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Joseph Stark #2
Between the Crosses
No longer a trainee but a freshly-minted Detective Constable, Joseph Stark finds himself working a double homicide. Thomas and Mary Chase were shot dead in their London home, and first impressions are that this is a burglary-gone-bad.
But Stark is unconvinced. Burglary-murders are usually a tragic case of unfortunate timing, but this feels like something else entirely. And when evidence arises to link this murder to a twenty year old cold case the hunt is well and truly on.
But Stark is unconvinced. Burglary-murders are usually a tragic case of unfortunate timing, but this feels like something else entirely. And when evidence arises to link this murder to a twenty year old cold case the hunt is well and truly on.
512 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2016
11 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Frank
10 books46 followersMatthew Frank lives in Kent with his wife and three young sons. Between family life and work as an architect he tries to squeeze in a bit of mountain biking, scuba diving and midnight writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 8, 2024
So Good!! *Thank you to www.shotsmag.co.uk for my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review*
The prologue sets the scene perfectly for this gripping police procedural from Matthew Frank.
It's November 1984, and the opening scene creates a sombre mood, when a corpse is found partially submerged in the murky waters of Deptford Creek, London. No ID is found on the body, the only clue being a self-administered tattoo with just the one word - Billie.
Five years later on a cold wet November night in 1989, a sixteen year old girl has gone missing; an elderly couple hear screams outside their home, and as they peek out, they can just make out two figures in a struggle. The wife calls the police whilst the husband ventures outside, but all he finds is a handbag on the pavement. A police search commences, and PC Michael Groombridge is left guarding the crime scene. The rain has turned into a deluge, and the young PC is cold, wet and miserable, but he will have very good reason to remember this night some twenty years later.
Fast forward to 2010, and Thomas & Mary Chase have been found shot dead in their home. Thought initially to be a burglary gone wrong, DS Joseph Stark has reason to believe otherwise. Michael Groombridge (now a DCI) is in charge of the murder investigation team along with DS Stark and DS Fran Millhaven. It's a good team, though both Fran and DCI Groombridge have concerns about DS Stark. He has some serious psychological issues after serving with the British Forces in Afghanistan. He almost lost his life, but his actions earned him the Victoria Cross. DS Stark though in consequence of his military service, is a very damaged individual.
This storyline, though complex, was totally gripping, and well put together, and had me gripped right the way through. The latter chapters in particular, were just breathtaking, moving along at breakneck speed, and dragging this willing reader along at much the same pace. The characters were completely believable, and I have to say that for me personally it was without question, a five star read.
The prologue sets the scene perfectly for this gripping police procedural from Matthew Frank.
It's November 1984, and the opening scene creates a sombre mood, when a corpse is found partially submerged in the murky waters of Deptford Creek, London. No ID is found on the body, the only clue being a self-administered tattoo with just the one word - Billie.
Five years later on a cold wet November night in 1989, a sixteen year old girl has gone missing; an elderly couple hear screams outside their home, and as they peek out, they can just make out two figures in a struggle. The wife calls the police whilst the husband ventures outside, but all he finds is a handbag on the pavement. A police search commences, and PC Michael Groombridge is left guarding the crime scene. The rain has turned into a deluge, and the young PC is cold, wet and miserable, but he will have very good reason to remember this night some twenty years later.
Fast forward to 2010, and Thomas & Mary Chase have been found shot dead in their home. Thought initially to be a burglary gone wrong, DS Joseph Stark has reason to believe otherwise. Michael Groombridge (now a DCI) is in charge of the murder investigation team along with DS Stark and DS Fran Millhaven. It's a good team, though both Fran and DCI Groombridge have concerns about DS Stark. He has some serious psychological issues after serving with the British Forces in Afghanistan. He almost lost his life, but his actions earned him the Victoria Cross. DS Stark though in consequence of his military service, is a very damaged individual.
This storyline, though complex, was totally gripping, and well put together, and had me gripped right the way through. The latter chapters in particular, were just breathtaking, moving along at breakneck speed, and dragging this willing reader along at much the same pace. The characters were completely believable, and I have to say that for me personally it was without question, a five star read.
