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The Rule of Fear
The new novel by Luke Delaney, ex-Met detective and author of the terrifyingly authentic DI Sean Corrigan series. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Stuart MacBride.
Danger lurks on every corner. But the threat comes from within.
Tasked with cleaning up the notorious Grove Wood Estate, Sergeant Jack King is determined to rise to the challenge. But it’s not just drug dealers and petty thugs his team have to worry about. Someone is preying on children and they need to hunt down the culprit, fast.
Soon King finds himself in over his the local residents won’t play ball, and he’s refusing to admit that he’s suffering from PTSD. As the pressures combine, the line between right and wrong starts to blur and King finds himself in a downward spiral. Only he can save himself – but is it already too late?
Danger lurks on every corner. But the threat comes from within.
Tasked with cleaning up the notorious Grove Wood Estate, Sergeant Jack King is determined to rise to the challenge. But it’s not just drug dealers and petty thugs his team have to worry about. Someone is preying on children and they need to hunt down the culprit, fast.
Soon King finds himself in over his the local residents won’t play ball, and he’s refusing to admit that he’s suffering from PTSD. As the pressures combine, the line between right and wrong starts to blur and King finds himself in a downward spiral. Only he can save himself – but is it already too late?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2016
13 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Luke Delaney
39 books287 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 2, 2016
I'm a HUGE fan of the Corrigan novels so was really looking forward to seeing something different from Luke Delaney - a really intuitive storyteller whose true talent comes in the sheer authenticity he brings to each tale.
Here is a standalone then - and this one is ALL about Jack King, a protagonist with an enduring ability to suck you into his world - back to work after a life defining event, he is maybe not as ready as should be, especially considering what he is tasked with.
A very dark tone and a very dark story - some of Jack's choices are questionable, Luke Delaney explores the depth of the human psyche with The Rule of Fear and it is both endlessly fascinating and deeply disturbing. Its very important I think in this case to not give away too many nuances of plot, but in any novel you read where children are targets of those who would harm them, you know that it is not going to make easy reading - if you add to that a character like Jack King, for whom the lines between right and wrong blur more and more the further you head into the story you have a poignant whirlpool of intensity and Luke Delaney pushes you every step of the way.
The plotting is tight, the prose is incredibly immersive, The Rule of Fear is a slow burn of a novel with a hugely captivating sense about it and an ending that will floor you emotionally, more so because everything leading up to the final denoument is utterly horrifically believable. I refer you back to the first part of this review.
Some incredible writing right here - it wont be for everyone, it is uncompromising, bleak, the tale of how we can never predict, how the most shining of futures can be taken apart in moments. An authentic and absolutely hard hitting insight into PTSD written with absolutely no glances towards any kind of comfort zone - I can't do anything except highly recommend it.
Here is a standalone then - and this one is ALL about Jack King, a protagonist with an enduring ability to suck you into his world - back to work after a life defining event, he is maybe not as ready as should be, especially considering what he is tasked with.
A very dark tone and a very dark story - some of Jack's choices are questionable, Luke Delaney explores the depth of the human psyche with The Rule of Fear and it is both endlessly fascinating and deeply disturbing. Its very important I think in this case to not give away too many nuances of plot, but in any novel you read where children are targets of those who would harm them, you know that it is not going to make easy reading - if you add to that a character like Jack King, for whom the lines between right and wrong blur more and more the further you head into the story you have a poignant whirlpool of intensity and Luke Delaney pushes you every step of the way.
The plotting is tight, the prose is incredibly immersive, The Rule of Fear is a slow burn of a novel with a hugely captivating sense about it and an ending that will floor you emotionally, more so because everything leading up to the final denoument is utterly horrifically believable. I refer you back to the first part of this review.
Some incredible writing right here - it wont be for everyone, it is uncompromising, bleak, the tale of how we can never predict, how the most shining of futures can be taken apart in moments. An authentic and absolutely hard hitting insight into PTSD written with absolutely no glances towards any kind of comfort zone - I can't do anything except highly recommend it.
October 13, 2016
The Rule of Fear – A Stunning Standalone Thriller
Luke Delaney has become one of the most popular crime writers in Britain with his DI Sean Corrigan series has written an absolutely stunning standalone thriller in The Rule of Fear. This is a gripping and twisted crime thriller that shows that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this really is a cracking read.
