Sleeping Dogs

Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler #4

by Russ Thomas

THE LIES OF THE PAST . . .

When an anonymous tip lands on his desk, DS Adam Tyler is intrigued in spite of himself. The disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago was big news, but the case was never solved – this tantalizing new lead is something he simply can’t ignore. But the letter has set in motion a dangerous chain of events, and Tyler’s search for the truth soon leaves him fighting for his life.

. . . LIVE IN THE PRESENT

With Tyler out of action, DC Mina Rabbani must step up to lead the Cold Case Review Unit in his absence, retracing Tyler’s steps and uncovering his secrets to figure out what he was working on. But as she begins to put the pieces together, the case starts to hit frighteningly close to home. Without DS Tyler to protect her, Mina realises that now she’s the one with hard choices to make.

And this time she’s on her own.

Genres: Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery, LGBT

493 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

Russ Thomas was born in Essex, raised in Berkshire and now lives in Sheffield. He grew up in the 80s reading anything he could get his hands on at the library, writing stories, watching large amounts of television, playing videogames, and largely avoiding the great outdoors. He spent five years trying to master playing the electronic organ and another five trying to learn Spanish. It didn't take him too long to realise that he'd be better off sticking to the writing.
 
After a few “proper” jobs (among them: pot-washer, optician's receptionist, supermarket warehouse operative, call-centre telephonist and storage salesman) he discovered the joys of book-selling, where he could talk to people about books all day.

Now a full-time writer, he also teaches creative writing classes and mentors new authors. Firewatching is his first novel.

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved it. There's so much to enjoy here. Multiple points of view, different timelines, seemingly unconnected cases and yet it all comes together in a case that truly tests DS Tyler and Mina.
And even though it's Tyler's series, Sleeping Dogs bring more of a focus on Mina and it felt good to get to know her better.
Brilliant book, brilliant series, hope there's more to come.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the plot was a bit predictable, I enjoyed the difference with the previous books in the series and the fact that we learnt more about Mina. The pace was good with the present and the past events alternating.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️

[Ben Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series NEVER fails to disappoint and I love the focus on Mina in this book! Such a great character!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Adam Tyler receives an anonymous tip regarding the disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago. Adam follows the tip to an abandoned cinema where he is later found fighting for his life. But was it an accident or did someone attack him? With his colleagues in the dark about what he was working on,  DC Mina Rabbani must retrace his steps to find answers while also taking charge of the Cold Case Unit. But she is unprepared for what she finds as the clues lead her uncomfortably close to home. How far is she willing to go to learn the truth?


The fourth instalment in the Adam Tyler series is one of the best yet. Skilfully written, cleverly plotted and filled with vivid imagery, Russ Thomas masterfully sets the tone and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Thomas is an expert at intricately weaving together storylines that seem completely unrelated, and this time he left my jaw on the floor as he moved seamlessly between multiple timelines and narrators to reveal the shocking truth. 


Adam Tyler is a great protagonist but I must admit I really enjoyed seeing more of Mina Rabbani this time around. Although we’ve learned a lot about Adam over the last three books, Mina has remained quite elusive, and it was good to see her get her time to shine. I also enjoyed seeing how she worked with Doggett as we’ve not really seen them work together much before. There were some particularly compelling background characters this time, with Ruth really standing out for me. When we meet Ruth she’s downtrodden after being controlled her whole life, and  as more of her story was revealed I felt even more sorry for her. But there was also something about her that felt unnerving. Was that because she’s strange, or was there something more? This enigma only made her all the more compelling to me, as I love a character I’m unsure about. 


Fast-paced, chilling, suspenseful and addictive, this riveting thriller is another must-read from Mr. Thomas. 

[Balthazarinblue]

I was already losing interest by the end of the last book and a few chapters into this one, it has an interesting set up but I don't care about these characters anymore.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth in the DS Tyler series, and having read and throughly enjoyed the previous three, this for me is the best yet. There is a freshness to the way the book is written, a punchy and immersive read

It has everything you want imaginative plotting, characters that stand out on the page, combined with a narrative that knocks it out of the park.

The actual plot and the way the book is constructed for me as a reader is a stroke of genius, the way the author is able to go back and look at things from Tylers viewpoint and the way the chapters countdown to the present, not only does it allow for two interlinked plots to come together, but it allows Mina to come to the fore and take more of a leading role within the book, giving the book a different and welcome dynamic.

The way that the author also manages to create an air of mystery into the story, then blindisdes you with a killer twist, the set up is sublime, the execution genius

I found the pacing of the book to be spot on, it’s slow and deliberate allowing two investigations to flourish in real time, the way the chapters are constructed in reverse and overlap made for a fascinating and interesting read all building up to the dénouement which showed another level to the storytelling and hits you like a punch with a knockout twist

Another area which I greatly admire in Russ Thomas’s books are the way characters lives are brought sharply into focus, you get to see them on a more personal level I love the charcter development throughout the series, not only that the author makes you care for the characters and their lives, it’s another standout feature to the writing, I often feel for Tyler there seems to be a lurking torment between his personal and professional life. The characters add to overall feel of the book in that they are written in a way that you get a real sense of who they are. You also get a tremendous feeling of teamwork within the police roles to give credibility to the investigation, I particularly liked the way that Doggett looks out for Mina

This is a read high on mystery and tension, where your never quite sure which direction you will be taken which kept me on my toes as I read on

I absulotely loved this book, a standout police procedural with a difference, the writing hooks you in from the opening pages, from them on I found it hard to put down.

One to recommend, but then the whole series stands out. Russ Thomas is one of the best crime writers around, with a mix of slickly plotted novels, superb characterisation and strongly written narratives that combine for entertaining and thought provoking reads

[Andrew Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best one in the series a must read if you read the other 3 books looking forward to the 5th book if the author writes another one

[Bucks, Books & Beyond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts 24 years ago, where a young girl, not even old enough to tell the time, is trapped somewhere dark with only a dog for company. She is visited by a tall skinny lady who's not very nice to her but we're given no more information at this point as to who the girl is or why she's where she is.

We then move to the present timeline, where Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler is searching an old abandoned theatre on what seems to be a flimsy hunch. No one knows he is there and he gets into a spot of bother and lands up falling. But did he fall? Or was he pushed?

Mina is Tyler's partner at work who is at a party she would rather not be at when she gets the call that Tyler has been injured and is in hospital fighting for his life. She's concerned because Tyler got himself in trouble before when he was investigating the Circle, a shadowy organisation made up of local entrepreneurs who had their own vision for Sheffield. those close to Tyler worried that he was on a personal crusade to bring the remaining unknown members of the Circle to justice.

This story is a dual timeline with half the story starting from 6 months ago, when Tyler received a cryptic letter setting about a course that would lead him to his fall in the theatre, and the timeline now, with his colleagues trying to piece together how he got to the theatre in the first place.

The story takes a major turn about three quarters of the way through that I did not see coming at all and I found myself rushing to get through the last chapters in a desperate attempt to find out the answers of how things had turned.

This book is part of a series, but I haven't personally read any of the previous books and this book is entirely capable of being read as a standalone. If anything, I was quite intrigued by Tyler and Mina's characters and would be interested to learn more about the background by reading the previous books. Tyler and Mina are both characters that don't always play by the rules and often tend to take matters into their own hands which makes them interesting to read about as you never quite know what they're going to do next.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes police procedurals with a strong 'who done it?' theme.

[Becca Scammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth always comes at a price for DS Adam Tyler, and his latest 24-year-old cold case investigation arising from an anonymous tip off is no different!

Despite the CRRU thriving despite its previous uncertain future and Adam promising to try and be more ip front and inclusive with regards to his work. Old habits die hard, and when he ends up in a coma as a result of not involving the team. They face the difficult task of playing catch up whilst trying to piece together the many incomplete pieces of the puzzle. In order to try and catch the perpetrators of Adam's attack and solve a decades old kidnapping/murder case whilst they are at it.

When Mina steps up to the plate. Little does she realise that this case in particular will hit closer to home than she realises. When a shocking revelation turns her world upside down.

