What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dead Trilogy #1
A Long Time Dead
Some killers run. Some stand right behind you. Would you trust forensic evidence?
The police discover a woman’s naked body on her bed, arcs of blood tracked across the wall from a neck wound. This is the second such case Detective Superintendent Chamberlain has running. The first is still unsolved, and he’s desperate for a lead. Any lead.
It’s 1999, and Scenes of Crime Officer, Roger Conniston, is too busy obsessing over an arms dealer to worry about whether his coal-powered computer is Year 2000 Compliant; too busy cruising Wakefield’s night-life to worry about his wife or his lover, or the promotion he doesn’t really want.
Roger is about to make his move on the arms dealer when he’s arrested for the woman’s murder.
With Roger in the cells, Chamberlain can relax, and the arms dealer can resume his trade. Roger has to prove his innocence and find the true murderer. Not easy from behind bars – bars that are guarded by the same officer he’s been spying on.
A stressed investigator. A ruthless arms dealer. And Roger Conniston trying to put the world right and getting it all wrong. Which of Roger’s new enemies want him out of the way?
The police discover a woman’s naked body on her bed, arcs of blood tracked across the wall from a neck wound. This is the second such case Detective Superintendent Chamberlain has running. The first is still unsolved, and he’s desperate for a lead. Any lead.
It’s 1999, and Scenes of Crime Officer, Roger Conniston, is too busy obsessing over an arms dealer to worry about whether his coal-powered computer is Year 2000 Compliant; too busy cruising Wakefield’s night-life to worry about his wife or his lover, or the promotion he doesn’t really want.
Roger is about to make his move on the arms dealer when he’s arrested for the woman’s murder.
With Roger in the cells, Chamberlain can relax, and the arms dealer can resume his trade. Roger has to prove his innocence and find the true murderer. Not easy from behind bars – bars that are guarded by the same officer he’s been spying on.
A stressed investigator. A ruthless arms dealer. And Roger Conniston trying to put the world right and getting it all wrong. Which of Roger’s new enemies want him out of the way?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2011
341 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Barrett
34 books279 followersHi everyone,
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
September 12, 2016
I believe this is Andrew Barrett's first novel. I read his more recent titles – four in total – before reading this one, and had this come first I would likely have rated it higher. The book is a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, but I'm happy to report that Mr Barrett's later writing gets better and better as the novels progress. Therein, I feel this rating is reflective of Mr. Barrett’s growth as an author over the ensuing years. His style is here in spades, however, and it is certainly recommended. Very british, and with a final half that refuses to be put down. Great stuff.
PS: at the time of reviewing, it's also free via Amazon and other places.
PS: at the time of reviewing, it's also free via Amazon and other places.
January 16, 2020
A fascinating police procedural with Roger Conniston as a SOCO, in charge of collecting all evidence from crime scenes and figuring out just what happened. We see into the background, the family problems, police corruption and the intense focus needed to attend scenes of murder every day of your life. Not an easy job, as so much can go wrong, while so many others look for the glory Roger just wants to work with his team and do the very best he can.
I really enjoy the writing by this author, you feel yourself actually in scenes, with the darkness around you and the intensity of dealing with forensic evidence amid others who are looking for their own glory. A 5 Star story that all who enjoy criminal stories and thrillers will enjoy!!
I really enjoy the writing by this author, you feel yourself actually in scenes, with the darkness around you and the intensity of dealing with forensic evidence amid others who are looking for their own glory. A 5 Star story that all who enjoy criminal stories and thrillers will enjoy!!
April 22, 2019
I adore this author’s Eddie Collins series, so want to read everything else he’s written. I’ve had this a while, having got it for free, possibly by joining the mailing list, or maybe just from Amazon. I was leery that his earlier work wouldn’t be as good as his more recent offerings. Sadly, this proved to be true.
Set in Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1999 - I’m not sure if this reflects when it was written or if it was deliberately set in a more primitive era for forensics - this features Roger Conniston, an experienced Crime Scene technician, married to Yvonne, who is crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. Roger is having an affair with the Occy Health counsellor he’s seeing about the stress of his possible promotion, which he only wants to live up to the expectations of his horrible dead Dad, and nightmares about dead bodies having devoted himself excessively to his work.
