that all is not well and when the money drop goes wrong and the mother is stabbed, she starts looking deeper into the father.
At the same time Adrian Miles is now working for a private security company and is looking for the people who assaulted him. He is still struggling to come to terms with what happened and so far has been unable to confide in Imogen. Both threads of the story collide with explosive fall out and Imogen has to pick her way through to get to the truth.
Nice read
Loved this book and the storyline made for an interesting compelling read. Have read many books by this author and this wasn’t my favourite, however still one to read, and will be enjoyed if it’s your first Diamond book or if you have read others.
It's the morning of Halloween when six year old Marcus Carlyle is taken from outside his house. The only witness is a teenage boy who is up to no good and torn between doing the right thing and wanting to keep his wrongdoings a secret.
Following an anonymous tip off, Detective Imogen Grey is called to the street, where the abduction took place. However, when she visits Marcus Carlyle's parents they claim everything is fine. But where is Marcus? Is there more than meets the eye? And if so, how much more?
Trick or Treat is the seventh book in the Detective Imogen Grey series. I have read one or two books from the series, and whilst I would love to go back and read the ones I have missed, I have to say that I did not find that having not read them all put me at a hindrance when reading this novel.
The thing which made me most enjoy Trick or Treat is the fact that Katerina Diamond is a remarkable storyteller. The book is complex; there are lots of characters within the book and lots of different story threads. Whilst sometimes this can be messy, Katerina Diamond has a way of developing all these leads enough to intrigue you, and pulls them together to shock and surprise you.
This book is dark and traumatic. It is certainly not for the light-hearted but it is compelling, full of twists and perfect for crime mystery lovers.
This is the first book that i have read from this author. I am a bit of a crime thriller addict and this did not disappoint. Firstly the book does not rely on blood and gore, it focuses on the plotline and the character development. The story centres around the kidnap of a young boy, however this is just the start and as the plot develops you learn it goes so much deeper. The book is well written and the characters have depth, the plotline is exciting from the beginning to the end and enough is left to leave you satisfied but also wanting to read another. I would certainly recommend this to all lovers of crime thrillers.
It’s been two years since the last DS Imogen Grey novel, but book seven is back with a bang! As soon as I started Trick or Treat I was hooked from the get go. A stranger, a child and a liar who will stop at nothing. This book draws you in and keeps you enthralled until the very end. With some great twists and turns this book is smart and shocking as Imogen and her team do their best to find a child who was taken from his house on Halloween. A fabulous five star read you will be unable to put down. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
I loved this book and the characters involved along with the storyline but felt I had.missed something as I have not read the previous books in the series, something I will have to remedy.Thanks to Avon book uk and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I am a HUGE fan of Katerina Diamond, having read pretty much of all her books I was so excited to get reading this and felt hugely grateful for having an ARC through NetGalley.
Wow, this book did not disappoint at all - I would go to say its on par with the rest of her novels.
The storyline follows Imogen Grey on another case, little Marcus is seen being snatched by a young teenager who phones the crime in only when Imogen gets to the parents house they tell her no their son is fine! Marcus is of course not fine and Imogen has to investigate what is really going on with young Marcus and the parents.
This is such a good read - great timing too (in time for Halloween). I love Imogen Grey's character and the style of writing that Katerina Diamond demonstrates during her novels. They grip my attention and keep me fully engaged, eager to find out more and what is going on. I am also quite invested with how she manages her relationship with an ex policeman and this makes for disturbing reading.
Another win for me - thanks to NetGalley, Katerina Diamond and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on this novel.
I devoured this book.. it has been a while since the last book in this series left me reeling and a I was so excited to be approved for an early copy of Trick or Treat. And let me tell you, once again it had me hooked. So much is going on all the time but never so much that you can’t keep up. This can be read as a stand alone but I strongly recommend reading it from the start and get to know these characters. This is book 7 and they just keep surprising me. Easily all the stars for this one again.
6 year old Marcus is kidnapped from in front of his home on Halloween. There is a witness, one that is doing something that he should not be doing so he anonymously makes the call to the police. Imogen Grey is called to the scene and is determined to get Marcus back. At the same time Adrian Miles is still struggling with what happened to him 14 months earlier. He hasn’t told a soul but he I struggled on the hunt for his attacker. Now working in private security he uses his access to get information on those he believes responsible.
It is a hard book to put down and I did have a few late nights this week reading it. Nailed it once again Katerina.
