While I have not read all of the books in this series, picking up another DI Barton thriller has been great. The Village Killer is an intense crime thWhile I have not read all of the books in this series, picking up another DI Barton thriller has been great. The Village Killer is an intense crime thriller that sees Barton and his team chasing and trying to put together a myriad of clues, hints, rumours and secrets.
Barton has been at a desk and is given the opportunity to return to Major Crimes, he has a chance to get back together with some of his old team and meet some newcomers to the team. It is with his wife's approval that he returns, over the years he has missed spending time with his family, but now they are growing up his wife gives him the push he needs to return. Wanting to solve another case, he is looking back at what he has achieved and wants more to look back on.
With a missing teen and a threat against a woman, he is soon back in the thick of things. There is a problem though, nothing adds up, nothing makes sense and he is wondering what is going on. Things take a turn for the worse when a body is discovered soon to be followed by another.
This is a tense and quite dramatic thriller, I really liked the way the author brought the team together and the way the case is worked, giving those new to the team a chance to prove their worth and supporting those who have had a change in family circumstances.
The case sees Barton and the team back and forth to the village of Castor. Wealth is in evidence in the area with large houses, pools and cars, but beneath the facade, all is not as it seems. Trying to work out who is telling the truth and not bending it or out and out lying is a task and a half. It certainly had me scratching my head. The author does a great job of skewing the readers' opinions and perspectives as the case unfolds. Keeping an open mind and being open to suggestions encourages the team to think outside the box but also work together to a conclusion.
This is another fabulous thriller in the series and does read well as a stand-alone, it is obviously better to read in the order of the series as you do get to understand the pasts and experiences of the team, although references are made to previous events.
If you are a fan of tense police procedural crime thrillers then this is one to have on your list. I would definitely recommend it. ...more
This is the 12th book in The James Ryker Series and this one works very well as a standalone. I have not read all of these but this one is fast-paced This is the 12th book in The James Ryker Series and this one works very well as a standalone. I have not read all of these but this one is fast-paced from start to finish.
James Ryker is a pain in the proverbial for his sort of boss Winter and this is a constant in this story. While Ryker is good at what he does, he is also very focused on trying to pin down the Syndicate, a group that he believes runs countries, politics, and business and will do anything to keep their power and money. Ryker finds out that there is more at play than just what he is being told.
Ismail Karaman is on the most wanted list but seems to be able to come and go as he pleases. Ryker wants him as he may be the ticket to getting more info on the syndicate. He is not the only one who wants him, Angel wants him and she wants him to suffer for how he ruined her life.
This is definitely one for fans of the Reacher style of book and I can see why this James Ryker has been likened to him. Ryker is a moody, Bond/ Reacher character but with some sense of right and wrong, but he is blinded by his focus on the syndicate and Karaman. Angel coming along causes problems but she is only the start of the problems.
In the world of espionage, politics, power and money there is never going to be complete trust and this becomes more and more obvious as the story weaves its way around Europe. The story is tense and dramatic and I could pretty much visualise this as I was reading the book, the author has a great way of describing things and setting the scene, painting the picture and with his characters.
There is some violence as you would expect and this is all in keeping with the story, it is on point and works so well within the context.
This is a fast book, it doesn't let up and there are some brilliant dramatic scenes. This is one for fans of crime, thriller, action and adventure books and one I would definitely recommend....more
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and I already have the second book in this series lined up to read!
The Burning Men is theThis is the first time I have read anything from this author and I already have the second book in this series lined up to read!
The Burning Men is the first book in the DI Alex Finn series. Alex Finn has just lost his wife and returns to work rather quickly, some think too quickly, but this is how he deals with the grief. He is in charge of the case of a man who has burned to death. He was a fireman and was part of a close-knit group that worked together in the London Fire Brigade.
Joining the team is DC Mattie Paulson, she has been transferred and no one seems to really know much about her. She does keep to herself which is not going to go down too well with the rest of the team.
As the investigation starts it is up to the team to join the dots and try to discover what happened when a second body is found burned to death. There is a link but quite what that is and how things are connected takes a lot of working out for the team. With crime, not everyone tells the truth and there is no exception with this crime story.
It is always great to start a new series and I do like characters that have some interesting aspects to them. Finn and Paulson definitely have some unique traits and there is also Ojo who works with them and helps to shed light on what it is to be a female working within the male-dominated team within the Met.
The author has brought some great angles to the story with his characters and also how he eventually links things together. There are suggestions as to what has happened or may have happened but not everything is clear until the author is ready to reveal the final results.
There are some dramatic scenes in this book, but these are not dwelt on too much. I don't really want to read about a body burning so I am grateful that the author only placed the basics there and it was enough for me to imagine but not feel as if I have lived through it.
This is a great start to a new-to-me crime series. This is one for those who like police procedural, crime, mystery and thriller reads. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and I would happily recommend it. ...more
I am a big fan of this author's Washington Poe series and thought it was about time to look at this series. Born in a Burial Gown is the first book inI am a big fan of this author's Washington Poe series and thought it was about time to look at this series. Born in a Burial Gown is the first book in the DI Avison Fluke series.
