First Paragraph(s):
The house was dark. PC Sandra West stared up at it and sighed. The neighbours had called the police -- she checked her watch -- getting on for an hour earlier, to complain about the noise. What noise, the operator asked.
Screaming.
An argument?
More than likely. It's not fair, the neighbour had said. Not at two in the morning. But what would you expect from people like that?
People like what?
My Thoughts:
Cruel Acts is the 8th book in Jane Casey's crime series featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent. I've read and enjoyed them all, but it has been over two years (almost three) since I got to visit with these characters. I was delighted to do so. I will admit that I felt a little uncertain remembering exactly what happened in the previous book, but I got up to speed. In this story, a man who had been previously convicted of two murders is released from prison because it's found that the jury was looking at social media and websites while the trial was going on. They 'pre-decided' what they thought he had done based on his past. And then to top it off, one of the jurors writes a book describing what they did and self-publishes it. Leo Stone is released and the police have to begin again with the investigation, which is where Maeve and Josh come in. Former characters appear, at least a little, including Maeve's former love, Rob. Lots of twists and turns and a chance to see Maeve settle more into her DS status.
I liked this book, though I don't think it will be my favorite. Honestly, too much bickering and posturing between Maeve and Josh. In fact, Maeve seems more than a little prickly and defensive much of the time with everyone. Hopefully, she's just going through a stage. Josh is always prickly, but kind at heart (if you look really deep sometimes - ha!). I don't want to give too much away for those who have followed this series, so I'll not share any more about the plot. Happily, another book will be coming out in the spring entitled The Cutting Place. I'll be watching for it!
Blurb:
Guilty?
A year ago, Leo Stone was convicted of murdering two women and sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s been freed on a technicality, and he’s protesting his innocence.
Not guilty?
DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to put Stone back behind bars where he belongs, but the more Maeve digs, the less convinced she is that he did it.
The wrong decision could be deadly…
Then another woman disappears in similar circumstances. Is there a copycat killer, or have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
"I will admit that I felt a little uncertain remembering exactly what happened in the previous book" That made me feel good! Funny how some books are clear as bells but others not at all. The Maisie Dobbs books that I love so much, I seem to forget the minute I finish, except for one that I always think about. Weird.
ReplyDeleteWell, there were parts where the author referred to the 'event' from the earlier book and I kept thinking 'what event?'. Ha! Yes, I think my years of recalling exactly are past - certainly at times. Nan, I guess the one you still think about had a different kind of impact on you for whatever reason.
DeleteIt sounds like I need to give this series a try, even if this wasn't your favorite.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good one.
DeleteI just had a favorite author deliver a kind of meh book. Too bad this was one of those for you but the series does sound amazing. Definitely one I need to check out!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good series, Katherine. I liked the book for the most part, but I got a little annoyed with the main character (as did some of her coworkers). As I said, hoping this is just a phase for her.
DeleteI haven't heard of this series before, but I do enjoy a good crime/mystery series!
ReplyDeleteI've really liked this one, Angela. It begins with THE BURNING.
DeleteI love Jane Casey and the series featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent. I didn't realize there was a (relatively) new one! (And notice I figured out how to comment! Miracle of miracles!)
ReplyDeleteJill! You can comment! Glad you figured it out. And, yes, if you like this series you should try this one.
DeleteI don't remember what happened in the last book either, but I still love Maeve and friends. I'm excited to revisit them. I've got this book on my Kindle, I just need to actually get around to reading it! Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching for what you think when you get to it, Susan. Bet you'll like it (mostly anyway).
DeleteIt's been too long since the last book, but I am looking forward to this one. Even it isn't completely satisfactory, I'm ready for a new entry in the series.
ReplyDeleteThe story was satisfactory, but I got a little frustrated with Maeve. I know that some readers have not been fond of the prickly Derwent, but Maeve seems to have been picking up some of his traits. Admittedly, not without reason in some cases.
DeleteJane Casey - she's one of those authors I've been meaning to try yet for some reason it always slip off my mind. As usual, I'm hoping I can dive into this series out of order without having to start from Book one. ;p
ReplyDeleteHmmm...you could jump in, Melody. However, you know my feelings on it. You'd miss a lot of the backstory, but that's always the case. I do think it's a series you'd like.
DeleteI only read the first book in this series. I liked it fine but never continued with the series. That has happened a lots to me.
ReplyDeleteIt happens to me too. I keep thinking that one day I'll continue with series that I've not kept up with. We shall see. Ha!
DeleteOh, I hadn't heard another one was coming out in spring - good news!
ReplyDeleteYes, I was happy about that. Not so long to wait this time.
DeleteSounds like an excellent series, Kay!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good series, Catherine.
DeleteI used to really enjoy series reading but these days I am not all that inclined to pick one up. I guess because I know I don't have the time to read them properly but a good series is fun to jump into. Haven't felt excited about them since the Dragon Tattoo books.
ReplyDeleteI do understand. Series reading is a commitment of time that standalone books don't require. My way of dealing with it is that my list of 'must keep up with' series is not all that large. And, a few that I actually liked a lot have gone by the wayside or I'm just really, really behind in reading them. I loved the Dragon Tattoo books too.
DeleteI've only read two books in the series and you know how it goes sometimes. But what do you mean Rob is a former love?! Oh no, I have got to get back to this and find out what happens!
ReplyDeleteOh, Iliana, I'm sorry. That was a spoiler that I shouldn't have mentioned. Sigh. Yes, go back and see what you think about Maeve's life.
DeleteI have the first couple of books in the series, but haven't managed to read them yet. One of these days . . .
ReplyDeleteYou and I say that a lot don't we? Well, perhaps one of these days it will come true. LOL
Delete