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Baby's Got Blue Eyes: compelling début crime thriller (Ted Darling Crime Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 2,106 ratings

A compelling début crime thriller with a very different sort of detective.

Someone is dumping bodies on DI Ted Darling's patch and he's not happy. Ted's a good solid copper, in an old-fashioned way, with an excellent clear-up rate.

He's not at all like your average cop and has his own unique way of dealing with any prejudice his differences bring him. No heavy drinking, no failed marriage, just a steady, long-term relationship. He and his partner have cats, not kids.

But this serial killer seems to be running effortless rings round Ted and his team. Every promising lead just takes them up another frustrating blind alley. Then it starts to get personal.

Baby's Got Blue Eyes was the first book written in the popular Ted Darling Crime Series. There is now a retrospectively-written prequel, The First Time Ever, which can be read first, or at any point in the series.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'A unique style of detective fiction that is well worth reading!' - Amazon Reader Vine Voice

'I was hooked from page one and didn't want to stop reading. And I would read it again...my maxim for a good book.' - Amazon Reader

'I enjoyed reading this crime cracker. At last, a normal copper who isn't constantly in trouble with his superiors. ' - Mrs Bloggs Book Blog

'Great mystery with clearly drawn likeable characters. DI Ted Darling is not your run of the mill detective. ' NYT bestselling author M A Comley on Goodreads

About the Author

L M Krier is a pen name of former journalist (court reporter) and freelance copywriter, Lesley Tither, who also worked for the Crown Prosecution Service. Lesley also writes travel memoirs as Tottie Limejuice and children's fiction with a crime twist as L M Kay. She is now retired from the day job and writes full-time from her restored cottage in central France.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00TA4N5S6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ LIVRES LEMAS; 3rd edition (February 13, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 13, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,106 ratings

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L M Krier
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About L M Krier

Retired journalist, freelance copywriter and copy editor Lesley Tither writes writes crime fiction, the Ted Darling Crime Series, under the name L M Krier.

The crime books are set in Lesley's home-town, Stockport, on the edge of Greater Manchester. Books in the series: The First Time Ever, Baby's Got Blue Eyes, Two Little Boys, When I'm Old and Grey, Shut Up and Drive, Only the Lonely, Wild Thing, Walk On By, Preacher Man, Cry for the Bad Man, Where the Girls Are, Down Down Down and The Cuckoo is a Pretty Bird.

All books are available in eBook and paperback format and the series prequel, The First Time Ever, is now available as an audiobook, read by Christopher Corcoran.

Lesley is a former journalist, working as both a criminal court and coroner's court reporter. She also worked as a case tracker for the Crown Prosecution Service, and for a firm investigating irregularities in offshore finance. Her other jobs have included owning and running a holiday riding centre and acting as a 'charity mugger', lying in wait to sign up shoppers for a wildlife charity.

She secured her first major writing contract at the age of sixteen when she sold a television piece to a Hollywood production company, for what seemed at the time to be a fortune. Her newspaper editor father claimed it was more than he had ever been paid for a single piece of writing.

Her interests centre around nature and wildlife and encompass dogs, wild camping and organic gardening. She lives in the Auvergne region of Central France and holds dual French/British nationality. Her current dogs are two rescued border collies.

Writing as Tottie Limejuice, Lesley has published six books in the Sell the Pig memoir series: Sell the Pig, Is That Billing Lump?, Mother Was It Worth It? Biff the Useless Mention, Angling Bumateurs, and Trot On!

She also writes humorous travelogues as Tottie Limejuice: the Tottie's Travels series: Hobbit House in Italy, Two Jills and a Tots, and Pride Comes Before a Bedbug. In addition she has produced a humorous look behind the scenes of novel writing, No Girl on this Train, jointly written with Kate Pill.

Lesley also writes children's fiction, mystery/adventure, as L M Kay: The Dog with the Golden Eyes.

Want to chat with Lesley? You'll find a We Love Ted Darling group on Facebook, or visit the website teddarlingcrimeseries.uk which has links to all her books.

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,106 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this crime thriller compelling with good plot twists and rich character development. Moreover, the book is well-written, with one customer noting it's a nicely detailed police procedural, and customers love the entire series. Additionally, the pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as utterly hooking, and customers find it enjoyable, with one mentioning it's perfect for relaxing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

44 customers mention "Plot quality"38 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a compelling crime thriller with good plot twists and suspenseful elements.

"...A superb plot with appropriate "red herrings". One has to wonder how the original idea was born, and how ideas for sequels will develop...." Read more

"...The plot is intricate and involves a serial killer who specialises in young women (don't they always?),..." Read more

"...or not but a bit to easy to work out who did it but the story was enticing enough for you to want to read all the way to the end I very much enjoyed..." Read more

"...One last aside. This book has been well proofread. In recent years I have found more and more spelling, grammatical and syntax errors...." Read more

32 customers mention "Readability"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book brilliant and easy to read, with several mentioning they love the entire series.

"...Remarkably well written, this is a very enjoyable read. Perfect for relaxing or if one needs a little vacation from "it all."..." Read more

"I am so glad that I began this series at the beginning. As well as this author writes, I think there'll be character growth and continuing internal..." Read more

"This book was a good read but predictable all along who the guilty party was I don't know if this was deliberate or not but a bit to easy to work..." Read more

"...One last aside. This book has been well proofread. In recent years I have found more and more spelling, grammatical and syntax errors...." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the storyline and characters are rich, with one customer highlighting the engaging dialogue between them.

"...As well as this author writes, I think there'll be character growth and continuing internal interaction of "the team" throughout...." Read more

"...The author has created truly believable characters and it was not difficult to relate emotionally to all of them, in some way...." Read more

"...I liked the characters, but to be honest, I did find DI Ted Darling just a little too good and kind...." Read more

"...As a result both the story line and the characters are rich,realistic and kept interested...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it has no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, while another describes it as a nicely detailed police procedural.

"This is my first L M Krier book, and I loved it! The writing is tight, the pace steady and the cops on DI Darling's team are wonderful...." Read more

"This is a nicely detailed police procedural. I did guess the bad guy about half way through the book but continued reading and lucky thing too...." Read more

"...Love your descriptions, your sense of humor, and your slightly naughty words. This is such a change from your past three books...." Read more

"The writing is solid British police procedural but with attention paid to character development...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, with one customer noting they were utterly hooked on the series.

"...gives enough information about the individual team members to be interesting and helpful, but does not overdo it...." Read more

"...of emotions elicited, the sadness, the pleasure, the harshness, the thrills, the twists and the conspiracy...." Read more

"I am completely and utterly hooked on this series. I keep saying, I'll just read this one, this I 1-click it and I'm onto the next one...." Read more

"This is my fist crime novel and I enjoyed it immensely....really had me hooked...." Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one mentioning it's perfect for relaxing.

"...Remarkably well written, this is a very enjoyable read. Perfect for relaxing or if one needs a little vacation from "it all."..." Read more

"...a reader, I enjoyed the range of emotions elicited, the sadness, the pleasure, the harshness, the thrills, the twists and the conspiracy...." Read more

"Brilliant, freaking brilliant and delicious and real and oh-so-needed. For me, an antidote to some of the nastiness of real life...." Read more

"This is my fist crime novel and I enjoyed it immensely....really had me hooked...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2016
    This is my first L M Krier book, and I loved it! The writing is tight, the pace steady and the cops on DI Darling's team are wonderful. The author gives enough information about the individual team members to be interesting and helpful, but does not overdo it.

    We start out with an early call out to a dead and mutilated young woman. Two days later, another. The two victims seem to have no connection to one another. How is the perpetrator picking his victims? DI Darling and his team seem to be at a loss. What I really appreciate about the DI is that he heaps praise upon his team when they do something well. He has a new DS who is a little reluctant at first to accept the DI, but by the end of the book the DS is as loyal as the rest of the team.

    When tragedy strikes the team, the DI starts to get a new theory. While I can't say that the murderer turned out to be a complete surprise ( I had already guessed who it was), but it was great to have my suspicions confirmed.

    Remarkably well written, this is a very enjoyable read. Perfect for relaxing or if one needs a little vacation from "it all."

    I am most anxious to read the next in the series. Well done L M Krier!!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2016
    I am so glad that I began this series at the beginning. As well as this author writes, I think there'll be character growth and continuing internal interaction of "the team" throughout. Since I read a few reviews, I was aware that the lead character, Ted, is gay and is in a long-term relationship with Trev. While the latter seems a bit of a stereotypical gay man - fine cook, understanding to the nth degree, sparkling blue eyes - I was not at all offended by the depiction of their relationship. In fact, of all of the players, they have the only workable relationship.... The mystery to be solved is pretty gruesome, but again, I think the author does not belabor the graphic parts. There are some pretty shocking developments, and while there were no red herrings, I did suspect various individuals along the way. The ending made sense and seemed to evolve from good detecting on the team's part. And the team is diverse and intended to be, which gives another depth to their relationships. I was slightly put off by the very end - a little too neat. Maybe this could have been saved for a future book. Speaking of which, I plan to move on to the next. I hope it's as gripping as this one.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2015
    As someone who is not normally a reader of crime stories, this novel has certainly changed my thinking about that genre. I was a little uncertain about purchasing this book but had read and enjoyed previous books written by the same author under another name. So a leap of faith and this book was purchased. I certainly do not regret my purchase.

    Drawn into the story from the first page with descriptions of characters that presented them very much as 3-dimensional people. The author has created truly believable characters and it was not difficult to relate emotionally to all of them, in some way. As a reader, I enjoyed the range of emotions elicited, the sadness, the pleasure, the harshness, the thrills, the twists and the conspiracy. I particularly enjoyed the detail given was more about people, circumstances and situations, with minimal (but appropriate) graphic detail around the crime scenes. A superb plot with appropriate "red herrings". One has to wonder how the original idea was born, and how ideas for sequels will develop.

    Will I read another crime story? Certainly I will purchase any sequel(s) by L.M. Grier but I'm not sure about other crime writers as I will judge all others on L.M Krier's superb style of story-telling.
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2017
    I am always a "sucker" for crime stories set in the UK and this one was no exception. The plot is intricate and involves a serial killer who specialises in young women (don't they always?), the last part of the killer's spree aimed at Our Ted.

    I picked the killer about half way through, but this did not spoil the book for me. I liked the characters, but to be honest, I did find DI Ted Darling just a little too good and kind. I wanted to find some flaws in his character, but there was nary a one.

    I will be reading the next in the series right now.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2017
    This book was a good read but predictable all along who the guilty party was I don't know if this was deliberate or not but a bit to easy to work out who did it but the story was enticing enough for you to want to read all the way to the end I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2015
    A while ago I read this author's memoir series and was so pleased. Good, clear writing on an interesting subject. That series was written under the name Tottie Limejuice. Branching off into crime mystery and suspense taps into a wealth of knowledge held by the author. As a result both the story line and the characters are rich,realistic and kept interested. Like any good book I both wanted it to end so I would know the resolution while also wanting it to go on because the story was compelling. I am luck that the first sequel is already available so I can immediately get my next "fix" from the writer....but woe to me that I always read faster than a great author can write. One last aside. This book has been well proofread. In recent years I have found more and more spelling, grammatical and syntax errors. Those tend to distract and diminish my enjoyment. Read with confidence that those small annoyances have been removed if there ever were any to begin with. Tottie....great job yet again
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kate 'griz' Pill
    5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting crime writing debut.
    Reviewed in Australia on April 4, 2015
    LM Kier’s first foray into the crime genre has not disappointed. She creates a believable protagonist in Ted Darling, but does so whilst managing to avoid formulaic clichés, not only with the character of Ted Darling but also with the crime fiction genre. “Baby’s got Blue Eyes”, had it all for me; humour, suspense, believable and relatable characters, surprises (no spoilers in this review!), well-presented and topical sub-plots, excellent attention to detail in the investigative processes and, kept me guessing until the end just WHO the murderer was (I had a couple of theories). And, who the next victim was (I became very worried that one of my favorites was going to be next!). Krier has created a work that avoids the “typical” whilst at the same time, building a world with characters I want to meet up with again. Oh yes, and how much did I LOVE the martial arts kick, door closing trick! That was priceless! (Ted Darling is a martial arts expert with Krav Maga, his favorite form – having had a bit to do with martial arts over the years it was apparent, Krier knew her stuff). This “new kid on the block” of crime writing is a must read. Read this book, you won’t be disappointed. I always love it when I find a “new” author. Looking forward to the next installment.
  • Jane Juanita Roberts
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book that will keep you involved from beginning to end, not to be missed.
    Reviewed in Spain on May 10, 2015
    Having read and enjoyed memoirs by the same author under the name of Tottie Limejuice, I was interested to find a novel written by her. I was not disappointed as the book kept me hooked right until the end, not wanting to put it down. The characters came alive for me, and when something unpleasant happened to one of them, then I hurt with them. I also really enjoyed the twists in the story line, which meant that I didn't know from the beginning how the book would end! The book is extremely well written, and I am so looking forward to the next in the series, which will be coming out shortly I believe. If you enjoy a good detective mystery you won't want to miss this book!
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Happily suprised
    Reviewed in France on February 27, 2016
    Having already read some books of a very different type by the same author (but under another name: Tottie Limejuice) I was really curious about this book. I did enjoy her memoir series mainly because I know the region where she moved to and wrote about quiet well and because of her sense of humor. But… I loved the 1st DI Darling book because it not only is well written (like her memoir series) but besides having momentum the characters and the story still have depth.

    I am often a bit annoyed with crime novels because I too soon figure out “who’d done it” but luckily not with this book. I normally try to switch between types of books I am reading but I must admit that I have almost finished the 2nd DI Darling book.
  • C Pilon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2022
    I love this series and can’t wait to read more. Ted Darling is a real gem. He’s intelligent, caring, respectful and a talented martial artist. The other characters are likable and people you root for. The pace is very good and the culprit wasn’t easy to spot until near the end.
  • Ginger Book Geek
    5.0 out of 5 stars A modern day investigation
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2015
    DI Ted Darling is a good policeman in charge of his own team. Somebody is dumping mutilated bodies on Ted’s patch. Ted & his team do what they can to stop the murders and apprehend the murderer but they are hampered by having very little in the way of clues. The case then becomes personal to Ted.
    I must admit that I have had this book on my Kindle for a while but decided that I had to read it following a debate about gay policemen and homophobia within the police service. DI Darling is gay but he has his own way of successfully dealing with homophobia.
    I really did love reading this book. It is well written and fast paced. It didn’t take me that long to read it and once I had picked this book up I just couldn’t put it down.
    The characters are well written and I would say that they are representative of a cross section of the population. There is a new Detective Sergeant who joins Ted’s team and it is fair to say that he is homophobic. Ted overhears the comments made but he has his own unique way of dealing with it.
    DI Darling seems to be a fantastic boss. He reminds me of my of my former bosses in that he sees all people in the team as equals irrespective of job title, he supports each and every team member, he takes time to listen if you have a problem and he organises team building sessions to boost morale & build bridges.
    The author of this book is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects such as domestic violence, which is present in this book but not in the traditional format. Another difficult subject which is tackled in this book and has been mentioned above is the theme of homophobia. Contrary to what some people say homophobia does exist within modern day society and it is well represented in this book.
    DI Darling and his partner, Trev, are in a loving committed, monogamous relationship. I certainly do not think that their relationship is over represented or in your face so to speak. It is good to see a happy relationship within a crime novel rather than a fractured & broken up relationship.
    ‘Baby’s Got Blue Eyes’ is full of twists, turns and red herrings. The action builds to a dramatic & terrifying conclusion.
    In short I really did enjoy reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to others. ‘Baby’s Got Blue Eyes’ is a fantastic start to the series and I can’t wait to read the other two books.

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