His best friend and senior colleague Chris is also in line for the job, and while Roger naively thinks the best man will win, and that they can still be friends, Chris is convinced the job is his and doesn’t care if that’s the end of their friendship. Roger spends his free time stalking a corrupt Detective Inspector, Weston, that he previously tried to have arrested for gun dealing. When two young women are murdered and the evidence points to Roger himself, he’s sure Weston has framed in in revenge, and Roger will have to use his skills to prove his innocence.
This was a well written atmospheric thriller that features Crime Scene examination and evidence recovery techniques at a level of detail that I found fascinating but might be too much for some readers, and a protagonist who was difficult to warm to. There were few likeable characters, in fact, and the only humour the constant insults colleagues hurl at one another. The constant grime, stink and run down buildings, and the incessantly atrocious weather, were pretty depressing too.
I found it hard to believe that people who have worked with Roger for nearly ten years are so quick to believe he’s a serial killer and refuse to countenance that evidence could’ve been planted, or that knowing he’s really good at his job, they think he would be so careless as to leave said evidence. For a smart guy, Roger comes across as ridiculously naive. The perpetrator, their motivation and methods were so obvious that I spent most of the book hoping to be proved wrong. I was wrong about how it would end though, there’s a bit of a cliffhanger and plenty more to be resolved in the following books, which I do plan to read when I get a chance.
Overall this is still worth a read but if you haven’t read anything else by Andrew Barrett you should definitely try his later books before deciding he’s not for you.
Set in Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1999 - I’m not sure if this reflects when it was written or if it was deliberately set in a more primitive era for forensics - this features Roger Conniston, an experienced Crime Scene technician, married to Yvonne, who is crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. Roger is having an affair with the Occy Health counsellor he’s seeing about the stress of his possible promotion, which he only wants to live up to the expectations of his horrible dead Dad, and nightmares about dead bodies having devoted himself excessively to his work.
His best friend and senior colleague Chris is also in line for the job, and while Roger naively thinks the best man will win, and that they can still be friends, Chris is convinced the job is his and doesn’t care if that’s the end of their friendship. Roger spends his free time stalking a corrupt Detective Inspector, Weston, that he previously tried to have arrested for gun dealing. When two young women are murdered and the evidence points to Roger himself, he’s sure Weston has framed in in revenge, and Roger will have to use his skills to prove his innocence.
This was a well written atmospheric thriller that features Crime Scene examination and evidence recovery techniques at a level of detail that I found fascinating but might be too much for some readers, and a protagonist who was difficult to warm to. There were few likeable characters, in fact, and the only humour the constant insults colleagues hurl at one another. The constant grime, stink and run down buildings, and the incessantly atrocious weather, were pretty depressing too.
I found it hard to believe that people who have worked with Roger for nearly ten years are so quick to believe he’s a serial killer and refuse to countenance that evidence could’ve been planted, or that knowing he’s really good at his job, they think he would be so careless as to leave said evidence. For a smart guy, Roger comes across as ridiculously naive. The perpetrator, their motivation and methods were so obvious that I spent most of the book hoping to be proved wrong. I was wrong about how it would end though, there’s a bit of a cliffhanger and plenty more to be resolved in the following books, which I do plan to read when I get a chance.
Overall this is still worth a read but if you haven’t read anything else by Andrew Barrett you should definitely try his later books before deciding he’s not for you.
June 4, 2012
This book is an exciting and complex tale about a SOCO working towards a promotion. He has problems at home and further problems with work colleagues, one of whom he is convinced has been dealing in guns. The story unfolds and with it the richness of the characters and their interactions with one another. There are two murders in the story and we are rather misled as to the perpetrator (as were the police!)
The language used throughout the book is really well thought out, descriptive and inspiring. I very much enjoyed it. The author is in this line of work himself and writes with authority. I loved the way the story built gradually and I thought I knew who was to blame but of course, I didn't! The ending is almost a cliff-hanger and although I have started another book, I know I shall very soon read Book 2. The man has a story-telling talent and I love to find another good author!
The language used throughout the book is really well thought out, descriptive and inspiring. I very much enjoyed it. The author is in this line of work himself and writes with authority. I loved the way the story built gradually and I thought I knew who was to blame but of course, I didn't! The ending is almost a cliff-hanger and although I have started another book, I know I shall very soon read Book 2. The man has a story-telling talent and I love to find another good author!
December 13, 2017
Fantastic Thriller. I already knew that Andrew Barrett was a great Author after reading ‘The End of Lies’ which is an amazing story. This book is just as good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing he does really well, is putting the time into each of his characters, and their backgrounds. This certainly shows with so many great characters. Another highlight is, there’s more than one thing happening alongside the main plot, which for me always makes for an interesting and entertaining story. This is definitely a book you could immerse yourself amongst the pages for hours.
Roger Conniston can’t believe that Inspector Colin Weston somehow weaseled his way out of trouble, after he supposedly lost a truck full of guns and ammunition. It baffled Roger that the Investigators fell for Weston’s story. However, Roger isn’t prepared to give up that easily, and he’s certainly confident that he’ll catch Weston in the act of selling illegal fire arms. Meanwhile Roger is competing for the Head of the Department, in the Scenes of Crime area against his friend Chris. They both have extensive experience as civilian crime scene officers, but Chris really needs the pay rise, and besides, he clearly thinks he’s the best man for the job. Rogers’s world is turned upside down when he’s accused of murdering a girl, and there aren’t many that believe he’s innocent. I’m really glad that the Author has made this story into a series, and I’m really looking forward to book 2 after enjoying this one so much.
Roger Conniston can’t believe that Inspector Colin Weston somehow weaseled his way out of trouble, after he supposedly lost a truck full of guns and ammunition. It baffled Roger that the Investigators fell for Weston’s story. However, Roger isn’t prepared to give up that easily, and he’s certainly confident that he’ll catch Weston in the act of selling illegal fire arms. Meanwhile Roger is competing for the Head of the Department, in the Scenes of Crime area against his friend Chris. They both have extensive experience as civilian crime scene officers, but Chris really needs the pay rise, and besides, he clearly thinks he’s the best man for the job. Rogers’s world is turned upside down when he’s accused of murdering a girl, and there aren’t many that believe he’s innocent. I’m really glad that the Author has made this story into a series, and I’m really looking forward to book 2 after enjoying this one so much.
February 23, 2017
Where to begin? Roger Conniston is a SOCO with the Yorkshire police. He is up for promotion along with his friend Chris. They're both being trialled for the job. He is also secretly following Inspector Weston, who he knows is dealing in stolen weapons, with a view to seeing him arrested.
A couple of murders where women have their throats slashed are keeping the SOCOs busy but Roger also has a sick wife to deal with. You start to get the feeling that something very fishy is going on. And soon Roger is arrested for the second murder. Evidence puts him at the scene. Although he protests he is innocent he is thrown into a holding cell, only to have some unpleasant visitations from Weston. Is Weston trying to frame him for this murder to get him off his tail?
Roger realises his only hope is to clear his name and find out who framed him, how and why. He escapes and, with the help of a SOCO newbie who believes him, manages to find some new evidence. But in his quest for help with this he has to be careful who he turns to. Someone may want to stab him in the back.
This is a slow burn. The action arrives in the second half of the book but you are already well hooked by then. Populated with genuine seeming characters who are neither black nor white and with a very plausible plot, I was absolutely riveted as Roger stumbled to the truth. The forensic information is detailed and appears to be spot on. I succumbed again and straight away got hold of the second book.
A couple of murders where women have their throats slashed are keeping the SOCOs busy but Roger also has a sick wife to deal with. You start to get the feeling that something very fishy is going on. And soon Roger is arrested for the second murder. Evidence puts him at the scene. Although he protests he is innocent he is thrown into a holding cell, only to have some unpleasant visitations from Weston. Is Weston trying to frame him for this murder to get him off his tail?
Roger realises his only hope is to clear his name and find out who framed him, how and why. He escapes and, with the help of a SOCO newbie who believes him, manages to find some new evidence. But in his quest for help with this he has to be careful who he turns to. Someone may want to stab him in the back.
This is a slow burn. The action arrives in the second half of the book but you are already well hooked by then. Populated with genuine seeming characters who are neither black nor white and with a very plausible plot, I was absolutely riveted as Roger stumbled to the truth. The forensic information is detailed and appears to be spot on. I succumbed again and straight away got hold of the second book.
September 7, 2018
I absolutely loved reading this crime, at first I was not totally in the book as there were too many characters names that I had to keep in mind, but the more I read it the more I was intrigued and I just couldn't stop! I really recommend this book as it is worth reading for those who like crime stories. I will surely be reading more of this writer as this is not his first book that I read and I appreciated even his previous stories.
February 6, 2017
"Slow-burning, but fascinating"
If you like the details of a police procedural, then this one is right up your street. It might not have the pace of some thrillers, but the story line is good, the characters are well defined and all too believable, and the quality of writing is above average. Stick with it and I'm confident you'll enjoy the ride.
If you like the details of a police procedural, then this one is right up your street. It might not have the pace of some thrillers, but the story line is good, the characters are well defined and all too believable, and the quality of writing is above average. Stick with it and I'm confident you'll enjoy the ride.
April 23, 2018
Another winner from Andrew Barrett. I don't know when I've found an author that I enjoy as much as I do Mr. Barrett. I have done nothing but read his books for the last 3 weeks. I only wish he could write as fast as I can read.
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this, crime from the perspective of the soco, will be reading more of the writer
June 14, 2019
Another great story as has come to be expected by Barrett. I love the twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, you realize you don't. LOL
January 28, 2018
I liked the story the author told but found the first half of the book quite frustrating. There were many named characters plus acronyms of organizations which I had to keep flipping back to make sense of. However, the serial killer storyline united with the domestic problems of the two lead characters made the book a mystery worth reading.
I received this book free from the author to read and review.
I received this book free from the author to read and review.
December 19, 2012
Well looks like I might be in a minority in thinking that this is such a poorly written book, I am struggling to give a shit about anyone, that's when I can tell them apart. There have been two brutal murders so far, but I am not sure if the same character committed both. The scene between the therapist and our 'hero' was the most unrealistic thing I have read in a long time. It was so contrived and cringe-making. Unfortunately I bought the trilogy (based on a twitter recommendation- note to self, the author's agent might be a bit biased!) so it looks like I will have to struggle on with them, and hope that they improve with practice.
August 4, 2012
Roger Conniston is a SOCO (Scenes Of Crime Officer - like a CSI, but realistic). He has his problems: His wife is disabled, he's having an affair with his therapist, his best friend Chris is his rival for promotion, and a certain bent Police Inspector would rather he stopped breathing.
When forensic evidence implicating Roger is found at a murder scene, he is arrested. Roger is convince he has been fitted up by the bent cop, but there's no way he can prove it from the inside of a police cell, and no-one believes him anyway. He must take extraordinary measures to prove his innocence and Weston's guilt...
This is a gripping read by an author who is himself a SOCO (and hence knows what he's talking about). The characters are convincing and gritty, and the pacing is good. It's set at the start of 1999, so I guess in today's terms it's a period piece. It certainly invokes a feel for the end of the 20th century. Well written, energetic and a few interesting twists and surprises, this book is well recommended. And when you've finished, there are more books in the series.
When forensic evidence implicating Roger is found at a murder scene, he is arrested. Roger is convince he has been fitted up by the bent cop, but there's no way he can prove it from the inside of a police cell, and no-one believes him anyway. He must take extraordinary measures to prove his innocence and Weston's guilt...
This is a gripping read by an author who is himself a SOCO (and hence knows what he's talking about). The characters are convincing and gritty, and the pacing is good. It's set at the start of 1999, so I guess in today's terms it's a period piece. It certainly invokes a feel for the end of the 20th century. Well written, energetic and a few interesting twists and surprises, this book is well recommended. And when you've finished, there are more books in the series.
March 15, 2017
Review of A LONG TIME DEAD by Andrew Barrett
A LONG TIME DEAD is forensic-noir, starring a protagonist who is a CSI [formerly SOCO] for the West Yorkshire Police. Roger Conniston is “a man with a mission,” a man who is an imperfect individual, yet one with his own high moral code. His sense of integrity has in the past led him to report a superior, Inspector Weston, whom Roger believes to be a gun-runner. Weston got off with barely a slap on the hand, and has targeted Conniston ever since. In his role as a forensic investigator, Roger is neither police nor civilian, neither fish nor fowl, and his reporting of Weston has cost him friends even in his own department. Yet he perseveres, even to the extent of being framed for murder.
