The Boathouse

by R.J. Harries

Sean Archer is a self-taught criminologist and profiler who has been obsessed with crime since his parents were found dead when he was 14 years old. A computer savant, who has developed digital profiling tools, that the police have come to depend on. Sean has acquired a reputation for being able to solve crimes that no one else can - but when his own girlfriend, Alex, is brutally murdered, whilst researching an off-grid torture facility called The Boathouse, his brilliant inventions are of no use. Alex has left little for Sean to decipher - only a list of names. Peter Sinclair, a property billionaire, contacts Sean for help. Peter's wife, Becky, has been kidnapped and will be killed if he reports it to the police, or refuses to follow instructions. Sean agrees to help, not because he wants the case, but because Peter Sinclair was on Alex's list. When Sean tracks Becky down, she leads him right where he wants to go - or so he thinks. As he climbs over the wall of The Boathouse, he's certain he's just one step from finding Alex's killers - but Sean is utterly unprepared for solving the crime and surviving such a daunting place. The Boathouse is more heinous, more sinister, than anything Sean had ever imagined and he has little chance of surviving... The Boathouse is a complex suspense thriller that will be enjoyed by readers who thrive on solving crime investigations. The dense plot with multiple twists presents excitement and intrigue to Sean's investigation. "I want my readers to enjoy a fascinating journey that reveals thoughtful discussions about society that questions issues such as violence, treachery and revenge, whilst providing quality entertainment," says R. J. Harries.

248 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Livia Sbarbaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deliciously Dark and Gritty thriller...

Sean Archer a criminologist and profiler goes for a run one day.. and is knocked unconscious.. when he wakes up ,there is a bloodied knife in his hand with a postcard and a warning..This intensifies his obsession with finding the killer of his beautiful girlfriend Alex who had been brutally murdered. Sean turns to his business partner Zoe de la Croix - A brilliant hacker..Then Sean is asked to help solve a kidnapping case.A woman Becky Sinclair has gone missing, her millionaire husband has no faith in the police.. Archer doesn't care for Sinclair or particularly trust him..Sinclair is a vicious, selfish brute who seems more interested in his own ego and spouting of revenge...Archer agrees to take the case ...this is no easy case though ..After a botched ransom drop things begin to get darker..Archer knows Sinclair is unbalanced... and very dangerous.. Along the way he meets Sarah Forsyth ,a cool, serious ex cop now a private investigator... who is shrewd, bright and doesn't suffer fools..When Sarah agrees to work with Archer they know they are running out of time and Sinclair's wife could be dead...As the story develops there are suspects.. lies , murder and betrayal... The nightmares that have plagued Archer are about to become reality...In the search for the truth...Archer ...and others are in mortal danger... There is a very dangerous curve ahead ..on this curve Archer will find answers... will he survive ? And what of the mysterious boathouse ...does such a place exist...?? This is a heartracing.....fast moving story...it will take you to a place so dark and terrifying....that at points you will feel the way the characters feel...My first read by this author.. Brilliant.. dark...storytelling.. I loved this book...

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean Archer is a criminologist who runs a small but very well knit operation with Zoe who is a "elite" professional hacker who can get into any system possible and obtain whatever information you want.
Sean is also deeply saddened by his girlfriend's murder. He is also extremely keen to find out who murdered her as he feels that it is linked to the murder of his parents when he was a boy of 14. Two weeks after Alex's murder, her friend who was assisting Sean was also murdered.

Now Sean finds himself being constantly hassled by rogue cops and even assaulted badly warning him to stay off Alex's case.This however makes Sean even keener to find out what is happening. Alex has left him a list of people involved in her investigation and Sean vows not to allow her death to go in vain.

It is at this point of time that he is approached by Peter Sinclair a multi millionaire to take over and find his wife who he feels has been kidnapped. Sinclair does not want the police involved as it would mean the death of his wife. Sinclair is not a person whom Sean even remotely likes but he feels getting on the case is important because Peter Sinclair was also a name on on Alex's list and Sean feels getting in on this case though a difficult one would be one step closer to finding pieces to the puzzle which has long eluded the solving.

The suspense of the chase and the revealing in slow stages the mystery of this story and Sinclair himself are cleverly done. You do want to know how it is going to end and to that end it is a book you start that you want to finish on the day itself.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, trying to work out who was playing who and what the outcome would be, but I thought it went slightly off the rails in the final chapters. I don't have a problem with violence or gore in crime fiction when it is a necessary part of the scenario but the sudden sexual violence of one of the kidnap scenes at the end seemed gratuitous to me. Sean also seemed to morph from a realistic everday hero out to get revenge for his girlfriend into a bulletproof Hollywood hero, capable of taking on a dozen gun-toting hardmen without a scratch while simultaneously scaling a sheer rock face using just his little finger. This was a shame because the gritty realism of the story was what made it so nailbiting.

I suggest reading the blurb on the back of the book before you start reading as it gives a lot of background information on Alex's past which helps explain his motivations and personality. These details do come out in the story but not for some time, so finding out why he is the way he is helps you to connect and empathise with him right from the early chapters. Having not read it to begin with, I felt as though I had come into the middle of a series of books and didn't have all the background information from earlier episodes, so I was quite surprised to discover that this is a standalone novel.


(complete review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...)

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good storyline with an interesting cast of characters. Good pace and flow throughout but particularly towards the end.

Lots of detail and description which, at the beginning, seemed a bit too much but was something that was appreciated as the story went on as it put you right at the heart of the action and enabled vivid pictures to grow and develop as you read on.

I would have liked to have been given more background into the main characters, especially Archer. This would have been helpful and would have enhanced my reading experience but as it was, I felt like I'd been thrown into the action without much information or "meat on the bones". To me, this made it come across as though it was the second book in a series and I actually had to check to make sure it wasn't.

Overall though an OK début and opener to a series - if that is the intention - and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a book with action and tension but be prepared to be a little lost at times.

Thank you to www.netgalley.com and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the copy in return for an honest review.

http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sean is a criminologist left devastated when his girlfriend is killed investigating a place of torture called the Boathouse. He feels it is linked in some way to his parents deaths when he was 14. He runs an operation with Zoe- who is able to hack into secure computer systems.
His girlfriend had only left a list of names- but he’s determined to follow it through – even though he is warned off by police on the case- WHY?
A billionaire then contacts him- wanting him to investigate his wife’s disappearance without involving the police. He is only interested because this man is on his list of names. What link will he find?
I really wondered where this one was going at times. Lots of dark secrets to be uncovered with twists and turns.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one.

[Lisa D - Sassy Cat Chat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the synopsis of The Boathouse by R.J. Harries I was really looking forward to reading it. I'm sorry to say that it fell very short of my expectations. I felt like this novel was incomplete - lots of gaps that were not filled in about characters and the story line was thin. The novel was just very straight forward and simple - I was really hoping for more all the way around. The characters were lacking depth and personality. The novel really does not live up to a thriller or mystery genre book - it's much more of a straight fiction novel.

If you are looking for something to kill time and plow through in an afternoon or weekend then go for it---the book is not horrible and there are enjoyable aspects. However, you can sure find something else that will be a better use of reading time.

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracker of a book and I just love this story. being a investigator has its moments especially if you are a criminologist, profiler, analyst and use profil.ing software on all your cases together with power ful resources. Being obsessed with crime since his parents were found dead he acquired a reputation for solving crimes so when his girls is brutally murdered he sets off on a roller coaster of a ride to find her killer and encounters The Boathouse where they torture and kill people. Its a brilliant story, full of intrigue, mystery with twists and turns, one of those book you have to read to the end.

[Melek · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't have much to say. This was a pretty less-than-okay read, with its horrible pacing, shallow characters and more than straight plot. None of the findings or character behaviors made enough sense, nor did anything help reading it easier. To sum up, too much luck, too little sense. I'll go with a 1/5.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent read

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the idea and the storyline of the book more than the actual writing of the book. The plot was gripping and exciting throughout. It wasn't immediately obvious what was going to happen next, leaving me on edge and wanting to know more. Where it unfortunately fell a little flat for me was with the style of the writing. The book is based in the UK, but it didn't always feel like it. I can't put my exact finger on why, but there were certain phrases or idioms used which are more American and not widely used in the UK. It just made the book feel a little off to me, like reading someone's fantasy of the UK, and I was genuinely shocked to learn the author is British himself. Possibly an editors/publishers input? Also it could be a little repetitive in places, mentioning the same thing again and again. It got a bit tedious hearing about Alex, the girlfriend, to be honest, especially since we don't really know her enough to care about her. Overall, it was a good book and I would probably read more from this author. A good plot is far more important than the writing style (unless you're in an English class!) and this book certainly delivered on that!

[Karen F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read like a movie or TV series.

[Leianne Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say that I am unfamiliar with R.J. Harries as an author and I chose to read this book because of the premise alone. I am a sucker for dramas, mysteries, horror and suspense novels. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll read almost anything put before me but these are my personal favorite types of reading to pass my free time. As such, The Boathouse was right up my alley. The book begins with a brief introduction to the character of Sean Archer – a man with a hollow past filled with death and who now works as a distinct and high priced private investigator. The novel begins with a thrill when Archer is stopped by dirty cops determined to stop his further investigation into The Boathouse: A black-ops operation his girlfriend was killed investigating. When a call comes into his office when a call comes in from wealthy a business man whose wife has been kidnapped and ransom is escalating, Archer believes he may finally have the lead he has been looking for to solve her murder. The book is relatively fast paced which I enjoyed although it is quite clear that Harries is a new author. As far as first time novels go, this is one of the better ones I have read this year. The dialogue was not quite as well written as I had hoped but it made the points come across clearly. And the motivation of the female characters were completely lost on my, though I understood Archers character completely. Overall the book followed the basic flow of a suspense novel however poorly developed the characters were. I enjoyed this book as a stereotypical “guilty pleasure” book. A quick read worth a few minutes of time if you are a person who enjoys the styling’s of E.L. James, Cecily von Ziegesar or Veronica Roth. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and easy read on the beach or while fishing but if you are a person who wants to find meat in a book that you can sink your teeth in and take a long while to chew, you might want to skip it.

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.

This was an on the fence read for me for quite a while, picking up pace towards the end and a better read all round, but all in all it's a good read with some strengths and weaknesses.

I felt that a little background into the main protagonist and his sidekick would have been really helpful, it felt like we got thrown into the thick of the action without much build up, which I think could have enhanced the readers experience.

The book revolves around the search for the kidnapper of a wealthy, influential, slightly shady man's trophy wife (Sinclair). An independent PI company of strong reputation for their hi-tech tracking and technique is hired, this enters Archer into the frame. He's a pretty crack PI thinking outside the box.

I found some of the storyline just meandered at times and it was almost as though pieces were missing, it really does rapidly pick up pace towards the end of the book and a lot of action is in play for those that like their books full of action and a touch of tension.

I particularly liked Sarah Forsyth as a character, probably most of all, I felt she was the easiest to know and connect with. The end scenes are certainly the strongest in the book, and I can't help but think that if the rest of the book had the same amount of action it might have been a 4-5 star read for me.

All in all, a good read, not fantastic, but not awful either, many will really like it, others will not. 3 star review.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean Archer is a private investigator. He has been trying to find a place called the Boathouse. Many claim the Boathouse doesn't exist. Sean knows it does and must find it- it is where his girlfriend Alex was killed.
He has to abandon, for the time being, the search for the Boathouse because he has been hired to search for Becky, the kidnapped wife of Peter Sinclair. Sean has help from his partner Zoe and a new friend, and private eye, Sarah Forsyth.
Sean is a real character. He has flaws which make him likable and believable. He struggles with whether he should trust Sarah, or look for the Boathouse. The two things he's not confused about is he as to find Becky and he doesn't trust Peter Sinclair.
I liked the ride R.J. Harries took us on with Sean. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery. I was given the opportunity to read The Boathouse by R.J. Harries by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Boathouse was a very fast read. From the opening pages, you're pulled into the kidnapping case and the ensuing action and pursuit of the kidnappers.

The issue I have with this book is the lack of attention to the backstory driving the main character. It is thrust on the reader all the sudden, and it leaves you feeling like some pages or missing or you didn't read a book before this one.

The kidnapping itself is very well thought out, which is why it is hard to believe how it all shakes out.

Then the backstory piece comes into play again, and is resolved so quickly that it seems like a haphazard way to tie up a loose end.

The characters never did it for me, they just came across as the stereotypical representation.

It is a quick, fun read if you don't dig too deep beneath the surface.

[Zen Ghost Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me be clear. This time I blame the publisher. First, it wasn't listed as a sequel, or series, which it obviously is. If not, it is the worst attempt at backstory ever. Second, the entire book is about a kidnapping. Not some of the book. All of the book. Yes, there is a poorly done subplot about a place called the Boathouse, but unlike the description, title, and cover art would lead you to believe, that whole thread could be covered in less than 20 pages of this book. I can only assume they made these choices because fewer people would pick up a book about a simple kidnapping. Yes, simple. Despite the complex plot promise, you figure out the kidnapping almost immediately. I give it a two out of pity for the author, who despite the insipid and pointless clothing, wine, and design details that only lead to pretention, was still not the worst I've read. Sadly for me.

[Brooke, · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's 1.5 stars.

Full Review available from http://wp.me/p4JCbo-2j