Set in Cumbria, the body of a young woman is found by a homeless person who was taking shelter on a construction site. Without this man witnessing the body being deposited, no one would have known she was there. With no clues to go on, Fluke and his team of misfits are tasked with discovering and solving this grim case.
The team Fluke leads is a mix of characters. His main sidekick is Towler, and like Fluke is ex-military. While Fluke is the leader, his team know their stuff and he leads only by name as he can trust his team to follow their initiatives.
This is such an interesting intro to this series and while there is a lot to pick up on with a new series, it has been done so well. Things are introduced gradually so that they follow an order that makes sense to the reader, well it did this one! Fluke is an interesting character and has secrets up his sleeve, one of which is his health and the other is the crime he committed to return to work. While he tries to balance that with the investigation there are times when things do start to unravel.
The murder case is full of mystery and intrigue. The victim is unknown and trying to discover her identity takes time, resources and the scarce details they have to go on rely more on the team's experience and intuition. This makes the plot of the story evolve and takes the reader on different thought routes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so many different ideas have been brought into the story. It is different to the POe books and I am so glad I picked this one up, definitely looking forward to reading the next book to get to know these characters more.
This is a fabulous author who edges towards the more grim side of crime and police investigations. He goes into good details and they fit in well with the story and the genre.
Fabulous book for those wanting to try a new series, for fans of crime, thrillers, murder and suspense. It is one I would recommend. ...more
This is the 3rd book in the Alias Emma series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading these books in order as they are faThis is the 3rd book in the Alias Emma series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading these books in order as they are fabulous.
Emma Makepeace has been sent to Edinburgh as there has been a threat to the upcoming G7 summit. The threat is from Russia and an FSB director has been seen entering the country. He cannot be stopped due to diplomatic immunity, but this does not stop him from being followed. This is where Emma and the rest of the officers and agents are engaged. When I say agencies, I do mean the various British Agencies, the MI ones, the Secret Service, intelligence and all under scrutiny from not only politicians but also the Press.
Trying to keep things undercover is hard, there is always a way of things slipping out. Control is the key to this operation and if that is not enough, there is a deadline.
Once again the author has done an amazing job of slinging Emma right into the thick of things, not only does she show Emma's softer side she also adds some of her reservations. She is unsettled during this operation and the source is something of a shock, especially for Emma.
She is partnered by Mack, a Scottish officer who says what she thinks which is why she has been moved. Initially, she is not impressed with being pulled off her case to "babysit" Emma and it is obvious from the very moment they meet.
The action is full-on throughout this book, it is addictive and dangerous. There were unexpected moments and times when I was really on the edge of my seat. Once I had started this book I knew I didn't want to put it down. It was just as well that I was on annual leave so I could keep reading until the end.
A fabulous story with great characters, a tense storyline, dangerous situations and a cracking read from start to finish. It is one for those who like conspiracy and espionage reads, female leads, crime and thriller genres. I would definitely recommend it....more
Joe Johnson is back! This time in Northern Ireland. He has a freelance job offer that has connections to troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1980’s.Joe Johnson is back! This time in Northern Ireland. He has a freelance job offer that has connections to troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1980’s. Now 2013, the political stage has changed, Sinn Fein have political positions and there is a peace agreement in place. Not all feel hopeful about the future and grassroots dissidents still make their feelings known with bombings and shootings, this affects business and is the reason why Joe has been called in.
I am a big fan of this series with Joe as the main protagonist, an ex-CIA war crimes investigator. This book feels a little bit different to the others, a slight step away from the war crimes investigations with more emphasis on events at the time of its setting in 2013, there are however many references to 1984, as well as other decades that are just as important. Joe is soon in the thick of the action, his experiences, expertise and knowledge are all assets that he will need.
It is a story that covers many aspects of IRA, The Real IRA, Sinn Fein and also the thoughts and feelings of the people on the streets. The mistrust, the distrust and the fear to hope things will actually change for the best as well as showing the frustrations of the dissidents at grass root level.
As the story moves forward the inclusion of arms shipments, smuggling and also US backers for the cause make an appearance as Joe tries to learn of an active sniper. This along with the added extra details that the author includes adds that believable factor I like in a story. Things like how fast the helicopter flies rather than it just flying past, or why two guns of the same model have slight differences. These extras make me think that the author knows his stuff and done the research. The one thing I always enjoy with this authors work is the addition information he includes at the end of the story, where he found his sources, what books or sites he used. A great place for further reading and a great insight into the background of the book.
You could read this as a stand alone, it would work well I think, but I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series. They give a great deal of information about Joe and importantly show his tenacious character.
This is a fast paced, action packed, thriller. The author has created a balance of fact and fiction backed up with a huge amount of research and is the backbone of this book, add to that an amazing story that has been fictionally wrapped around events and you have a convincing read. A Highly Recommended read from me.