The author, Andrew Barrett, is a CSI for Yorkshire Police, and brings a clear understanding of the details of forensic investigation and the politics of a police department. A LONG TIME DEAD is the first book in his Roger Conniston trilogy.
A LONG TIME DEAD is forensic-noir, starring a protagonist who is a CSI [formerly SOCO] for the West Yorkshire Police. Roger Conniston is “a man with a mission,” a man who is an imperfect individual, yet one with his own high moral code. His sense of integrity has in the past led him to report a superior, Inspector Weston, whom Roger believes to be a gun-runner. Weston got off with barely a slap on the hand, and has targeted Conniston ever since. In his role as a forensic investigator, Roger is neither police nor civilian, neither fish nor fowl, and his reporting of Weston has cost him friends even in his own department. Yet he perseveres, even to the extent of being framed for murder.
The author, Andrew Barrett, is a CSI for Yorkshire Police, and brings a clear understanding of the details of forensic investigation and the politics of a police department. A LONG TIME DEAD is the first book in his Roger Conniston trilogy.
September 3, 2016
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Roger Conniston is a scene of crimes officer working for West Yorkshire police. He knows that one of the police officers is acting outside the law and is determined to find evidence. This becomes the least of his worries when he is framed for a murder that he didn't commit, I know nothing of the work of SOCO but Andrew Barrett brings it to life, I also love the descriptions of the local area
June 4, 2017
Having read all the Eddie Collins books I wasn't sure how I would react to a series without him in it but the good news is I like Roger Conniston. I skipped a party to stay home and finish this book and as soon as I finished it I lined up book 2 on the kindle. When you read an Andy Barrett book it's like you are there working the crime scene with the characters. I'm sure I must qualify for my own squirrel brush soon. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2017
This was an interesting story that I quite enjoyed. If you believe that everyone is flawed then it deserves 5 stars, I don't believe that. The story keeps the reader involved and until almost the end had me wondering who the real bad guy was. This is a series that I will explore further.
January 22, 2023
This is excellent, as all works by Andrew Barrett! Never a dull moment, high levels of tension & fast pace, brilliantly well written & thought out plots! A completely consuming adventure! I do recommend!!
April 25, 2019
Having really enjoyed some of Andrew Barrett’s other work I was pleased to find I enjoyed this book as well. In fact I might go as far as to say I enjoyed it more. Being a Scene of Crime Officer himself shows when explaining the procedures and techniques required for the job. Personally I love books with this kind of detail and here it is top quality. What most impressed me though was the way the author takes that knowledge and weaves a complex and thoroughly entertaining story around it. I guess this book is a kind of police procedural-who-dunnit thriller (can you mix all those?) and it’s brilliant. I was drawn in from the first page and it swept me along to the end in next to no time. I thought it ended a little abruptly if I’m honest but that didn’t spoil it. Now onto book two!
December 11, 2019
A Long Time Dead - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight spoilers*
Book 1 in Andrew Barrett's The Dead Trilogy, is A Long Time Dead. A gruesome murder starts the 'slow burn' start to the murder investigation SOCO Roger Conniston's working on with his team. Roger's life has become much more confusing and stressful as he looks after his wife Yvonne, who's crippled with rheumatoid arthritis.In line for promotion at work, he must cope with the realisation that one of his superiors DI Weston, is up to his neck in a criminal gun-running cartel. Unable to prove it and reluctantly aware that his colleague Chris is in line for the same promotion and doesn't care what he has to do to to get it - even if it means the end of his and Roger's decade long friendship, leads to Roger's needing therapy to assess if he's the right man for the promotion. As if his personal life weren't unhappy enough already, with the stress of a demanding career and being a full-time carer, Roger lets himself begin an affair with the counsellor.
When a second murdered young woman's body is found, Roger is tainted by suspicion of complicity, due to evidence' linking him to the victim. Who can he trust and how can he prove his innocence, when the team he's known and worked with for ten years seems to believe in his guilt? Who stands by him? How does Roger catch the killer?
An edge-of-your-seat thriller that you won't want to put down til the very end, A Long Time Dead by Andrew Barrett will whet your appetite for the next two books in this outstanding series, The Dead Trilogy. Get your copy today!
*slight spoilers*
Book 1 in Andrew Barrett's The Dead Trilogy, is A Long Time Dead. A gruesome murder starts the 'slow burn' start to the murder investigation SOCO Roger Conniston's working on with his team. Roger's life has become much more confusing and stressful as he looks after his wife Yvonne, who's crippled with rheumatoid arthritis.In line for promotion at work, he must cope with the realisation that one of his superiors DI Weston, is up to his neck in a criminal gun-running cartel. Unable to prove it and reluctantly aware that his colleague Chris is in line for the same promotion and doesn't care what he has to do to to get it - even if it means the end of his and Roger's decade long friendship, leads to Roger's needing therapy to assess if he's the right man for the promotion. As if his personal life weren't unhappy enough already, with the stress of a demanding career and being a full-time carer, Roger lets himself begin an affair with the counsellor.
When a second murdered young woman's body is found, Roger is tainted by suspicion of complicity, due to evidence' linking him to the victim. Who can he trust and how can he prove his innocence, when the team he's known and worked with for ten years seems to believe in his guilt? Who stands by him? How does Roger catch the killer?
An edge-of-your-seat thriller that you won't want to put down til the very end, A Long Time Dead by Andrew Barrett will whet your appetite for the next two books in this outstanding series, The Dead Trilogy. Get your copy today!
June 22, 2021
It took me awhile to get into this book but once the action increased to full-speed ahead I was hooked. This is book 1 in this series of crime thrillers.
This book is chock full of forensic information and how the police process a scene. Roger Conniston, a SOCO or CSI officer, the main protagonist is a master at processing a crime scene. When a woman is murdered he is not at the scene to process it but has problems of his own, a wife who is unhappy with him and a ex-lover who is even more so.
When things turn nasty for Roger he finds himself locked behind bars and trying to convince his fellow officers of his innocence. There is someone out there who knows he is innocent for this person is the murderer who wants only to punish Roger for past transgressions.
Will Roger be able to find the evidence he needs to clear his name? Will he be able to made amends with his wife and begin anew? Will the perpetrator be brought to justice?
You will have to read this fast-paced thriller to find out. You will be surprised at the ending. An enjoyable read!
This book is chock full of forensic information and how the police process a scene. Roger Conniston, a SOCO or CSI officer, the main protagonist is a master at processing a crime scene. When a woman is murdered he is not at the scene to process it but has problems of his own, a wife who is unhappy with him and a ex-lover who is even more so.
When things turn nasty for Roger he finds himself locked behind bars and trying to convince his fellow officers of his innocence. There is someone out there who knows he is innocent for this person is the murderer who wants only to punish Roger for past transgressions.
Will Roger be able to find the evidence he needs to clear his name? Will he be able to made amends with his wife and begin anew? Will the perpetrator be brought to justice?
You will have to read this fast-paced thriller to find out. You will be surprised at the ending. An enjoyable read!
December 6, 2018
An awesome book. Just about sums it up really. I love books that make my jaw drop, my teeth grind, my blood boil and my toes curl... I even shouted at it! I was there.....like a fly on the wall, helpless to do anything about it but observe....some of the characters are really good to hate! A very tense, cleverly written nail biting read. Lucky for me this is only book one....looking forward the The Hunter. Thank you for a brilliant book Andy Barrett.
November 9, 2019
A good story but I skipped through parts as it got a bit boring. I was not happy at the end, you are left wondering what’s happened and to find out you have to pay £2.99 for the next book. No thank you.
February 3, 2020
i have completed all of the Eddie Collins series and now I am diving into this, my first in the Roger Conniston series. Of course, Andrew hasn't disappointed!
Andrew's"real job" is evident in his writing. It is true life, accurate and at times funny. Showing how coppers deal with the stresses of the job every day.
After becoming such a fan of Eddie, I was worried I wouldn't get into Roger. But like a pair of old socks he grew on me and I've quickly become a fan.
The camaraderie and 'family' dynamics of the boys in blue shows through as does the stresses of the job.
I loved this book! The twists and turns, personal drama(s), forensic investigations, plots and subplots ... all made for an AWESOME read!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
Andrew's"real job" is evident in his writing. It is true life, accurate and at times funny. Showing how coppers deal with the stresses of the job every day.
After becoming such a fan of Eddie, I was worried I wouldn't get into Roger. But like a pair of old socks he grew on me and I've quickly become a fan.
