Now on to the latest book in the Hannah Weybridge series, I really hope this is not the last one!!
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Perdition's Child (Hannah Weybridge Book 4) by Anne CoatesAmazon UK
Goodreads
Also by this author: Dancers in the Wind, Dancers in the Wind, Death's Silent Judgement, Songs of Innocence, A Tale of Two Sisters, Perdition's Child, Stage Call
Dulwich library is the scene of a baffling murder, followed swiftly by another in Manchester, the victims linked by nothing other than their Australian nationality. Police dismiss the idea of a serial killer, but journalist Hannah Weybridge isn't convinced.
She is drawn into an investigation in which more Australian men are killed as they try to trace their British families. Her research reveals past horrors and present sadness, and loss linked to children who went missing after the Second World War. Have those children returned now?
Once again Hannah finds herself embroiled in a deadly mystery, a mystery complicated by the murder of Harry Peters; the brother of Lucy, one of the residents of Cardboard City she had become friendly with. It soon becomes clear Lucy is protecting secrets of her own.
What is Lucy's link to the murders and can Hannah discover the truth before the killer strikes again?
“Have you seen what she’s done now?”
Rory looked up from the page proofs he was checking seeming neither surprised nor put out by the way Hannah had burst into the office. “Who?”
“That… that bitch Judy the not-so-bloody obscure?”
The news editor stared at Hannah. From his expression Hannah assumed he knew what was coming as she threw a press release across the desk. It was from a newish publishing house, Hallstone Books, announcing an amazing new thriller based on Judy Barton’s own experiences as an investigative journalist.
“Isn’t she under contract? Didn’t she have to sign the Official Secrets Act?” Hannah was incandescent with rage. She herself had had to sign all sorts of official forms after the death of Paul Montague, her daughter’s father. He hadn’t committed suicide while on remand but there had been a news black out on why he had been murdered. She was also tied by her contract with The News although she wondered if she would stay when it came up for
renewal.
Rory looked sheepish. “Judy resigned when George refused to have her back in the London office.”
Hannah flopped heavily into the chair near Rory’s desk. She was furious that Judy was profiting from her relationship with Paul. And, she had to admit too, she was worried about how she would be represented in the book – presuming there was a character based on her. Judy might, of course, have written her out of history.
“Could we get an advance proof?”
“Already in hand. George got Mr Legal Eagle himself to ask for the manuscript and believe me he’ll be going through it with the finest of toothcombs. George is absolutely furious and Lord Gyles isn’t exactly happy so I hear. Judy may just have shot herself in the foot.”
Hannah didn’t look reassured. “How? She could have a bestseller on her hands plus have settled a few scores.”
“Lord Gyles has various publishing interests. I think he was a financial interest in Hallstone Books.”
Hannah looked slightly mollified. “Well, I won’t hold my breath.”
“So, what are you doing in the office? I thought you were taking some leave?”
Hannah’s face flushed. “I was but to be honest I’m at a bit of a loose end. And when I received that press release I used it as an excuse to…”
“Invite me out for lunch?”
“If you’re not too busy?”
“No and I can’t think of anything I’d like better. You can tell me all about your loose ends.” He smiled. “I’ll just finish these pages and then I’m all yours.”
What do other reviewers say?
GoodReads Reviewer says:- Having read Dancers in the Wind the first book, in the Hannah Weybridge series, I eagerly anticipated reading this fourth book and it is an addictive read. Hannah, an investigative journalist, is a dedicated investigator. She believes justice for the victim is worth the personal danger. As a single mother, Hannah is a realistic character, with contemporary relatability. The 1990s setting means less advanced forensic science and technology, making deduction and intuition skills vital, for crime investigation. The plot is original and cleverly written, full of menace and twists, to keep you reading. There are connections to previously known characters, but the story is standalone.
Rambling Mads says:- Set in the 1990s and inspired by the real life cases of children wrongly sent to Australia during the Second World War, this is a clever, knotty thriller that takes in murder, government cover ups, child abuse and religious maniacs. Hannah Weybridge is a determined journalist and investigator, her connections to families of the men murdered make this case personal to her, but also puts her at great risk from a killer who wants to complete his mission.
Books and Emma says:- This is a story dripping in tension, from the mystery around the case to the added darker elements of been in the killers mind, This is a book that once you find your footing it knocks you sideways with another killer twist. Hannah as a character is relatable, a single mother to a toddler but with a passion for the truth which is all encompassing, you both cheer for her and grimice as she gets too involved AGAIN! but with every victim you really feel that passion in her actions and her work.
Charlotte’s Picks says:- As the book progressed I was lost as to what the outcome would end up being, I had no clue how they were going to solve the investigation, let alone who the culprit would be or who would be next in line to be a victim of murder! This made the book even more fascinating, being a reader and not knowing what was going to happen next makes it a great read, as well as the way it was cleverly written. It makes me want to go back and read the rest of the books in the series!
carhicks says
I was happy to see that this series is available on KU, so will be putting it on my wish list, as in, when I get some time.