Merged review:
Joe Johnson is back! This time in Northern Ireland. He has a freelance job offer that has connections to troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1980’s. Now 2013, the political stage has changed, Sinn Fein have political positions and there is a peace agreement in place. Not all feel hopeful about the future and grassroots dissidents still make their feelings known with bombings and shootings, this affects business and is the reason why Joe has been called in.
I am a big fan of this series with Joe as the main protagonist, an ex-CIA war crimes investigator. This book feels a little bit different to the others, a slight step away from the war crimes investigations with more emphasis on events at the time of its setting in 2013, there are however many references to 1984, as well as other decades that are just as important. Joe is soon in the thick of the action, his experiences, expertise and knowledge are all assets that he will need.
It is a story that covers many aspects of IRA, The Real IRA, Sinn Fein and also the thoughts and feelings of the people on the streets. The mistrust, the distrust and the fear to hope things will actually change for the best as well as showing the frustrations of the dissidents at grass root level.
As the story moves forward the inclusion of arms shipments, smuggling and also US backers for the cause make an appearance as Joe tries to learn of an active sniper. This along with the added extra details that the author includes adds that believable factor I like in a story. Things like how fast the helicopter flies rather than it just flying past, or why two guns of the same model have slight differences. These extras make me think that the author knows his stuff and done the research. The one thing I always enjoy with this authors work is the addition information he includes at the end of the story, where he found his sources, what books or sites he used. A great place for further reading and a great insight into the background of the book.
You could read this as a stand alone, it would work well I think, but I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series. They give a great deal of information about Joe and importantly show his tenacious character.
This is a fast paced, action packed, thriller. The author has created a balance of fact and fiction backed up with a huge amount of research and is the backbone of this book, add to that an amazing story that has been fictionally wrapped around events and you have a convincing read. A Highly Recommended read from me....more
This is an action packed, fast paced, intriguing book of deception, deceit, conspiracy. It spans several continents and events that started in 1944 sThis is an action packed, fast paced, intriguing book of deception, deceit, conspiracy. It spans several continents and events that started in 1944 several decades later come to light in 2011.
I really enjoyed this book. The thing that soon became obvious as I read, was the attention to detail. The historical aspect has been very well researched and executed, within a very action packed and fast paced story. There are certain things from the living conditions of prisoners in concentration camps that are not pleasant reading, and they shouldn’t be, and I felt the author used enough information to keep the story flowing. He has not got bogged down with too much historical information, instead he has found a good balance that is essential to a certain sub-plots of the story. The same balance has been found with the political aspects of the story as well, enough to be helpful but not overly done. I think what I am trying to say is that, there is a lot of sub plots within the main story, therefore a lot of detail, but at no point do you lose the rhythm or the main points of the story. All these aspects have been very well and cleverly intertwined to give the reader a great reading experience. It incorporates scandal, war crimes, Nazism, corruption and revenge. The characters have been very well-developed, they are strong and well described. I thought all the charcters mentioned were easily identifiable and memorable.
The story begins with Daniel and Jacob Kudrow, they are prisoners of Gross-Rosen concentration camp. When the reader first meets them they are in a collapsed tunnel, but along with other prisoners and guards they are able to use side tunnels to get out. The tunnels are used for storage, several wooden crates have been stored there, it will take over 60 years for the contents to be revealed. Now in 2011 the reader is brought to the main characters. Joe Johnson, a widower with two children, he is of Polish decent. He teams up with Fiona Heppenstall a political journalist with “Inside Track”. They are both attending a campaign rally by David Kudrow. His brother Nathaniel has something to tell both Joe and Fiona, but they never find out what that actually was. With her journalistic interests piqued, Fiona cannot let go the feeling that something is amiss, she enrolls Joe in to help her find the story. They both have a background in war crimes, giving lectures and help bring down those involved in the atrocities. What they unearth with this investigation. There are secrets that have been hidden for decades, they will close certain chapters in the lives of some, bring some form justice to the lives of some and open the flood barriers in lives of others.
I would definitely recommend to readers who like action and adventure, thriller, crime and mystery genres. As I read past the story I was really pleased to discover that this is the first in a series of books featuring Joe Johnson, and I for one cannot wait to read more. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, and can’t wait for the next, and the next, and the next!
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Andrew Turpin for a copy of this e-book. My review and thoughts about this book are honest and unbiased.
Merged review:
This is an action packed, fast paced, intriguing book of deception, deceit, conspiracy. It spans several continents and events that started in 1944 several decades later come to light in 2011.
I really enjoyed this book. The thing that soon became obvious as I read, was the attention to detail. The historical aspect has been very well researched and executed, within a very action packed and fast paced story. There are certain things from the living conditions of prisoners in concentration camps that are not pleasant reading, and they shouldn’t be, and I felt the author used enough information to keep the story flowing. He has not got bogged down with too much historical information, instead he has found a good balance that is essential to a certain sub-plots of the story. The same balance has been found with the political aspects of the story as well, enough to be helpful but not overly done. I think what I am trying to say is that, there is a lot of sub plots within the main story, therefore a lot of detail, but at no point do you lose the rhythm or the main points of the story. All these aspects have been very well and cleverly intertwined to give the reader a great reading experience. It incorporates scandal, war crimes, Nazism, corruption and revenge. The characters have been very well-developed, they are strong and well described. I thought all the charcters mentioned were easily identifiable and memorable.
