Good Girl (DS Grace Allendale Book 4) 

Mel Sherratt

(review written on 8^th December 2020)

OH, MY GOODNESS!

I LOVED the previous three books in the DS Grace Allendale series, and I have absolutely LOVED this book. Talk about an utterly compelling story. Heart-breaking, but compelling.

To say this story is hard hitting would be an understatement. It starts with the stabbing of a sixteen-year-old girl, Erin, just a stone’s throw from her home. Every parent’s worst nightmare! I can’t even begin to imagine the pain. It doesn’t bare thinking about. Absolutely devastating for all involved and, as if this isn’t traumatic enough, the story proves to be far more harrowing than I could have ever imagined.

Grace, and the team, are obviously determined to get to the bottom of what initially seems to be a random mugging gone terribly wrong. I really feel for police who have to deal with such horrific incidents. They might not be personally attached to the victims and their families, but they are still human and are obviously affected by the cases they are faced with, especially where young lives are devastated at the hands of despicable people. I applaud their determination and dedication. It’s isn’t a job I would be able to do.

I love the police procedural aspect to this story. It always fascinates me.

I love that we have got to know Grace that little bit more with each book also and I especially loved how this book ended!

Her ‘relationship’ with the Steele family is an interesting aspect of Grace’s story too. It makes her a unique character, especially as she is a police officer.

My heart went out to Erin’s best friend, Molly. Even at the end. Another young life devastated by exploitation. My heart broke for the parents of both girls also. Their reactions to finding out just what had been going on during the previous few months is heart wrenching. I could physically feel their pain.

This was such an emotional read which I finished past 1am as there was no way I could sleep until I knew what happened. It is most definitely one I won’t forget in a hurry.

I can’t recommend it highly enough.

All the stars, and then some, for me!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC via Netgalley.

#teamsherratt

Erin was a good girl. But someone wanted her dead…

‘I love all Mel Sherratt’s books’ IAN RANKIN

‘An absolute masterpiece’ ANGELA MARSONS

‘Twists and turns and delivers a satisfying shot of tension’ RACHEL ABBOTT

When sixteen-year-old Erin Ellis is attacked, she dies in the arms of her best friend Molly, just metres from her home. Molly is the surviving girl but says she easily could have been the victim – it was a random mugging gone wrong.
 
With inconclusive evidence, DS Grace Allendale must dig deep within the tight-knit Stoke community for leads. And she soon finds that someone had a motive to kill Erin.
 
As the investigation unfolds, Grace is reminded of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career.
 
Is the past coming back to haunt her? And can she push through her fear to catch Erin’s killer before it’s too late?

** The million-copy bestseller Mel Sherratt is back with her most gripping and gritty novel yet. Pre-order your copy now! **