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Maeve Kerrigan #9
The Cutting Place
You've got to be in the club to know the truth.
Everyone's heard the rumors about elite gentlemen's clubs, where the champagne flows freely, the parties are the height of decadence . . . and the secrets are darker than you could possibly imagine.
DS Maeve Kerrigan finds herself in an unfamiliar world of wealth, luxury and ruthless behavior when she investigates the murder of a young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Paige was working on a story about the Chiron Club, a private society for the richest and most privileged men in London. Then she disappeared.
It's clear to Maeve that the members have many secrets. But Maeve is hiding secrets of her own – even from her partner DI Josh Derwent. Will she uncover the truth about Paige’s death? Or will time run out for Maeve first?
RUNNING TIME ➜ 13hrs. and 20mins.
Everyone's heard the rumors about elite gentlemen's clubs, where the champagne flows freely, the parties are the height of decadence . . . and the secrets are darker than you could possibly imagine.
DS Maeve Kerrigan finds herself in an unfamiliar world of wealth, luxury and ruthless behavior when she investigates the murder of a young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Paige was working on a story about the Chiron Club, a private society for the richest and most privileged men in London. Then she disappeared.
It's clear to Maeve that the members have many secrets. But Maeve is hiding secrets of her own – even from her partner DI Josh Derwent. Will she uncover the truth about Paige’s death? Or will time run out for Maeve first?
RUNNING TIME ➜ 13hrs. and 20mins.
Audible Audio
First published April 3, 2020
About the author
Jane Casey
35 books2,381 followersShe studied English at Jesus College, Oxford, followed by an mPhil in Anglo-Irish Literature at Trinity College, Dublin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
April 10, 2020
I was surprised to discover that this was the ninth in the DS Maeve Kerrigan crime series, as I haven’t read any of the previous books, however, I managed to read it perfectly well as a stand-alone, although I’ve clearly been missing out on a brilliant series!
The novel takes us into the secretive world of elite ‘gentlemen’s’ clubs, and the case of 28 year old missing freelance journalist Paige Hargreaves. The story begins when a mudlarker comes across a human hand by the river Thames at London Bridge. It doesn’t give the investigating team much to go on, but as more dismembered body parts turn up they finally get a DNA match to Paige. Someone didn’t just want her dead, they didn’t want anyone to discover her body either.
DI Josh Derwent is Maeve’s partner in crime, and what a brilliant partnership this is. Both of them will need each other’s support during this trying and distressing case, not least because there are some very personal and emotional issues that the pair of them will have to face, and it’s wonderful to witness just how much support they’re willing to give each other.
The compelling storyline takes the reader into places they won’t want to go, and meet people they won’t want to meet, people for whom privilege and power is a key to unlock the door to anything they desire, whether it happens to be illegal, immoral or otherwise, but this was such a well written novel, with highly developed and likeable characters. It was very dark - the pages were filled with tension, and very emotional too, but it was so clever and completely absorbing and comes highly recommended.
* Thank You to Readers First for my copy of The Cutting Place. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
The novel takes us into the secretive world of elite ‘gentlemen’s’ clubs, and the case of 28 year old missing freelance journalist Paige Hargreaves. The story begins when a mudlarker comes across a human hand by the river Thames at London Bridge. It doesn’t give the investigating team much to go on, but as more dismembered body parts turn up they finally get a DNA match to Paige. Someone didn’t just want her dead, they didn’t want anyone to discover her body either.
DI Josh Derwent is Maeve’s partner in crime, and what a brilliant partnership this is. Both of them will need each other’s support during this trying and distressing case, not least because there are some very personal and emotional issues that the pair of them will have to face, and it’s wonderful to witness just how much support they’re willing to give each other.
The compelling storyline takes the reader into places they won’t want to go, and meet people they won’t want to meet, people for whom privilege and power is a key to unlock the door to anything they desire, whether it happens to be illegal, immoral or otherwise, but this was such a well written novel, with highly developed and likeable characters. It was very dark - the pages were filled with tension, and very emotional too, but it was so clever and completely absorbing and comes highly recommended.
* Thank You to Readers First for my copy of The Cutting Place. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
November 6, 2020
The Cutting Place is a fast-paced police procedural about a brutal crime involving a secret society.
Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan investigates the brutal murder of a young journalist. Her investigation takes her into a dark web of a secret society called The Chiron Club run by some of England's most prominent and powerful men.
At the same time, Maeve is experiencing some drama of her own as her relationship with her controlling boyfriend is spinning out of control.
Maeve’s character was my favorite thing about this book. She is a likable lead. She doesn’t make the smartest choices when it comes to men, but I appreciated the storyline involving domestic abuse as it shows that anyone can get involved in a toxic relationship. I love her chemistry with her co-workers, especially Josh.
The mystery held my interest. I was wrong about several elements, but some others are easy to figure out. There are some good twists and turns that took me by surprise. Everything comes together a little too neatly and easily, but that’s a minor gripe as I couldn’t put this book down.
This book is getting a lot of attention from my GR friends with good reason. For those who like a good police procedural, this is one to pick up. I really don’t need another series in my life, but this is one I have to adopt!
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan investigates the brutal murder of a young journalist. Her investigation takes her into a dark web of a secret society called The Chiron Club run by some of England's most prominent and powerful men.
At the same time, Maeve is experiencing some drama of her own as her relationship with her controlling boyfriend is spinning out of control.
Maeve’s character was my favorite thing about this book. She is a likable lead. She doesn’t make the smartest choices when it comes to men, but I appreciated the storyline involving domestic abuse as it shows that anyone can get involved in a toxic relationship. I love her chemistry with her co-workers, especially Josh.
The mystery held my interest. I was wrong about several elements, but some others are easy to figure out. There are some good twists and turns that took me by surprise. Everything comes together a little too neatly and easily, but that’s a minor gripe as I couldn’t put this book down.
This book is getting a lot of attention from my GR friends with good reason. For those who like a good police procedural, this is one to pick up. I really don’t need another series in my life, but this is one I have to adopt!
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
Jane Casey's DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent series is one of the finest crime series around, as this latest addition confirms with its strong emphasis on their personal lives and their strong relationship and support of each other. This is a particularly twisted investigation that begins with a mudlarker discovering a human hand in the River Thames at Blackfriars Bridge in London. Further pieces of the dismembered body turn up, but the victim's identity proves elusive until a DNA match proves that she was 28 year old Paige Hargreaves, a freelance journalist. Why would anyone want to murder Paige? Derwent gets briefly sidelined to a traumatising cot death inquiry, before returning to the case, Maeve herself has changed considerably, having taken up a significantly healthier lifestyle, with her yoga and healthy snacks, due to the influence of her lawyer boyfriend, Seth Taylor, a man who spoils her rotten and is so good to her, yet is liked by none of her colleagues.
Paige turns out to have been a loner who trusted no-one as it emerges she was secretly working on a story on the secretive male only Chiron Club, run by Sir Marcus Gley who refuses to divulge the small membership list of its privileged, extremely wealthy, powerful elite men, that include politicians, businessmen, bankers and judges. It is hard to get information on the club with its sinister culture of silence, although rumours abound of the bad and horrifying behaviour at club events. Running parallel in the narrative is a secondary storyline that goes back two years to a rural party with raucous celebrations and a male guest waking up alone the morning after the night before, to a nightmare scenario. Maeve has been keeping secrets from Josh that puts pressure on their relationship, whilst she finds herself blindsinded and shattered by events in her personal life.
Casey gives us intense and dark storytelling, intricately plotted, compulsive, full of suspense and tension, that keeps the reader utterly riveted, turning the pages as fast as possible, right up to the end as the surprising truth of what happened to Paige is revealed. This may well be the best addition to this fabulous series which I particular enjoy for the police team dynamics, for Maeve and Josh's character development and relationship with each other, and with what happens here, I cannot wait to see where they are heading next. This is brilliant crime fiction that focuses with sensitivity on the terrifying issue of male violence and the abuse of women in the world of male privilege and arrogance in a London all men's club. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
Paige turns out to have been a loner who trusted no-one as it emerges she was secretly working on a story on the secretive male only Chiron Club, run by Sir Marcus Gley who refuses to divulge the small membership list of its privileged, extremely wealthy, powerful elite men, that include politicians, businessmen, bankers and judges. It is hard to get information on the club with its sinister culture of silence, although rumours abound of the bad and horrifying behaviour at club events. Running parallel in the narrative is a secondary storyline that goes back two years to a rural party with raucous celebrations and a male guest waking up alone the morning after the night before, to a nightmare scenario. Maeve has been keeping secrets from Josh that puts pressure on their relationship, whilst she finds herself blindsinded and shattered by events in her personal life.
Casey gives us intense and dark storytelling, intricately plotted, compulsive, full of suspense and tension, that keeps the reader utterly riveted, turning the pages as fast as possible, right up to the end as the surprising truth of what happened to Paige is revealed. This may well be the best addition to this fabulous series which I particular enjoy for the police team dynamics, for Maeve and Josh's character development and relationship with each other, and with what happens here, I cannot wait to see where they are heading next. This is brilliant crime fiction that focuses with sensitivity on the terrifying issue of male violence and the abuse of women in the world of male privilege and arrogance in a London all men's club. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
October 30, 2022
Fat ass trigger warning: graphic domestic violence
One sentence review: A solid read but unfortunately a gaping plot hole ruined it for me
SYNOPSIS
A dismembered body washed up on the banks of the Thames River leads DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent into the underbelly of a gentlemen's club that celebrates male privilege and power.
MY OPINION
Ight so straight after finishing book #8, I needed more Kerrwent. Tbh I have no interest in reading the earlier books in the series because I am invested in their first kiss... enough build up already!! 😂 Anyways, I really liked the premise and I knew going in that yeetage of disbelief was required. Anything with a secret club is going to be scandalous and a lil OTT, so if you don't yeet that disbelief, you will be annoyed for sure.
Like #8, Casey doesn't waste any time jumping into action. Things pop off quickly and the action is relentless. A lot happens in this book, and it touches on some sensitive subjects. I even found myself silently tearing up during the scenes of domestic violence. Casey did a fantastic job at portraying how anyone , no matter their job, education level, socioeconomic class, etc, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. She expertly shows how "seasoned" (for lack of better word) abusers are in it for the long game; they isolate their victim slowly and subtly, distorting control for love. I've read quite a few books that tackle this subject, but Casey does so with grace and empathy.
The Chiron Club reminded me of Tongue-Cut Sparrow from The Last Housewife – but better. Unlike Winstead's flimsy attempt at highlighting the power of male privilege with obscene torture p0rn, Casey actually shows the real consequences: friends helping friends in positions of power. I wasn't the biggest fan of the whole undercover scene, nor did I understand why the madame agreed to that, but it was entertaining at least.
Kerrwent are slowly chugging ahead... I requested #10 on NetGalley. Fingers crossed. Even Lacey and Mark in Sharon Bolton's series moved faster than this. Josh, it's time to ditch Melissa, and get booed up with Maeve. Yes, I am probably acquiring some demerit points by supporting their romance given Josh is wholly inappropriate (I'd be ringing HR immediately during some scenes lol). I accept it 😂
SPOILERS SO SCROLL AHEAD
Ok, now let's talk about the plot hole. I really tried to look past it because I truly wanted to give this a four, but... no matter how many mental backflips I did, this just wasn't landing. So Orlando knows Roddy can't drive due to his epilepsy, but he decides to stage Roddy's suicide as an elaborate car crash? Why? He had to have known that any detective worth their salt would notice this. He could've just gone with a classic and pushed him off a building or g^n to the head, but he put in A LOT of work with the car thing despite knowing damn well Roddy couldn't drive. It felt like the author needed the detectives to start looking at Orlando, but didn't know how to bridge that gap. I think g^n to the head but maybe the angle was all wrong or something would've made more sense. I couldn't get past the fact Orlando knew Roddy couldn't drive and thought yep, he needs to k!ll himself by driving into a house.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well written, domestic violence is handled with empathy, lots of action right from the jump, interesting premise, intricate web of events, tension between Maeve and Derwent is subtle but yet TOO MUCH to handle LOL
Cons: didn't care too much for the whole undercover ting or one of the twists, big ass plot hole that I couldn't ignore even with my eyes closed
One sentence review: A solid read but unfortunately a gaping plot hole ruined it for me
SYNOPSIS
A dismembered body washed up on the banks of the Thames River leads DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent into the underbelly of a gentlemen's club that celebrates male privilege and power.
MY OPINION
Ight so straight after finishing book #8, I needed more Kerrwent. Tbh I have no interest in reading the earlier books in the series because I am invested in their first kiss... enough build up already!! 😂 Anyways, I really liked the premise and I knew going in that yeetage of disbelief was required. Anything with a secret club is going to be scandalous and a lil OTT, so if you don't yeet that disbelief, you will be annoyed for sure.
Like #8, Casey doesn't waste any time jumping into action. Things pop off quickly and the action is relentless. A lot happens in this book, and it touches on some sensitive subjects. I even found myself silently tearing up during the scenes of domestic violence. Casey did a fantastic job at portraying how anyone , no matter their job, education level, socioeconomic class, etc, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. She expertly shows how "seasoned" (for lack of better word) abusers are in it for the long game; they isolate their victim slowly and subtly, distorting control for love. I've read quite a few books that tackle this subject, but Casey does so with grace and empathy.
The Chiron Club reminded me of Tongue-Cut Sparrow from The Last Housewife – but better. Unlike Winstead's flimsy attempt at highlighting the power of male privilege with obscene torture p0rn, Casey actually shows the real consequences: friends helping friends in positions of power. I wasn't the biggest fan of the whole undercover scene, nor did I understand why the madame agreed to that, but it was entertaining at least.
Kerrwent are slowly chugging ahead... I requested #10 on NetGalley. Fingers crossed. Even Lacey and Mark in Sharon Bolton's series moved faster than this. Josh, it's time to ditch Melissa, and get booed up with Maeve. Yes, I am probably acquiring some demerit points by supporting their romance given Josh is wholly inappropriate (I'd be ringing HR immediately during some scenes lol). I accept it 😂
SPOILERS SO SCROLL AHEAD
Ok, now let's talk about the plot hole. I really tried to look past it because I truly wanted to give this a four, but... no matter how many mental backflips I did, this just wasn't landing. So Orlando knows Roddy can't drive due to his epilepsy, but he decides to stage Roddy's suicide as an elaborate car crash? Why? He had to have known that any detective worth their salt would notice this. He could've just gone with a classic and pushed him off a building or g^n to the head, but he put in A LOT of work with the car thing despite knowing damn well Roddy couldn't drive. It felt like the author needed the detectives to start looking at Orlando, but didn't know how to bridge that gap. I think g^n to the head but maybe the angle was all wrong or something would've made more sense. I couldn't get past the fact Orlando knew Roddy couldn't drive and thought yep, he needs to k!ll himself by driving into a house.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well written, domestic violence is handled with empathy, lots of action right from the jump, interesting premise, intricate web of events, tension between Maeve and Derwent is subtle but yet TOO MUCH to handle LOL
Cons: didn't care too much for the whole undercover ting or one of the twists, big ass plot hole that I couldn't ignore even with my eyes closed
May 13, 2020
When a body part is discovered by a mudlark on the banks of the Thames near Greenwich the subsequent investigation leads DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent into some very murky waters. Through DNA the victim is identified as journalist Paige Hargreaves who has been investigating the secretive men’s Chiron Club whose members are very powerful and wealthy. It takes tenacity, determination and risk to get to the truth in this gritty novel.
Your attention is literally grabbed from the start in this excellent crime fiction. This is a novel about power, how power corrupts and how evil begets evil. It is very dark at times, extremely tense, totally gripping, and occasionally very emotional. The storyline is really exciting, realistic, it’s believable and I like how irony is used to great effect and humour breaks tension. The standout element of the book is the amazing relationship between Maeve and Josh. Although they clash, they have more than a deep friendship, they understand each other and they have each other’s backs. When an author gets to number 9 in a series as is the case here, there is deep insight and understanding of the characters they have created which gives a feel of authenticity. Both of them have a lot of very personal things to handle in this novel which adds an extra dimension to the storytelling.
Overall, this is an extremely well written and perfectly paced story which is extremely powerful. Although I have a question mark against the motive for Paige’s death I still have no hesitation in awarding the book five stars. This is because of how well the rest of the book stacks up and how carefully Jane Casey handles some difficult themes such as violence towards women. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the copy.
Your attention is literally grabbed from the start in this excellent crime fiction. This is a novel about power, how power corrupts and how evil begets evil. It is very dark at times, extremely tense, totally gripping, and occasionally very emotional. The storyline is really exciting, realistic, it’s believable and I like how irony is used to great effect and humour breaks tension. The standout element of the book is the amazing relationship between Maeve and Josh. Although they clash, they have more than a deep friendship, they understand each other and they have each other’s backs. When an author gets to number 9 in a series as is the case here, there is deep insight and understanding of the characters they have created which gives a feel of authenticity. Both of them have a lot of very personal things to handle in this novel which adds an extra dimension to the storytelling.
Overall, this is an extremely well written and perfectly paced story which is extremely powerful. Although I have a question mark against the motive for Paige’s death I still have no hesitation in awarding the book five stars. This is because of how well the rest of the book stacks up and how carefully Jane Casey handles some difficult themes such as violence towards women. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the copy.
April 16, 2020
Jane Casey is the multi award winning author of the superb police procedurals featuring Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan and her boss/colleague Detective Inspector Josh Derwent. “The Cutting Place” is the ninth outing in the popular and absorbing series and my second after recently reading the brilliant “Cruel Acts”.
Although any of these books can be read as a stand-alone, I do believe there’s a special enjoyment of following characters and even though this was only my second visit with Maeve, I truly felt it was like wearing a comfortable slipper, I was so at home with everyone and genuinely felt I knew all the characters personally.
Alongside the police procedural part of the plot, we were privy to very deep personal storylines for both Maeve and Josh and it was this that had my emotions all over the place. Heartbreaking and endearing on many levels, the author did a fabulous job of weaving these into the polished and well executed criminal story involving domestic abuse and the power of men in the upper echelons of a private society. The opening chapter about the mudlarking on the Thames I found fascinating and set the scene for the story perfectly, with a grisly discovery on the banks of the river.
I adore the relationship between Maeve and Josh, which swings between a friendship, work partnership and a possible but highly unlikely love affair. The comaraderie is perfect and the fact that they both respect each other to extreme points, just shows how much effort and thought Jane has endeavoured to include in her characters personas.
Easy to follow, a pleasure to read and very realistic and believable I thoroughly enjoyed “The Cutting Place” from start to finish and felt quite bereft when it came to an end!
An absolute genius of a masterpiece in British crime writing with the added X Factor and a series and author I intend to follow fully. I shall be reading all seven previous books and really can’t wait to get going.
5 exceptional shiny gold stars for this belter of a book.
Although any of these books can be read as a stand-alone, I do believe there’s a special enjoyment of following characters and even though this was only my second visit with Maeve, I truly felt it was like wearing a comfortable slipper, I was so at home with everyone and genuinely felt I knew all the characters personally.
Alongside the police procedural part of the plot, we were privy to very deep personal storylines for both Maeve and Josh and it was this that had my emotions all over the place. Heartbreaking and endearing on many levels, the author did a fabulous job of weaving these into the polished and well executed criminal story involving domestic abuse and the power of men in the upper echelons of a private society. The opening chapter about the mudlarking on the Thames I found fascinating and set the scene for the story perfectly, with a grisly discovery on the banks of the river.
I adore the relationship between Maeve and Josh, which swings between a friendship, work partnership and a possible but highly unlikely love affair. The comaraderie is perfect and the fact that they both respect each other to extreme points, just shows how much effort and thought Jane has endeavoured to include in her characters personas.
Easy to follow, a pleasure to read and very realistic and believable I thoroughly enjoyed “The Cutting Place” from start to finish and felt quite bereft when it came to an end!
An absolute genius of a masterpiece in British crime writing with the added X Factor and a series and author I intend to follow fully. I shall be reading all seven previous books and really can’t wait to get going.
5 exceptional shiny gold stars for this belter of a book.
October 25, 2020
Join the club and hop on the Maeve Kerrigan wagon!
In the ninth installment of the series, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are investigating the disappearance and murder of a young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Is her disappearance linked to body parts that have washed up? Was she on to something? What price would you pay to keep your dirty little secrets secret?
When the investigation learns that Paige, the journalist was investigating the Chiron Club prior to her disappearance. Wealth, power, secrets, influence, and privilege could all be the secret code to get you into the all-boys club. But will their veil of secrecy and wealth of power be a match for Kerrigan and Derwent?
Beautifully written, gritty, and captivating. Another solid installment to the series which keeps getting better and better. Will you be along on the case with Maeve and Josh? Will you see that twist coming?
This will work as a stand-alone but why miss out on the previous books?
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the ninth installment of the series, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are investigating the disappearance and murder of a young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Is her disappearance linked to body parts that have washed up? Was she on to something? What price would you pay to keep your dirty little secrets secret?
When the investigation learns that Paige, the journalist was investigating the Chiron Club prior to her disappearance. Wealth, power, secrets, influence, and privilege could all be the secret code to get you into the all-boys club. But will their veil of secrecy and wealth of power be a match for Kerrigan and Derwent?
Beautifully written, gritty, and captivating. Another solid installment to the series which keeps getting better and better. Will you be along on the case with Maeve and Josh? Will you see that twist coming?
This will work as a stand-alone but why miss out on the previous books?
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2019
An outstanding novel, not only does it give us some amazing scenes featuring our favourite duo of Maeve and Josh but the investigative element, ripped straight from the headlines, is dark, authentic and emotionally terrifying.
Exploring many layers of social realities this one may stop you in your tracks more than once, it'll certainly make you think..you may cry quite a bit but you'll also smile quite a lot.
The best in the series by quite a long way from a writer who never once disappoints. Pitch perfect writing, incredibly powerful themes, solidifying for me that this is one of the best procedural series out there right now. I don't even want to put this one in that category. It's in a class all of its own.
Further review closer to the publication date April 2020.
Exploring many layers of social realities this one may stop you in your tracks more than once, it'll certainly make you think..you may cry quite a bit but you'll also smile quite a lot.
The best in the series by quite a long way from a writer who never once disappoints. Pitch perfect writing, incredibly powerful themes, solidifying for me that this is one of the best procedural series out there right now. I don't even want to put this one in that category. It's in a class all of its own.
Further review closer to the publication date April 2020.
April 20, 2020
Another great book with the characters DS Maeve Kerrigan and D.I Josh Derwent.
The dynamic duo are investigating a case where a hand is discovered in the river Thames with other parts of a body, being found further along the river. The victim is 28 year old freelance journalist Paige Hargreaves.
Paige has been working on investigating Chiron Club, where the elite male only members come from wealthy backgrounds and are lawyers, bankers and politicians. Was Paige murdered because she had uncovered something sinister about the club?
I love this series, the partnership between Maeve and Josh is as strong as ever and the way they support one another is quite touching.
I can say without any doubt this is one of my favourite authors and the books in this series just get better and better. I missed the first few, but I’m going to spend my time working from home starting from the beginning and I can’t wait!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
The dynamic duo are investigating a case where a hand is discovered in the river Thames with other parts of a body, being found further along the river. The victim is 28 year old freelance journalist Paige Hargreaves.
Paige has been working on investigating Chiron Club, where the elite male only members come from wealthy backgrounds and are lawyers, bankers and politicians. Was Paige murdered because she had uncovered something sinister about the club?
I love this series, the partnership between Maeve and Josh is as strong as ever and the way they support one another is quite touching.
I can say without any doubt this is one of my favourite authors and the books in this series just get better and better. I missed the first few, but I’m going to spend my time working from home starting from the beginning and I can’t wait!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
April 20, 2020
I loved this sharp police procedural!
Intelligently written but still easily read, the phrasing and wording were precision.
We fall in step with Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan as she’s resolute in solving a murder where no one’s talking and crumbs of evidence lead to dead ends. Pun intended as someone IS dead and it’s decidedly intentional.
A few slim clues point to an elite invitation only men’s club. How to crack that impenetrable fortress? Well, Maeve has some ideas...
Identifying the killer is the main course here, but the sides include craftily written commentary about wealth and privilege with a slight feminist bent.
En route to discovery, Maeve also juggles issues with her partner, colleagues, and a romantic relationship that’s beginning to taint.
Even though this is number nine of the series, it’s the first I’ve read and it worked as a stand alone. I don’t feel that I missed anything or had to read the previous books to get caught up. Do I want to? Yes!
Without giving away anything, the title becomes meaningful as you’re reading the story.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Jane Casey, and Harper Collins for my advance review copy.
Intelligently written but still easily read, the phrasing and wording were precision.
We fall in step with Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan as she’s resolute in solving a murder where no one’s talking and crumbs of evidence lead to dead ends. Pun intended as someone IS dead and it’s decidedly intentional.
A few slim clues point to an elite invitation only men’s club. How to crack that impenetrable fortress? Well, Maeve has some ideas...
Identifying the killer is the main course here, but the sides include craftily written commentary about wealth and privilege with a slight feminist bent.
En route to discovery, Maeve also juggles issues with her partner, colleagues, and a romantic relationship that’s beginning to taint.
Even though this is number nine of the series, it’s the first I’ve read and it worked as a stand alone. I don’t feel that I missed anything or had to read the previous books to get caught up. Do I want to? Yes!
Without giving away anything, the title becomes meaningful as you’re reading the story.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Jane Casey, and Harper Collins for my advance review copy.
April 11, 2020
I have followed the Maeve Kerrigan series from the start and can't believe this is the 9th book in the series. The series is full of great characters that come to life on the page but also strong plots that keep the reader gripped. This one is no different and loved it from start to finish.
DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are this time investigating the murder of twenty-eight-year-old freelance investigative journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Paige appears to have been looking into a story linked to a gentleman's establishment called the Chiron Club. The code of secrecy inside the Chiron Club with their clientele of the rich and privileged is always going to be difficult to breakdown which makes things very challenging for Maeve.
The plot is excellently paced with revelations twists along the way making it an exciting read. The relationship between the two main characters DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent makes great reading.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are this time investigating the murder of twenty-eight-year-old freelance investigative journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Paige appears to have been looking into a story linked to a gentleman's establishment called the Chiron Club. The code of secrecy inside the Chiron Club with their clientele of the rich and privileged is always going to be difficult to breakdown which makes things very challenging for Maeve.
The plot is excellently paced with revelations twists along the way making it an exciting read. The relationship between the two main characters DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent makes great reading.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2020
Review to come.
April 8, 2021
I think I've just found my new favourite crime series!
Even though this is ninth entry in the DS Maeve Kerrigan series, at no point was my reading hindered by not knowing what had preceeded this current case.
That is testament to the brilliant and compelling storytelling by Casey.
Obviously jumping in midway through a series means that I'd missed the growth of various relationships between the characters, so I'm curious to dive back to the beginning - it was easy to get caught upto speed though.
The plot itself concerns a reporter who's body parts have been found in the Thames, identified as young journalists Paignton Hargreaves who'd recently been investigating The Chiron Club (a establishment for privileged men) and it seems like she's about to expose a shocking scandal.
Both the gore and sleaze were just enough to add a sense of realism as Kerrigan attempts to follow a trail left by Hargreaves.
The characters were so vividly written and the story really builds as the inner workings of the club is slowly revealed.
I can't praise this highly enough and just off to order Kerrigan's opener.
Even though this is ninth entry in the DS Maeve Kerrigan series, at no point was my reading hindered by not knowing what had preceeded this current case.
That is testament to the brilliant and compelling storytelling by Casey.
Obviously jumping in midway through a series means that I'd missed the growth of various relationships between the characters, so I'm curious to dive back to the beginning - it was easy to get caught upto speed though.
The plot itself concerns a reporter who's body parts have been found in the Thames, identified as young journalists Paignton Hargreaves who'd recently been investigating The Chiron Club (a establishment for privileged men) and it seems like she's about to expose a shocking scandal.
Both the gore and sleaze were just enough to add a sense of realism as Kerrigan attempts to follow a trail left by Hargreaves.
The characters were so vividly written and the story really builds as the inner workings of the club is slowly revealed.
I can't praise this highly enough and just off to order Kerrigan's opener.
November 1, 2019
It's difficult to know where to start with the praise for this incredible novel, which goes way beyond the police procedural you might expect. I love this series - and Maeve and Josh - and this is the best of a very fine set of novels. It's a fantastic story but there is more here to affect Kerrigan and Derwent. There were tears. I think we all need a Josh Derwent in our lives. A review will follow on For Winter Nights closer to the April publication date.
April 21, 2020
I loved this book it was a fantastic crime book and even though it was the ninth in the series it read like a stand alone novel. It had all the elements I love it was twisty and exciting and the characters were very believable. I will be looking for the others in this series in the future.
My thanks to Readers First and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
My thanks to Readers First and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 5, 2020
The Cutting Place is the ninth instalment in the superb Maeve Kerrigan series and this is the most captivating episode so far. Jane Casey’s writing is gritty and not a single word is wasted as she gets straight to the point. The plot highlights how many of those who are extremely wealthy believe they are above the law and can quite simply do what they desire with impunity. It discusses the topical issues of toxic masculinity and abuse against women in a sensitive and intelligent manner without preaching or it overwhelming the plot. There is a large focus on the relationship between Maeve and Josh Derwent and this is one of the only police procedural's where the personal lives of the characters are as interesting as the main plot. It captivated from the first few pages right through to the last with its intelligent observations and gritty realism. There are plenty of twists, turns, peaks and troughs taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and a cast of characters that are engaging and intriguing. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
April 8, 2020
The ninth instalment in the superior police procedural series featuring uptight and conscientious DS Maeve Kerrigan of the Met and her sparring partner, DI Josh Derwent, once again makes for a riveting read and tackles elite male privilege, corruption and violence against women. The novel begins a world away from wealth and entitlement when DI Josh Derwent and DS Maeve Kerrigan are called for the foreshore of the Thames after a licensed mudlarker finds a human hand and three other parts of a corpse are subsequently recovered. Faced with an uphill struggle to identify the deceased, and an autopsy that makes it clear the victim was dismembered, Derwent is called away before they can get started and in a surprising vote of confidence DCI Una Burt effectively puts Maeve in charge of the investigation.
When the victim is identified as twenty-eight-year-old freelance investigative journalist, Paige Hargreaves, Maeve is keen to ascertain the potential relevance of her current focus and is catapulted into a world of wealth and influence as she is forced to break down the code of secrecy inside the Chiron Club, a notorious bastion of male privilege. As Maeve’s probing is met with curt rebuttals, a second narrative from two years earlier shows a hungover man awakening from a heavy night and met by the sickening realisation that is possibly guilty of murder. This second narrative gives a real edge to Maeve’s comprehensive dismantling of what goes on behind the doors of the Chiron Club as she gets to witness first-hand the grim realities of a ruthless society in which people are eminently dispensable, actions are without impunity and secrecy is paramount. The pitiful truth is that so much of what Jane Casey portrays is believable and not without precedent as tabloid headlines will testify. Maeve’s initial area of interest into the murder of Paige Hargreaves is soon widened as some unexpected revelations send the unfolding story in a number of unforeseen directions.
Closer than most colleague, Kerrigan and Derwent bicker like siblings but trust each other instincts without hesitation and in an instalment that impacts on both of their personal lives they once again discover the value of that bond. The relationship between the duo is central to the series and for all their snipes, put-downs and cutting remarks, there is a bond that makes them fascinating to witness. For all Derwent’s bluster and Maeve’s cool exterior there is a connection and trust that makes for a winning combination.
DS Maeve Kerrigan feels recognisably human and is perhaps the crime fiction protagonist that I find it easiest to empathise with, and the first-person narrative of Maeve is witty, honest, and over-sensitive. Her fixation on holding someone to account for the crimes she uncovers and ensuring that justice is done is unwavering and in a storyline that centres around an elite gentleman’s club and violence against women, Casey manages to steer impressively clear of preaching or slating the entire male species, much to her credit.
A tightly-plotted, timely and pertinent police procedural written with empathy and intelligence. that recognises the value of strong characterisation and pays off admirably. Whilst I found it difficult to swallow the resolution to the instigating case of Paige’s murder into the Chiron Club in motion it did little to detract from another gripping outing for Maeve that regular readers will relish for the spotlight thrown on her intense relationship - and chemistry - with DI Josh Derwent.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free ebook of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
When the victim is identified as twenty-eight-year-old freelance investigative journalist, Paige Hargreaves, Maeve is keen to ascertain the potential relevance of her current focus and is catapulted into a world of wealth and influence as she is forced to break down the code of secrecy inside the Chiron Club, a notorious bastion of male privilege. As Maeve’s probing is met with curt rebuttals, a second narrative from two years earlier shows a hungover man awakening from a heavy night and met by the sickening realisation that is possibly guilty of murder. This second narrative gives a real edge to Maeve’s comprehensive dismantling of what goes on behind the doors of the Chiron Club as she gets to witness first-hand the grim realities of a ruthless society in which people are eminently dispensable, actions are without impunity and secrecy is paramount. The pitiful truth is that so much of what Jane Casey portrays is believable and not without precedent as tabloid headlines will testify. Maeve’s initial area of interest into the murder of Paige Hargreaves is soon widened as some unexpected revelations send the unfolding story in a number of unforeseen directions.
Closer than most colleague, Kerrigan and Derwent bicker like siblings but trust each other instincts without hesitation and in an instalment that impacts on both of their personal lives they once again discover the value of that bond. The relationship between the duo is central to the series and for all their snipes, put-downs and cutting remarks, there is a bond that makes them fascinating to witness. For all Derwent’s bluster and Maeve’s cool exterior there is a connection and trust that makes for a winning combination.
DS Maeve Kerrigan feels recognisably human and is perhaps the crime fiction protagonist that I find it easiest to empathise with, and the first-person narrative of Maeve is witty, honest, and over-sensitive. Her fixation on holding someone to account for the crimes she uncovers and ensuring that justice is done is unwavering and in a storyline that centres around an elite gentleman’s club and violence against women, Casey manages to steer impressively clear of preaching or slating the entire male species, much to her credit.
A tightly-plotted, timely and pertinent police procedural written with empathy and intelligence. that recognises the value of strong characterisation and pays off admirably. Whilst I found it difficult to swallow the resolution to the instigating case of Paige’s murder into the Chiron Club in motion it did little to detract from another gripping outing for Maeve that regular readers will relish for the spotlight thrown on her intense relationship - and chemistry - with DI Josh Derwent.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free ebook of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 17, 2020
Jane Casey’s latest instalment in the DI Maeve Kerrigan series once again affirms that this is one of my favourite crime series. Having read every book in the series from when Maeve made her first appearance in THE BURNING, I have been eagerly been looking forward to every book. Now at Book 9, I am still enjoying the series as much as ever!
Whilst I recommend reading the series from Book 1 to get the most out of the homicide team’s dynamics, Casey offers individual stories that could easily be read as stand alones. In THE CUTTING PLACE, Maeve gets embroiled in the investigation into a sinister secret society that has been linked to the dismembered body of a young journalist washed up on the banks of the Thames. All of Casey’s novels are original and well plotted, and her latest book was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the creepy vibes as Maeve tries to look into the murky depths of the Chiron Club, though I must confess that the dynamics between Maeve and her nemesis Josh Derwent remained my favourite part. Their constant bickering and sniping whilst they are secretly great mates was good fun to read – Derwent’s quick wit and his political incorrectness as these two clash always raises eyebrows as well as a chuckle.
It’s difficult to name favourites in an overall great series, but this book is definitely among them, as we get to see a more vulnerable side to both Maeve and Josh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to continuing following Maeve and Josh on their adventures.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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Whilst I recommend reading the series from Book 1 to get the most out of the homicide team’s dynamics, Casey offers individual stories that could easily be read as stand alones. In THE CUTTING PLACE, Maeve gets embroiled in the investigation into a sinister secret society that has been linked to the dismembered body of a young journalist washed up on the banks of the Thames. All of Casey’s novels are original and well plotted, and her latest book was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the creepy vibes as Maeve tries to look into the murky depths of the Chiron Club, though I must confess that the dynamics between Maeve and her nemesis Josh Derwent remained my favourite part. Their constant bickering and sniping whilst they are secretly great mates was good fun to read – Derwent’s quick wit and his political incorrectness as these two clash always raises eyebrows as well as a chuckle.
It’s difficult to name favourites in an overall great series, but this book is definitely among them, as we get to see a more vulnerable side to both Maeve and Josh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to continuing following Maeve and Josh on their adventures.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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September 9, 2020
Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Meave Kerrigan and Detective Inspector Josh Derwent return in the ninth book in this exceptional series by award winning Irish author Jane Casey. .When body parts are found washed up on the banks of the Thames, a DNA match is made to Paige Kerrigan, a journalist who was working on a story about sinister goings-on at the secretive, by invitation only, all male, Chiron Club. Did the Club or it's members have anything to do with Page's death and dismemberment?
As Maeve begins her investigation into the Club, trouble is brewing in her personal life. Her friends and colleagues , especially Josh, don't seem to like her boyfriend, Seth. But, "[w]hat sort of girlfriend complained that her boyfriend wanted to spend the evening with her? What sort of person was so ungrateful for love and devotion?" she asks herself. Has Seth changed her for the worse as her friends claim? How will her relationship with Seth affect her relationship with Josh?
Casey is a spellbinding storyteller, who skillfully weaves together the investigation of Paige's murder with several subplots to create a strong, character-driven tale of secrets kept, crimes committed, and discoveries made. The relationship between Maeve and Josh is at once simple and complex, and may it never change! If you haven't read this series yet, do yourself a favor and start now. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Jane Casey, HaroerCollons Publishing, Ltd., and NetGalley for the ARC of The Cutting Place in return for this honest review.
As Maeve begins her investigation into the Club, trouble is brewing in her personal life. Her friends and colleagues , especially Josh, don't seem to like her boyfriend, Seth. But, "[w]hat sort of girlfriend complained that her boyfriend wanted to spend the evening with her? What sort of person was so ungrateful for love and devotion?" she asks herself. Has Seth changed her for the worse as her friends claim? How will her relationship with Seth affect her relationship with Josh?
Casey is a spellbinding storyteller, who skillfully weaves together the investigation of Paige's murder with several subplots to create a strong, character-driven tale of secrets kept, crimes committed, and discoveries made. The relationship between Maeve and Josh is at once simple and complex, and may it never change! If you haven't read this series yet, do yourself a favor and start now. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Jane Casey, HaroerCollons Publishing, Ltd., and NetGalley for the ARC of The Cutting Place in return for this honest review.
February 23, 2020
A new Jane Casey/Maeve Kerrigan is always cause for celebration and long-time fans will find interesting character developments here. The plot tackles timely issues of male privilege and violence against women with intelligence but I have to admit that I found the solution of the prime murder unsatisfying... so left-field!
Still, this series is about so much more than a race to the finish. There's less of a role for the murder team and a closer focus on Maeve and Josh Derwent which suits me fine. There are a few places where Casey's usual clean writing gets a bit florid ('Ashington wriggled free like a salmon thrashing upstream', 'she was swaying like a sapling in a high wind') but these are minor niggles.
Great emotional payoff makes this so much richer than just a police procedural - yep, still one of my favourite series being written.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley.
Still, this series is about so much more than a race to the finish. There's less of a role for the murder team and a closer focus on Maeve and Josh Derwent which suits me fine. There are a few places where Casey's usual clean writing gets a bit florid ('Ashington wriggled free like a salmon thrashing upstream', 'she was swaying like a sapling in a high wind') but these are minor niggles.
Great emotional payoff makes this so much richer than just a police procedural - yep, still one of my favourite series being written.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley.
October 20, 2020
Every book in this series has been solid and engaging. I’ve enjoyed following the character progressions and returning each time to the parts of London they inhabit.
However, this book, the ninth in the line, is breakout-level excellent. There are new levels of complexity and nuance, character depth, key moments of uncontrived surprising turns, and cornerstone scenes that are gripping, revealing, and rewarding. The series has rocketed to the top tier of the many that I follow.
However, this book, the ninth in the line, is breakout-level excellent. There are new levels of complexity and nuance, character depth, key moments of uncontrived surprising turns, and cornerstone scenes that are gripping, revealing, and rewarding. The series has rocketed to the top tier of the many that I follow.
May 8, 2020
Boys will be boys...
When a mudlarker finds bits of a body washed up on the banks of the Thames, Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan finds herself with a particularly tricky murder on her hands. The lack of a complete corpse makes identification difficult, and there’s no indication of where the crime may have been committed. However, with the help of her team and a couple of lucky breaks, Maeve is soon on the trail of a secretive all-male club, full of the rich and privileged who use their wealth and power to behave outrageously and get away with it.
This is the ninth in the Maeve Kerrigan series, one of the very few series I have followed all the way through and still look forward eagerly to each instalment. Partly this is because Maeve is such an attractive character – the books are written in the first person from her perspective (past tense) and, while she frequently gets herself entangled in dangerous situations, she is resilient and so remains refreshingly normal with her sense of sometimes wicked humour intact. Partly, too, it’s because of Casey’s skill in plotting. The books tend to concentrate on some aspect of contemporary life – in this one, the issue of male privilege and how it can lead to the sexual abuse of women – but Casey manages to avoid becoming overly polemical or to be too obviously making “points”. And partly, it’s because Maeve is one of the very few fictional female police officers who isn’t constantly having to battle sexual discrimination in the workplace. Maeve and her colleagues, male and female alike, work as a competent team, with the usual banter that takes place in any mixed gender setting but with mutual respect all round. Just like I imagine most real police teams in the 21st century probably behave, in fact. First and foremost, although the plots are by no means cosy, the interplay between the recurring characters keeps the books entertaining, a thing that much of contemporary crime seems to have forgotten how to be.
Maeve now has a new boyfriend, Seth, while Josh Derwent is still with his girlfriend, Melissa, and has settled into the role of father to her young son. But the ongoing will-they/won’t-they tension between Maeve and Josh continues, although Maeve would deny its existence. I have to admit that I am not Josh’s biggest fan – or rather, I love him as a character but don’t particularly admire him as a man. Having started out as a male chauvinist pig of the first order, he has gradually softened as the series has progressed and I know that the vast majority of long-term fans seem to hope that one day Maeve and he will ride off happily into the sunset together. I’m afraid I can’t help being concerned about his controlling and often physically domineering behaviour towards Maeve, which in this book is ironic since part of the plotline concerns a toxic controlling relationship. Despite my reservations, I do enjoy their banter and the good thing about fictional controlling men, as opposed to real ones, is that they can change over time.
I was delighted that Maeve’s mother puts in an appearance in this one, partly because their relationship is so well done and believable, and partly because it’s such a refreshing departure for a detective to actually have a normal, supportive family at her back.
I don’t want to say much about the plot for fear of spoilers, but it’s done with Casey’s usual skill, treading close to the credibility line at points but always managing to stay just on the right side of it. Mostly what I love about these books, though, is their sheer readability – the easy flow that looks effortless although I’m quite sure it isn’t, the banter between Maeve and Josh and the wider team, the pacing that relies on a sure and steady reveal of information as the book progresses rather than the ubiquitous and unlikely twists of so much crime fiction, and the excellent quality of the writing itself. As always, I found this one pure pleasure to read and now begins the long wait for the next one. Highly recommended, but if you’re a newcomer, do read the series in order – the character development is a major part of the enjoyment.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
When a mudlarker finds bits of a body washed up on the banks of the Thames, Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan finds herself with a particularly tricky murder on her hands. The lack of a complete corpse makes identification difficult, and there’s no indication of where the crime may have been committed. However, with the help of her team and a couple of lucky breaks, Maeve is soon on the trail of a secretive all-male club, full of the rich and privileged who use their wealth and power to behave outrageously and get away with it.
This is the ninth in the Maeve Kerrigan series, one of the very few series I have followed all the way through and still look forward eagerly to each instalment. Partly this is because Maeve is such an attractive character – the books are written in the first person from her perspective (past tense) and, while she frequently gets herself entangled in dangerous situations, she is resilient and so remains refreshingly normal with her sense of sometimes wicked humour intact. Partly, too, it’s because of Casey’s skill in plotting. The books tend to concentrate on some aspect of contemporary life – in this one, the issue of male privilege and how it can lead to the sexual abuse of women – but Casey manages to avoid becoming overly polemical or to be too obviously making “points”. And partly, it’s because Maeve is one of the very few fictional female police officers who isn’t constantly having to battle sexual discrimination in the workplace. Maeve and her colleagues, male and female alike, work as a competent team, with the usual banter that takes place in any mixed gender setting but with mutual respect all round. Just like I imagine most real police teams in the 21st century probably behave, in fact. First and foremost, although the plots are by no means cosy, the interplay between the recurring characters keeps the books entertaining, a thing that much of contemporary crime seems to have forgotten how to be.
Maeve now has a new boyfriend, Seth, while Josh Derwent is still with his girlfriend, Melissa, and has settled into the role of father to her young son. But the ongoing will-they/won’t-they tension between Maeve and Josh continues, although Maeve would deny its existence. I have to admit that I am not Josh’s biggest fan – or rather, I love him as a character but don’t particularly admire him as a man. Having started out as a male chauvinist pig of the first order, he has gradually softened as the series has progressed and I know that the vast majority of long-term fans seem to hope that one day Maeve and he will ride off happily into the sunset together. I’m afraid I can’t help being concerned about his controlling and often physically domineering behaviour towards Maeve, which in this book is ironic since part of the plotline concerns a toxic controlling relationship. Despite my reservations, I do enjoy their banter and the good thing about fictional controlling men, as opposed to real ones, is that they can change over time.
I was delighted that Maeve’s mother puts in an appearance in this one, partly because their relationship is so well done and believable, and partly because it’s such a refreshing departure for a detective to actually have a normal, supportive family at her back.
I don’t want to say much about the plot for fear of spoilers, but it’s done with Casey’s usual skill, treading close to the credibility line at points but always managing to stay just on the right side of it. Mostly what I love about these books, though, is their sheer readability – the easy flow that looks effortless although I’m quite sure it isn’t, the banter between Maeve and Josh and the wider team, the pacing that relies on a sure and steady reveal of information as the book progresses rather than the ubiquitous and unlikely twists of so much crime fiction, and the excellent quality of the writing itself. As always, I found this one pure pleasure to read and now begins the long wait for the next one. Highly recommended, but if you’re a newcomer, do read the series in order – the character development is a major part of the enjoyment.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
May 20, 2020
4.5 stars
Video review (spoiler free): https://bit.ly/3dV4kLo
I received this book from Harper Collins Ireland in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Sexual assault, violence towards women, domestic abuse
DI Maeve Kerrigan has another case on her hands and this one comes to her in pieces, literally. When discovering the gruesome murder of a young woman whose body was cut up and left in the Thames, the case leads Maeve to the Chiron Club - a private member's club only eligible for elite males. As Maeve digs deeper, she discovers more horrifying facts about the club and its member, while also ignoring a danger that is creeping closer to home.
I really enjoyed this crime detective novel and it's defintiely one of my favourites I have ever read. I felt like the whole case was spread out across the pages really well and just seemed very realistic and organised, and really well planned out by the author.
This book is actually the ninth book in the Maeve Kerrigan series but I haven't read any of the others. And I still found this book really enjoyable and didn't feel lost with any of the characters. It was obvious that there was something in the past between Maeve and Josh, and slowly throughout the book new readers discovered what that was and it was done expertly in ways that fans of the series wouldn't be bored of a rehash of things from the past. This book can definitely be read as a standalone though because I really enjoyed it, I am trying to decide if I want to read the books that came before this one or just carry on from here.
I really liked Maeve as a character. She's the type of police officer you want helping to solve any crime that you were the victim of. She's through and smart, yet is very kind as well. The one thing that did raise my eyebrows a bit was when she was able to go undercover as one of the hired girls when she was presumably in her thirties, and the girls were suppose to be young and insanely beautiful. We don't get a lot of descriptions of Maeve's looks but presumably of things said to her in different points, she is very attractive. I didn't really like that Maeve had a bit of a frenemy thing going on with Wendy - the other young, attractive female on the force (I'm not including Liz in this one as she was heavily pregnant). When Wendy appeared on the page, she always did something really dumb that doesn't make me feel great about people like her being on the force.
The case was just really good and I loved how bit by bit all these secrets about the Chiron Club came out. It was a very satisfying case to read be investigated, and when all the horrible men in it got their comeuppance.
There is a side plot in this book that does involve domestic abuse. I feel like it was very obvious from the start what was going to happen with this one, but I also feel like this was in the book as well to give a guide to readers about how easy it is to fall into an abusive relationship - physically and/or emotionally - and not quite realise. And it can happen to anyone - even people to see it happen to others on a regular basis.
Video review (spoiler free): https://bit.ly/3dV4kLo
I received this book from Harper Collins Ireland in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Sexual assault, violence towards women, domestic abuse
DI Maeve Kerrigan has another case on her hands and this one comes to her in pieces, literally. When discovering the gruesome murder of a young woman whose body was cut up and left in the Thames, the case leads Maeve to the Chiron Club - a private member's club only eligible for elite males. As Maeve digs deeper, she discovers more horrifying facts about the club and its member, while also ignoring a danger that is creeping closer to home.
I really enjoyed this crime detective novel and it's defintiely one of my favourites I have ever read. I felt like the whole case was spread out across the pages really well and just seemed very realistic and organised, and really well planned out by the author.
This book is actually the ninth book in the Maeve Kerrigan series but I haven't read any of the others. And I still found this book really enjoyable and didn't feel lost with any of the characters. It was obvious that there was something in the past between Maeve and Josh, and slowly throughout the book new readers discovered what that was and it was done expertly in ways that fans of the series wouldn't be bored of a rehash of things from the past. This book can definitely be read as a standalone though because I really enjoyed it, I am trying to decide if I want to read the books that came before this one or just carry on from here.
I really liked Maeve as a character. She's the type of police officer you want helping to solve any crime that you were the victim of. She's through and smart, yet is very kind as well. The one thing that did raise my eyebrows a bit was when she was able to go undercover as one of the hired girls when she was presumably in her thirties, and the girls were suppose to be young and insanely beautiful. We don't get a lot of descriptions of Maeve's looks but presumably of things said to her in different points, she is very attractive. I didn't really like that Maeve had a bit of a frenemy thing going on with Wendy - the other young, attractive female on the force (I'm not including Liz in this one as she was heavily pregnant). When Wendy appeared on the page, she always did something really dumb that doesn't make me feel great about people like her being on the force.
The case was just really good and I loved how bit by bit all these secrets about the Chiron Club came out. It was a very satisfying case to read be investigated, and when all the horrible men in it got their comeuppance.
There is a side plot in this book that does involve domestic abuse. I feel like it was very obvious from the start what was going to happen with this one, but I also feel like this was in the book as well to give a guide to readers about how easy it is to fall into an abusive relationship - physically and/or emotionally - and not quite realise. And it can happen to anyone - even people to see it happen to others on a regular basis.
April 17, 2020
4.5 stars
I have to start with a HUGE confession, I haven’t read a Jane Casey book in years and I’m jumping straight in at book 9 on a well established series. What could go wrong?! Nothing as it turns out, except that I need to buy and read the other 8 books immediately. It was FAB!
Thanks to HarperCollins for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
FIRST LINE OF THE CUTTING PLACE
“For a few moments, it was the quietest place in London”
MY THOUGHTS ON THE CUTTING PLACE
I devoured this book. Detective Maeve Kerrigan’s latest task involves delving deep into the dirty underbelly of an exclusive Gentleman’s Club in London. The members feel safe committing all kinds of dark deeds thinking that their own private haven of male privilege will protect them. Enter Maeve to show them their safe place isn’t so safe.
I love a gutsy, clever, resourceful female lead who thrives on the adrenaline rush of the hunt. The nail-bitingly fast-paced action resulted in me sitting on the edge of seat and ignoring everyone while I absorbed every suspenseful twist. And then furiously working my brain to catch up with Maeve who was always 2 steps ahead of me.
Despite jumping in late to the series, I was all over the chemistry between Maeve and her sidekick Detective Derwent. I loved the banter and intensity between them, and can’t wait to go back and discover their full history.
And to top it all Jane Casey’s prose is just lovely. It thrusts you straight into the action, and you get better believe your heart is going to get battered and broken before you put this book down. Count me as her newest fan and I’m doing a little happy dance to have discovered such a cracker of a series. That’s my lockdown sorted!
WHO SHOULD READ THE CUTTING PLACE BY JANE CASEY
I highly recommend this book to you if you enjoy fast-paced suspense, and strong female characters, or if you want a snoop inside a ‘gentleman’s’ club. Fans of authors such as Liz Nugent, Jo Spain and Patricia Gibney might also enjoy.
I have to start with a HUGE confession, I haven’t read a Jane Casey book in years and I’m jumping straight in at book 9 on a well established series. What could go wrong?! Nothing as it turns out, except that I need to buy and read the other 8 books immediately. It was FAB!
Thanks to HarperCollins for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
FIRST LINE OF THE CUTTING PLACE
“For a few moments, it was the quietest place in London”
MY THOUGHTS ON THE CUTTING PLACE
I devoured this book. Detective Maeve Kerrigan’s latest task involves delving deep into the dirty underbelly of an exclusive Gentleman’s Club in London. The members feel safe committing all kinds of dark deeds thinking that their own private haven of male privilege will protect them. Enter Maeve to show them their safe place isn’t so safe.
I love a gutsy, clever, resourceful female lead who thrives on the adrenaline rush of the hunt. The nail-bitingly fast-paced action resulted in me sitting on the edge of seat and ignoring everyone while I absorbed every suspenseful twist. And then furiously working my brain to catch up with Maeve who was always 2 steps ahead of me.
Despite jumping in late to the series, I was all over the chemistry between Maeve and her sidekick Detective Derwent. I loved the banter and intensity between them, and can’t wait to go back and discover their full history.
And to top it all Jane Casey’s prose is just lovely. It thrusts you straight into the action, and you get better believe your heart is going to get battered and broken before you put this book down. Count me as her newest fan and I’m doing a little happy dance to have discovered such a cracker of a series. That’s my lockdown sorted!
WHO SHOULD READ THE CUTTING PLACE BY JANE CASEY
I highly recommend this book to you if you enjoy fast-paced suspense, and strong female characters, or if you want a snoop inside a ‘gentleman’s’ club. Fans of authors such as Liz Nugent, Jo Spain and Patricia Gibney might also enjoy.
February 28, 2023
DS Maeve Kerrigan is called to the waterside where a 'mudlark' (someone who scavenges after the tide has gone out for property lost or abandoned in rivers such as the Thames) has made a grisly discovery. A human hand. Maeve discovers using DNA testing that the hand belongs to Paige Hargreaves, a young journalist looking into the activities of a secret club called the Chiron Club - a world of rich, privileged men. Paige had recently been reported missing & no-one seems to know what happened. Did the Club have something to do with her murder?
It seems an absolute age since I read the eighth book in the series 'Cruel Acts' (checking back it was 4 years ago!) & now I've just read this one & I'm about to read the latest release shortly. The case itself was okay, but let's face it, I'm reading this for the chemistry & 'will they/won't they' of Maeve & Derwent. Of course, there are a few obstacles in the way, namely Maeve's current boyfriend, Seth, & a massive secret that Maeve has been hiding from Derwent on someone else's behalf. Alas, the course of true love has never run smooth. We have some slight advancement on their relationship but the author is keeping us all waiting. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
TW: domestic violence, sexual assault, misogyny.
It seems an absolute age since I read the eighth book in the series 'Cruel Acts' (checking back it was 4 years ago!) & now I've just read this one & I'm about to read the latest release shortly. The case itself was okay, but let's face it, I'm reading this for the chemistry & 'will they/won't they' of Maeve & Derwent. Of course, there are a few obstacles in the way, namely Maeve's current boyfriend, Seth, & a massive secret that Maeve has been hiding from Derwent on someone else's behalf. Alas, the course of true love has never run smooth. We have some slight advancement on their relationship but the author is keeping us all waiting. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
TW: domestic violence, sexual assault, misogyny.
September 1, 2024
The Cutting Place is book nine in Maeve Kerrigan series and it's an absolute corker. Brilliantly written, well paced, great storyline, tense, gripping, full of twists and turns woven seamlessly, it kept my attention throughout and I couldn't put it down. Just great.
And Kerrigan and Derwent, well, one of the best crime fighting duos ever.
I love that book and I love the whole series and I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
And Kerrigan and Derwent, well, one of the best crime fighting duos ever.
I love that book and I love the whole series and I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2021
Exquisite.
Please read.
Please read.
April 20, 2020
This is #9 in the Maeve Kerrigan series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone but you will be missing out on a really great series.
When a body part is found by a mudlarker on the Thames shore, an investigation begins to find the identity of the remains and how they died.
They belong to a journalist, who believed she had an explosive story about the secretive Chiron Club whose members are rich and powerful men.
Maeve takes a short stint at undercover work at an event at the Chiron Club to see if she can find out more. Are the rumours true? Was Paige onto something before she died and did it result in her death?
Meanwhile, Maeve has a boyfriend, Seth, he seems the perfect man, attentive and romantic, but her friends feel he is changing her. Derwent really doesn’t like him and he’s suspicious of his motives, to say the least.
Maeve also has a secret, which comes to light and threatens her close friendship with Derwent.
This really is an astounding read, it is a murder mystery, a thriller but also about relationships, secrets and domestic violence. The domestic violence is brutal, honest and told in a non sensational way, that anyone can be a victim.
So well written,with great well developed characters and clever, dark and tension filled plot. I think this is the best in the series so far…..I loved every minute.
When a body part is found by a mudlarker on the Thames shore, an investigation begins to find the identity of the remains and how they died.
They belong to a journalist, who believed she had an explosive story about the secretive Chiron Club whose members are rich and powerful men.
Maeve takes a short stint at undercover work at an event at the Chiron Club to see if she can find out more. Are the rumours true? Was Paige onto something before she died and did it result in her death?
Meanwhile, Maeve has a boyfriend, Seth, he seems the perfect man, attentive and romantic, but her friends feel he is changing her. Derwent really doesn’t like him and he’s suspicious of his motives, to say the least.
Maeve also has a secret, which comes to light and threatens her close friendship with Derwent.
This really is an astounding read, it is a murder mystery, a thriller but also about relationships, secrets and domestic violence. The domestic violence is brutal, honest and told in a non sensational way, that anyone can be a victim.
So well written,with great well developed characters and clever, dark and tension filled plot. I think this is the best in the series so far…..I loved every minute.
November 4, 2023
3,5/5. Öncelikle artık şu beklediğimiz şeyi yaz sevgili yazar ya, yemin ediyorum yaşlandım beklerken... Bir de Maeve bu kadar salak ya da kör yazılabilir miydi cidden? Yazardaki bu ana karakterime hayatın sillesini yedireyim, asla mutlu olmasın derdini cidden anlayamıyorum. Kurgu olarak da yani ne bileyim, nasıl başladı nasıl bitti gibi garip bir kurgu gidişatı var bence. Çok hızlı okunuyordu akıcıydı ama gözüme çarpan baya bir yer oldu kurguda. Yine de son kitabı çok uzatmadan okuyacağım, çeviri beklerken ayrı yaşlandık zaten.
April 5, 2020
Brilliant! Compelling, real & poignant. Love Maeve & Josh. Why did I devour this so quickly?! How long will I have to wait before the next one? A year . . . ???
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