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DCI Satterthwaite #2
Death at Eden's End
A brand new DCI Jude Satterthwaite crime mystery from the bestselling Jo Allen.
When one-hundred-year-old Violet Ross is found dead at Eden's End, a luxury care home hidden in a secluded nook of the Lake District's Eden Valley it's tragic, of course, but not unexpected. Except for the instantly recognisable look in her lifeless eyes... that of pure terror.
DCI Jude Satterthwaite heads up the investigation, but as the deaths start to mount up it's clear that he, and DS Ashleigh O'Halloran need to uncover a long-buried secret before the killer strikes again...
The second in the unmissable, Lake District-set, DCI Jude Satterthwaite series.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2019
73 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Jo Allen
21 books28 followersJo Allen is the alter ego of Jennifer Young.
Jennifer Young is an Edinburgh-based author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Her books are rich in a sense of place -- visit Majorca for a romantic adventure, Italy for some new adult romance, or Edinburgh for dark deeds and romance in Scotland's capital.
https://www.facebook.com/JoAllenAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferyoun...
Jennifer Young is an Edinburgh-based author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Her books are rich in a sense of place -- visit Majorca for a romantic adventure, Italy for some new adult romance, or Edinburgh for dark deeds and romance in Scotland's capital.
https://www.facebook.com/JoAllenAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferyoun...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 25, 2019
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
The last thing she needed was to display her weakness to a man even more senior and even less sympathetic than Jude, and Detective Superintendent Groves not only ticked those unwelcome boxes, but he also had a habit of running his eyes over her like a farmer deciding how much to bid for a prize heifer. Word in the office was that Groves was counting the days to his retirement, but he wasn’t counting them nearly as enthusiastically as his junior, female colleagues.
Violet Ross was a hundred years old and lived in a nursing home, so Klemmie really shouldn’t have been surprised. That said, the old woman had always given the impression of someone who would, if it were possible, live forever because she couldn’t bear to miss a tiny piece of someone else’s business by dying.
In her experience the dead so often looked peaceful, but Violet managed to look outraged, as if she’d fought death all the way and he’d only defeated her by foul means.
She shook her head, and the string of jet beads around her neck rattled beneath her accumulated chins.
She took a second, as she sometimes did, to think about the might-have-beens. Society needed people like Jude, high-minded seekers after justice. It was a pity they were so hard for ordinary people to live with.
My Review:
I have greatly enjoyed Ms. Allen’s deft writing style, her compelling storytelling unwinds slowly while she shrewdly sucks the reader in with lots of juicy and cunningly observant ancillary details about the various players whether they be primary, secondary, or briefly making an appearance. Being relatively new to the suspense genre, Ms. Allen has proven to be a rather clever minx with this curiously enticing series as the crimes themselves have been confounding and rather difficult to solve, leading me to devise and cast aside several theories while ultimately admitting defeat as I was unable to ferret out the correct combination or sequence of events. Jo Allen has made my list of favorite new talent to watch.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
The last thing she needed was to display her weakness to a man even more senior and even less sympathetic than Jude, and Detective Superintendent Groves not only ticked those unwelcome boxes, but he also had a habit of running his eyes over her like a farmer deciding how much to bid for a prize heifer. Word in the office was that Groves was counting the days to his retirement, but he wasn’t counting them nearly as enthusiastically as his junior, female colleagues.
Violet Ross was a hundred years old and lived in a nursing home, so Klemmie really shouldn’t have been surprised. That said, the old woman had always given the impression of someone who would, if it were possible, live forever because she couldn’t bear to miss a tiny piece of someone else’s business by dying.
In her experience the dead so often looked peaceful, but Violet managed to look outraged, as if she’d fought death all the way and he’d only defeated her by foul means.
She shook her head, and the string of jet beads around her neck rattled beneath her accumulated chins.
She took a second, as she sometimes did, to think about the might-have-beens. Society needed people like Jude, high-minded seekers after justice. It was a pity they were so hard for ordinary people to live with.
My Review:
I have greatly enjoyed Ms. Allen’s deft writing style, her compelling storytelling unwinds slowly while she shrewdly sucks the reader in with lots of juicy and cunningly observant ancillary details about the various players whether they be primary, secondary, or briefly making an appearance. Being relatively new to the suspense genre, Ms. Allen has proven to be a rather clever minx with this curiously enticing series as the crimes themselves have been confounding and rather difficult to solve, leading me to devise and cast aside several theories while ultimately admitting defeat as I was unable to ferret out the correct combination or sequence of events. Jo Allen has made my list of favorite new talent to watch.
December 14, 2019
Death at Eden's End is the second instalment in the DCI Jude Satterthwaite series and is the perfect hybrid of cosy mystery set in breathtaking Lake District surroundings and fascinating police procedural. It isn't necessary to have read the first book, Death By Dark Waters, prior to this one as the story is self-contained, but I highly recommended checking it out if you perhaps enjoy what you read within these pages. I thought the first book was highly accomplished and wholeheartedly addictive but I think this one, flabbergastingly, tops it for me. We return to the beauty and unspoiled splendour of my neck of the woods - The Lake District National Park, nestled in the Cumbrian heartlands. Catering to the retired and wealthy Eden's End luxury care facility was home to Dr Violet Ross, a centenarian merely looking to live out her last days in peace. However, she is brutally murdered which begs the question - who would slay a defenceless elderly lady? Then more bodies begin to drop left, right and centre.
Oh man, this is a great read where DCI Jude Satterthwaite, DS Ashleigh O'Halloran and their team put their all into investigating what happened. It was well written and plotted and held my attention from start to finish. The cast of characters is eclectic and diverse with each having a very individual personality which made telling everyone apart so simple. As you make your way through the story you find ample twists and turns and for the most part, it manages to remain on the right side of believable. I was a little disappointed to find quite a substantial portion at the beginning of the book devoted to Jude and Ashleigh's blossoming relationship as I felt it detracted from the major storyline and was rather contrived. The conclusion was the best part as it was orchestrated beautifully. Overall, it's an entertaining way to pass a few hours on these cold wintery days but I doubt I will remember reading it this time next week. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.
