Caffeinated Reviewer

Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan is the second audiobook in the suspense procedural series, Kat & Lock. Narrated by Rose Akroyd, this the Warwickshire Future Policing Unit is assigned to a case involving victims being crucified. Suspenseful and unique, I devoured this thriller.

AIDE Lock and DCS Kat Frank return in the gripping new suspense procedural from the author of In the Blink of an Eye.

When the body of a man is found crucified at the top of Mount Judd, DCS Kat Frank and her partner, AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detecting Entity) Lock, of the Warwickshire Future Policing Unit, have their work cut out for them. Previously only dealing with cold cases, the FPU are thrust into the spotlight as another body is found – also crucified – and it appears as though there is a serial killer on the loose. But why these victims? And who will be next?

For if Kat and Lock know anything, it’s that killers rarely stop – until they are made to.

I was excited to listen to the second audiobook in the Kat & Lock series. It is unnecessary to listen in the order of release, as each story contains an investigation. However, if you like seeing the team develop, I recommend starting at the beginning.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kat Frank heads the team, which includes Lock, an AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detecting Entity). In the first novel, they worked cold cases successfully, but when a body is found crucified at the top of a hill in the British Midlands. Soon the team is thrust into the spotlight when it becomes apparent a serial killer is on the loose.

Callaghan once again pulled me in with a riveting case. The team is forced to issue a warning to the public, specifically the male population; to avoid drinking in bars, not to go alone and most of all, don’t leave with a stranger. Things get intense quickly as Kate, Lock, Hassan and Browne. She pushes the AIDE’s ability as Lock is forced to interact with the killer. He is only a hologram. Can you stop their latest kill?

The story weaves an intense police procedural with science fiction and the author does so splendidly. Lock isn’t perfect and certainly couldn’t replace the officers, but he provides valuable insight and probabilities that aid them. As this team works together, you see all of them improving.

The author balances the intense case while allowing us into the lives of our detectives from the home front to the field. By doing so, she allows the listener to connect and I care for each of them.

Rose Akroyd narrates and provides unique voices for all the characters, even the angry Professor who runs the AIDE department. I highly recommend listening to this series. Human Remains, the third novel releases April 24, 2025 and I cannot wait to listen.

Amazon | Audible

About Jo Callaghan

Jo works full-time as a senior strategist, where she has carried out research into the future impact of AI and genomics on the workforce. After losing her husband to cancer in 2019, she started writing In The Blink of An Eye. She lives with her two children in the Midlands, where she is currently writing the third novel in the Kat and Lock series.

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About Rose Akroyd

Rose Akroyd is a recent graduate of Alra. A versatile actress with a passion for stage, camera, radio, voiceover and storytelling

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2025 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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