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cgallacher12's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sikonat's review against another edition
4.0
This one needed tightening a bit too IMO, there were some really long bits.
My issues:
Like Books 1 and 2, too much branding, “She slipped off her Nikes” come on was this sponsored by Nike? How relevant is the brand? And we get it, she drives a Mini and all the BMW references!
The brown skin men are the culprits. Come on, lets not be a cliche here. It's set up to discuss a character battling PTSD and one trigger is she has an irrational reaction to brown skinned men. Then sure enough he and his brother were the baddies.
At the end when Cat and O'Rourke are talking on the phone she asks O'Rourke to let Sarah Jane know she's safe. Surely her family would be wanting to know this? We get Sarah Jane is your best friend, though this friendship is written as if they're girlfriends (which is fine if they are but just elevating this Mary Sue character is getting a bit on the nose). It’s like SJ has to be inserted everywhere now.
Continuity issues:
O'Rourke is 12 years older (not 13), in "Little Bones" she was 24 and he was 36.
O’Rorke is also only 13 months into his posting at Dun Laoghaire not two years. In "Little Bones" O'Rourke was a week or so, and makes a crack about the plastic cover still on his chair. In "In Deep Water" is set nearly a year since the end of "Little Bones" and "No Turning Back" is set four months after, so he'd only have been Inspector at Dun Laoghaire for a little over a year (not two years).
That timing is also a bit off, too. Little Bones was set in December as two characters talk about being in Dublin for Christmas because he has a conference that they travel to in the book. if IDW is nearly a year but has to be four months before NTB (which is set in January) it would have to be set in September. Either way it means O’Rorke has been in his job just over a year, not two years.
In IDW Cathy is relieved the body they find isn’t Sarah Jane because “she hates nail polish and wouldn’t get a Hollywood because she is allergic to the wax”, yet in this book she’s a regular customer at Karen Delaney’s fancy salon to “getting her nails done was almost important to her as her detox diet” and reference to being “buffed and waxed”.
Professor Anna Lockharte is implied to be in her early 30s (could’ve sworn she was 31 but I can’t find the reference so let’s just say early 30s), divorcing at 25. Yet she has a 16 yo niece which is implied to be the daughter of her sister and brother in law the ambassador. So if she met Rob Power at her sisters wedding where they talked about his job and her PhD thesis then was she doing that in her teens? Because the maths her her nieces age and the wedding and how old sh d have been doing her postgrad isn’t consistent. And let’s assume her niece isn’t the amabassadors step daughter. It’s also possible they married long after Hope was born but surely she’d have met Rob earlier.
What I did appreciate:
I liked that at the end she didn’t save the day, her kick was too late. I think a bit of ‘failure’ after all the gushing from O’Rourke about her insights as being spot on helps. Especially when the first half of this book was a lot of speculation.
I do like that there was an acknowledgement about their age difference and he is her boss. I think its important. She's in hear early 20s, they've known each other since she was what, 18/19?
I'm glad they've moved forward with Cathy and O'Rorke. If there are more books I think the whole 'will they/wont they" will just get old for everyone.
I loved that Cathy is looking at the future to moving on from the unit to do something new and putting her and O’Rourke apart yet it opens up for more to remove the boss/underling power differential. The denouement with them in separate cities was nice foreshadowing, I don’t want to see a series where everyone stays the same that it becomes predictable. For instance Linda Fairstein’s Alexander Cooper books, the characters always eat at a select three restaurants, have cocktails and must watch the final Jeopardy question and bet in it. It’s become formulaic.
Finally, I understand Sam Blake has a stand alone book for her next one. I truly hope we had #4 because I truly want to see how these changes will work. I really would like to see next lot with her in ERU juggling that and a long distance relationship.
I understand the contract was for a trilogy and Sam Blake’s latest book will be a standalone. I hope writing different characters refreshes her to return to Cat Connolly.
My issues:
Like Books 1 and 2, too much branding, “She slipped off her Nikes” come on was this sponsored by Nike? How relevant is the brand? And we get it, she drives a Mini and all the BMW references!
The brown skin men are the culprits. Come on, lets not be a cliche here. It's set up to discuss a character battling PTSD and one trigger is she has an irrational reaction to brown skinned men. Then sure enough he and his brother were the baddies.
At the end when Cat and O'Rourke are talking on the phone she asks O'Rourke to let Sarah Jane know she's safe. Surely her family would be wanting to know this? We get Sarah Jane is your best friend, though this friendship is written as if they're girlfriends (which is fine if they are but just elevating this Mary Sue character is getting a bit on the nose). It’s like SJ has to be inserted everywhere now.