June 19, 2017
Absolutely Brilliant. I’m definitely a fan of this series, and I knew after reading Matthew Frank’s first book ‘If I Should Die’ (which I loved), that I would be looking forward to reading anything he would publish in the future. I’ve always enjoyed the floored characters, and the main character Joseph Stark is a bit of a mess. However in saying that, the Author has done such an amazing job in making him so interesting, that you can’t help but want to follow him. I also like that you never really know what is going to happen in the story until you’ve just about finished the book. Detective Constable Joseph Stark may have left the Army behind, but he certainly still suffers from PTSD. However since he was awarded the VC during his time in the Army, they haven’t severed ties with him completely, and his contacts may help him in his new job. He is still trying to establish himself as a Police Detective in the civilian world, and those that work with him can see his obvious skill and intelligence. Although he does seem to have a total disregard for his own safety, and is more than prepared to put himself in harm’s way. Stark has a double murder to investigate, and he’s trying to convince his boss Sergeant Fran Milhaven that he isn’t falling apart, and can be relied upon to get the job done. This really is a great piece of writing, with an interesting plot and a bunch of great characters. Bring on book 3.
December 24, 2016
Between the Crosses – A Proper Hero
Between the Crosses is Matthew Frank’s follow-up book to his debut If I Should Die and his hero detective Joseph Stark VC. Once again Frank’s prose is as crisp and clear and direct as the bullets that fly around this thriller. Stark is for want of a better phrase a defective detective, with more issues than a psychiatrist can handle but you cannot help wanting him to win through.
No longer a trainee detective Joseph Stark finds himself involved in a double murder case, where there seems to be a lack of leads on the surface. When they can link the current double murder with a twenty-year-old murder cold case, things take a twist for the worst. Especially as they begin to make links, witnesses disappear or just turn up dead.
As the Murder Incident Team are under pressure and missing a leader, one is brought in who seems intent on doing more damage to the team and in particular Stark. The inspector will do anything and everything to provoke a response from Stark who manages to maintain control of his responses during the provocation with a superior officer.
At the same time, Stark’s personal life is in full melt down, he has split from his girlfriend Kelly even though he loves her, but thinks it is for the best. His PTSD controls his sleep and his thoughts, he may have a VC but he still fights that battle every day of his life, and like most men unable to express how he really feels to his counsellor.
Stark and some of the things he does drives his sergeant Fran Millhaven mad, but she learns slowly she comes to realise that he is always assessing what is happening as if he is back in Helmand province. But it is his army training that will eventually come to the aid of both and might just spare more deaths.
DC Joe Stark is a terrific hero whose faults you can overlook as you hope that as he investigates further he will finally find peace. Joe Stark has yet to confront his PTSD and be honest with himself, just something else he must fight besides crime and an inspector, whether he willing too is a different matter.
Between the Crosses is a highly readable, exciting and plausible crime thriller with plenty of dead bodies, it is one hell of a powerful novel.
Between the Crosses is Matthew Frank’s follow-up book to his debut If I Should Die and his hero detective Joseph Stark VC. Once again Frank’s prose is as crisp and clear and direct as the bullets that fly around this thriller. Stark is for want of a better phrase a defective detective, with more issues than a psychiatrist can handle but you cannot help wanting him to win through.
No longer a trainee detective Joseph Stark finds himself involved in a double murder case, where there seems to be a lack of leads on the surface. When they can link the current double murder with a twenty-year-old murder cold case, things take a twist for the worst. Especially as they begin to make links, witnesses disappear or just turn up dead.
As the Murder Incident Team are under pressure and missing a leader, one is brought in who seems intent on doing more damage to the team and in particular Stark. The inspector will do anything and everything to provoke a response from Stark who manages to maintain control of his responses during the provocation with a superior officer.
At the same time, Stark’s personal life is in full melt down, he has split from his girlfriend Kelly even though he loves her, but thinks it is for the best. His PTSD controls his sleep and his thoughts, he may have a VC but he still fights that battle every day of his life, and like most men unable to express how he really feels to his counsellor.
Stark and some of the things he does drives his sergeant Fran Millhaven mad, but she learns slowly she comes to realise that he is always assessing what is happening as if he is back in Helmand province. But it is his army training that will eventually come to the aid of both and might just spare more deaths.
DC Joe Stark is a terrific hero whose faults you can overlook as you hope that as he investigates further he will finally find peace. Joe Stark has yet to confront his PTSD and be honest with himself, just something else he must fight besides crime and an inspector, whether he willing too is a different matter.