The story begins with Daniel and Jacob Kudrow, they are prisoners of Gross-Rosen concentration camp. When the reader first meets them they are in a collapsed tunnel, but along with other prisoners and guards they are able to use side tunnels to get out. The tunnels are used for storage, several wooden crates have been stored there, it will take over 60 years for the contents to be revealed. Now in 2011 the reader is brought to the main characters. Joe Johnson, a widower with two children, he is of Polish decent. He teams up with Fiona Heppenstall a political journalist with “Inside Track”. They are both attending a campaign rally by David Kudrow. His brother Nathaniel has something to tell both Joe and Fiona, but they never find out what that actually was. With her journalistic interests piqued, Fiona cannot let go the feeling that something is amiss, she enrolls Joe in to help her find the story. They both have a background in war crimes, giving lectures and help bring down those involved in the atrocities. What they unearth with this investigation. There are secrets that have been hidden for decades, they will close certain chapters in the lives of some, bring some form justice to the lives of some and open the flood barriers in lives of others.
I would definitely recommend to readers who like action and adventure, thriller, crime and mystery genres. As I read past the story I was really pleased to discover that this is the first in a series of books featuring Joe Johnson, and I for one cannot wait to read more. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, and can’t wait for the next, and the next, and the next!
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Andrew Turpin for a copy of this e-book. My review and thoughts about this book are honest and unbiased....more
This is a crime/ mystery story set in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Detective Cooter Holland is charged with finding Michael FerrMY REVIEW:4.5*
This is a crime/ mystery story set in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Detective Cooter Holland is charged with finding Michael Ferris , he is on the run. Ferris was involved in a shooting, but the gun was found to be linked elsewhere. Holland is called in as the witnesses to the shootings are being threatened by Ferris. Police resources are stretched and because Holland has essential skills from his time as a Military Intelligence agent, he is the ideal man for the job. He has his own style and way of doing things , it has worked well for him in the past, why not now? As Holland delves further into the investigation, other leads and coincidences crop up, leading to a much larger case than originally thought. Things twist and turn, taking him down different paths.
This is a well told story with some very well described and good characters. The way their stories have been intertwined throughout the book is very good. The author has included details of the time Holland spent in Baghdad with his friend Tony, who also has a part to play in the investigation. The way Hurricane Katrina left her impact on the people and environment in this area is also addressed. Telling how resources have been stretched, also the immediate impact on people's lives and families was an interesting inclusion.
This is a prequel to in a series of books. At the time of writing my review there are 3 more available in this series.
I really enjoyed this book, it was well paced and was a page turner right the way through, with a very satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery. Look forward to more by this author.
I would like to thank the author for bringing this book to my attention and sending me a copy. My review is my own honest and unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
MY REVIEW:4.5*
This is a crime/ mystery story set in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Detective Cooter Holland is charged with finding Michael Ferris , he is on the run. Ferris was involved in a shooting, but the gun was found to be linked elsewhere. Holland is called in as the witnesses to the shootings are being threatened by Ferris. Police resources are stretched and because Holland has essential skills from his time as a Military Intelligence agent, he is the ideal man for the job. He has his own style and way of doing things , it has worked well for him in the past, why not now? As Holland delves further into the investigation, other leads and coincidences crop up, leading to a much larger case than originally thought. Things twist and turn, taking him down different paths.
This is a well told story with some very well described and good characters. The way their stories have been intertwined throughout the book is very good. The author has included details of the time Holland spent in Baghdad with his friend Tony, who also has a part to play in the investigation. The way Hurricane Katrina left her impact on the people and environment in this area is also addressed. Telling how resources have been stretched, also the immediate impact on people's lives and families was an interesting inclusion.
This is a prequel to in a series of books. At the time of writing my review there are 3 more available in this series.
I really enjoyed this book, it was well paced and was a page turner right the way through, with a very satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery. Look forward to more by this author.
I would like to thank the author for bringing this book to my attention and sending me a copy. My review is my own honest and unbiased opinion....more
This is a brilliant book and one that has a much bigger story in it than I first realised. Written by two authors, they have created a political thrilThis is a brilliant book and one that has a much bigger story in it than I first realised. Written by two authors, they have created a political thriller that started with the discovery of some bones in an archaeological dig.
Set in the US, Dr Molly Moore is the lead on a dig on a piece of land near her hometown. The origin of the dig is due to some works being conducted by ex-General Alexander, who is now a private contractor. He is the one who has asked for Molly to work the site as she is well-respected in her field. That is until some bones that are too recent to be part of the site, and so begins the mystery. These are linked to a Chicago Detective, he had lived in the area and so he returns. Randall should be in Chicago as there is a campaign being run to reduce or completely eradicate nuclear weapons.
This was a cracking story and one that started quite innocently but soon morphed into an action-packed thriller with time suddenly becoming essential in the larger picture. There are a series of characters that have some major roles to play as well as those with slightly less prominence but have more significance later on.
This story is set after a new weapon has been released, and some of the technology that Gen Alexander and some of the archeological team use are suddenly more important, while there is some high-tech it is kept within the premise of the story and not too far-fetched as such.
The story weaves its way around an old crime, a new political debate, old-school beliefs, and everyone vying for their voice to be heard. This includes civil rights, gun rights, corruption, power-grabbing and conspiracy. It is one of those books that has a certain amount of scary realism to it. Politics is all over the news so it is easy to see possibilities.
This is a debut for Andrew Davies and the first time I have read a book by Jeff Biggers. This is a fabulous collaboration and I do hope to see more from them in the future. I will be looking out for more books by Bigger.
This is a book that spans a few genres but is also a tense crime, thriller with a fast pace once it gets going and one that I adored. It is one I would definitely recommend. ...more
What another amazing and jaw-dropping book in the Savage Sisters series. If you have read the previous book then you will be aware that the three sistWhat another amazing and jaw-dropping book in the Savage Sisters series. If you have read the previous book then you will be aware that the three sisters are Savage by name and savage by nature. They are a force to be reckoned with, they take no prisoners and show no mercy if they are wronged.
After the death of their father, Alex, the sisters are feeling the grief, Rosie the youngest has her boyfriend, Jane her game and girlfriend and Carly, the eldest is feeling the loss. It seems that everyone has someone but her, she and Dean had started to become close but they are cousins so his father Eddie had warned him to back off.
Carly has been very wary of men since her split with Jack Alexander, he had slept with someone else to clinch a deal and it didn't go down well with Carly. Jack is a gang boss and has always wanted to get back together and has never lied to her about that.
There are rumours around Haghill in Glasgow, definitely, a place that sounds like a no-go if you are not known or welcomed there. It doesn't stop some from trying to make their own business there though and it seems that guns are being sold. No one convincingly who is exactly behind this new enterprise, but there is a lot of scheming going on.
The author has once again let the Savage sister run their lives on the pages once again, as much as they are vicious they are true and loyal to each other, family and friends. So when someone decides to threaten Carly you just know the author is not going to let it lie. She soon lets the intensity of the story and the characters show their traits, minds and ideas flow across the page. From one encounter to another, threats are ever present and the dangerous tension is palpable.
This one is just addictive from the start to the finish, what happens in between is amazing. hard-hitting, fast-paced and with violence that you would expect from gangs. From the get-go, you know there are going to be casualties and by the end, there are many twists and red herrings along the way to keep you on your toes.
Another fabulous book in the series and if you are a fan of tough, dark, gangland crime and thriller stories then this is one you want to have a look out for. It is brilliant and it is one I would definitely recommend. ...more
Oh my goodness! Where to start with this latest DI Bliss book...
I have been with this series from the very start and each book has been fantastic. ThiOh my goodness! Where to start with this latest DI Bliss book...
I have been with this series from the very start and each book has been fantastic. This is now the 12th in the series and it sees Bliss going in a different direction, well sort of. He has been off work for a few weeks, he is now ex-police, due to retirement, but is going to be part of a new squad that will look in a cold case. The four-person team soon realise why the case is cold as they start to look at the evidence. As they get to know each other, Bliss has to leave them to their own initiative as he has also been called in to be the SIO of a murder case.
So wearing two hats now, Bliss is looking into an old murder with a new team and also a new murder with his old team. While it sounds a bit bizarre this author knows his characters well enough to know how well this sort of challenge will be for Bliss in particular. The new case is brutal, it involves the horrific discovery of two bodies, and it takes a while to identify them. Even when they do there is still a lot of uncertainty as to why they were killed.
Now, as if these cases are not enough, the author also decided to inject some outside help or interference! It all depends on how you see it, one thing for sure is that they come from surprising angles and both are dangerous partnerships for very different reasons.
I adored Bliss as an active copper, he and his team have been brilliant. It was with some trepidation that I entered this new part of his life but my goodness the author has nailed it. There is a new team as well as still having the connection to the old. Personally, it would not have felt right if Bliss had walked away from his old mates. Working it the way he has, there is still the banter and the friendships that will, I hope blend further in the future. Although I am not sure where the author will go next.
The cases are not the same as each other but have its' own dangerous elements to them. As Bliss is a character who thinks on the hoof, he still has the spur-of-the-moment "bright ideas!" These are tense and it adds a level of suspense to an already suspense-filled story.
While there is time in this book for memories, and thinking back on the past, there is also a nudge to the future and what comes next.
This is a tense book, it is exciting and dangerous and sees people in the crosshairs on several occasions. But it also shows the loyalty between the new and the old. I for one (I know I am not alone in thinking this) am so glad there are a few more miles left in the old dog yet!
If you are a fan of crime, thrillers, and police procedurals then this is a great book. It could be an interesting one to start with as you would be meeting a new team, then it would give you the chance to backtrack to the beginning and read more amazing titles in the series. If you are already a fan of Bliss then you are in for a real treat, I have always adored these books and this one is another one that I would definitely recommend. ...more
This is a fabulous thriller that involves Theo an aircraft pilot, his mother and people from his past and present. The book's title is very appropriatThis is a fabulous thriller that involves Theo an aircraft pilot, his mother and people from his past and present. The book's title is very appropriate as Theo's life spirals out of control as does the aeroplane he is flying.
The synopsis was very intriguing and definitely captured my attention when I read it. The thought of being caught in a loop that replays is good for adding suspense and mystery to a story, and this author has done it very well. This does have an obvious sci-fi edge to it with this time loop that has been included, but it only plays a very small part in the overall story. In some way, this time loop gives the author an additional way to enlighten the reader to the bigger picture.
Theo has never known who his father was, but after discovering some papers he finds that his mother has known who he was. Decidedin he needs to know more about himself and his roots, Theo goes off to the US to find him. What he finds is nothing like he imagined and he enters a world that is dark, and dangerous and will leave him wondering if he will survive!
I really like the way the author used the time loop aspect of this story, each time there was a reset there was a change. In between these the life of Theo, his relationship with his father and other people he meets during his time in the US is told. Alongside this is his mother's story, how she has always feared for him and has been so very protective of him.
Wanting to find his own answers leads to a split from his mother, but that does not mean his mother is about to let him walk from her. After all, she has looked after him and cared for him for all his life and she is not going to stop now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found myself wondering just how and if a mother could save so many people and also how quickly Theo's life spiralled down. The story that emerges of their lives and also of Theo's journey takes such a dark turn, but it is not as if he has not been given warnings to stay away. What he imagined is so far from what he discovers and this makes for such an interesting transition from a successful young man to someone who is desperate and on the edge.
A brilliant story with a great slip, well laid out and kept me avidly reading. If you like crime thrillers with a twist then this is one you may like to have a look at. It is one I would happily recommend....more
What a fabulous book this was. A one-sitting read that was addictive from the very first to the last page.
Hannah works in a nightclub owned by Jez. SWhat a fabulous book this was. A one-sitting read that was addictive from the very first to the last page.
Hannah works in a nightclub owned by Jez. She had not realised quite who he was but soon discovered he was not the boss she thought he was. One of his employees is Russ, and he she is warned away from by an ex-girlfriend. Russ runs a shop and it sells items at very affordable prices. Hannah's grandma has been in there buying items and so there is now a link between them as the story then continues. Jez is involved in a development project, it happens to be the same area as the shop owned by Russ and includes the residential area where Haanah's gran lives.
As tensions rise and homes and businesses gradually close or are vacated for the upcoming new development things start to take a nasty turn. This is after all a gangland thriller so you know there are going to be underhand moves, dodgy deals and things that are going to leave people worried.
This is a story that takes place over a period of months, there is a spark between a couple of the characters but there are more dangerous things that gradually occur that make friendships and relationships hard to look at with what is as risk.
This is a dangerous story and one that has serious repercussions. There are many twists in it and the author has done a great job of keeping the reader on their toes. The synopsis does hint at there being trouble and that a mob boss is in the picture. But from the beginning to the end, you are never sure who is going to get the upper hand.
I adored this one and it had me hooked completely, fabulous for fans of crime, thriller and gangland genres. Brilliant story and one I would definitely recommend. ...more
This is the 3rd book in the Detective Elin Warner series and another mind-twister from this author. The story is set over two timelines and the authorThis is the 3rd book in the Detective Elin Warner series and another mind-twister from this author. The story is set over two timelines and the author gradually links the two together. Along the way, there are some serious twists, plenty of shocks and a realisation that things are never what they seem.
Elin and her brother Isaac are on holiday in Portugal, it is a chance for them to reconnect and spend time together. Elin has been through some rough patches and needs time to get her head around things. Unfortunately for her, Isaac has misled her. He has been asked if he will take a look at an off-grid camp for one of his friends, he is worried about his sister who is missing.
The past is the story of the missing sister, Kier and her boyfriend Zeph have been together and seemed happy. But they had then split just before her brother's wedding. Disappearing off to Portugal and being seen at the off-grid camp.
Once again the author has created a fabulous story with so much tension, drama and suspense. It is such an addictive one and it was only a few page sin that I realised how much I was going to adore this one.
The themes the author touches on are serious, there is trauma, abuse and manipulation. Alongside this, there is also a crime, but how that crime became one and the journey to finding the answers is one that I never saw coming. There were times when I thought I had the answer only to find that my thoughts had been sidestepped by this clever author.
This story has a few characters, they have their roles but there is always the sense that some of them are guarded, hiding things and not letting on what they really know. Once you get to the end and understand the plot you realise why this is important and also how integral it is.
This is a tense and dramatic story, it is set in a secluded area and so this only gives a few options about the who, why, when and all the other questions that need answering. There is a lot of soul-searching for several of the characters and this adds a more personal touch to the story.
I adored this one and I am sorry to see that this is the end of this series, it has been a wonderful one. The other two books in this series are The Sanitorium and The Retreat. I am looking forward to what the author writes next.
If you are looking for a suspense-filled crime thriller then this is one that you may want to have a look at. I have enjoyed all three books and I would definitely recommend this one as well. ...more
A chance meeting at an airport leads Lynch into a deceptive, manipulative and dangerous situation. He has a passing resemblance to a Heydon, a young mA chance meeting at an airport leads Lynch into a deceptive, manipulative and dangerous situation. He has a passing resemblance to a Heydon, a young man who went missing 5 years ago. His sister Bobbi sees Lynch and she has a proposition for him.
This book took me a while to get into and when I did I had to keep reading to see how it would end. The complex plot is forever evolving, the boundaries move and there is no sense of anyone telling the truth. But as much as I enjoyed this I did find myself thinking that I was getting confused as every time one thing was settled, it seemed that something else became unsettled. It was a story that seemed to keep going around in circles.
I do like thrillers that have an interesting or different slant to them and this book has that. The main theme I took from the story was how deceptions keep becoming more and more convoluted. The characters are completely untrustworthy and even when I thought they were telling the truth I was then waiting for another bombshell to drop to realise they were still spinning another lie.
This is a book that even though I enjoyed it, I didn't always get it. The plot became very complex and I am not totally sure that I got the answers to the numerous questions throughout the story. This one wasn't really for me but if you are looking for a story that is character-led with the voice of one narrator then this one may be for you. I would recommend it. ...more
This is the 13th book in the David Raker series and I have only read one other. This one works so well as a standalone thriller and is intense and comThis is the 13th book in the David Raker series and I have only read one other. This one works so well as a standalone thriller and is intense and complex, but it flows so well that it is not confusing during the reading.
Raker has been asked to investigate a case that sees a father, son and son's girlfriend have gone missing. Sarah is wife and mother and only dropped off to sleep for a moment and when she suddenly woke she discovered her family missing from the kayak they were in on a lake in Dartmoor National Park. The police have not really learned anything and Sarah is now wanting to see if there is anything that has been missed. Hence the reason for hiring Raker.
While Raker is working on this case, he gets a call from a security advisor at a casino complex. A man they had detained has gone missing from secure cells and they don't know how. Raker has a reputation for looking into cases such as this but while he cannot investigate directly he has decided to call on ex-police officer Healy to help.
Having two cases is one thing but then there is another case, or series of cases that are also included in this story. The deaths of people over several years in the US, there is a tenuous link as one of the casinos where one of the people disappeared is also owned by the same people as the one in London. What, if and how these cases may be connected is unknown but my goodness the author does weave a wonderful plot throughout this story.
as I mentioned this is a complex case, but not while I was reading the story. The author managed to keep his storylines clear and not showing any links until much later on. The synopsis hints at there being secrets, and yes there are several and they are not at all obvious until the author allows you to start to see them emerging. This keeps the story tense and tight and leans towards the dramatic as things are revealed.
I adored this book and I did enjoy the flitting from one case to another and also across the Atlantic as well. The US section does have a little of going back and forth in time. See... I told you it was complex, but there was such a good flow between all the different aspects that it made for fabulous reading.
This is a story that has so many different things and themes that it makes for addictive reading. I did read this over a couple of days simply because I had work, if not fo that I think I could or would have read it happily in one sitting.
Even though this is part of a series there is enough information given about characters that have appeared in pervious books (at least I am assuming they have) that I didn't feel I was missing out on anything.
An intense crime, mystery thriller and one that involves several crimes. Brilliant book and one I would definitely recommend. ...more
This is a fabulous debut novel for this author, but it is not her first time writing, she also goes under C.J. Cooke and writes some wonderful gothic This is a fabulous debut novel for this author, but it is not her first time writing, she also goes under C.J. Cooke and writes some wonderful gothic thrillers.
When three friends go on holiday it is to celebrate the divorce of one of them. These three have not known each other for years and years but have come together and formed a friendship via an online group. This group was formed as a support system for family and friends of 6 victims of a brutal murder 21 years ago. There was a trial and a man was found guilty, he died from cancer after a month in prison. The women think there is more to the case and that the police were happy to have a quick conviction.
The women sound great, Darcy, Kate and Camilla have different backgrounds. Darcey is the one getting divorced and lost a boyfriend to the murder, Camilla lost her twin brother to the murder and Kate was a survivor. Having three different backgrounds adds a nice angle to this story.
The divorce party is in the Maldives, a chance to try to relax, unwind, and celebrate the divorce. There is a newlywed couple who become part of the story, as well as another guest and an ex-husband. There is another story that is playing in the background, one that does have a part to play but it is not until much further in that I suddenly realised the significance of it.
This is a story that has a great pace, a lot of intrigue and also subterfuge. The story does have a serious nature to it, the author goes into more detail at the end of the book as she explains how the idea and also what she wanted to achieve in this story is told.
This is a fabulous story and it is full of danger but in such a subtle way. There is manipulation, daring, plenty of drama and also several false leads and deception. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it is one I would definitely recommend.
