| Title | : | Deadly Secrets (Detective Erika Foster #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0751574848 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780751574845 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published April 13, 2018 |
On an icy morning, a mother wakes to find her daughter’s blood-soaked body frozen to the road. Who would carry out such a killing on the victim’s doorstep?
Straight off her last harrowing case, Detective Erika Foster is feeling fragile but determined to lead the investigation. As she sets to work, she finds reports of assaults in the same quiet South London suburb where the woman was killed. One chilling detail links them to the murder victim – they were all attacked by a figure in black wearing a gas mask.
Erika is on the hunt for a killer with a terrifying calling card. The case gets more complicated when she uncovers a tangled web of secrets surrounding the death of the beautiful young woman.
Yet just as Erika begins to piece the clues together, she is forced to confront painful memories of her past. Erika must dig deep, stay focused and find the killer. Only this time, one of her own is in terrible danger…
From the global million-copy bestselling author comes a totally heart-racing, hold-your-breath read that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Deadly Secrets (Detective Erika Foster #6) Reviews
-
Robert Bryndza I salute you! The 6th in the hugely popular Detective Erika Foster series is nothing short of brilliant!
It's a freezing cold snowy morning, when Mandy Brent awakes from her alcoholic haze to discover her daughter Marissa's blood soaked body, frozen to the ground just feet away from the the front doorstep.
Marissa Lewis was a beautiful 22 year old, and worked as a burlesque dancer in London's strip clubs. She was well known in the clubs, and had something of a reputation in her South London neighbourhood. It was common knowledge that she'd had affairs with at least two of her neighbours, both of them married men, and as we gain more knowledge of Marissa, it's not hard to see that she would have made a number of enemies. Running parallel to the murder, is the case of a stalker who attacks both men and women - witnesses describe him as very tall, and wearing black clothes - but what makes him stand out from the usual attacker is the fact that he always wears a gas mask adorned with small white squares around the mouth, giving the appearance of a leering grin, not unnaturally, this only adds to the fear that he inflicts. This dangerous individual apparently appears out of nowhere to terrify and attack his victims.
Well honestly, I loved everything about Deadly Secrets, loved the way we witnessed Erika's vulnerable side with some really heart melting moments. The police procedural work itself was excellent, with impressive use of smoke and mirrors, twists and turns. It was good to see Detective Moss take a leading role in the latter part of the book - in fact one of the most intense chapters involved Moss, and it was utterly gripping, I could not put it down! And by the way, that was a cracking ending, never saw that one coming!
I have to say that Robert Bryndza is without doubt one of our most talented crime writers, and long may that be the case. Can't wait for the next!
* Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Robert Bryndza for my ARC. I have given an honest review in exchange -
HAPPY PUB DAY!
As a long time fan of this series I gotta ask; how has Rob Bryndza kept us holding bated breath for so many years?! Typically (maybe 90% of the time?) I lose interest in long running series after the third book; at this point the author has usually lost their mojo or become too repetitive for my taste, but not here. Bryndza has created a memorable cast full of heart, soul, and wit that isn't found elsewhere. It's no secret that police procedurals can become stale and monotonous, but Erika Foster and her gang of humorous law enforcement agents have that special something that a reader looks for when committing their time on numerous occasions to the same atmosphere.
I hate delving into plot details for these novels, but the format reads fairly similar to the others in the series. The chapters are brief and snappy, holding the attention well and gripping you from beginning to end. We do get some unique perspectives, mostly from Erika but also from the darker side of the story (I'll not say more for risk of spoilers!) and from the teammates as well. The book is easy to breeze right through, the case(s?) pertaining to this installment were intriguing, and we receive some shocking development from one of our reoccurring characters. Duh duh DUH!!!!
All in all, this was a fabulous read. If you've enjoyed the previous novels in the series it's a sure bet that you'll love this one as well. If you haven't had the pleasure of diving into this series yet, please do yourself a favor and start at the beginning! There are some details mentioned here that would make it difficult to go back and enjoy the twists as they were meant to be absorbed in previous novels. In case you're new to Bryndza's work, The Girl In The Ice is the first book in the series and is currently being released in the US! Woo hoo! Well done Rob; I can't wait to read more about Erika and how she resolves a few things in her personal life. <3
Review copy furnished by the publisher. -
Deadly Secrets is highly addictive! If you pick this up, make sure you have time to read because you are not going to want to put it down!
Gritty police procedural about a man in a gas mask attacking men and women across London. This is a thrilling, intense addition to the Erika Foster series!
Unlike some other readers, this is only the second book in the series I have read, so my perspective might be a little different than others. Having recently finished The Girl in the Ice, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this--even if it meant skipping 4 books. I thought that there was enough background provided for me to not feel lost about what has transgressed in Erika’s life since book one--although I probably would have gained more having read the books vs. getting a brief synopsis regarding certain events.
I was enthralled right from the start, and couldn’t wait to see how things were going to play out. This a fast-paced read with succinct chapters; there’s a lot of action, and there’s also some interesting twists and turns. However, the mystery and plot are not the reasons to read this series--what makes this series a must read is the lovable cast of characters!