Between the Crosses is a highly readable, exciting and plausible crime thriller with plenty of dead bodies, it is one hell of a powerful novel.
October 1, 2017
What is another word for WOW!? Why, you might ask? Because that was pretty much the only word that escaped my lips as I read this book. It is just THAT good!
Set in London, the reader is faced with lies, secrets, murder, betrayal, the past, loss of control and the search for justice/the truth. But there is so much more to this story…soooooo much more!
I loved the fact that the plot was constantly moving and kept me on my toes. The #KillerHook was quickly evident and drew me in from the start. There was initially a “who-dunnit” feel which quickly turned into a complex but well structured story-line that firmly took hold of me and kept me enthralled from the first chapter right through to the last! This was a believeable story, highly emotive and simply stunning!
The relationship(s) and dynamics between the characters (especially the Murder team) is brilliant! The author instantly brought the characters to life with his style of writing, use of dialogue and I found myself really intrigued by their backstories, leaving me with a desire to know more. Awesome!
DC Joe Stark – our hero/main character. He is an ex-veteran struggling to find his feet at times in civilian life. He is a tragic hero, a bit of a loner and his training has taught him to be somewhat of a “yes” man. But he is tormented – mentally- and he puts up walls, he thinks, to protect others, but really they are there for his own self preservation. Oh…and he can be dangerous – maybe not intentionally- but this is part of who he is and what drew me in – will this be his ultimate downfall….?
DCI Groombridge is a likeable character too, he really stood out for me. He looks out for his team, lets them do what is required to get the job done, but will also step in when the time is right to make sure the result is for the good of the team.
DS Fran Millhaven was another character that stood out for me. She is highly pretective of her team and not afraid to challenge the higher-ups when required. A strong, fiery but highly intelligent female within a very male dominated world. Loved her!!
There were many more characters I could mention, but these three certainly stood out the most for me. This is a compelling read, highly emotive with an almost haunting feel to it. There were a few threads running through the story-line which totally intrigued me but did not confuse the story at all. I raced through the last few chapters and was devasted when it ended – not because it was bad…OH NO….. but because I wanted more!
Do I recommend this book? HELL YEAH, I do! I enjoyed it so much, I downloaded the first in the series, If I Should Die, straight away! This was a thought-provoking, gripping, intense and highly enjoyable crime-thriller. Matthew Frank is most definitely on my radar! If this sounds like something you might be interested in reading too, then click the link and grab a copy – I think you will be more than pleasantly surprised!
Set in London, the reader is faced with lies, secrets, murder, betrayal, the past, loss of control and the search for justice/the truth. But there is so much more to this story…soooooo much more!
I loved the fact that the plot was constantly moving and kept me on my toes. The #KillerHook was quickly evident and drew me in from the start. There was initially a “who-dunnit” feel which quickly turned into a complex but well structured story-line that firmly took hold of me and kept me enthralled from the first chapter right through to the last! This was a believeable story, highly emotive and simply stunning!
The relationship(s) and dynamics between the characters (especially the Murder team) is brilliant! The author instantly brought the characters to life with his style of writing, use of dialogue and I found myself really intrigued by their backstories, leaving me with a desire to know more. Awesome!
DC Joe Stark – our hero/main character. He is an ex-veteran struggling to find his feet at times in civilian life. He is a tragic hero, a bit of a loner and his training has taught him to be somewhat of a “yes” man. But he is tormented – mentally- and he puts up walls, he thinks, to protect others, but really they are there for his own self preservation. Oh…and he can be dangerous – maybe not intentionally- but this is part of who he is and what drew me in – will this be his ultimate downfall….?
DCI Groombridge is a likeable character too, he really stood out for me. He looks out for his team, lets them do what is required to get the job done, but will also step in when the time is right to make sure the result is for the good of the team.
DS Fran Millhaven was another character that stood out for me. She is highly pretective of her team and not afraid to challenge the higher-ups when required. A strong, fiery but highly intelligent female within a very male dominated world. Loved her!!
There were many more characters I could mention, but these three certainly stood out the most for me. This is a compelling read, highly emotive with an almost haunting feel to it. There were a few threads running through the story-line which totally intrigued me but did not confuse the story at all. I raced through the last few chapters and was devasted when it ended – not because it was bad…OH NO….. but because I wanted more!
