Hell

Sam Becket #5

by Hilary Norman

The new Detective Sam Becket novel - The small red box wrapped in white ribbon seems innocent enough, but it protects a bloody secret – a human heart. When this gruesome package is discovered in a dinghy tied to the dock next to the house Detective Sam Becket shares with his wife, Grace, and their young son, he realizes that it can only mean one thing – Cal the Hater, the psychotic killer who has haunted his family for years, has returned . . .

Genres: Thriller

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 2011

About the author

Born and raised in London, loved reading but deeply lazy about writing at school, preferring drama. A brief acting career, then moved into the production side at the BBC's radio drama department - later at London's Capital Radio, by which time the writing "switch" had been flicked on. Spent as much time as possible travelling in the US, working and writing. First novel, IN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP published in 1986 after five years of writing. Wrote sagas with big dramatic finishes in the early days, and then, as the body count rose, made the move into psychological suspense and thrillers. Last book LAST RUN soon out in trade paperback, and the latest (and 20th) -RALPH'S CHILDREN - out soon in hardcover.
Living in London with husband Jonathan, and dog Poppy.

Reviews

[Melinda Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

There so many great crime novels out there that you really don't have to read the bad ones, and it makes it all the more clear as to what constitutes great crime fiction. I wouldn't consider this great, and as I expect there are books that precede this one in a series, you might have a better understanding of the multiple characters if you've read them first, otherwise it's just a huge big mess.

[Trisha Arrowsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a page turner. I am not sure of the end though. It seemed simple but felt that there needed to be more to it.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and I couldn't put the book down. I even felt scared for Grace when she was working to save Pete. Had to keep reading to see what would happen next. Reminds me of James Patterson books without being quite as graphic. Looking forward to reading more books in the series.

[Byron Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story seemed disjointed and this version of the Becket family wasn't as enjoyable as those in the past. Also, how many times can a criminal gain entry into the Becket home?!?! It seems to happen IN EVERY BOOK!!

[Baz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first taste of Hilary Norman & I really enjoyed it. Thought it was going to lose the excitement half way through but it picked up, although the end to tie everything together seemed a bit rushed.