Today I have the pleasure of reviewing the newly released (today) novel from Jane Isaac. Before I share my thoughts with you, here’s the blurb to give you the flavour of the book:
‘A refreshing female protagonist with guts and a heart…I was gripped.’- Ruth Dugdall
You think you know him. Until he’s dead…
When Cameron Swift is gunned down outside his family home, DC Beth Chamberlain is appointed Family Liaison Officer: a dual role that requires her to support the family, and also investigate them.
As the case unfolds and the body count climbs, Beth discovers that nothing is quite as it appears and everyone, it seems, has secrets.
Even the dead…
It has to be said that I do enjoy a good crime thriller, and this is a good crime thriller! The short prologue at the beginning was enough to tickle my interest and the rest of what I read did not disappoint.
The main character, DC Beth Chamberlain, is immediately likeable and easy to relate to. She lives a normal life – well, as normal a life that being a police officer will allow – and has the same standard problems that most of us live with. What really drew me to this character is that she just gets on with things. She doesn’t suffer with her nerves, she doesn’t have anxiety and she’s not up the wall dealing with stress. It was very refreshing to read about a woman who is simply capable and just gets on with it.
The story begins with Cameron Swift being shot on his driveway and, from that moment on, this reader found herself completely caught up in the story as each chapter, instead of giving clues towards the perpetrator of the crime, only served to add another layer to the mystery. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I do try to ‘solve the puzzle’ before I reach the finish line of the thrillers I read but this one had me stumped right up to the end.
There was plenty of ‘inside information’ on how the police work crimes of this nature and I found it very interesting to see the workings of a crime from the point of view of a Family Liaison Officer.
Overall, the story was well planned, well thought out and well executed. It flowed perfectly and, had there not been the small issue of a day job to attend, I could easily have read it in one sitting.
This is the first Jane Isaac book I have read but it most certainly won’t be the last.
So, now you know what I think of her book, let me introduce you to Jane and her own back story:
Jane Isaac lives with her detective husband (very helpful for research!) and her daughter in rural Northamptonshire, UK where she can often be found trudging over the fields with her Labrador, Bollo. Her debut, An Unfamiliar Murder, was nominated as best mystery in the ‘eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards 2013.’ The follow up, The Truth Will Out, was nominated as ‘Thriller of the Month – April 2014’ by E-Thriller.com.
After He’s Gone is Jane’s sixth novel and the first in a new series featuring Family Liaison Officer, DC Beth Chamberlain. The second DC Beth Chamberlain novel will be released later in 2018.
‘AFTER HE’S GONE’ is released on Monday 18th Jane 2018
and is available to buy on Amazon – After He’s Gone.
If you would like to follow Jane or connect with her, these are the details you require:
Twitter: Jane Isaac on Twitter
Website: Jane Isaac
I would like to extend my thanks to Jane who kindly sent me an advance copy of this book after I had expressed an interest in reading it.
My review is based solely on my opinion and nothing more. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much, I have purchased a copy for Mr Mogs to read. xx