Russ has done it again! Hitting the ground running with a gritty, raw, compelling, tense, immersive, compulsive, addictive, emotional, and action-packed story.

His writing is clever, well researched, brilliantly plotted, constructed, and written. He is a natural storyteller who writes with passion and vividity that totally sucks you in, wraps you up, and tosses you out the other side. Desperate for another instalment. Effortlessly weaving, action, twists, turns, multiple timelines, pov's, and narratives with shocks, surprises, relationships, crime, police procedure, and well drawn, consistent and relevant and relatable characters into a tense and thrilling, edge of your seat story that would make for an excellent prime time tv drama!!

The book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. But it's like Pringles. Once you pop, you won't be able to stop!

I don't know if we will see Adam again as it hasn't been confirmed. But I really hope we do!

Either way I will always confidently recommend and buy any and all of Russ's future books!

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Tyler from the Cold Case Review Unit is delivered an anonymous note that talks about a past crime. He chases down leads and discovers a link to the disappearance of an MP's wife two decades earlier. Months later, Tyler is injured and his colleague DC Mina Rabbani is informed about the case...
Sleeping Dogs is the 4th book in the DS Adam Tyler series of police procedurals. It is not necessary to read the earlier books as there is enough information to catch up on personal events and development. However, if you were going to read the series then I would advise reading books 2 and 3 consecutively as they have continuous plotlines.
A mysterious note sets Tyler on a course that sees him seriously injured. Now his colleagues Mina and Doggett need to work out what leads he followed into danger. The book is written in the two timelines and they gradually converge as the plot progresses. The use of the different timelines slows down the pace but gets the readers' brains scrambling to guess at the connections between past and present.
This book has a very different feel to the last book, partly due to the narrative style of the timelines but also due to Tyler being unconscious in the present day so Mina is much more prominent. I enjoyed this book more and more as it progressed and Tyler and Mina separately make huge discoveries about the past.
We also see the experiences of Ruth, and her interactions in both timelines. This increases the tension as we feel sympathy for her as she is a vulnerable person but must have a connection to Tyler and the case. The characters are very naturally and authentically portrayed which brings them to life.
Sleeping Dogs is an intriguing crime novel with great characterisation.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an anonymous tip lands on DS Adam Tyler’s desk, it instantly has him intrigued. The disappearance of a young mother twenty-four years ago was big news, but the case was never solved & this tantalizing new lead is something he simply can’t ignore. But the letter has set in motion a dangerous chain of events, and Tyler’s search for the truth soon leaves him fighting for his life. With Tyler out of action, DC Mina Rabbani must step up to lead the Cold Case Review Unit in his absence, retracing Tyler’s steps but as she begins to put the pieces together, the case starts to hit frighteningly close to home. Without DS Tyler to protect her, Mina realises that now she’s the one with hard choices to make.

Another new author for me and I believe this is the fourth title in the DS Tyler series, however reading as the first one, this definitely works as a standalone with all the information about the characters provided - even with the focus on DC Rabbani in this book, details of DS Tyler was also filtered through via flashback chapters.

Although there is a slower pace at the beginning of the book, from halfway through the action really takes it up a level, all of the characters stories coming together and the twists and turns culminating in a very clever conclusion.

The structure of the book takes you from the present day, over the viewpoints of three different characters, and takes you back over the last few months, interlinking all the events, allowing you to decipher the clues to solve the mystery as you turn the pages. The insights into the characters personal lives and emotions, through the writing style, also make it easy to connect with everything happening.

I would definitely read more by this author, and another new detective series of books to add to the list to read!

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I would like to point out that I love how the author has taken on board previous feed back from reviewers and broken this book down into smaller chapters over the course of the 7 days.

Next, now being into book 4 in the series I feel so fully invested in these characters and their cases/lives! DS Tyler has suffered a critical injuring in the beginning on this book so it is down to DI Rabbani and her colleagues to piece together and figure out what secret case he has been working on prior to his “incident”.

I would definitely say this has been the most exciting case so far and I was so hooked and intrigued as it was investigated, first by Tyler then how Rabbani and her colleagues pieced it all together too. Some really intense information came to light which explained why DS Tyler was keeping it quiet while he tried to uncover the truth.

