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Scott & Bailey #3
Ruthless
A blaze at an abandoned chapel on the impoverished Walton Estate turns out to be more than just arson when the body of a man who has been shot twice is discovered in the ashes. For the Manchester Metropolitan police team it's the start of a gruelling and complex case that exposes the fractures and fault lines of a community living on the edge.
DC Rachel Bailey, recently married, is trying to come to terms with her new status and deal with the fallout from her chaotic family. She throws herself into work but her compulsion to find answers and see justice done leads her into the deepest jeopardy.
DC Janet Scott's world is shaken to its foundations when death comes far too close for comfort and she finds one of her daughters on the wrong side of a police investigation.
DCI Gill Murray's ex Dave, a Chief Superintendent, crashes back into her life, out of control and bringing chaos in his wake. Gill attempts to get Dave to face the truth of his situation, and to stay the hell away from her, but things are about to get a whole lot worse.
And then a second building goes up in flames...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2014
48 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Cath Staincliffe
65 books316 followersCath Staincliffe is a best-selling, award-winning novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, Blue Murder, starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Cath's books have been short-listed for the British Crime Writers Association best first novel award, for the Dagger in the Library and selected as Le Masque de l'Année. In 2012 Cath won the CWA Short Story Dagger for Laptop, sharing the prize with Margaret Murphy with her story The Message. Cath was shortlisted again with Night Nurse in 2014. Cath's Sal Kilkenny private eye series features a single-parent sleuth working the mean streets of Manchester. Trio, a stand-alone novel moved away from crime to explore adoption and growing up in the 1960s, inspired by Cath's own experience. Letters To My Daughter's Killer was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3s Crime Thriller Club. Cath also writes the Scott & Bailey novels based on the popular UK TV series. Cath's latest stand alone book, The Girl in the Green Dress, was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender child. It tells the story of a transphobic hate crime and asks the question: how far would you go to protect your child? Cath is one of the founding members of Murder Squad - a group of Northern crime writers who give readings, talks and signings around the country. Cath was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK and now lives in Manchester, Lancashire with her family. You can follow her on Twitter, @CathStaincliffe, which she does when she should be busy writing!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 10, 2016
It's no secret that I am a fan of all of Cath Staincliffe's books, and really love the Scott & Bailey series. It's so incredible that the books do really reflect the successful TV series so well. As I read the books I can picture the characters I love from the show and hear their voices. And I love the cover of this one..
This is the third book in the S&B series, again featuring the three strong female characters I love. I did find that I was not as totally hooked in to this one as I have been her others, it was still a very good read, but did not quite stretch to a 5 star rating. I asked myself what this was that changed things and I think it comes down to the pace not being quite as dynamic as others.
A blaze at an abandoned chapel on the impoverished Walton Estate turns out to be more than just arson when the body of a man who has been shot twice is discovered in the ashes. For the Manchester Metropolitan police team it’s the start of a gruelling and complex case that exposes the fractures and fault lines of a community living on the edge.
Amongst police work, the hunt for arsonists and killer the lives of our three main ladies are featured strongly as well. DCI Gill Murray is my favourite character, she is dealing with the drunken behaviour of her ex-husband in this novel and I felt for her with the sheer exhaustion and shame of it all.
Of course DC Janet Scott and DC Rachel Bailey are really strong characters too, and they feature in a few sub-plots in this installment that show their human side, their flaws and vulnerability which makes them so likeable. It's these characters that really make these novels sing.
The plot is good, perhaps not as tight as other books, still highly entertaining and a book that is not easy to put down. A satisfying read from this Cath Staincliffe fan. Can't wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the S&B series, again featuring the three strong female characters I love. I did find that I was not as totally hooked in to this one as I have been her others, it was still a very good read, but did not quite stretch to a 5 star rating. I asked myself what this was that changed things and I think it comes down to the pace not being quite as dynamic as others.
A blaze at an abandoned chapel on the impoverished Walton Estate turns out to be more than just arson when the body of a man who has been shot twice is discovered in the ashes. For the Manchester Metropolitan police team it’s the start of a gruelling and complex case that exposes the fractures and fault lines of a community living on the edge.
Amongst police work, the hunt for arsonists and killer the lives of our three main ladies are featured strongly as well. DCI Gill Murray is my favourite character, she is dealing with the drunken behaviour of her ex-husband in this novel and I felt for her with the sheer exhaustion and shame of it all.
Of course DC Janet Scott and DC Rachel Bailey are really strong characters too, and they feature in a few sub-plots in this installment that show their human side, their flaws and vulnerability which makes them so likeable. It's these characters that really make these novels sing.
The plot is good, perhaps not as tight as other books, still highly entertaining and a book that is not easy to put down. A satisfying read from this Cath Staincliffe fan. Can't wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2022
As ridiculous as it sounds, I am so sad that I have finished these books because they have given me so much joy. Almost everything I love about the show is still included in this series, and the characters feel extremely real and true to themselves. I think this third (and last) one is my favourite. The case really intrigued me this time and definitely had me more on the edge of my seat than the others did.
The last scene with Rachel, Janet and Gill in the pub together also made me smile so much, I really wish we saw that play out on screen 🥹🫶
The last scene with Rachel, Janet and Gill in the pub together also made me smile so much, I really wish we saw that play out on screen 🥹🫶
March 29, 2022
3.5 stars
October 10, 2014
You don't often get books turned into TV series that stick more or less precisely to the written word.Staincliffe writes the way it would look if given to a screenplay writer, which saves and passes a particular element in her writing onto the screen.
The focus is on the interview techniques, securing a confession and in doing so being able to charge the perpetrator with the crime. Staincliffe has created a fierce trio of female police officers, who are bound together by gender, loyalty, leadership and friendship.
I really enjoyed the character of Gill the most. Her snarky remarks, bolshy attitude and her strong leadership of those around her. She rules with an iron fist and yet still manages to maintain a close friendship with Janet. The same applies to Rachel and Janet.
The story mixes police crime with the personal lives of the three of them. Tragedy, heartbreak, past lives filled with neglect, all have to be set aside when it comes to law, order and procedure.
The author has also chosen to shine a spotlight on legal and illegal highs. An interesting point of view, focusing on the fact that the illegal drugs are probably less of a risk than the unknown legal highs being sold by drug dealers.
Staincliffe offers up a fresh breath of reality with the third book in the Scott & Bailey series.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
The focus is on the interview techniques, securing a confession and in doing so being able to charge the perpetrator with the crime. Staincliffe has created a fierce trio of female police officers, who are bound together by gender, loyalty, leadership and friendship.
I really enjoyed the character of Gill the most. Her snarky remarks, bolshy attitude and her strong leadership of those around her. She rules with an iron fist and yet still manages to maintain a close friendship with Janet. The same applies to Rachel and Janet.
The story mixes police crime with the personal lives of the three of them. Tragedy, heartbreak, past lives filled with neglect, all have to be set aside when it comes to law, order and procedure.
The author has also chosen to shine a spotlight on legal and illegal highs. An interesting point of view, focusing on the fact that the illegal drugs are probably less of a risk than the unknown legal highs being sold by drug dealers.
Staincliffe offers up a fresh breath of reality with the third book in the Scott & Bailey series.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
October 29, 2014
Loved Ruthless by Cath Staincliffe - the 3rd novel in the tv tie-in Scott and Bailey series. I've read her two previous novels Dead to Me and Bleed Like Me and Ruthless is an excellent concluding novel. What I most enjoyed in this book was the balance between work and personal lives of not only Scott and Bailey themselves but also Gill Murray and lesser characters since as Sharon, Rachel's mother, Dorothy and Aid - Janet's mother and husband. As these characters are also featured in the tv series it provides a rich canvas and rounds out their lives not only as police officers but as people.