Do I recommend this book? HELL YEAH, I do! I enjoyed it so much, I downloaded the first in the series, If I Should Die, straight away! This was a thought-provoking, gripping, intense and highly enjoyable crime-thriller. Matthew Frank is most definitely on my radar! If this sounds like something you might be interested in reading too, then click the link and grab a copy – I think you will be more than pleasantly surprised!
April 18, 2018
Can we have half stars please??? 4.5
October 1, 2016
I reviewed Matthew Frank‘s compelling debut If I Should Die last year featuring ex-soldier turned trainee police detective, Joseph Stark, and was absolutely enthralled. Between The Crosses sees Stark having cut his teeth, so to speak, and is now a fully badged DC, with a reprisal of police characters from the first book, including the wonderfully feisty DS Fran Millhaven. Again, Frank provides the perfect balance between a gritty and tense police procedural, with a testing investigation for Stark and his cohorts, and his faultless characterisation of Stark himself, haunted physically and emotionally by his past experiences, and the travails and triumphs of his new career. Frank really digs into the day-to-day frustrations of the rank and file in this one, and I strongly felt that the aspects of the book revolving around Stark and Millhaven’s personal and professional tribulations really held the weight of interest in the book, with the actual investigation feeling a little drawn out this time around. Frank excels in his characterisation throughout, and as the parameters of both main protagonists subtly shift at the close of this book, I am looking forward to see how this plays out in the dynamics of the next in the series. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2017
I was very impressed by the quality of the writing - a rare phenomenon in this genre. The plot was developed very carefully and led to a compelling finale in the 'can't put down till finished' category. I enjoyed the author's first "Joseph Stark" novel, but this was even better.
September 30, 2016
Excellent book. Perfect follow up to "If I Should Die". Characters are well-rounded, interesting to know. Had to order paperback from amazon.uk, but it was well worth the price. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 13, 2020
Absolutely amazing. I didn’t read If I should die but to be honest it didn’t make much of a difference as everything that the reader needed to know was explained in the book.
This story follows Joseph Stark a war veteran and a detective helping to solve the case of two murders and their link to a disappearance and suspected death 20 years previously. The book focused strongly on the investigation side of things with little discussion of Stark’s private life and I definitely preferred this as this helped to keep the reader on the edge of their seats wanting to read more.
I also really enjoyed the way the investigation was undertaken as it was much more realistic and didn’t have the ‘Scooby-doo’ style ending where the killer is suddenly revealed. Instead the reader is able to enjoy the more complex investigation following trails that go cold and slowly gathering the needed information.
My only fault with this was the constant discussion of budget cuts and whilst I understand it is a problem for police and was to help give a more accurate portrayal of working within the police force it did get annoying.
Overall 4.5 stars a really good read and flew by certainly didn’t feel like nearly 500 pages.
This story follows Joseph Stark a war veteran and a detective helping to solve the case of two murders and their link to a disappearance and suspected death 20 years previously. The book focused strongly on the investigation side of things with little discussion of Stark’s private life and I definitely preferred this as this helped to keep the reader on the edge of their seats wanting to read more.
I also really enjoyed the way the investigation was undertaken as it was much more realistic and didn’t have the ‘Scooby-doo’ style ending where the killer is suddenly revealed. Instead the reader is able to enjoy the more complex investigation following trails that go cold and slowly gathering the needed information.
My only fault with this was the constant discussion of budget cuts and whilst I understand it is a problem for police and was to help give a more accurate portrayal of working within the police force it did get annoying.
Overall 4.5 stars a really good read and flew by certainly didn’t feel like nearly 500 pages.
June 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime novel, the second in the series, featuring Joe Stark, a decorated war hero, now turned detective constable. This is a standalone plot as I hadn’t read “If I Should Die”, the acclaimed first book in the series. The story begins at the scene of the double murder of a married couple. The investigation into the crime is a page turner. But the real highlight is the characterisation. Joseph Stark, VC winner, is battling the demons and injuries resulting from his military service. His efforts to now adjust to life as a civilian, in a new and demanding profession, make him a terrific character. Fran Milburn, the “pull no punches” detective sergeant at his station is also a wonderful character. The dialogue and chemistry between the two is fabulous, as is the interplay between all the other characters in the book.