Thanks o Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Firstly a big thank you to the team at Avon for my copy to review on netgalley. I absolutely love Katerinas books so was delighted to be reading.
It’d been a busy time recently so this afternoon I sat and devoured this and I was not disappointed.
Fantastic plot and twisty as ever . Compelling and unpredictable.
Fast paced and a exciting exhilarating thriller .
Great to be back with these characters and to see them each stripped back to see their vulnerabilities and love for each other. Its thought provoking and deals with sensitive topics.
Highly recommend if you like your thrillers to grab you from the go!!
Published 14th October
Such a good spooky season read! I got a little nervous when I realized that this was book 7 in a series. I don't normally read out of order thinking that I wouldn't fully grasp the installment without reading the prior ones. But, I don't feel that way with this one! I think this can be read as a standalone novel. Trick or Treat was a bit of a slow-burn with plenty of twists and turns.... ie. my favorite type of book! I would definitely recommend this one! Now I have 6 more books to add to my tbr!
Fantastic crime thriller! I stayed up most of the night to finish this book. First time reading this author but I was able to pick up where last book left off pretty easily. Can’t wait to grab more by author!
This is a series I was introduced to by NetGalley. The previous book was upsetting and when I saw this was available I knew I had to read it to see if Adrian was ok. It took one book from this author to have me invested in a characters wellbeing and this is a series I’ll continue to read. Fast paced with plenty of twists along the way I read this in a day.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Wow! It was so good to have Imogen & Adrian back and their story picks up where it left off. I loved the development of their relationship and this book really sorts out any loose ends in a satisfying way. This book is an absolute cracker and the twists kept me guessing right up to the end, the way the kidnapping of Marcus from the street outside his house intermingles with all the other threads is fabulous. The reintroduction of some old characters makes this book grab you and not let you go until the final page where you are left waiting for the next one! 5 stars - well worth the wait!
After their last adventure together, Imogene and Adrian are no longer partners in the Force. She’s still a cop but he’s a private eye. This affected the dynamics of the investigation into a child’s kidnapping, because Imogene is doing all the work on her own, backed up by old and new partners. Her personal relationship with Adrian is also suffering. I really liked the procedural aspect of the novel. A little boy’s life is at stake and there are so many twists and turns. Imogene suspects that someone is involved but she can’t prove it. Adrian is also running his own, off-the-books investigation into something more personal. I loved the ending as well. What I didn’t like was all the internal monologues. I am rooting for these characters and one of them went through something horrifying in the previous volume. In real life, I’d understand, but in a novel I just want them to get on with it so that I can find out what happens. Again, this is not a comment about similar situations in real life, but this is fiction so I’d appreciate a little bit more action. That said, it seems like the characters are ready to move forward and I can’t want to see what happens next.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Avon Books UK!
A really enjoyable and well written crime thriller.
Would be a great adaptation for TV!
Gripping from the first page, and with a great ending, I can’t award it less than 4 stars!
Thank you NetGalley and Katerina Diamond for allowing me to read an ARC of Trick or Treat!
I love this series and was so looking forward to #7 and am happy to say that Katerina Diamond does not disappoint! There’s suspense from the start that makes it hard to put down. The storyline can get very dark and gritty but it is so well written with strong and likeable characters with some added humor to lighten things up. I highly recommend this book and this series and hope that there is a #8 soon.
This is my first book from.this author and believe this book is a part of a series? I just wish I'd have read the earlier books first.
I found this book had a bit of a slow start however made up for it later on in the book. Looking forward to reading more from this author
I enjoyed this mystery/thriller, though it got off to a slow start. This may have been my impression because I have not read this series (or author) before. However, once the story developed, I became engrossed. Initially, I wondered why Imogen and Adrian were even together. Their relationship obviously was established in the first six books, but in this one they seemed to be an unhappy and unlikely couple. Maybe the author was trying to create curiosity on the part of the reader leading up to the revelation of what happened to Adrian, which was a major plot point in this novel. However, it did not build suspense for me. It just made the relationship seem awkward. Again, this may be because I am unfamiliar with this series and its characters. In my opinion, the first few chapters of this book did not necessarily stand well on their own.
The mystery itself was fascinating once it came together. There were plenty of twists and surprises to hold my attention and keep me reading for just "one more page". The interconnectedness between the storylines was well done. I enjoyed how all of the characters were ultimately linked. When the bad guy was revealed, I did not want to put the book down.
