I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Somebody’s Daughter’, the seventh in the Detective Natalie Ward series written by Carol Wyer, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DCI Natalie Ward has been newly promoted to lead a new super-unit and her colleague Lucy Carmichael is the new detective inspector. Their first case is when the body of a teenage girl identified as Amelia Saunders is found dead in Samford’s West Gate car park. The following day the body of Katie Bray is discovered on a park bench. They suspect Tommy, drug-addict and pimp, to be involved as he has connections to both girls but when a wealthy woman is next to be murdered and has ‘Guilty’ written on her forehead Natalie and Lucy start to doubt their earlier assumptions. This is a tough case for Natalie as every time she sees the body of a young girl it reminds her of her own daughter Leigh who died just over a year ago.

‘Somebody’s Daughter’ is another excellent and tense thriller featuring Detectives Natalie Ward, Lucy Carmichael and Murray Anderson who are part of an intelligent and well-rounded team. It has a gripping plot with lots of drama, suspense and intrigue, and although I tried to figure out the identity of the killer I failed miserably. I’ve enjoyed reading more of the characters’ backgrounds and how they juggle their private lives whilst coping with a very demanding job. This is a totally addictive action-packed thriller that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

I read one book from this series a while ago, but had no problem getting into the book. Even when someone's past is mentioned, the author weaves it so skillfully into the story that I could easily follow events.

The story itself grabs you from the beginning, when the first girl's body is found, and keeps you wondering how each case is connected as more bodies turn up. There are some great characters as well, each one adding subtle layers as their role in the story is slowly revealed.

The author also treats the subject of homelessness with great sensitivity, and brings a harsh reality into her novel in a way that touches you emotionally and makes you think. Teenage girls running away from home is nothing new, but there is a darker side which everyone should be made aware of, and the author does this in Somebody's Daughter. A well written book that I highly recommend.

Just finished reading this one - couldn't put it down!
Carol Wyer's series have become some of my favorite books and this newest chapter in the Natalie Ward series does not disappoint!

The books can be read as stand alone, but also have continuing themes that make the series fun to follow.

Some time has passed between this book and the last - it is interesting to see how the characters have developed. The mystery was difficult to figure out, until about 3/4 of the way through then it was an up all night situation to figure out how the team put the puzzle pieces together!

Definitely recommend this one!

Oh my, I absolutely devoured this book!! Carol Wyer has done it again. Fast paced and gripped from the start. I couldn’t put it down, but I don’t want it to end. Fantastic book

A great read! Really loved the characters ! Enjoyed reading the book! I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one go!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of Somebody's Daughter in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #7 in the Detective Natalie Ward series and it just keeps getting better and better. I read this book in one sitting because I did not want to put it down.

The story starts off in the Prologue on August 16th but the main story range is from November 1st until November 5th. Nathalie Ward is a newly appointed DCI in this book and Lucy Carmichael has been newly appointed to the role of DI over team mate DS Murray Anderson, who isn't taking it very well. Also on their new super team are PC Ian Jarvis, PC Celeste Redshaw and PC Poppy Hardwick.

At the start of the story the body of a young girl is found in a parking garage. The following day another young girl turns up dead on a park bench in the rain. Are the two cases linked? An eye witness claims to have seen the same man and the same white van at both locations. Another day and another body is found in an alley but this one is slightly older and she has the word "GUILTY" written on her forehead in biro. Again the team is left to wonder if this is the same killer changing his MO or a totally different one. Following day another body is found and this time in the parking lot of a primary school with "GUILTY" on the forehead but this one is a male. The following day a body is found in the public gents with "GUILTY" on the forehead and they recognize this man straight away. The final body is fished out of the canal and it's someone that they have been searching for to assist in their enquiries.

