Definitely Dead (Maya Barton, #1) By Kate Bendelow

This is a truly excellent debut novel. There is no question in my mind that it fully deserves my five-star rating.

From start to finish, the pace never lets up.

As you would expect from a writer who is a serving CSI, the authenticity is exceptional. Not only does that come through in the characters in the SOCO team and the situations in which they find themselves, but Kate Bendelow has obviously researched the police procedural side of the story too. She even manages to capture perfectly the point of view of a young person of mixed race who is finding her feet in modern society.

The story opens with main character, Maya, a new CSI on her way to the scene of her first dead body. Although she is accompanied by a very experienced CSI, she makes an embarrassing yet comical, rookie error which draws much mirth from her colleagues when she returns to base. But she can take it. She realises that it is all part of the job. Not being able draw some humour from situations that arise in her chosen professions would make life very tough and almost unbearable.
There is something that irks her in the first scene. Although the death looks like, and is declared, as not suspicious, Maya feels that something is not quite right. Opening up about her feelings is a big mistake and her boss, Kym, is soon making it very clear to her that she must put facts ahead of feelings.

Maya is naïve and far too trusting. That quickly leads her in into more trouble with her boss and her colleagues and with the CID team. It takes her a while to understand that it is dangerous to automatically trust people from first meeting.

There is a great diversity in the characters, which are very well developed as the story moves on. My favourite character, despite some of his despicably violent acts, is a giant called Lurch. I won’t say why in my review, as you should have the opportunity to form your own opinion. I wonder if you’ll agree with me?

This is a great start to what promises to be an enthralling series. I look forward to the appearance of the second episode. Maya Barton has recently moved offices to Beech Field police station after recently starting her new job as a SOCO. The call out on the dilapidated Poets Estate to the body of 65 year old Karl Gorman is the first death she has attended. Although the man had been in a fight the week before and is universally hated by his neighbours after it was made known he was a convicted rapist with a liking for young girls, the cause of death is called as natural by the pathologist at the post mortem. However something is niggling at Maya and she wonders if something more sinister had occurred. Putting it down to inexperience and nerves, she happily jumps at the chance of being involved on Operation Chrysalis, the investigation into a series organized crime gang run by Aiden Donnelly and Piotr Nowak who are targeting their rivals and other smaller dealers. After an exciting morning where Donnelly and his new bar manager, Spencer James who vehemently proclaims his innocence, were arrested, Maya proceeds to experience different crime scenes over the next few weeks. Out with her two best friends one night, she runs into Spencer again and has a drink with him. Could this be a very big mistake? We also meet Jim Baron, now 75, finally released after a life of crime and armed robberies, and reliant on his former cellmate and the district nurse for help. Little does he realize who else is coming calling for him. His sudden death is dealt with by a former colleague of Maya’s at her old station at Alder Street. Another one looking to be natural causes, a heart attack. A third sudden death comes Maya’s way but once again she has her doubts. Unfortunately her propensity to make mistakes and her unfounded theories start to annoy her colleagues and lead to doubts about her suitability for the job. While Donnelly and Novak plot to stay out of prison, someone has their eye on Maya. We also get treated to little snippets from someone leaving a trail of bodies behind but we have no idea who it is. As the bodies continue to pile up, and Maya’s hidden history seems to make her own life ever more complicated, the detectives and SOCOs are going to be very busy solving crimes they don’t even know about â€" yet.
The author is a CSI and her vast array of knowledge is clearly demonstrated in the pages, as the reader is treated to descriptions of crime scenes and how various evidence is gathered which are interesting without feeling like a lecture. The characters are well drawn in the main and easily pictured. With lots of twists and turns, and a host of suspects, this is a well written story to keep the reader gripped right to the very last page. 4* Maya being a SOCO creates an interesting perspective for this story, and it is a good story with a lot of action as well as a few twists. I did think some of the plot lines were repetitive - Maya always being in big trouble for the slightest thing was stretching reality for example- and I thought the prison connection was weak unless this is going to be developed further in another book. Definitely Dead (Maya Barton, #1) I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me and I look forward to seeing what is next for her in the future. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what would happen next. The author's use of attention to detail gave the story a realistic feel. The characters are relateable and brought the story to life. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. There is alot going on in this book but it is full of action and held my attention. I highly recommend this book. Definitely Dead (Maya Barton, #1) Wow what a fantastic debut book, with dealings as a real CSI (SOCO) you can tell from the detail of the writing. A really well written storyline that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go. Police procedural at its best some characters you love and there are some characters you hate, this book has both and boy I really really disliked one character that I wanted to put my hands in to the pages and throttle lol or give a good shake and ask if they were for real. I won’t write too much about the storyline as I feel that is the job of the blurb to peak your interest. I will say what a great read and look forward to future books hoping this is the start of a series. Crime, Thriller, Nonfiction

Can you always trust the evidence?