I liked this mystery well enough to read others in the series, and would like to start with the first book.
As seen on mysteryandsuspense.com
“Trick or Treat” is the seventh novel in the DS Imogen Grey police procedural novels, by Katerina Diamond.
Young Marcus is taken right off of his street on Halloween night, and the only person who saw the crime was a teenaged boy who was somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be, and wants to remain in the shadows. When Marcus’ parents are confronted by the police, they act as if nothing is wrong but Imogen isn’t convinced. As her investigation continues, Imogen begins to realize that the family has some skeletons in their closet, and she needs to hurry to find young Marcus before it’s too late.
Although this novel is the seventh in the series, it is not necessary to have read the previous novels before exploring this one. There is some backstory between the characters that will be missed out on without the previous six novels, but it is not enough to make a difference in the enjoyment of the novel. The plot is easy to follow and there is enough in the storyline to keep every reader engaged.
Imogen is the perfect female protagonist- she is brave, kind-hearted and is willing to accept her flaws and all of her human dysfunction. As she struggles to mend her broken relationship with her partner, Adrian, she realizes he is dealing with more emotional turmoil than she could even begin to imagine, and she shows nothing but patience and acceptable. Adrian is instantly likable and his struggles with coming to terms with a traumatic experience from his past makes him heartbreakingly honest and relatable.
The story is told mostly from Imogen’s perspective, although Adrian (and a few others) take over briefly. “Trick or Treat” has relatively small chapters, with page-turning cliff-hangers at the end of most of them, making it hard to put down. The major twist in this novel is hinted at right at the beginning of the novel, but it is so well done that there is still the element of surprise, which was delightfully unexpected. I wanted nothing more than justice for Marcus and for the perpetrator, and Diamond delivered.
“Trick or Treat” is the perfect read for fall. A police procedural with an undercurrent of emotional trauma, and, of course, the hidden-in-plain-sight psychopath all come together through Diamond’s realistic writing, her connection to the characters, and her well-developed storyline. Imogen is definitely a character who can back up an entire series of novels, and I look forward to seeing more of her!
This is book #7 in the DS Imogen Grey series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book, although there are references to previous books. We are taken straight into the plot of the book when six-year-old Marcus is snatched from outside his house. There’s only one witness, a teenage boy, who reports what he has seen to the police, but when the police visit the street to investigate, they find no reports of any children missing.
This is a series where I’ve read some of the previous books, but not all of them. As such, I knew Imogen’s character and really liked her. Professionally, she’s a strong character, but her personal relationship with her boyfriend, Adrian is reaching breaking point. Adrian is retired from the police, and is now working for a security firm. He has his own personal issues going on, which is the main cause of their relationship problems. I really felt for both characters throughout this book, Imogen because she has no idea what is going on with Adrian, and Adrian for everything he has been, and continues to go through. His storyline is particularly heart-breaking and this gives a gripping secondary story to the kidnapping plot where he tries to discover who was behind his horrific attack. They work really well as a couple, and I found myself rooting for them both being able to overcome everything.
The kidnapping of young Marcus is a twisted storyline, which had me hooked from the first page. It is a great police procedural plot, with plenty of twists, turns and red herrings. I loved watching the team trying their best to work it all out, and there was lots of mystery involved. The plot was really well worked out, and I didn’t guess where it was going until very late in the book, and it kept me in suspense throughout. It was a great thriller of a read and, along with Adrian’s storyline, it kept me turning the pages quickly until the end. I shall certainly be going back to read the other books of the series, and eagerly awaiting the next book to see where Imogen and Adrian’s storyline goes from here! This was a fantastic read, which I would definitely recommend.
This is the 7th outing for DS Imogen Grey and her Partner Adrian Miles. One of the main storylines in this book relates to a previous book so you will be more knowledgeable if you have read the previous novels. Six year old Marcus disappears from the front of his home onHalloween. DS Grey is heading the team investigating the disappearance with her team. Adrian is working in private security having retired from the police force. I loved ho all the characters came together and that all had personal struggles they were dealing with.
This was a great read and the storyline for Adrian was obviously well researched.
Can’t wait for book 8.
Thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#AvonBooks #NetGalley
A 'treat' from Ms Diamond. with this story starting with a young boy dragged off his bike and kidnapped on Halloween in a quiet street. Luckily, a little thief, Jason, filmed some of it from a house opposite but this was the house he was not supposed to be in and he didn't report it for a few days.
