Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Trouble always seems to find her, and even if she has nothing to hide, perhaps she has everything to lose….

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed No Time To Cry by James Oswald, I was delighted to read the second book in this fantastic crime fiction series, Nothing to Hide.

DC Con Fairchild is still feeling the fallout from events that saw her boss murdered and several of her colleagues taken down for corruption. Currently on suspension she is trying to stay out of trouble and avoid the press and failing miserably on both counts. When she comes across the body of what appears to be a stabbing victim close to where she lives Con finds herself smack bang in the middle of a case she is told to stay well out of. But if there is one thing that is certain, that is no matter what she tells her superiors, she will end up investigating what is going on.

I am quickly getting to like Con Fairchild. She is fiercely independent and has a stubborn streak that will often see her in trouble, yet she also has an increasing circle of people who she can turn to when things get bad for her. On the surface they may encourage her to stay out of things but when needed they are most definitely in her corner. Even when she is defying authority you can’t help but give a little “go for it” cheer quickly followed by the feeling that her actions are going to come back and bite her in the butt big style. Then again if you work in a place where the majority of your colleagues hate you and would happily see you gone, why would you want to play by their rules? We also get to learn a little more about her background and why she turned her back on what could have been a much quieter and safer life. As the book progresses you do have to wonder just how much more Con, and her family can take as once again things get close to home with an ending even I was not expecting.

This book has a decidedly darker feel to it than the previous one but with Madame Rose making another appearance along with a couple of other familiar faces its not hard to see why there is also a more mystical and otherworldly feel to it although how much of it is down to true beliefs or one person’s mad ideals is anyone’s guess. There are still plenty of lighter moments in the book, and these are a welcome foil to the harshness of the murders that take place giving the perfect balance for the reader. The pacing of the book is one that I have come to expect from James Oswald as he always manages to keep the reader engaged and ready for the next twist. I cant wait to see what he throws at Con next and just hope that she comes out the other side unscathed

Thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in the Constance Fairchild series. I’d recommend reading these in order to benefit more from the ongoing storyline.
So many intriguing characters that I still want to discover more about. I was hooked with this and await the next in the series with baited breath.
4.5 stars

This one I found hard to categorise. The protagonist is quite prickly, not easy to warm to, but worth the effort to do so. After being such a fan of the McLean series, it took me a bit to get into this, but I now look forward to reading more of Con.

After the events of the first novel of this series Constance Fairchild, or Con as she prefers to be called has only just returned to London. She's still on suspension, being harassed by the press, her fellow police officers hate her. And to top things off she finds a injured and horribly mutilated young man practically on her doorstep. When she should be keeping her head down she finds herself thrown into a nationwide series of ritualistic murders....

This, despite the gruesome discovery right at the start of the novel, is a little slow to get going, and as with the last book it took me a little time to warm up to Con again. But if you feel the same way when reading please persevere. It's really worth it. Once it gets going it's pacy, exciting and hard to put down.

If you are a fan of the same author’s DI McLean books there are a few teasers here to entertain: the lead character, DC Constance Fairchild, makes visits to Edinburgh where she bumps into a few favourite characters from the McLean series; the faint aroma of the supernatural, somewhat implausibly hanging around the investigation that DC Fairchild is supporting; and - as with the McLean series - most characters are generally well drawn within a pleasingly fluent narrative.

For this reader, however, in stark contrast to the DI McLean books, the lead character rather struggles to convince. It’s not easy to say In what precise way that this manifests itself, but the rather too many cliches certainly don’t help - a privileged and even titled background (DC Lady Fairchild no less), rather too much action for a humble Detective Constable, alienation from many fellow officers, an unsympathetic boss.....just for starters.

Having got that off my chest I will concede that Nothing to Hide was an entertaining read, and is unlikely to disappoint most readers. But to readers new to James Oswald the best advice is surely to read the available books in that series as a priority. And a modest plea to James Oswald - more DI McLean please....and easy on the supernatural dimension!

Maverick "Posh (Met) Cop" DC Constance Fairchild is suspended from duty. Hounded by the tabloid press, she is ordered to keep a low profile. But trouble seems to follow Con, whilst putting out the rubbish she finds a badly mutilated boy. Soon she is on the trail of a religious cult with links to a series of gruesome ritualistic killings that takes her to Edinburgh. This gives Oswald the chance to introduce a welcome crossover from his Inspector Tony McLean series, when Con meets up with Madame Rose; PC Harrison and Grumpy Bob. A fast-paced spooky police procedural that will keep you hooked.

With thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC.

DC Constance Fairchild is not your average detective. She is from an aristocratic background, although she has turned her back on that. She is also currently suspended following an extremely high profile case she's just cracked.
So when she comes home to her flat and finds a young man, naked, mutilated and barely alive just outside, she is thrust into a nationwide hunt for the perpetrators of not only this victim but as quickly becomes apparent, there are numerous other cases tied to this one.
Even though she remains suspended throughout most of the case she finds herself drawn in and becomes pivotal in the ongoing investigation.
Throw in a charismatic and high profile cult leader, some brilliant and extremely likeable supporting characters and you have a heady mix.
James Oswald has really struck gold with this new series. One that I'm looking forward to following.

DC Constance Fairchild is not living the best moments in her working life, she uncovers a senior police officer in a disturbing case, so she’s not well seen by her partners. The press doesn’t like her either, she is too “posh”; so her boss wants her to stay out of the public eye for a while. But of course it can not be so easy! She will find a dying man near her house and it seems that is not the only case with similar MO; you can’t expect that she will not stay away from it. 😉
This is my first case of Cons, but I’ll have to say that I really liked her style; perseverant and brave, doesn’t have any doubt to risk her life to discover the truth, of course following all the clues she finds on her investigation. I was a little surprised with the taunt of “paranormal” in the case, it was not too evident, but it was original.
I missed that we really don’t know much about Cons or her thoughts, maybe in the next case we will discover more about her insight perspective and a little bit more of personal life. Because we will meet her family, but her relation is quite special to say the least, we will meet a few of them in a wedding Cons will have to go…
This is a series that I will follow for sure, I liked the main character and I am intrigued with how the author describes the character and creates the plot.
Nothing To Hide has a little bit of everything that any crime lover searches for a book, you have to read it to discover it by yourself!

There is something I love about authors who sneak mentions of their other works into books.

Stephen King does it all the time with his Castlerock based stories. When it happens it’s like bumping into old friends you haven’t seen in years.

James Oswald fills this book with easter eggs and references to his hugely successful Inspector McLean Series. Locations and characters that will fill McLean fans with unbridled joy when they pop up. Yet Oswald still manages to do it in a throwaway, blink or you’ll miss it fashion that won’t confuse or deter readers new to this, the Constance Fairchild Series.

I was blown away by No Time To Cry So much so I wondered if Oswald could reach the same heights with the often difficult second in the series. I needn’t have worried, he’s knocked it out of the park again.

Oswald’s USP if you will, is his ability to weave just the right amount of supernatural into his stories in such a way that he leaves it open to the reader to decide if they are spooky goings on, or just easily explained coincidence. It makes his novels a little like a choose your own adventure story. You want to believe that Madame Rose lives in a magic house you can, or if you want to believe Constance doesn’t leave the house for three days because she’s exhausted – you can. It’s so cleverly done, in all of his books. So you kind of get a two for one deal. A police procedural, and a fantasy book rolled into one.

James Oswald also writes complex characters. While you can’t help but root for Constance in her battles with her superiors, her family, the paparazzi and the books villain; I’m not a hundred percent sure she sometimes doesn’t deserve what she gets. Perhaps that’s what makes her such an interesting heroine. The incidental characters in Oswald’s books are never just that. Mrs Feltham, Con’s neighbour – a favourite from the first book with her kindness and curries gets to play a great role in Nothing To Hide and I look forward to the possibility of her playing a bigger part in future books.

There’s a lot going on in Nothing To Hide. Con on the run from The Press, trying to carry out Police work on the sly while being on suspension, possible dare I say it…? Future romantic interest all while tracking down the perpetrator of horrendous ritualistic crimes on young members of a cult. Something Oswald does really well is weave these plot threads all together into an exciting fast paced and above all believable story.

Gruesome at times, something that Oswald has been criticised for in the past, most notably by himself. Nothing To Hide never takes this too far. The criticism is unwarranted in my opinion. The now changed opening to “Natural Causes” the first Mclean novel is the reason I fell in love with his writing. If you can track down an original, unchanged copy I’d recommend it if you aren’t squeamish.

I have to give special mention to Rose Akroyd, the voice actor on the excellent Audible version of both Constance Fairchild books. Her performance is outstanding and she gives life to all of the books characters, especially Con whose voice in my head is now eternally linked to Rose’s.

Left with a tantalising cliffhanger as to why one of Con’s colleagues dislikes her I am left chomping at the bit for the 3rd book in this excellent series. Add to that the prospect of Tony McLean teaming up with Fairchild and I feel like volunteering to help James Oswald on the farm so we get the next book quicker.

I’m a huge fan of this author’s books as they are always fantastic, gritty and dark stories which I really enjoy! This story had a bit of a modern feel to it as it included witch doctors and spice addicts which have both been in the news recently. This instantly intrigued me and also made the story seem very real as I knew that some of the things in this book could actually happen.

I loved Constance Fairchild, the main character, and the attitude she has to what other people think which was very inspiring. She really doesn’t care what others think of her and is able to stand up for herself when needed which had me cheering for her in all the awkward situations she finds herself in. I liked that she is so supportive to other female police officers and lends her support to them when needed. My frustration with how her colleagues were treating her meant I was firmly on her side and I wanted to keep reading to find out if she would prove them all wrong.

Part of this book is set in Edinburgh, which is one of my favourite cities so I enjoyed following Constance on her visit there. This part also features a bit of a cross over with characters from the MacLean series which as a huge fan of the series I found hugely enjoyable. I’d love the two teams to feature in future books!

I found this a fast paced, gripping read which I found hard to put down. There are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader very interested in the story, which helped keep me guessing what was going on. I had to keep reading to find out what was happening and to see if Fairchild comes out on top again.

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Wildfire Books for my copy of this book. I can’t wait to read more!

Wow, what an absolutely fantastic book this was to read, I literally was gripped from the opening pages right through to the very end. I haven't read book 1 (of this series) but think there is enough mentioned to get the gist of what happened in it so you can go straight into book 2.

I especially loved the character of Con Fairchild, in this book and I liked how too there were a few characters from Oswald's Tony McLean series in it too, which made it another thing to love about the book.

Definitely a book to be read and savoured!

I’ve only just finished the first in the series, No Time To Cry,  which was excellent, so couldn’t wait to crack on with this and find out what was happening with Con.

Still suspended from her job after the events of book 1, Con returns to London after a sojourn in Scotland, hiding from the gutter press, who follow her around after both the events of book 1 and also for who she is ( you need to read the books 😃)

Unfortunately when she gets home she’s stil being harassed..

When Con then finds a barely loving young man in an alley at the back of her flat, Tongue and other body parts removed, she can’t help but find herself involved again while suspended.


With a possible new ally, in DC Karen Eve, and the return of Madame Rose, Con heads north again to investigate.

Meanwhile her brother Ben, and long time friend Charlotte are now to be married, meaning Con, once again has to face her estranged parents.

With a sinister seeming church group, black magic and Muti, James Oswald as ever writes his tale with a twist of something dark and Macabre, and as ever its excellent.

Con is again a compulsive engrossing and original character, and her relationship with Mrs Feltham, her neighbour is growing stronger as Mrs Feltham and her curry's plays a more prominent and quite intriguing role this time around.

Compelling, addictive, grisly stories, that are fast paced and with thrills and punches come at you powerfully.

Brilliant.

Highly Recommended

5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Second book in the series, but first of mine, the book featured a braveheart DC Constance Fairchild who was back home just to stumble upon a badly mutilated boy, barely breathing. Soon embroiled in the investigation, her discoveries led to roads unknown and facts anew.

My first book by James Oswald, the suspense soon built up slowly as pages turned. The book was written with great precision with Con as the center stage, who attracted trouble which helped her to solve the difficult crime. The other characters too played their part and were quite beguiling. PC Karen Eve and Madam Rose, especially.

The author linked the crimes dramatically, bringing it close to home, and Con soon had a fight on her hands. I didn't like her much, I hoped she would investigate more zealously. But she managed to get the job done. Breaking free of rules and shackles, it was Con who led the book to a dramatic finish.

Overall, a good read.

Nothing to Hide is the second book in James Oswald’s Constance Fairchild series, and it is a real corker. I thought the first book in this series was good, but I think the second is even better and I read it fast. It does deal with some very dark themes, and it pushes Constance or ‘Con’ as she prefers to be known; only her mother calls her Constance, to the brink.

When we last saw Constance, she had just uncovered a serious case of corruption within the police force after the death of her colleague and friend a short while beforehand. Since her discovery, several of her colleagues have turned against her. There is a sense that she is very much on her own in this book. She has also had to face the brunt of the media who are constantly pursuing her. It doesn’t help as well that she comes from a very different background to most of her colleagues. Her family are descended from nobility, and she came from a background of wealth and privilege; however, her father cut off her inheritance when she went against her parents’ wishes by joining the police force.

I think it’s Constance’s background story that makes her character feel fresh, to me. There aren’t many fictional detectives that I’m aware of, who are descended from nobility. This is what makes her so fascinating. I also like how James Oswald has blended this book in with his other series, which features DI Inspector McLean. Although McLean doesn’t make an appearance, several other characters do, including Madame Rose, and there’s even a reference to Grumpy Bob. But if you haven’t read the Inspector McLean, you don’t need to have done so to read this book. Perhaps in the future, McLean and Connie may team up which would definitely be interesting to see.

The case which Constance is investigating is a very dark one. She has recently returned to her flat in London, only to discover a man, barely alive, not far from her home, who has been severely mutilated. Although she is meant to be on suspension, she becomes quickly sucked into the case and investigates quietly in the background against the orders of her superiors. During her investigations, she comes across a Church movement who claim to be doing their best for drug addicts and the homeless in the area. And her mother has become very fond of a man connected to the Church, although Con believes he has more of an eye for her mother’s money.

I was utterly gripped to this book, and I managed to finish it in just a couple of sittings. There is high drama right from the first page. Constance Fairchild is fast becoming a favourite fictional detective of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

A new James Oswald book is always eagerly awaited and this Constance Fairchild book did not disappoint. A little slow to get going but once it was underway the story gathered its own momentum and became totally absorbing.
Constance is not as immediately appealing as Oswald’s other character Chief Inspector McClean, but she is brave and committed to the point of being occasionally foolhardy, and gets the job done in her own inimitable fashion. Oswald does a fine job of painting his characters and their relationships, and also of describing the scenes of crimes - not for the fainthearted, but totally convincing. The plot unfurls in an absorbing fashion and the ending feels replete, but with scope for more in Constance’s story. A most enjoyable read.

Oswald's series of McLean novels have made for excellent reading so I was excited to read this latest. Unfortunately, I haven't read the first in the Fairchild season and my enjoyment of this story suffered badly as a result.

Much of the backstory depends on an understanding of events from the first in the series and the crime story itself is a little thin and predictable. The villain of the piece is flagged up early in the story and the motivation for the killings is also identified very early on. Despite that, events chug along at a decent pace and the writing eschews description in favour of narrative drive, necessary for this type of fiction.

I was left unconvinced by Fairchild and her unique USP as a minor but reluctant aristocrat. She starts the novel suspended but is active in enquiries throughout and her love/hate relationship with a journalist mirrors a similar relationship in the McLean series. The parallels even extend to a brief sojourn with Madame Rose and her apparently supernatural capabilities.

This story pales in comparison with other Oswald stories and I'm not sure there is enough here to convince me to continue reading this particular series.

(I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

This is the second of James Oswald's new series that features DC Constance ‘Con’ Fairchild.

She has found herself suspended from duty after the conclusion of the previous book and still manages to get involved in a series of ritual sacrifice murders throughout the UK. She stumbles on a body in the bins behind her flat but the man turns out to be alive but has had his tongue and gentians removed.

This leads to a trip to Edinburgh where she meets characters from the DCI Maclean books when she stays with Madame Rose in Leith. I love that the different series are beginning to intermingle!

We also get introduced to new characters in London - PC Karen with a K Eve and Superindent Sanderson amongst others.

I do feel as if the story of Muti magic has been done before and in a better way. The narrative I felt didn’t really commute the horror behind the murders and more could have been made of the final death as it felt like a side note rather than the shock it could have been.

Despite that I loved the book. I have grown to like Con and I like Oswald's writing style and I will be looking forward to the next in the series!

enjoyed the latest in this new series and the dark nature of it as well. liked the links Oswald is gradually doing with both of his series with common characters. felt this one was darker than the first one in the series and kept a good pace as well. hope he continues with his series and keeps the dark nature which makes him an interesting crime thriller writer.