What do you think?
Rate this book
Langthorne #3
Blood Money
What would you do to save your dying son? Imagine the doctors told you there was a cure, but only if you had the money. What would you do to get the money to save your son’s life?
Tony Robson faces this choice when he’s told he needs £3000 per month to carry on the life-saving experimental treatment for his son’s rare disease.
So Tony gets in touch with the criminal element in town. And they have a well-paying job for him . . .
And that decision will blow up everything for the Langthorne Police.
This is book three of the Langthorne series. It is recommended that you read the series in order.
Tony Robson faces this choice when he’s told he needs £3000 per month to carry on the life-saving experimental treatment for his son’s rare disease.
So Tony gets in touch with the criminal element in town. And they have a well-paying job for him . . .
And that decision will blow up everything for the Langthorne Police.
This is book three of the Langthorne series. It is recommended that you read the series in order.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2017
727 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
34 books594 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 30, 2017
I have to say Charlie Gallagher, that you are now one of my favourite authors. This is the third book in this series and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the book and devoured every morsel of it. Another fast paced story, full of tension and suspence that draws you in, the next thing you know you are half way through, then it moves along again and you find that you are at the end, all of which came too quickly for me. I loved getting to know more about the characters, there are a few surprises from these individuals that make the story very exciting and totally gripping. If you are looking for a book you do not want to put down, this is for you, although I do suggest you start with book one so that you follow the sequence of events. Will be looking out for the next instalment but no doubt may have to wait a while, but I am sure it will be worth it. Thank you to Charlie for an advanced copy of this book.
February 19, 2018
If you’ve been keeping track of my reviews recently then you’ll know I have been storming through the Langthorne series by Charlie Gallagher and Blood Money was another fantastic instalment and has set the scene perfectly for the final book, End Game. And that’s exactly what I foresee it being. How will things end up for the characters involved here?
As said in my review of Panic Button, you do have to read this series in order to fully appreciate it. The blurb for Blood Money is only a minute part of what the story is really about. It is a continuation featuring all of the criminals that make up Langthorne (and also the criminals that are part of the police force). This is such a corrupt part of the UK that has seen more police deaths in a year than most counties see in a lifetime and whilst that should make the book a little OTT, it only serves to enhance the unease felt reading this book because you honestly don’t know where the danger is cloning from, or who will even be alive by the end of it.
Blood Money had more of a gangland thriller vibe about it than just being a crime novel. It features characters who would be recognisable in stories from the likes of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane and it was all the more enjoyable because of that. Charlie depicts a gritty and brutal world here in this story but it also features ‘normal’ characters who find themselves caught up in this world. There’s characters I liked, characters I hated and characters I just couldn’t make my mind up about. I won’t be going into detail except to say that if you are reading this review having read my reviews for the last two books then you’ll know by now that this is a series that I am highly recommending that you check out.
As said in my review of Panic Button, you do have to read this series in order to fully appreciate it. The blurb for Blood Money is only a minute part of what the story is really about. It is a continuation featuring all of the criminals that make up Langthorne (and also the criminals that are part of the police force). This is such a corrupt part of the UK that has seen more police deaths in a year than most counties see in a lifetime and whilst that should make the book a little OTT, it only serves to enhance the unease felt reading this book because you honestly don’t know where the danger is cloning from, or who will even be alive by the end of it.
Blood Money had more of a gangland thriller vibe about it than just being a crime novel. It features characters who would be recognisable in stories from the likes of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane and it was all the more enjoyable because of that. Charlie depicts a gritty and brutal world here in this story but it also features ‘normal’ characters who find themselves caught up in this world. There’s characters I liked, characters I hated and characters I just couldn’t make my mind up about. I won’t be going into detail except to say that if you are reading this review having read my reviews for the last two books then you’ll know by now that this is a series that I am highly recommending that you check out.
April 3, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Blood Money, the third book in Mr Gallagher's highly entertaining series of police procedurals, set in fictional Lennockshire in the south of England.
Firstly I would advise any reader wanting to read this series to start at book 1, Bodily Harm, as all the novels have a continuous plotline and can be regarded as episodes in a longer tale.
After the events of Panic Button DS George Elms is in prison so he doesn't make much of an appearance although his fate is always in the background, hanging over the narrative. The focus is on Helen Webb and her double dealing and on an addict called Sally Morgan who overhears a conversation she shouldn't have.
Despite the lack of George Blood Money is the best novel in the series so far. The plot is gripping and not as outrageous as the previous novels so it doesn't require as much suspension of disbelief. The pacing is excellent with no let up and it had me gripped from start to finish. I also liked that it is starting to unravel a bit for the bad guys - they got away with too much before but that's probably where the realism and Mr Gallagher's experience come in as the good guys don't always win.
The novel is very strong on police procedure with every incident having a structured approach and it is interesting to read. Of course this only works until officers go rogue or use their initiative!
There is a strong cast of characters in Blood Money but without George it is more an ensemble than one strong protagonist although I think Inspector Martin and his helplessness in the face of his daughter's addiction are well done.
Blood Money is a high octane, gripping read so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Firstly I would advise any reader wanting to read this series to start at book 1, Bodily Harm, as all the novels have a continuous plotline and can be regarded as episodes in a longer tale.
After the events of Panic Button DS George Elms is in prison so he doesn't make much of an appearance although his fate is always in the background, hanging over the narrative. The focus is on Helen Webb and her double dealing and on an addict called Sally Morgan who overhears a conversation she shouldn't have.
Despite the lack of George Blood Money is the best novel in the series so far. The plot is gripping and not as outrageous as the previous novels so it doesn't require as much suspension of disbelief. The pacing is excellent with no let up and it had me gripped from start to finish. I also liked that it is starting to unravel a bit for the bad guys - they got away with too much before but that's probably where the realism and Mr Gallagher's experience come in as the good guys don't always win.
The novel is very strong on police procedure with every incident having a structured approach and it is interesting to read. Of course this only works until officers go rogue or use their initiative!
There is a strong cast of characters in Blood Money but without George it is more an ensemble than one strong protagonist although I think Inspector Martin and his helplessness in the face of his daughter's addiction are well done.
Blood Money is a high octane, gripping read so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
September 21, 2021
Blood money by Charlie Gallagher.
Langthorne Police Series Book 3.
What would you do to save your dying son? Imagine the doctors told you there was a cure, but only if you had the money. Would you break the law to save your child's life?
A great read. Great plot. I really didn't like Helen. Can't wait for next book. 4*.
Langthorne Police Series Book 3.
What would you do to save your dying son? Imagine the doctors told you there was a cure, but only if you had the money. Would you break the law to save your child's life?
A great read. Great plot. I really didn't like Helen. Can't wait for next book. 4*.
April 22, 2017
Blood Money is a fast-paced, thrill ride of a book that leaves you guessing until the very end.
When Tony Robson gets tragic news about his son, he goes to extreme measures to save his child. As a parent, the book made me think about what lengths I would go to for my family. Tony is likable and brave, good qualities in a protagonist.
There are other dramas wrapped up in this as well. Sally, a young drug addict, battles for her life and the life of her friend. She, too, is brave and likable. In fact, I enjoyed her story more than that of Tony’s. From the blurb, it isn’t clear that she would be the central focus of the novel, but she is. If I had one complaint about the book, it’s that the description doesn’t match the actual plot as well as it might. Tony is more of a fringe character. Not that this lessened my enjoyment of the book, but it did confuse me at first since I thought he was meant to be the central figure.
I was also somewhat taken aback by the ending since some of the threads were left hanging. True, a lot of it was wrapped up really well, but I had a sense that there was more to follow. I believe, however, that this book is part of a series, so it’s quite likely that the characters will continue on.
Blood Money is a very enjoyable thriller, and I would definitely read more of this author’s books.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
When Tony Robson gets tragic news about his son, he goes to extreme measures to save his child. As a parent, the book made me think about what lengths I would go to for my family. Tony is likable and brave, good qualities in a protagonist.
There are other dramas wrapped up in this as well. Sally, a young drug addict, battles for her life and the life of her friend. She, too, is brave and likable. In fact, I enjoyed her story more than that of Tony’s. From the blurb, it isn’t clear that she would be the central focus of the novel, but she is. If I had one complaint about the book, it’s that the description doesn’t match the actual plot as well as it might. Tony is more of a fringe character. Not that this lessened my enjoyment of the book, but it did confuse me at first since I thought he was meant to be the central figure.
I was also somewhat taken aback by the ending since some of the threads were left hanging. True, a lot of it was wrapped up really well, but I had a sense that there was more to follow. I believe, however, that this book is part of a series, so it’s quite likely that the characters will continue on.
Blood Money is a very enjoyable thriller, and I would definitely read more of this author’s books.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
April 7, 2017
It is only a matter of a few weeks since I read the first book by Charlie Gallagher, followed immediately by the second.