The story begins with a chapel fire and murder scene - this crime is investigated with thoroughness and attention to detail throughout the novel. Suspects are identified, interviewed, and assessed. I am deeply impressed with Cath Staincliffe's attention to detail here, I have transcribed police tapes myself so I am aware of how the process works and her telling has excellent accuracy in my opinion.
If you enjoy the tv series or even if you haven't - pick up this book for a read - it has the potential to be read as a stand alone as well as part of a series. Great work!
The story begins with a chapel fire and murder scene - this crime is investigated with thoroughness and attention to detail throughout the novel. Suspects are identified, interviewed, and assessed. I am deeply impressed with Cath Staincliffe's attention to detail here, I have transcribed police tapes myself so I am aware of how the process works and her telling has excellent accuracy in my opinion.
If you enjoy the tv series or even if you haven't - pick up this book for a read - it has the potential to be read as a stand alone as well as part of a series. Great work!
November 1, 2014
My View:
Gritty, fast paced…excellent.
Cath Staincliffe writes a brilliant film for your mind’s eye. I love the way I could “watch” all the drama unfold, the action play out, the characters interact as this police procedural unfolds to its climatic end. I loved the strong gutsy female protagonists - Rachel, Jane and Gill – all at different stages in their lives, marriages and careers, all with their own private dilemma’s to deal with whilst actively pursuing a ruthless murderer; this is as real as it gets, life and work are not mutually exclusive pursuits.
Brilliant police procedural. Excellent characterisations. Great sense of place. Strong gutsy female protagonists. Desperate criminals. What more could you want? Cath Staincliffe I am your new fan.
Gritty, fast paced…excellent.
Cath Staincliffe writes a brilliant film for your mind’s eye. I love the way I could “watch” all the drama unfold, the action play out, the characters interact as this police procedural unfolds to its climatic end. I loved the strong gutsy female protagonists - Rachel, Jane and Gill – all at different stages in their lives, marriages and careers, all with their own private dilemma’s to deal with whilst actively pursuing a ruthless murderer; this is as real as it gets, life and work are not mutually exclusive pursuits.
Brilliant police procedural. Excellent characterisations. Great sense of place. Strong gutsy female protagonists. Desperate criminals. What more could you want? Cath Staincliffe I am your new fan.
January 28, 2021
This is a pretty good procedural and a good story. Problem for me—too much of the policewomen’s personal lives. Get it over with quickly and move on please.
October 9, 2020
This is the third book by Cath Staincliffe that revolves around the British Scott and Bailey TV series, and the third review I have done for this series. I run the risk of saying a lot of the same things I have said before, so let me run through them very briefly: => 1) I can't get enough of the TV series so the books are great (Brit TV tends to have 6 shows per season, compared to many more episodes in the U.S.) => 2) Cath is very good at juggling new material in her books while including events that have occurred in the TV version; => 3) Cath is also superb at sticking true to the tone of the show, which is to include realistic police work that involves hard work, luck, experience, and other factors. She doesn't resort to the sensational story lines so prevalent in thrillers and some crime books.
As far as this book in particular is concerned, the criminals involved are not people most of us relate to, but they are utterly realistic, and Cath shows us multiple aspects of them so that we can feel at least an inkling of sympathy for - well, some of them. (A few are beyond the pale.) She handles hate crime as well as she has other types of crime in the earlier books. And she advances the personal lives of the main characters in ways that is interesting and engaging.
I would recommend you read her Scott and Bailey books in the order she wrote them, but it isn't required, especially if you have watched the show And if you haven't watched the show, I recommend that also, Series 1 with book 1, etc.
I must confess that up to now the Scott and Bailey books are the only ones of Cath that I have read. You know how it is: so many books out there and so little time. But as it may be some time before the next Scott and Bailey book ambles along, I really need to start reading her stand alone books. Rumor has it that those are pretty good reads also.
As far as this book in particular is concerned, the criminals involved are not people most of us relate to, but they are utterly realistic, and Cath shows us multiple aspects of them so that we can feel at least an inkling of sympathy for - well, some of them. (A few are beyond the pale.) She handles hate crime as well as she has other types of crime in the earlier books. And she advances the personal lives of the main characters in ways that is interesting and engaging.
I would recommend you read her Scott and Bailey books in the order she wrote them, but it isn't required, especially if you have watched the show And if you haven't watched the show, I recommend that also, Series 1 with book 1, etc.
I must confess that up to now the Scott and Bailey books are the only ones of Cath that I have read. You know how it is: so many books out there and so little time. But as it may be some time before the next Scott and Bailey book ambles along, I really need to start reading her stand alone books. Rumor has it that those are pretty good reads also.
November 13, 2023
One final, equally solid round of case-solving -- though there's frustratingly little enough mystery until the final reveal of who shot the couple, when everything escalates very quickly up to a banger of an ending.
Still, I've enjoyed this ride, and if I might have wished for a few more glimpses at Rachel and Sean's home life that didn't revolve around the former furiously throwing her mother out on her ear, the emotional stuff with Janet and Elise makes up for it in spades .
Gill's increasingly short patience with Dave The Lush making a drunken spectacle of himself and boo-hooing how SOMEHOW his whole life fell apart (for reasons that were definitely not his fault at all!!), isn't bad either, though I always look forward to her scenes w/ her son the most, and am never disappointed.
Still, I've enjoyed this ride, and if I might have wished for a few more glimpses at Rachel and Sean's home life that didn't revolve around the former furiously throwing her mother out on her ear, the emotional stuff with Janet and Elise makes up for it in spades .
Gill's increasingly short patience with Dave The Lush making a drunken spectacle of himself and boo-hooing how SOMEHOW his whole life fell apart (for reasons that were definitely not his fault at all!!), isn't bad either, though I always look forward to her scenes w/ her son the most, and am never disappointed.
October 31, 2017
It's unusual to find a series like this, with two female partners - DCs Rachel Bailey and Janet Scott - working in an investigative unit headed up by another woman, DCI Gill Murray. Author Cath Staincliffe does the characters a great service in giving them voices and personalities consistent with the BBC series, where they were first developed. She also gives them an appropriate amount of obstacles, both personal and professional, to overcome as a team. It is easy to see why the two leads - polar opposites in terms of personality - have a trusting, intimate bond in the workplace. The plot is good, but the mystery is almost secondary to following the characters as they interact and investigate.
February 7, 2017
I've read another book by this author featuring the same characters and was looking forward to reading this. I really like the fact despite being in a formal environment the characters are quite casual with one another as if family . It makes the book different from other crime thrillers because of that. I did get a little bored halfway through though! It seemed to be dragging, and too many names were being tossed around I feel. The ending was surprising though, so props to that.
March 12, 2021
Getting better, *made* for TV
The characterization is getting stronger, but good heavens, do so many cops really have disfunctional families, lives, relationships? If so, it explains a lot. Maybe it's an essential psychological set that allows one to do the job? If you like drama, grit, police procedurals, and women, Staincliffe is a win.
The characterization is getting stronger, but good heavens, do so many cops really have disfunctional families, lives, relationships? If so, it explains a lot. Maybe it's an essential psychological set that allows one to do the job? If you like drama, grit, police procedurals, and women, Staincliffe is a win.
September 26, 2018
Excellent.
A brilliant story with strong female characters.
Having watched the tv programmes it's nice to put the faces to them. Very clever mingling of work and private lives too.
A brilliant story with strong female characters.
Having watched the tv programmes it's nice to put the faces to them. Very clever mingling of work and private lives too.
November 12, 2018
I couldn’t get into this book. It was boring jumping back and forward not really concentrating on the
Main theme. I found myself skipping pages to find some good in it. This is the first one I have read in the series I don’t think I will try another one.
Main theme. I found myself skipping pages to find some good in it. This is the first one I have read in the series I don’t think I will try another one.
January 18, 2021
DISJOINTED STORYLINE
This book was hard to follow with all the personal issues that the Detective's were dealing with in their private lives. The murders were finally solved with a twist at the end.
This book was hard to follow with all the personal issues that the Detective's were dealing with in their private lives. The murders were finally solved with a twist at the end.
March 8, 2025
These books are more about the characters than the plot, although this one had a nifty twist. However, like with the second book of the series, it seems like we have missed a lot in between the books. Almost like there should have been another book in between #1 and #2, and in between #2 and #3.
June 8, 2017
Wish that there was more in the series!
October 15, 2020
4.5. These are such well paced, fun, enthralling novels. I love the characters and the peek into their lives we get, as well as the compelling crime and watching them solve it.
March 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this. When I realized it was based on a series I feared it would be too formulaic but mostly it wasn’t.
June 27, 2023
One of my favourite tv series , I was so glad to read this book. It has strong female lead characters, police procedure mixed with their personal lives. Great paced read
October 6, 2019
Back in 2013, I reviewed Bleed Like Me the second novel to feature Scott and Bailey (yes the ITV Series) and was interested in reading a third. Cath Staincliffe, a lovely lady who I have met and has had written some cracking books delivered a third in 2014.
Shamefully it has taken my another five years to read it. I feel like I should go and stand in a corner somewhere and think about the error of my ways.
So I am back with Gill Murray, life with her son is balanced but her ex husband is just one step away from falling apart in front of everyone and losing everything.
Janet Scott, recovering from the fall out of events in the previous book. Trying to hold together a family.
Rachel Bailey married to Sean, although both I and her are not sure why. She seems suffocated by it and spends a lot of time running.
Rachel was running the night when a blaze erupted at a abandoned chapel, she witnessed the scene but what and who else did she?
The next day, it turns out the blaze was arson and there was a fatality.
Cath Staincliffe takes us straight into the police work, the station, the briefings, the allocation of roles and the cameraride and banter between colleagues. How do you keep all that going when it seems you private life is becoming so difficult.
Then there is another fire and this time there are two bodies.
Are they connected?
Is this the start of something frightening in the area?
With gunshots, confessions, drugs and domestics this book has it all. Well plotted and I hate to say a great example of a 'police procedural' novel that I sometimes hear bandied about. Except somehow we manage to get under the skin of the three main detectives and that gives that fragility to humans dealing with some horrific events.
A great read and well worth the wait.
Shamefully it has taken my another five years to read it. I feel like I should go and stand in a corner somewhere and think about the error of my ways.
So I am back with Gill Murray, life with her son is balanced but her ex husband is just one step away from falling apart in front of everyone and losing everything.
Janet Scott, recovering from the fall out of events in the previous book. Trying to hold together a family.
Rachel Bailey married to Sean, although both I and her are not sure why. She seems suffocated by it and spends a lot of time running.
Rachel was running the night when a blaze erupted at a abandoned chapel, she witnessed the scene but what and who else did she?
The next day, it turns out the blaze was arson and there was a fatality.
Cath Staincliffe takes us straight into the police work, the station, the briefings, the allocation of roles and the cameraride and banter between colleagues. How do you keep all that going when it seems you private life is becoming so difficult.
Then there is another fire and this time there are two bodies.
Are they connected?
Is this the start of something frightening in the area?
With gunshots, confessions, drugs and domestics this book has it all. Well plotted and I hate to say a great example of a 'police procedural' novel that I sometimes hear bandied about. Except somehow we manage to get under the skin of the three main detectives and that gives that fragility to humans dealing with some horrific events.
A great read and well worth the wait.
September 28, 2019
I love the Scott & Bailey TV series, and this is a very faithful depiction of the characters.
The team investigate a murder-arson in a rundown area of Manchester.
The team investigate a murder-arson in a rundown area of Manchester.
April 19, 2025
I was one of the many viewers of the Scott and Bailey series and remember spending anxious days waiting for the next episode to be shown. This novel features the characters from that series and once I’d worked out which actor played which role it added to my enjoyment. I still have to work out if the author was involved in the series and if there are more books but this book was a very good companion to a great TV detective drama.
Three female detectives are the prominent roles and all are unhappy with their personal lives. Their issues are mainly caused by their inability to switch off from their careers, an issue made worse by their husbands being the same. But for Janet, her personal life starts to impact on her ability to do her job, when she suddenly has to deal with a situation which involves her daughter that could have an impact on a current case. This part of the novel was a highlight for me, reading how difficult it was to balance both.
The witness statements throughout this novel are probably the most concerning I’ve read. Even more so because they were believable, too many people will have exactly the same opinions. The lack of sympathy and the judgemental attitudes made my blood boil. I like to think that many readers felt the same and really hope that there weren’t many who agreed.
It is way too long since I read a novel by Cath Staincliffe and this was a brilliant reintroduction. A fantastic storyline, with characters who felt real.
Three female detectives are the prominent roles and all are unhappy with their personal lives. Their issues are mainly caused by their inability to switch off from their careers, an issue made worse by their husbands being the same. But for Janet, her personal life starts to impact on her ability to do her job, when she suddenly has to deal with a situation which involves her daughter that could have an impact on a current case. This part of the novel was a highlight for me, reading how difficult it was to balance both.
The witness statements throughout this novel are probably the most concerning I’ve read. Even more so because they were believable, too many people will have exactly the same opinions. The lack of sympathy and the judgemental attitudes made my blood boil. I like to think that many readers felt the same and really hope that there weren’t many who agreed.
It is way too long since I read a novel by Cath Staincliffe and this was a brilliant reintroduction. A fantastic storyline, with characters who felt real.
June 28, 2021
Solid police procedural. Captures the show well.
November 25, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
A blaze at an abandoned chapel in impoverished Manorclough turns out to be more than just arson when the body of a man who has been shot twice is discovered in the ashes. For the Manchester Metropolitan police team it’s the start of a gruelling and complex case that exposes the fractures and fault lines of a community living on the edge.
DC Rachel Bailey, recently married, is trying to come to terms with her new status and deal with the fallout from her chaotic family. She throws herself into work but her compulsion to find answers and see justice done leads her into the deepest jeopardy.
DC Janet Scott's world is shaken to its foundations when death comes far too close for comfort and she finds one of her daughters on the wrong side of a police investigation.
DCI Gill Murray’s ex Dave, a Chief Superintendent, crashes back into her life, out of control and bringing chaos in his wake. Gill attempts to get Dave to face the truth of his situation, and to stay the hell away from her, but things are about to get a whole lot worse.
And then a second building goes up in flames...
This is the third book in the Scott & Bailey series of crime novels by Cath Staincliffe. I haven't read any of the previous books but haven't based this review on that. It is also apparently based on a current TV show in England.
First things first - this has to be the first time that I have read a police procedural novel where there is not only two women working as partner's - but their division head is also a woman. That was very cool and won me over from the very start. These women are at different stages in their personal and professional lives - but they are all tough, smart and uncompromising in their job. As it should be...
The story itself was quite interesting. Mostly for the fact that it is something we could very well see on the 6 o'clock news. What starts as possibly being a simple case of arson gets trickier when a murdered man is found inside. The procedural side of this story is fantastic - we see everything that goes on, from the investigative work to the boring paperwork. We get to go to work with these women everyday and experience their jobs. That is fantastic as a lot of crime novels kind of skip over the investigation phase...
Finally, the reason this book didn't get the full 5 stars was simple - it read like a TV show. Just like Kathy Reichs before her (those Bones books almost have the ad breaks built-in), this book is certainly written to a formula and, if I were to read a few of these books back to back, that would probably irritate me a lot.
Overall, though, a fabulous police procedural novel that also shows the human side to those police officers and the work that is involved "behind the scenes." An enjoyable story and one that I would have no problems recommending.
Paul
ARH
A blaze at an abandoned chapel in impoverished Manorclough turns out to be more than just arson when the body of a man who has been shot twice is discovered in the ashes. For the Manchester Metropolitan police team it’s the start of a gruelling and complex case that exposes the fractures and fault lines of a community living on the edge.
DC Rachel Bailey, recently married, is trying to come to terms with her new status and deal with the fallout from her chaotic family. She throws herself into work but her compulsion to find answers and see justice done leads her into the deepest jeopardy.
DC Janet Scott's world is shaken to its foundations when death comes far too close for comfort and she finds one of her daughters on the wrong side of a police investigation.
DCI Gill Murray’s ex Dave, a Chief Superintendent, crashes back into her life, out of control and bringing chaos in his wake. Gill attempts to get Dave to face the truth of his situation, and to stay the hell away from her, but things are about to get a whole lot worse.
And then a second building goes up in flames...
This is the third book in the Scott & Bailey series of crime novels by Cath Staincliffe. I haven't read any of the previous books but haven't based this review on that. It is also apparently based on a current TV show in England.
First things first - this has to be the first time that I have read a police procedural novel where there is not only two women working as partner's - but their division head is also a woman. That was very cool and won me over from the very start. These women are at different stages in their personal and professional lives - but they are all tough, smart and uncompromising in their job. As it should be...
The story itself was quite interesting. Mostly for the fact that it is something we could very well see on the 6 o'clock news. What starts as possibly being a simple case of arson gets trickier when a murdered man is found inside. The procedural side of this story is fantastic - we see everything that goes on, from the investigative work to the boring paperwork. We get to go to work with these women everyday and experience their jobs. That is fantastic as a lot of crime novels kind of skip over the investigation phase...
Finally, the reason this book didn't get the full 5 stars was simple - it read like a TV show. Just like Kathy Reichs before her (those Bones books almost have the ad breaks built-in), this book is certainly written to a formula and, if I were to read a few of these books back to back, that would probably irritate me a lot.
Overall, though, a fabulous police procedural novel that also shows the human side to those police officers and the work that is involved "behind the scenes." An enjoyable story and one that I would have no problems recommending.
Paul
ARH
June 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this and I wish there were more!
October 2, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of TV tie-in books but as a massive fan of Scott & Bailey and given the fact Cath Staincliffe is a very talented writer I couldn't resist this series and think it's been fantastic so far. Book three especially was an enjoyable read and I'm loving reading more about Rachel, Janet and Gill outside of the TV show and being able to picture Suranne and Lesley in the role who are just fantastic actresses.
The book does read pretty much like a TV show but given the written format means we can get inside the head of the characters and understand them more, and better than 40 minutes on the TV could ever do. Cath has captured the characters brilliantly, often TV tie-ins fall flat because the author doesn't know the characters and is writing based off a synopsis but I don't feel that's the case here. Also Cath being such a good writer just makes this book so readable, if that's the right word to use. Once you start it's hard to stop reading so I had this finished in just a few sittings...
In terms of the plot to me it felt very real. In crime fiction you get the sort of stuff which can border on the unrealistic but what we have here is a very human, and realistic story that any of us living in the UK could wake up to one morning and read about in the news. For me that just adds authenticity to the book and makes it feel more real. Rachel is on her way home when she witnesses a fire at an abandoned chapel, on first glance it appears to just be arson but when a body of a man who was shot twice is found inside a whole can of worms is opened. Then a second building goes up in flames...
One of my favourite authors is Lynda La Plante who I especially like because she writes your proper police procedural. Where we follow the police in the incident room, doing the small things from paperwork to the then bigger things such as putting their life on the line to capture a killer. The same is true with this book, there's a real sense of camaraderie at times amongst the police yet animosity at others.
Also the characterisation is as good as the TV show. Both Rachel and Janet aren't perfect by any means they both have their flaws and are dealing with personal issues in their own lives which is explored further in the book. Again this makes the book more believable because they aren't portrayed as those Supercops who can solve every crime and be home in time to tuck their kids in, they make mistakes, they struggle but ultimately are good at their jobs.
This book serves very well as a companion to the TV show and fans should definitely pick it up yet at the same time it can be read as a standalone or by those that have yet to discover the brilliance of Scott & Bailey, one of the best crime duos on one of the best UK crime shows of recent years. Definitely not one to miss!
Thanks to the Transworld for the NetGalley review copy.
The book does read pretty much like a TV show but given the written format means we can get inside the head of the characters and understand them more, and better than 40 minutes on the TV could ever do. Cath has captured the characters brilliantly, often TV tie-ins fall flat because the author doesn't know the characters and is writing based off a synopsis but I don't feel that's the case here. Also Cath being such a good writer just makes this book so readable, if that's the right word to use. Once you start it's hard to stop reading so I had this finished in just a few sittings...
In terms of the plot to me it felt very real. In crime fiction you get the sort of stuff which can border on the unrealistic but what we have here is a very human, and realistic story that any of us living in the UK could wake up to one morning and read about in the news. For me that just adds authenticity to the book and makes it feel more real. Rachel is on her way home when she witnesses a fire at an abandoned chapel, on first glance it appears to just be arson but when a body of a man who was shot twice is found inside a whole can of worms is opened. Then a second building goes up in flames...
One of my favourite authors is Lynda La Plante who I especially like because she writes your proper police procedural. Where we follow the police in the incident room, doing the small things from paperwork to the then bigger things such as putting their life on the line to capture a killer. The same is true with this book, there's a real sense of camaraderie at times amongst the police yet animosity at others.
Also the characterisation is as good as the TV show. Both Rachel and Janet aren't perfect by any means they both have their flaws and are dealing with personal issues in their own lives which is explored further in the book. Again this makes the book more believable because they aren't portrayed as those Supercops who can solve every crime and be home in time to tuck their kids in, they make mistakes, they struggle but ultimately are good at their jobs.
This book serves very well as a companion to the TV show and fans should definitely pick it up yet at the same time it can be read as a standalone or by those that have yet to discover the brilliance of Scott & Bailey, one of the best crime duos on one of the best UK crime shows of recent years. Definitely not one to miss!
Thanks to the Transworld for the NetGalley review copy.
January 3, 2016
This the third Scott and Bailey I've read and the first since watching the TV series, which made a difference. Not entirely beneficial: although the characters perfectly fitted their dialogue in the book it did feel as though dialogue overwhelmed/was disproportionate to the rest of it; something not previously noticed.
Doesn't detract from Cath Staincliffe's skill as writer, but from the book as a whole, a little.
Doesn't detract from Cath Staincliffe's skill as writer, but from the book as a whole, a little.
February 22, 2015
Have to admit that whilst I like Janet, I do find that Rachel gets on my nerves. It does surprise me the number of times she gets herself in awkward positions and still survives.
However as to the book it starts with a fire in an old chapel, and with a series of twists which keeps you wondering what is going on it finishes with a dramatic scene.
There are also other plots for each of the women in the book, Janet, Rachel and Gill.
However as to the book it starts with a fire in an old chapel, and with a series of twists which keeps you wondering what is going on it finishes with a dramatic scene.
There are also other plots for each of the women in the book, Janet, Rachel and Gill.
August 22, 2016
Janet and Rachel are opposites in a lot of ways, but great co-workers and able to draw on each others strengths for murder investigations. I enjoyed learning even more about their lives outside of the job especially as neither has a perfect family life. I was surprised by the ending, but not that Janet and Rachel captured the killer.
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