Still Waters - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 8

Still Waters

Annie O'Malley Book 8

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197078

ASIN B0CCPLB27B

This is another excellent read in a very good series. It is British Crime Procedural novel, a mystery, a thriller and this one is a little creepier than many in the series. This one was very hard to put down. It was an addictive read, and I devoured it in one day over a few sittings. Over the last few years, I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed, and this one is one of the best.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister was missing for years. In this one O’Malley and the team are working a confusing case, a case with strange clues and no shortage of suspects. 

The description of the book is:

“In the midst of a local New Year's Eve celebration a teen boy emerges from the legendary Lowanford Lake. Missing for nearly a week, his skin bloated and covered in sores from the water, it’s a miracle he’s alive.

The legend weaves stories of the lake’s miraculous waters—warm and luminescent—possessing the power to heal all afflictions.

But the legend is soon questioned when the next day a body floats to the surface.

And when another teen boy goes missing, Annie and Swift are up against the clock to find him before he succumbs to the water too.

What is it that’s luring these young men to the lake? And why are they willing to risk their lives to find it?”

This case starts on new years eve, with a boy emerging from a lake like creature from the black lagoon. Except he is coloured blue and suffering greatly. During the investigation other boys start disappearing daily. Can Swift & O’Malley and the team put the pieces together in time to save the boys? To find out you will need to read this latest novel in the series.

The characters in this book and series are well written. Especially the core team of O’Malley, Swift, Tink and Page. The plot in this one had a very surprising twist. I would be surprised if we do not see at least one of the suspects end up being a villain in a future story.  The plot moves at a quick pace, and the side plot of O’Mally finding out more about her mom takes an interesting twist. It was a real page turner!

It is interesting to note on amazon the series is called ‘O'Malley & Swift Crime Thriller Series’ Where on Good Reads it is just called the ‘Annie O’Malley Series’. But no matter which name you use this is a great read in an excellent series.

Another intense read, in a good series and it leaves you waiting for the next volume Vanishing Act or the one after Chill Pill which has recently been announced.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

One Last Breath - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 7

One Last Breath

Annie O'Malley Book 7

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197061

ASIN B0BX48GQKL

This is another good read in a very good series. It is British Crime Procedural novel, mystery - thriller. But this time set while on vacation in Spain. This one was hard to put down. It was truly addictive read. Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed, and this one is another great read.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister was missing for years. In this one O’Malley and her sister are on vacation to catch up and have some of those hard conversations that have been avoided so far. But soon the resort is under siege and O’Malley puts her skills to use to try and save people, and get the situation under control. But can she pull it off without Swift at her side?

The description of the book is:

“A holiday they’ll never forget.

After the distress of Annie O’Malley’s last case, she’s in need of a bit of rest and recuperation. So her sister, Mim, books them on a flight to a luxury all inclusive resort in Spain for a break.

But what was supposed to be a chance to sip sangria and reconnect with each other after so long apart soon turns into something terrifying when a group of armed men storm the hotel and take the guests hostage.

With the help of Swift and the team back in Norfolk, can Annie and Mim find an escape route out of the resort and get themselves and the rest of the guests to safety?

Or will the holiday of a lifetime that was supposed to reunite the estranged sisters leave them torn apart forever?”

O’Malley finally gets to sit down with her long lost sister and have a long conversation, a few drinks, some sun, and even a dolphins tour. But all is not as it appears at the resort. This story again puts both O’Malley and her sister the line of fire. Swift is not there to back them up. There are a lot of confusion and some red herring leads. There was a great deal of suspense at the climax of the story. 

It is an intense read, in a good series and it leaves you waiting for the next volume Still Waters.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

Deadly Games - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 6

Deadly Games

Annie O'Malley Book 6

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197054

ASIN B0BBNY3XXC

This is another great read in a very good series. It is British Crime Procedural novel, mystery - thriller. This one was hard to put down. It was an addictive read. Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed, and this one is excellent.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. In this one O’Malley and Swift are on a case that involves a crown attorney who is rigged with a bomb and being given tasks to do. The tasks keep getting more and more violent and illegal. Because of O’Malley’s quick thinking and improvisational skills they have an in on figuring out what is happening and why, but will it be enough?

The description of the book is:

“Tick, tick, tick... BOOM.

When Annie O’Malley and DI Joe Swift are called to the local park to investigate reports of vandalism, they begin one of the most harrowing cases of their career.

The vandal is a scared young woman with a bomb strapped to her chest and a list of games she must play.

As the games get more gruesome, the young woman has a choice to make; kill or be killed.

O’Malley, Swift, Tink, and Page find themselves racing against time to uncover who is behind the games before the bomb detonates.

But it soon becomes clear that the games-master is a thrill seeker and he’s out to have fun, no matter how deadly the consequences.”

This story again puts both O’Malley and Swift in the line of fire, this time not directly but when you are trying to save some one in a suicide vest just being in proximity is dangerous. There are a lot of suspects and a lot of misdirection. There was an incredible twist at the climax of the story. And O’Malley finally gets to sit down with her long lost sister and have a long conversation. 