Jack King is stabbed when he answers what is thought to be a domestic call and discovers that a family has been killed by the father, then attempts to kill him. A few months on he is on desk duty wanting to get back on the streets, when he is called in to see Superintendent Gerrard’s with Inspector Johnson in attendance, when he is offered the chance to lead a new unit when going back on active duty.
He jumps at the chance to be seen as a proper ‘thief taker’ before continuing with his police career on the up, and the Grove Wood Estate is where he would earn his reputation as a copper’s copper. As he and his team take on the estate they decide to operate by a different set of rules, with less of the bureaucracy and the team is successful and the chiefs love his crime figures showing he is on top of what he is doing.
What we see as the longer King is on the Estate the more the Estate sucks him in, and possibly suffering from PTSD he may not be in the best position to manage himself or a team. When a female colleague is seriously attacked and put in hospital King’s life begins to spiral out of control. His life and mental condition is in chaos and he has discovered away of pain management none of his colleagues or senior managers would agree with.
As King starts to spiral out of control he is dragging down his team with him, even when they want out and be real police officers. The problem for them is that King has hit self-destruct mode and taking the law in to his own hands, as judge, jury and executioner he makes some very serious enemies.
As a paranoia takes control and making all the wrong decisions in life come to the fore, he even deems those trying to help him as enemies. It is clear things are not going to end well as his life and career begin to fall to pieces, how it will end nobody is sure, or can they save Jack King?
An excellent standalone thriller watching a police officer spiral out of control and watching everything he touches turning to dust. There is something about watching a police man fall in to the traps that others have set, he had the opportunities to get out but is drunk on power. A truly excellent thriller and a break from the police procedural thriller, this is a new spin on the theme.
Luke Delaney has become one of the most popular crime writers in Britain with his DI Sean Corrigan series has written an absolutely stunning standalone thriller in The Rule of Fear. This is a gripping and twisted crime thriller that shows that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this really is a cracking read.
Jack King is stabbed when he answers what is thought to be a domestic call and discovers that a family has been killed by the father, then attempts to kill him. A few months on he is on desk duty wanting to get back on the streets, when he is called in to see Superintendent Gerrard’s with Inspector Johnson in attendance, when he is offered the chance to lead a new unit when going back on active duty.
He jumps at the chance to be seen as a proper ‘thief taker’ before continuing with his police career on the up, and the Grove Wood Estate is where he would earn his reputation as a copper’s copper. As he and his team take on the estate they decide to operate by a different set of rules, with less of the bureaucracy and the team is successful and the chiefs love his crime figures showing he is on top of what he is doing.
What we see as the longer King is on the Estate the more the Estate sucks him in, and possibly suffering from PTSD he may not be in the best position to manage himself or a team. When a female colleague is seriously attacked and put in hospital King’s life begins to spiral out of control. His life and mental condition is in chaos and he has discovered away of pain management none of his colleagues or senior managers would agree with.
As King starts to spiral out of control he is dragging down his team with him, even when they want out and be real police officers. The problem for them is that King has hit self-destruct mode and taking the law in to his own hands, as judge, jury and executioner he makes some very serious enemies.
As a paranoia takes control and making all the wrong decisions in life come to the fore, he even deems those trying to help him as enemies. It is clear things are not going to end well as his life and career begin to fall to pieces, how it will end nobody is sure, or can they save Jack King?
An excellent standalone thriller watching a police officer spiral out of control and watching everything he touches turning to dust. There is something about watching a police man fall in to the traps that others have set, he had the opportunities to get out but is drunk on power. A truly excellent thriller and a break from the police procedural thriller, this is a new spin on the theme.
June 23, 2016
I felt very torn both reading and reviewing this book. First of all this is Luke Delaney's first novel not featuring DI Sean Corrigan. I am a huge fan of this series but it's always nice to see what authors do outside of the norm. This book is a very stark story and one that is all too chillingly possible. With Luke Delaney being ex-copper I would imagine his experience and knowledge plays a large part in the sort or things that a copper has to go through. This story follows Sergeant Jack King as he returns to work following a brutal and extremely violent encounter.
The opening of the book is where the reader meets Jack and we see him experience his violent encounter immediately. There is no fluffing this up, and to be truthful its exposed in all its horrifying glory. When he sets himself the task of returning to work he has no idea that he will be placed in the notorious Wood Grove Estate. He and a team of 3 others are tasked with cleaning up the Estate and this may well help Jack move up the ladder quickly as he is part of an accelerated promotion programme.
Jack is not necessarily a likeable character but one that I think people can empathise with. He is seriously damaged and as he and his colleagues take on their new task he slips further down the hole of PTSD. This book, although brutal still have Delaney's excellent writing skills, and its certainly an easy to read book. However, it makes for extremely uncomfortable reading at times. To watch a person slip and make more and more mistakes is not a nice thing to do, although it no doubt happens. The story itself I would say isn't a fast paced thriller, more like a real eye opener as you delve into an individuals mind and see how they begin to decline in things such as the decisions you make.
I ended up finishing the book with a bitter taste in my mouth which made me question how to review and rate it. I'm not normally stuck on reading and reviewing, but this book left me feeling uncertain. I certainly didn't hate the book, I just hated the circumstances, the result and ultimately the position that one man ends up in due to an illness that was forced upon him because he was doing his job! Ultimately I felt like I cannot give it less than 4 stars, because Luke Delaney has done his job and done it spectacularly. However, for me personally it was just too bleak and soul destroying, but that said it was just my emotional response to the story line. This book is, as Delaney has shown previously, was an excellent story with his usual writing skills on display. It won't be everybody's cup of tea, and I for one cant wait to see the return of Sean Corrigan. Having said that it is still a quality piece of writing which some people will no doubt love and some people will loathe!
The opening of the book is where the reader meets Jack and we see him experience his violent encounter immediately. There is no fluffing this up, and to be truthful its exposed in all its horrifying glory. When he sets himself the task of returning to work he has no idea that he will be placed in the notorious Wood Grove Estate. He and a team of 3 others are tasked with cleaning up the Estate and this may well help Jack move up the ladder quickly as he is part of an accelerated promotion programme.
Jack is not necessarily a likeable character but one that I think people can empathise with. He is seriously damaged and as he and his colleagues take on their new task he slips further down the hole of PTSD. This book, although brutal still have Delaney's excellent writing skills, and its certainly an easy to read book. However, it makes for extremely uncomfortable reading at times. To watch a person slip and make more and more mistakes is not a nice thing to do, although it no doubt happens. The story itself I would say isn't a fast paced thriller, more like a real eye opener as you delve into an individuals mind and see how they begin to decline in things such as the decisions you make.
I ended up finishing the book with a bitter taste in my mouth which made me question how to review and rate it. I'm not normally stuck on reading and reviewing, but this book left me feeling uncertain. I certainly didn't hate the book, I just hated the circumstances, the result and ultimately the position that one man ends up in due to an illness that was forced upon him because he was doing his job! Ultimately I felt like I cannot give it less than 4 stars, because Luke Delaney has done his job and done it spectacularly. However, for me personally it was just too bleak and soul destroying, but that said it was just my emotional response to the story line. This book is, as Delaney has shown previously, was an excellent story with his usual writing skills on display. It won't be everybody's cup of tea, and I for one cant wait to see the return of Sean Corrigan. Having said that it is still a quality piece of writing which some people will no doubt love and some people will loathe!
July 13, 2016
Luke Delaney is one of my favourite authors and I adore his DI Sean Corrigan books. I mistakenly thought this was next in the series and hadn't seen it was a standalone novel until I had started it.
I quickly scanned the reviews to see that one of my trusted Goodread buddies had said that this was a book you would either love or loathe: she was totally right and, although I didn't loathe it, I found it deeply disturbing and dark and didn't particularly like it at all.
I am not going to go into a long review about it as I don't want to say anything bad,particularly about a favourite author, save to say it is, as always, brilliantly written but it's very hard hitting and not something I would have ever read in a million years if it hadn't have been written by Luke Delaney.
I am so glad I have finished it so that I can move onto something a little lighter. I can't wait for the next instalment of Sean Corrigan and will put this book firmly where it belongs, on the 'totally forgettable' shelf.
I quickly scanned the reviews to see that one of my trusted Goodread buddies had said that this was a book you would either love or loathe: she was totally right and, although I didn't loathe it, I found it deeply disturbing and dark and didn't particularly like it at all.
I am not going to go into a long review about it as I don't want to say anything bad,particularly about a favourite author, save to say it is, as always, brilliantly written but it's very hard hitting and not something I would have ever read in a million years if it hadn't have been written by Luke Delaney.
I am so glad I have finished it so that I can move onto something a little lighter. I can't wait for the next instalment of Sean Corrigan and will put this book firmly where it belongs, on the 'totally forgettable' shelf.