The camaraderie and 'family' dynamics of the boys in blue shows through as does the stresses of the job.
I loved this book! The twists and turns, personal drama(s), forensic investigations, plots and subplots ... all made for an AWESOME read!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
September 26, 2019
The story was good enough to keep me reading, but I found myself skipping through a lot of the dialogue. Roger seems to get himself into a mess in everything. The ending was good.
December 2, 2019
Roger Conniston works as a Scenes of Crimes Officer at Wood Street Police Station. He takes photographs of the crime scene, and anything that could assist an investigation.
He’s vying for a promotion with his colleague and now his competition, Chris Hutchinson. Roger’s been seeing a shrink on the side and doesn’t want his colleagues to find out as he fears this might reduce his chances of getting the promotion.
Roger’s had a falling out with his colleague, Inspector Colin Weston. Weston is a dirty cop who seems to live above his pay grade and does not hide that fact. Ever since Roger reported him for conniving with arms dealers to sell weapons that he was assigned to transport to the armory, Weston has been out for Roger.
Though Weston got just a reprimand and a desk job, Roger has been tailing him, hoping to catch Weston in the act and expose him for the dirty cop that he is.
When a young woman is murdered in her home, her throat slashed, the police is called in to investigate. Roger has also been assigned to the case alongside Chris.
When another woman turns up dead in the same manner, the police investigate and find evidence that point Roger as the killer.
But Roger insists he’s innocent and that he’s being set up.
Love the time this book was set in—Roger uses a Mamiya film camera 📷 to document his work.
If you’re a fan of CSI TV, shows you’ll definitely love this book.
He’s vying for a promotion with his colleague and now his competition, Chris Hutchinson. Roger’s been seeing a shrink on the side and doesn’t want his colleagues to find out as he fears this might reduce his chances of getting the promotion.
Roger’s had a falling out with his colleague, Inspector Colin Weston. Weston is a dirty cop who seems to live above his pay grade and does not hide that fact. Ever since Roger reported him for conniving with arms dealers to sell weapons that he was assigned to transport to the armory, Weston has been out for Roger.
Though Weston got just a reprimand and a desk job, Roger has been tailing him, hoping to catch Weston in the act and expose him for the dirty cop that he is.
When a young woman is murdered in her home, her throat slashed, the police is called in to investigate. Roger has also been assigned to the case alongside Chris.
When another woman turns up dead in the same manner, the police investigate and find evidence that point Roger as the killer.
But Roger insists he’s innocent and that he’s being set up.
Love the time this book was set in—Roger uses a Mamiya film camera 📷 to document his work.
If you’re a fan of CSI TV, shows you’ll definitely love this book.
July 30, 2020
This is the kind of writing I want to read. I love the way the British police stories are more cerebral than physical. I like that the protagonist is human. I like the friendships that he has , and the enmity that he battles. I'm a fan of Child and Sandford. This book stands up to that level of story telling. I can't wait to read more from Barrett.
September 1, 2019
Detailed forensic procedural, indeed!
Not the most pleasant folks, a motley crew of discontents jockeying for position, or trying to fade into the woodwork and do as little as possible, meticulous descriptions of forensic procedures and processes.
Not the most pleasant folks, a motley crew of discontents jockeying for position, or trying to fade into the woodwork and do as little as possible, meticulous descriptions of forensic procedures and processes.
January 29, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by Andrew Barrett, and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how our hero, Roger Conniston, is arrested for the brutal murder of a girl. I’ve never read a more authentic and detailed crime thriller, which is not surprising, as the author was a senior crime scene investigator like Roger Conniston, his friend and promotion rival, Chris, and his other colleagues. As well as an exciting thriller, complete with a vile bent cop, called Weston, who enjoys making Roger’s life a misery, I also appreciated the author’s many fascinating explanations of the forensic procedures. Without hopefully giving anything away, I didn’t expect the ending to turn out as it did. Although the main story was wrapped up satisfyingly in this first book, it ended on a cliff-hanger that’ll no doubt lead into book two, so it looks like I’ll be reading all the other books in the series. As I enjoy Andrew Barrett’s writing style, touches of humour, meticulous attention to detail, and well-drawn characters, I’m looking forward to reading them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews