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DI Sean Corrigan #1
Cold Killing
Luke Delaney takes the thriller genre to new heights with his debut crime novel, Cold Killing—an unforgettable and haunting duel between a seasoned detective and a brilliant serial killer.
Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan finds the body of a brutally murdered young man in his own South London flat. Corrigan takes the case and soon finds himself embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a ruthless and clever serial killer who changes his modus operandi each time he kills, leaving no useable forensic evidence behind...
Former London murder squad detective Luke Delaney has created a cast of memorable and complex characters in this dark and psychological page-turner.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
209 people are currently reading
3214 people want to read
About the author
Luke Delaney
39 books290 followersLuke Delaney joined the Metropolitan Police Service in the late 1980s and his first posting was to an inner city area of South East London notorious for high levels of crime and extreme violence. He later joined CID where he investigated murders ranging from those committed by fledgling serial killers to gangland assassinations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
December 29, 2016
D.I. Sean Corrigan is no ordinary cop. He has a special ability, sort of extra-sensory perception, which enables him to visualize and sense a killer’s actions and mindset. It is a “gift” he would probably prefer not to have, for it is born of childhood molestation at the hands of his father. Because of his experiences as a victim of abuse, he has worked hard to turn away from any inclinations to turn his darkness and anger toward others and now uses it to help others by solving crimes.
Cold Killing, Corrigan matches wits with a killer who has no apparent motive other than because he seems driven. This dangerous murderer has no single method, no one particular type of victim, nor any preferred area of London. He leaves no trace of forensic evidence behind. Yet Corrigan believes he knows the identity of the killer. Can he be stopped before he kills again?
The author, Luke Delaney, is a former detective with the Metropolitan Police Service in London. He combines solid police procedures with a psychological game of cat-and-mouse in this tense debut thriller. It does seem to go on a little longer than necessary, but never to the point where I was bored. I found the characters, for the most part, to be fascinating. The cops seemed like real people with real problems, both on and off the job. I was constantly guessing about who was involved in various aspects of the case. Perhaps I should have pondered a bit longer, because I was not prepared for the twist near the end. That threw me for a loop, honestly, because I couldn’t quite make everything prior to that fit together the way it should have, and that was rather disappointing.
Overall, however, I found this book difficult to let go of, and I will gladly read the next Sean Corrigan installment. Whether you enjoy police procedurals or psychological thrillers, there is some of each in Cold Killing
4 stars
Cold Killing, Corrigan matches wits with a killer who has no apparent motive other than because he seems driven. This dangerous murderer has no single method, no one particular type of victim, nor any preferred area of London. He leaves no trace of forensic evidence behind. Yet Corrigan believes he knows the identity of the killer. Can he be stopped before he kills again?
The author, Luke Delaney, is a former detective with the Metropolitan Police Service in London. He combines solid police procedures with a psychological game of cat-and-mouse in this tense debut thriller. It does seem to go on a little longer than necessary, but never to the point where I was bored. I found the characters, for the most part, to be fascinating. The cops seemed like real people with real problems, both on and off the job. I was constantly guessing about who was involved in various aspects of the case. Perhaps I should have pondered a bit longer, because I was not prepared for the twist near the end. That threw me for a loop, honestly, because I couldn’t quite make everything prior to that fit together the way it should have, and that was rather disappointing.
Overall, however, I found this book difficult to let go of, and I will gladly read the next Sean Corrigan installment. Whether you enjoy police procedurals or psychological thrillers, there is some of each in Cold Killing
4 stars
December 19, 2015
In all honesty, I'm not sure about this one.
Delaney has gone the Dexter route of tragic/violent past= killer inside = using those skills for good within the police in an attempt to keep the dark side at bay. That premise is all well and good but the novel doesn't let you forget it for one second. Maybe it's because it's the first in the series, but one explanation of this would have been enough instead of ramming in down my throat every time Sean is mentioned.
On the other hand, I think the series has promise for the future. Probably because I liked the bad guys. Plus, like Dexter, DI Sean Corrigan has some scope to develop into a really fascinating character. Hopefully, no logging though.
I won this copy in a competition on Goodreads by Killer Reads. Many thanks.
Delaney has gone the Dexter route of tragic/violent past= killer inside = using those skills for good within the police in an attempt to keep the dark side at bay. That premise is all well and good but the novel doesn't let you forget it for one second. Maybe it's because it's the first in the series, but one explanation of this would have been enough instead of ramming in down my throat every time Sean is mentioned.
On the other hand, I think the series has promise for the future. Probably because I liked the bad guys. Plus, like Dexter, DI Sean Corrigan has some scope to develop into a really fascinating character. Hopefully, no logging though.
I won this copy in a competition on Goodreads by Killer Reads. Many thanks.
May 15, 2013
Well, the only thing I can say is if you havem't read this debut novel by Luke Delaney, you should certainly give it a go, absolutely brilliant. Here's my review...
I read the synopsis about this book and thought it sounded great. I mean w...ho better to write a book about the murky worlds of killers that an ex-copper turned CID with experience of extreme violence. When I looked at the bio of Luke Delaney I wasn’t surprised to see that this was a pseudonym, as I can’t imagine many coppers would want their real name and picture plastered about on books! This is the first in a series of books featuring DI Sean Corrigan. The difference between DI Corrigan and others is that Sean has an ability to take his thoughts to the dark side of a killer. His upbringing has left him with deep scars and emotions that haunt him; thankfully they also make him a great copper.