I know I said the last instalment was my favourite but this one has now officially taken its place! This series just seems to be getting better and better and I am really hoping that there is many more books to come!? I really cant wait to find out what is in store next for Mina Rabbani!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Tyler’s protegé shines

I enjoyed this more than I expected given that the main hero of Thomas’s previous works in the series, DS Adam Tyler, is largely out of commission. An anonymous letter passed onto him sets him on the trail of a cold case: the kidnap and disappearance of the first wife of an important politician. What he learns makes him fear for his sidekick, Amina Rabbani (known as Mina) so he becomes obsessively secretive about his research meaning that when he is attacked and in a coma, his colleagues have almost nothing to go on.

Mina is determined to get to the bottom of why Tyler was attacked and eventually, with the help of a disturbed witness who had been a child at the time, she unravels the mystery and solves the case. Along the way, the reader is shown the damaging effects of childhood trauma, even when the traumatising incident is unremembered. Additionally, there are pops at unscrupulous and conscience-free politicians as well as corrupt or obstructive senior police officers.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russ Thomas delivers a gripping thriller in Sleeping Dogs, the fourth installment in the DS Adam Tyler series. This dual-timeline story begins with the disappearance of a young mother 24 years ago and unravels a web of secrets when Tyler follows a tip to an abandoned theatre—only to end up fighting for his life. With Tyler sidelined, DC Mina Rabbani steps into the spotlight, piecing together his investigation while facing truths that hit too close to home.
The story is expertly plotted with vivid imagery and jaw-dropping twists. Mina shines as a lead, showcasing her strength and vulnerability as she takes charge of the Cold Case Unit. The characters are richly drawn, especially Ruth, whose enigmatic presence keeps you guessing. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer, Sleeping Dogs is a thrilling, fast-paced read that will keep you hooked until the final page.
Very grateful to the publisher and @thebookdealer for my copy, opinions are my own

[Balthazar Lawson]

This is the fourth book in the series but the first book I've read by this author. But I don't think I'll be going back to the earlier novels.

DS Adam Tyler works in cold cases and has the habit of getting too focused on cases to the detriment of everything else including his private life. It's happened before and it's happening again. However, this book starts with him being attacked and put into a coma. The rest of the story is about trying to find out who put him their and what he was working on at the time. So there is a lot of jumping back and forward, as much as 24 years, until the past catches up with the present. I find this kind of structure confusing and annoying and really off putting.

Overall, this was not that enjoyable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the DS Adam Tyler series has been my favourite so far! And Cold Reckoning was hard to beat.

DS Tyler is back to his old ways and is working a case on his own that his colleagues have no idea about. Unfortunately, he is seriously injured at the beginning, leaving DC Rabbani & DI Doggett to try to figure out what he was doing.

This goes between now & the six months leading up to then as we start to see the pieces of the puzzle all slot together. We get straight into the action from the beginning and the pace keeps up throught.

I have now read all 4 books in this series and feel like both Russ & the characters have grown so much. I'm fully invested in where they go from here

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleeping Dogs is book four in the DS Adam Tyler series by Russ Thomas and it's a series that I love catching up with. In this book, we return to Sheffield and to settings and landmarks that I know, but the storyline is a bit different this time. It's told in the very recent past and the present, with Adam investigating an anonymous tip-off without involving his colleagues (standard Adam), and then DC Mina Rabbani investigating what happens to Adam when he gets a bit too involved.

Whilst I missed Adam's character in the parts when he was out of action, I really enjoyed seeing Mina step forward and take on a bigger role. She's such an interesting and promising character and I'll be interested to see what happens to her next (given the ending).

The unfolding of the two strands worked really well, with all the pieces being slotted in place as it went along. The plotting is tight and I found I didn't want to put this book down. This is a police procedural but that's not all it is. It's got heart and emotion, it has a touch of police corruption, interesting characters, an intricate dual time narrative storyline, and an in-depth investigation that kept me absolutely gripped. I loved Sleeping Dogs and I really hope there is more to come from DS Adam Tyler.

[Amber O’Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

The latest installment in Russ Thomas’s Detective Adam Tyler series is another gripping read. I’ve always loved his writing style, and as someone from Yorkshire, the use of Yorkshire slang feels so familiar and comforting—it’s a nice touch that really brings the familiar setting to life.

That said, I did ended up spoiling a bit of the book for myself by guessing a few of the twists ahead of time. Even so, it was hard to put down, and the story kept me hooked right to the end. Overall, it’s another strong addition to the series that fans of crime fiction will enjoy.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great thriller by Thomas.

The story was entertaining, surprising and some plot-twists just jaw-dropping.
I really enjoyed the focus on Mina this time as it rounded out the character a lot. Tyler's journey also felt genuine and real, but I start to dislike the constant secrecy on his part.

The structure of the book and story was really good to read, but some parts of it felt long and somewhat repetitive. Nonetheless, the series becomes stronger with every new book. I can hardly wait for the next one.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've read the other books in this series, you know what you're getting.
Tyler with a ton of baggage, and Mina.
This book mostly has Tyler out of action other than some flashbacks, so Mina is very much the star attraction.
It was interesting to learn a bit more about her and her background.
It has plenty of twists and turns, but I found a lot of them predictable.
I enjoyed this book, as I have the whole series, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations after the previous book.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well after the end of the last book. I didn’t know where this series would go. Everything seemed wrapped up and done.

This was a story for Rabbani. I loved the set up. The lady and present chapters.

I still really love Tyler and Rabbani. I am concerned about Danny and his motives for coming back. Is he going to be an issue in future books? I feel like he might.

Another solid book in this series. Everything I love. Throughly enjoyed it.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Dogs is the fourth book in the DS Adam Tyler series by Thomas and my favourite to date.

Rather than centreing around Tyler, the book focuses on Rabbani as she steps in for Tyler. We get to find out more of her backstory and see her come into her own, rather than being known as a 'side' character.

As with all of Thomas's books I have thoroughly enjoyed them and found them to be such great crime thrillers. They're very hard to put down once you start!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the DS Tyler series, it is well written and is cleverly plotted. I like the characters, especially Mina and it is good to see more of the focus on her role. Ruth was an interesting character but one I failed to empathise with despite her story. The pacing was steady throughout with some surprising revelations for Mina and there was plenty of tension. I liked the ending and look forward to reading more of Tyler and Mina in the next book. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still remains one of my favourite thriller/crime series with this addition rivalling Firewatching for top spot. The writing style is easy to read and enjoyable with serval plot twists I didn’t see coming. Some twists were predictable but I didn’t fully guess the ending until only 100 pages remained. Great to see Mina shine in this book and delve deeper into her character background. Overall, an enjoyable and thrilling read.

[Kay Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series so far. This is partly because of DS Adam Tyler who has developed as a character but who still makes me want to kick him for stupid policing behaviour like secrecy over details of a case. More so though it's both the focus on DC Mina Rabbani and glimpses of her family and her growing confidence as a police officer and more practiced storytelling. An interesting story, told well.

CW for some historical child neglect and abuse.

[Lynda Charsville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Russ Thomas. A slightly different take on the Tyler series but I really enjoyed getting to know Mina. Having lived in Sheffield myself, I love the way Russ brings the city to life and was excited that the Abbeydale Road Picture House was used as a location. Can’t wait to see what Adam does next!

[Leticia Igbinazaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great continuation of Adam Tyler’s story.. although it was a little ambiguous at the end as to whether this is the end of his story. Great to see use of other side characters in a larger role (loved Rabbani) and the use of different timelines (jumping back and forth between different perspectives over different timelines) to pay off for the big reveal.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying these stories about maverick Adam Tyler.
Now his personal mission is mostly sorted, what now?
This is mostly Mina's story - certainly in the now, investigating what has happened to Adam.
Adam we really only hear from in the past, what lead him to being attacked.

[Shaay3Hay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable book, it was nice that Mina got more airtime and I liked the jump between past and present and it all came together nicely. However I found the ending a bit underwhelming, the entire book felt like a build up to something huge but instead it was a bit average