Wow! Where to start with this one which is one of the best crime/police procedural thrillers I’ve read in a while! DI Eva Harris background is in cyber crime but she’s now working for Surrey Police and managing her own team. It’s her first day and she hits the ground running when she’s called to a brutal killing. The case grows exponentially when Eva realises that it’s not one case they’re investigating but two with similar MO’s. If that’s not bad enough she’s tasked with an undercover role to try to find corrupt officers feeding information to a Ukrainian major drug baron, Semion Razin.

First of all if your a bit squeamish about eyes (hence the title) there’s quite a bit that focuses (sorry) on that. This is a really exciting, very clever and multilayered novel that has everything I want in a book of this genre. I would describe the plot as high octane, full throttle and high revs throughout as you rarely get a breather and I love that as it keeps you focused and glued to the narrative. The characters are really good especially Eva who is intriguingly complex and she has a dark side as much of her life in the police force has been living on the edge of a very dangerous precipice. I think she’s built of titanium as you can’t keep this good woman down! You also witness her views on justice which are ‘corrective’, believing in natural justice with a soupçon of vengeance! I enjoy how she uses her impressive cyber skills, her intuition and growing sense of leadership to unmask the perpetrators. I particularly how she used it against those trying to wipe her out and the man trying to make her his marionette. This is a very gritty, dark plot as we have two killers on the loose and both are methodical, skilful and clever, one driven by delusion and the other by finance. The whole thing is action packed and builds to a terrific crescendo and conclusion. I really hope this is the start of a series as these characters deserve more ‘run outs’.

Overall, this is a strap yourself in, take a deep breath as you’ll be going at warp speed. It’s very well written, intelligently plotted with well crafted characters. An excellent read.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.70 s Pat2,310 462

I’m really hoping that this will be the first book of a series because I absolutely loved it!

DI Eva Harris is a newly minted inspector. She has been fast tracked for promotion and is hoping to make her mark in the cyber crime unit. But first she has to undertake a number of rotations. On her first day in the job she is confronted with the brutal slaying of a wealthy woman whose body has been drained of blood and her eyes surgically removed. Now don’t get squeamish on me, it’s not as grisly as it could have been, you’re not there when it happens. Her boss, DCI Corrine Sutton and her team think it’s the work of a killer who struck four years ago who was dubbed the ‘Eye Slicer’ but Eva is not so sure. Yes, there are some similarities with the previous killings but there are also marked differences.

Either way the killer strikes again and again and yet never leaves any forensics behind. Then the original eye slicer killer strikes again and Eva is now certain they are looking for two different perpetrators. And if that isn’t bad enough, just to complicate things Eva also has a secret mission with the Surrey constabulary. A very senior officer, Superintendent Alistair Hadley, has some sort of hold over Eva and has placed her in Surrey to find out who, in the police force, has been providing tip-offs to Semion Razin’s people. Razin is a serious Russian drug lord who brings in huge quantities of drugs and launders vast amounts of money in the county.

Well Eva is not sure she is up to the job, she is so inexperienced. Her boss, Sutton voices her own reservations but tells Eva to give her team a reason to respect her. She might be inexperienced but she is very smart and has her own strengths that help her immeasurably in negotiating the maze that all these cases represent. Nevertheless, a number of attempts are made on her life but she can’t seek support from her team as she thinks it is to do with her secret mission and, until she has a better idea of who the informer is, she is not sure who to trust.


This book gripped me from the start and the pace never let up. The character of Eva is one of the best I have read. She is not dysfunctional, she doesn’t have inner demons, well just the one but it doesn’t control her and she doesn’t indulge in endless introspection. She is different to other police and uses her strengths to her advantage. Her team are loyal and competent and she does manage to gain their respect. The other thing I really enjoyed was that it was not about women being killed because their mummies didn’t love them enough. The rationale for these killings was quite different and it wasn’t all women. This will appeal to those who enjoy police procedurals and thrillers and even mysteries. I will be very keen to read a sequel of this book. I received an advance review copy from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
31 s Mandy White (mandylovestoread)2,271 648

Everything about this book made me think that I would love it. A dark and twisted police procedural with a female detective who has a hidden agenda.

To begin with I did really enjoy it. But then it became really bogged down in technical terms and details and it lost me. My interest wavered and it spoilt the story for me. I get thatbit was needed for the story but I felt that there was too much of it and too often.