Erika is still dealing with demons from her past. Her personality hasn’t softened, and if anything she is moodier than ever (albeit there is a reason for this). However, her softer side shines through when she interacts with Edward, her late husband’s elderly father. She is a bit of a mess, extremely flawed, but she is also a powerful force to be reckoned with. Although she puts on a strong face, she is much more vulnerable than she seems.
I loved that Moss had a large role, but wish there had been more of Detective Peterson.
I had some issues with the ending, but quite honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. I was left wanting more of Erika, Moss, and Peterson. I can’t wait to catch up on all of the books I missed, while I wait for the next book in the series!
Warning: There are some graphically violent scenes, as well as some that are of a sexual nature.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. -
4.5 stars!
I am absolutely thrilled to say that ROBERT BRYNDZA has delivered another highly entertaining & enjoyable read here! I am a huge fan of Detective Erika Foster and this series and haven’t missed one yet. They are so good!
DEADLY SECRETS (Detective Erika Foster, #6) by ROBERT BRYNDZA is a fast-paced, dark, chilling, and gripping police procedural thriller that grabbed my attention immediately and held it right until that thrilling and unexpected ending.
ROBERT BRYNDZA delivers a well-written and captivating read here with a fresh and intriguing storyline. The characters are very likeable, engaging, and they always keep me highly entertained. I really enjoy Bryndza’s writing style!
I absolutely love Erika Foster’s character and really enjoyed seeing her character a little more vulnerable in this book.
To sum it all up it was an entertaining, exciting, tense, fast-paced and a quick read with a satisfying ending. Would recommend!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Robert Bryndza for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog:
Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com -
4.5 (rounded to 5 stars)
Fab, fab, fab!! Mr. Bryndza has come up with another highly entertaining read in his terrific Erika Foster series. I wasn’t as keen on the last book, Cold Blood, because much of the focus was taken off Erika and her colleagues. This time they are back and totally hog all the “airtime”, just the way I like it.
We have a two-pronged tale involving a dangerous stalker outfitted with a gas mask and the grisly murder of a beautiful burlesque dancer. I tried like crazy to figure out how these cases were going to dovetail, but dovetail they did, and in a most surprising way. I was totally shocked by the ending. The action clipped along at a nice pace, even the parts showcasing Erika’s personal side. As usual, Erika takes some blows in her private life, but this time she is at least trying to squeeze lemonade from the lemons. Erika has a very vulnerable side and this was on full display in Deadly Secrets, providing several heart-in-my-throat moments. Because of this aspect of the story I rounded my 4.5 rating up to 5 full stars, even though I am trying to be a more critical rater this year.
I also really enjoyed seeing Moss take the lead at one point in the investigation. We get to learn more about her personality and deficiencies. I hope Mr. Bryndza continues to develop her as well McGorry and Crane in future installments. Peterson is back, and it was great to see him recovered from his terrible injuries and returning to the team. Isaac Strong gets more time in this one; I would love to see him get even more in future books. I did find Superintendent Melanie Hudson a little bland, and I missed Marsh, but those are pretty minor issues.
With twisted plots, great police work, and engaging characters from a fine writer, Robert Bryndza’s Erika Foster novels remain one of my tiptop favorite series. I strongly recommend these books to all crime fiction/thriller fans looking for a fast captivating read with heart. -
EXCERPT: Marissa reached up to put her key in the lock, but the gate creaked behind her. She froze. There was a faint scrape, and then a crunch of feet on the snow. She slowly turned.
A figure in a long black trench coat stood behind her. Its face covered in a gas mask, with a hood made of shiny black leather, tightly enveloping the skull. Two large round glass eyeholes stared blankly, and the drum, or breathing apparatus, elongated the face down to where it hung just above the chest. The figure wore black gloves, and in its left hand was a long, thin knife.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: To commit the perfect murder, you need the perfect cover.
On a cold icy morning, a mother wakes to find her daughter’s blood-soaked body frozen to the road. Who would carry out such a horrific killing on the victim’s doorstep?
Straight off her last harrowing case, Detective Erika Foster is feeling fragile but determined to lead the investigation. As she sets to work, she finds reports of assaults in the same quiet South London suburb where the woman was killed. One chilling detail links them to the murder victim – they were all attacked by a figure in black wearing a gas mask.
Erika is on the hunt for a killer with a terrifying calling card. The case gets more complicated when she uncovers a tangled web of secrets surrounding the death of the beautiful young woman.
Yet just as Erika begins to piece the clues together, she is forced to confront painful memories of her past. Erika must dig deep, stay focused and find the killer. Only this time, one of her own is in terrible danger…
MY THOUGHTS: 'From the global million-copy bestselling author comes a totally heart-racing, hold-your-breath read that will keep you hooked until the very last page.' reads the publicity blurb. And it's right, 100%.
I picked up Deadly Secrets late in the afternoon, and read until it was finished, not daring to take my eye from the page. I love Bryndza's writing, have loved every one of the books in this series, but with Deadly Secrets he has surpassed himself. We need more than 5-stars!
Although he has produced an enthralling thriller, he also displays a sense of humour - there were a couple of places in Dark Secrets where I almost choked with laughter.
