All Things Nice by Sheila Bugler

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit, Crimson Shore & False Lights (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: Delighted to get back into the DI Ellen Kelly series and see her face another murder investigation with the usual grit and tenacity that makes her stand out from the crowd. As always, Ellen finds herself juggling her personal and professional lives, struggling with the balance she has declared she will stick too following the traumas faced by her son in the previous book. And in terms of love life - that seems to have evaporated which did raise a few questions as I read.

Here a body is found outside a raucous birthday party venue. There are dozens of potential killers, but apparently no witnesses. When the investigation into the dead man's girlfriend and her celebrity family hit the headlines, it appears everyone has their own secrets and lies to hide. But does that make any of them a killer?

The author has a refreshingly clear and concise writing style, her word choice and language are unique I think. But she also handles each story and narrative so adeptly that you can't help but be carried along by the investigation. Each character is handled to perfection, whether carrying over baggage from previous novels, or introducing new people for the first time, each character becomes real and believable throughout.

There's a true art to writing strong crime fiction that this author appears to ooze in bucketfuls, giving enough clues to satisfy the reader when you come to the big reveal, and yet holding enough back so there's that element of surprise too. I admit I correctly guessed the murderer quiet early on, but was still entertained by the numerous twists and turns added along the way that kept me gripped until the final pages.

Highly recommended and entertaining read and I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series!

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Sophie Hannah, Jo Nesbo, Robert Galbraith.

Avoid if you don’t like: Deception, murders and police procedurals.

Ideal accompaniments: Cappuccino and Danish pastry to go.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available on Amazon