Alot of my fellow readers and trusted reviewers have loved this so I am definitely in the minority.

Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to readnet-galley z-read-in-202120 s CarolG725 330

You definitely have to possess a strong constitution to read parts of this book. I don't anybody messing around near my eyes and I'm already having nightmares about cataract surgery even though I don't have cataracts yet so there's no way I could read this right before bed. Such an unusual premise for a book but it was very intelligent and well-written. I really d the character of DI Eva Harris and I hope there are other books featuring her in the future. There is some science/technology and cyber-speak in the book but there's also lots of action and character conflicts, a couple of seemingly unsolvable mysteries and some great characters besides Eva. In Chapter 27 there's a description of a fresco being painted by an artist in a former church which sounded fantastic and I wished there was a picture of it. Very high octane and highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read an ARC of this excellent novel.

Publication Date: June 16,2021netgalley17 s Bonnie G.1,451 278

I rarely read police procedurals, I don't watch them either. I am the only person I know who has never watched an full episode of Law & Order. Ironically I am fascinated by actual crime (my undergrad was in criminology) and in what makes people do what they do. Procedurals though generally bore me. I know I am being led down a path, I know that disgusting me is an objective, and being manipulated and grossed out are not things that really work for me. I think I am not the right reader for this book. I thought the book overall was well-written, and I could see how the characters would appeal to readers who enjoy these types of stores. All that said, I will note a couple things that were particularly problematic for me.

Eva is made to be a little too clever and well-educated. I know a lot of CS majors, I work in a tech-focused program at a respected university, and I am confident none of them would recognize obscure references to Luis Bunuel films, be able to comment on a painting, comparing it to Caravaggio, and holding forth on Caravaggio's use of light and shadow and how it distinguished him from painters who came before, and provide a concise definition of string theory, all of the above information allegedly learned during their time in university. That is not a dig at CS majors: I don't know many classic's majors who can do QC on Python code, distinguish deep learning from machine learning, or detail how blockchain makes it possible for NFTs to be unique holdings. No one knows everything. No one but Eva. Also, FWiW though Eva seemed to understand the basics of programing and such, her knowledge of painting, photography and film was considerably more advanced than her understanding of how to protect digital assets. Given that her expertise was allegedly in the area of cybercrimes that was surprising.

There were too many mysteries wrapped up in this. Two different serial killers, three different mob factions, comprising at least 4 different cases. The book ended by resolving an issue I had mostly forgotten existed by the time we get there. Again, I don't read these books often, so maybe aficionados were better than I at keeping track of all the stories.

The first chapter was flowery and deployed a lot of inapt metaphors, but the rest of the book was pretty well put together except for when the author found a word he d (discursive is used three times in as many pages, and as far as I can recall never before or after that) or used words incorrectly (will look through my notes and try to find examples later.)

Finally, It becomes a thing at the end that friendships are built, and I did not see that happening. Suddenly people are friends with no indication as to how those friendships arose. I needed a little more to get from people largely ignoring one another to people opening up their homes and being willing to die for one another. Maybe that is just me.

I read this for a Read Harder challenge prompt (read a book recommended by a friend with different reading tastes.) I chose to read a book recommended by a friend whose reading tastes often align with mine but who reads in genres I don't usually pick up. I think it was a good choice. I confirmed I am not a procedural reader, and that Kierstyn has good taste even when she reads things which are not my cuppa.read-harder-2022 thriller uk-and-ireland13 s Jayne639 393

If you enjoy over-the-top British crime/police procedural medical thrillers, this series is for you.

DI Eva Harris is a tough and feisty DI with class, sass, brilliance, a compelling backstory..... and an uncanny ability to sense danger and escape death.

And she's the superhero in Carl Goodman's two expertly-crafted, action-packed medical thrillers "20/20" and "Lifesign".

Both books were extremely fast-paced with strong characterizations and multiple plot twists.

Both books also showcased superb police procedurals that kept me on edge from beginning to end.

"20/20" and "Lifesign". were Audible freebies from AudiblePlus.

Although both are standalone books, I strongly recommend reading "20/20" first, if you're interested in starting the series.

Both books were read by Louise Brealey, who did an outstanding job with the narration. The books, however, would have benefited from two narrators(male and female) for the male POV portions of the books.

Trigger warnings: graphic, gruesome, gory body parts.

These were my first books by author Mark Goodman and I look forward to listening to future books by this talented author.

4.5 stars rounded up.11 s K Reads 511 18

I started three different books yesterday, and none of them stuck until this one. I was engaged from beginning to end!.

I loved this story’s complexities and allusions that depended on some knowledge of art (and art history). A great incorporation of tradition and new tech: a generational clash! Smart, funny, suspenseful, well-written.

File Under: Un Chien Andalou Caper (Surrealists Make Lasting Impressions!)british faves horror-thriller ...more3 s Sarah2,717 194

D.I. Eva Harris has more lives than a cat. Seriously, danger follows this woman around every corner!

This is one action packed read. Probably not for the feint hearted of readers but boy, if you want thrills and chills by the bucket load then you seriously can’t go wrong with this book. So many scenes had me hiding behind my hands at the thought of what I had just read yet I was eager to carry on as the excitement built up.

I won’t say too much about the storyline itself but I really enjoyed this particular crime that Eva and the team are working on as when it all comes together with the why’s, it’s something I have never read of in a crime book before so gives this book a particular edge to other’s in it’s genre. There’s also so much more I want to see from Eva especially. We get to know a bit about her but think there is still lots to come from her character and discover.

20/20 is actually a great title for this story. Usually the first book in a series can get weighed down with getting to know the characters but there is no fear of that with this one. We are thrown right into the deep end and the pacing was off the scale as there is never a dull moment with Eva finding herself in the trickiest of situations to say the least. So many heart stopping moments that had me fear for not only the victims but Eva and her team also. A thrilling read that doesn’t let go until the very last page!

My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.fiction2 s Dee Dee Walker312 4

I’m not really into cozy mystery’s and it’s a good thing because this is a mystery with a dark edge running through it. If you want a strong female lead this is the book for you. If you want a book that the good characters are human and flawed then this book is for you. If the thought of blood makes you want to faint skip this book. Overall I thought this book was cleaver. There are no big shocks but it’s not too predictable either. The female lead is brilliant and a badass female. I found myself really liking her. The premise is about a cop and a serial killer but it’s so much more. The ending was good. The narration was absolutely fine although I saw some complaints in the . I personally don’t get it. Definitely worth a credit. 2 s Roe132 1 follower

The book starts off on fire, setting the tone and pace for the rest of the book. It is beautifully descriptive throughout the whole book. ?
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The occasional view from the victims was perfectly woven into the stories and gave the the following scenes a dark twist I enjoyed. ?
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I would consider myself an amateur sleuth (didn’t read all those Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books for nothing) and while I was able to develop some theories, the different elements of this story both the backstory and current being woven together laid a web that was extremely compelling and very hard to unravel with any certainty I was following the right thread. ?
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I would love to see this picked up by the BBC, a perfect mix of Luther and Endeavor vibes but with a female lead. I look forward to a sequel, I am not done reading DI Eva Harris yet. ?2 s Hobart2,497 65

? ? ? 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S 20/20 ABOUT?
So you know how in most police procedurals, the protagonist detective(s) is helped out by a super-geek (usually, but not always, a female) who befuddles the Luddites/barely-computer literate detectives with what they can do? Well, Carl Goodman's DI Eva Harris is the super-geek who is also the protagonist detective in the best kind of a 2-for-1 deal.

Harris is driven, she knows she's good with computers—a real rival (if not a flat-out superior) to all kinds of cyber-criminals. But the only way for her to advance in the police services is to spend time being a non-cyber officer, out on the streets, working with other detectives for two years. Which is both hard to believe, and completely believable (if anyone knows how legitimate that is, please let me know).

On her first day as a DI in the Surrey Police, she's summoned to a crime scene before she can even introduce herself to anyone. A woman has been murdered—meticulously exsanguinated, with her eyes meticulously removed. I stress the meticulousness there because this is a very clean crime scene that is going to be forensically unhelpful (if not worse).

And then more bodies show up. There's a similarity here to a serial killer's M.O., but that killer wasn't careful about the crime scenes. Is this the same killer, who has taken the time and effort to refine his method? A copycat? Someone who just seems similar to the serial killer? That's for DI Harris and her new team to ascertain.

If that's not enough, part of the reason Harris has been assigned to this command is that she's being forced by the Intelligence Services to look into corruption at her new HQ. And some skeletons from her past are coming back to haunt her.

HOW'S THE NARRATION?
Brealey nailed this—she captures Harris' analytical approach, the distance she's keeping from her team and the assignment—and then how that distance crumbles—and general unease with some aspects of the assignment. She also does a great job portraying the rest of the cast, and the unexpected attitudes from some of the suspects.

I'm seeing a lot of negative of her work on Audible and Goodreads. I don't get it—I can see where she might be everyone's cup of tea (who is?), but I don't get the negativity. I thought she did exactly what this book needed.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT 20/20?
This was an intense, multi-layered, unnerving, and tough-to-predict police procedural with a little something extra going on. Maybe too much—just maybe.

I think I could've lived without the whole Harris investigates her own team aspect of the novel (although, that would have cost the novel some great scenes). The novel might have been a little stronger had it stayed focused on the killings with Harris' past as the only subplot. It's hard to judge things that, so I could be completely wrong.

I cannot stress enough that some of these murders are pretty disturbing and that there is no way I ever want Carl Goodman mad at me. The way he describes murder scenes and artwork, in particular, is really impressive—there's a lot of narrative and description that's really impressive, but those really jumped out at me. I could "see" those very clearly.

I sussed out the 2 of the 3 main mysteries early on—that's fine, it's not a whodunit kind of read, it's about Harris getting the answers and what she has to go through for that. As such, it's a winner—she's a fish out of water in several ways (geographic, social, vocational, for starters) and that's the focus of the book. Still doesn't make it less satisfying when I found out I was right. Also, I really don't want to live in a world where the motives for the killings are plausible. Sadly, I absolutely believe them.

It's a gripping listen, and I think you'll be glad you gave it a shot. There's a sequel, too—I don't think it'll be long before I dive into that.2022-reads audiobooks1 Elaine Tomasso3,164 61

I would to thank Netgalley and Hera Books for an advance copy of 20/20, the first novel to feature DI Eva Harris of the Surrey Police.

On the first day of her new position Eva doesn’t even get to the office before she’s summoned to a murder scene. Irina Stepanov has been drained of blood and her eyes cut out, but with little in the way of forensics Eva knows it will be a difficult investigation, especially when it becomes apparent that Irina is only the first victim.

I thoroughly enjoyed 20/20, which is a multi-stranded police procedural with several twists and turns. It is told mostly from Eva’s point of view which makes it easy to get immersed in and even easier to stay that way, as she is a woman with a past and many agendas.

At 27 Eva is young to be a detective inspector, but she’s a cyber crime expert and only in Kingston’s CID as part of the necessary rotation in departments before returning to cyber crime, at least that’s the cover story. In reality she’s there to discover the identity of the bad cop working for a criminal organisation and hunting a serial killer is not part of the plan. Then there’s the three cold case murders that may be linked to the new ones and why is she trying to hack a hard drive in her own time? All these questions are answered at the end of the novel, but they’re intriguing and attention holding throughout the novel. There is enough going on to keep the reader continually occupied.

The plotting and pacing in the novel are good. There are developments and reveals throughout, just enough to whet the appetite and urge the reader to keep going. I found it to be a compulsive read and really d the twists at the end, which are clever. I think the motives are different enough to give the novel an edge, but not so different to be unbelievable. On the downside, I think the perpetrators are too easy to guess, although motive is more elusive and I take issue with the way the word psychopath is bandied about, it is not a synonym for psychotic or delusional, and it became quite annoying. There are also a few techie passages that I ignored as I have no understanding of the detail.

I’m undecided about DI Eva Harris and if the author had used the term psychopath to describe her I might have been more convinced. That, however, would not stop me from reading more about her, just to help me decide. More seriously I d the plotting and all the strands in the novel as it gave me something to think about and ponder and it’s quite exciting and tense in parts.

20/20 is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.1 Rebecca211 5

One of those train wreck books that has several flaws but it is just good enough to keep you interested. I wish there were a way to know how many times the "F" bomb was dropped in just the first three chapters. I do not mind some profanity, but to me it just shows a lack of intelligent writing no mater how good the storyline.1 Léah96

Great copper mystery! 1 Katrin800 8

DNF...bei Seite 210.

Konnte mich leider überhaupt nicht fesseln. Weder mit den Charakteren noch mit der Story.

Lohnt sich daher nicht noch Zeit zu investieren.1-star 2023 dnf1 Shanzy95 1 follower

I listened to this book on audible. Probably not the ideal book to listen to just after having eye surgery, with the victims having their eyes cut out. I will say it was an interesting read. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full reviewaudiobooks-read1 Melinda Brooks226 21

The one was so creepy!! Might be just me but cutting out peoples eyes freaks me out! 1 Karen Cole970 131

DI Eva Harris's first day in her new job is dramatic to say the least. Before she even has a chance to meet her team she is called out to an incident and it's a disturbing sight that greets her. It quickly transpires that sight is an important theme in the aptly named 20/20 with the first indication coming here as the victim has had her eyes surgically removed and her blood exsanguinated. The sergeant present informs her that he believes he was involved in a similar case several years ago when a killer known as the 'Eye Slasher' brutally murdered a series of young women. He recalls that somebody working on the investigation was reminded of Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dali's surrealist short film, Un Chien Andalou.
Eva is a different sort of detective; her background is as a computer analyst and she was fast-tracked to becoming a DI to work in cyber crime. Although she understood her training would involve having to undertake rotations in other aspects of police work, it soon becomes apparent that something happened which means she doesn't have full control over her career and there is somebody in the background pulling her strings. Exactly what caused her to be in this position is gradually explained over the course of the novel, revealing why Eva behaves as she does.
This is the first book in a new series and is a fantastic introduction to the characters, particularly Eva. She is a complex woman with a painful past and a determined resolve that justice should be served, even if that means her actions are somewhat unconventional at times - and not necessarily always legal... She doesn't seem to be naturally comfortable around other people and understandably keeps parts of her past secret from them which means it's intriguing to see if she is able to begin forming a bond with her new team. I especially enjoyed the development of DS Rebecca Flynn's character which surprised me given the impression I initially formed of her from the notes Eva has read about each of her new colleagues. I also really d her boss, the rather irascible DCI Sutton who doesn't mince her words, informing Eva that she isn't particularly impressed to have a wet-behind-the-ears DI parachuted into her nick but acknowledges that she has impressive credentials and as they are desperately understaffed, she needs all the help she can get. The strong female cast is also complemented by the addition of Forensics Officer, Judy Wren who brings a dry wit to the proceedings.
Eva is convinced that the killer is new and probably not linked to the old investigation but she knows they have to look again at previous suspects. 20/20's intricate plot eventually finds her working on four cases, although her colleagues don't know about all of them. As well as the murder enquiries she is tasked with uncovering who the traitor in their midst is. The various known associates of a major organised crime drugs baron seem to be almost untouchable; they clearly have prior knowledge of planned busts and crucial evidence mysteriously goes missing so there must be somebody on the inside passing them information or ensuring anybody arrested walks free. She also has a very personal case she is working on and needs to crack a password to be able to do so but who she is looking to take down isn't revealed for some time - and even when it is, it's possible that there is more to come in subsequent books.
As an audiobook, the narration is vital and Louise Brealy does excellent work giving distinct voices to all of the characters, matching her reading perfectly to the pace of the storyline. There are a number of different strands to this intelligent, complex novel in a compelling storyline that seamlessly switches between highly tense, dramatic scenes and quieter but no less engrossing passages. Un Chien Andalou isn't the only art to feature and there are also mentions of Pre-Raphaelite works and John William Waterhouse. Eva's breadth of knowledge, physical prowess and troubled history mean she is a protagonist I'm really looking forward to following as the series progresses.
20/20 is a darkly sophisticated contemporary thriller and is an exciting start to a series which promises to be unmissable. Very highly recommended. 1 Jane HuntAuthor 2 books108

After an impactful opening, the threat level in this techno crime thriller intensifies with every chapter. DI Eva Harris, a fast-tracked officer is thrown in at the deep end, horrific murder, a new team and something in her personal life that haunts her.

Technology is an important theme and Eva is a gifted cybercrime officer. There is lots of detail in this complex thriller, which initially seems to slow the pace, but it's necessary to understand Eva's character and motivations. Subplots, including one from Eva's past and one that illuminates the real reason Eva's presence in Surrey, make this story authentic and multilayered. Eva's humanity, sense of justice, and tenacity make her easy to empathise as the story progresses. The police team dynamic is realistic and gradually supportive of Eva.

The suspense, violent crime and Eva's vulnerability make this thriller both addictive and immersive. As the different plot strands converge, there are some surprising outcomes and more than one antagonist.

An easy to listen to narrator so good you forget her presence, as you become immersed in the characters and plot.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Midas PR in return for an honest review.2020-blog-tours audiobook-review1 jazz-ee296 2

The first book I had read by this author, I really wanted to love it but…

Firstly it was the narration, which had random spacing and timing of words and phrases, almost as if it was their first time reading it too. It must have got better as it went on, however it served to break me out of the story and into thinking ‘I wonder why they left that in and didn’t redo it?’

I did enjoy the main character, and would love to see more of her.

The story itself kept me gripped for a while, and I do love a thriller with lots of twists and turns, however there seemed to be too many characters and twists for me to keep all of it in my head. I ended up listening to it but not really engaging with it. So I got there in the end, with many gaps in my knowledge as to how we did get there!

That said, it’s not put me off this author and I’d definitely try another of his books, this one just wasn’t the one for me. crime-thriller1 Meghan Bowling103 16

I love a good police procedural, especially with a strong female lead, however, this book was not for me. The storyline felt too far fetched in regards to the reasoning these people were being murdered. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters, and it didn’t feel there was any development with them.

Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 1 Gordon Mcghie602 93

DI Eva Harris is starting her new job. It’s the first day in her promoted role and before she can even get to her desk she is called out to a murder scene. A nasty murder scene and one which Eva’s background has not really prepared her for as she had spent much of her formative time in her career working with computers and cyber crime, dead bodies are not quite the same when they are pixels and binary constructs.

Eva more than holds her own and with her dependable sargeant by her side she navigates the crime scene, befriends the medical examiner and manages to find a significant clue which puts her face to face with the killer – a balaclava obscures their face and a fight ensues to make sure capture is avoided.

It’s a terrific opening to the book and the grim manner in which the victim has been killed makes for a fascninating read. I always think there is always something more primal and disturbing whena victim’s eyes are attacked (or in this case, removed). Back at the police station Eva finally meets her team, she is shaken from the start to her day and the encounter with the killer but the reader cannot help but note that Eva seems to know quite a lot about her team before she even meets them. All soon becomes clear, however, as it emerges Eva has been placed into her new role to help identify a bent copper who operates out of her new station.

Carl Goodman is treating readers to a thriller which is focused on several angles. The police corruption, a cracking police investigative story, Eva’s own backstory is extremely enjoyable and her relationship with the officer who is controlling the corruption investigation is not one of mutual respect and there is a cold case from a few years previous which shares similar traits to the current murders. With many elements to focus on I was a very happy reader and found myself enjoying 20/20 immensly.

I found 20/20 to be an intelligent and engaging read, the motive behind the killer’s actions was perfectly in keeping with the story which I had been enjoying and I loved the progression of Eva’s investigation and the hurdles she had to overcome during the course of the book. Pacing and tone of 20/20 were spot on for me, there was always something which kept me reading and when the book came to a close I knew I wanted more books featuring DI Eva Harris – that’s a sure sign of a good book. Jacob Collins856 170

20/20 by Carl Goodman is a fast paced, exhilarating and a really exciting read. This is the first book in the DI Eva Harris series, and I can’t wait to see her return.

This is a police procedural novel that is not for the faint hearted. The opening scene is very gruesome, and the police officers who are attending fear they are dealing with a sadistic serial killer. Right from this moment, I wanted to know what prompted the killer to kill their victims in this way. I was desperate to know who they were. I also wanted to know if they were going to kill again.

DI Eva Harris is a great lead character, and I was rooting for her from the start. She herself is in a precarious situation. Eva is a former computer analyst, and her expertise has seen her career fast tracked. I can imagine this would annoy other police officers who have been working in the force longer has, and this does create some animosity. She has been sent to the current team she is working with to gather intelligence; a police officer is suspected of being corrupt. So from the first day she arrives, there is tension. She knows that she can’t trust anyone, and as the reader, I could feel that. It made this book even more tense. It made me wonder if the person who she was looking for knew what she was up to.

The plot is so well structured and cleverly put together. There is lots going on here. Eva is a character who will throw herself into unpredictable situations which may put her life at risk. She is a determined police officer who will see a case through no matter what. She will make sure that the right people are put behind bars. As Eva gets closer to finding out what the killers motives are here, we are introduced to some quirky characters who made me feel nervous. As I was reading, I had no idea how the plot was going to unfold. She is definitely a police officer who you would want to have on your side.

There is a very cinematic feel to this book, and I think it would translate really well to the screen. 20/20 is a thrilling read that will capture the interest of reader’s right from the first page. I can’t wait to see where Carl Goodman takes this series next. This is a must read for police procedural fans.

Amanda2,026 51

I have a little confession to make. I have actually had ‘20/20’ on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t got around to reading it……………..until now that is. Having just finished reading ‘20/20’, I am now rather cross with myself that I left it this long to discover how flipping good this book is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘20/20’ but more about that in a bit.
‘20/20’ is the first book in the series featuring newly promoted Detective Inspector Eva Harris and what a start to a series it is. I was drawn into this book by the synopsis alone and when I started to read the story itself, that was it. I knew that I would be reading for the rest of the afternoon because I just could not put this book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The murders intrigued me and I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I found ‘20/20’ to be a gripping, but slightly scary read, which kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘20/20’ is extremely well written. I love the way in which Carl starts the story with a bang and then reels the reader in similar to how a fisherman reels in a catch. For me, ‘20/20’ hits the ground running and maintains a fast pace throughout. I did Eva’s character but I got the impression that she was keeping things hidden. Reading ‘20/20’ was much lie being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, take a breather and let your stomach settle then off the action would go again. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Carl’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘20/20’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Carl’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Lynsey603 29

20/20 was just done right amazing! It was spine-tingling chilling, extremely fast-paced, with the main character who is spunky, fiercely intelligent and will to put themselves out there to get the bad guy! Basically, what I want in a crime book. All I'm saying is this better be the start of a series or I'm going to be very unhappy!

Imagine your first day at work in a new job? Boring admin, health and safety videos - check. A body that has had its eyes removed and been drained of blood - not so much. That's what DI Eva Harris is faced with when she starts at her new position in Surrey. She trained as a cyber investigator but to get her DI position she had to agree to do ‘proper’ policing. She is also faced with knowing that there is someone on her team who may be corrupt and as the pressure mounts it's hard to know who to trust!

To say I thoroughly enjoyed this book would be an understatement. The dual or is it triple narratives, weave into a tightly plotted and well-executed story. To be fair I don't think I was that interested in the corruption aspect as I was the murders! I don't know if editors are making authors through in a bit of corruption due to the popularity of Line of Duty but I feel it's all over books at the moment. But when it is done we'll - this one it helps lift the narrative. However, it was the main narratives of the two different sets of murders that drew me in. I honestly felt as if I was able to visualise the scenes with the showdowns. Argh, it's so hard to describe how I feel about it without giving away spoilers!

Eva as a character is feisty, independent, loyal and intelligent! I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops now that she has her ex-boss off her back.

This is one that I heartily recommend - it's action-packed, intricately plotted, an exception protagonist and a great debut to a (hopefully) new series! 2021 Leighton997 9

Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

20/20 by Carl Goodman is a dark police procedural thriller starring D. I. Eva Harris, who has been sent to investigate a serial killer who takes away his victim's eyes. If you think that is too much detail, you should stay away from this book, which really goes into graphic detail regarding how the killer murders his victims. If you are the type of reader who enjoys that, keep reading!

Here is an excerpt from an opening chapter that tells us about Eva:

"Eva had expected her first placement as a DI to be in the city, tackling digital forensics and unravelling complex fraud cases. That was what she had trained for, where she excelled. A bit too young to be a DI. Well at twenty-seven maybe that was true, in anything other than cyber anyway, but cybercrime was precisely where DI Eva Harris would have shone... A computer science graduate with a passion for complexity and with a complex background of her own, Eva was more than ready for technical investigations..."

Overall, 20/20 is a dark detective story that will appeal to readers of the Unsub series, which is my favorite thriller series, or The Jigsaw Man, which came out earlier this year. It is unputdownable. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next. I ended up finishing the book in a few hours. One highlight of this book is Eva, the protagonist and detective. She is such a great character and very easy to root for. I will definitely be reading any future books if the author decides to turn this into a series. If you're intrigued by the description or if you're a fan of police procedural thrillers, I highly recommend that you check out 20/20 when it comes out in June! Eclectic Review1,443 5

What’s the opposite of a psychopath?

Killing for fun vs killing for a reason. Two killers feeding off each other. Suspects ranging from eye surgeons, transcendentalists, and orgies by the rich. And a DI bent on revenge for a death of a friend as well as being blackmailed to find a snitch who might be one of her new colleagues. I couldn’t put this fast-paced whodunit down.

D.I. Eva Harris is not supposed to be here. She was supposed to be in cybercrime. She’s not a real D.I. She doesn’t have the experience or the background. Someone is trying to kill her, she’s being blackmailed, she has secrets, and she has inherited two serial murder cases to solve. Who can she trust?

Eva is very intelligent, tenacious, and has more lives than a cat. Her analytical mind gives her savvy computer skills and the perfect mindset to become a good DI. The way she breaks down the case by using her early training and natural instinct is fun to watch the closer she comes to solving the cases. She has a rough go of it both personally and professionally, but she perseveres and earns her team’s respect.

There’s a lot of shady and psychotic characters in this fantastic whodunit. And Eva has a great team of detectives who work well together. It was very interesting how the author created more than one killer and even better, more than one plot to the story. It definitely kept me on my toes. I look forward to reading more about D.I. Eva Harris and her team.

I highly recommend this superb debut police procedural with a razor-sharp plot and intelligent and complex characters.

Thank you to Mr. Goodman for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review. Nathania Ma251 3

20/20 by Carl Goodman is a dark and intelligent police procedural thriller that follows DI Eva Harris, a cybercrime expert who is assigned to a gruesome case of a serial killer who removes his victims’ eyes. The plot is intricate and fast-paced, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Eva and her team use logical analysis and forensic evidence to track down the killer, while also dealing with corruption and betrayal within the police force. Eva also has a secret past that haunts her and makes her question her own moral values.

I enjoyed this book very much, as it was well-written and engaging. I d the realistic depiction of police procedures and the Brits’ style of crime fiction. I also appreciated that there was no unnecessary romance plot line in the story. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five was because I had problems with Eva’s character and her actions. She took matters into her own hands and orchestrated the demise of the man who injured her and killed her partner two years ago, which I found appalling and hypocritical. She was supposed to uphold the law, not break it.

Despite this, I would still recommend this book to anyone who s police procedural thrillers with a dark edge. It was a gripping and satisfying read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m also beginning to feel detached from Goodreads’ ratings because books I think are well written get poor ratings but those with little plot and character development get really high ratings.action-packed cat-and-mouse-game court-drama-and-police-procedures ...more Alice248 2

Thank you to Hera Books Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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On the first day of her new job, D.I. Eva Harris is called to the scene of a brutal murder at the heart of Surrey society. A shocking crime by a meticulous killer – who escaped with the victim’s eyes.

With the body drained of blood and no forensic evidence left at the scene, Harris’ efforts to find the killer becomes desperate. But as her investigation is complicated by corruption at the heart of the police, she doesn’t know who to trust on her own team.

As the pressure mounts, Eva realises the murder is even more horrific than it seems, and her own dreadful history threatens to be drawn out with it.

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The plot was the first thing which drew me into this book. I wanted to know more, instantly. And the storyline built well, from the first moment we were brought straight into the thick of things. Often books take time to introduce characters in a mundane way, but this started with action first. I really enjoyed the overall plot although the pacing of the book began to waver towards the middle but Goodman brought that back quickly. One of the downsides for me was the use of medical terminology. While I understand that it was important for the overall story, I felt that some of these scenes lacked a little flourish to make it seem fictional rather than educational.

The main character, Eva, is a strong female lead who balances between the right and wrong side of the law which only makes her all the more interesting. Sometimes, it’s easy to loose a character with so many things happening in a book, but that didn’t happen with Eva and, just because she was a strong lead, didn’t mean she couldn’t feel an array of emotions, and this was portrayed effectively. The supporting characters were intriguing, there was no “weak link”, and I can’t wait to discover more about them, if there are more books.

The main downside to this book for me, was the ending. I really enjoyed some parts, but I felt that as the storyline grew and the pressure mounted on Eva, the outcome didn’t reflect this well enough for me. Don’t get me wrong, the main final scene was really good but I felt that with all the different things happening in Eva’s life, not all were given the justice they’d deserved.

If you love reading gritty murder mysteries or police drama’s then this is for you.mystery-thriller Jaffareadstoo2,686

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