Detective Imogen Grey and her team take a twisted journey to find the culprits, with some superb action stuff trying to find a man with a few other names/families. Excellent stuff and, helpfully, Jason finally reported the crime.
The book also deals with Imogen's detective partner, Adrian Miles, who had a major problem and was still suffering from an attack. Whilst this attack took place in an earlier book in the series, this did not detract from Ms Diamond writing about it sympathetically or needing to read the previous book.
My only really slight criticism is the fact that I was waiting for more action around Halloween or Guy Fawkes but this faded away after the opening chapters. I still enjoyed it though.
Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books UK for the chance to read and review.
Why would anyone deny that their child has been kidnapped? That's the question Imogen Grey must deal with when she responds after a witness calls the police. Young Marcus was plucked off the street in front of his home. The canny readers knows there's more than meets the eye here. Diamond's ace with procedurals as well as with characters. Grey's partner Jason is coping (or not really coping) with something bad that happened in the last book (which I missed). DCI Kapoor is terrific. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me- this is a complex and satisfying read.
From start to finish this was a book that had me desperate to keep reading. Although our last meeting with Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles was tough to read, I didn’t think Diamond could top it…but she has. Trick or Treat is an explosive thriller, deftly twisting a number of elements, that I would urge people to read.
With such emotional investment in these characters I found it hard to see the depths to which they’d plunged, though they are - superficially at least - doing okay. Adrian is working for a security firm and Imogen is making strides in her own career…but the spectre of that attack hangs over their heads and is brought to the fore in a way that you can’t help but reel at.
Trick or Treat opens with a teenage boy breaking into the home of his ex-girlfriend, determined to make her pay for the humiliation he feels for coming from the wrong kind of home environment. While there he oversees two men in a white van kidnap a young boy. Jason takes a picture of them, and calls the police but determined to avoid trouble (something his family seem drawn to) he says nothing. Surprised that there is no TV announcement about the missing boy, Jason is unsure what he should do next.
Under the guise of investigating the anonymous call Imogen knocks on the door of the Carlyles. They claim to know nothing, but their behaviour is suspicious and Imogen quickly establishes the wife’s hiding their son’s kidnap after receiving a call instructing them not to contact the police. Before we know it, there's a kidnap investigation underway and lots of other things running alongside.
While Imogen is busy with this investigation we get little snippets into the mindset of Adrian. Busy with his own investigations as he tries to work out who might have been responsible for his attack it is evident that these seemingly separate incidents are going to be linked...but nobody could foresee exactly how.
No spoilers here, but we get some familiar faces turn up and there's plenty to keep you occupied. The investigation itself is a humdinger, and there's a truly emotional focus on Adrian and the after-effects of his attack. For me the jury is out on Jarvis (still think he'll be more important in subsequent events) but the ending certainly sets up what promises to be a most interesting development.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for allowing me access to this prior to publication in exchange for my honest thoughts.
DS Imogen Grey #7
When six year old Marcus is taken from outside his house on house on Halloween, there is only one witness: a frightened teen determined to keep himself hidden. After an anonymous tipoff, Detective Imogen Grey is called out to an expensive Exeter street, caught up in the buzz of the holiday. But when the police visit Marcus's house, his parents claim everything is fine. Imogen is sure there is more to the family than meets the eye.
Jason was the only witness to Marcus's abduction and when DS Imogen Grey arrives at his house, Marcus's parents, Peter and Sara tell Imogen that Marcus is fine, he's just out for trick or treat.
This is a well written, multi-layered and not your typical child abduction story. It's also gripping as you'll need to know exactly what is going on. There's lots going on in the book and I was pulled in from the first page. The story can be difficult to read in places. The pace was slow but there were plenty of twists and surprises.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #KaterinaDiamond for my ARC of #TrickOrTreat in exchange for an honest review.
Katarina Diamond keeps you guessing from start to finish, my kind of author! Young Marcus Carlyle is outside his house, riding his bike when he is snatched off the street. Curiously, it's not his parents who ring the police but an anonymous caller. DS Imogen Grey is tasked with finding Marcus but this is no ordinary kidnapping. It's the start of a cat and mouse game with a particularly clever, cruel individual. Meanwhile, Adrian Miles is fighting his own personal battle (as per the previous book.) He's trying to hold it together while also searching for his rapist. Ultimately, this search will bring further strife for Adrian. As usual, I loved this Katarina Diamond book, she's in a league occupied by the best. Thank you NetGalley for my advance copy.