Book Review - Race To The Kill by Helen Cadbury

Books Read in 2020  -  No 5!

Hi Guys

At long last I have read the third and sadly final Sean Denton book by Helen Cadbury.

Having met Helen twice at two Cleckheaton Literature Festivals I classed her as a friend who also gave me writing advice on Messenger.

So far I have enjoyed her previous Sean Denton books even though I'm not a huge crime reader.  Although after this I may get onto my Leigh Russell books and maybe other crime books by other authors.

This book blows books one and two out of the water and Helen is at the prime of her writing and storytelling talents weaving intricate plots that at first seem unrelated but join up for a thrilling read.

What I love about all Helen's writing is how easy it is to read and the quick short chapters help propel the book forward at warp speed and before you know it you've been reading for hours.  It took me just over two weeks to read which by my standard is good.

In this third entry into Sean Denton's world in Doncaster, events have moved forward in time.  Sean now lives with his crush Lizzie and has been for six months.  Although something seems off.  His half sister Chloe whom he met in the last book is now living with their Dad looking after him as he is terminally ill.

At work Sean has also moved up to DC (Detective Constable).

But there is so much going on in this book.  A dead homeless man is found in the abandoned old high school.  A rape witness is missing and has missed court and there are unusual activities happening at the Greyhound stadium.

It weaves tales of rape, illegal immigrants and more into the story.  The characters are all third dimensional especially Sean and his mentor DC Ivan Knowles.  Even secondary characters come to life.   When Helen describes the market it feels like you are there.

Overall  -  A fantastic end and farewell to what has been my favourite crime series.  Helen is at the top of her game and if she was still here would probably be writing book five by now.  I would have collected them all too as she would get even better.  Sadly it's not to be and the series is underrated.  It would make a great TV show too.

It was sad reading the last chapter which had a crematorium scene in knowing this will be the last fiction Helen writes.  RIP HELEN XX

Score   -   10/10  - No doubt about It!