The day had been long and it is not the best of nights either as the cold wind whips around Deborah as she crosses the darkened street. She just wants to get home and into bed, but remembers they will be collecting a whip around for a birthday at work tomorrow. After having fallen on the ice, Deborah is a mess but she limps over to the bank machine by the Tesco Metro. She hopes it would be the last errand of the evening, but she did not expect it would be the last ever.

Before the sun rises, the next day, Detective Inspector Mike Lockyer, head of the Murder and Serious Crime Squad, is investigating the murder of a young 18 year old female. Similar modus operandi and he knows very clearly, he is on the trail of a clever serial killer. Mike is glad to be working in close partnership with DS Jane Bennett, a very intelligent officer who is able to quickly pick up on what Lockyer needs to keep the investigation moving forward. They have worked closely for a while, but Mike doesn't let the relationship get personal or friendly, due to his reticence about his brother's situation. What would people think if they knew?

Meanwhile, Sarah Grainger is feeling threatened by a stalker. Her once lively and outgoing life as an independent photographer had been narrowed every day. Would the police treat her as if she is crazy if she complains? Will she ever feel safe? How can she live like this?

Yet despite police efforts, another murder happens. While seemingly not connected, they know there has to be a connection. Can they figure out the identity of the murderer before more are harmed? To what depths of evil will the killer go?

It is hard to believe that Clare Donoghue is a debut author! NEVER LOOK BACK is highly captivating and compelling police procedural mystery novel. Donoghue's writing is clear and instantly immerses the reader into the story and the lives of the various characters.

In a very interesting manner, each of the chapters in NEVER LOOK BACK is set as a new day in the investigation. It is a technique that also serves to heighten the urgency to find the perpetuator. I am very impressed with how Donoghue sets out her complex and multi-layered plot that flows so smoothly; yet, is filled with hidden depths as the plot as the ongoing investigation continues, thus enabling the reader to see more deeply into the various characters and their motivations. NEVER LOOK BACK is a very hard novel to put down once you start reading it as it is so expressive in portraying the impact of the murders and the stalker on their victims as well as on the police themselves.

Lockyer is an intriguing character: commanding at work, yet, unable to articulate his love and concern to his daughter as he worries about her safety. While Donoghue may be a new write, she is very talented in skilled in describing the thoughts of the each character and the dialogue rings true.

As the tension builds and complexities beneath the surface are revealed, be warned that you will just want to keep turning the pages to find out what is happening in the investigation as well as looking over your shoulder on the street! NEVER LOOK BACK is a powerful police procedural and I am thrilled that the except of No Place to Die, the next book in the series, is printed in the back of NEVER LOOK BACK. I can't wait to read more! Enjoy!

Book Summary

Three young women have been found brutally murdered in south London, their bodies discarded in plain view, the victims only yards away from help during each attack. And each time, the murderer gets a little bit bolder.

Detective Inspector Mike Lockyer is the head of homicide on the South London police force, and with three bodies on his watch and a killer growing in confidence, he and DS Jane Bennett are frantically trying to find the link between these seemingly isolated incidents. Slowly, the case is also invading Lockyer’s life outside the office, and the fact that his daughter matches the victim profile is putting a painful strain on their already fragile relationship.

Meanwhile, Sarah Grainger has a shadowy stalker following her every move. Once an outgoing London photographer, Sarah has begun locking herself away, almost too afraid to leave the house. Now her stalker’s actions are escalating. He’s desperate to tell Sarah a secret…a secret that Lockyer needs to know.

In her compelling and tautly-written debut, Clare Donoghue traces the paths of these captivating, three-dimensional characters as their lives become dangerously and inextricably entwined.