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DS Lasser #11
Conspiracy of Ravens
When a body is found on the railway tracks it looks at first like a suicide until Lasser discovers that the man had been drugged before having his arms and legs bound As he tries to discover the identity of the dead man the trail leads to a world of parties and dark fantasy. A world where the powerful are in charge and the weak are made to suffer for their twisted pleasure. But someone is taking their own revenge on the party-goers, someone who will stop at nothing to bring the guilty to their knees, someone with an agenda far darker than those involved.
560 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2016
67 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Robin Roughley
46 books152 followersRob Roughley lives in the North West of England (God's coal bunker,the land of the wedding cake made by placing three meat pies on top of one another and whippets on lengths of string)
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from TBC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to both the author, Robin Roughley, and TBC for the opportunity to read this book.
I have not read previous books in the DS Lasser series, so to me, the first and most important observation was that this book can be read as a stand alone. There are references throughout to previous history and relationships between the characters, but this does in no way impact the understanding of how the plot develops and how the characters relate to each other.
In this book, DS Lasser and the team are called in to uncover what appears to be, at first glance, a suicide. However, it soon becomes evident that more sinister things are going on and the story picks up from there.
Pretty much from the first chapter, the body count goes up and up and up... there are so many bodies and people who are attached, it feels like a set of russian dolls being taken apart. While this makes for a fast paced plot, it also gives some sense of confusion and it was at times hard to remember who is who and why and how they were connected to the other characters. The story line is jam packed with bad guys, i really did not encounter one single person i could say i liked.
The police team seems to be somewhat dysfunctional and chaotic, which leads to quite a few blunders.. corruption at the highest level is rife. The main character does not seem to have many "likeable qualities" about him.
One thing that really did take away from my enjoyment of the book was the persistent use of profanity, it was not used to portray one character's personality, but peppered throughout. With foul language being used by everybody, from the detective to the most corrupt politician to the main "villain". For me, this took away from the story, rather than add anything meaningful.
If you don't mind strong language but like a fast paced, dark and violent read, then this is definitely going to be a good read.
I have not read previous books in the DS Lasser series, so to me, the first and most important observation was that this book can be read as a stand alone. There are references throughout to previous history and relationships between the characters, but this does in no way impact the understanding of how the plot develops and how the characters relate to each other.
In this book, DS Lasser and the team are called in to uncover what appears to be, at first glance, a suicide. However, it soon becomes evident that more sinister things are going on and the story picks up from there.
Pretty much from the first chapter, the body count goes up and up and up... there are so many bodies and people who are attached, it feels like a set of russian dolls being taken apart. While this makes for a fast paced plot, it also gives some sense of confusion and it was at times hard to remember who is who and why and how they were connected to the other characters. The story line is jam packed with bad guys, i really did not encounter one single person i could say i liked.
The police team seems to be somewhat dysfunctional and chaotic, which leads to quite a few blunders.. corruption at the highest level is rife. The main character does not seem to have many "likeable qualities" about him.
One thing that really did take away from my enjoyment of the book was the persistent use of profanity, it was not used to portray one character's personality, but peppered throughout. With foul language being used by everybody, from the detective to the most corrupt politician to the main "villain". For me, this took away from the story, rather than add anything meaningful.
If you don't mind strong language but like a fast paced, dark and violent read, then this is definitely going to be a good read.
April 29, 2016
Many Thanks to the author, Robin Roughly, and THE Book Club on Facebook for giving me the opportunity to read this great book.
This is the 11th book in the series, yet the first I've read by the author. I found it a superb read, the book is a fast paced Pschological Thriller, yet with plenty of humour thrown in - in fact I got some odd looks as I tend to read on my phone as I'm walking. There I was laughing out loud on the walk home from school with people wondering what could be so hilarious on my mobile!
There is a definite back story to the main characters, which I would really love to discover at some point. Great short and snappy chapters that kept me reading page after page.
I love the dark and creepy cover, it caught my eye and made me intrigued into wanting to read this, despite being midway through the series. I look forward to reading more by the author.
This is the 11th book in the series, yet the first I've read by the author. I found it a superb read, the book is a fast paced Pschological Thriller, yet with plenty of humour thrown in - in fact I got some odd looks as I tend to read on my phone as I'm walking. There I was laughing out loud on the walk home from school with people wondering what could be so hilarious on my mobile!
There is a definite back story to the main characters, which I would really love to discover at some point. Great short and snappy chapters that kept me reading page after page.
I love the dark and creepy cover, it caught my eye and made me intrigued into wanting to read this, despite being midway through the series. I look forward to reading more by the author.
April 11, 2016
Conspiracy of Ravens.
My journey with DS Lasser started in January 2016, and today my journey is ended with the eleventh adventure of this detective.
I started with “Needle House” wondering if this self published guy could cut it in the world of crime fiction.
I have come to see and believe Robin Roughley is one of the best UK crime writers today. (He is not paying me for this)
I look at UK publishers and despair and wonder how they can be missing out on such a brilliant author.
By the way “Conspiracy of Ravens” is another brilliant read from this author.
My journey with DS Lasser started in January 2016, and today my journey is ended with the eleventh adventure of this detective.
I started with “Needle House” wondering if this self published guy could cut it in the world of crime fiction.
I have come to see and believe Robin Roughley is one of the best UK crime writers today. (He is not paying me for this)
I look at UK publishers and despair and wonder how they can be missing out on such a brilliant author.
By the way “Conspiracy of Ravens” is another brilliant read from this author.
May 2, 2016
I am a great fun of Robin Roughley's books and this latest one is one of his best to date and didn't disappoint. Full of graphic detail, murders galore,explicit crime scenes and a brilliant storyline that holds your attention from start to finish. I couldn't put this book down and didn't want it to end. If I could give it a 10 I would !!!
August 30, 2017
Great read.Fast paced and keeps you turning the pages. I have really enjoyed following Lasser as he sarcastically goes through life. The series really makes the reader understand the frustrations of modern policing and the effects of politicians cutting back funding and putting bureaucrats into positions of power. I look forward to Lasser's next chapter. Erica
April 4, 2020
More good stuff!
And again we follow along with the team as they pick there way through a dark world, the same quality in the story, the same small back story referencing. Read this one in two days in between gardening, jetting and house maintenance, a big help during this national COVID- 19 crisis, thanks to the author.
And again we follow along with the team as they pick there way through a dark world, the same quality in the story, the same small back story referencing. Read this one in two days in between gardening, jetting and house maintenance, a big help during this national COVID- 19 crisis, thanks to the author.
June 18, 2017
I have read all of the D S Lasser books in sequence and loved them all. The Conspiracy of Ravens is a fast paced, gripping and totally absorbing book - totally believable characters with humor, pathos and empathy in spades - great reading
June 24, 2017
Another great Lasser
WARNING: Child abuse, Rape & families & Families abusers
All of the Lasser Series deal with real life issues. The truly NASTY SIDE of life. This particular book hits home on many levels.
It's professionally dealt with as always and well written as always.
WARNING: Child abuse, Rape & families & Families abusers
All of the Lasser Series deal with real life issues. The truly NASTY SIDE of life. This particular book hits home on many levels.
It's professionally dealt with as always and well written as always.
February 4, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great series
April 17, 2020
Wigan
Does it really rain so much? Wow, I'd have webbed fingers and toes. These stories are so riveting. Read in 2 days.
Does it really rain so much? Wow, I'd have webbed fingers and toes. These stories are so riveting. Read in 2 days.
January 31, 2021
Brilliant
Love these books and the main Characters in the stories . These stories twist and turn and keep me enthralled
Love these books and the main Characters in the stories . These stories twist and turn and keep me enthralled
October 27, 2021
Review
Brilliant read another great book I loved every minute of every page it is one of the best books I have read thanks again
Brilliant read another great book I loved every minute of every page it is one of the best books I have read thanks again
January 28, 2017
Gripping read
Another great read by Robin Roughley. More crimes to solve with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Another great read by Robin Roughley. More crimes to solve with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
February 24, 2017
Conspiracy of ravens book 11 by robin roughley we start off with David price in an abattoir so with baited breath we wait for him to get sliced into joints of beef then it switches to David being on a railway track as a train comes along and slices him into three two men stand by gloating as to what's just happened so off we go with a topical storyline about people in power doing what they won't and using people as they wish and getting away with it that is until our old friend DS lasser gets involved and saves the day another really enjoyable book in this series plus I learned a new word eviscerated five stars from me
April 15, 2016
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When a body is found on the railway tracks it looks at first like a suicide until Lasser discovers that the man had been drugged before having his arms and legs bound As he tries to discover the identity of the dead man the trail leads to a world of parties and dark fantasy. A world where the powerful are in charge and the weak are made to suffer for their twisted pleasure. But someone is taking their own revenge on the party-goers, someone who will stop at nothing to bring the guilty to their knees, someone with an agenda far darker than those involved.
Although this is book 11 in the series I found it excellent to read as a standalone having previously only read the first book in the series. The books are probably good to read in order as it is a series but not reading the rest of the series before I picked up this one didn't hamper my reading at all, I know that this is sometimes a concern for people joining a series part way through but I wouldn't hesitate to just jump right in with this one.
For me the book started with promised and grew from there - it really is an excellent read and a really thrilling page turner. I'm glad I was given an opportunity to read and review the book in exchange for my honest opinion, it is one of the better books that I have read of this genre and there are an awful lot of excellent books being published at the moment.
I thought that the characters were great and had a genuine appeal to them, my only thoughts with the book was why DS Lasser was dealing with it at the outset and not the BTP but that's me just being picky! I have now bought several of the other books in the series and really looking forward to getting my teeth in to them if this one is anything to go by - 5 stars from me and very highly recommended. Many thanks to the author letting me have a review copy!
When a body is found on the railway tracks it looks at first like a suicide until Lasser discovers that the man had been drugged before having his arms and legs bound As he tries to discover the identity of the dead man the trail leads to a world of parties and dark fantasy. A world where the powerful are in charge and the weak are made to suffer for their twisted pleasure. But someone is taking their own revenge on the party-goers, someone who will stop at nothing to bring the guilty to their knees, someone with an agenda far darker than those involved.
Although this is book 11 in the series I found it excellent to read as a standalone having previously only read the first book in the series. The books are probably good to read in order as it is a series but not reading the rest of the series before I picked up this one didn't hamper my reading at all, I know that this is sometimes a concern for people joining a series part way through but I wouldn't hesitate to just jump right in with this one.
For me the book started with promised and grew from there - it really is an excellent read and a really thrilling page turner. I'm glad I was given an opportunity to read and review the book in exchange for my honest opinion, it is one of the better books that I have read of this genre and there are an awful lot of excellent books being published at the moment.
I thought that the characters were great and had a genuine appeal to them, my only thoughts with the book was why DS Lasser was dealing with it at the outset and not the BTP but that's me just being picky! I have now bought several of the other books in the series and really looking forward to getting my teeth in to them if this one is anything to go by - 5 stars from me and very highly recommended. Many thanks to the author letting me have a review copy!
June 20, 2016
Wow be prepared for a little dehydration and weight loss when you begin this book because you simply won't want to put it down for anything or anyone. The opening chapter is simply mind blowing, leaving you thinking 'what the hell just happened?',but be prepared for much more. Robin Roughley is very creative as the body count just grows and grows, with each death becoming more inventive than the one before. It is all so wickedly gruesome. D.S. Lasser is on hand of course with his brilliant humour and the usual team that are closer to him than any blood relative could be. (Definitely someone to have a crush on. What a man!)