Continuity issues:
O'Rourke is 12 years older (not 13), in "Little Bones" she was 24 and he was 36.
O’Rorke is also only 13 months into his posting at Dun Laoghaire not two years. In "Little Bones" O'Rourke was a week or so, and makes a crack about the plastic cover still on his chair. In "In Deep Water" is set nearly a year since the end of "Little Bones" and "No Turning Back" is set four months after, so he'd only have been Inspector at Dun Laoghaire for a little over a year (not two years).
That timing is also a bit off, too. Little Bones was set in December as two characters talk about being in Dublin for Christmas because he has a conference that they travel to in the book. if IDW is nearly a year but has to be four months before NTB (which is set in January) it would have to be set in September. Either way it means O’Rorke has been in his job just over a year, not two years.
In IDW Cathy is relieved the body they find isn’t Sarah Jane because “she hates nail polish and wouldn’t get a Hollywood because she is allergic to the wax”, yet in this book she’s a regular customer at Karen Delaney’s fancy salon to “getting her nails done was almost important to her as her detox diet” and reference to being “buffed and waxed”.
Professor Anna Lockharte is implied to be in her early 30s (could’ve sworn she was 31 but I can’t find the reference so let’s just say early 30s), divorcing at 25. Yet she has a 16 yo niece which is implied to be the daughter of her sister and brother in law the ambassador. So if she met Rob Power at her sisters wedding where they talked about his job and her PhD thesis then was she doing that in her teens? Because the maths her her nieces age and the wedding and how old sh d have been doing her postgrad isn’t consistent. And let’s assume her niece isn’t the amabassadors step daughter. It’s also possible they married long after Hope was born but surely she’d have met Rob earlier.
What I did appreciate:
I liked that at the end she didn’t save the day, her kick was too late. I think a bit of ‘failure’ after all the gushing from O’Rourke about her insights as being spot on helps. Especially when the first half of this book was a lot of speculation.
I do like that there was an acknowledgement about their age difference and he is her boss. I think its important. She's in hear early 20s, they've known each other since she was what, 18/19?
I'm glad they've moved forward with Cathy and O'Rorke. If there are more books I think the whole 'will they/wont they" will just get old for everyone.
I loved that Cathy is looking at the future to moving on from the unit to do something new and putting her and O’Rourke apart yet it opens up for more to remove the boss/underling power differential. The denouement with them in separate cities was nice foreshadowing, I don’t want to see a series where everyone stays the same that it becomes predictable. For instance Linda Fairstein’s Alexander Cooper books, the characters always eat at a select three restaurants, have cocktails and must watch the final Jeopardy question and bet in it. It’s become formulaic.
Finally, I understand Sam Blake has a stand alone book for her next one. I truly hope we had #4 because I truly want to see how these changes will work. I really would like to see next lot with her in ERU juggling that and a long distance relationship.
I understand the contract was for a trilogy and Sam Blake’s latest book will be a standalone. I hope writing different characters refreshes her to return to Cat Connolly.
noveldeelights's review against another edition
4.0
No Turning Back is the third book in the Cathy Connolly series. I think you might possibly get away with reading this as a stand-alone but why would you want to? Read all three, as I have done and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that this latest one is the best one yet.
Young Tom Quinn is found dead in the road from what looks to be a hit-and-run. His parents are obviously devastated but something isn’t quite right in the Quinn household. Then Tom’s classmate, Lauren, is also found dead at the bottom of a cliff from an apparent suicide. Are these two events connected somehow? O’Rourke, Cathy and the rest of the team have their work cut out for them because these two families may look like they have it all but they’re all hiding secrets they desperately don’t want to reveal.
There are multiple exciting layers running throughout this story. Not only are there the investigations into the deaths of Tom and Lauren, we also get teasing glimpses of an unknown character seemingly plotting terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Cathy is also getting increasingly confused about her relationship with O’Rourke while also wondering about her future and where the next step in her career might be. Things are definitely changing.
This is a well-plotted, compelling and tense addition to the series with an explosive and action-packed conclusion. The investigation spreads far and wide and held my attention from start to finish. However that was mostly due to a professor with an intriguing background and connections in the CIA. With many twists along the way, it is a suspenseful book that will keep you hooked and will make you think twice about modern technology. Although I must admit that some of that technical stuff went right over my head, I will definitely not forget to cover up the cameras on all my devices. Just in case.
No Turning Back wraps up this trilogy nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s in no way an ending, but it does promise a new and exciting change for Cathy Connolly and it will be interesting to see where Sam Blake takes Cathy and this series next.
Young Tom Quinn is found dead in the road from what looks to be a hit-and-run. His parents are obviously devastated but something isn’t quite right in the Quinn household. Then Tom’s classmate, Lauren, is also found dead at the bottom of a cliff from an apparent suicide. Are these two events connected somehow? O’Rourke, Cathy and the rest of the team have their work cut out for them because these two families may look like they have it all but they’re all hiding secrets they desperately don’t want to reveal.
There are multiple exciting layers running throughout this story. Not only are there the investigations into the deaths of Tom and Lauren, we also get teasing glimpses of an unknown character seemingly plotting terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Cathy is also getting increasingly confused about her relationship with O’Rourke while also wondering about her future and where the next step in her career might be. Things are definitely changing.
This is a well-plotted, compelling and tense addition to the series with an explosive and action-packed conclusion. The investigation spreads far and wide and held my attention from start to finish. However that was mostly due to a professor with an intriguing background and connections in the CIA. With many twists along the way, it is a suspenseful book that will keep you hooked and will make you think twice about modern technology. Although I must admit that some of that technical stuff went right over my head, I will definitely not forget to cover up the cameras on all my devices. Just in case.
No Turning Back wraps up this trilogy nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s in no way an ending, but it does promise a new and exciting change for Cathy Connolly and it will be interesting to see where Sam Blake takes Cathy and this series next.
mariasmusings's review against another edition
4.0
'No Turning Back' is the third in the Cathy Connolly trilogy. I've raced through this series, having only started on the first book, 'Little Bones' earlier this week.
Cathy or Cat is a Detective constable in the Garda Siochana, the Irish police service and is mainly based at the station out in Dun Laoghire, Dublin. Cat has proved herself to be both an accomplished and successful officer and has recently returned to the job after an injury, sustained while on duty, lead to her being off work for some time.
Cat is surrounded by a strong supportive circle, including her family, her coach McIntyre (she is a professional kickboxer) and colleagues. She relies on these people to keep her grounded and also out of trouble as her temper can lead her into some dangerous situations.
In 'No Turning Back' , Cat and co, are investigating two very suspicious deaths - one is the victim of a hit & run, while the other may have committed suicide, but the circumstances seem dodgy to the Garda.
Although I read the stories in order, I do not think that reading the stories as standalong would take from your enjoyment or understanding as all the information that we know to know is provided in the story.
Cathy or Cat is a Detective constable in the Garda Siochana, the Irish police service and is mainly based at the station out in Dun Laoghire, Dublin. Cat has proved herself to be both an accomplished and successful officer and has recently returned to the job after an injury, sustained while on duty, lead to her being off work for some time.
Cat is surrounded by a strong supportive circle, including her family, her coach McIntyre (she is a professional kickboxer) and colleagues. She relies on these people to keep her grounded and also out of trouble as her temper can lead her into some dangerous situations.
In 'No Turning Back' , Cat and co, are investigating two very suspicious deaths - one is the victim of a hit & run, while the other may have committed suicide, but the circumstances seem dodgy to the Garda.
Although I read the stories in order, I do not think that reading the stories as standalong would take from your enjoyment or understanding as all the information that we know to know is provided in the story.
viola's review against another edition
3.0
Disappointing start, redeemed by second half.
The first half of this book was so disappointing that I was very close to giving up. Acres of backstory, not all of which was necessary, mostly communicated by characters "sitting around thinking about things". It was a shame, as previous books have shown that the writer is quite skilled at building parallel stories that don't interact until much later in the book. If the detailed back story was really necessary, it could have been handled that way.
That said, from about halfway in, the story and plotting picked up and there was much less of the "sitting around thinking", and it turned into a very compelling read.
2 minor things - I got a little frustrated near the beginning with all the "Ireland. It's in Ireland" scene setting. Probably necessary for non-Irish readers but felt a little overdone to me. Also, the version I read could have done with a good proofread/edit, the spelling of a character's name changed within a paragraph, there were misplaced apostrophes, and we were reminded multiple times that one character was the niece of another.
The first half of this book was so disappointing that I was very close to giving up. Acres of backstory, not all of which was necessary, mostly communicated by characters "sitting around thinking about things". It was a shame, as previous books have shown that the writer is quite skilled at building parallel stories that don't interact until much later in the book. If the detailed back story was really necessary, it could have been handled that way.
That said, from about halfway in, the story and plotting picked up and there was much less of the "sitting around thinking", and it turned into a very compelling read.
2 minor things - I got a little frustrated near the beginning with all the "Ireland. It's in Ireland" scene setting. Probably necessary for non-Irish readers but felt a little overdone to me. Also, the version I read could have done with a good proofread/edit, the spelling of a character's name changed within a paragraph, there were misplaced apostrophes, and we were reminded multiple times that one character was the niece of another.
cherrysoda9_9's review against another edition
3.0
This series has been a bit frustrating, because the stories have so much potential, but they just don't have the kick that I'd like them to have. A lot of it is just exposition and interrogation. There are a lot of characters and moving parts, but nothing seems to ever actually move until the very end.
2.5 rounded up to 3
2.5 rounded up to 3
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
4.0
"No Way Back" is the third in the Cat Connolly thriller series by the author Sam Blake - which is the pseudonym for Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin.
I hadn't read any books in the best selling series previously and looked forward to reading and joining what appeared to be very exciting and original set of crime thriller stories. I wasn't disappointed, this was a highly entertaining, gripping and with many a twist and turn along the way, excellent police procedural! I didn't feel I needed to read any of the others previously - other than for enjoyment - as any information you need to know to bring you up to date, is included in the story.
Successful power couple Orla and Conor Quinn's son, Tom, is the victim of a deliberate hit-and-run. Just as Detective Garda Cathy Connolly is leaving Tom's parents she is called to the discovery of another body - that of student Lauren O'Reilly - not far from where Tom was found. What led her to apparently take her own life and as a friend of Tom's and both dying on the same night, are the deaths connected? As Cathy delves into the cases she is led into the world of the Dark Web and a scary peeping tom scenario turning things a lot more frightening!
"No Way Back" is a very large book and will keep you entertained literally for days. I enjoyed Sam Blakes's writing, it's concise, easy to follow and has relatable and likeable characters that you soon connect with. I particularly liked Anna Lockharte and had so much empathy for her after learning about the tragic events in France. Detective Garda Cathy Connolly is an amazing criminal investigator, smart, fearless, passionate and a champion kickboxer to boot! The simmering 'will they, won't they' relationship with boss and mentor Dawson O'Rourke was very intriguing and I look forward to seeing how that all pans out in the next book.
This is a slow burning story but still moves along perfectly, keeping you constantly entertained and allows you to slowly put together the pieces of the mystery for yourself. Set in Ireland's dark underworld, not my usual area of reading - but still a truly captivating and interesting backdrop.
Although some of the internet/hacking terminology was a little beyond me, it didn't affect my love for the dramatic storyline and I especially liked reading the viewpoint from the unknown perpetrator between the chapters - it always adds an element of sinister excitement to the story.
I have every intention to read the next in this gritty series and to buy the previous books and I'm more than happy to recommend "No Way Back" and its talented author.
4 stars
I hadn't read any books in the best selling series previously and looked forward to reading and joining what appeared to be very exciting and original set of crime thriller stories. I wasn't disappointed, this was a highly entertaining, gripping and with many a twist and turn along the way, excellent police procedural! I didn't feel I needed to read any of the others previously - other than for enjoyment - as any information you need to know to bring you up to date, is included in the story.
Successful power couple Orla and Conor Quinn's son, Tom, is the victim of a deliberate hit-and-run. Just as Detective Garda Cathy Connolly is leaving Tom's parents she is called to the discovery of another body - that of student Lauren O'Reilly - not far from where Tom was found. What led her to apparently take her own life and as a friend of Tom's and both dying on the same night, are the deaths connected? As Cathy delves into the cases she is led into the world of the Dark Web and a scary peeping tom scenario turning things a lot more frightening!
"No Way Back" is a very large book and will keep you entertained literally for days. I enjoyed Sam Blakes's writing, it's concise, easy to follow and has relatable and likeable characters that you soon connect with. I particularly liked Anna Lockharte and had so much empathy for her after learning about the tragic events in France. Detective Garda Cathy Connolly is an amazing criminal investigator, smart, fearless, passionate and a champion kickboxer to boot! The simmering 'will they, won't they' relationship with boss and mentor Dawson O'Rourke was very intriguing and I look forward to seeing how that all pans out in the next book.
This is a slow burning story but still moves along perfectly, keeping you constantly entertained and allows you to slowly put together the pieces of the mystery for yourself. Set in Ireland's dark underworld, not my usual area of reading - but still a truly captivating and interesting backdrop.
Although some of the internet/hacking terminology was a little beyond me, it didn't affect my love for the dramatic storyline and I especially liked reading the viewpoint from the unknown perpetrator between the chapters - it always adds an element of sinister excitement to the story.
I have every intention to read the next in this gritty series and to buy the previous books and I'm more than happy to recommend "No Way Back" and its talented author.
4 stars
rosie_walters's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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