August 5, 2017
Well I certaintly did not think it would pan out the way it did!! At first I was thinking I knew what would happen but the whole PTSD really did a number on King
June 14, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of The Rule of Fear in turn for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Sergeant Jack King is back on active duty after months off following a violent encounter. On the Met’s promotional fast-track scheme, King is headed straight for the top, but policing the streets is where his heart truly lies.
Tasked with cleaning up the notorious Grove Wood estate, King is determined to rise to the challenge. But it’s not just drug dealers and petty thugs his team have to worry about. Someone on the estate is preying on children, and they need to find the culprit, fast.
Soon King finds himself over his head: the local residents won’t play ball, his superiors want results yesterday, and he’s refusing to admit that he’s suffering from PTSD. As the pressures combine, the line between right and wrong starts to blur and King finds himself in a downward spiral. Only he can save himself – but is it already too late?
As a huge fan of Luke Delaney's Sean Corrigan series I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read his new book. I found it a slight departure from the Corrigan series but not in a negative sense. Jack King is a complex character following a horrendous incident which we are given details of in the very first chapter; this has impacted on his personality, approach and relationships with others on a personal and professional basis.
At times I felt uncomfortable as a reader "observing" King's practice as a serving officer but we are aware of what has led him to where he is and so there is an element of sympathy for his character.
At times I thought "is this believable - could it really happen?" and by the end of the book I do believe it could - PTSD is more out in the open now in our forces but a stigma remains and it is easy to see why individuals would want to deny that they were affected. While this book didn't address the stigma on a moral or ethical basis it did hightlight the absolute impact that the condition can have on individuals.
The Rule of Fear is a dark and sometimes violent tale, it draws the reader into a mucky underworld that they may have trouble adjusting to - but for fans of crime/thrillers/police procedurals then this comes highly recommended.
My only criticism is that after the explosive opening chapter, the pace drops dramatically for the next couple of chapters before picking up again - hold on in there though as it is well worth while for what's to come! Strong 4 stars from me!
Synopsis:
Sergeant Jack King is back on active duty after months off following a violent encounter. On the Met’s promotional fast-track scheme, King is headed straight for the top, but policing the streets is where his heart truly lies.
Tasked with cleaning up the notorious Grove Wood estate, King is determined to rise to the challenge. But it’s not just drug dealers and petty thugs his team have to worry about. Someone on the estate is preying on children, and they need to find the culprit, fast.
Soon King finds himself over his head: the local residents won’t play ball, his superiors want results yesterday, and he’s refusing to admit that he’s suffering from PTSD. As the pressures combine, the line between right and wrong starts to blur and King finds himself in a downward spiral. Only he can save himself – but is it already too late?
As a huge fan of Luke Delaney's Sean Corrigan series I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read his new book. I found it a slight departure from the Corrigan series but not in a negative sense. Jack King is a complex character following a horrendous incident which we are given details of in the very first chapter; this has impacted on his personality, approach and relationships with others on a personal and professional basis.
At times I felt uncomfortable as a reader "observing" King's practice as a serving officer but we are aware of what has led him to where he is and so there is an element of sympathy for his character.
At times I thought "is this believable - could it really happen?" and by the end of the book I do believe it could - PTSD is more out in the open now in our forces but a stigma remains and it is easy to see why individuals would want to deny that they were affected. While this book didn't address the stigma on a moral or ethical basis it did hightlight the absolute impact that the condition can have on individuals.
The Rule of Fear is a dark and sometimes violent tale, it draws the reader into a mucky underworld that they may have trouble adjusting to - but for fans of crime/thrillers/police procedurals then this comes highly recommended.
My only criticism is that after the explosive opening chapter, the pace drops dramatically for the next couple of chapters before picking up again - hold on in there though as it is well worth while for what's to come! Strong 4 stars from me!
October 7, 2016
I'm a big Delaney fan and really enjoyed the DI Corrigan series so I was always going to give this a go. I was a bit sceptical as this was another Crime novel and how different could it be from the Corrigan series?! To my delight it was different and was so good. The story revolves around Sgt Jack King, he's on an accelerated promotion scheme but stumbles upon a major incident leaving him with PTSD. From there he goes into steady decline to the point where he crosses the line and struggles to come back. Really good characters, great plot and very well paced.
November 23, 2017
I didn't really like this book. The story was good, and well told and the reading was good. I think it made me very uncomfortable, it seemed too plausible, I didn't like any of the characters for one reason or another, and I don't want to live in a world like that. Seems daft really when I read much more horrifying stuff. I guess that just seems like it is a way out there story and this seemed all too ordinary and likely. Give me fantasy over reality any day.