When I started reading this book I didn’t realise that within the first couple of chapters I would be so completely absorbed. DI Sean Corrigan is an absolutely fantastic character. He is a normal guy with a wife and kids, working a job that has unsociable hours. However when the first crime scene turns up in the book you see the other side to him. I really can’t explain just how dark this side of his character is, but just reading him processing his thoughts like a killer made me shiver. What also pulled me in with this book were the chapters that were written from the killer’s point of view. It shows just how much experience Delaney must have as it’s realistic to the point of it being terrifying.
Sean is on the trail of a killer who is frighteningly smart. He knows about forensics and every scene he shows up at is free of any DNA evidence. What struck me when reading this book was the fact that you get to see coppers work a case the real way, not like an episode of CSI. It had me horrified and intrigued in equal measures. The pace was pretty good but this was certainly secondary for me as the storyline and characters were brilliant. This was a book I didn’t want to put down and is best described as a meaty police thriller. Literally as soon as the last page was turned I was straight onto Amazon to find out when the next one is due. I was extremely pleased to see that the second book in the series ‘The Keeper’ is due out in September 2013.
All I can say is that Delany has clearly found his calling following a career in the police. Being an author is now clearly what he is meant to do and I for one will be keeping a close eye on all future Delaney related news. Highly recommended; especially for fans of Peter James and Mark Billingham.
I read the synopsis about this book and thought it sounded great. I mean w...ho better to write a book about the murky worlds of killers that an ex-copper turned CID with experience of extreme violence. When I looked at the bio of Luke Delaney I wasn’t surprised to see that this was a pseudonym, as I can’t imagine many coppers would want their real name and picture plastered about on books! This is the first in a series of books featuring DI Sean Corrigan. The difference between DI Corrigan and others is that Sean has an ability to take his thoughts to the dark side of a killer. His upbringing has left him with deep scars and emotions that haunt him; thankfully they also make him a great copper.
When I started reading this book I didn’t realise that within the first couple of chapters I would be so completely absorbed. DI Sean Corrigan is an absolutely fantastic character. He is a normal guy with a wife and kids, working a job that has unsociable hours. However when the first crime scene turns up in the book you see the other side to him. I really can’t explain just how dark this side of his character is, but just reading him processing his thoughts like a killer made me shiver. What also pulled me in with this book were the chapters that were written from the killer’s point of view. It shows just how much experience Delaney must have as it’s realistic to the point of it being terrifying.
Sean is on the trail of a killer who is frighteningly smart. He knows about forensics and every scene he shows up at is free of any DNA evidence. What struck me when reading this book was the fact that you get to see coppers work a case the real way, not like an episode of CSI. It had me horrified and intrigued in equal measures. The pace was pretty good but this was certainly secondary for me as the storyline and characters were brilliant. This was a book I didn’t want to put down and is best described as a meaty police thriller. Literally as soon as the last page was turned I was straight onto Amazon to find out when the next one is due. I was extremely pleased to see that the second book in the series ‘The Keeper’ is due out in September 2013.
All I can say is that Delany has clearly found his calling following a career in the police. Being an author is now clearly what he is meant to do and I for one will be keeping a close eye on all future Delaney related news. Highly recommended; especially for fans of Peter James and Mark Billingham.
March 17, 2015
This was a good book, but at times it dragged for me. There was not a lot of suspense. Although I liked Sean Corrigan and his crew, I was also a little disappointed in some of their antics. I am interested in where the author next takes these characters and will read more of this series. It appears there will be a future meeting with one of this book's antagonists.
I do have one gripe, and it occurs in other stories besides this one. I have no sympathy for a woman who weds a policeman and then complains about his having to go to work at odd hours, his never being home, and his lack of attention to her and his family. If you're going to marry a cop, you should know all this beforehand and accept it.
I do have one gripe, and it occurs in other stories besides this one. I have no sympathy for a woman who weds a policeman and then complains about his having to go to work at odd hours, his never being home, and his lack of attention to her and his family. If you're going to marry a cop, you should know all this beforehand and accept it.
May 22, 2015
Luke Delaney knows how to write a dark thriller about a serial killer his character DI Sean Corrigan has a dark past molested as a child he gets into the darkness of a serial killers mind all characters are strong & storyline got me in straight away
March 27, 2023
Review due to follow
January 5, 2015
Cold Killing is a debut from the pen of Luke Delaney. What makes this book slightly different is that the author is an ex detective himself and reads with the plausibility of one.
Here we meet DI Sean Corrigan, a detective with gifts. Coming from an abused background himself he has the ability to think dark thoughts, darker thoughts than the average mind, knowing how a killer would think and feel, which gives him a certain edge over other detectives. It's an interesting concept nothing that different or that it hasn't been done before, but Corrigan is a likable character with flaws and feels more realistic somehow.
The story itself is pretty good. Random victims that are being murdered with seemingly no link between them. A suspect that may be the actual suspect or not. A dark bad guy that gives you plenty to dislike, a supporting cast of characters that add to the story well and fleshed out enough for you to get to know them. Lots of interesting twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing with a couple of twists towards the end. Some readers may see whats coming others may not. I did, but it certainly didn't detract from this fairly pacy novel that had me wanting to keep reading another chapter. If there are any criticisms I would say the book felt a tad too long, could of lost a few pages without losing any story, but I guess it was meant to feel like a 'real' police investigation and that doesn't happen overnight!!
There's nothing really new here, the detailing is quite graphic at times and violent which some may find off putting but I enjoyed the story as a whole, more than I expected too if I'm honest. So much so that I've gone straight onto book two. I can see these stories getting better and better and becoming more addictive as production moves on. Hopefully Mr Delaney has a few stories featuring DI Corrigan within him, I do like him as a detective!! Guess we'll see.
Recommended.
Here we meet DI Sean Corrigan, a detective with gifts. Coming from an abused background himself he has the ability to think dark thoughts, darker thoughts than the average mind, knowing how a killer would think and feel, which gives him a certain edge over other detectives. It's an interesting concept nothing that different or that it hasn't been done before, but Corrigan is a likable character with flaws and feels more realistic somehow.
The story itself is pretty good. Random victims that are being murdered with seemingly no link between them. A suspect that may be the actual suspect or not. A dark bad guy that gives you plenty to dislike, a supporting cast of characters that add to the story well and fleshed out enough for you to get to know them. Lots of interesting twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing with a couple of twists towards the end. Some readers may see whats coming others may not. I did, but it certainly didn't detract from this fairly pacy novel that had me wanting to keep reading another chapter. If there are any criticisms I would say the book felt a tad too long, could of lost a few pages without losing any story, but I guess it was meant to feel like a 'real' police investigation and that doesn't happen overnight!!
There's nothing really new here, the detailing is quite graphic at times and violent which some may find off putting but I enjoyed the story as a whole, more than I expected too if I'm honest. So much so that I've gone straight onto book two. I can see these stories getting better and better and becoming more addictive as production moves on. Hopefully Mr Delaney has a few stories featuring DI Corrigan within him, I do like him as a detective!! Guess we'll see.
Recommended.
May 6, 2014
5 Terrifyingly Authentic Stars
Brilliant....bloody brilliant
DI Sean Corrigan on the trail of the most dangerous killer he's ever encountered. The killer leaves no clues, no forensic evidence and his victims have nothing in common. But Sean knows they were all murdered by the same man.
Its really hard to say much more without giving the plot away, but I have to say its exciting and very well written. I know I can't wait to read more from this writer in the future...
Brilliant....bloody brilliant
DI Sean Corrigan on the trail of the most dangerous killer he's ever encountered. The killer leaves no clues, no forensic evidence and his victims have nothing in common. But Sean knows they were all murdered by the same man.
Its really hard to say much more without giving the plot away, but I have to say its exciting and very well written. I know I can't wait to read more from this writer in the future...
February 23, 2022
Eine gute Unterhaltung für zwischendurch, aber mehr auch nicht. Die Handlung bzw den Fall fand ich ganz spannend, aber irgendwas hat mir gefallen, um so richtig mit Interesse dran zu bleiben.
Ich hab ja den zweiten Teil der Reihe vorher gelesen und bin nun auch froh darüber, denn ich glaube, nach diesem hier hätte ich die Reihe nicht unbedingt weiter verfolgt.
Ich hab ja den zweiten Teil der Reihe vorher gelesen und bin nun auch froh darüber, denn ich glaube, nach diesem hier hätte ich die Reihe nicht unbedingt weiter verfolgt.
November 13, 2025
DI Sean Corrigan is a detective with a dark past, trauma experienced in early life that gives him an uncanny ability to spot the evil ones amongst us.
A formidable foe, dark and twisted, hiding amongst the revered echelons of society.
Luke Delaney writes with ease and deep knowledge of his characters and setting. Cold Killing is a great first outing for Corrigan and his team and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A formidable foe, dark and twisted, hiding amongst the revered echelons of society.
Luke Delaney writes with ease and deep knowledge of his characters and setting. Cold Killing is a great first outing for Corrigan and his team and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 24, 2013
Read my full review: http://bit.ly/133fUd1
My opinion: I have found a new series to stalk. This book hooked me from page one and never let go. The storyline, while masterfully twisted, didn't go overboard. This book was a wonderful example of why I love British mystery writers so much.
The style that this book was written was too much and really added to my thorough enjoyment of the story. I wouldn't say there were two POV presented. The chapters alternated between the telling the story that you see in any old book and that of the killer giving the reader a voyeuristic look of the story from his perspective. I wouldn't call it stream of consciousness writing though.
A word of criticism cuz that is me and no book is perfect: The writing, while superb, could have been tighted up a bit, BUT this is a debut novel. I would expect some of this. I have no doubt that if this author is able to tighten up his writing, which with the level of writing portrayed in a debut, this series will be 5 star reads for me. I found I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy the works of Val McDermid and S.J. Bolton.
I must also admit that I figured the killer out about half way through. That did not leave me disappointed with a lack of cold-hearted twists. This author managed to work in some rockin' ones.
My opinion: I have found a new series to stalk. This book hooked me from page one and never let go. The storyline, while masterfully twisted, didn't go overboard. This book was a wonderful example of why I love British mystery writers so much.
The style that this book was written was too much and really added to my thorough enjoyment of the story. I wouldn't say there were two POV presented. The chapters alternated between the telling the story that you see in any old book and that of the killer giving the reader a voyeuristic look of the story from his perspective. I wouldn't call it stream of consciousness writing though.
A word of criticism cuz that is me and no book is perfect: The writing, while superb, could have been tighted up a bit, BUT this is a debut novel. I would expect some of this. I have no doubt that if this author is able to tighten up his writing, which with the level of writing portrayed in a debut, this series will be 5 star reads for me. I found I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy the works of Val McDermid and S.J. Bolton.
I must also admit that I figured the killer out about half way through. That did not leave me disappointed with a lack of cold-hearted twists. This author managed to work in some rockin' ones.
November 25, 2015
Fantastic debut by Luke Delaney can't wait for the next installment, would have been a 5★ but I guessed a few things that would happen I'll say no more I hate to spoil it for anyone, a great 4★ debut
May 24, 2018
Cold Killing (DI Sean Corrigan #1) by Luke Delaney
4.5 stars!!!
For those that follow me on social media you will be aware that I have been raving about this new serial killer series that I have been reading at the rate of knots. I am absolutely addicted to this series, and although most of the books are near or over the 500-page mark, I have devoured nearly four of the books in as many days. As I said, addicted!!
It is refreshing that Luke Delaney is an ex-detective with the Metropolitan Police. The attention to detail and the insider knowledge certainly reflects extremely well through procedures and the inside mind and workings of an active officer. I love Criminal Minds, CSI etc so am an avid fan of anything psychological and forensic and this series certainly melds both together perfectly. I loved how this author shows the police as real people, the effects their jobs have on their family and the pressures of what is expected and the little time that leaves for them to have a social life and more importantly family life. However, this is just a very small part of this book. This was a fantastic psychological thriller, one that leaves you guessing at every turn as you become so embroiled in the investigation you almost become a copper yourself.
DI Sean Corrigan is a complex character and one that I came to respect. He is unconventional in how he tackles an investigation from the very beginning and I am hoping to learn a lot more about his past as this series progresses. Sean Corrigan has a knack of being able to put himself in the minds of the killers, he can think like them and can often predict their next move. This is not a gift he enjoys possessing, however, he loves the fact that it enables him to get results, despite the pain and mental suffering it can often inflict on him. Sean Corrigan immerses himself 100%, becomes tunnel visioned in his quest to succeed, he can be unfiltered, emotionally detached but this only enamours him all the more.
In Cold Killing, Sean Corrigan is up against the perfect criminal, but even the best makes mistakes. No forensics, no single modus operandi, no correlation between victims, he is dangerous because he is unpredictable, or is he? Sean Corrigan is up against the seemingly impossible and as this book progresses the pressure only intensifies. For me, this book was unputdownable, I was engrossed from first to last page, was side swiped with the big reveal and was left desperately wanting more. So, onto The Keeper. For those that love serial killer books, psychological thrillers and/or police procedurals this book is up there for me. I can’t wait to read what comes next.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!!
“Whether it’s in their nature to do it or not, someone has to stop them, and right now that someone is you.”
For those that follow me on social media you will be aware that I have been raving about this new serial killer series that I have been reading at the rate of knots. I am absolutely addicted to this series, and although most of the books are near or over the 500-page mark, I have devoured nearly four of the books in as many days. As I said, addicted!!
It is refreshing that Luke Delaney is an ex-detective with the Metropolitan Police. The attention to detail and the insider knowledge certainly reflects extremely well through procedures and the inside mind and workings of an active officer. I love Criminal Minds, CSI etc so am an avid fan of anything psychological and forensic and this series certainly melds both together perfectly. I loved how this author shows the police as real people, the effects their jobs have on their family and the pressures of what is expected and the little time that leaves for them to have a social life and more importantly family life. However, this is just a very small part of this book. This was a fantastic psychological thriller, one that leaves you guessing at every turn as you become so embroiled in the investigation you almost become a copper yourself.
DI Sean Corrigan is a complex character and one that I came to respect. He is unconventional in how he tackles an investigation from the very beginning and I am hoping to learn a lot more about his past as this series progresses. Sean Corrigan has a knack of being able to put himself in the minds of the killers, he can think like them and can often predict their next move. This is not a gift he enjoys possessing, however, he loves the fact that it enables him to get results, despite the pain and mental suffering it can often inflict on him. Sean Corrigan immerses himself 100%, becomes tunnel visioned in his quest to succeed, he can be unfiltered, emotionally detached but this only enamours him all the more.
In Cold Killing, Sean Corrigan is up against the perfect criminal, but even the best makes mistakes. No forensics, no single modus operandi, no correlation between victims, he is dangerous because he is unpredictable, or is he? Sean Corrigan is up against the seemingly impossible and as this book progresses the pressure only intensifies. For me, this book was unputdownable, I was engrossed from first to last page, was side swiped with the big reveal and was left desperately wanting more. So, onto The Keeper. For those that love serial killer books, psychological thrillers and/or police procedurals this book is up there for me. I can’t wait to read what comes next.
