Lonely Hearts (Jessica Shaw Book 4)

Have loved this whole series, the characters and the pace. Brilliant, but now what on earth can I read next?

Audio Version - The last in the Jessica Shaw series and sadly my least favourite of them all. I liked the storyline and thought it quite an interesting subject but I just felt that it was made a lot more complicated that it needed to be. I sometimes had to listen to a chapter twice to make sure I had understood it correctly. I think when you have enjoyed a series so much you build up certain expectations for each book and for me, this one just did not live up to them. Still a great book and the narration has been consistently excellent throughout. Just a disappointing end.

I love this Jessica Shaw series from the accomplished pen of Lisa Gray. Unlike most detective series where the a little of the main character's back story is revealed in each book, Jessica's life story is revealed in depth in the first book, so I would urge any reader new to the series to start there, although each can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Follow our feisty heroine as she drinks too much, eats junk food and sleeps with unsuitable men before solving the crime, although not fast enough to avoid putting herself in danger. Yes perhaps a tad formulaic, but hugely enjoyable. I can't wait for the next one.

This is a book that starts well and gets better as it reaches its conclusion. The fourth book in a series I recommend. Enjoy.Private investigator Jessica Shaw last outing was in the excellent Dark Highway. Where a missing person’s case lead to solving a murder that happened in 1990.This current story also involves searching for someone who has disappeared. Is this something Jessica can handle by herself? Or will she need help along the way from people like Matt Connor, Jason Pryce, Vic Medina or Larry Lutz?

Love her work with a female protagonist. Jessica Shaw is strong, but not invincible, yet very capable. She’s flawed like the rest of the human race, both the males and females doncha know?!I really enjoy the crime/investigative genre, particularly because the books tend to have a definitely resolved conclusion. When I start reading a book I often flick to the end to check that it ends with a “and all is well with the world” conclusion. I hate to get invested in a narrative that finishes leaving me sad or frustrated… I can do that to myself well enough without reading stuff that reinforces those feelings 😆 Jessica Shaw ticks all my fiction boxes and I hope there shall be some more books in the series. Keep up the good work Lisa Gray ✌🏾❣️

I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual thriller. The plot is clever but what made this novel stand out for me was the quality of the writing. There is no word padding and every scene is written with the same care and skill. There is not a dull page nor a weak character. Each is different, with their own style and mood. And there is a decent ending.

I picked up Lonely Hearts, not realising it’s the 4th book in the Jessica Shaw series. If I’m honest, I prefer to read a series from the beginning. But I loved the sound of this book and Lisa Gray is a new author to me, so I put my reservations to one side and dug in. A middle- aged woman wanting her to find her friend approaches Jessica. Veronica disappeared over fifteen years ago, not long after having a child with a Death Row inmate. When his widow is murdered in the same way as his victims. The case gets more complex and takes on a more sinister tone when Jessica unearths both women were members of The Lonely Hearts Club, a pen pal service for women who write to men in prison.Jessica Shaw is a PI, which makes a refreshing change from a detective as they can focus heavily on police procedures. I always think these types of characters can push the boundaries, take more risks when they aren’t governed by rules and regulations. I enjoyed getting to know Jessica. She’s a tough, headstrong, and a likeable protagonist. Although I may have missed some aspects of her back story, the author provides enough detail so that the reader doesn’t feel like they're missing out.I liked the fact the book is based around women writing to serial killers in prison. It’s a subject that’s always fascinated me. Why you would want to write to someone who has committed the most terrible acts is beyond me. Is it a case of morbid fascination? Or a need to rescue damaged individuals? Who knows! But Veronica’s POV gives the reader an intriguing insight into this phenomenon.The story alternates between the past and the present, moving swiftly between the two. As the two timelines interweave, the tension builds. The unraveling of the mystery of Veronica’s disappearance drives the reader onwards to the conclusion. I really enjoyed my first outing with Lisa Gray and would definitely go back and rest of the series.

I don’t just read the book, I am right there alongside Jessica in the moment. Superb books that drag you in from the start. Fabulous and captivating stories , thank you for the escapism from the reality we find ourselves in. Keep up the good work.

I generally don’t read books that are part of a series - they tend to be very formulaic, almost like the author is filling out a template.This is not that at all. Lisa Gray has done a stellar job of keeping each book very fresh, but still manages to tie them together without mind numbing repetition of past information. I really identified with the characters - and yes, if there’s another in this series, I will read it.

Another great story by Lisa Gray! I have so enjoyed the Jessica Shaw series! I have no doubt that her other characters are just as endearing!

I'm really impressed with this series. The fourth instalment is great, Jessica's character is really developing and a likeable protagonist.

This is my least favorite book out of the Jessica Shaw series. The other 3 had my heart beating with excitement and suspense. This one didn’t. First of all, it was an already used setting, another Death Row criminal. Second of all, it was pretty predictable. Lisa Gray still weaves a good story, but this one wasn’t as good as the other 3. I hope she writes more novels.

Maybe it is just me but, this offering did not quite grab me as much as her earlier Jessica Shaw books. It could be that I read it immediately after Dark Highway which was absolutely 5 stars. Don't get me wrong, it was good and I am sure other readers may rate it more highly but, this is just my opinion.