Oh man, this is a great read where DCI Jude Satterthwaite, DS Ashleigh O'Halloran and their team put their all into investigating what happened. It was well written and plotted and held my attention from start to finish. The cast of characters is eclectic and diverse with each having a very individual personality which made telling everyone apart so simple. As you make your way through the story you find ample twists and turns and for the most part, it manages to remain on the right side of believable. I was a little disappointed to find quite a substantial portion at the beginning of the book devoted to Jude and Ashleigh's blossoming relationship as I felt it detracted from the major storyline and was rather contrived. The conclusion was the best part as it was orchestrated beautifully. Overall, it's an entertaining way to pass a few hours on these cold wintery days but I doubt I will remember reading it this time next week. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.
December 14, 2019
The death of a 100 year old Dr Violet Ross in a care home thought to be natural, later discovered to be a murder got the team of DCI Jude and DS Ashleigh to the forefront to investigate.
My second book by author Jo Allen, this was quite a slow moving detailed story. The writing kept the tension growing with each character adding to it. Some did behave in a blatantly suspicious manner. I had quite a few of them on my list of suspects.
I liked the police team, they worked well. There was a good camaraderie happening. Jude was quite dynamic and kept the investigation moving in the right direction. I was not very fond of the budding romance between him and Ashleigh.
The story had its twists when hints of a past life during the WWII came about, as the victim had her links in it. More murders ratcheted up the tension. I liked how the author tied all the loose ends up to reveal the killer. Quite unexpected.
Overall, this was a solid police procedural which kept my interest going and made me turn the pages right till the end.
My second book by author Jo Allen, this was quite a slow moving detailed story. The writing kept the tension growing with each character adding to it. Some did behave in a blatantly suspicious manner. I had quite a few of them on my list of suspects.
I liked the police team, they worked well. There was a good camaraderie happening. Jude was quite dynamic and kept the investigation moving in the right direction. I was not very fond of the budding romance between him and Ashleigh.
The story had its twists when hints of a past life during the WWII came about, as the victim had her links in it. More murders ratcheted up the tension. I liked how the author tied all the loose ends up to reveal the killer. Quite unexpected.
Overall, this was a solid police procedural which kept my interest going and made me turn the pages right till the end.
December 24, 2019
“Small Town. Sinister Crime.”
I have to confess that having taken part in the Blog Tour for Death By Dark Waters, the first episode in the Jude Satterthwaite series, that book is now still languishing in my TBR pile, along with so many other excellent novels, which arrive much more regularly than I can ever hope to read them!
I was therefore a little sceptical about jumping into the series with the second book, just in case there was a backstory which was pivotal to the ongoing storyline. I was however, pleasantly surprised to quickly discover that although there are indeed a couple of very strong secondary stories set to continue on through the series, author Jo Allen has made it easy, with some quite concise and clever narrative, to bring me right up to date with events very quickly and without impinging on Jude’s latest case too much, meaning that Death At Eden’s End, works just fine as a stand alone story.
The storyline isn’t too frenetic or fast paced, although it does move along steadily and there are several unexpected twists and turns, some of which were quite touching and emotional, many of which I definitely never saw coming, all of which made me never quite 100% sure who the murderer really was, right up until the reveal!
With a definite maturity of writing giving Death By Dark Waters the feel of a typically British, ‘classic’ crime thriller, all the action, with one or two exceptions in the narrative, takes place in one very small confined geographic area. The cast of characters, almost without exception, are vulnerable to one degree or another, with secrets to hide and whilst none are particularly enigmatic or engaging, all are suspects in this most bizarre of murders.
As with every other detective, both fictional and I strongly suspect in reality, Jude Satterthwaite leads a very chaotic and complicated life, which has left him damaged and struggling to reconcile his private and professional life, especially when they are practically one and the same thing! There are times during the course of this investigation, when professionalism has to fight really hard to come out on top, even more so by the time the case has been closed, leaving me to wonder how author Jo Allen is going to move things forward when duty calls for Jude and his team again!
See the full review post, plus extracts...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
I have to confess that having taken part in the Blog Tour for Death By Dark Waters, the first episode in the Jude Satterthwaite series, that book is now still languishing in my TBR pile, along with so many other excellent novels, which arrive much more regularly than I can ever hope to read them!
I was therefore a little sceptical about jumping into the series with the second book, just in case there was a backstory which was pivotal to the ongoing storyline. I was however, pleasantly surprised to quickly discover that although there are indeed a couple of very strong secondary stories set to continue on through the series, author Jo Allen has made it easy, with some quite concise and clever narrative, to bring me right up to date with events very quickly and without impinging on Jude’s latest case too much, meaning that Death At Eden’s End, works just fine as a stand alone story.
The storyline isn’t too frenetic or fast paced, although it does move along steadily and there are several unexpected twists and turns, some of which were quite touching and emotional, many of which I definitely never saw coming, all of which made me never quite 100% sure who the murderer really was, right up until the reveal!
With a definite maturity of writing giving Death By Dark Waters the feel of a typically British, ‘classic’ crime thriller, all the action, with one or two exceptions in the narrative, takes place in one very small confined geographic area. The cast of characters, almost without exception, are vulnerable to one degree or another, with secrets to hide and whilst none are particularly enigmatic or engaging, all are suspects in this most bizarre of murders.
As with every other detective, both fictional and I strongly suspect in reality, Jude Satterthwaite leads a very chaotic and complicated life, which has left him damaged and struggling to reconcile his private and professional life, especially when they are practically one and the same thing! There are times during the course of this investigation, when professionalism has to fight really hard to come out on top, even more so by the time the case has been closed, leaving me to wonder how author Jo Allen is going to move things forward when duty calls for Jude and his team again!
See the full review post, plus extracts...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
September 17, 2019
3 and 1 / 2 stars
One hundred-year old Dr. Violet Ross has died unexpectedly at the Eden's End care home. At first ruled a natural death, someone calls the police to report it a murder. An autopsy shows that it was indeed murder.
DCI Jude Satterthwaite, along with DS Ashleigh O'Halloran and the rest of his team investigate the death. They interview the employees and residents of the care home and others who knew Dr. Ross, including her niece Monica, who was present just before the elderly woman was killed.
The investigation barely gets underway when more deaths occur. What is going on? The tension in the story ratchets up as the detectives learn more about Dr. Ross and her past. She played a large part in WWII and there was some mystery surrounding her service. It seems she had a married Polish pilot for a lover and that's not all.
