⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars – I just love these characters. This was the most emotional in the series so far.
Format: Audio (BorrowBox)
Read: May 2025
I really feel like this series just keeps getting better! I liked the first one, I thought the second one was just OK but books three and four I’ve been wholly invested.
Maybe it’s the audio format that allows me to sink into them more, Fiona Shaw (who I now realised is Carolyn from Killing Eve) does a wonderful job. Though I’ll say she isn’t good at Liverpool accents… And there are two Scouse characters in this (which is more funny now I know she worked with Jodi Comer!).
Book four sees Elizabeth takes a bit of a backseat to focus on Stephen. The rest of the TMC drive the investigation into the murder of Stephen’s friend Kuldesh (whom we met in book 3). It was fun to see how they’ve all grown in confidence, and audacity, especially Joyce! Donna and Chris are also along for the ride this time after being sidelined by the national drugs squad.
There are some very emotional and difficult moments in this one. Elizabeth and Stephen break my heart, even more so because their story isn’t unique. Millions of people are losing their loved ones to dementia.
The subplot in this one has the gang, but primarily Ron and Ibrahim, working to help Joyce’s new friend Mervin with romance fraud. They might not particularly like Mervin but they all can see he is being scammed even if he doesn’t want to, and they go out their way to help him. This also involved Ibrahim developing a very sweet new friendship with Computer Bob. I’m also sniffing a potential Joyce romance.
Joyce also remains as horny as ever! She misses Jerry but that’s not stopping her scoping out new talent!
The mystery is perfectly serviceable and introduces some fun new criminal characters that range from antiques fraudsters to heroin dealers. Seeing these types to react to the octogenarians is always fun! I did peg who the ultimate murderer was from their introduction but that didn’t stop me enjoying all the twists and turns.
If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series I think you’ll really love this one. I’m giving it five stars because it manages a true emotional punch amongst all the thrill of the mystery.
REVIEW SUMMARY
I LIKED
- This series just gets better and better.
- Very touching and emotional events in this one.
- I just love these characters!