February 9, 2017
I absolutely hated this book. The plot just didn't hold together, nothing made sense, the characters were horrible with no redeeming features.
It was made worse by the fact that I love the Sean Corrigan series by Luke Delaney. It crossed my mind that this was an early effort previously turned down for publication.
It was made worse by the fact that I love the Sean Corrigan series by Luke Delaney. It crossed my mind that this was an early effort previously turned down for publication.
January 3, 2018
A hard-hitting, powerful and uncompromising novel about a policeman whose career and life are hit by trauma. Luke Delaney is a fine writer and he pulls no punches here.
March 4, 2017
Not as good as the Sean Corrigan series that he writes but ok.
October 1, 2020
The contents of this book was a bit of a heavy read but interesting, nonetheless. Given the current state of policing and social justice, the events were matter of fact. The storyline revolves around an all around good and rather young police officer, Sergeant Jack King, who was destined to move up the ranks at a fast pace. He took on a 999 call that changed his life forever; on one hand making him a hero and on the other, losing himself in the process. Bound to a desk after this incident, he knew that wasn’t where he wanted to be. His PTSD went undiagnosed and I think that’s why things started spiralling.
Shortly after he took on a leadership role in a rough Estate, right and wrong seemed to merge together, the power getting to his head. Money, drugs, loyalties or the lack thereof, love, and lust were all intertwined. The line that resonated with me most was mid-story when King tells his superior, Johnson, ‘Success has many parents, but failure is always an orphan?’ - and she’s in agreeance. The plan, regardless of the outcome, was to highlight Kings’ bravery. As Gerard, another one of his colleagues ends the novel and closes his file saying, ‘Long live the King’. I generally prefer happy endings but realize that the narrative is a probable reality.
Shortly after he took on a leadership role in a rough Estate, right and wrong seemed to merge together, the power getting to his head. Money, drugs, loyalties or the lack thereof, love, and lust were all intertwined. The line that resonated with me most was mid-story when King tells his superior, Johnson, ‘Success has many parents, but failure is always an orphan?’ - and she’s in agreeance. The plan, regardless of the outcome, was to highlight Kings’ bravery. As Gerard, another one of his colleagues ends the novel and closes his file saying, ‘Long live the King’. I generally prefer happy endings but realize that the narrative is a probable reality.
April 18, 2021
Really not sure where to start with this book. Luke Delaney is one of my favourite authors (currently). I love his Sean Corrigan books. This was a very brave move for him and the publishers. A dark and very raw story, at times I wanted to close it up and never go back, but it just kept drawing me back in, all the while hoping for a positive way out for Jack.
The story is expertly crafted and Delaney's insight to policing shines through. This is however, a book that will make you feel uncomfortable and question your own morality.
From working with service users suffering from PTSD i can see Delaney did a great deal of research to understand the distructive nature of the disorder, and how many fall to drugs to try to combat its grip over their lives.
I think this story makes you, the reader, realise and be grateful for what you have and the support you get from your own friends and family, juxtaposed to the stark, bleak plight of the Grove wood Estate.
An excellent book, but not for the light hearted.
The story is expertly crafted and Delaney's insight to policing shines through. This is however, a book that will make you feel uncomfortable and question your own morality.
From working with service users suffering from PTSD i can see Delaney did a great deal of research to understand the distructive nature of the disorder, and how many fall to drugs to try to combat its grip over their lives.
I think this story makes you, the reader, realise and be grateful for what you have and the support you get from your own friends and family, juxtaposed to the stark, bleak plight of the Grove wood Estate.
An excellent book, but not for the light hearted.
December 24, 2023
My first book by Luke Delaney.
A solid and highly realistic crime thriller set in the Badlands of the Grove Wood estate. The author's experience as a police officer has been put to good use in these scarily authentic police thriller. While the writing is average and the plot is straight-forward, the author manages to wed his experience with the compelling tale of a police officer battling crime as well as his inner demons. As the story unfolds, we see how the protagonist slowly loses his battle with his inner demons and own principles and morality and develops into a monster bigger and more dangerous than the ones he set out to eliminate. Some of the scenes from the tale, especially those involving drugs and violence are certainly not suitable for those with faint hearts or younger readers.
On the whole, I would say it is a solid if somewhat bleak tale is gripping and depressing at the same time. I am looking forward to read his other books.
