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estelle127's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
baileys_bookstagram's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this book a couple of days ago and I wanted to wait before I wrote my review because I wanted to think what I wanted to say. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. I found it predictable and was disappointed with the lack of intrigue as well as twists and turns. I felt the character development was lacking, the title states that it’s the first book in the Carrie Flynn detective series and I didn’t find that you learned much about her or were given a chance to like her. To be honest I didn’t like any of the characters and maybe that was why I was so disappointed in the book. With all that said i would still read the next book in the series when it comes out as I’ve experienced not liking the first in a series before and I like watching an author evolve so although I was disappointed it hasn’t deterred me from the author at all.
emmascr's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews Thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley.
Sadly I didn't gel with this one. For me, the whole book was a slog. I couldn't connect with the characters.
The book was more focused on the victim's friends and family than the police work. I personally prefer seeing more of the police work. I would say this was more of a psychological thriller than a police procedural.
In the blurb, there is more about Carrie and her background than there probably is in the book. It would have been nice to see more of this in the story and to expand on Carrie's background. This is barely mentioned in the book except for a paragraph or two at the very end. Carrie is very cold and difficult to identify with. She seems to keep herself very private from everyone she works with and doesn't seem to know anything about her colleagues.
The twist was really obvious to me from quite early on as well which again made it difficult to read as I had nothing to keep me hooked.
The story is well written but it just wasn't for me. I really wanted to like this one as I love a detective series but I just couldn't enjoy it.
Sadly I didn't gel with this one. For me, the whole book was a slog. I couldn't connect with the characters.
The book was more focused on the victim's friends and family than the police work. I personally prefer seeing more of the police work. I would say this was more of a psychological thriller than a police procedural.
In the blurb, there is more about Carrie and her background than there probably is in the book. It would have been nice to see more of this in the story and to expand on Carrie's background. This is barely mentioned in the book except for a paragraph or two at the very end. Carrie is very cold and difficult to identify with. She seems to keep herself very private from everyone she works with and doesn't seem to know anything about her colleagues.
The twist was really obvious to me from quite early on as well which again made it difficult to read as I had nothing to keep me hooked.
The story is well written but it just wasn't for me. I really wanted to like this one as I love a detective series but I just couldn't enjoy it.
nutty_bookseller's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first novel I have read by J M Hewitt. Very descriptive in both location and characters. I had figured out very early on who was doing what but I still enjoyed the ride with detective Carrie Flynn and her determination to stop these killings in her home town of Manchester.
leahralph's review against another edition
4.0
I was expecting a typical cop procedural thriller and after a little bit of a slow beginning I was hooked. I'm looking forward to the next instalments of the Detective Carrie Flynn stories.
Great hints are dropped into Carrie's dark past that still haunts her and I can't wait to read more and discover what these might be..The main story line is that of a disappearance of a single mother's grown up son in the canals of their town. Carrie believes this and previous similar disappearances are linked to a serial killer and she and her partner Paul are intent on finding this out. An enjoyable book once the story gets moving.
Great hints are dropped into Carrie's dark past that still haunts her and I can't wait to read more and discover what these might be..The main story line is that of a disappearance of a single mother's grown up son in the canals of their town. Carrie believes this and previous similar disappearances are linked to a serial killer and she and her partner Paul are intent on finding this out. An enjoyable book once the story gets moving.
jackiescozyspace's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tintin_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading the book. The novel puts light on the lives of the people who are so different from us but have their own stories to tell. The relationship between the mother and the son was strained, and it was properly stated throughout the novel.
The atmosphere, setting and characterisation of the novel was on point. What I couldn't understand about the novel was that even though the highlight should be Detective Carrie Flynn, she didn't have much role to play in the novel. The major sections of the novel were about the mother of the victim, Emma and their neighbour, Jade. When Jordan Robinson goes missing, it seems the serial killer has had a shift in his choice of victims. That's when things get interesting.
Overall, this novel was a slow read. I don't know whether I would like to recommend this novel or not. But I have to mention that the author, J.M.Hewitt, has an amazing storytelling quality. For being the first book in the series, this novel is appreciated.
For a thorough review of the book, check out this Wordpress link - https://mystictalestintin.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/review-the-night-caller/
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, Bookouture for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The atmosphere, setting and characterisation of the novel was on point. What I couldn't understand about the novel was that even though the highlight should be Detective Carrie Flynn, she didn't have much role to play in the novel. The major sections of the novel were about the mother of the victim, Emma and their neighbour, Jade. When Jordan Robinson goes missing, it seems the serial killer has had a shift in his choice of victims. That's when things get interesting.
Overall, this novel was a slow read. I don't know whether I would like to recommend this novel or not. But I have to mention that the author, J.M.Hewitt, has an amazing storytelling quality. For being the first book in the series, this novel is appreciated.
For a thorough review of the book, check out this Wordpress link - https://mystictalestintin.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/review-the-night-caller/
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, Bookouture for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
_eight_day's review
3.0
The Night Caller put me through multiple emotions. Overall I loved the storyline. You don't get to connect very much with each character but you still feel connected at the same time. You are left with several questions about each character until the end when all the answers and twists are revealed. I felt like there were too many questions but I still enjoyed it.
clair_82's review
3.0
The Night Caller features DS Carrie Flynn and her DC, Paul Harper who are investigating the murders of numerous men who are seemingly pushed into the canals that run through Manchester by a mystery killer who has been operating for a number of years. Simply the police have very little concrete to go on, just hunches based on the lifestyles of the victims and an apparent change in MO for the murderer.
Whilst the description focuses on Carrie, for me the book was actually about the victims family and friends, showing the impact that a murder investigation has on those closest to the victim and the range of emotions that they go through. Jordan Robinson goes missing on a night out and his mother’s life changes instantly, Emma starts walking the canals hoping to find a trace of Jordan, to find out some answers as to what happened to him. Jade, Emma and Jordan’s neighbour who is actually more like family is extremely concerned for her friend especially when a blast from the past arrives on the scene.
The Night Caller isn’t that simple (of course!) as it is clear from the outset that Jordan led a very private life with people knowing very little about him, also a lot of people are hiding secrets of their own and as these start to be revealed, the book really gathers pace as you are not sure who to suspect and what to believe.
The author creates a really creepy Manchester where you feel as though you would be constantly looking over your shoulder whilst being down near the canals….not sure how popular the bars would be near the water’s edge!
I did enjoy The Night Caller and the different perspective it gave to a police investigation but at the same time, I do look forward to getting to know Carrie better, to see her step into the main character role and find out her back story that is alluded to within this book description.
A solid start to a new series and a new-to-me author.
Whilst the description focuses on Carrie, for me the book was actually about the victims family and friends, showing the impact that a murder investigation has on those closest to the victim and the range of emotions that they go through. Jordan Robinson goes missing on a night out and his mother’s life changes instantly, Emma starts walking the canals hoping to find a trace of Jordan, to find out some answers as to what happened to him. Jade, Emma and Jordan’s neighbour who is actually more like family is extremely concerned for her friend especially when a blast from the past arrives on the scene.
The Night Caller isn’t that simple (of course!) as it is clear from the outset that Jordan led a very private life with people knowing very little about him, also a lot of people are hiding secrets of their own and as these start to be revealed, the book really gathers pace as you are not sure who to suspect and what to believe.
The author creates a really creepy Manchester where you feel as though you would be constantly looking over your shoulder whilst being down near the canals….not sure how popular the bars would be near the water’s edge!
I did enjoy The Night Caller and the different perspective it gave to a police investigation but at the same time, I do look forward to getting to know Carrie better, to see her step into the main character role and find out her back story that is alluded to within this book description.
A solid start to a new series and a new-to-me author.