Can they save the victim? Can they save themselves? To find out you will need to read this suspenseful novel. It is a good read, in a great series and leaves you waiting for the next volume One Last Breath.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

The Uninvited Guest - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 5

The Uninvited Guest

Annie O'Malley Book 5

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197047

ASIN B09Y96M2X5

The last story in this series, The House of Secrets, was a different story compared to the rest in the series. This one is back to the same format and style as the first 3. It is a  British Crime Procedural novel, mystery - thriller. This one is more ghost story and misadventure.

Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. And the DCI Jack Logan books by J.D. Kirk. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. They have not disappointed.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. In this one O’Malley and Swift are on a case at a resort. O’Malley begins to realize being on the Major Crimes team is where she belongs. And even though there is anxiety and stress from the cases it is where she belongs. She also begins to see what a key role she plays in being the heart and intuition of the team.

The description of the book is:

“Back in Norfolk and back to work, Annie O’Malley and DI Swift are called to an isolated seaside village and the exclusive Paradise Grove Spa.

Renowned for its peace and tranquility, the spa and its staff offer the chance to relax and recuperate in a discrete private setting on its own causeway. So when a dead body turns up in one of the rooms with no clue to who he is or how he got there, suspicion falls on the secretive group of guests.

Cut off by the encroaching tidal swell, O’Malley and Swift find themselves in a race against time to eliminate the suspects before the killer eliminates them.”

This story again puts both O’Malley and Swift in the line of fire. Not actual gun fire but at great personal risk. They need to piece together information that is just not lining up. And O’Malley feels something is off with several of the people they have investigated and interviewed. But can they piece it together before their own lives become forfeit and more of the land crumbles into the sea?

As an aside O’Malley’s sister Mim finally reaches out, but will O’Malley be able to read the message she has waited years to receive? To find out you will need to read this highly suspenseful novel. It is a good read, in a fun series and leaves you waiting for the next volume Deadly Games.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

The House of Secrets - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 4

The House of Secrets

Annie O'Malley Book 4

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197030

ASIN B09P7CFZNX

This was a different story compared to the rest in the series. I have some mixed feelings about it, but we will get to that later in the review. I have now read the first four stories in this series and have the fifth on pre-order. The other stories in this series are British Crime Procedural novels, mysteries - thrillers. This one is more ghost story and misadventure.

Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. Alex Smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. 

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. In this one O’Malley and Swift are on vacation but a sort of working vacation. They are following a clue from a serial killer about O’Malley’s long lost sister.

The description of the book is:

“The past does not sleep soundly.

Annie O’Malley has been signed off work and forced to take a holiday. With a lead on her missing sister, Annie travels north with DI Swift and together they rent a small cottage in the village where Mim was last spotted.

Only, the village has a dark history of its own.

The cottage was home to a family who haven’t been seen in over twenty years. Their things still packed away in the basement, awaiting their return. It's a macabre destination for the dark tourist, and the rest of the village isn't much more welcoming.

When Annie is awoken by strange noises, her belongings moved or missing, she tries to talk to the small community about what happened twenty years ago. But the villagers don’t want to talk. In fact, they don’t want Annie and Swift there at all.

As their aggression mounts, Annie wonders if the cottage is haunted by the ghosts of the family, or the secrets of the living?.”

When the people in the town think they are ghost hunters investigating the legends all is good. As soon as Annie starts asking about her sister things sour. And the more she seeks answers the more hostile things become. There are also strange things happening, stuff going missing and reappearing later, stuff in the cottage being moved. And even apparently a visitor from beyond.

As a story this was a fun read. As an O’Malley and Swift story it really did not fit. I had a really hard time picturing Swift being afraid of a ghost especially to the point of sleeping on a couch. It felt out of character. That being said it was a fun read, and to find out if they find any information about O’Malley’s sister Mim you will need to read the story. 

A good read, like I said feels a bit off for the characters and series, but really leaves you wanting the next volume The Uninvited Guest.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

We All Fall Down - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 3

We All Fall Down

Annie O'Malley Book 3

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197023

ASIN B09GW22764

An intense read in a great British Crime Thriller series. If you though Corn Dolls was dark wait until you dig into this third instalment in the Annie O’Malley series! In under a year Galloway has served up 3 novels in the Annie O’Malley series and each has had fascinating twists. And each one is well worth the time and effort. Galloway has announced a fourth instalment called The House of Secrets, and the hints at the end of this story leaves the reader desperate for that next volume. This story is a text book British Crime Procedural novel. Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. But this story and series gives us something very different. Alex smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. All three so far have lived up to expectations. I now preorder each new book as it is announced. 

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. And back into a high stakes games. A game that if she loses it is a game where someone else will pay with their life. 

Annie is now on the payroll as a consultant. This story starts with her in a plaster (cast) from her broken ankle at the end of the previous adventure. She is staying with her boss and he is looking after her. But she is starting to feel cramped, and the combination of fog from her pain killers, and a guy she met who is interested has thrown her off a bit. The description of the book is:

“When a young woman falls ill and dies after a night out, her friends blame a cloaked figure that had been stalking them in the streets. A masked face with hooked beak, immediately recognisable as a Plague Doctor.

Annie O’Malley is back in action with her broken ankle in plaster and a need to stay busy. DI Swift has been looking after her and they’re getting on each others’ nerves.

When a second body is found and the two deaths are linked to the Bubonic Plague, O’Malley and Swift find themselves on a hunt for one of the most deadliest killers known to humankind.”

O’Malley and Swift know that something is off right from the beginning. The mysterious Plague Doctor is disturbing. His description and then sightings unnerve O’Malley even more. And even Swift admits to the team that he is scared. But can O’Malley work through the brain fog and pull the pieces of together. Can she connect the dots before it is too late? Too late for other victims or even for herself?

This story has great characters, an excellent pace. It is a dark thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat. A great read in a fascinating series.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

Foxton Girls - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 2

Foxton Girls

Annie O'Malley Book 2

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ASIN B093GSKM76

This is a fast paced hard hitting follow up to Corn Dolls. This follow up story appeared quickly, and striking while the fire is hot Galloway has announced a thirs instalment called We All Fall Down. This story is a nearly text book British Crime Procedural novel, but with enough twists and turns to keep us guessing. Over the last few years I have read many crime or thriller novels. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake novels from J.E. Mayhew. But this story and series gives us something very different. Alex smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this series I had to give it a try. The first two have not disappointed. The debut novel was impressive and this follow up is nearly as good. I enjoyed the first one so much I preordered the second, and now have the third on preorder awaiting it’s release. 

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she has been drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. And back into a high stakes games. A game that if she loses it is a game where someone else will pay with their life. 

Annie is now on the payroll as a consultant. But something is off. Off with her partner she was developing feelings for. Off with the case. And something is terribly off at the Foxton School for Girls. The description of the book is:

“Their secrets die with them.

When a spate of suicides occur at prestigious girls' school, Foxton's, Psychotherapist Annie O'Malley is called in to talk with the students.

What Annie finds are troubled young girls full of secrets and lies; and a teacher caught in the midst.

Back working with DI Joe Swift, can Annie and Swift unravel the secrets together before it's too late?”

But O’Malley and Swift know that something is terribly off at the School. But the longer it takes them to figure it out, the more bodies are found. There is no shortage of suspects. And the school ground, even with the reduced head count during break, has secrets of its own. 

This second story is well written. Has several key plot twists and even a few minor unexpected turns. The pace is great. The crimes chilling. And a plethora of suspects. 

 

The writing is well done in this story. The pace is great. The characters are wonderful, readers who do not like Swift and O’Malley might want to check their heartbeat. An excellent second offering in the tales of O’Malley and Swift! But be warned this book leaves you desperate for the next story.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…

 

Corn Dolls - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 1

Corn Dolls

Annie O'Malley Book 1

K.T. Galloway

A.W.E. Publishing

ISBN 9781915197009

ASIN B08XNVXRW5

Wow, what an excellent debut novel from Galloway. I was very impressed with this book. This is an excellent British Crime Procedural novel. And I have read many over the last few years. I love the DCI Kett novels from Alex Smith and the DCI Will Blake stories from J.E. Mayhew. But this story gives up something very different. Alex smith had recommended Mayhew and I ripped through that series, so when he recommended this novel by his sister I had to give it a try. It did not disappoint. In fact for a debut novel I am very impressed. I enjoyed this one so much I pre ordered book 2 as soon as I finished this volume.

Annie O’Malley is a psychotherapist and former police officer. And not only does she have baggage from her stunted police career, but even more from experiences when she was young. Now she is being drawn back, back into a world she had left behind, back to a world she was glad was behind her. Back to her own childhood and her sister who is still missing. And back into a high stakes games. But if she loses this game someone else will pay with their life.  

For a young girl has gone missing and the only clue is a crudely twisted doll from a corn stalk. O’Malley does not want to go back to this world, but she fears she might know the identity of the kidnapper, and DI Joe Swift the lead on the case thinks she is the one to help them bring home the missing girl. Then as they are investigating, others start going missing. Can O’Malley overcome her past to save the kids in the present. Can She and Swift work together even though his own past is filled with ghosts.   

This book has a bit of it all. Several abducted children. A strange church-cult. A haunted therapist and a Di on the edge. But sometimes things come together. But to find out if they do in this book you will need to pick it up and give it a read. 

The writing is great in this story. The pace excellent. The characters are great, readers who do not like Swift and O’Malley might want to check their heartbeat. Interesting twists in the plot. And great use of past angst and hurt to trigger a move forward and maybe some are healing. Overall a very good read. And I am looking forward to the next, Foxton Girls, and hopefully many more.

Books by K.T. Galloway:

Annie O’Malley Series:

Corn Dolls

Foxton Girls

We All Fall Down

The House of Secrets

The Uninvited Guest

Deadly Games

One Last Breath

Still Waters

Vanishing Act

Chill Pill

…