BLOG TOUR: The Angel by Katerina Diamond

I am on the blog tour today for the fantastic new book from Katerina Diamond which was published on 21st September. Angel sees the return of DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles and some are saying that this is Diamond's best book. Here's the synopsis:

THE TRUTH WON’T STAY LOCKED UP FOREVER

When a burned body is found in a disused signal box, suspicion falls on lonely teenager Gabriel Webb. There’s no doubt he was at the scene of the crime, but does he deserve what awaits him in prison?

DS Imogen Grey is certain there’s more to the case than meets the eye. But while she struggles to convince those around her of the truth, her partner DS Adrian Miles is distracted by his own demons.

When a brutal double murder is reported, their investigation is stopped in its tracks. Is the body in the box even who they thought it was? The duo realise Gabriel might have been locked up for a crime he didn’t commit. But with enemies watching Gabriel’s every move, they may be too late.

Miles and Grey are back in the thrilling new novel from bestselling author Katerina Diamond, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and M.J. Arlidge, Orange Is The New Black and Locked Up.

The publisher has been kind enough to provide me with an exclusive extract to share with you, it's taken from Chapter 2:

‘Follow me,’ the firefighter said, beckoning them towards the ruined signal box. They got to the foot of the building; the wooden staircase was completely gone, as was the entire top floor.

‘Deliberate?’ Adrian asked, pulling out his notebook.

‘We’ve had a lot of trouble with kids and homeless people breaking into this one in the past,’ the station manager offered. ‘Until the investigation is complete we can’t say for sure, but it definitely looks that way. Even though this is old wood it’s a rainy night, and from the calls we got, it escalated to disproportionate levels for what we would expect from a building like this. There does seem to be some evidence of accelerant.’

‘Do you think it’s arson then?’ Adrian asked him.

‘I’m leaning that way. The point of origin seems to be a waste paper bin, but we’ll need to check that out further.’

‘Do you have any CCTV footage?’ Imogen turned to the station manager.

‘We do. My colleague is just retrieving it for you now. It’s a poorly lit area and with the terrible weather the visibility will be even crappier, not to mention the fact that it was actually night when whoever it was came out. It’s possible that when the arsonist was leaving some of the station lights or the lights on the bridge illuminated the area a little better though.’

‘Did they not tell you the main reason you’re here?’ the firefighter asked, looking between them curiously.

‘What do you mean?’ Adrian asked.

‘We found a body.’

Imogen and Adrian looked at each other.

‘You probably should have led with that,’ Imogen said crossly.

Sounds good doesn't it! Make sure you check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content! 

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret by Katerina Diamond

Bridget Reid has a secret, one that could get her killed if she can escape the man who is keeping her locked in a basement bedroom.
D.S. Imogen Grey is good at keeping secrets, truths she'd never reveal to her colleagues at Exeter Police. She worked hard to get to where she is, she nearly died for it. Now her past is catching up with her.
As D.S. Grey and her partner D.S. Adrian Miles search for Bridget, they uncover a terrifying web of abuse, betrayal and murder. And they realise that some secrets are better left buried.

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 416

This is the second book in the D.S. Imogen Grey series I haven't actually read the first book, The Teacher so don't worry if you haven't either.
The book packs a punch right from the start. Bridget Reid is on the run, she is hurt and scared but manages to make it to the secret meeting place she had agreed on with her boyfriend. However, when she wakes up she is locked in a basement bedroom by a man who is convinced she belongs to him.
D.S. Imogen Grey is now in Exeter and working alongside a new partner, D.S. Adrian Miles. They are called to a murder scene with three victims and it is clear from the bodies that they are dealing with a deranged killer who is more than happy for his victims to suffer. They begin their investigation and Imogen is shocked and unsettled to discover that this new case has links to her past. A past her colleagues know nothing about and one she did not want to share.
Katerina Diamond's writing is brilliant, I felt like I was holding my breath at certain points and she does not shy away from any gritty details. Her descriptions create very
powerful, vivid images in the reader's mind.
The chapter's told from the killer's perspective are the most chilling but also intriguing. You get a real sense of how he went from a young boy, to a twisted, dangerous murderer. It raises the question of whether people are born with evil inside them or does it develop due to the experiences they have?
The Secret is an excellent thriller, it's full of brilliantly crafted plot twists and complex but believable characters; I highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to Avon for sending me a copy of this book to review.