Reading Helen’s books is like catching up with old friends. You’ve missed them, you want to know what they’ve been up to and you want to be there for them when things go wrong. And boy do things go wrong in ONE FOR SORROW! Helen Fields originally studied law. After that, she worked as a barrister for over a decade. She is currently a successful author and also runs her media company with her spouse. One for Sorrow by Helen Fields is a highly recommended police procedural and the seventh book in the D.I. Callanach series. I had no idea where the author was going with Quinn’s story, but I think it is almost better than the bombing thread because it is so realistic. I found it harrowing and all too believable as it closely resembles an article I was reading today by coincidence.

While the tension is high in the investigation in the present, clues can also be found in the chapters set in the before chapters. The alternating story lines work well in this novel as each have their own separate plot and clues while they become more anxious and suspenseful. Both lead to an explosive ending. The writing is excellent and the pacing is taut and brisk. Other highlights of my read included Dr Connie Woolwine’s appearance (from Helen Fields’ standalone The Shadow Man). The conversation she has with Luc in the bar is a stand-out. Also, I really enjoyed Dr Carlisle’s appearance - I am looking forward to seeing him again at some stage. One for Sorry by Helen Fields is the 7th book in the DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner series. I wasn’t aware of this but didn’t spoil the enjoyment as you can read this as a standalone.

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OVERALL: A great addition to an amazing crime series. Anyone who has read the series before will love. And new readers will become hooked on the characters.

There is no question that Luc Callanach is good at what he does. It’s his job to solve crimes for a living. He’s assigned to cases and it is his professional responsibility to make sure that missing persons or murders or unusual deaths are investigated and hopefully ultimately wrapped up neatly and solved– although someone in his position usually knows all too well that this is not the case.

The bomber gives the police tips and leads them into traps, and even after they know what to expect, they have no choice but to respond. Of course, being a book by Fields, Ailsa’s is certainly not the only death, and the murders get more and more gruesome as the book goes on. One for Sorrow is awash with mass killings, stalking, tragedy and heartbreak. There are also some gloriously happy moments—and a humdinger of an ending. Edinburgh is gripped by the greatest terror it has ever known: a lone bomber is targeting victims across the city, and no one is safe.

It was in Perfect Silence (Book #4) that Ava tells Luc, “Police work turns you into an emotional sieve. You start off with so much hope and good intention. Little by little it runs out of you and you’re left with only the hard bits of yourself.” This is especially evident in One for Sorrow. While Ava is a no nonsense, boots-on-the ground detective, she has an unshakeable compassion for victims and little by little, it is revealed to the reader the extent of the impact these horrific crimes have on her, physically and mentally, and yet, she perseveres. The reader can only hope that Ava takes action before she allows herself to become the sieve she once cautioned Luc about. This book is thrilling and heartbreaking in equal measure and massive changes happen that will have profound impact on the books that follow. This is Helen Fields’ END GAME and once the dust has settled we’re going to have to deal with the fall-out.One For Sorrow is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’m nearing the 150 mark for books read. I was pacing the room as I devoured this, I couldn’t sit down I was so tense. This is a stand-alone novel that features some characters who have been central in previous books Fields has written. To determine who, if anyone, will continue to a new book, or whether the series will continue in a different form or not, the reader will simply have to wait for the next book to be released. DCI Ava Turner is our protagonist. She is feisty and dedicated, and when a serial bomber turns their attention to those close to her, she is determined to bring the culprit to justice. Written across two timelines the stories are absorbing and compelling, and when they come together they are excellent. The twists and turns are so well written, and the ending superb. Usually I have at least an inkling of the outcome, but not in this case, brilliant! All loose ends came together, but we were still left on a cliffhanger.

Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands. Not just a police procedural, not just a psychological thriller, not just a few twists and turns, but all that combined and then put on steroids. That’s the best description I have for One for Sorrow by Helen Fields. This may be the most intense book I’ve ever read, and certainly is the most intense one I’ve read in the recent past. Not only is there good, solid police work shown being completed, complete with personality clashes and departmental divides, the psychological tension is enormous; and that’s before you get to the twist that turns the whole thing on its edge. My main criticism here is with the dialogue - it’s set in Scotland but other than references to the Polis, nobody sounds remotely Scottish and the characters all speak the Queen’s English - even Luc who is supposed to have a strong French accent. I’m not saying it has to be all “Ach hen” and “Sacré Bleu” and I know Edinburgh is quite English - I lived there for ten years - but some variation in the voices and local colloquialisms would flesh out the characters and make them more realistic. I also got a bit bored with Ava’s angst and the weird dynamic with Natasha. On the plus side, the hilarious Connie Woolwine from The Shadow Man makes a significant cameo appearance. It would work as a standalone, but if you haven't read the previous six books you should really treat yourself. Over the course of the previous 6 books, I have gotten attached to most of the characters — Ava, Luc, Natasha, Lively, and Graham to name a few. As expected, they feature into this story as well, and it makes for some witty and sarcastic banter. But there’s also a lot of character development for some of the characters — what happens in this story forces them to grow and reevaluate some things in their lives.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper 360, and Avon, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. The forensic and criminal profiling scenes are my favorite. I love them when done well (I have a special love for forensics).