This series is simply the best, set in Wigan you get a down to earth and believable feel to everything that is happening in the novels, each one very unique and original. The author Robin Roughley is very descriptive with his writing, which makes everything you read very visual in your mind. What I do love about them most is how I have become so very attached to these characters, they feel real to the point of when anything bad happens it emotionally affects me as well. This novel has a top notch story line that will keep any D.S. Lasser fan riveted to every page. The only thing I hate is reading the last line, as I am already pining for the next book in the series. Superb!
I wish to thank Robin Roughley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This series is simply the best, set in Wigan you get a down to earth and believable feel to everything that is happening in the novels, each one very unique and original. The author Robin Roughley is very descriptive with his writing, which makes everything you read very visual in your mind. What I do love about them most is how I have become so very attached to these characters, they feel real to the point of when anything bad happens it emotionally affects me as well. This novel has a top notch story line that will keep any D.S. Lasser fan riveted to every page. The only thing I hate is reading the last line, as I am already pining for the next book in the series. Superb!
I wish to thank Robin Roughley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2016
Another bright star in Robin Roughley’s collection of DS Lasser novels. A detective story with a gutsy plot intermingled with humour and believable characters. Although this is a series, any one of these will stand alone. (There are some linking threads but nothing to detract from the main storyline).
Lasser is a clever guy and his boss and colleagues know it. When jobs are on the line he is one not that should be lost alongside two of his colleagues who have been injured in the line of duty and hence the big boss wants rid of. This is in the midst of a speight of murders starting in a well- known dogging area and leading to parties of the not drinks-and –nibbles-kind. Throw in an MP, a barrister and a few dodgy characters and you have everything for a very interesting read.
A gritty plot with some edgy characters, intermingled with Roughley’s talent for the occasional light hearted quip makes this an easy, gripping read.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
Lasser is a clever guy and his boss and colleagues know it. When jobs are on the line he is one not that should be lost alongside two of his colleagues who have been injured in the line of duty and hence the big boss wants rid of. This is in the midst of a speight of murders starting in a well- known dogging area and leading to parties of the not drinks-and –nibbles-kind. Throw in an MP, a barrister and a few dodgy characters and you have everything for a very interesting read.
A gritty plot with some edgy characters, intermingled with Roughley’s talent for the occasional light hearted quip makes this an easy, gripping read.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
May 11, 2016
This is the first in the series I have read, and since this book is No. 11, I was a little worried about reading out of sequence but there was no worries with that at all, it is perfectly fine to read as a standalone book.
DS Lasser is a flawed hero, with a mouth that gets him into trouble and a bit of an unorthodox approach to his job but he really gets the job done and his heart is in the right place. He has great colleagues who have his back and isn't a favourite of his superiors, which kind of adds to the interest of this book.
Interesting dynamics between all the characters, it really was a book that grabbed me and didn't let go until the end of it. I had no idea where it was going either, which is a good thing.
Highly recommend read, this was a 4.5 star book for me, beautifully written.
Thank you to TBC and the author for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
DS Lasser is a flawed hero, with a mouth that gets him into trouble and a bit of an unorthodox approach to his job but he really gets the job done and his heart is in the right place. He has great colleagues who have his back and isn't a favourite of his superiors, which kind of adds to the interest of this book.
Interesting dynamics between all the characters, it really was a book that grabbed me and didn't let go until the end of it. I had no idea where it was going either, which is a good thing.
Highly recommend read, this was a 4.5 star book for me, beautifully written.
Thank you to TBC and the author for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2016
I know I say this every time, and will no doubt say it after the next book, Robin's books keep getting better and better.
This one opened with a heart-stopper and the shocks continued. This book is more graphic than his others, not that I'm complaining!
I love DS Lasser. He's not perfect but then who is? It's his faults and foibles that make him the person he is.
Once again I accompanied Lasser on his trips round Wigan as I recognise so many of the places. Itdoes make me feel slightly homesick.
This book has everything you want in a thriller. It pulls you along at a cracking place, with great dialogue and a plot that has more twists and turns than a roller-coaster. Along with Robin's dry humour this makes it a perfect read.
If I could give it 10 stars I would, as 5 stars doesn't do it justice.
Well done Robin!
This one opened with a heart-stopper and the shocks continued. This book is more graphic than his others, not that I'm complaining!
I love DS Lasser. He's not perfect but then who is? It's his faults and foibles that make him the person he is.
Once again I accompanied Lasser on his trips round Wigan as I recognise so many of the places. Itdoes make me feel slightly homesick.
This book has everything you want in a thriller. It pulls you along at a cracking place, with great dialogue and a plot that has more twists and turns than a roller-coaster. Along with Robin's dry humour this makes it a perfect read.
If I could give it 10 stars I would, as 5 stars doesn't do it justice.
Well done Robin!
April 18, 2016
This is the 11th book in the series but the first one I have read. I liked the sound of the book description and not too far into the book I knew I was going to like it.
Set in Wigan and with a cast of likable characters this book starts as it intends to go on - full of action and great writing. Vivid description aids the creation of mental imagery, yet isn't overdone to the extent that your own brain can't make things up for itself!
There are some quite graphic parts in this book but they are always needed in the plot and never there just for the sake of it. I really enjoyed reading this book and intend to go back and start the series from the beginning.
I thank TBC and the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Set in Wigan and with a cast of likable characters this book starts as it intends to go on - full of action and great writing. Vivid description aids the creation of mental imagery, yet isn't overdone to the extent that your own brain can't make things up for itself!
There are some quite graphic parts in this book but they are always needed in the plot and never there just for the sake of it. I really enjoyed reading this book and intend to go back and start the series from the beginning.
I thank TBC and the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
April 27, 2016
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Having read the first two in the series of books about DS Lasser, I was interested to see whether resuming the series at number 11 would be in any way disadvantageous. I needn't have worried! Although there are clearly events in the lives of the main protagonists which have shaped them for good or ill, it is not necessary to know what these are to appreciate this cracking story--although I shall certainly be reading the rest. The story is at times grim but told by Roughley with a modicum of humour and dash.
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April 21, 2016Robin Roughley
Book 11
Conspiracy of Ravens.
This latest book in the DS Lasser series is purely brilliant. This book is the very best in the series to date. In this book you'll find gruesome deaths, sex,incest and more. I could not put this book down, I loved it from start to finish. You'll enjoy this book as well as I did and like me you will be desperate for the next one. I don't know anyone that wouldn't like this book.
5+* 21 April 2016.
Book 11
Conspiracy of Ravens.
This latest book in the DS Lasser series is purely brilliant. This book is the very best in the series to date. In this book you'll find gruesome deaths, sex,incest and more. I could not put this book down, I loved it from start to finish. You'll enjoy this book as well as I did and like me you will be desperate for the next one. I don't know anyone that wouldn't like this book.
5+* 21 April 2016.
April 15, 2016
I have just finished Conspiracy of Ravens by Robin Roughley. I normally give his books 5/5* but this one is 50/5*
This book started at a 5 & just grew & grew. Absolutely amazing right to the last word. I have no idea how Robin can top this Lasser story. Sensational. The story of abuse will haunt me for a long time.
This book started at a 5 & just grew & grew. Absolutely amazing right to the last word. I have no idea how Robin can top this Lasser story. Sensational. The story of abuse will haunt me for a long time.
July 31, 2016
Conspiracy of Ravens(DS Lasser series book 11)
What can I say five stars plus I love this author his books just get better every time don't know how he does it roll on book 12
What can I say five stars plus I love this author his books just get better every time don't know how he does it roll on book 12
March 27, 2017
Robin Roughley is Brilliant ..I Just want to keep Reading this Series of Books ..
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews