I was sent a copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Death at Rainbow Cottage – please do check out the other stops on the tour. Thanks go to Rachel’s Random Resources and the author for allowing me to be a part of this tour.
About The Book
At the end of the rainbow, a man lies dead.
The apparently motiveless murder of a man outside the home of controversial equalities activist Claud Blackwell and his neurotic wife, Natalie, is shocking enough for a peaceful local community. When it’s followed by another apparently random killing immediately outside Claud’s office, DCI Jude Satterthwaite has his work cut out. Is Claud the killer, or the intended victim?
To add to Jude’s problems, the arrival of a hostile new boss causes complications at work, and when a threatening note arrives at the police headquarters, he has real cause to fear for the safety of his friends and colleagues…
A traditional British detective novel set in Cumbria.
My Review
I had previously read another book in the series – I spoke about it here – and enjoyed it so was eager to see what this one had to offer. Now I will say first that this is book 4 and the book I originally read was book 2. I haven’t yet read book 1 or 3 and whilst I didn’t find it hard to get into book 2 not having read book 1, I did find it a little strange in book 4 as I had obviously missed out some of the elements of the third book which came into play here. This didn’t stop it from being an enjoyable read however – I was just a little confused by a few things at first but soon got into the story. If you haven’t read any of the series, this makes a great stand alone book too!
As mentioned in my review of the previous book, I really like the characters of Jude and Ashleigh and I especially like the dynamic they now have in this book. I’m not as much of a fan of Becca now though!
The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a niggle about who it could be but put it to the back of my mind as I just couldn’t find a motive and changed my mind about who it could be. It turns out I was right and the motive made complete and utter sense but I just couldn’t find it at first!
The introduction of the new boss Faye Scanlon plays into both the investigation as she herself is targeted as well within the personal lives of some of the officers – just what secrets does Scanlon hold with another member of the team?
I will admit Tammy infuriated me throughout this book – her reactions were completely ridiculous – she knows the job and knows no stone can be left unturned yet acts like it is a personal affront when her own family is questioned. Yes, by all means defend your family – but as an officer, you can’t expect one rule for other people and one for your own kin when it comes to solving a crime!
This was quite an intense read when you consider what the common factor is among the victims but it was written well and kept me gripped throughout.
4 stars from me!
About The Author
Jo Allen is the author of the successful DCI Satterthwaite series of detective novels set in and around the English Lake District, where she lives. After a career in economic consultancy she took up writing and was first published under the name Jennifer Young in genres of short stories, romance and romantic suspense. In 2017 she took the plunge and began writing the genre she most likes to read – crime. In common with all her favourite characters, she loves football (she’s a season ticket holder with her beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers) and cats.
Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
You can buy the book here {affiliate link}.
I’m starting to read more widely at the moment and trying out different genres, it is really enjoyable. Thanks, I think this sounds good and like a book I’d enjoy. Mich x
It’s good that this wasn’t an easy one to work out, although you probably want to go back and read book 3 now! x
I can see why could be confusing especially as you missed but of the story but good to know I can read this as a standalone book.
Sounds like a good read. It’s great that you could just pick this up too without reading the first three
I love when a book gets high ratings, would definitely plan to add this to my reading list but I would most probably add the earlier books as well to ensure a good flow