Erika's character continues to grow. Despite the years that have passed, she is still very emotionally attached to her deceased husband, Mark, although she is beginning to realise that she needs to carve out a new life for herself, and that may include someone new to share her life with.
Erika has lost no enthusiasm for her work, still feeling that frisson of both horror and excitement at the outset of a new murder case. But she has never lost her humanity, never become hardened by what she sees.
It is good to see Patterson back at work, albeit with a secret of his own, and Moss taking a more prominent role in this case.
Although Deadly Secrets could be read as a stand-alone, I strongly recommend that you start with the first book in the series to get the most from this magnificent crime thriller. I have read some brilliant books this year, but with Deadly Secrets, Bryndza tops the lot!
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Deadly Secrets by Robert Bryndza for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/... -
4.5 Stars
If you have not read this series, do yourself a favor and check it out. Seriously, READ this series!!! This book works very well as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend that you go back to the very first book (The Girl in the Ice) and begin there!!!! I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the Girl in the Ice and it blew me away. I have been a HUGE fan of this Author and series ever since.
This book begins with a murder of a young woman. The next morning, a mother wakes up to find her blood-soaked body frozen to the ground. Who would commit such a murder so close to the victim's home? Erika Foster is called to the scene and quickly learns that there have been a series of assaults close to the neighborhood where the young woman was killed. The assailant in the assaults dressed all in black and wore a gas mask. Could the cases be related? As Erika begins to investigate, she and her team uncover some interesting information about the murder victim, those who live in her neighborhood and the other victims of the assault.
Whew! What I love about Robert Bryndza's series, is that it is intelligent. He does not spoon feed his readers. His plots have several layers, and the subplots eventually will tie together in a believable and timely way. He has a lot of characters in his books from the detectives, the victims, their families, and the suspects. Although there are quite a few characters, it is very easy to keep track of everyone. There are several twists and turns, interesting characters, character development, great police work and realistic dialogue.
I also like that Erika is not a one-woman show. In this book, Moss steps up the plate as well. Plus, Bryndza's female detectives are strong women. Yes, they have some flaws, but they are hardworking, intelligent women. I really appreciate how he writes them and gives them depth! Plus, he continues to showcase his other characters as well. As I stated there is great character development and if you read this series, issues from past books will show up to either be resolved or continue in the next book.
This book is the perfect read for those who love mysterys, thrillers, police procedural, etc. The scenes are not overly graphic, so they should not turn off the majority of readers. I find this series to be riveting page turners, I am usually on the edge of my seat and often, as in this case, read his books in one sitting as I cannot put them down!
This book (as is this series) is very well-written, perfectly paced, captivating and quite an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
See more of my reviews at
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Dear Robert Bryndza,
I have to give it to you... you certainly know how to hook, line, and sinker ;). Wow what a ride my friends! Deadly Secrets is the sixth in the Detective Erika Foster series... and my goodness I loved it!
Having read the fifth Cold Blood in the series, I was disappointed... and it wasn't my favorite. BUT, Robert you have redeemed yourself with this one!
Can I just say how much I LOVE Erika Foster!! Between her wearing high heels in the snow investigating a murder to her passion to solving cold blooded killers I couldn't get enough.
Let me just sell you on why you NEED this book in your life:
1. Heart pounding moments
2. Strong/kick ass characters
3. Epic police work
4. Addiction to turning those pages (I devoured in a day)
5. Twists galore
6. Gas mask killer
I missed you Peterson! I just love him... he's such an awesome part of the team! I also really enjoyed Moss taking a lead role in part of the investigation as well. I'm hoping that Brynzda continues to develop her character more as the series continues.
Robert Brynzda's series continues to be one of my top favorites! I can't recommend enough this series enough!!
But.. my only teeny tinny issue with this one was the final twist. I couldn't wrap my head around it and had me thinking really? It just was a tad bit unbelievable to me. This is why I couldn't give full 5 stars.
Overall, a fab fab 4.25 stars!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and bookouture for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: 4/13/18
Published to GR: 4/7/18 -
Robert Bryndza delivers a stellar addition to this brilliant powerhouse of a series featuring the determined, 'take no prisoners' DCI Erika Foster, crime fiction set in London. This story opens up soon after the last book, it is Christmas and its a desperately cold freezing day. A hung over Mandy Brent encounters the harrowing and shocking sight of the frozen and blood drenched dead body of her 22 year old daughter, Marissa, just outside on the doorstep of her home. Marissa was a burlesque dancer calling herself Honey Diamond who performed at strip clubs. Erika finds herself at the murder scene, heading the investigation with her trusted and close knit police team hunting a serial killer.
Additionally, it soon becomes clear that there have been numerous assaults that have taken place in the same area, carried out by a menacing perpetrator dressed in black, wearing a gas mask with a mouth that gives every appearance of a creepy smile. Could these assaults be connected with the murder of the beautiful Marissa? Marissa turns out to be a person with dark secrets and questionable morals, leading a less than perfect life. She is well known in the neighbourhood, sleeping with local married men, engaging in blackmail, attracting unsavoury characters, all of which means there are a host of possible suspects with a motive to kill. Erika finds herself caught up in a family emergency and DI Kate Moss takes the spotlight, finding herself in dangerous waters as she steps up to lead the investigation. The hard working police team chase down various leads as they make progress in getting closer to the truth. They go down a myriad of paths, facing many unexpected twists leading to a monster of an ending.
Bryndza is a accomplished writer, the story's short chapters ratchet up the pace, tension and suspense as he spins a well plotted tale into a humdinger of a chilling thriller. His characterisation is what makes this a wonderful series, each book gives us further character development of Erika and her team. Erika is the central star, feeling her loneliness, with a conflict ridden personal life, health issues, which expose her vulnerabilities to us. She feels the loss of many of her hopes and dreams, sees all that could have been in her life disintegrate, leaving her focusing her energies to excel in her professional life, ensuring that she and her team solve their cases to the best of their abilities. Fantastic, entertaining and gripping novel, and I cannot wait for the next one in the series. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
-
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Bryndza, and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Robert Bryndza is back with another Detective Erika Foster novel that takes the reader on a heart-thumping adventure in a thrilling police procedural. While headed out for Christmas lunch, DCI Foster comes upon a recent murder scene and decides to lend a hand. What she finds is a slain Marissa Lewis, her body frozen to the ground after having had her throat slit the night before. Lewis, a burlesque dancer who used the name Honey Diamond, was quite well known around the community, though not always liked. It would seem that she was quite popular with some of the local men, though used her wiles to blackmail them and pad her own bank account. With the investigation in full-swing, Foster begins using some CCTV footage and witness statements to determine that the killer was likely wearing an odd gas mask, a photo of which appeared in a document dump from emails of an early suspect. As a number of those on the police radar take drastic measures not to be fingered for the crime, Foster and her team hear of a man attacking people in a similar gas mask. Might the cases be connected? When an urgent call from Manchester pulls Foster away from the case, the team turns to DI Moss, who is unsure if she can handle the pressure of being in charge. With the case heating up and leads emerging from numerous parts of Marissa Lewis’ life, Moss takes a gamble to bring the case to a close, all while DCI Foster wrestles with demons from her past. Bryndza keeps the reader guessing throughout this piece, with captivating twists in a story that will keep series fans up late into the night.
I have long enjoyed the writing of Robert Bryndza, particularly his work with DCI Erika Foster. Some may call the series too superficial for their liking, but there are times with a quick read police procedural checks all the necessary boxes. As with the previous five novels, this piece allows the reader to develop a closer relationship to Erika Foster, foraging through her personal life to touch a nerve, while also helping to build-up her strong police presence. Bryndza also seeks to personalise Erika’s struggle to move on after the loss of her husband and the pitfalls of finding that balance between work and a personal life. Foster remains a sharp character who answers to no one and seeks to find the minutiae in each piece of evidence to determine its validity. The handful of secondary characters in this story continue to develop as well, as Bryndza does offer scraps of information to flesh-out their work and personal lives. Readers can enjoy seeing this growth, which provides interesting sub-plots and offsets the intensity of the crimes central to the narrative. The story is clear and flows well, taking a few tangents, if only to allow the reader to be befuddled alongside the coppers. Bryndza weaves his narrative around two sets of crimes and merges them at just the right moment, only to leave gaps that need to be filled to solve the larger murder investigation. Through his use of short and choppy chapters, Bryndza offers up a story that cannot easily be put down and forces the reader to forge onwards, begging to know how things resolve in this high-impact case. To call the story addictive would be an understatement, even if there are police procedural purists who remain bitter on the sidelines.
Kudos, Mr. Bryndza, for another captivating novel in the series. I am eager to see how things will continue to evolve with DCI Erika Foster and her team in the coming novels.
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Deadly Secrets is the sixth book in one of our favorite series and was another great read for us. The Girl In The Ice was one of the first sister reads that we did together making this a special series for us. We highly recommend if you haven’t started this series to start with that one. It really is too good to miss.
Norma and I were lost in a coulee reading Deadly Secrets with Susanne and we all really enjoyed reading this one. Things got a little rocky for Susanne and me with the last book to the series Cold Blood. We were left feeling a little uneasy about reading any future installments to the series, but we are happy to say Deadly Secrets left us happy sisters dancing in a coulee after reading it.
What really made Deadly Secrets such a great one for us was Robert Bryndza did such a great job balancing the case with the focus on our characters who we have grown to love. We see more of Erika and more into her personal life as she confronts some of her painful memories from her past. There is also some more focus on Moss and we all were very happy to see her take a bigger role in the case. We liked getting to know her a bit more.
Deadly Secrets starts off strong and keeps on going right to the brilliant ending that left us all very satisfied in our coulee. This is one not to be missed and we all highly recommend.
Published April 13, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Robert Bryndza for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley -
4 Stars.
Literally, a Scream! Now THIS is the Robert Bryndza we all know and love.
Hot off the heels of her last case, Erika Foster drives by the scene of a murder on Christmas Day and it immediately gets her attention. A woman’s cold, frozen body is found right outside of her home, with her neck slashed. Detectives Foster and McGorry investigate only to find that the body is that of 22 year-old Marissa, a burlesque dancer whose life was anything but ordinary. Meanwhile, a man in a gas mask is assaulting both men and women around town. Are the two related? Detective Moss works feverishly to figure it out before someone else gets hurt.
“Deadly Secrets” is heart-stopping and gritty. This installment includes all of our favorite detectives and also highlights McGorry and Moss specifically, which is a real treat. Foster’s vulnerabilities start to show through, thus, I’m excited to see what‘s next for her. This is one police procedural that increased my pulse rate from the get go and didn’t let up. It is twisty and turny and crazy compelling and that ending? My gosh… while, it might have been a little far-fetched for my liking, it sure got my attention and somehow, I just know it’ll get yours too.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma. Thanks Sisters! For full traveling sister reviews, please see Brenda and Norma’s Blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Robert Bryndza for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon on 5/8/18. -
As I've aged I have gotten horrible about reading series-BUT this is one that I will keep reading.
Because if his worst book is a three that's still pretty dang good.
*Don't think this book is bad because it is not. He just set the bar very high with his other books in this series.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review -
5 STARS!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Another excellent addition to the DCI Erika Foster series!!
Damn, Robert Bryndza keeps writing great books with this series! I’m impressed with his writing skills and imagination for all six books. I always look forward to reading these books as soon as they are published or available on NetGalley.
You guys, I finished Deadly Secrets in a day! Yeah, it was that binge worthy and I just couldn’t put the book down.
Deadly Secrets is the 6th book in the DCI Erika Foster series and one of my favorites! I loved where Bryndza is taking the main character along with the secondary characters of Detective Moss and Detective Peterson. He has developed Erika’s character to have flaws along with a kick-ass attitude on getting justice for her murder victims. I’ve always enjoyed a flawed and imperfect character in books and Bryndza has delivered this with DCI Erika Foster.
I especially enjoyed the Starbucks chapter in where Erika loses her cool. I laughed out loud!
The book starts off with a beautiful, burlesque dancer getting murdered outside her front door. Marissa Lewis, or going by Honey Diamond in the burlesque business, was brutally murdered by a man wearing a gas mask. DCI Foster starts investigating the murder and life of Marissa Lewis. And let me tell you, this young lady has a ton of secrets and questionable motives on getting money.
DCI Foster comes to find out there are plenty of suspects and the case is very complicated.
As DCI Foster and her team are investigating Marissa's murder, London is being terrorized by a large man wearing a gas mask. He is choking and raping random victims and the Metropolitan Police Service have no idea who he is and how to catch him.
Bryndza has figured out how to write a great crime detective series! He gives us characters to love and cheer for along with murder cases that tap into some of our deepest fears. The suspect in this book scared me because of the violence and evil that was part of his personality. I had a few moments in the middle of the night in where I woke up and wondered if the door to the house was locked. I’m not easily spooked either. I’m always reading thrillers and horror books!
I think this is some great writing since Bryndza has a way of writing dangerous and evil predators. Well done sir!!
If you are looking for an excellent and binge worthy detective series, look no further than the DCI Erika Foster series. I don’t believe you will be disappointed since each book has a different plot, great characterization and wonderfully written police procedure. It feels like you’re right in the action of the ongoing murder case! -
A darkening of the moon.....
Marissa Lewis makes her way from the train platform in South London on a late frigid night on Christmas Eve. Her heavy fur-trimmed coat provides a cover for the burlesque dancer outfit she wears beneath it. But there's no hiding the questionable reputation that Marissa bears as her footsteps pick up speed. She glances at the homes in the neighborhood where she has engaged in relationships with married men. Very willing married men, in fact.
Her keys held in nervous hands slam into the lock. But the figure clad in a long dark coat and an omnious goggled gas mask is too quick for her. And so is that cruel knife that finds its way to Marissa's slender neck. Never another dance step to be had.
DCI Erika Foster finds herself involved at the murder scene. She had been on her way with presents in hand for Commissioner Paul Marsh and his family's Christmas Day lunch. Marissa's body had been found by her mother, Mandy. In the course of examining the crime scene, a young man with a camera runs from the scene. Later, Joseph Pitkin may know more about Marissa with film to back that premise up in color.
Robert Bryndza widens the arc of his storyline with multiple characters both up-standing and sleazy. Bryndza has a superb penchant for leading the reader down many a forked road. This gas masked hellion is not going away any time soon and Foster will have her work cut out for her. As readers, we are delighted to walk amongst some favorite characters once again like Isaac Strong, forensic pathologist, DCI James Peterson, and DI Kate Moss. Moss gets a bigger slice of the pie in this one and we couldn't be happier.
Bryndza's Erica Foster character is being presented in a different light in this one. It's quite the inner conflict occuring here. Time is tapping on her shoulder and our Erica acknowledges it full out. There's a scene that takes place in a Starbuck's that Bryndza writes with quite the flourish. Foster takes no lip from anyone except that which comes from her own.
I received a copy of Deadly Secrets through NetGalley for an honest opinion. My thanks to Bookouture and to the very talented Robert Bryndza for the opportunity. -
Deadly Secrets by Robert Bryndza is the sixth book in the Detective Erika Foster police procedural series. Each book in the series features a new case for Erika and her team to solve so if necessary they could be read by themselves but the character’s stories carry over from book to book for those that have followed the entire series.
In this new installment of the series a young woman is on her way home late at night alone when she is attacked. The next morning she is found with her blood freezing in the snow covered ground.
Erika was just on her way to a Christmas get together when she comes across the scene and with the detective on duty off at another crime Erika jumps into the case finding that killers don’t seem to take the holidays off. From the moment of inspecting the scene Erika and her team find themselves tracking down clues and putting together a list of suspects.
Ok folks, this is the sixth book of this series and I’m still reading them like clockwork so that alone should tell you how I feel about this gritty detective thriller. At this point I really feel like I’ve said it all but I’ll say it again…. pick up this series if you are a fan of police procedurals or just want to give them a try!
Returning to a crime with Erika and her team is a bit like returning to family at this point, family that will go to all lengths to catch their killer to keep others safe. The investigations are solid police work that doesn’t stop until the very end with plenty of twists and turns along the way that are sure to keep the pages turning.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
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The sixth in the Erika Foster series delivers as big a punch as the previous five. It’s Christmas Day, and you know things are bad when Erika is happier to investigate a murder she comes across then attending lunch at her boss’s house. Bryndza paints the perfect beginning as Erika attempts to manage the snowy crime scene dressed in a dress and heels.
The book moves along at a good clip, with no drag. This is a well told police procedural. The victim is not well liked, so there are plenty of suspects. At the same time, people are being attacked by a man wearing a gas mask. It’s unclear whether the cases are connected.
Erika is still striving to have a life outside of work but it’s not going well. I really connected with Erika and what she’s dealing with. She is a true Type A when it comes to juggling everything. I also liked that we got to see more deeply into the personal lives of her colleagues.
Bryndza’s writing is spot on perfect. I felt I could envision every scene.
For anyone who has not read the previous books, you’re in for a treat. This is a wonderful series and I can hardly wait for the next one.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book. -
Well, six books in and still going strong! This is proving to be an excellent series.
All of our favourite characters are back and Erika is at last beginning to face up to her future without Mark. Kate Moss discovers that being boss is not all she thought it might be. And Peterson is back with a quite remarkable secret to share. All fun and games in our little team.
As usual the book opens with a gruesome murder and it takes a lot of red herrings, good police work and some luck to find the guilty party. There is an amazing scene involving Moss - if you were ever looking for "a strong female protagonist" then this is one! She definitely knows how to fight back.
Of course, this being Bryndza, the ending is an amazing twist and totally not what I was expecting. An excellent book altogether.
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Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
A sicko wearing an old-fashioned gas mask and lurking in the darkness doesn't seem to be particularly picky about who he attacks. An encounter at a camera obscura shoppe turns into a bad scene for one of the team. A young burlesque dancer who is not above using blackmail to further her ambitions returns to the proverbial well once too often. This time, she will be the one who pays.
Meanwhile, Detective Erika Foster is wrestling with her unsettled personal life, the failing health of her father-in-law, a relationship that has gone sideways, and the onset of menopause. Her colleagues are there to help take up the slack.
Opening up a new Det. Erika Foster novel is starting to feel like coming home. I have to say that the final tweak strained my credulity, but it matters not. This is fiction, none of it is true. Terrific series. -
DEADLY SECRETS is the 6th book in the Detective Erika Foster series by author, Robert Bryndza and having read all his previous books in the series, they keep getting better. I was so involved in this story that I resented any interruptions. Just leave me alone and let me read! I loved this book!
To commit the perfect murder, you need the perfect cover.
Late Christmas Eve, Marissa Lewis stepped off the train to head home from a club in London, where she worked as a burlesque dancer. When she reached home and put her key in the lock, she heard something and turned.
“A figure in a long black trench coat…face covered in a gas mask, with a hood made of shiny black leather…black gloves, and in its’ left hand had a long thin knife.”
A mother wakes to find her daughter’s blood-soaked body frozen to the road. Who would do such a horrific killing?
DCI Erika Foster of the London Metropolitan Police on her way to a Christmas lunch, she stumbles across, a crime scene, where a young woman had been found stabbed to death on her doorstep. Forget the lunch…duty calls! She much prefers this to the social scene.
DCI Erika Foster is back leading the investigation with her team including; DI Moss and DI Peterson, who had been off for Christmas. As she sets to work, she finds reports of assaults in the same quiet South London suburb where the woman was killed. One chilling detail links them to the murder victim – they were all attacked by a figure in black wearing a gas mask. The assaults had all taken place around train stations.
Erika is on the hunt for a serial killer. The case gets more complicated when she uncovers a tangled web of secrets surrounding the death of the beautiful young woman.
In piecing together, the clues Erika is forced to confront painful memories of her past.
In this novel there was a nice mix of work and personal life for all the characters. Having read all Mr. Bryndza’s novels, it is a treat to follow this series and the journey of the development of the characters. I highly recommend both this series and this novel.
Many thanks to my favorite publisher, Bookouture via Netgalley for my copy. -
I'm not sure exactly how Robert Bryndza does it, but this series just doesn't get old! If you haven't checked it out yet, what have you been doing? Start at the beginning. I think it's possible to read these as standalones, but there's so many little details and character quirks that you'll miss. Start at the beginning, and don't be overwhelmed that there's six books already. They don't take very long to read. The last book was probably the darkest yet, and focused more on some new characters than we're used to. In number six, we're back almost exclusively with Erika and her team, and it feels good!
It's Christmas day. Time to spend time with the people you love, eat delicious food, and open presents. Of course, Erika Foster is anything but ordinary. Though she has the day off and has been invited to a Christmas lunch and even managed to dress herself up nice for it, she comes across a crime scene and inserts herself immediately. A strikingly beautiful burlesque dancer named Marissa Lewis has been found brutally murdered right outside the home she shared with her mother, her blood freezing on the snow. To find answers, the team must dig deep into Marissa's life, connecting her with a man in a gas mask that's been assaulting anyone vulnerable and walking alone. This monster doesn't seem to discriminate against age or sex, and what made him kill Marissa so savagely instead of leaving her alive?
This book is the usual mix of dark and disturbing cases and the personal lives of Erika and her team typical to this series. The characters are so well-developed I can see them in my head as if a movie is playing as I read. Now if they'd only do as I tell them so they could be happy! It's always a wonderfully entertaining story, which is why I snatch them up on Net Galley as soon as they're available!
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased. -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Another astonishing, resounding, five stars for Robert Bryndza’s sixth Erika Foster novel, “Deadly Secrets”.
When a young woman is killed on her own front doorstep, DCI Erika Foster finds herself immersed, once again, in the investigation. As it unfolds, Erika discovers other attacks that occurred within the same London suburb with one other thing in common- the victims were all attacked by a figure in black, wearing a gas mask. When Erika must step away from the case to take care of her ailing father-in-law, DI Moss steps in and soon finds herself trapped in a dangerous situation, with their prime suspect in the murder investigation in control.
Each Erika Foster novel continues to impress me. Although it is not necessary to read the other novels in the series (“Deadly Secrets” provides a short but sweet summary of the most important plot points), I don’t know why you wouldn’t!
Erika is a powerful character and as each novel reveals more and more about her backstory, the reader’s relationship with her is only cemented further. Erika’s insecurities are bared in this one, as her relationship with Petersen is laid out on the table, and she finally finds closure after the death of her husband, Mark. Some old familiar faces (Isaac and Moss for example) return with force, and although I was able to guess the ending, there was some surprising details about the murder that were certainly unpredictable!
As always, Bryndza pulls a reader in with his exciting plot twists and captivating writing style. Erika is a character deserving of adoration and, even after six books, there is no boredom or repetition. I am only intrigued with the question of how many more Erika Foster books can Bryndza create? Whatever the answer, I will read every one! -
With this I have caught up with all books of the Erika Foster series so far. I need to decide if I will wait for the next instalment or read more of the Kate Marshall series by the author. As with the other books in the series, this combines a good story, well developed characters, and strong police procedure.
Marissa Lewis, a burlesque dancer, is found murdered right outside her home. Her mother who stays with her finds her in the morning. There are others who have been attacked by an assailant wearing a gas mask as they alight from trains and walk, very much like what Marissa did. Investigation reveals that Marissa led a complex life and had secret relationships, including one with a married man who says they were planning to elope. There is another obsessed individual who photographs her all the time. There are other investigation threads which need to be pursued as well based on her work life. This is the kind of complex case which Erika excels in solving. She has problems of her own though – her father-in-law is not well, and her relationship with colleague Peterson has entered a curious phase. Moss, is appointed the temporary in-charge of the case, till Erika can be back, and I liked how her character gets some focus this way.
This one gets off to an exciting start and though in the middle I thought it was losing steam, it gets back with some good last sections, and a strong finish. I like Bryndza’s books for Erika Foster’s strong & complex character, good police procedures, and non-sensationalist writing without forced twists. There is a suggestion here and there on the motive, but it really comes together completely only at the end.
A great series! -
"Doodsgeheim is opnieuw een mooie mix van actie, spanning, een brok humor en een goed verhaal. Ik hoop dat er snel een zevende deel aankomt, want wat zijn deze boeken goed!"
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020... -
4.5 stars, actually.
If you're like me and enjoy a good detective series, I highly recommend this one (it's the sixth book featuring London Detective Erika Foster). She's a bit reminiscent of J.D. Robb's Lt. Eve Dallas - another of my favorites - like Eve, tough as nails, but with less of a secretive, angst-ridden background.
The story begins not long after Erika's last case, and she's trying for some semblance of normalcy over the Christmas holidays (four years after her husband and fellow officer Mark was killed in action). But that involves going to a Christmas lunch at her supervisor's house that she's less than thrilled about - so when news of a murder comes in, off she goes to check it out. A young woman named Marissa has been brutally murdered - frozen to the icy ground in front of her home. Further investigation determines she was attacked by a black-clad person wearing a gas mask; and soon enough, Erika learns of other men and women who's been attacked by a similarly clad and as-yet unidentified person.
Clues lead in different directions, including to a strange young man who tended to focus his photography skills on the murdered Marissa and the elderly woman for whom Marissa was a part-time caregiver. But just as things are at something of a stalemate, the story takes a bit of a detour from the usual format. Erika is called to deal with issues of her late husband Mark's aging father, leaving co-worker (and another favorite character) Moss in charge of the department and heading up the biggest case of her career. As events transpire for both women, readers see more of their personal sides.
Truthfully, the departure is a little bit painful; Moss seems to be so far out of her element that she's almost rendered ineffective, and while it's nice to know Erika has a softer side in there somewhere, I much prefer her when it doesn't show quite so much.
That said, it's a totally engrossing book that's hard to put down (I read it easily in two days of spare time). The ending is both exciting and surprising - I guessed the who, but never in a million years would I have come up with the very intriguing why. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this latest installment in exchange for an honest review. Good job once again! -
Detective Erika Foster Series - Book 6.
A mother wakes to find her daughters blood soaked body frozen to the road. Detective Erika Foster is determined is determined to lead the investigation. She finds reports that other women have been attacked in the quiet South London suburb and that one chilling detail links them to the murder victim - they were attacked by someone wearing a gas mask.
Like the rest of the books in this series, I was quickly drawn in from the beginning. Also, like the other books, there is a few subplots which eventually tie together. We get the backstories continuing throughout this series of Marsh, Frost, Peterson and Moss. The victim is not well liked so there is plenty of suspects for Frost and her team to investigate and plenty of curve balls thrown in to keep the reader guessing. Robert Bryndza has a great style in writing. The pace is fast set from the beginning. This book could be read as a standalone but I do recommend you read them in order from the beginning as this is a fantastic series. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Robert Bryndza for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
4.5 Stars
This is the latest in what has been a terrific series. Detective Erika Foster is back with her team. Several people have been assaulted by a man wearing a gas mask. One woman has been brutally killed by the same man.
Erika is running into a wall concerning the murdered woman. Speaking to her friends, family, people she worked with in a burlesque show, Erika learns that the woman was not well liked. She also learned that the woman was blackmailing a man she had an affair with ... was planning on running away with another married man ... and leaving her mother with nothing.
When Erika has a family emergency, she leaves the case in the hands of DI Kate Moss ... who almost immediately stumbles into a danger closer than she knows.
I really enjoy following the investigation ... it certainly is not CSI. There are house to house investigations, interviewing all possible suspects searching for a motive. I like the mix of professional life and personal life of Erika, plus those of her team.
This is a well-written book with memorable characters. Although 6th in this series, this one reads easily as a stand-alone. However, I always recommend starting at the beginning .... treat your self to a reading marathon ... you'll love it!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture, Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. -
This is the 6th book in the Detective Erika Foster series by author Robert Bryndza and I can honestly say having read the previous 5 that they get better with each page that's read.
There is no rest for Erika Foster even at Christmas. On her way to spend a festive meal she sees a crime scene and cannot resist getting involved. She finds the murdered body of burlesque dancer Marissa Lewis, whose body is frozen to the ground and her throat cut. Detective Erika Foster leads the case to find the murderer who has the distinctive calling card of attacking victims while wearing a gas mask.
The pace of this book is relentless and guaranteed to keep you reading on the edge of your seat with baited breath. I love this series, great lead character, well thought out plots and excellently paced.
Don't miss out on this series, it is well worth reading.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. -
Robert Bryndza has delivered a thrilling sixth episode in his excellent series featuring DCI Erika Foster. This time Erika is caught up in the murder of a beautiful young woman found outsiede her home with her throat slashed on Christmas Eve. A burlesque dancer, Marissa Lewis is beautiful but a schemer and blackmailer, making a lot of suspects for the police to interview. At the same time, Erika is on the lookout for a man wearing a gas mask who has been sexually assaulting young men and women, and who she believes may have a connection with Marissa's death.
It was good to see Erika's team back together in this one and to see them all growing and developing. Peterson is back on duty, fully recovered and has some news that might affect his relationship with Erika. Erika seems more fragile and lonely but finally ready to let go of her past life with Mark and to build a new life for herself. Kate Moss also gets to try out being in the limelight by taking charge of the investigation when Erika is called away and discovers it's harder than she expected. The plot moves along at a good pace with short rapid fire chapters that are gripping and compelling, a few red herrings are scattered in as Erika's team sorts through the many suspects with a final surprise unveiling of the murderer and a motive right at the end that I didn't see coming. This is the best instalment yet in what is proving to be a very strong series. Please keep them coming Mr Bryndza!
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital copy of the book to read. -
Another winner!
Whelp-I'm going to have to come back and give this review a bit more love, as I'm so short on time right now, but I didn't want to just leave this as it was.
For those who have not read any of the books in the series, let me stop you right here. You need to go immediately and grab book one
The Girl In The Ice and settle in for a fantastic read.
While these books would work as a stand alone, I think that there is so much more to gain from the characters and their backstories when you start at the beginning. And these are characters that certainly deserve the attention!
If you are already a fan, you most likely have already read this (or shortly will be) and will be singing it's praises along with everyone else. ...because it's just that good. Again.
So here's to the long wait again for book 7...and hoping that it's just as stellar as the rest have been.
ARC provided by NetGalley