www.theromancecover.com
April 10, 2013
DI Sean Corrigan is not like other detectives. The terrible abuse he suffered in childhood hasn’t stopped him enjoying family life with his wife and two daughters, or pursuing an impressive career with South London’s Murder Investigation Unit. But it has left him with an uncanny ability to identify the darkness in others – a darkness he recognises still exists deep within his own psyche and battles to keep buried there. Now Sean’s on the trail of the most dangerous killer he’s ever encountered. The perpetrator has no recognisable MO, leaves no forensic evidence and his victims have nothing in common. But Sean knows they were all murdered by the same man. Now all he has to do is find the evidence, convince his bosses and stop the killing before his adversary gets too close to home…
As an enthusiastic crime fiction reader I always relish the opportunity of reading a crime novel written by someone who has actually walked the walk and talked the talk in law enforcement , drawing on their personal experience to construct an authentic story- as long as they have the propensity to spin a good yarn as well! As an ex-London Met detective with many years service under his belt, Luke Delaney not only exhibits this complete authenticity in terms of the police procedural, but more than demonstrates his finesse as an author in this gripping and well-constructed novel. Delaney has personal experience of policing in tough inner city areas, and as a CID detective he encountered everything from fledgling serial killers to violent gang crime and gangland assasinations, and all this is brought to bear in this impressive debut thriller.
Sean Corrigan is an exemplary creation in terms of a detective with just the right balance of good cop/disturbed cop having overcome the traumas of his childhood experiences, the experience of which give him a unique perspective on the motivations and psyche of a killer. In Corrigan we observe a man who could easily teeter over the precipice emotionally due to the horrendous events in his own life, but who fights every day to use these experiences to become a perceptive and astute detective, with an inate ability to tap into the mind of the killer at large in this investigation. He is a terrier of a man, unrelenting in his pursuance of the man he believes is guilty of these brutal killings, and like all good detectives more than willing to challenge the dictates of his largely inept paper-pushing superiors to catch a killer. I found him an entirely empathetic character and wholly believable in his characterisation, which is absolutely essential if this is to be the first of a projected series. Likewise, his nemesis in the shape of slimy financier James Hellier, the object of Corrigan’s investigation, is a perfectly realised character combining charm with an undercurrent of wolfishness in his interactions with Corrigan, but has Corrigan got the right man in his sights?
The plot is perfectly paced as the police team grapple with a forensically aware, and ultimately psychopathic killer, capturing the tenseness and frustrations of a multiple murder investigation. This is where Delaney’s experience as a police officer kicks in, with a true depiction of the nitty gritty procedures that the police are bound by, and a continual feeling of them racing against the clock. There are a couple of nicely placed barbs directed towards crime fiction writers and film-makers at the liberties they take in their own depiction of police work, which again added to the sense of realism in Delaney’s own presentation of a police investigation. There is a nice balance in the plot between Corrigan’s professional and personal life, and I thought this added an extra dimension to our perception of Corrigan as a husband, father and cop, with an effective drawing back from the violence of the main plot.
I have no qualms at all in comparing this with some of the best exponents of the psychological police procedual- I’m thinking Mark Billingham, Stuart MacBride, Adam Creed et al- so would definitely rate Delaney as an author to discover for yourselves. You will not be disappointed.
As an enthusiastic crime fiction reader I always relish the opportunity of reading a crime novel written by someone who has actually walked the walk and talked the talk in law enforcement , drawing on their personal experience to construct an authentic story- as long as they have the propensity to spin a good yarn as well! As an ex-London Met detective with many years service under his belt, Luke Delaney not only exhibits this complete authenticity in terms of the police procedural, but more than demonstrates his finesse as an author in this gripping and well-constructed novel. Delaney has personal experience of policing in tough inner city areas, and as a CID detective he encountered everything from fledgling serial killers to violent gang crime and gangland assasinations, and all this is brought to bear in this impressive debut thriller.
Sean Corrigan is an exemplary creation in terms of a detective with just the right balance of good cop/disturbed cop having overcome the traumas of his childhood experiences, the experience of which give him a unique perspective on the motivations and psyche of a killer. In Corrigan we observe a man who could easily teeter over the precipice emotionally due to the horrendous events in his own life, but who fights every day to use these experiences to become a perceptive and astute detective, with an inate ability to tap into the mind of the killer at large in this investigation. He is a terrier of a man, unrelenting in his pursuance of the man he believes is guilty of these brutal killings, and like all good detectives more than willing to challenge the dictates of his largely inept paper-pushing superiors to catch a killer. I found him an entirely empathetic character and wholly believable in his characterisation, which is absolutely essential if this is to be the first of a projected series. Likewise, his nemesis in the shape of slimy financier James Hellier, the object of Corrigan’s investigation, is a perfectly realised character combining charm with an undercurrent of wolfishness in his interactions with Corrigan, but has Corrigan got the right man in his sights?
The plot is perfectly paced as the police team grapple with a forensically aware, and ultimately psychopathic killer, capturing the tenseness and frustrations of a multiple murder investigation. This is where Delaney’s experience as a police officer kicks in, with a true depiction of the nitty gritty procedures that the police are bound by, and a continual feeling of them racing against the clock. There are a couple of nicely placed barbs directed towards crime fiction writers and film-makers at the liberties they take in their own depiction of police work, which again added to the sense of realism in Delaney’s own presentation of a police investigation. There is a nice balance in the plot between Corrigan’s professional and personal life, and I thought this added an extra dimension to our perception of Corrigan as a husband, father and cop, with an effective drawing back from the violence of the main plot.
I have no qualms at all in comparing this with some of the best exponents of the psychological police procedual- I’m thinking Mark Billingham, Stuart MacBride, Adam Creed et al- so would definitely rate Delaney as an author to discover for yourselves. You will not be disappointed.
September 4, 2013
Well what can I say about one of the best thrillers I have ever read? Thumping good read comes to mind, or even unputdownable. This book has everything I look for in a crime novel and it is a complete tour de force.
In a nutshell we have the wonderful insightful DI Sean Corrigan (brilliant character) and his loyal team of detectives. They are chasing an evil murderer who kills because he can and whom they believe is James Hellier; the problem is getting the evidence to convict him.
Hellier is a Junior Partner at Butler and Mason International Finance and he certainly knows how to give the police the slip, even when he has a top surveillance team watching him.
The tension never lets up and Sean Corrigan is one of my all time favourite Policemen; he is insightful, very clever but above all unafraid of this menace roaming the streets and whom he intends to get under any circumstances. The case virtually takes over his whole life, with tensions running high at home with his doctor wife and two small children.
This is my first Luke Delaney novel, who I understand is ex-police himself, and I am just about to devour his follow up novel, The Keeper.
Totally and utterly engrossing novel and very highly recommended.
In a nutshell we have the wonderful insightful DI Sean Corrigan (brilliant character) and his loyal team of detectives. They are chasing an evil murderer who kills because he can and whom they believe is James Hellier; the problem is getting the evidence to convict him.
Hellier is a Junior Partner at Butler and Mason International Finance and he certainly knows how to give the police the slip, even when he has a top surveillance team watching him.
The tension never lets up and Sean Corrigan is one of my all time favourite Policemen; he is insightful, very clever but above all unafraid of this menace roaming the streets and whom he intends to get under any circumstances. The case virtually takes over his whole life, with tensions running high at home with his doctor wife and two small children.
This is my first Luke Delaney novel, who I understand is ex-police himself, and I am just about to devour his follow up novel, The Keeper.
Totally and utterly engrossing novel and very highly recommended.
June 6, 2013
This is an extraordinarily good mystery. I don't read much serial killer type mystery's but the unforgettable characters, sharp dialogue and steamroller action in this debut, first in a series, novel is absolutely mesmerizing. The originality of the cat & mouse game played out by the pursuing London Police and their main suspect is absolutely compelling and leaves me thinking about the next book in the series due out in January 2014.
July 29, 2015
Good but some parts were slow so I couldn't give it five stars.
August 14, 2013
I find "Cold Killing" a page turning book alright, but I don't like it at all.
There is no fact just fat imagination to pin a suspect from the start of the story (I thought I was reading some psychic stuff even though the leading man said he's no psychic explicitly). What if the guessing was wrong? Is this how police normally ruin people's lives when they guess wrong? I have deep problem with the protagonist that he relies on his own sense of violence so arrogantly and his sense is set to be accurate simply because the author did so. This is definitely what makes me hate policemen in crime fictions when the author assert that they can see something that our mortal eyes can not see (I know real people may see things other don't because they are more careful, but not the fictional characters! Because the author is responsible to describe what is the things that we don't see). I hope the police will have special insight based on something much more concrete than DI Sean Corrigan's psychical vision. Also I find it rather ridiculous about the idea that people recognize their own kind, because really, nobody knows nobody. And a policeman is not the same kind as a killer regardless they may share the same background. Simply because policemen do not murder innocent people as murderers do!
The murders and murderer is somehow OK set up, the supporting characters are also lovable. I like the police work that has been described in the book (except DI Corrigan's "I know it's him" part). The plot is a little bit predictable, concerning the identity of the main suspect / the real murderer, (you have to read it to find out whether it’s the same one) but I am unsure about how the things will turn out eventually (that gives there’s enough suspense, but still lack of facts, you can argue the killer was just simply too good). The book is well written and paced.
But still, I won’t continue with the series with this leading character.
There is no fact just fat imagination to pin a suspect from the start of the story (I thought I was reading some psychic stuff even though the leading man said he's no psychic explicitly). What if the guessing was wrong? Is this how police normally ruin people's lives when they guess wrong? I have deep problem with the protagonist that he relies on his own sense of violence so arrogantly and his sense is set to be accurate simply because the author did so. This is definitely what makes me hate policemen in crime fictions when the author assert that they can see something that our mortal eyes can not see (I know real people may see things other don't because they are more careful, but not the fictional characters! Because the author is responsible to describe what is the things that we don't see). I hope the police will have special insight based on something much more concrete than DI Sean Corrigan's psychical vision. Also I find it rather ridiculous about the idea that people recognize their own kind, because really, nobody knows nobody. And a policeman is not the same kind as a killer regardless they may share the same background. Simply because policemen do not murder innocent people as murderers do!
The murders and murderer is somehow OK set up, the supporting characters are also lovable. I like the police work that has been described in the book (except DI Corrigan's "I know it's him" part). The plot is a little bit predictable, concerning the identity of the main suspect / the real murderer, (you have to read it to find out whether it’s the same one) but I am unsure about how the things will turn out eventually (that gives there’s enough suspense, but still lack of facts, you can argue the killer was just simply too good). The book is well written and paced.
But still, I won’t continue with the series with this leading character.
March 22, 2016
This is a very promising start to a new series and yes, I enjoyed it but at times was a bit loathe to pick it up again but I couldn't tell you why. It's quite long-almost 500 pages-and that's possibly why-I didn't seem to be getting anywhere each time I read some more. Hard to put my finger on it but it took me 6 days to read which is quite a long time for me.
However, I'll certainly get the next one in the series and see what I think of that one as it really has promise. I've never seen Dexter but know a little of what is was about and this is a similar type of idea, I believe.
I REALLY liked the dialogue in it. The police guys 'n' girls talk my sort of language and it comes across as very real. A lot of what was said I can imagine I'd also say in their positions so I liked that a great deal. No grey areas-it's black or white.
I liked what he wrote about Mike at the beginning too-that was lovely.
Now......Americanisms in a book set over here is a massive bugbear of mine and yet he does it but not all the time-so you get realize/recognize/visualize/organized but then he spells the English (proper) way as well-fantasise/brutalised.....usually authors go one way or the other so this was unusual, although they're my only real gripes. I've read books by ex-police personnel in the past and they've been painful to read as their spelling/grammar is often atrocious but not in Mr Delaney's case at all. I was very impressed !!
I laughed aloud at his comment-"we live in a country where seventy percent of the population don't know the difference between a peadophile and a peadiatrician"......so true !!! His observation of the magpies made me quite sniffy, too.....so he elicits a fair few emotions.
I look forward to reading about the team's next case.
However, I'll certainly get the next one in the series and see what I think of that one as it really has promise. I've never seen Dexter but know a little of what is was about and this is a similar type of idea, I believe.
I REALLY liked the dialogue in it. The police guys 'n' girls talk my sort of language and it comes across as very real. A lot of what was said I can imagine I'd also say in their positions so I liked that a great deal. No grey areas-it's black or white.
I liked what he wrote about Mike at the beginning too-that was lovely.
Now......Americanisms in a book set over here is a massive bugbear of mine and yet he does it but not all the time-so you get realize/recognize/visualize/organized but then he spells the English (proper) way as well-fantasise/brutalised.....usually authors go one way or the other so this was unusual, although they're my only real gripes. I've read books by ex-police personnel in the past and they've been painful to read as their spelling/grammar is often atrocious but not in Mr Delaney's case at all. I was very impressed !!
I laughed aloud at his comment-"we live in a country where seventy percent of the population don't know the difference between a peadophile and a peadiatrician"......so true !!! His observation of the magpies made me quite sniffy, too.....so he elicits a fair few emotions.
I look forward to reading about the team's next case.
March 31, 2013
In Luke Delaney's debut novel he brings us DI Sean Corrigan, a detective with a dark past, who's childhood trauma gives him greater insight into the criminal mind - especially the darker criminal mind - than most. A man is murdered - stabbed repeatedly, the killer leaving no clues behind. Enter DI Corrigan to investigate and he soon realises that there is more to this murder scene than meets the eye. Corrigan is an interesting character to be sure - its not unique to Crime fiction to have a police officer who is less than normal, but Mr Delaney has created a protagonist with a true dark side and a realistic one at that. The villain is truly villainous and that is always a plus - a crime novel with a wishy washy or fairly standard "bad guy" can be quite dull, but the author has avoided that pitfall. The supporting cast of characters all have their good and bad sides and are excellent sidekicks to the main character. The plot moves along nicely,at a pretty perfect pace and you will certainly keep turning the pages. If you love Crime Fiction you will like this. It has its flaws - one being I realised who the killer was quite early on, the second being that there isnt really that much new to be found here.Yes its a great crime novel and definitely worth the purchase price, and the potential is there for the series (there is a taster of the next book at the end of this) to grow in stature. Hence 4* for me not 5 as yet although if Corrigan develops in character depth I can easily see there being a 5* awarded in the future. Well done to Luke Delaney, it was thoroughly enjoyable and certainly a good edition to the genre.
October 8, 2013
Too much hype...but it's not for me.
This is the first in the DI Corrigan series wherein we meet Sean Corrigan, a detective inspector in the murder squad in London. The book kicks off with the violent murder of a gay male prostitute and the killer goes to extensive lengths to remain undetected. What sets this book apart from other murder mysteries is DI Corrigan's ability to read a crime scene in such detail so that he virtually gives a step by step account of the events that transpired before, during and after the murder. If you've recently watched the Hannibal TV series you will find similarities between DI Corrigan and Will Graham's abilities, but that's where it ends. There are many twists and plots and subplots to keep track of and it seems that James Hellier is the killer being hunted until about halfway through the book, it then becomes apparent that there may be an unknown third party who is committing the crimes. Although the premise is good and the murder scenes are sufficiently gory enough to keep any avid thriller reader entertained, I found the book too protracted. Furthermore, it lost it's appeal when DI Corrigan and one of his sergeants, DS Connelly, desperately decided to plant evidence on two separate suspects in order to secure arrests for people DI Corrigan categorically claimed were the killers as identified using his special skills. I think my biggest disappointment was finding out that the crafty murdered was not DI Corrigan himself. In any event, I won't be reading the next one in the series.
This is the first in the DI Corrigan series wherein we meet Sean Corrigan, a detective inspector in the murder squad in London. The book kicks off with the violent murder of a gay male prostitute and the killer goes to extensive lengths to remain undetected. What sets this book apart from other murder mysteries is DI Corrigan's ability to read a crime scene in such detail so that he virtually gives a step by step account of the events that transpired before, during and after the murder. If you've recently watched the Hannibal TV series you will find similarities between DI Corrigan and Will Graham's abilities, but that's where it ends. There are many twists and plots and subplots to keep track of and it seems that James Hellier is the killer being hunted until about halfway through the book, it then becomes apparent that there may be an unknown third party who is committing the crimes. Although the premise is good and the murder scenes are sufficiently gory enough to keep any avid thriller reader entertained, I found the book too protracted. Furthermore, it lost it's appeal when DI Corrigan and one of his sergeants, DS Connelly, desperately decided to plant evidence on two separate suspects in order to secure arrests for people DI Corrigan categorically claimed were the killers as identified using his special skills. I think my biggest disappointment was finding out that the crafty murdered was not DI Corrigan himself. In any event, I won't be reading the next one in the series.
February 21, 2014
I enjoyed the book and the characters, but to me even more importantly, is the potential of this series. Author Delaney was a police officer in London on a murder squad and I'm sure he has a lot to offer from crime scenerios to the personalities of police personnel. This first book offers an introduction to the main and supporting characters and also develops a criminal who I believe may someday return into Corrigan's world. Reminds me of the Dept. Q series which continues to grow and get better. I look forward to book 2 "The Keeper" in the DI Sean Corrigan series.
December 15, 2015
It's been a while since I last enjoyed a crime novel. "Cold killing" is definitely one of my favourites. I really liked the writing style and the fact that the story was also told from the perspective of the killer. It kept me guessing until the very end and I was very surprised by the turn of events.
All in all, very good crime novel. I would highly recommend it if you're a fan of the genre.
*I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. This did not alter my thoughts on the book in any way.
All in all, very good crime novel. I would highly recommend it if you're a fan of the genre.
*I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. This did not alter my thoughts on the book in any way.
July 5, 2013
I absolutely loved this debut novel by Luke Delaney and highly recommend it to ANYONE who loves the Crime/Thriller genre.
I can happily state that I will definitely be purchasing the next Sean Corrigan novel THE KEEPER which is coming soon.
I can happily state that I will definitely be purchasing the next Sean Corrigan novel THE KEEPER which is coming soon.
December 13, 2015
Great first novel in what I'm sure is going to be an awesome series of books. Cold Killing was a blast to read. Tons of twists and action to keep me up until 3 am to finish. Will definitely be picking up the rest of the series ASAP. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book,my first from this writer. Looking forward very much to the next book in this series.
June 8, 2019
"Cold Killing" - written by Luke Delaney and published in 2013 by HarperCollins. This mystery/thriller is the debut of the Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan series set in modern-day London. Corrigan heads up a murder investigation team and draws on his abusive childhood to more closely identify with violent criminals - "he could control his demons and his rage, using his shattered upbringing to allow him insights into the crimes he investigated that other cops could only dream of." It's a balancing act between the perpetrator's actions, the members of his team, Corrigan's higher-ups, the media and his home life, and the violence is this story is pretty gruesome. Delaney's plotting keeps you on your toes, wondering who did what, and I enjoyed the anticipation of the solution, presented with a twist of course. The uneven support of his wife was disappointing, but likely a reflection of real life in the police business. Corrigan's immersion in the case is complete and it seems his team follows his lead - "Failed investigations felt like a contagious disease, infecting all those involved for years." The killing continues for several more books that I wouldn't mind reading.
October 9, 2020
Luke Delaney is a new author to me and this is the first to feature Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan, a detective in the south London Crime Unit based in Peckham. The brutal murder of a young male prostitute leads Sean into the realms of a serial killer. More intuition than fact base helps link other brutal killings with no forensic evidence. The killer speaks to the reader in various chapters but is it the chief suspect?
At first, the tale progressed slowly but later began to gather pace as the twists lead the reader in various direction but still focused on the chief suspect. A casual lunch date with a city financier leads a member of the detective team into grave danger. Right to the end, it is difficult to tell if the perpetrator will be caught or enough evidence found to convict them.
In the end, the whole story had grown on me and made me view it as a four-star read. A good first book in this series.
At first, the tale progressed slowly but later began to gather pace as the twists lead the reader in various direction but still focused on the chief suspect. A casual lunch date with a city financier leads a member of the detective team into grave danger. Right to the end, it is difficult to tell if the perpetrator will be caught or enough evidence found to convict them.
In the end, the whole story had grown on me and made me view it as a four-star read. A good first book in this series.
September 11, 2021
I did not like Cold Killing as much as I should. I mean I enjoy the case but while and Sean and his team are likable…some of their actions really irked me. Then it’s the killer’s POV….god, I got bore every time it was his POV. The story is quite dragging with red herrings and an obvious intent to make reader doubt with the narrative. Also, Sean’s childhood that gave him the ability to think like a killer is repeatedly emphasis …too many time. Oh, and his wife hating his job? Cliche. But I did enjoy the last 10% of the book. It was the most exciting and entertaining part in my opinion.
Btw I suspected the right one half way through, though. Pretty obvious considering the tactic the author use.
Btw I suspected the right one half way through, though. Pretty obvious considering the tactic the author use.
June 3, 2020
This is the first in a series featuring DI Sean Corrigan. Sean is an excellent detective partly because of the abuse he suffered as a child. As he works towards solving the mystery of what appears to be a domestic murder, he begins to understand the mind of the perpetrator and is also forced to confront his own dark thoughts.
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