Series: Eddie Collins #5
Published by The Ink Foundry on June 21 2019
Amazon UK
Goodreads
Jessica Ripley didn’t kill her ex-husband. But everyone thinks she did. After serving twelve years for his murder, it’s time to get her own back on those who put her inside.
During those twelve years, Jessy’s son, Michael, has turned against her. Whatever mercy Jessy had for her intended victims, just blew away.
CSI Eddie Collins is having a hard time watching his father enjoying life. He’s also having it tough in the form of two new recruits to his office. One is off his tree on drugs and the other
wants his job.And then the murders begin.Can Eddie trust the evidence, or is someone twisting it, desperate to get even? And who did kill Jessy’s ex?
Today I welcome Andrew Barrett to my blog, as I help close the tour for his book The Death of Jessica Ripley, be sure to check out the other bloggers today! Els @ B for Bookreviews, Sharon @ The Eclectic Review and Shaun @ Shaun Baines
✮ My Review ✮
Confession time, I came to the Eddie Collins series late, how late? Well, this is my first book, whoops! My god, I loved it! Eddie is just such a welcome and refreshing character! He really does not take any rubbish from people and I was chuckling most of the time he was the page. He is damn good at his job and so in a way he can act the way he does. However, it really gets on people’s nerves! Observer here just laughed!
Jessica is released from prison after 12 years for a murder she didn’t commit. She lost the one thing she loved, and now she has to adjust to a new life outside. All she wants to do is reconnect with her boy, but the reality of her situation takes over and all she is left with is anger! She is a woman who lives in fear, she does not know any different. Prison changed her, and a meeting with an old acquaintance ignites a fire she didn’t know she had and we see this new side of her. However, will everything end with hearts and flowers?
The book is separated in sections by the day they are on, I.e. day one, day two etc and then the chapters flit between Eddie and Jessica. It is easy to keep track of whose chapter it is because their voices are so succinct and different. It makes it easy to fall into the trap of one more chapter, as they are short and snappy and they all pack a punch. So much is happening in each section and the book overall and it is one rollercoaster of a ride. I was shocked by all the revelations that unfurled in front of my eyes. Just so many wow moments!
I love how we know who the murderer is and we follow their journey and reasoning for everything. Watching the internal conflict within them, struggling at first, to complete the task and to an extent, you can feel for them…I said to an extent. It gave the story a complete picture and just wondered how much longer it could carry on. The ending, well it surprised me and it was quite tragic, not what I expected. Those closing words, well, it was like watching a movie and it ends unexpectedly and the silence that follows as you try to digest what you have just watched.
I found this completely fascinating being from the point of view from the CSI. I toyed with the idea at university of giving up my degree in Accountancy and retraining as a CSI as the murder house on campus always intrigued me. I love how much focus is on the Forensic science aiding the case, and the different processes that can break a case. Damn, I should’ve retrained !! The fact that the author is a CSI you know that the information, technical processes is fact, add yet another layer to this already impressive story.
I really have not read anything like this before. It zips along, no holds barred and takes you on a journey of a one sarcastic, cheeky, grumpy and endearing man trying to keep his head afloat, solve murders and trying to have a life. See I told you it packs a punch! Despite the fact so much is going on, the characters are given room to grow and be themselves, they all hold the limelight in their own way. The first four books are on already on my Kindle and screaming to be read, and I think my summer will have to consist of Eddie as I have to serve my fangirl crush on this grumpy ole man!
Until next time xxx
Here is a catch up from the tour in case you have missed any of the other posts!
The Bookwormery says
There’s so much going on with the murders, office politics and personal issues of those involved…an absolutely gripping thriller with a dark edge and plenty of twists along the way…..I can thoroughly recommend it
Books from Dusk Till Dawn says
Eddie really has his work cut out as everything seems on the line for him, his career, his personal life and this case that seems so obvious that it can’t possibly be that simple. A cracking storyline with my favourite CSI. What I would give to be a fly on the wall in his house. A sheer joy to read.
Andrew Barrett, you make me homesick for my Yorkshire with your writing it is captured to such perfection.
Jessicamp Reviews says
There’s something about Andrew Barrett’s writing that I’m drawn to. Always a faster pace, developed enough characters to where you can connect with them (and it’s always fun seeing Collins grow throughout the series), a solid mystery, and plenty of gory murders.
Booksaremycwtches says
Why did I enjoy this new instalment in the CSI Eddie Collins series? Like all the others, it’s packed with fabulous characters, great storylines, lots of twists and turns and oodles of tension. It’s one of the best thriller series going currently and I struggled to put this new novel down. From page one to the last page I was addicted to the story and revelled in being able to spend time with one of my favourite characters.
Seans Book Reviews says
The story is very interesting and what i really like is that it is not normal. I think the crime scene investigations is not a common event that I have seen. I think that’s why I keep liking this series as it shows a side that isn’t always shown.
Curled Up With a Good Book says
This was a fast-paced and gripping story with so many twists and turns! Obviously we know who is committing the crimes but you have no idea who might be next, and in what hideous form they’ll be murdered!
Baker’s Not So Secret Blog says
This is an unputdownable read which I read in one sitting…..totally, totally addictive with plenty of twists and turns and OMG moments. Which I highly recommend giving it all the stars.
Nicki’s Book Blog says
Oh I love Eddie! You know when someone is quick witted and you think “I wish I had thought of that witty and clever response”? Well that’s Eddie. He plays the fool, but is anything but. Andy is a master of words and it takes a stunningly clever and analytical mind to think up not only the brilliant plot and characters that come to life but also the very clever retorts for Eddie.
Ginger Book Geek says
Oh. My. Goodness. Me. I had stupidly forgotten how bloody brilliant Andrew’s writing is. As soon as I started reading ‘The Death Of Jessica Ripley’ I realised that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down and all plans for the rest of the day would have to be cancelled. I just couldn’t bear to tear myself away from this thrilling story. I initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but half a dozen chapters later and I was still sitting there reading
The Divine Write says
This is a fast paced thriller with humorous banter between Eddie and practically every other character, I really liked Eddie, he is such a non PC personality that it is refreshing to read.
The Death of Jessica Ripley is a wicked and wonderful story of revenge and retribution, perfectly plotted by the author, with a cast of lovable, loathable, and believable characters, and it had me gripped from the first to the last.
The Midnight Review says
I was looking forward to reading a full Eddie Collins novel and this certainly lived up to expectations. The pacing is perfect, the book is written in quite short chapters which really helps to pull you through. I sat and read this in two sittings. A story that you feel goings to be quite obvious catches you off guard several times. A brilliant crime thriller and any fans of the genre should get acquainted with Eddie ASAP.
Donna’s Book Blog says
This story is excellent, it has everything I look for in a book, it is well written, has a brilliant plot and some superb characters – and I love that cover!!
The plot is very good and I found it to be a completely addictive read. I love this author’s writing style and he has created a book that had a great flow to it that was an easy and very enjoyable one for me to read.
Check out an extract over at Turn The Page to see what the fuss is all about!
Thank you so much to Sarah at BOTBS Publicity for the tour invite and the author for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Sarah Hardy says
Thanks you Zoé for closing off the blog tour today x
Zoé says
Thank you for having me x
Andy says
Thanks for a superb review, Zoe. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the new CSI Eddie Collins book. And the ‘catchup’ was a great touch. And yes, you should have ditched accountancy 😉
Zoé says
I wish I had ditched it now ??♀️ oh I am so glad you enjoyed my review! I am looking forward to catching up with the other Eddie books! He is an absolutely brilliant character!