When someone confesses to the murder of Dr. Ross, the team doesn't quite believe them. The murderer came as a surprise to me, but perhaps upon reflection, not so much.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I must admit that I didn't care for the odd romance between Jude and Ashleigh. It was just too much. It struck me as too contrived. This is my first J oAllen book and I went to Amazon to look at other books of hers.
I want to thank NetGalley and Aria for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
One hundred-year old Dr. Violet Ross has died unexpectedly at the Eden's End care home. At first ruled a natural death, someone calls the police to report it a murder. An autopsy shows that it was indeed murder.
DCI Jude Satterthwaite, along with DS Ashleigh O'Halloran and the rest of his team investigate the death. They interview the employees and residents of the care home and others who knew Dr. Ross, including her niece Monica, who was present just before the elderly woman was killed.
The investigation barely gets underway when more deaths occur. What is going on? The tension in the story ratchets up as the detectives learn more about Dr. Ross and her past. She played a large part in WWII and there was some mystery surrounding her service. It seems she had a married Polish pilot for a lover and that's not all.
When someone confesses to the murder of Dr. Ross, the team doesn't quite believe them. The murderer came as a surprise to me, but perhaps upon reflection, not so much.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I must admit that I didn't care for the odd romance between Jude and Ashleigh. It was just too much. It struck me as too contrived. This is my first J oAllen book and I went to Amazon to look at other books of hers.
I want to thank NetGalley and Aria for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
December 12, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
A gripping tale of past and present, DEATH AT EDEN'S END by Jo Allen is sure to keep you captive from start to finish.
When Dr. Violet Ross is found dead in Eden's End, a luxurious residential care home in the Lake District, it isn't all that surprising as she was one hundred years old. But when an autopsy shows that she was murdered, DCI Jude Satterthwaite is determined to uncover the truth. Just who was Violet Ross and could her past be the reason for her murder? As Jude starts to dig into the care home and the victim's past, it isn't long before more deaths start happening. Just what is going on in this picture-perfect place of solitude? What secrets are seething beneath the surface? And can Jude and his team figure it all out before anyone else loses their life?
With plenty of twists and turns along the way, I enjoyed watching Jude pick each part of the puzzle apart as everything slowly starts to slot into place. Jumping back in time to when Dr. Violet Ross was a younger woman worked well for me as we got to know the victim while also trying to link it to her murder in the present. With plenty to keep you thinking I'm sure that DEATH AT EDEN'S END by Jo Allen will please crime fiction fans everywhere and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
A gripping tale of past and present, DEATH AT EDEN'S END by Jo Allen is sure to keep you captive from start to finish.
When Dr. Violet Ross is found dead in Eden's End, a luxurious residential care home in the Lake District, it isn't all that surprising as she was one hundred years old. But when an autopsy shows that she was murdered, DCI Jude Satterthwaite is determined to uncover the truth. Just who was Violet Ross and could her past be the reason for her murder? As Jude starts to dig into the care home and the victim's past, it isn't long before more deaths start happening. Just what is going on in this picture-perfect place of solitude? What secrets are seething beneath the surface? And can Jude and his team figure it all out before anyone else loses their life?
With plenty of twists and turns along the way, I enjoyed watching Jude pick each part of the puzzle apart as everything slowly starts to slot into place. Jumping back in time to when Dr. Violet Ross was a younger woman worked well for me as we got to know the victim while also trying to link it to her murder in the present. With plenty to keep you thinking I'm sure that DEATH AT EDEN'S END by Jo Allen will please crime fiction fans everywhere and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
October 11, 2019
Dr Violet Ross, a 100 year old resident of an exclusive care home has been murdered. Why ? Investigation reveals Violet has had a most interesting life that she has kept private from family and friends. Perhaps her death is retaliation from something in her past. She also has a niece who is desperately in need of her promised inheritance. The care home manager is obviously rattled, the head nurse has skeletons in her closet, suspects are plenty. I thought the story and the characters were good, however I thought too much of the beginning of the book was devoted to Jude and Becca’s relationship and it was an unnecessary distraction. I was totally surprised by the ending.
Thank you to netgalley and Aria books for a copy in return for a review.
Thank you to netgalley and Aria books for a copy in return for a review.
December 15, 2019
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, so was a little worried that there would be bits I had missed, but with this book I felt it could totally be read as a stand-alone novel. With lots of great characters, a good team of officers led mainly by Senior Detective Jude Satterthwaite, the only person overseeing him is the not so nice Detective superintendent Groves, although he didn’t appear in the story much, except for a couple of remarks about him. He was the only character I didn’t really like within the police team. There is a lot of tension between Satterthwaite and recently newly arrived DS Ashleigh O’Haloran, throughout the book it was a will they won’t they. I will be interested to see how this is going to work in the next book.
Who would want to kill a 100-year-old lady? Surely time was running out for her, but murdered she is, a resident in Eden’s End nursing home, a very expensive home for residents, being run on a shortage of staff, and paying them very low wages. Initially there was to be no autopsy as Violet was 100 it would normally be the local GP come out and do a death certificate and the body whisked away to the undertakers. But on this occasion Becca a local nurse and ex girlfriend of Satterthwaite had been at Eden’s End when violet had been found dead in her chair, Becca didn’t like the look on the old ladies face, it wasn’t the look of someone who had just died peacefully. She had contacted Satterthwaite and asked to meet him to ask for advice. He told her to call the number to report it if she felt it was suspicious. Becca had ended their long term relationship, and he had struggled to get over it.
Post autopsy it was found the Violet Ross had been murdered it was now up to Satterthwaite and his team to catch the killer, who had motive, Monica the niece who had been visiting a short time before she had passed, Karen the manager of the nursing home, Klemmie Markowics a Polish carer, who really liked Violet mainly because she spoke Polish, she also did have Violets Brooch in her possession, claiming she had given it to her as a gift. Ellie the head nurse.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, it was nice to read the mentions of the area, the story flowed, not a fast pace but not too slow either, there were always questions being looked at and answered. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #Ariapublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
Merged review:
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, so was a little worried that there would be bits I had missed, but with this book I felt it could totally be read as a stand-alone novel. With lots of great characters, a good team of officers led mainly by Senior Detective Jude Satterthwaite, the only person overseeing him is the not so nice Detective superintendent Groves, although he didn’t appear in the story much, except for a couple of remarks about him. He was the only character I didn’t really like within the police team. There is a lot of tension between Satterthwaite and recently newly arrived DS Ashleigh O’Haloran, throughout the book it was a will they won’t they. I will be interested to see how this is going to work in the next book.
Who would want to kill a 100-year-old lady? Surely time was running out for her, but murdered she is, a resident in Eden’s End nursing home, a very expensive home for residents, being run on a shortage of staff, and paying them very low wages. Initially there was to be no autopsy as Violet was 100 it would normally be the local GP come out and do a death certificate and the body whisked away to the undertakers. But on this occasion Becca a local nurse and ex girlfriend of Satterthwaite had been at Eden’s End when violet had been found dead in her chair, Becca didn’t like the look on the old ladies face, it wasn’t the look of someone who had just died peacefully. She had contacted Satterthwaite and asked to meet him to ask for advice. He told her to call the number to report it if she felt it was suspicious. Becca had ended their long term relationship, and he had struggled to get over it.
Post autopsy it was found the Violet Ross had been murdered it was now up to Satterthwaite and his team to catch the killer, who had motive, Monica the niece who had been visiting a short time before she had passed, Karen the manager of the nursing home, Klemmie Markowics a Polish carer, who really liked Violet mainly because she spoke Polish, she also did have Violets Brooch in her possession, claiming she had given it to her as a gift. Ellie the head nurse.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, it was nice to read the mentions of the area, the story flowed, not a fast pace but not too slow either, there were always questions being looked at and answered. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #Ariapublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
Who would want to kill a 100-year-old lady? Surely time was running out for her, but murdered she is, a resident in Eden’s End nursing home, a very expensive home for residents, being run on a shortage of staff, and paying them very low wages. Initially there was to be no autopsy as Violet was 100 it would normally be the local GP come out and do a death certificate and the body whisked away to the undertakers. But on this occasion Becca a local nurse and ex girlfriend of Satterthwaite had been at Eden’s End when violet had been found dead in her chair, Becca didn’t like the look on the old ladies face, it wasn’t the look of someone who had just died peacefully. She had contacted Satterthwaite and asked to meet him to ask for advice. He told her to call the number to report it if she felt it was suspicious. Becca had ended their long term relationship, and he had struggled to get over it.
Post autopsy it was found the Violet Ross had been murdered it was now up to Satterthwaite and his team to catch the killer, who had motive, Monica the niece who had been visiting a short time before she had passed, Karen the manager of the nursing home, Klemmie Markowics a Polish carer, who really liked Violet mainly because she spoke Polish, she also did have Violets Brooch in her possession, claiming she had given it to her as a gift. Ellie the head nurse.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, it was nice to read the mentions of the area, the story flowed, not a fast pace but not too slow either, there were always questions being looked at and answered. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #Ariapublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
Merged review:
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, so was a little worried that there would be bits I had missed, but with this book I felt it could totally be read as a stand-alone novel. With lots of great characters, a good team of officers led mainly by Senior Detective Jude Satterthwaite, the only person overseeing him is the not so nice Detective superintendent Groves, although he didn’t appear in the story much, except for a couple of remarks about him. He was the only character I didn’t really like within the police team. There is a lot of tension between Satterthwaite and recently newly arrived DS Ashleigh O’Haloran, throughout the book it was a will they won’t they. I will be interested to see how this is going to work in the next book.
Who would want to kill a 100-year-old lady? Surely time was running out for her, but murdered she is, a resident in Eden’s End nursing home, a very expensive home for residents, being run on a shortage of staff, and paying them very low wages. Initially there was to be no autopsy as Violet was 100 it would normally be the local GP come out and do a death certificate and the body whisked away to the undertakers. But on this occasion Becca a local nurse and ex girlfriend of Satterthwaite had been at Eden’s End when violet had been found dead in her chair, Becca didn’t like the look on the old ladies face, it wasn’t the look of someone who had just died peacefully. She had contacted Satterthwaite and asked to meet him to ask for advice. He told her to call the number to report it if she felt it was suspicious. Becca had ended their long term relationship, and he had struggled to get over it.
Post autopsy it was found the Violet Ross had been murdered it was now up to Satterthwaite and his team to catch the killer, who had motive, Monica the niece who had been visiting a short time before she had passed, Karen the manager of the nursing home, Klemmie Markowics a Polish carer, who really liked Violet mainly because she spoke Polish, she also did have Violets Brooch in her possession, claiming she had given it to her as a gift. Ellie the head nurse.
Set in the beautiful Lake District, it was nice to read the mentions of the area, the story flowed, not a fast pace but not too slow either, there were always questions being looked at and answered. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to #netgalley and #Ariapublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
December 1, 2019
Death at Eden’s End is the second in a series set in the Lake District and featuring DCI Jude Satterthwaite (who I’d initially assumed after reading the synopsis was a woman, so it was a bit of a surprise to discover he was actually a bloke), and DS Ashleigh O’Halloran.
It doesn’t seem too surprising when care home resident Violet Ross passes away - after all, she’s a hundred years old. But it soon becomes apparent that Violet’s death is not due to natural causes, and she wasn’t the easiest person to get along with. With a range of suspects and possible motives, Ashleigh and Jude have their work cut out to uncover the truth. Care home manager Karen, Polish care assistant Klemmie and Violet’s niece Monica, among others, all come under suspicion.
As my work is largely in care homes, I’m always interested to read stories set in them, and find they are rarely accurately represented in fiction. Eden’s End wasn’t too bad in this respect, though I was a bit dismayed by the lack of compassion shown by some of the staff when Violet dies - yes, death is a fact of life, but I feel most people would at least pretend to be a little upset at the death of a woman they’ve been caring for for some time.
There’s a lot of sexual tension between Jude and Ashleigh - we’re told a lot how attracted they are to each other - which is not something I was overly interested in. Both of their ex-partners have roles to play, too.
It’s a well written story and I enjoyed the plot and the setting. I’d definitely read more in the series.
It doesn’t seem too surprising when care home resident Violet Ross passes away - after all, she’s a hundred years old. But it soon becomes apparent that Violet’s death is not due to natural causes, and she wasn’t the easiest person to get along with. With a range of suspects and possible motives, Ashleigh and Jude have their work cut out to uncover the truth. Care home manager Karen, Polish care assistant Klemmie and Violet’s niece Monica, among others, all come under suspicion.
As my work is largely in care homes, I’m always interested to read stories set in them, and find they are rarely accurately represented in fiction. Eden’s End wasn’t too bad in this respect, though I was a bit dismayed by the lack of compassion shown by some of the staff when Violet dies - yes, death is a fact of life, but I feel most people would at least pretend to be a little upset at the death of a woman they’ve been caring for for some time.
There’s a lot of sexual tension between Jude and Ashleigh - we’re told a lot how attracted they are to each other - which is not something I was overly interested in. Both of their ex-partners have roles to play, too.
It’s a well written story and I enjoyed the plot and the setting. I’d definitely read more in the series.
December 16, 2019
Set in Cumbria, which always provides an atmospheric background for crime fiction, the second in the DCI Jude Satterthwaite series, provides an engaging police procedural, with a cast of characters worthy of any classic murder mystery.
The story begins with a violent death, and then whilst the reader is wondering what will happen next, the pace is slowed as the story switches to the police investigation team, two-members of which, are still emotionally damaged from past relationships. Their close proximity and the nature of their profession throws them together, but although attracted, they are reluctant to take things further.
In the midst of this inconvenient physical attraction, and elderly lady’s death is flagged up as suspicious, and the investigation that ensues draws the reader into the historic world of WW2, where the answers may lie.
The detailing and pacing of the story equate with the medley of murder mystery and police procedural. Similarly, to the first book in the series, the personal lives of the police team featured significantly, and much of this is introspective. This is an original aspect of this story, which identifies it.
The plot is good, and satisfactorily resolved, and each of the cast of characters has traits which make them believable and relatable. An absorbing balance of murder mystery and police procedural, with an interesting detective team.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The story begins with a violent death, and then whilst the reader is wondering what will happen next, the pace is slowed as the story switches to the police investigation team, two-members of which, are still emotionally damaged from past relationships. Their close proximity and the nature of their profession throws them together, but although attracted, they are reluctant to take things further.
In the midst of this inconvenient physical attraction, and elderly lady’s death is flagged up as suspicious, and the investigation that ensues draws the reader into the historic world of WW2, where the answers may lie.
The detailing and pacing of the story equate with the medley of murder mystery and police procedural. Similarly, to the first book in the series, the personal lives of the police team featured significantly, and much of this is introspective. This is an original aspect of this story, which identifies it.
The plot is good, and satisfactorily resolved, and each of the cast of characters has traits which make them believable and relatable. An absorbing balance of murder mystery and police procedural, with an interesting detective team.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2019
I was hoping for a homey, old fashioned murder mystery when I read the title of this one. Once I read the synopsis I was sure I'd get a procedural. I was secretly hoping for a combination. And the underlying mystery was what I was hoping for. The 100 year old Violet dies quietly in her room at the very exclusive care home. And everyone is surprised. She was 100. Even so, one nurse starts an inquisition and it turns out she's right! Someone killed the old doctor.
Unfortunately, this was written like a Harlequin romance, old fashioned murder, police procedural. And I couldn't get into that. I sincerely hope that if I am ever murdered the cops assigned to solve it can take a second away from wondering about each other's bodies to wonder who may have wanted mine dead.
So this seemed like the new genre I like to call "murder for women". Everything has to be about relationships. Every time two women talk to each other, they are either being competitive and bitchy to each other or talking about a man. Even the friend who is supposedly asexual is constantly telling one of the main characters that she needs a man.
I just can't. This fails the Bechdel Test. Big time.
Unfortunately, this was written like a Harlequin romance, old fashioned murder, police procedural. And I couldn't get into that. I sincerely hope that if I am ever murdered the cops assigned to solve it can take a second away from wondering about each other's bodies to wonder who may have wanted mine dead.
So this seemed like the new genre I like to call "murder for women". Everything has to be about relationships. Every time two women talk to each other, they are either being competitive and bitchy to each other or talking about a man. Even the friend who is supposedly asexual is constantly telling one of the main characters that she needs a man.
I just can't. This fails the Bechdel Test. Big time.
November 27, 2019
5 Stars
This is the second book in the DVCI Satterwaite mystery series by Jo Allen.
What a great police procedural! I felt like I was watching my new favorite show on tv. Lots of drama in these pages. Midsomer Murders has nothing on this!
Even though there were few suspects, these few sure kept me guessing as to whodunit. It was like a wicked merry go round. Round and round she goes. Just when you think you have a handle on the killer… nope! Not that one. For a hot minute I even suspected Jude’s old flame who called in the initial complaint about the unusual death of 100 yr old Violet Ross. Shame on me! :)
I am so happy to have found this series in its infancy. I am sure this will go on for years with many installments of Jude & Co. I only wish there had been a bit more Jude/Ashleigh romance but I understand why it was so tame. Got to build into these things, right?
If you love police procedural, romantic suspense or detective fiction, definitely check this one out. You will not be disappointed!!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the DVCI Satterwaite mystery series by Jo Allen.
What a great police procedural! I felt like I was watching my new favorite show on tv. Lots of drama in these pages. Midsomer Murders has nothing on this!
Even though there were few suspects, these few sure kept me guessing as to whodunit. It was like a wicked merry go round. Round and round she goes. Just when you think you have a handle on the killer… nope! Not that one. For a hot minute I even suspected Jude’s old flame who called in the initial complaint about the unusual death of 100 yr old Violet Ross. Shame on me! :)
I am so happy to have found this series in its infancy. I am sure this will go on for years with many installments of Jude & Co. I only wish there had been a bit more Jude/Ashleigh romance but I understand why it was so tame. Got to build into these things, right?
If you love police procedural, romantic suspense or detective fiction, definitely check this one out. You will not be disappointed!!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
I freely admit I've been really looking forward to the second Jude Satterthwaite mystery; the first was a bobby dazzler and this one kept up the high standard!
With the death of a very elderly resident in a local care home, no red flags are raised until Jude's ex-partner has a quiet word with him. As luck would have it, the case falls on DCI Satterthwaite's desk and he and his team get to work.
Once more, we're back in the majestic scenery of the Lake District, which author Jo Allen describes so well. I love that she mixes in real places with imaginative ones, but the scenery is undoubtedly Cumbrian. Following on from the first novel, Jude and his team are all beginning to settle into their new positions including new member Ashleigh. With wonderful characterisations, this book kept me gripped right from the very beginning and I devoured each and every detail. Whilst paying complete attention I had an idea of who was involved, but I didn't get it completely right. However, I love this series and will be watching for the next in this terrific crime mystery. A great read, and one which earns all five stars.
