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Mel Sherratt
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Behind a Closed Door (The Estate Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Mel Sherratt (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,711 ratings
Two women. An unlikely friendship. A bond that will never break.

Working on the notorious Mitchell Estate, housing officer Josie Mellor faces challenges every day, but not nearly as many as those of her tenants.

Kelly Winterton is scared and alone after her partner has been jailed. A victim of domestic abuse, Charlotte Hatfield has fled from her violent partner four times already. He’ll probably kill her if he finds her this time. Disowned by her family, someone is taking advantage of Amy Cartwright’s vulnerability. Who can she turn to for support?

But Josie has her own problems to deal with too. As her home life deteriorates and she struggles to escape her controlling husband, she realises only a thin line separates her from the people she’s trying to help.

BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR is the second book in THE ESTATE SERIES, and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

Books in The Estate Series are:

Somewhere to Hide
Behind a Closed Door
Fighting for Survival
The Estate Box Set (A collection of books 1-3 above)
Written in the Scars
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  1. Part of series
    The Estate Series Collection
  2. Print length
    344 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 19, 2013
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 5 books in this series.
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mel Sherratt has been a self-described "meddler of words" ever since she can remember. She lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with her husband and her terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer, with some help from her Twitter fans), and makes liberal use of her hometown as a backdrop for some of her writing.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009QOLBPE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blood Red Books (December 19, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 19, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B08QBPT8DH
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,711 ratings

About the author

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Mel Sherratt

Mel Sherratt

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I write dark fiction with an emotional pull. My novels take you to the heart of the crime. I write police procedurals, psychological suspense and crime dramas - fiction with a punch. Shortlisted for the prestigious CWA (Crime Writer's Association) Dagger in The Library Award, my inspiration comes from authors such as Joy Ellis, Mandasue Heller, LJ Ross and Ian Rankin.

To date, I’ve sold over two million books. All twenty-one of my crime novels have been bestsellers, each one climbing into the Kindle UK top 20, and I've had several number ones. I've also had numerous Kindle All-star awards, for best read author and best titles.

***Available now - FAMILY MATTERS, book seven of the Detective Allie Shenton Series.***

***Also available now - a box set of the first six Detective Allie Shenton Series.***

There are seven books so far in the DETECTIVE ALLIE SHENTON SERIES. These are part police procedural/part crime thriller.

There are two books with Eden Berrisford as the main character, THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR and DON’T LOOK BEHIND YOU.

There are four books in THE ESTATE SERIES - a mix of psychological suspense and family life with a sprinkling of grit and a dash of menace - where drama meets crime.

I have five standalone novels. THE LIFE SHE WANTS, TEN DAYS, THE LIES YOU TELL, MISSING GIRLS, and WATCHING OVER YOU. They are dark in places, light in places, and disturbing in places.

I have also written four books featuring DS Grace Allendale, HUSH HUSH being the first one, TICK TOCK the second, LIAR LIAR the third and the final one to finish the series, GOOD GIRL.

I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and make liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for most of my books.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,711 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with an interesting storyline that keeps them engaged. They appreciate the uplifting content, with one customer noting how it portrays women becoming empowered.

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14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, comparing it favorably to the first book in the series.

"...The story was interesting, well done Mel... Can't wait to read more of your books." Read more

"...I definitely think the author is a pretty good writer. The storylines make sense and there is always the unexpected, twists and turns...." Read more

"another great book by this author,and in the estate series...." Read more

"...So looking forward to reading book 3. Mel Sherratt is a great author." Read more

7 customers mention "Storyline"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline interesting, with one mentioning they were intrigued until the end.

"I love these stories. I must say that sometimes their is a word or phrase that I never heard here in the U.S. but I am learning!..." Read more

"...The story was interesting, well done Mel... Can't wait to read more of your books." Read more

"...I definitely think the author is a pretty good writer. The storylines make sense and there is always the unexpected, twists and turns...." Read more

"Excellent read couldn't put it down. Really exciting book. So looking forward to reading book 3. Mel Sherratt is a great author." Read more

3 customers mention "Uplifting content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the empowering content of the book, with one customer highlighting how it shows women becoming more empowered, while another notes how it reflects real-life experiences that many women can relate to.

"Fantastic characters, so uplifting reading about women who become empowered...." Read more

"...language variations, but loving the fact that women everywhere can create changes in their environment and within themselves anywhere!" Read more