I signed up to get notice of future books. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to read it before publication thanks to Netgalley.
Three books = fifteen stars.
Charlie Gallagher is a police detective which means police procedures are spot on. His cast of characters are believable. Some I like, some disgust me, others are there but evoke no strong emotions...just like the people who pass through my real life on a daily basis.
Although the books follow in sequence I would not call them a series. I think you could read any of them and enjoy them as individual books.
I hope CG has many more books in him because I want to read more. His talent has already put him in my 'go to' list of authors. That is no small feat.
This is for anyone who loves crime novels with an offering of blood, guts and brain matter.
I signed up to get notice of future books. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to read it before publication thanks to Netgalley.
Three books = fifteen stars.
Charlie Gallagher is a police detective which means police procedures are spot on. His cast of characters are believable. Some I like, some disgust me, others are there but evoke no strong emotions...just like the people who pass through my real life on a daily basis.
Although the books follow in sequence I would not call them a series. I think you could read any of them and enjoy them as individual books.
I hope CG has many more books in him because I want to read more. His talent has already put him in my 'go to' list of authors. That is no small feat.
This is for anyone who loves crime novels with an offering of blood, guts and brain matter.
May 8, 2024
What a brilliant writer Charlie Gallagher is
Pulls you in from the first page. This 3rd book in the langthorne series was
Tense, fast paced, keeping me on the edge of me seat
For a action packed book you are me favourite Author
Pulls you in from the first page. This 3rd book in the langthorne series was
Tense, fast paced, keeping me on the edge of me seat
For a action packed book you are me favourite Author
January 21, 2023
Illusion of Safety and Control
If you are a cozy mystery reader this book is not for you. It is full of violence, deceit, betrayal, and dangerous situations. The big cover up is beginning to unravel. Misunderstandings, backstabbing, being in cahoots with the enemy. How can you trust someone you have contempt for? Everyone was so busy trying to keep their secrets that it only a matter of time that chaos ensued.
It wasn't loyalty that kept the very different people working together - it was fear and an illusion of safety and control. It was a house of cards - so easily collapsed with a wrongly placed card or a defective one.
There were things the participants could not anticipate and that became their downfall. Their reactions were furious violence that made everything worse. New characters impacted the current groups, but they were not immune from crazed extreme behavior. Wow Charlie Gallagher sure knows how to keep his readers entertained.
If you are a cozy mystery reader this book is not for you. It is full of violence, deceit, betrayal, and dangerous situations. The big cover up is beginning to unravel. Misunderstandings, backstabbing, being in cahoots with the enemy. How can you trust someone you have contempt for? Everyone was so busy trying to keep their secrets that it only a matter of time that chaos ensued.
It wasn't loyalty that kept the very different people working together - it was fear and an illusion of safety and control. It was a house of cards - so easily collapsed with a wrongly placed card or a defective one.
There were things the participants could not anticipate and that became their downfall. Their reactions were furious violence that made everything worse. New characters impacted the current groups, but they were not immune from crazed extreme behavior. Wow Charlie Gallagher sure knows how to keep his readers entertained.
August 4, 2019
Another brilliantly written book in the Langthorne series
In every one in this series, my heart is in my mouth wondering who is going to be next to killed. Some of them are expected, but others are a massive shock. I'm almost shouting NO. The action is non stop and occasionally revenge is sweet. I'm almost at the end of my list of Charlie's books, so at least I can then catch up with my other books. The problem with having favourite authors, you tend to read all they have written back to back, as I have done, and there are so many good books out there. Luckily I read quickly so I will be waiting eagerly for Charlie's next release. I can't recommend these highly enough. Charlie writes from experience and it shows in all the gory detail. Thank you Charlie for keeping me entertained. I love George Elms and Maddie Ives. Just two stand alone left to read now.
In every one in this series, my heart is in my mouth wondering who is going to be next to killed. Some of them are expected, but others are a massive shock. I'm almost shouting NO. The action is non stop and occasionally revenge is sweet. I'm almost at the end of my list of Charlie's books, so at least I can then catch up with my other books. The problem with having favourite authors, you tend to read all they have written back to back, as I have done, and there are so many good books out there. Luckily I read quickly so I will be waiting eagerly for Charlie's next release. I can't recommend these highly enough. Charlie writes from experience and it shows in all the gory detail. Thank you Charlie for keeping me entertained. I love George Elms and Maddie Ives. Just two stand alone left to read now.
