The Other Woman by Jane Isaac
DC Beth Chamberlain #1

Mystery, murder and more in this story of a man murdered in cold blood leaving two women without a “partner” and four children without a father. Who killed Cameron and why? What did Monika and Sara have to do with it – if anything? How will the police go about uncovering why the murder took place? Will the murderer be caught? So many questions and as each clue was revealed I was drawn in further.

What I liked:
* Beth – she seemed focused, smart and dedicated to her job and family. She’s a good policewoman and capable of thinking on her feet and taking action when needed.
* The police team – being introduced to them I have a feeling I will like DCI Lee Freeman and Sergeant Nick Geary along with some others on the team
* Watching the police procedural aspects followed during the investigation
* The way the story unfolds – pace and plotting were well done
* Not knowing for sure who the bad guy was till near the end...even though I had read the end before the middle of the book
* That it made me think and care and hope for a good outcome for all involved in a messy situation

What I did not like:
* The bad guy – really seemed off mentally and totally irrational
* The situation I have a feeling Beth’s sister is getting into with the man she has chosen to spend time with
* The first murder victim – Cameron was not a man that I could like even though it seemed his partners and children probably did
* Being reminded again of how easily humans perpetrate evil against one another
* Having to say goodbye to the characters in the story and having to wait for book two of the series to find out what happens next

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

This features Beth, a DC in the murder squad and a family liaison officer. She is assigned to Monika, whose partner Cameron was gunned down in their driveway, but is soon sent to meet Sara, who also claims Cameron as her partner and the father of her children. The set-up was intriguing and I thought the depiction of co-operative police work was well-portrayed.

I'm deducting a star for the conclusion, which came a bit too far out of left field to feel entirely satisfactory.

I will be seeking out other books by this author. ( )