Jessamine Gooch is a journalist. She now works as a broadcaster for the BBC hosting a programme about crimes & how the perpetrator may have given an indication that they were capable, even predisposed towards such acts. She also volunteers on a women's refuge helpline. When arriving at Broadcasting House one evening she is accosted by a young woman asking her to look into the disappearance of her friend Cassie.

After losing her temper on a BBC phone -in Jessamine finds herself with time on her hands, she decides to investigate Cassie's disappearance & finds herself involved in a dangerous world. Jitesh is a nervous intern at the BBC. A computer geek, he is painfully shy, but he knows his way round computers- even if he's not exactly legal! He helps Jessamine.

Running alongside the present day is another story set in 2002. The story of Rowena, a young girl in care forced, along with other young girl's & boys, to attend 'parties' with older men. This part of the story was handled so well. Although there were no details given the reader was left to fill in the gory details for themselves.

I loved Jessamine, it was nice to see a very human protagonist, middle ages, suffering through the menopause & full of doubts as how well she is doing as mum of a teenage girl! This was a totally enthralling read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this terrific book.

Gripped me from the start and wouldn't let me go. Characters are believeable, flawed and fascinating. The horrors of the way some people live is written in a matter of fact way, which makes it all the more awful to visualise.. The atmosphere is dark and moody and dripping with menace. A great read.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say I was very impressed. The Dangerous Kind is a heart breaking, thought provoking and gripping read that I just tore through as I couldn’t put it down.

The author manages to use the difficult subject of child abuse with great sensitivity. The abuse isn’t graphically described just to shock the reader and make for uncomfortable reading. Instead it is just used to give the reader an idea of the situation the youngsters find themselves in. The dangers of the internet and how to keep children safe is a very current issue that strikes the fear of dread in most parents. This book deeply affected me as I’m dreading my kids growing up and having to deal with all the dangers online. I found myself sneaking upstairs to give my kids a hug often whilst reading.

The story is told from multiple points of view which helps create lots of tension and intrigue especially as the chapters often ended on a dramatic moment. This meant I found myself turning the pages faster and faster so I could get back to find out what’s happening. The different story lines were never confusing though and they all tied together in the end in a surprising way which I never guessed.

As mentioned in this is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll definitely be going back to read her previous books. I hope this isn’t the last we’ll be seeing of Jessamine as I thought she was a fantastic character and I’d love her to have another investigation to solve.

Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the publishers for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

So glad this book was read on my recent holiday as I devoured this in one sitting. Although the story line is based on child abuse it is done sensitively and deals with 2 time frames one when the child abuse is happening and the other in the present detailing how the survivors deal with what has happened to them alongside a murder of two. The main character is well rounded and I felt myself drawn to her and the decisions she makes are believable. I do not enjoy giving away details of the book in my reviews however I will always be honest and this book is a truly awesome read. Go out and buy now

I found this book to be a little confusing. I tried twice to put it down and start again however it just wasn’t for me and I could not finish it. I really enjoyed the authors first book and her style of writing and I look forward to reading the next.

This release was the first I’ve heard of this author, but it’s getting some strong early reviews and I love a good crime thriller so I’d thought I’d give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed – this is a gritty, fast-paced read which had me racing through the pages, and it tackles some hard-hitting topics along the way.

Jessamine is an established radio broadcaster at the BBC, working on a show which explores convicted criminal’s histories to ask whether their crimes could have been prevented. All of the crimes they present are closed cases, but when she’s approached one day about a current missing person, Cassie Scolari, she’s intrigued. In a separate narrative we’re introduced to Rowena, thirteen and living in care when she’s drawn into a seedy paedophile network.

Other narratives are weaved into the story, but Jessamine and Rowena are the main focus and as the story moves back and forth between them. I had no clue how the two stories would connect until near the end. It’s a clever, multi-layered tale in which leaves you unsure who you can trust.

I have to admit, when I requested this novel I didn’t know the exact subject matter, and I might have been put off if I’d realised how much it focuses on child grooming. There’s some dark, seedy moments here, but it’s balanced well with some strong, likeable female characters who are willing to sacrifice to ensure their voices are heard. There’s child abuse and domestic violence set against a dark British winter, but there’s kindness and hope here to soften what could be a bleak story. An all-round good thriller which tackles some interesting topics, I’m not sure if it’s one which will stay with me for a long time, but it was definitely a gripping read.

This is a great read that intrigued me from the first few pages.
I did wonder where the story was going at first, but soon got into it.
The story is told from different perspectives - Jessamine who is a journalist, Rowena who is a young girl in care and Jitesh who is an intern where Jessamine works.
Jessamine has a show about potentially dangerous people and wants to stop serial killers.
She is contacted one day by a woman desperately looking for her friend who has gone missing but she dismisses her request for help.
After a while, Jessamine reconsiders and starts to look for Cassie.
I loved how all the stories came together at the end and was surprised by the twists in the story.
If you like a good crime mystery thriller then I’d highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

A well written and well paced novel with a relevant and contemporary storyline.
However it is only a four star review as, without giving any spoilers, I found the ending quite frantic and wasn't really convinced by the motives of some of the characters. Also, while I applaud the author for her exploration of contemporary issues, it did feel at times that she tried to tackle too many - grooming, bullying, child abuse, power and corruption, domestic violence, adoption, #me too, menopause - to name a few and, whilst I appreciate many are connected, I felt the book would have been better concentrating on fewer of them but in more depth.




Thank you to netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of this book.

Unfortunately for me this book did not live up to its hype as I found the book uninteresting and not engaging.

The book used the story from many aspects style that just did not work for me and only confused matters

Sorry not recommended

TW: Child Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse, Substance Abuse, Domestic Abuse

Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of The Dangerous Kind; all the views and opinions discussed below are all my own.

I honestly don’t have that much to say about this book, it was just sort of a middle standard book. I wasn’t hooked by it, but I didn’t hate it. This wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t overly memorable or gripping – I have to keep reminding myself what this book is about whilst writing my review. I think my issue with the book was that we have so many different perspectives that I just couldn’t keep track of – i’m not sure if it’s the format of e-books in particular when there’s changing perspectives that makes it an issue, or just this book in particular but I just found it so difficult to follow.

I also felt some of the side stories were just so unnecessary – most particularly the story involving Jitesh – I just found it so bizarre, and wasn’t really sure what it brought to the story. I also feel like the author wanted us to sympathise with Jitesh and for him to be the hero of his situation, but I just couldn’t because he was invading women’s privacy and then turning up where they were going – this is a book centered around women who have experienced abuse or violence, and then we’ve got Jitesh who is essentially a stalker, but we’re meant to root for him?? Colour me confused.

I do think the storyline about Rowena was really interesting and well done; it is such a dark subject and I feel it was handled well about how these children are brought into this world. Her story was honestly so sad and heartbreaking, and you just want to wrap her up in a blanket. I honestly didn’t see the plot of her actually being Cassie… it did shock me a bit but I feel like, looking back, it should have been obvious. I feel like the author distracted me enough though not to focus on it.

Jessamine was a well written character, and arguably one of the most developed in the plot. I really rooted for her when she told that caller to “fuck off”; she was such an honest and grounded character and I think that was really needed in this book with such a wide range of characters. I did guess though that the bloke she was seeing and the person that her daughter was speaking to was the same person, and that this was her daughter’s biological father. It just seemed quite obvious given how much her daughters past was mentioned; I think we were meant to think her daughter was speaking to someone in a romantic relationship but I just figured there was already enough of that in the book, and they didn’t need another one.

I think the author did a really good job of writing about such sensitive topics of child sexual abuse and domestic abuse without sensationalising these topics. They were dealt with in a really emotive way and it seemed that the author actually did some research into the topics which made me happy. Overall it was a good read, but I think there were too many side plots that were just unnecessary and it took away from the main themes of the book for me. I don’t think i’ll be buying a physical copy of this book.

A new author for me and this is one amazing crime thriller.
Personally I would not be surprised if this book is one of the reads of this year.
A psychological thriller par excellence. I read this book in one sitting and finally turned the last page in the wee hours.
How well do you know the ones you love? 1 in 100 is capable of murder.
A DARK, upsetting and totally gripping read. THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!!
Well written, stories within stories which all come together and as for the ending WHAM. I LOVED IT!!!!!
This author has just made my must read list. An easy five stars and so Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank the author, Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Wow! Where to start. when offered the chance to do a blog tour for this one I thought Ive heard alot about this one and I’ve been meaning to read it so yes please!

What. was I waiting for! Im beginning this review as i turn on to page 114. I already know and have no doubt I am reading one of THE books of 2019.

Deborah O'Connor has created something very very special, very dark, very disturbing and very upsetting but mark my words this is special . I have no qualms at all in calling this book outstanding. It simply is one of the best pieces of crime Fiction in 2019.

The story is told from the view points of 4 characters.

Jessamine Gooch , 51, single, BBC radio presenter of a show that delves into past murders, is approached by Marnie, asking her to look into the disappearance of her friend Carrie as the police are showing little interest and have classed the case as a cut and dried suicide

Sarah, Jassmine's Teenage daughter is becoming involved with a man online ....

Jitesh ganguly, a socially awkaward gap year student destined for Cambridge, working as a sound engineer in the BBC radio studios, telling the story of his young life, troubled, a part- time hacker , in fear of a old school friend .

And back to 2002, 13 year old Rowena, stuck in the care system, being taken advantage of by older boyfriend Sunny.

This is a dark, moody tale, oozing in melancholy and gloom. domestic abuse, child abuse, paedophile rings, Celebrities and people in power abusing their positions.

The Characters are great, Menopausal Jessamine and her strugges with quiet Angst ridden teen Sarah, whilst you can only feel for the Nervy Jitesh. Rowenas harrowing, heartbreaking tale draws you into her and you just want to protect her.

Locations are good and described very well especially the knowledge of BBC Broadcasting House and its inner workings.

Deborah O'Connor expertly writes about a deepy disturbing subject and weaves all the stories into a magnificent, gripping, shocking end packed full of twists.

This for me is one of the Books of 2019 and deserves to be one of the Stand out Titles of the year.

5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

A clever thriller that quickly drew me in.
Jessie is a presenter for BBC radio, her show focusing on those who’ve been convicted of a crime and looking at what could have been done to prevent their actions. As an ex-journalist she is obsessed with rooting out details and finding out the true story. When she is accosted by a woman on the street desperate for help working out what happened to her missing friend, Cassie, a thrilling sequence of events is set in place.
We shift from Jessie in the present to Rowena, a young girl in care, in 2002. Rowena is groomed and quickly ends up over her head in sex parties set up by paedophiles who are often meant to be part of the groups preventing such criminality.
Alongside this we watch Jessie struggle with the day-to-day problems of living with a teenage daughter who may or may not be having a relationship with an older man.
In spite of the subject matter I loved this story. It was told well, without unnecessary sensationalism but also encouraged us all to take a look at what extent we are all complicit in such events if we harbour suspicions but do nothing.
My only reason for not awarding the five stars I felt this deserved was that I did put two and two together and (for a change) made the links with the main story. However, it still surprised me with the subplot involving Jessie and her daughter and I can see this being a thriller that many will love. Thanks to the publishers via NetGalley for granting me access in exchange for my honest review.

The subject matter of this book is distasteful but thankfully has been much in the pubic spotlight over recent years, revealing the monsters in our midst. Very plausible plot but I just didn't connect with the characters. I also found some descriptive elements confusing - ie when a character's speech pattern was disected and scrutinised. Very distracting and in no way added to the character or the plot line. Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy but on this occasion I'm not leaving a favourable review. Sorry!

The Dangerous Kind by Deborah O’Connor
Oh this was a good read! Once I started with this, it was hard to put down. There’s lots of thrillers out there at the moment, but this book was so well constructed, with lots of different, seemingly unlinked characters, that all come together in the end!
All the individual stories touch upon tough topics, from young girls being groomed and adoption, to mental health issues and of course the usual missing person. I found the main character Jessamine very likeable and her perseverance to solve the missing person case was felt throughout the book. Jitesh was another favourite character of mine and despite his own issues, he was resolved in helping Jessamine throughout the book.
Definitely a thriller with a difference, and one that kept me guessing all the way to the end! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Disclaimer: Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for the complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and Deborah O’Connor for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The 1 in 100. The “dangerous kind” of people. We have all met them: those who unnerve you as something just doesn’t sit right, the charmers who are another person behind closed doors, the ones who manipulate and control. Hindsight is 20/20 and it’s all too easy after crimes are committed to see the warning signs. But do we really pay attention to them before they go too far? Could we stop them?

This dark, atmospheric thriller captivated me from the first page and didn’t let me go. The subject matter is sinister, chilling, deplorable, and all too familiar. Filled with an array of characters that will resonate, anger, disgust and devastate you this is a book that takes you to the depths of human tragedy and depravity. Expertly written, the references to fairly recent events in modern history make you feel like you’re reading a true crime novel rather than a work of fiction.

With multiple narrators in dual timelines this is a multifaceted story where you aren’t quite sure how the many characters and storylines fit together. Even so it never feels confusing which is another testament to the talent of this author. A riveting read that was brimming with tension from start to finish, I was unprepared for the jarring revelations as it all came together in a gut-wrenching crescendo.

I really enjoyed this book, took me a while to get into. To link all the characters story, but it turned into a real page turner. I loved they way the characters were all linked and the ending was superb. A great read

Enjoyed this very much...combining past and present well with contemporary issues raised throughout. I hope we shall see more of similar ilk. Good characters.

The Dangerous kind: A story of abuse, lies and and lots of manipulation this book is an engaging thriller that grips the reader. The diverse characters are well developed and help to build the dark storyline.

With several different points of view and different timelines, this is a confusing read at first. But it is worth sticking with. In the present day, Jessamine is a radio presenter of a true crime series about potentially dangerous people which looks at killers and tries to see if there was anything in their past that predicted their murderous intent. She has an adoptive daughter Sarah who appears to be in contact with an older man. Is she being groomed? In the past, Rowena a girl in care is being groomed and nobody cares. Before long she is mixed up with all sorts of powerful people who are happy to abuse her and other vulnerable children. Back in the present day, Jess is contacted by a woman who is worried about her friend who has gone missing, suspecting that her violent husband has murdered her. She agrees to look into it and when she is suspended from her job because of an outburst on air she has time and opportunity to devote to this case.

All of these storylines come together to tell a tale of child abuse, domestic violence and murder. It is well plotted and gripping. The subject matter is extremely dark but O'Connor deals with it in a sensitive way and it is never graphic. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC