From the author of D.S. Hunter Kerr comes a brand new standalone thriller.
Mathew Tobias Alexander has a past. A troubled past. A past he has chosen to hide. So the disappearance of his girlfriend following a vicious argument, cause him all kinds of dilemmas. While he battles to keep his secrets hidden the appearance of a mysterious Stalker, and Detective Jack Buchan, who is grappling with his own personal demons, add to his woes. Will they also be Toby’s undoing?
Following retirement, after thirty-two years as a police officer, working mainly as a detective, Michael returned to the deadly business of murder, as a writer. His past work brought him very close to some nasty characters, including psychopaths, and gruesome cases and he draws on that experience to craft his novels: There is nothing gentle about Michael’s stories.
His landmark novel ‘Heart of the Demon’, published in 2012, introduced Detective Sergeant Hunter Kerr. He has since written eight novels featuring him. He also released the first of his DS Scarlett Macey books in 2016.
I was given this book by Darren Laws of Caffeine Nights Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
Can I first just say how much I LOVE the cover of this book! It is haunting, atmospheric and drew me in immediately! The perfect way to grab my attention is a cover that speaks to me…and this one screamed!
Set in/around Cornwall, this is the first in the Detective Jack Buchan series. Various themes are scattered through the pages and include, but are not limited to: secrets & lies, the past, revenge, loss, justice, betrayal and seeking the truth.
At only 160 pages, this was a very quick read for me. The plot was intriguing and mysterious. I was immediately drawn into the story and the pace was perfect for the way the story-line was set out. It is one of those books that niggles at you….once you start, you need to keep reading.
I enjoyed the style of writing and the short, sharp chapters. Just enough information to keep you reading and not long and drawn out. For me, this added and enhanced the intrigue and suspense.
The characters were well developed and believeable. Detective Jack Buchan has his own demons which he is only coming to terms with. He is likeable and a bit of a rogue at times. Though this does not surface immediately. Fabi Nosenzo (great bloody name!) comes to work with Jack in CID on an attachment as she wants to be a Detective. She has to be my favourite character. Smart, sassy and a bit bad-assy! And then there is Toby Alexander…all is not what it seems with this guy. I found him to be a bit whiny and annoying – though under the circumstances, I guess he had to be!
I figured out the twist fairly early on – watch out Fabi, I may get your job! However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of this book at all. In fact, I am looking forward to more in this series as I suspect Jack Buchan will have a lot more to offer!
I highly recommend this read and will certainly read more from this author in the future. I am keen to read his other books too, so that is a good sign! Head over to amazon to grab yourself a copy of this great read!
WELL WORTH READING This is the second book I've read by Michael Fowler. It was well worth reading. There are twists and turns in this book that keep you wanting to pick your book up and keep reading. After meeting a man who does portraits, Cassie and he start up a relationship. After accepting a meal from the man's friends, a fight starts, and they leave the friends house. The friend who gets in touch with the police gives enough evidence to start the police looking for Carrie, the only thing they learn is Carrie comes from Australia. With little to go with the police start finding out more that leads to the twists and and turns that keep you doing the same as they do by turning the pages for more information about them all. A great storyline with great characters. Highly recommended read. 5 stars..
A missing and potentially murdered woman's case lands on Jack Buchan's desk, sparking his interest in the resolved case of a suicide of a high-profile model.
This novel has a great flow of character and provides interesting and intelligent storylines to maintain interest.
This novel provides enough descriptiveness to get you through the story, while not over-dramatising the characters or dwelling on the irrelevant or semi-relevant history of the people or places. This could be an area of opportunity for the author or an indication of the directness of his style that will endear readers.
I can see this storyline being optioned for an English TV drama mini-series.
A suspenseful and twisty novel, this is a dark and absorbing read.
When Toby wakes up with a hangover and no recollection of the previous night to find his girlfriend missing and blood on the kitchen floor, he is concerned. Because Toby has a past, and it may be catching up with him...
The pace was relentless, the story wonderfully plotted, and the writing was sharp. If you like them fast and twisty, this is one for you.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Fantastic storyline. Keeps you guessing till the end. I would recommend this to all the crime story readers out there. Can't wait for the next book from Mr Michael Fowler.
Great page Turner. Keeps you guessing till the end. Can't wait for the next book by Michael Fowler, he truly deserves his place in the crime writing circle.