Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Flesh & Blood by Caroline Mitchell Series: DI Amy Winter #4
Published by Thomas & Mercer on April 22, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 329
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
A wave of apparent suicides hits a string of seaside resorts, but when a police officer is named as the latest to die, DI Amy Winter suspects there may be more than mere coincidence to these tragic deaths. But what dark motive could cause someone to throw themselves into the cold depths of the North Sea?
Someone in the community knows more than they are letting on, but Amy’s questions are met with resistance. A group of mysterious teenagers might hold the key, but why are they so afraid to talk? Meanwhile, after the release from prison of her serial killer mother, Amy is fighting her own demons.
In her toughest investigation yet, Amy must confront her dark past if she is to put an end to the carnage. What secret is so terrible that it’s worth killing a police officer for? Amy needs to find the answer, before the sea washes up any more bodies.
I bought the first in the DI Amy Winter series, Truth and Lies, as an Audible Daily Deal.  The second book, The Secret Child I was able to listen to on Kindle Unlimited. I got Left for Dead for review. The whole series is in KU, both ebook and audio are available.
I love police procedurals set in England so it was easy to start the series. There is always a case and since Amy is on a major investigations team, it is always serious, often dealing with a serial killer. I would read this series in order due to the progression in Amy’s personal life and the revelations about her family and even the changes in the team of co-workers.
I really liked the setup for this story with a police officer dying where Donovan used to work. There is the chance to get to learn about his old colleagues. There have been a string of suicides at seaside resorts and the team tries to find out if there are any connections.  Donovan and Amy struggle a bit with their new found notoriety from solved cases and keeping their personal relationship private. There are layers to the case. It’s exciting and dangerous.
Amy has her ongoing issues with her biological mother, and new problems with her sister, Sally Ann. She is uncertain about what she wants in her relationship with Donovan. She is also trying to figure out the case and incorporate the new team members who have their own problems.
I found some of Donovan’s reactions a bit over the top, as he was too close to the case. Amy seemed to be quite steady. She also has a way of gathering the facts and deducing the truth, putting it together almost better than is possible. But the clues are available if you are observant, and sort them together in the right configuration. At least, Donovan recognizes her skill is extraordinary.
Both the police case and Amy’s personal life seem to have a huge impact. I am looking forward to more in this world. The investigations and the personal situations of the characters are both fascinating to learn.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Flesh and Blood by Caroline Mitchell Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
Series: DI Amy Winter #4
Published by Brilliance Audio on April 22, 2021
Length: 9 hours, 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Audible
Narration:
I have listened to this narrator once before this series. I enjoy her performance , the voices are well handled and the pacing. I love these on audio because of the British setting. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
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About Caroline Mitchell
Caroline originates from Ireland and now lives with her family in a pretty village on the coast of Essex. A former police detective, Caroline has worked in CID and specialised in roles dealing with vulnerable victims, high-risk victims of domestic abuse, and serious sexual offences. She now writes full time.
Set in Shoreditch, London, her DS Ruby Preston trilogy is described as terrifying, addictive serial killer thrillers. Caroline also writes psychological thrillers. The most recent, Silent Victim, has been described as ‘brilliantly gripping and deliciously creepy’. Her new DI Amy Winter series is published by Thomas & Mercer.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
One of these days I’ll start this series as I have the first audiobook. Excellent review, Anne, and I like the narrator, too? Glad to see that four books in you’re still enjoying it.
Thank you Jonetta! yes I thin k it just gets better.
I think I’d enjoy this British police procedural, too. I like that her life is a big part of the story, too.
They are fairly short. I like the balance between the investigations and her life. The narrator is one I enjoy also.
I’ve read one by Caroline Mitchell, Detective Ruby Preston, and I enjoyed it, but I keep forgetting to continue with the series. I do love my police procedurals. I think I should try this one out especially if I can read and listen through Kindle Unlimited. That’s always a plus for me. Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I think I also have the one you mentioned but haven’t read it yet I like this one.