With the death of a very elderly resident in a local care home, no red flags are raised until Jude's ex-partner has a quiet word with him. As luck would have it, the case falls on DCI Satterthwaite's desk and he and his team get to work.
Once more, we're back in the majestic scenery of the Lake District, which author Jo Allen describes so well. I love that she mixes in real places with imaginative ones, but the scenery is undoubtedly Cumbrian. Following on from the first novel, Jude and his team are all beginning to settle into their new positions including new member Ashleigh. With wonderful characterisations, this book kept me gripped right from the very beginning and I devoured each and every detail. Whilst paying complete attention I had an idea of who was involved, but I didn't get it completely right. However, I love this series and will be watching for the next in this terrific crime mystery. A great read, and one which earns all five stars.
December 12, 2019
This is the second in the DCI Satterthwaite series that features DCI Jude Satterthwaite and DS Ashleigh O'Halloran set in the Lake District. Worked very well as a stand alone and the author did a great job going over the history so none to be missed here.
The story begins when a not so seemingly alarming death occurs of a nursing care home resident Violet Ross, who at the age of 100 years old passes away. As a nurse, this really intrigued me and piqued my interest. Violet Ross was a well loved resident of this exclusive nursing care home and suspicions did arise on her sudden death.
I love an awesome police procedural story line and plot which uncovers the mystery slowly and keeps the intensity of the suspense just enough to keep those pages turning.
This was a great story line that has a solid plot, great cast of characters, enough tension between Jude and Ashleigh and their attraction for each other. I recommend this book for a good murder mystery that is enjoyable and entertaining.
The story begins when a not so seemingly alarming death occurs of a nursing care home resident Violet Ross, who at the age of 100 years old passes away. As a nurse, this really intrigued me and piqued my interest. Violet Ross was a well loved resident of this exclusive nursing care home and suspicions did arise on her sudden death.
I love an awesome police procedural story line and plot which uncovers the mystery slowly and keeps the intensity of the suspense just enough to keep those pages turning.
This was a great story line that has a solid plot, great cast of characters, enough tension between Jude and Ashleigh and their attraction for each other. I recommend this book for a good murder mystery that is enjoyable and entertaining.
October 7, 2019
I was gifted a copy of this novel by Aria Fiction via Netgalley for the purpose of review. This was my first introduction to the author and won't be my last venture into her work. The plot tells of a death at a care home - a 100 year old woman's death is hardly suspicious, right? Wrong!
I really liked the characters of Jude, Becca and Ashleigh. I didn't guess the ending but I did have a gut feeling that all was not quite right with one of the characters and was pleased to see my gut feeling was correct. I can't wait to read more of the series.
I really liked the characters of Jude, Becca and Ashleigh. I didn't guess the ending but I did have a gut feeling that all was not quite right with one of the characters and was pleased to see my gut feeling was correct. I can't wait to read more of the series.
September 26, 2019
This is the second in a series set in the Lake District which is an area I love. The death of a 100-year old woman in a rest home turns out to be a well concealed murder. This is so well plotted and the characters are interesting and for the most part believable. I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the end which made this book all the more enjoyable. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
December 15, 2020
The killer has a warped sense of self.
Violet Ross was a hundred years old and lived in the Eden’s End Nursing Home, so her sudden death should not have given rise to any suspicions of murder. However, Becca Reid, the district nurse who happened to be at the nursing home when Violet’s death was discovered felt uneasy as the home seemed unwilling to insist on an autopsy. After the autopsy is carried out, Violet’s death is pronounced as death by suffocation, and Chief Inspector Jude Satterthwaite and his team need to discover who committed the murder, but more important – why Violet was murdered.
There was lots of intrigues plus many suspects for the crime, and I was genuinely shocked when the killer was finally identified.
The book moves at a good pace, with well-drawn likeable characters – even the killer was someone I liked!
Jo Allen has undoubtedly grown as an author since Death By Dark Waters.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
Violet Ross was a hundred years old and lived in the Eden’s End Nursing Home, so her sudden death should not have given rise to any suspicions of murder. However, Becca Reid, the district nurse who happened to be at the nursing home when Violet’s death was discovered felt uneasy as the home seemed unwilling to insist on an autopsy. After the autopsy is carried out, Violet’s death is pronounced as death by suffocation, and Chief Inspector Jude Satterthwaite and his team need to discover who committed the murder, but more important – why Violet was murdered.
There was lots of intrigues plus many suspects for the crime, and I was genuinely shocked when the killer was finally identified.
The book moves at a good pace, with well-drawn likeable characters – even the killer was someone I liked!
Jo Allen has undoubtedly grown as an author since Death By Dark Waters.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
February 19, 2020
I succumbed to the temptation to plunge right in to the second of the series. For the most part, my assessment from the first book held. The plot was engaging (if a little predictable by half way through the book), the puzzle of the crime remained central and the characters retained their focus, integrity and teamwork. The romance element, however began to intrude a bit too much for my liking. All the clues are laid for romantic subplots in the next books - a bit, for me at least, ho hum. I’d prefer to follow the detective trail.
July 4, 2023
I'd rated the first of this series at 3 stars, which made it worth trying to continue. Maybe it's been too long since I read the first one, but the characters felt like strangers again -- even after reading my review. in the first few chapters the emphasis seems to be on a smoldering passion between the lead detective and one of his new juniors and it feels forced. And, again, neither of them are presented as particularly likable. So -- lots else to read and a DNF for me.
May 26, 2023
Wow!!! What a twisted storyline!!! I did figure it out but just before the reveal. And I think something else is gonna happen too so I'm ready to dive into the next book! I love the author's imagination and the in-depth detail of awareness and self discovery or lack of.
January 24, 2022
Another Great Book!
This second book in the series was even better than the first. The team of detectives are well written and likable. The location is described perfectly. The murder was intriguing. I highly recommend this book.
This second book in the series was even better than the first. The team of detectives are well written and likable. The location is described perfectly. The murder was intriguing. I highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2022
Wow!
What a great plot. An Agatha Christie-type novel/whodunit that left me guessing till the end. Quite enjoyed the mystery. Well done.
What a great plot. An Agatha Christie-type novel/whodunit that left me guessing till the end. Quite enjoyed the mystery. Well done.
June 20, 2024
Enjoyed this book & the series so far. Glad the relationship change with Jude and Ashley hasnt been dragged out into the next book . Looking forward to starting book 3.
November 9, 2023
great whodunnit—my favorite genre — she does a good job
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good crime story that isn’t vulgar or particularly graphic, but just a good story. And it was well written too.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good crime story that isn’t vulgar or particularly graphic, but just a good story. And it was well written too.
January 20, 2020
Good Characterization, a more believable plot than the first in the series. look forward to the third one. Possibly the characters could use some more "adult" language in tough situations,as they would in real life. but a very entertaining read.
December 13, 2019
I have a little confession to make. Although I have the first book in the DCI Jude Satterthwaite series ('Death By Dark Waters') on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually read it yet. What a mistake to make. Now I am rather annoyed at myself for having left it this long to realise just how fabulous an author Jo Allen is. I read the synopsis for 'Death At Eden's End' and it certainly sounded as though it was going to be just my kind of read- a murder mystery with a twist or two. Oh my word, I was so right too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Death At Eden's End' but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page, I knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would have to read in one sitting. Well I managed to read it in two sittings because life got in the way, so I wasn't too far out. I became totally wrapped up in the story and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I seemed to race through the story because I was desperate to find out who the killer was and what their motivation was. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and then all too soon I reached the end of the story which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative way but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just didn't want the book to end. This was one of those books that I found gripping and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'Death At Eden's End' is brilliantly written. The author certainly knows how to start the story with a bang and in such a memorable way. The murder of an elderly lady is guaranteed to get your attention and then it doesn't take long for you to be drawn into the story. In a sense I did approach the book from a safeguarding point of view as in a former life I used to work for the Independent Safeguarding Authority and cases involving the elderly regularly crossed my desk as it were. Jo uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. In a sense, I felt like I was assisting DCI Jude Satterthwaite in his investigation. I know the book isn't real but I find that if I enjoy a story to the extent that I enjoyed this one then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
Reading 'Death At Eden's End' felt very much like being on one heck of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Some of the twists and turns I saw coming and some hit me much like a punch to the gut, knocking the stuffing out of me. I thought that I had fathomed out who was doing what and why but then Jo turned things on their head and I realised that I had the wrong end of the stick entirely and Jo sent me down another path altogether.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Death At Eden's End' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading 'Death By Dark Waters' just as soon as I can. I look forward to many more books involving DCI Jude Satterthwaite and his team. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page, I knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would have to read in one sitting. Well I managed to read it in two sittings because life got in the way, so I wasn't too far out. I became totally wrapped up in the story and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I seemed to race through the story because I was desperate to find out who the killer was and what their motivation was. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and then all too soon I reached the end of the story which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative way but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just didn't want the book to end. This was one of those books that I found gripping and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'Death At Eden's End' is brilliantly written. The author certainly knows how to start the story with a bang and in such a memorable way. The murder of an elderly lady is guaranteed to get your attention and then it doesn't take long for you to be drawn into the story. In a sense I did approach the book from a safeguarding point of view as in a former life I used to work for the Independent Safeguarding Authority and cases involving the elderly regularly crossed my desk as it were. Jo uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. In a sense, I felt like I was assisting DCI Jude Satterthwaite in his investigation. I know the book isn't real but I find that if I enjoy a story to the extent that I enjoyed this one then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
Reading 'Death At Eden's End' felt very much like being on one heck of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Some of the twists and turns I saw coming and some hit me much like a punch to the gut, knocking the stuffing out of me. I thought that I had fathomed out who was doing what and why but then Jo turned things on their head and I realised that I had the wrong end of the stick entirely and Jo sent me down another path altogether.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Death At Eden's End' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading 'Death By Dark Waters' just as soon as I can. I look forward to many more books involving DCI Jude Satterthwaite and his team. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 13, 2019
When 100-year-old nursing home resident, Violet Ross, is found dead, it seems like, although a tragedy, it is just a case of demise due to old age. One member of staff, however, is concerned by the haste to draw a line under the incident, feeling that a post mortem should be carried out on the old, but otherwise healthy, woman. In an environment where everyone seems to be hiding something, DCI Jude Satterthwaite and DS Ashleigh O’Halloran must uncover an age-old secret before another person is found dead.
Death at Eden’s End is the second in the Jude Satterthwaite series, the first being Death by Dark Waters. I felt that the previous book served as a good introduction to the series, introducing the characters but leaving us wanting more. I was pleased that in this book, we get to find out more about Jude, and feel that he became much more of a rounded character. Similarly, we previously found out some of Ashleigh’s backstory and this was expanded upon here with the introduction of a character from her past. As a result, I definitely developed more of a connection to Jude and Ashleigh than I did in the previous book.
I really enjoyed the setting for the murder, especially as the victim seemed an unlikely one. It was apparent from the start that all was not well at Eden’s End, the Lake District nursing home, with an abundance of characters who seemed to be hiding something and had the opportunity to carry out the murder. This is definitely a book about secrets and we soon realise that Violet was hiding some major ones of her own. With a plot that takes us right back to World War Two, and the subsequent consequences of a person’s actions, there were plenty of twists and turns to hold my attention and make me desperate to find out the culprit and discover what their motive was. Although I deduced part of the plot, I didn’t work out who the killer was and was shocked when all was revealed.
I really enjoyed Death at Eden’s End, and feel that this was even better than the previous book. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Death at Eden’s End is the second in the Jude Satterthwaite series, the first being Death by Dark Waters. I felt that the previous book served as a good introduction to the series, introducing the characters but leaving us wanting more. I was pleased that in this book, we get to find out more about Jude, and feel that he became much more of a rounded character. Similarly, we previously found out some of Ashleigh’s backstory and this was expanded upon here with the introduction of a character from her past. As a result, I definitely developed more of a connection to Jude and Ashleigh than I did in the previous book.
I really enjoyed the setting for the murder, especially as the victim seemed an unlikely one. It was apparent from the start that all was not well at Eden’s End, the Lake District nursing home, with an abundance of characters who seemed to be hiding something and had the opportunity to carry out the murder. This is definitely a book about secrets and we soon realise that Violet was hiding some major ones of her own. With a plot that takes us right back to World War Two, and the subsequent consequences of a person’s actions, there were plenty of twists and turns to hold my attention and make me desperate to find out the culprit and discover what their motive was. Although I deduced part of the plot, I didn’t work out who the killer was and was shocked when all was revealed.
