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Perfect Crime

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Perfect Crime by Helen Fields

This is book number five in the series by Helen Fields starring DCI Ava Turner, the leading lady with her gallant knight in shining armour DI Luc Callanach.

I have adored every single one of these books and this one is no exception. Set in Edinburgh, this book is based on a spate of apparent suicides. However, some things at the scenes do not add up and this is when DCI Turner is called in to investigate.

As always with Fields’ writing we are always anticipating what is going to happen next which keeps you turning the pages. In her usual form though just when you think the crimes have been solved there is a curveball. This really keeps the reader guessing and interested.

I really love the characters in these books especially the ongoing chemistry between Turner and Callanach. With each book we see the development of certain individuals, such as Max Tripp’s promotion. We also see what’s happening in the lives of people from the previous books, which is great when you’ve read them all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be eagerly awaiting book 6.

Thank you to @netgalley and Avon publishers for the chance to read this ARC

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Another excellent instalment in the Perfect series.

In this one, my ship so, so nearly came in. (Get your act together, Luc and Ava!)

Also, of course, there was murder to be solved. As always, Ms Fields dropped the right number of clues to keep me guessing, with one very obvious lead that made me overlook the real culprit until quite late on in the book. Meanwhile, the secondary plot line put poor Luc under unfair suspicion again, but at least there's now one chapter of his life that can be closed for good.

I'm not sure if this book would work as a standalone. By now, having read all previous entries in the series, I really feel like I know the characters and a lot of that development work/past history would be lost reading this book in isolation. As a series fan I stayed up to silly o'clock to finish it and would definitely recommend the series to those who enjoy gripping police procedurals with a healthy dose of police personal lives thrown in as well :-)

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Although this is book number five in the series, this is only the second that I have read. And, it may be the last. There is just something about these books that make them hard to get into, and stay interested in. Its a shame because the author does have a strong writing style that makes it easy to visualize what is going on, but there are times when its just too much. As interesting as the concept was, the execution was more depressing than entertaining. I can certainly understand why the author would choose to show a suicidal person's mindset, but it doesn't make for the most entertaining of reads. Even the surprising twist at the end didn't make up for what we had to slog through to get there. I feel with another round of editing, there could have been more things cut from the final product that would have sped things along without taking away from the overall story.

Overall, I'm sure this novel (and series) will appeal to those who enjoy well written police procedural novels set in the UK. I just don't think they are for me.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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Recommend this novel to others. I found it to be a gripping page turner. A new author for me that I will keep my eye on.

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Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed reading this psychological thriller. I didn't feel like I was reading a book from a series nor missing important details, the author smoothly takes the reader into the action of what appears to be a suicide attempt that later leads to a murderer. Eva and Callanach match well together and give the story an emotional, human feel. I enjoyed the mystery and unexpected twist. Great read!

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A spate of apparent suicides leaves Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team on the trail of an elusive serial killer who is targeting victims with histories of mental illness or attempted suicide.
Fast-paced and relentlessly gory, Perfect Crime is not for the faint-of-heart. Fields conjures up a plot that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go until its very final pages. Needless to say, I was enthralled.
Fields possesses a remarkable talent. She has the ability to invoke feelings in the reader that are both tangible and lingering so much so that one particular scene, depicting the horrific death of one innocent victim, disturbed me so I had to put the book down for a few moments - a testament to Fields’ ingenuity.
In the midst of that investigation, another arises which implicates our very own DI Callanach. His traumatic past threatens to extinguish what he’s built in Edinburgh; his friendships, his work relationships with colleagues, and ultimately his enduring relationship with DCI Ava Turner.
It would be no exaggeration to say Luc and Ava are the heart of this series. Throughout the past five books, they’ve gone from mere work acquaintances to close friends and confidants. Their on-going flirtation/playful ribbing ramps up in Perfect Crime, culminating in scenes that are a feast to those who have been watching their relationship closely since its inception.
Without giving too much away, Luc and Ava's relationship is one that continually enraptures the reader, constantly changing, deepening, transforming and by the end of the book, my hunger for them did not abate in the slightest. Fields forges ahead, presenting the next challenge for our two heroes, which will undoubtedly be revealed in the next book, Perfect Dark (Book #6).
It was great to see Dr Alisa Lambert back in action, her persistent mothering of Ava pleases me to no end. The promotion of Max Tripp to Detective Sergeant was also greatly welcomed. Reflecting back on Perfect Remains (Book #1), I had anticipated great things for Tripp, his diligence and growth under Callanach’s tutelage evident, and although they were not in close contact in this book, it was nice to see their connection commented on by Ava. Of course, I can’t forget DS Lively, who fulfills a somewhat lesser role but nevertheless undergoes some interesting character development in this book.
The appearance of the newly appointed DI, Pax Graham, was also an interesting development. He was a character I looked forward to seeing more of after his contribution to MIT in Perfect Silence (Book #4) but he has me scratching my head. It will be interesting to see how things unfold with him at MIT especially given the final scene. Appearances from Lance Proudfoot, Natasha, and DS Janet Monroe also stood out.
Once again, Helen Fields does what she does best. Engaging the reader from the outset, she never shies away from the graphic and grotesque, the brutal honesty of death at the hands of another, and the ripple effect it has on those left behind. That is certainly palpable within every page of Perfect Crime.
I would like to thank Helen Fields, Avon Books UK, and the NetGalley for the advanced copy.

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A million thanks to Avon Books UK for allowing me to read Perfect Crime in exchange for review. I am already counting down to Perfect Dark and this one hasn’t even been published yet!

This series is amazing and continues to impress me. Somehow they are unique and the serial killers are equally terrifying yet all completely motivated by different things. I also will never tire of picturing DI Callanach without a shirt.
DI Callanach and DCI Turner are so good at their jobs and their relationship definitely enters into the plot of this book more than it has before. Their friendship is so deep, they really look out for each other and help each other and I like the connection.
I think this one in particular, the fifth book in the series, relies more on past events than some of the others. You could probably still read it as a stand-alone and follow along without trouble, but there are a few things barely touched on that are fully fleshed out previously. I would highly recommend starting with Perfect Prey at least before moving on to this one but if you are going back, do yourself a favour and read them all. You definitely will not regret it.
This series is dark, always has a few chapters with the serial killers point of view, as well as a strong police team with interesting members. DI Callanach and DCI Turner are definitely the main characters but all of the supporting characters are well fleshed out and developed as well which makes a very interesting and fun read.
Available April 18, 2019 I can not recommend this book and this series more.

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Thankyou to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and the author, Helen fields, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Perfect Crime in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Once again, Ms fields has provided us with a gripping thriller. The storyline was well written and keeps you guessing. The central characters were well drawn and realistic.
Worth a read.

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The sexy Frenchman is again involved in a complicated serie of murders - except that only he thinks they are murders - to everyone else, they look like suicides.
In this series we have a lovely brooding dark French policeman sent to Edinburgh for various political reasons, who takes a long time to settle and make friends. But by this book in the series he is settling down - a little, but his friendships are stretched in this bizarre series of what are classed as suicides.
I very much like this series of novels. They tick all the right boxes. A brooding hero. A series of complicated crimes that only he can solve. And good storytelling with chills and gasps as accidents happen etc. Would make good TV.

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What a story. This one was good. Keeping me on the edge of the chair wondering which way it was going to play out. Couldn’t put it down it was interesting and kept your interest all the way through it

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Helen Sarah Fields you are KILLING me.

Perfect Crime is a compelling crime thriller, I was hooked from page 1 and want to cry when I realised I was on the last page.

My love for Luc Callanach grows with every book, he has really grown since the first book. It adorable how much he cares for Ava.

It's time to talk about the cases, one is connected to Luc and the other is strange death by people with history of suicides. I feel sorry for Luc he seems a little bit cursed. The second case is really interesting as in resolves around people that have either tried to commit suicide or thought about it ending up dead. The motives is one I have not read in a crime fiction book before.

Helen Sarah Fields writing style is really easy to read, I can picture every moment in my mind.

Perfect Crime is full of action, drama, romance, suspense wrapped in a crime mystery.

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Thank you NetGalley, Helen Fields and Avon Books UK for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Stephen Barry is ready to end his life by jumping off a bridge when a suicide prevention counselor convinces him that his life is worth more. But a week later Stephen is found dead at the bottom of a cliff and Ava and Luc are investigating whether he jumped or was forced off the side of the cliff. As they investigate, more supposed suicides start rolling in and they are gruesome unlike any other suicide attempt before them. Little do the detectives know, but the killer is gaining confidence with every kill and won’t stop unless put behind bars.

I love these novels so much and I can’t help but look forward to every installation of Ava and Luc! This novel was no different from all the others; it was quick paced, gruesome and interesting. I flew through it and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, another death would throw a wrench into my prediction. I love Ava and Luc’s characters and how their relationship progresses through each and every novel. This novel was my favorite so far of all the others in the series and I was heartbroken with the ending and can’t wait to see what the next one brings. I need Ava and Luc to be together, I don’t think I have ever rooted for two people to be together in my life! I would definitely recommend picking up this novel if you enjoy a good detective procedural novel!

Out April 18th!

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Another brilliantly written, all consuming plot from start to finish in this great series. Helen manages to write such compelling gruesome storylines. Could not put it down. Be warned

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I have never read a book by Helen Fields before and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I was drawn in from the beginning and never saw any of the twists coming. I will definitely be reading more in this series. The fact that it was set in my favourite city intrigued me even more.

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I nearly cried when I finished this. It’s brilliant. Suicides talked down. Then found dead. But they have been murdered. Will be looking out for more by this author.
5/5 on goodreads

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The PR blurb for this novel promised so much, but I’m afraid that this book did not really make a great impact upon me, due to some ridiculous story lines.

This is the 5th in a series of books set around the same characters, and whilst I can reasonably expect some passing references to their previous interactions - in this book, I felt that far too much time was spent on their previous personal relations.

Very early in the book, the female lead (a DCI named Ava) took preposterously dangerous personal risks whilst looking for evidence – at night, in stormy weather, and at great height.

By enormous “coincidence” a journalist “happens” to get himself involved in a dangerous plotline

But for me (having previously worked as a crime scene examiner – and with 7 years experience as the overall head of forensics for a UK police force) - Ava’s actions towards the end of the book just beggar belief.

I appreciate that this is a novel, and literary licence is to be expected, but this would never be believable from a person of her rank and experience. !

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This is the fifth book in the series and whilst you don't have to have read the others I think it would help. I had read the first and felt that this was adequate. There are some references to the others but the main understanding would be the characters - especially Luc and Ava's history/chemistry.

I really enjoyed this book, as much as the first although this time I felt it was a lot more obvious as to who the criminal was which was disappointing. In the first book you clearly know and it is a case of waiting for the police to catch up but in this book they were a bit clueless.

I really enjoy all the other characters too - Natasha and Max especially. The plot was interesting and well written my only hesitation on giving it 5 stars was that by the end I was bored of the whole will they won't they with Ava and Luc which looks like it will drag on to the next book!

I would recommend Fields if you enjoy Gerritsen because to me it is the same vibe.

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Suicide, misadventure or murder……that’s the million dollar question for Edinburgh MIT after a young man’s body is found at the base of Tantallon Castle. And over the next few weeks, it’s a question they’ll be asking again & again.

The team has been enjoying a bit of a lull in major crimes but that’s about to change. In short order, they have 4 bodies on their hands & the victims couldn’t be more different. But a little digging reveals a common thread. They all attempted suicide at some point in their pasts.

Meanwhile, DI Luc Callanach has an investigation of his own & it’s personal. He’s still dealing with what happened to his mother before he was born. She was raped by the men Luc’s father worked for. Fearing for her husband, she kept it secret until recently when she finally told her son. Luc’s father died young & ever since he learned of her ordeal he’s been haunted by one question…was the man who raised him really his father? He knows who assaulted his mother & plans on paying them a visit. I don’t want to spill any more beans so lets just say things escalate & the ramifications of his search could end up derailing his career.

These are the investigative plot lines of the story but much of the book is given over to the ongoing dance between Luc & his boss DCI Ava Turner. It’s a classic will they/won’t they scenario that has everyone who knows them shaking their heads as they wait for Luc & Ava to get their sh*t together. Sooo….do the planets finally align in book #5? Not a peep from me. I’m not talking & you can’t make me. Unless chocolate is involved.

All the old gang is back with the permanent addition of DI Pax Graham. We see much more of Detective Superintendent Overbeck in this outing & she’s a hoot, stealing every scene she’s in. As far as the hunt for the serial killer, If you read a lot of police procedurals you’ll probably spot the culprit early on. But Luc’s personal story line takes a surprising twist that ties up threads from previous books.

There is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages & your enjoyment really depends on how you like your crime. Straight up procedural fans may prefer more time with the investigations but those who love romantic suspense will gobble this up in no time.

3.5 stars

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With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is Book 5 in the D I Callanach thriller series and each book in the series just gets better. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading book 6, The Perfect Dark.
The storyline was extremely clever and introduced new team police members, who will no doubt appear in the next book in the Perfect series.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in Luc and Ava’s relationship.
Highly recommended.

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Perfect Crime Helen Fields

Helen Fields has written a blinking good police procedural thriller, this is #5 in the DCI Ava Turner, DI Luc Callandach from Edinburgh Police. Although it can be read as a standalone police drama in my humble opinion they are actually better read in chronological order to allow the reader to understand the dynamics of these two and the rest of the team.

I really appreciated the powerful and sensitive way that the author deals with the issue of depression and suicide. We are in a time when/where suicide figures are at an all time high and the author has made a conscious effort not to glamorise it to make it an easy read for us.

There are a couple of more personal stories running alongside the main story. We have a ‘Ross and Rachel, will they won’t they?’ scenario as well as DI Callandachs hunt for the person responsible for the attack on his mother. I’m hoping that their relationship status is resolved one way or another, as I wouldn’t like it to take over the books.

This book starts with Stephen Berry being talked down from a suicide by Counsellor Rune Mclure but sadly he was found a week later at the bottom of a cliff. Was he pushed or did he jump? That’s the question for Ava and Luc. After more bodies rack up under similar circumstances, it soon becomes apparent that they have a serial killer in their midst.

As if a serial killer wasn’t enough we have another body one the scene that is linked to Luc, causing them to break protocol which subsequently this leads to him being suspended from duty.

A gripping read and I will happily recommend this to anyone who will listen to me.

Read in advance for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Publishers

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