"That book has true lives for a lot of women, and we can get out of it, nice to see it in a book." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mary Orsi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I love these stories. I must say that sometimes their is a word or phrase that I never heard here in the U.S. but I am learning! I also can't believe all the women that have such terrible lives with such creepy men!! Must go download book #3 in the Estates Series. Keep writing Mel!!!
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  • Gabrielle Southam
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic characters, so uplifting reading about women who become empowered. The story was interesting, well done Mel... Can't wait to read more of your books.
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  • Amazon Customerchowland66
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I love reading books about strong women. I particularly am enjoying this series as its set in another country. Subtle differences in setting and language variations, but loving the fact that women everywhere can create changes in their environment and within themselves anywhere!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I would recommend this book to anyone! If you like a mystery with some romance thrown in for good measure, then this is for you.
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  • Ms. Tee
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good Read...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I've read three of this author's books; the first two from the Estate series and Someone Watching You. So far Someone Watching You has been my favorite, but overall I have enjoyed them all. I definitely think the author is a pretty good writer. The storylines make sense and there is always the unexpected, twists and turns. I enjoyed this one as well and I liked the way she connected the story and characters from book one by touching on some of them, but moving right along to the next set of characters at the Mitchell. I loved the growth in Josie and Kelly. We as woman have to stop being the victim for the sake of love and both of these women got that and sooner rather than later. I'm excited about book three because it's focus is Stanley Street with the notorious Bradley clan. Keep the Estate series going because the Mitchell has loads of stories to tell.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars granny
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    another great book by this author,and in the estate series. It gives me a glimpse of the same thing that are happening in this country are happening in other places as well. I really felt like I was sitting right there with Josie and already have purchased
    Estate Book 3.
    One person found this helpful
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  • molly
    5.0 out of 5 stars behind a closed door
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent read couldn't put it down. Really exciting book. So looking forward to reading book 3.
    Mel Sherratt is a great author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marcia L Hilliard
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Engrossing charters and a good story line. Your sucked in from the beginning and kept intrigued until the end .
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Susan Samways
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Well you did it again Mel!, excellent. Well book 3 here I come can't wait . Thank Mel for the great reading.
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  • Mr. David J. Gould
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyment on the Page
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Behind Closed Doors will I am sure be well received by those that enjoyed the first episode from the Mitchel Estate. Unlike many writers who set books on so called sink estates Sherratt avoids all the traps that others fall into. This is not a mere collection of stereotypes closely held together in a story-line. What Sherratt achieves in both her books is a good look at some real people living in a real place, where sometimes bad things happen. One can feel very sympathetic with the main characters as they try to rebuild their lives after having them ripped apart by selfish and unfeeling partners. The book flows with a strong story line which carried one right through to the final page.
    The comparison will be made with that book by J K Rowling A Casual Vacancy, where she crams the pages with every stereotype imaginable. Sherratt does not do this. The backdrop to the story evokes naturally and as part of the scenery. What Sherratt does so successfully is the blending of totally believable people together in a plot that just happens to be played out on an estate where hope is in short demand; where goodness shines out from those who care and the evil that is done brings its own reward. it is possible even in that place to find those who are good and who have other's interests at heart.
    It is to be hoped that Sherratt has not finished her saga and will continue to delight us with more tales from this estate.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Behind A Closed Door.
    Reviewed in Australia on May 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book as I was interested to see how the prison system works for women,and I am always interested in true stories.
    I would recommend this book to friends.
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  • Stephen Clynes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Working class drama.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Behind a Closed Door is book 2 in the Estate series but can clearly be read as a stand-alone. In this novel the main focus is Josie Mellor, the housing officer on the fictional Mitchell Estate readers met in book 1. Follow Josie as the reader learns what happens behind the closed doors of this down market British housing estate.

    I enjoyed reading Behind a Closed Door, this is not a thriller but a down to earth, working class drama of a community with very low disposable income. All human life is here and this novel has the feel of Benefits Street, a Channel 4 documentary broadcast in 2014 and 2015.

    There is crime featured in this drama, benefit fraud and burglary but what is more alarming is the domestic problems of controlling and lazy partners. It really got me going and I quickly developed a strong empathy for these victims of domestic abuse, wanting them to throw out or leave their controlling and lazy partners. Sadly in real life many households are stuck in this very unfair situation where one partner does everything yet the other does not lift a finger. Even in relationships when one partner is disabled, there will be many tasks that they will be competent to undertake rather than order the other partner to do everything. Mel Sherratt has created some characters here that are so easy for the reader to hate because they are so damn lazy!

    I enjoyed Behind a Closed Door so much more than the first book in this series, Somewhere to Hide. The reason for this is the main character, Josie Mellor the housing officer. This book blooms with the little details of her job, the highs and lows plus the whole feel of the job. This inside knowledge is lovely to learn and adds to the realism of this story. Those little snips add so much to this novel, for example…

    Josie was astounded at her perceptiveness. ‘In this job, I have to be two different people at the same time. It’s one of those things that only individuals who work with the general public face-to-face will understand. It stops you taking the insults personally.’

    … But then at the end Mel Sherratt reveals that she worked as a housing officer for eight years, giving her the background to create a fictional estate. It is the old adage to write about what you know. I consider Behind a Closed Door to be a GOOD 4 star read, especially to readers who do not live alone.
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  • Wolfclan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not my usual genre
    Reviewed in Australia on March 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I had never heard of this author until the three Estate books came up on the daily book deal. As they were such good value I decided to try them and, if I didn't enjoy them, then it hadn't cost me much. Now, after having read 2 of them I look forward to reading number 3, and I shall order Mel's other novels too. Thanks Amazon for introducing me to another author well worth reading.
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