I really enjoyed Death at Eden’s End, and feel that this was even better than the previous book. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
December 27, 2019
Fans of Ann Cleeves and Peter James are going to absolutely love Jo Allen and her fantastic detective DCI Jude Satterthwaite. Gripping, compelling and packed with twists and turns, the second novel featuring Lake District set DCI Satterthwaite, Death at Eden’s End is a dark, terrifying and compulsively readable tale readers will struggle to put down.
When Violet Ross is found dead at luxury care home Eden’s End, it is not exactly a shock. At a hundred years of age, Violet’s death was hardly unexpected and she had after all lived a full life and lived way beyond most of her peers. However, Violet’s passing was not merely due to old age. There is something far more sinister and terrifying than anyone else imagined – as the fearful look in Violet’s lifeless eyes can attest. What really happened to Violet? Who would want to kill her and who would go to such desperate lengths to shut Violet up for good?
DCI Jude Satterthwaite is called to the Lake District’s Eden Valley alongside his DS Ashleigh O’Halloran to investigate and as the deaths begin to mount up, they soon realise that there is a deranged killer on the loose. As they begin to investigate the deaths at Eden’s End, they find themselves entangled in a terrifying web of lies and deceptions and as they uncover a shocking secret from the past, they wonder whether they will manage to stop the killer in time before another murder is committed.
Death at Eden’s End is a fantastic small town mystery where the pages will simply turn themselves. Jo Allen has written a fabulous crime novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats desperately turning the pages and in Jude Satterthwaite she has created a fascinating detective readers will want to read more about.
A first rate page-turner crime fiction aficionados are going to love, Death at Eden’s End is not to be missed.
When Violet Ross is found dead at luxury care home Eden’s End, it is not exactly a shock. At a hundred years of age, Violet’s death was hardly unexpected and she had after all lived a full life and lived way beyond most of her peers. However, Violet’s passing was not merely due to old age. There is something far more sinister and terrifying than anyone else imagined – as the fearful look in Violet’s lifeless eyes can attest. What really happened to Violet? Who would want to kill her and who would go to such desperate lengths to shut Violet up for good?
DCI Jude Satterthwaite is called to the Lake District’s Eden Valley alongside his DS Ashleigh O’Halloran to investigate and as the deaths begin to mount up, they soon realise that there is a deranged killer on the loose. As they begin to investigate the deaths at Eden’s End, they find themselves entangled in a terrifying web of lies and deceptions and as they uncover a shocking secret from the past, they wonder whether they will manage to stop the killer in time before another murder is committed.
Death at Eden’s End is a fantastic small town mystery where the pages will simply turn themselves. Jo Allen has written a fabulous crime novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats desperately turning the pages and in Jude Satterthwaite she has created a fascinating detective readers will want to read more about.
A first rate page-turner crime fiction aficionados are going to love, Death at Eden’s End is not to be missed.
December 11, 2019
My full review available on Facing the Story
Although Violet Ross' death is at first ruled natural, a series of questions from a nurse on duty leads to a murder investigation where it is revealed that Eden's End is not the safe care home it is advertised as.
Death at Eden's End reminded me of an old-style police series with its unprejudiced sergeants and bleak setting. The plot unraveled slowly with details which at first seemed insignificant but later showed to be relevant to the murder. The pace was steady throughout and the plot held my attention.
There are very few characters involved in the murder investigation which was disappointing as it narrowed down the suspects to only a few. I would have liked to see more minor characters introduced and weaved into the investigation as I guessed the murderer from around the midway point based on the few snippets of information provided and the remainder of the plot therefore seemed lackluster and much less exciting.
All major aspects worked well in sync to create an interesting murder mystery which I enjoyed reading. However, I found myself less interested after I had figured out the murder and would have preferred a much more complex plot and wider set of characters. Nevertheless I would recommend Death at Eden's End to anyone looking for a thriller with a solid plot and steady pace who enjoys following along a murder investigation until the end.
Death at Eden's End is out to buy tomorrow!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a free advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Although Violet Ross' death is at first ruled natural, a series of questions from a nurse on duty leads to a murder investigation where it is revealed that Eden's End is not the safe care home it is advertised as.
Death at Eden's End reminded me of an old-style police series with its unprejudiced sergeants and bleak setting. The plot unraveled slowly with details which at first seemed insignificant but later showed to be relevant to the murder. The pace was steady throughout and the plot held my attention.
There are very few characters involved in the murder investigation which was disappointing as it narrowed down the suspects to only a few. I would have liked to see more minor characters introduced and weaved into the investigation as I guessed the murderer from around the midway point based on the few snippets of information provided and the remainder of the plot therefore seemed lackluster and much less exciting.
All major aspects worked well in sync to create an interesting murder mystery which I enjoyed reading. However, I found myself less interested after I had figured out the murder and would have preferred a much more complex plot and wider set of characters. Nevertheless I would recommend Death at Eden's End to anyone looking for a thriller with a solid plot and steady pace who enjoys following along a murder investigation until the end.
Death at Eden's End is out to buy tomorrow!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a free advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2019
If you are one hundred years old you should have the right to expect to die peacefully probably sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for Violet Ross, a resident at the Eden's End Care Home, there was nothing peaceful about her death nor the aftermath. DCI Jude Satterthwaite and his team are called in when the local district nurse, who happened to be on the scene, thought there was something suspicious about the old lady's passing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought it had a hint of an older style mystery which was very welcome. Jude is an interesting character, strong willed, principled and loyal to his team, he is easy to like and want to succeed. His new sergeant, Ashleigh O'Halloran, is more sympathetic to those involved in the crimes she investigates than Jude would like, sometimes, in my opinion, misguidededly. There were hints in this story of where things will go next and I will definitely be on the lookout for the third book in a series which deserves to be successful.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a classic whodunnit especially if they read the first book and wants to know what happened next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought it had a hint of an older style mystery which was very welcome. Jude is an interesting character, strong willed, principled and loyal to his team, he is easy to like and want to succeed. His new sergeant, Ashleigh O'Halloran, is more sympathetic to those involved in the crimes she investigates than Jude would like, sometimes, in my opinion, misguidededly. There were hints in this story of where things will go next and I will definitely be on the lookout for the third book in a series which deserves to be successful.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a classic whodunnit especially if they read the first book and wants to know what happened next.
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