It has been a while since I have read a Eddie Flynn book so I have missed a few in the series. This latest one, Witness 8, reads well as a standalone It has been a while since I have read a Eddie Flynn book so I have missed a few in the series. This latest one, Witness 8, reads well as a standalone book and some things have happened that the author mentions but doesn't go into detail about. This does not spoil the reading of this addictive courtroom and investigation thriller.
Eddie Flynn has made an enemy, it won't be the first and I don't imagine for a moment that this will be his last. He discovers he has a target on his back, and while it will hamper his latest case, it will not stop him from doing all he can to represent his client. Eddie has a past and while it should not shine well on his career as a lawyer, it does stand him in good stead for what he is going up against now. He generally keeps his past in the past, but it does crop up occasionally.
A surgeon is accused of killing a woman, and the murder weapon is found on his premises. John Jackson is not someone who you would associate as being a murderer, his wife stands by him and they try to protect their son and also their reputations and standing in the local community.
Ruby, she is a witness but she is not truthful. She is manipulative but in her head, there is a good reason for bending the truth the way she has. It is only a matter of time before the truth comes out, but who will remain standing?
This is another amazing book in the series and it reads so well, I wish I had kept up with the series, but at least I have managed to read the latest one so it's still good. The author has such a good way of using his characters. The main one of Eddie is great, he is devious and sly in the way he approaches things, but he only supports innocent clients. That makes him special.
This was such a quick book to get into, a dramatic start and one that kept me hooked. There are many twists and turns and some unexpected moments that I didn't see coming. I think this has been very cleverly put together, with some great characters and some shady ones as well. Even though this is a murder story, there is a strange sense of doing the right thing wound within this one, it makes for an exciting read.
If you are looking for a courtroom and investigative thriller then this is one to keep an eye out for. I adored this book and I would definitely recommend it.
This is a book about two friends Libby and Dawn who have won tickets to attend a festival in Wales, the Soltice Festival is one that the girls are sorThis is a book about two friends Libby and Dawn who have won tickets to attend a festival in Wales, the Soltice Festival is one that the girls are sort of looking forward to. Dawn is outgoing and more likely to be the one who gets into trouble whereas Libby has been looking after her mother until her recent death. This will be a chance for Libby to live a little. Libby’s mother wasn’t the warmest of people and she had not made life easy for Libby.
As the girls arrive at the festival they get off the train early and land in a quiet and, well let’s just say, not a friendly village of Grey Sisters, this is the closest village to the festival site. The festival site has 5 stone monoliths that come with a magical and superstitious story behind them. As they finally arrive at the festival their enjoyment can begin!
The author has a few very memorable characters, while I thought I had them down and understood their position within the story, the author had other ideas. There are two timelines in this story, one from the past and the other from the present. The present is the one where the author mainly plants her reader, but then the past is the one that gradually reveals more of the answers so becomes intrinsic to the main story itself.
As things start to take a darker turn, then the superstition of the monoliths comes into play. I really enjoyed this angle and with the secluded setting oh and the fact there is no mobile signal, this makes for a suspense-filled read and gives it a very dramatic angle.
This is a story that is full of intrigue and also anger. There is a past mystery as well as a present one, there are secrets and we all love family secrets but then there is something else. This gives the story a dark and dangerous edge and gives a cause for the crimes that have been carried out.
This is a book that has mystery, crime, suspense, drama and a lot of tension. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. It is one I would definitely recommend....more
I do love a new series and The Silvas are the latest family to be created by this author. She does gangland crime so well and The Street is a great inI do love a new series and The Silvas are the latest family to be created by this author. She does gangland crime so well and The Street is a great introduction to this new family.
The Silvas have decided that living in barracks under witness protection is not the best thing for them. They need normality, a fresh start and a chance actually to live a life. Alex is known as a grass, he used to be an assassin for the mob, but when he killed the wrong person for the right reasons his life changed. Giving up the heads of the mob has done him no favours but he did need the protection. With a court date looming, is this the right time to step out of hiding?
Alex, Maggie, Deana and Dante have just moved into a Kent pub, a suburban village and they are nervous but excited. Their lives are a long way from their old lives with plenty of money, flash cars and status, but now they have the chance to live a legal life.
The area they have moved into is friendly, but like any area, some things go on. I think what makes this book work so well is the fact that a lot of what happens is relatable to a certain extent, drugs are everywhere and even in the smallest quaintest little village, there is going to be something somewhere. Like minds recognise each other so it does not take Alex long before he finds himself with an opportunity, and it is one he is going to use to get what he needs.
Having a new family in a new series is always exciting, the Silvas have something about them that makes them interesting and even though they are on edge they are trying to live the best life they can. The author throws various obstacles in their way and it is good to see how things change throughout the story.
This starts nicely, a reasonably nice amble into the village and the daily routines of the Silva family. But as things get sorted then the pace definitely starts to build up speed. There are some interesting characters and there are some events that bring reminders back to the family of the life they last had.
This is a great way to start a series and if you have not come across this author before then this is a good place to start. This is a gangland crime, thriller story that has family, loyalty and many other aspects that make it very addictive. It is a fabulous book and one I would definitely recommend. ...more
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