Stalked Gaynor Torrence (DI Jemima Huxley Book 3)

Synopsis
A case from the past is haunting Jemima…

When Detective Inspector Jemima Huxley gets a call to say Violet Watkins has been reported missing, she is immediately catapulted into the past.

Jemima first met Violet six years earlier, when she reported her neighbour Byron Toombes for stalking her.

Jemima did her best to get Byron locked up, but her failure to bring him to justice has always haunted her.

Now, with Violet missing, Jemima fears the worst…

Is Byron back? Has he harmed Violet?

Review

Stalked is the third book in Gaynor Torrance’s DI Jemima Huxley series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. A call comes in to Huxley about a missing woman Violet Watkins, a name from the past and one that sends shivers down the spine of Huxley and Sergeant Broadbent. Six years earlier Violet was stalked by her neighbour Byron Toombes, a case that nearly killed Huxley and Broadbent and has haunted them ever since. With Violet now missing, could Toombes be back and seeking vengeance.

I have really enjoyed reading this crime thriller series, with their intelligent plot lines and intriguing characters. Stalked has a split timeline, the investigation into Toombes in 2013 and the present day investigation. The majority of the book is set in 2013 when Huxley had just been promoted to sergeant and was new to the team. I was fascinated by the team dynamics, Huxley was self assured and focused on the job wanting to prove herself worthy of the job. Broadbent is jealous of Huxley’s promotion, and is making her life difficult with his attitude and snide remarks. The difficulty of this investigation, the danger they found themselves in soon sees the chill thaw and the trust begin to grow, until we start to see the team work and close relationship of the previous books. Gaynor Torrance also gives us an insight into Huxley’s past and her relationship with her family, especially her mother and sister. Growing up Huxley had a difficult relationship with her mother who saw her as a disappointment and inferior to her sister, a behaviour that influenced her sisters view of her. It certainly gives insight into Huxley’s loving and caring relationship with her stepson.

Stalking is very much a modern problem that we read about all the time. Gaynor Torrance highlights how difficult it is for the police when investigating a stalking case, how without real evidence their hands are tied. Huxley and Broadbent’s frustration is evident as they know Toombes is dangerous and has previous accusations to his behaviour, but those women don’t want to give evidence. The tension builds and the suspense thickens as in both 2013 and 2019 the investigations hurtle towards the devastating conclusions.

Stalked is a fast paced and enthralling read. I loved the idea of going back in time and learning more about Huxley and Broadbent’s relationship and their first case together. The spotlight on stalking is frightening to read, the difficulty in getting a prosecution and the impact on the victim. Dark and chilling this is a gripping and intelligent thriller. If you haven’t read the previous books you can learn more about them here Revenge by Gaynor Torrance Sole Survivor by Gaynor Torrance (DI Jemima Huxley Thrillers)

I’d like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book in return for my honest review.