‘The Close’ by Jane Casey

Author : Jane Casey
Title : The Close
Series : DS Maeve Kerrigan #10
Pages : 400
Publisher : Harper Collins
Publication date : March 2, 2023
Source : Owned

| ABOUT THE BOOK |

At first glance, Jellicoe Close seems to be a perfect suburban street – well-kept houses with pristine lawns, neighbours chatting over garden fences, children playing together.

But there are dark secrets behind the neat front doors, hidden dangers that include a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing.

It’s up to DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent to uncover the truth. Posing as a couple, they move into the Close, blurring the lines between professional and personal as never before.

And while Maeve and Josh try to gather the evidence they need, they have no idea of the danger they face – because someone in Jellicoe Close has murder on their mind.

| MY THOUGHTS |

If you didn’t yet know, I’m not one for romance in my crime fiction. I most definitely despise the whole “will they, won’t they”. Yet somehow, when it comes to Maeve Kerrigan and Josh Derwent, those dislikes go right out the window. You can’t possibly understand how giddy I became when I realised they would be spending an awful lot of time together in this latest addition to the Kerrigan series.

Odd things might be happening at Jellicoe Close. But without proof, there’s nothing that can be done. it’s up to DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent to find something, and the only way that can be done is to somehow integrate themselves into this suburban street’s community. Posing as a happy couple, they move into one of the residents’ houses, ostensibly to do a bit of dog-sitting.

There’s a whole lot of “wanting what you can’t have” in this story, in more ways than one. As it happens, the residents on this street are hiding quite a few things, and the neighbours are always watching. Gossip is rife. Maeve and Josh can’t afford to relax for a single second, for fear they’ll be found out for what they really are, and their purpose in the Close. Lines are blurred, and as far as the whole “will they, won’t they” it’s all just a massive tease, and I couldn’t have been more invested if I tried. Obviously you’ll have to read for yourself to discover what happens, but I will say that the level of intensity has definitely left me wanting more.

That whole part of the story had me so enthralled that I almost forgot there was a mystery to solve. I could have quite happily read 400 pages of Maeve and Josh in domestic bliss. But there are things to uncover in this seemingly perfect street. Once again, it goes to show that you never know what goes on behind closed doors. An affluent neighbourhood with well-kept houses and pristine gardens doesn’t at all mean danger and evil isn’t lurking around every corner. Many a skeleton is hiding in various closets. Some a bit more obvious than others. Each one of them horrific in their own way. As much as the neighbours think they know, there’s an awful lot they’ve missed.

Will Maeve and Josh be able to come to grips with what’s happening in Jellicoe Close? Maeve isn’t exactly herself, struggling with events from her past. It’s almost as if she’s fading away, going through the motions in a half-assed kind of way, delegating a lot more than she normally would, and wondering if she’ll ever be happy again. Something, or someone, needs to shake her back to herself. There’s a lot you can say about Josh Derwent, but he does notice things, and he knows Maeve needs a change. Personally, I’ve been Team Derwent from the start, but I know there are those who really don’t like him. All I can say is, you may catch some glimpses of a very different Derwent, and maybe he’ll win you over. Cookies for Georgia, who wasn’t nearly as annoying as she was at the start. And major bonus points for Pippin and the huge Derwent crush!

‘The Close‘ is the tenth book in the DS Maeve Kerrigan series. Yes, you should read them all and most definitely yes, you should start at the beginning. You’ll never be able to appreciate the relationship between Maeve and Josh otherwise. ‘The Close‘ is as brilliant as its predecessors, if not even more so. This is one of my favourite series and it just seems to be getting better and better. Sure, in this one I was more absorbed in the Maeve/Josh shenanigans, but that was down to me entirely. Jane Casey found the perfect balance between their relationship and the crimes that needed investigating. ‘The Close‘ will have you hooked from start to finish. It’s addictive, absorbing, titillating, intense and I have no idea how I’m going to wait for the next instalment. Recommended!

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