A solid and highly realistic crime thriller set in the Badlands of the Grove Wood estate. The author's experience as a police officer has been put to good use in these scarily authentic police thriller. While the writing is average and the plot is straight-forward, the author manages to wed his experience with the compelling tale of a police officer battling crime as well as his inner demons. As the story unfolds, we see how the protagonist slowly loses his battle with his inner demons and own principles and morality and develops into a monster bigger and more dangerous than the ones he set out to eliminate. Some of the scenes from the tale, especially those involving drugs and violence are certainly not suitable for those with faint hearts or younger readers.
On the whole, I would say it is a solid if somewhat bleak tale is gripping and depressing at the same time. I am looking forward to read his other books.
May 20, 2023
I love Luke Delaney books DI Sean Corrigan series are first class
I recently gave a 5 star to The Killing Boys
This was really well written and as such I give it a high rating
Sergeant Jack King turned nasty violent and out of control following real trauma he received on the job
In todays climate with recognised documented Police corruption this feels very close to the bone and left a serious nauseating taste in my mouth
Reading this I could honestly believe the actions of Sergeant Jack King and his colleagues happen
Having seen Police being convicted in court of horrendous crimes against the public they are supposed to protect I would personally avoid them at all costs
The reader is also shown how the organisation gathered around itself protecting its interests
This book only made my fears worse
Eye opening and awful doesn’t come close to describing it
I recently gave a 5 star to The Killing Boys
This was really well written and as such I give it a high rating
Sergeant Jack King turned nasty violent and out of control following real trauma he received on the job
In todays climate with recognised documented Police corruption this feels very close to the bone and left a serious nauseating taste in my mouth
Reading this I could honestly believe the actions of Sergeant Jack King and his colleagues happen
Having seen Police being convicted in court of horrendous crimes against the public they are supposed to protect I would personally avoid them at all costs
The reader is also shown how the organisation gathered around itself protecting its interests
This book only made my fears worse
Eye opening and awful doesn’t come close to describing it
June 18, 2023
This was an ok read . But really really far fetched. I was a big fan of the DI Corrigan books. But this new one I’m not so sure it is of the same standard as previous books. Maybe I’m precious about the previous character I don’t know. However there is no way this would ever happen in any police force. The very quick downward spiral this character gets into very quickly would have been noticed. It wasn’t the greatest plot but it’s readable
January 2, 2019
A police officer finds his life spinning out of control.
I thought this book had a cracking story, but some of plot was a bit far-fetched (hopefully) – as people very rarely change so significantly so quickly, but it was still a very entertaining read.
Overall rating 3.5
I thought this book had a cracking story, but some of plot was a bit far-fetched (hopefully) – as people very rarely change so significantly so quickly, but it was still a very entertaining read.
Overall rating 3.5
January 27, 2018
Audio version of this book, was ok but very slow not one of his best.
August 1, 2018
This book was ok. Good cop/bad cop theme.
February 24, 2017
Having read, and liked, the Corrigan books I was expecting something similar from 'The Rule of Fear' but this story is quite different. It is very dark, most of the characters are unlikeable, especially the protagonist, mentally scarred policeman Jack King. The book is essentially the chronicle of Jack's remorseless downfall after he is stabbed, witnesses the killing of a family, and is dispatched to work on a crime ridden London estate. I did struggle with this novel, it was probably too bleak for my tastes, but the writing was quite strong and I was invested enough to see it through to the end.
July 23, 2016
I really enjoyed the Corrigan series but this wasn't for me. I didn't hate it but for me it is too far fetched bordering on ridiculous. The descent of the main character was interesting but was just taken too far.
July 5, 2016
i don't think a book has ever evoked such strong feelings about a character as this one did. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great story.
August 10, 2016
Another good book by Luke Delaney, not his usual DI books that have been out before this one but a good book thriller, set in the seedy world of gangs and drugs
September 8, 2016
Great pageturner. And lovely dedication.
February 7, 2017
Very readable but too far fetched for me. Looking forward to a return to the Corrigan series which i enjoyed much more
February 3, 2017
fair nothing to boast about
Read
April 18, 2017Did not enjoy this.
Read
April 8, 2018Chose not to finish this one, Jack King came across as a very unlikable in my opinion and I had only read a few pages. Yes I get that not all main charaters need to be liked, infact I prefer my main characters to have flaws and raw edges....but Delaney's Jack King had none of the honesty that goes with these elements, Delaney chose instead to give him a smugness and cockiness that just made reading about his views and opinions hard going.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews