It’s quite unusual to have a detective thriller set in our second city so I was intrigued to find out how it would be portrayed. Lucie Whitehouse has given a great deal of detail of the area which possibly is more of interest to Brummies than readers from further afield. Without this level of interest the fairly slow pace would have been an issue. I would liken Critical Incidents to decorating; 90% preparation and 10% finish.

I must admit I struggled to get into this book at first. I found it more about family relationships than the crime book I expected. There were lots of twists in the book and little plots that went at different angles. Once I had sorted out the main plot I enjoyed the book more. It felt like a prequel to the main character where you find out what led them to this exact point. The actual crime was a lesser event. I got lost a couple of times but persevered and was pleased I did.

An interesting read but did struggle with the chapters sometimes jumping characters/locations suddenly.
Well written and the characters sucked you right into their story.

When I started reading this I was disappointed - a detective story, me? I wasn't going to enjoy it. But the writing was fantastic ('too good!" I thought. 'Wasted on a crime book!') and I kept going. Too soon I had devoured the whole thing. The characters are meaty, imperfect, believable, and the story isn't just about the external mechanics of plot. It's about family, motherhood, love, disappointment, and coming home. Oh, and it's set in Birmingham and contains, in its underbelly heart, a cracking good detective yarn.

Robin Lyons has a past and it is this and present events that come together. The book has great characters who are both human and realistic. I loved her family dynamics at work when Robin has no other option but to move back in with her parents; this is both tense but darkly comic too. It is a complex plot but that doesn't matter because it is really well plotted and a great read. I loved this book so thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review it.

I was given a copy of Critical incidents by the publisher for an honest review. This is the second book by Lucie Whitehouse I have read. This book is about Robin who has been dismissed from the police force, she has to return home with her teenage daughter and work with an old friend as a private investigator. When she is home her best friend dies in a house fire and her friends husband disappears, he is accused of murder.
I found this a good read, I liked the characters, I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading thrillers.

I couldn’t really get to grips with the central character in this story, especially as this turned out to be more of a private investigator type of story, rather than a police procedural, and I’m not keen on those. There were rather too many characters, and a convoluted plot which made it difficult to follow. The interweaving of different characters’ relationships, eg Robin’s with her ex, I felt was a bit far fetched. Not sure I would seek out any follow up novels by this author.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy.

This book was an absolutely brilliant start to a new crime and detective series featuring DI Robin Lyons. It was well-written and fast-paced, with excellent dialogue that kept the story moving along nicely.

This story had a very solid plot. The author, Lucie Whitehouse, introduced the characters very quickly, but I was able to keep up with events as they were happening. The characters were all expertly drawn with intriguing personalities. The book kept me enthralled and I was still guessing right to the end.

I very much enjoyed reading CRITICAL INCIDENTS and am looking forward to seeing more in the series. Very highly recommended and a well deserved five stars.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from HarperCollins UK/4th Estate via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This was a great thriller, a new author for me and I hope the start of a new series of books. Robin Lyons has been sacked from the Met following a refusal to follow orders - she finds herself - and her 13 year old daughter- forced to move back in with her parents in her old hometown.
It’s full of secrets and reminders from her adolescence, including her best friend, the only good thing about moving back home.
Robin has been offered a job working with her Mum’s friend, who runs a PI business.
Whilst investigating a missing person case, tragedy strikes for Robin and her family.
Things start to spiral out of control and Robin takes more and more risks trying to find justice for her friends.
Just as I thought everything was making sense and loose ends were being tied up, another twist in the tale came along!
Really enjoyed this.

A good story line and unexpected turns and events, a great detective thriller. Great characters, some to love, some to hate!

I enjoyed everything about Critical Incidents apart from the cryptic ending which I am hoping heralds the start of a new series. If this is, the start of a new series, I can't wait. I enjoyed the complex story line with multiple characters and was riveted from start to finish. I would definitely recommend this and will be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

I liked the characters in this book, I found them credible and sympathetic. I got lost a couple of times in the who’s who asthere are quite a lot of characters, as there are in anyone’s life. There is clearly a series in the making here with the unusual setting of Birmingham makin* a refreshing change from London.

Good stuff that will keep you guessing, plenty going on to hold the interest

What a great book. The story had me gripped from the beginning. Robin had problems with her boss at her post in London – he I guess not taking her seriously which led him eventually to see the “error of his ways” when she was proved capable of making the decisions she did. Having to face the consequences of her run in with him and her move to Birmingham with her daughter made the book credible. Going back home to live with her parents came across as destructive and sympathetic to all. Robin’s father, the peacemaker, did a great job in stopping the wheels falling off the relationship. Robin’s brother came across as a difficult and jealous person and this was proved towards the end of the book and I look forward to hearing how this is dealt with in book two which I cannot wait for. We all think we know our friends especially the long standing and closest to us but this book proves you cannot always get that right even with the ones you think you know in your circle. I did not expect this twist in the book with Corinna and it laid the groundwork for a great story. Hopefully the wait for the next book in the series will not be too long.

Another first with this author. I loved the twists and sub plots. The book kept me enthralled and guessing right to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more about this character

Unfortunately I just couldn't connect with this book and found myself constantly backtracking in order to remind myself who was who, and where they fit in...a shame, as the actual story premise was very promising.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the storyline very interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this genre.

thank you for allowing me to read this book. it was very easy to read. i enjoyed the story line and the characters. look forward to reading more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book - it was one of those where you need to keep reading to find out what happens but at the same time don’t want the book to end. A police crime drama with a difference. Great lead character who I liked and I cared about what was happening to her. Thoroughly recommended.

Robin returns home under a cloud to live with her parents, after a decision at work doesn’t go her way and she loses her job. Forced to go home with her daughter due to a lack of funds, the only thing that will make her shameful return bearable is her best friend, who unfortunately ends up dead in a house fire before they are able to meet. Her friend’s son is hospitalised and her husband is missing and a suspect in his wife’s death.
Employed by her mothers friend as a private investigator, Robin cannot help getting involved in the investigation and the plot twists and turns as she revisits people and places from her past.
I enjoyed the storyline, and found the characters to be well developed. Looking forward to reading more in what I hope will be an extended series.

Sorry I am obviously in the minority here but I did not enjoy this book, which on the face of it should have been right up my street. I found it too verbose and the number of characters confusing. The author may well know who she is referring to but when she starts a new thread she should ground the characters well before expecting her poor readers to know who and what they are. Too much unnecessary detail at times in complete contrast to too little detail where needed most. A very frustrating read culminating in an unsatisfactory conclusion all a bit too contrived.