Maeve Kerrigan is my kind of protagonist and so I was absolutely thrilled to see that she was back and I’m pleased to say my high levels of anticipation were fully met.
When double murderer Leo Stone is freed because of irregularities with the jury process. Superintendent Godley tasks Maeve Kerrigan and Detective Inspector Josh Derwent to re-examine the evidence, and quickly, to ensure that the case against him is absolutely watertight – the thought of such a dangerous man being allowed to roam free is completely repellent to the hardworking officers. Maeve is quick to alight on another potential victim of Leo Stone but before she has time to devote too much attention in that direction there is another killing similar to those Leo Stone was convicted of. Could it be that the team are investigating a miscarriage of justice after all?
I love this series so much because in part, the characterisation is superb. Maeve is a strong, tenacious and capable officer who knows her own mind and that alone is very appealing. The fact that she is a bit standoffish with her colleagues only serves to endear her to me even more as she is often quietly funny in her dealings with them. But her role is backed up by a whole host of old friends from the previous books. I’m particularly enjoying watching Maeve’s slightly tense relationship with the younger officer Georgia while slipping into a slightly easier relationship with Josh in this episode. Although we have some of the back story of Maeve’s life outside the police this perhaps doesn’t have as much room in this episode as it has done so previously, but fear not there is enough to keep things interesting…
It doesn’t matter how good the characters are in crime fiction if there isn’t a jolly good mystery to be solved and once again Jane Casey far from disappoints. This is a fairly complex investigation given that we know who the key suspect is, the time-line, the forensics and pretty much everything in between, or do we? This is the beauty of the plotting one bit of information can turn everything on its head and unfortunately there are multiple strands to be teased out and worked individually before the team can be certain what happened to the poor women that crossed the path of a murderer.
With engaging writing to finish the triad for the pinnacle of success in crime fiction, Jane Casey reminded me she really is one of the best of the new generation. While the storyline featuring serial killers are nothing new, she manages to keep it feeling fresh with her sharp observational writing that all too easily conjures up the desperate need to catch a killer that must infiltrate such a major investigation in real life.
A most satisfactory read finishing with a solid resolution – I do hope Maeve is back soon.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the publishers HarperCollins UK who allowed me to read an advance copy of Cruel Acts ahead of publication on 18 April 2019.
The Maeve Kerrigan Series in Order
The Burning
The Reckoning
The Last Girl
The Stranger You Know
The Kill
After The Fire
Let the Dead Speak
First Published UK: 18 April 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
No of Pages: 400
Genre: Crime Fiction – Series
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Seems like a thrilling read.. I think this author is on kindle unlimited… Got to check her out. Lovely review
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Aah no, she isn’t.. Anyways she is on my wishlist
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This does sound like it had all the elements of good crime fiction. An excellent and equally engaging review!
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Glad you enjoyed this one as much as I did! I love the way she plots – real mysteries complete with clues (which I always miss!) And Maeve is such a great protagonist… 😀
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I couldn’t agree more about Maeve Kerrigan,Cleo – she is a great character. And I think Casey is very skilled at building atmosphere and suspense. Casey is one of those authors who, for me at least, rarely disappoints. I’m glad you enjoyed this one as much as you did.
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I’ve not read any from the series. This author is going on my wish list right now.
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I collected the first books in this series some time ago and haven’t read them!!! Thanks for the reminder💜
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I’ve only read the first two in this series but I loved them. Sounds like I need to get my skates on and catch up!
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I have been so excited to see a new Maeve Kerrigan book. One of my favorite series. Not sure when we will see here over here, but I suspect it will be out in a few months. Can’t wait and I’m glad to hear that it worked so well for you.
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I love this series as well and Maeve is so well written
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She is isn’t she? One of my favourite of all the protagonists
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Damn, I’m so behind on this series as I keep putting them by to read “as a treat.” Well, I’ve a few treats in store! Great review Cleo; Jane Casey is fabulous.
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Enjoy your huge pile of treats!!
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Maeve Kerrigan sounds like my kind of character. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for visiting Laurel 🙂
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I just finished a really good book in this genre and now I’m looking for more. I’ll check this out. That opening sure did grab me.
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I finished this not long ago and loved it – hadn’t read anything else by her but will do now! Great review 🙂
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This is definitely an worth reading more of!
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