Maya Barton has just embarked on her dream job as a scene of crime officer. When she attends her first death the post-mortem deems it to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.

Meanwhile, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.

When Maya is called to another apparent sudden death her reservations resurface. She is convinced a killer is on the loose; a killer who has evaded suspicion until now, but Maya's series of mistakes alienate those around her.

As she and her colleagues are drawn further into their investigations, they end up putting themselves in grave danger.

Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her closet come back to haunt her? Who can Maya really trust? And who will make it out alive… Definitely Dead (Maya Barton, #1)

Maya Barton has finally landed her dream job as a SOCO .. scene of crime officer. She's been handling robberies, what they call soft crimes. But today she gets her first death. Suicide...accident ... murder?

The victim was a known criminal and no one seems upset about his death. But Maya has a feeling ... something isn't quite right but she can't pinpoint it. When the Medical Examiner comes back with a non-homicide diagnosis, the case is closed. Despite the lack of evidence, she suspects a crime has been committed.

Two more deaths occur over the next couple of weeks ... both who were known criminals. Is someone trying to clean up after them ... or is there something else at play?

Maya is certain there is a serial killer on the loose, but she's made a few mistakes that have cost her the trust of her colleagues. How far will Maya go to prove what she thinks is true? Who can she trust?

I really like the character of Maya. She's multi-layered and not afraid to stand up for herself. At the same time, she's got a soft heart and is very caring. She's also got a senes of humor and can laugh at herself. Her colleagues, friends, family all bring a sense of a well lived life. But some of those people aren't exactly who they purport to be.

The plot is well executed, with a few surprises along the way. Twists and turns keep the suspense at a high level. The ending was quite unexpected. I recommend this one to all those who really like hearing/seeing about all things forensic. Hoping this one turns into a series .. I think it would be a really good one.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. English Interesting and suspenseful story with likable and unlikable characters. From the very first page to the end, it was intriguing and creepy. English DEFINITELY DEAD is psychological thriller by Kate Bendelow (a real life CSI!).

Maya Barton has just started her dream job as a SOCO, Scene Of Crime Officer…the American version of a CSI.

SOCO Maya and her colleague, Chris Makin are called to a scene following the report of a sudden death…an unexplained death with no medical issues, suspicious in nature. This is Maya’s first death, but Senior crime-scene investigator, Kym Lawson, had felt it would be good experience for Maya to help with her first body recovery. Chris updated Maya on the procedures, and instructs her to take photographs. The victim was a known criminal…so no loss.

The post-mortem deems the death to be non-suspicious and the case is closed. But despite the lack of evidence, Maya suspects a crime has been committed.

Maya had coped with her first death and post-mortem, and now was looking for more experience.
In the interim, the police force focus on a mission to bring a criminal gang to justice.

What followed were more deaths involving criminals. Maya is convinced a killer is on the loose; but Maya's series of mistakes has distanced her from those around her. Who can she trust?

Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her past come back to haunt her?

Maya is a likeable but strong woman who stands up for what she believes. She does not mince her words, but delivers her message clearly. I liked her and the plot based on forensics was very entertaining and enriching. I can only hope this novel marks the beginning of a new series, which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.

Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
This was a great read with lots of twists and turns - ending was brilliant so unexpected. I love the fact that the author has experience in this field but doesn't become too technical in it. Will definately read more.

I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books and the author but the review is entirely my own. Accomplished fiction debut for this real life CSI who brings her extensive knowledge and skills to this exciting tale of a rookie scenes of crime officer investigating several seemingly natural deaths. Are they connected? Maya is convinced there is more to these incidents than meets the eye, but no one takes the new kid seriously. How can she prove herself without jeopardising the career she has fought so hard for?
Twists and turns abound in this gripping thriller with a pacy climax that will have you holding your breath.