The one thing they are sure of is that all the cases are linked but how and why. Interwoven through the story is an army unit serving in Kenya. How do an unnamed soldier and another soldier named "Whitey" fit into the main story? The story comes to a thrilling and dramatic end. The pages in this book practically turned themselves the story was so good. I can't wait for book #8 because I just have a feeling that it will only get better. If only there were more than 5 stars to give!

This is my second outing with Natalie Ward and just as gripping as The Secret Admirer. With her promotion to DCI, Natalie and her team are now housed in a brand new HQ. When the body of a young girl is discovered, Natalie's old team mate Lucy Carmichael, newly promoted to DI leads the investigation. But the new crime fighting unit is not without its problems - pressure from journalists, high expectations from senior level and worst of all a mole who is passing information to the press.. And then another girl is murdered...

This story is perfectly balanced between the case the team are working on and Natalie and Lucy's personal lives, which we glimpse from time to time. It's an addictive read, well written with lots of twists and turns and the pace never lets up. There are things you absolutely don't see coming. I have to say it did leave me with a feeling of real sadness about one of the characters in the story, although I'm not at liberty to say who. An excellent five star read. If you enjoy crime thrillers then you will absolutely love this...

Somebody’s Daughter is the seventh book from Carol Wyer in the Natalie Ward series.

This came as a good surprise as the series widens in scope, feeling like the start of something new.

A year has passed since the events of The Secret Admirer. A new, expanded, elite crime unit has been created and given new housings and means. Nathalie Ward, promoted to DCI, oversees the Unit while newly promoted DI, Lucy Carmichael, is the officer in charge.

The new unit is under much scrutiny, and is going to be tested right away as a teenager is found strangled. The team has only begun to organize the investigation when a second body, of a similar young girl, drops the very next day. Pressure builds up, the press evokes a serial killer, and the new crime unit, and her newly minted OIC, gets the higher-ups breathing on its collective necks. No expenses have been spared to create it, and a return on investment is paramount to the powers in charge.

Of course, as if they were jinxed, a third body drops, different from the other victims and high profile, because the unit wasn’t already under enough pressure and scrutiny. The fourth murder in as many days then derails all theories, and the team grows in desperation, feeling they have no clear direction. The suspects come and go, and the investigation keeps slamming into walls. DCI Ward doesn’t get to enjoy her new position, as it’s all hands on deck to prove the value of the new unit, and she has to do her share of field work again.

The team now being larger, new characters are introduced, and others take in importance. The focus of the book takes a step back from DCI Ward, and whole chapters, narrated in the third person, follow diverse members of the team, be it in the investigation or in their personal lives. This ensemble cast, and the manner in which it’s presented, is favorably reminiscent of Ed McBain, often considered as the true creator of the ensemble cop genre.

Last we rode along Nathalie Ward, she had two equally valuable detectives on her old team, Lucy and Murray. However, only one promotion to DI was available and Lucy Carmichael got it. The changing dynamics between Lucy, with her beginner’s doubts, and Murray, with his eagerness to ensure his place as next in line, make for an interesting part of the story, among a lot more of the same.

We learn a lot about Natalie Ward’s past, and what brought her to join the force, just in time for parts of this past to come and haunt her again. At the same time, the professional and personal lives of other members of the team now get equal attention. Of course, the surprise thrilling last acts of the previous book are also addressed but, it appears that this, and the revelations on Ward’s early life, serve as an introduction to what’s to come in the next installments.

Beware, as this book offers a window into a reality hidden in plain sight, people and events largely invisible to most. No punches are pulled, we get into the perpetrator’s psyche, and the story is heart wrenching at times, as much as eye opening. Carol Wyer did a lot of field research for this new entry in her series, and it shows through its authenticity.

The depth of the story, the complex mystery, the constant turns in the investigation, and the new direction towards a well balanced following of an ensemble cast, rise this novel up one star from the previous one, to the maximum rating.

And that’s not even considering the quality of the writing and the care given to the most minute details.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

I wasn't as keen on this instalment, I found the plotline a little confusing with victims becoming perpetrators etc Still it won't put me off reading the next one.

This was a great book and is an overall great series. Natalie is the leader of the newly established crime group, having just promoted Lucy to a DI position. The first body discovered is a teenage runaway who was involved in prostitution, quickly followed by a 2nd, and then the bodies start piling up. Lucy and Natalie are on the hot seat with their leadership to solve the string of crimes, as they are making their newly formed division look pretty bad.

The mystery around this story was good- the storytelling was pretty straightforward, with a few interspersed chapters from an anonymous point of view, which ties the story together later. I think I figured out who the villain was around the same time the team did, but even then there were some twists involved. The motive of the murders turns out to be unique and unexpected.

I normally don't like when books delve into the personal lives of the police detectives, as it often distracts from the story. Wyer does this really well, though, by giving you just enough information to understand/empathize with the characters, but not so much it pulls you away from the story. This is an impressive talent.

Overall, I liked this book and am loo,king forward to the next in the series. I'd recommend this for fans of the mystery and police procedural genres, and think it would also read well as a standalone if you haven't read the rest of the series.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this over a couple of days and found it quite hard to put down. Gripping, thrilling and with murders galore it’s nice to be back with Natalie who’s been newly promoted to DCI and her team. Each book gives you a little more insight into Natalie’s complex character and leaves you hungry for the next instalment. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

This is book 7 in the series to feature Natalie Ward, now a DCI. I would recommend reading this excellent series in order, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the best police procedurals I have read. I loved the plot, filled with twists, the character development is good and the emerging relationships within the team. A nice complicated and gritty storyline with a hint of Natalie's past coming back, makes this another very good read from Carol Wyer. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Another stunning read from one of my favourite authors, had me gripped throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.

I really enjoy the way Carol writes, she draws you into the story line so you can't put the book down, just brilliantly addictive with a satisfactory ending.

I can thoroughly recommend this book, a very worthy five stars from me and thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic book.

Thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the series and, as anticipated, this latest did not disappoint.

I was hooked from the outset. Intriguing storyline along the ongoing background story of Natalie and her team I devoured this in a day.

Already looking forward to the next instalment.

4.5 stars

Somebody’s Child is the seventh book in Carol Wyer’s Natalie Ward series and the first one I have read. I’m a big fan of Wyer’s DI Robyn Carter police procedurals and am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this Natalie Ward novel. I would highly recommend starting the series from the beginning as there are potential spoilers from previous books in this novel.

DCI Natalie Ward is overseeing the team now led by newly promoted DI Lucy Carmichael. It’s clear that not all members of the team are happy with this promotion but they must put aside their differences when one murder investigation becomes two then three in three days. The pressure is on for this new crime fighting unit to perform. As the body count climbs, Lucy faces pressure from her supervisor along with a team member leaking information to the press. This is a complex case involving runaway teens caught up in prostitution and a young wealthy woman found dead with “guilty” written on her forehead. Is there one killer or two? Are the multiple murders connected somehow or is it a coincidence that all have been strangled?

I enjoyed this dark and challenging investigation and found this book difficult to put down. I liked how Natalie’s past impacts her view of the cases to be solved and will be picking up The Birthday, book one in the series. Lucy doubts her skills and does make some rookie leadership mistakes. I’m sure she will find her feet as the series continues.

A string of murders challenges the entire team.

I’m absolutely furious with myself that, even though I have read Carol Wyer’s lighter fiction, I haven’t actually read one of her crime thrillers before. I thought Somebody’s Daughter was an absolute cracker and thoroughly enjoyed it. 


Although Somebody’s Daughter is the seventh book in the Natalie Ward series, it didn’t matter at all that I haven’t read the others because Carol Wyer has a fabulous knack of providing just enough detail to ensure full understanding without slowing the pace or detracting from the present story. I loved meeting Natalie and the other characters and am now desperate to read the series from the beginning. I felt as if Natalie was a warm, vibrant person I had just met but who could become a firm friend.


I thought the structure of Somebody’s Daughter was so well done because the dated chapter entries give a fast and exciting pace and the technique of writing past events in the present tense has the effect of making them immediate and relevant as the narrative progresses. It’s a super plot that held my unwavering attention. I loved the fact that my guesses as to the perpetrator of a series of murders were totally plausible and yet turned out to be completely wrong. This made for brilliant entertainment and an enthralling read.


With a fast and exciting pace and credible characters Somebody’s Daughter has interest for any crime fiction lover, but even better for me was the underpinning humanity and the understanding Carol Wyer presents of how people are shaped and affected by their experiences and how easy it is for life to change dramatically. I loved the themes of family, loyalty and relationships at both a personal and societal level. The reader is given insight into very one of the characters in Somebody’s Daughter so that they come away from the book feeling as if they understand how better to interact in their own lives. The depiction of sex workers, the homeless and the impact of drugs seems meticulously researched and is thoroughly convincing. I felt quite affected by my reading.


Somebody's Daughter is a brilliant book. It entertains, enthralls and yet also educates with a deft touch so that reading Carol Wyer's writing is an absolute pleasure. I loved it.

Once again Carol Wyer has vividly and realistically brought Natalie Ward back to life. This time as the newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector and part of a newly formed crime squad consisting of staff from other units all offering a varied array of skills and experiences.

When the unidentified body of a teenage girl is found in a local car park, Lucy Carmichael, now the new Detective Inspector in Natalie's place, is put in charge of the investigation. As it's Lucy's first major investigation as DI, she seeks out Natalie for support and guidance.

But the body count soon rises and the team must use all their skills and resources to catch the perpetrator before yet more deaths can occur.

Love that we find out more about Natalie each time, both in her professional and private life.
Great to see old characters return and new ones added to this brilliant read which kept me hooked from start to finish.

Somebody's Daughter is an excellent addition to an already fabulous series.
Loved it and look forward to catching up with Natalie and team again in the future.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC for my honest review.

I was pulled into this book from the first page and could not put it down. It is a fast-paced race to catch a killer and I was along for the ride. This is the first book in the “Natalie Ward” detective series I’ve read from Carol Wyer, and I did not feel lost, or like I was missing information. I will however be going back to read the previous books in the series, because this one left me yearning for more.

Natalie Ward and her team are on the search for a killer. Natalie is struggling in her new role and want to get back to the streets. She has faith in her team, and that never falters. She backs them up when needed and is there to lend a helping hand. Partly because she loves her work, and partly because she is avoiding going home. This is the first case to come into the new super crime units’ grips and they are all eager to bring in the killer. Especially when more murders arise.

Lucy is second guessing herself after her promotion. She knows she can do it, yet she is met with dead ends and little to work with. There is a mole on the team leaking news to the press and she has the big wigs breathing down her neck to solve this case quickly. There is little to connect the victims. Can her team catch the killer before more bodies turn up?

Thank you to the author, Carol Wyer, publisher Bookouture, and Netgalley, for providing me with the ARC copy in exchange for my honest written review.

This is a great book! I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know the characters. As a mom it is like bringing out your worst fears you could have about your daughter's falling into the wrong situations and in some cases the end result isn't good. Thrilling read kept me guessing who it was, and how the ending played out. In the middle of the book it started talking about flashback situation which all of a sudden were just entered in so at first I thought it was a mistake and part of a different book, but then it falls into place after some more chapters that it goes with the story. I think if it was incorporated better it would make the story flow better, but overall still enjoyed the read and kept me interested in the story! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this.

I have read each and every book in the Natalie Ward series, and it just gets better and better. I love the way Natalie is portrayed as a human being first, and then an inspector. She has been promoted, and has to take more of a backseat when an investigation starts getting too close to home. Highly recommended!!!
TB