July 18, 2017
The saga of Joe Stark carries on. Severely wounded while winning the VC in Afghanistan, he constantly struggles with PTSD. A break up with his girl friend aggravates his condition but he gamely struggles on in the police while facing the hostility of his superior. His other colleagues and supporters, as usual, are well drawn A couple running a security business have been murdered. As the investigation continues it unravels a psychopath who goes on the rampage. The ending is nail biting. I found the book quite satisfying despite the distracting condition of the hero. Can't wait for the next in the series on a man one can look up to and root for.
November 2, 2017
Terrific continuation of a brilliant police-procedural series by Matthew Frank. Joseph Stark is
in a worse situation than when we last saw him. At least he has his Detective job for the police.
When that gets threatened he pours himself into his work and does the hard work necessary to
see him through.... I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
in a worse situation than when we last saw him. At least he has his Detective job for the police.
When that gets threatened he pours himself into his work and does the hard work necessary to
see him through.... I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
November 26, 2017
Good read. Very much enjoyed it as a random selection I picked up at the library. Now that I've been introduced to Stark, think it's appropriate that I head aback & see if I can find the first book featuring him. Very much look forward to reading more with himin it &s of course Fran - loved her character.
October 2, 2018
4.5 stars. I like everything about this book: characters both good and bad, plot and location. This is my idea of a police procedural where they work as a team and follow clues. I like when a clue doesn’t pan out or the suspect escapes but they keep on plugging away.
I looked for the next Stark book but couldn’t find one.
I looked for the next Stark book but couldn’t find one.
July 22, 2017
This book was excellent. I was gripped until the end. I much preferred this one to the first in the series, because I thought the characters were more developed and relatable. Well done author! Can't wait for a third Joseph Stark.
December 15, 2018
Everything the back cover reviews says. A very well written story;good characters and a well developed story, not immediately obvious resolution and so keeps the reader involved until the end. Worth a read.
February 23, 2020
Brilliant second book from this author. I read the first one and immediately purchased the second one. And I couldn't out them both down. The characters are written so well you feel like you know them. You love them, you dislike them, they annoy you... I'm already waiting for the next book.
December 20, 2024
Book 2 and knowing all the characters and love Joseph Stark's character along with Fran, and all the others. Things are not what they seem and a true crime writer getting us turning page after page. Loved it.
February 2, 2018
Another fantastic book I can’t recommend Matthew Frank enough. I can’t wait for book 3!
November 8, 2019
Really liked the character of Joseph Stark.
May 17, 2020
Just couldn't get into that world.
March 6, 2021
The first book was much better. Dragged.
April 16, 2023
2nd in the series, this one started leaving me cold at first but then reeled me in about 25% in.
July 20, 2020
And having re-read the first - which, incidentally, it is imperative to do - I had no choice but to immediately continue with the second, much less of which I remembered from first time round, so, once again, a total, absorbing delight. An enviable merging of excellent writing, superbly-depicted characters and good story. I very sincerely hope there IS a third ... and soon.
A solid and entertaining continuation of the first, 'If I should die', characters and relationships developing amidst another set of criminal activities, fast paced , for the most part and well-plotted. High tension ending.
A solid and entertaining continuation of the first, 'If I should die', characters and relationships developing amidst another set of criminal activities, fast paced , for the most part and well-plotted. High tension ending.
October 3, 2016
A rich business couple are found murdered in their home; robbery gone wrong or something more sinister? DC Joseph Stark and the detectives on his team investigate. Absolutely amazing, lots of twists and an ending that had me holding my breath. We also see Stark struggling with his PTSD and trying to juggle his civvie, police and army relationships. Stark has joined the ranks of fictional detectives I'd do the horizontal mambo with because the writing is just that good.
October 8, 2016
It is extremely rare to find a writer who can (seemingly effortlessly) turn a fictional character into something so realistic but Frank has succeeded. He equips Stark with a complex personality, multiple faces and numerous issues which brings him to life. Add that to an interesting storyline and Frank's novel is definitely a worthy read
November 21, 2016
A really solid detective book. I like the characters and the plot (although it was a wee bit predictable) and the action sequences were pretty bloody good. Very tempted to check out the first one in the series now.
December 21, 2016
Outstanding follow up to last year's If I Should Die, featuring ex-soldier Joe Stark as a newly promoted Detective Constable in Greenwich. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2021
So well written. So well plotted. Role on the next!
April 15, 2017
Even better than the first "Joseph Stark" book - I couldn't put it down. I hope there is a third!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews