Title: BYE BYE BABY
Author: Fiona McIntosh
ISBN: 9780732284466
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 563
Source: Review copy from Publisher
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It all began in Brighton. Now there is a killer on the loose. Scotland Yard′s brightest talent is chosen to head up the high-profile task force, a DCI who must confront his own past as the body count rises.
There are few leads and Jack Hawksworth can only fall back on instinct and decades-old cold cases for any clue to the killer′s motive … and identity.
With his most loyal team member threatening to betray him, a Chief Inspector pushing for results, a hungry British media clamouring for information, and a restless public eager for a conviction, the high-pressure operation can only end in a final shocking confrontation …
Official Summary
29 January 2025
I am new to Fiona McIntosh. She delivers a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller in Bye Bye Baby, a novel that blends a chilling murder investigation with rich character development and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of Brighton and featuring a high-stakes hunt for a brutal killer, this book keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The story revolves around DCI Jack Hawksworth, a seasoned investigator tasked with solving a series of brutal murders. Jack is a compelling protagonist, haunted by his past but driven by an unwavering commitment to justice. His humanity shines through in his interactions with his team and the victims’ families, making him both relatable and admirable. McIntosh does an excellent job of portraying his internal struggles, adding layers of complexity to his character.
The plot is well-paced, with just the right balance of action, suspense, and introspection. The twists and turns are cleverly executed, keeping you guessing as Jack pieces together connections between the current murders and a decade-old cold case. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a climactic showdown that is both satisfying and shocking.
I loved the vivid depiction of Brighton and the atmospheric settings that add a sense of place to the story. From the bustling streets to the shadowy corners, McIntosh paints a picture that immerses readers in the investigation’s environment.
While the mystery itself is compelling, the novel also explores the human cost of crime—both for the victims and those tasked with seeking justice. The dynamics within Jack’s team are a highlight, particularly the tension caused by the potential betrayal of one of his most trusted colleagues. These personal stakes add depth to the story.
That said, there are moments where the narrative feels slightly bogged down by explanation and some of the secondary characters could have been more fully fleshed out. However, these minor shortcomings don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Bye Bye Baby is a solid 4-star read, perfect for fans of crime fiction that combines psychological insight with a fast-paced plot. Fiona McIntosh has crafted a gripping tale of murder, betrayal, and redemption that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Also by Fiona McIntosh
THE PEARL THIEF
Severine Kassel is asked by the Louvre in 1963 to aid the British Museum with curating its antique jewellery, her specialty. Her London colleagues find her distant and mysterious; her cool beauty the topic of conversations around its quiet halls. No one could imagine that she is a desperately damaged woman, hiding her trauma behind her chic, French image.
It is only when some dramatic Byzantine pearls are loaned to the Museum that Severine’s poise is dashed and the tightly controlled life she’s built around herself is shattered. Her shocking revelation of their provenance sets off a frenzied hunt for Nazi Ruda Mayek.
Mossad’s interest is triggered and one of its most skilled agents comes out of retirement to join the hunt, while the one person who can help her – the solicitor handling the Pearls – is bound by client confidentiality. As Severine follows Mayek’s trail, there is still one lifelong secret for her to reveal – and one for her to discover.
From the snowy woodlands outside Prague to the Tuilieries of Paris and the heather-covered moors of Yorkshire comes a confronting and heart-stopping novel that explores whether love and hope can ever overpower atrocity in a time of war and hate.
About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Fiona writes best selling historical adventure romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Thank you for visiting the blog to read my review. The world of Jack Hawksworth has been optioned by Fremantle and is developing a pilot for a 6 episode series – I will be keeping my eyes open for more news about that. This could be a great TV series. If you haven’t read this one yet, don’t miss out. Until next time …. Happy Reading!
Sounds like a good read!