January 20, 2020
Webb coming apart
They say you should write about what you know & Charlie Gallagher knows about policing. He knows how it works from the lowest rookie pc to the Chief Constable. He knows hidden agendas, the public faces, and the behind scenes behaviour. The bent coppers, the straight ones & those who don't give a stuff. He puts them all in his books, so you read about real people, the motivation for their behaviour & the results.
In this book, George Elms is still the scapegoat, having admitted to the murder of six fellow officers to save his family.
In her determination to be rid of George, she stoops to new lows, but she has aroused the suspicion of her DCC - so he is the next target & she is put in charge of the investigation. Then her decisions start to be questioned & freedom is within George's reach.
They say you should write about what you know & Charlie Gallagher knows about policing. He knows how it works from the lowest rookie pc to the Chief Constable. He knows hidden agendas, the public faces, and the behind scenes behaviour. The bent coppers, the straight ones & those who don't give a stuff. He puts them all in his books, so you read about real people, the motivation for their behaviour & the results.
In this book, George Elms is still the scapegoat, having admitted to the murder of six fellow officers to save his family.
In her determination to be rid of George, she stoops to new lows, but she has aroused the suspicion of her DCC - so he is the next target & she is put in charge of the investigation. Then her decisions start to be questioned & freedom is within George's reach.
October 14, 2021
Gripping, and scary to think this has probably happened somewhere!
Well, Charlie Gallagher did it again! What a gripping and thought provoking ride this book was . We all know there is a huge criminal element out there in every country, and where there is crime lords, and rich gangs, there are dirty cops. But knowing and really perceiving how deep it can go into the department? I would have never guessed. I must be naive that way.Not that this actual scenario has happened, but now I can see how it could happen, and happen easily. These are graphically violent and deadly novels, much as you would see from a US Police Procedural Author, but it fits these books, and the stories wouldn't be the same, or have the impact without the blood, guts, or gore. Not for the feint of heart at all!
Well, Charlie Gallagher did it again! What a gripping and thought provoking ride this book was . We all know there is a huge criminal element out there in every country, and where there is crime lords, and rich gangs, there are dirty cops. But knowing and really perceiving how deep it can go into the department? I would have never guessed. I must be naive that way.Not that this actual scenario has happened, but now I can see how it could happen, and happen easily. These are graphically violent and deadly novels, much as you would see from a US Police Procedural Author, but it fits these books, and the stories wouldn't be the same, or have the impact without the blood, guts, or gore. Not for the feint of heart at all!
December 12, 2019
I cannot stop reading Charlie Gallagher’s books! I’ve only recently discovered this author and I suspect I will read nothing else till I’ve read all of his books! This is gripping crime fiction at it’s best! This is book three in the Langthorne series and, in my opinion, they need to be read in sequence.
These books nail-bitingly exciting to the point where I sometimes can’t read them in bed before I go to sleep. They don’t give me nightmares but they are definitely not sleep inducing!
As Charlie is a policeman I presume his books are accurate in the police procedures department - I do hope that his imagination allows poetic licence when it comes to the amount of violence and killing that happens in these books - it would also be terrifying to think the amount of corruption within the police service portrayed in these books was a true representation of our current police force? Or am I just naive?
As always, no précis of the book - you can get that from the cover!
These books nail-bitingly exciting to the point where I sometimes can’t read them in bed before I go to sleep. They don’t give me nightmares but they are definitely not sleep inducing!
As Charlie is a policeman I presume his books are accurate in the police procedures department - I do hope that his imagination allows poetic licence when it comes to the amount of violence and killing that happens in these books - it would also be terrifying to think the amount of corruption within the police service portrayed in these books was a true representation of our current police force? Or am I just naive?
As always, no précis of the book - you can get that from the cover!
August 12, 2020
Another great read
A great read, full of twists and turns. George is still in prison for murders he didn't commit. One of the top chiefs, Helen, knows George is innocent. What is keeping her from telling the truth? Or is she too involved with the Russian? Helen has got herself so tangled up in a web that she doesn't know how to break free.
A story of drugs, murder, and lots more. Full of suspense.
A great read, full of twists and turns. George is still in prison for murders he didn't commit. One of the top chiefs, Helen, knows George is innocent. What is keeping her from telling the truth? Or is she too involved with the Russian? Helen has got herself so tangled up in a web that she doesn't know how to break free.
A story of drugs, murder, and lots more. Full of suspense.
September 21, 2018
Blood Money by Charlie Gallagher
Wow! Another well written, fast moving, packed with action crime thriller. Another must read for anyone who enjoys this genre of books. Well done Charlie, please keep them coming. I am off to make a cup of coffee so I can start the next in the George Elms series
Wow! Another well written, fast moving, packed with action crime thriller. Another must read for anyone who enjoys this genre of books. Well done Charlie, please keep them coming. I am off to make a cup of coffee so I can start the next in the George Elms series
July 4, 2024
The third in this series centred around the police. In this one, the cops are generally not as good as you'd expect them to be, and some worse than others.
There's a wrongly convicted man in jail, the real murderer, a drug dealer and connections to a number of people in the police force. There is a man who has a sick boy and needs money for treatment, willing to do what it takes to help.
There's a wrongly convicted man in jail, the real murderer, a drug dealer and connections to a number of people in the police force. There is a man who has a sick boy and needs money for treatment, willing to do what it takes to help.
June 18, 2025
This is a very different police murder series. Many of the characters are corrupt and unlikeable, both the "good" guys and the bad guys. The plots are very interesting and go in many different directions. The pages fly by and you are to the end before you know it. These books definitely need read in order.
July 12, 2025
This was another high-tension story in the box set I have. There are villains seemingly at every corner, so violence everywhere. There are dilemmas, which give uneasy choices...what would we do for our child?
Well-written and fast-paced, this British crime thriller was filled with twists, turns and suspense.
Extremely well done.
Engaging and highly recommended.
Well-written and fast-paced, this British crime thriller was filled with twists, turns and suspense.
Extremely well done.
Engaging and highly recommended.
July 12, 2018
2nd book in the series
An absolute great follow on where George Elms is left in a kill or die situation. Someone is keen for revenge and has decided that police officers will become that revenge. No one is safe from the black leather killer...
An absolute great follow on where George Elms is left in a kill or die situation. Someone is keen for revenge and has decided that police officers will become that revenge. No one is safe from the black leather killer...
May 5, 2019
Awesome
A fast paced book that keeps the twists and turns of this series going. A huge insight into how everything is entangled. This is going to be an awesome climax in the next book to what has been 3 great books!
A fast paced book that keeps the twists and turns of this series going. A huge insight into how everything is entangled. This is going to be an awesome climax in the next book to what has been 3 great books!
August 21, 2019
Whoa
This tale races from start to finish. The action is unbelievable and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter. This hero blows my mind and I can't wait to read more of this story and Author.
This tale races from start to finish. The action is unbelievable and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter. This hero blows my mind and I can't wait to read more of this story and Author.
January 14, 2020
Youch this hurts but its good
I really am flabbergasted at what has happened. You can't help but love some of these characters, and hate others even more.
A great story.
Bring on the finish
I really am flabbergasted at what has happened. You can't help but love some of these characters, and hate others even more.
A great story.
Bring on the finish
March 31, 2022
In every one in this series, my heart is in my mouth wondering who is going to be next to killed, and of course we have disgraced detective george elms. This is a no holds barred, full on, gritty and totally involving read and well worth the effort(no spoilers). So just go out and BUY the book.
March 18, 2025
Great plot and characters and kept me on the edge of my seat, but OMG - the constant f-bombs. Profanity, IMHO, is like dialect. I'm not saying authors have to leave it out completely, but it really is possible to convey the flavor without transcribing it exactly as people would (allegedly) say it.
August 4, 2018
Heart Stopping
Whoa very fast and furious can't wait for George to get the bad guys! Hold on for a fast ride for justice.
Whoa very fast and furious can't wait for George to get the bad guys! Hold on for a fast ride for justice.
September 8, 2018
Blood money, a very active book of crimethe last chapter.
For those who want continual crime action this is the book for you. I would rather have a bit of less action in between.
For those who want continual crime action this is the book for you. I would rather have a bit of less action in between.
May 5, 2019
Read before
Got half way through before realising this was one of the Langhorne series! A good read nevertheless. A bit unrealistic, though.
Got half way through before realising this was one of the Langhorne series! A good read nevertheless. A bit unrealistic, though.
March 30, 2020
Couldn't put it down!
May 20, 2020
I have just finished this book in this great series. Absolutely brilliant. Just about to start the final book and the conclusion to a gripping story. Would recommend all 4 books to be read..
September 18, 2020
Another Great read
Yet another great book from Charlie Gallagher. Lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to book four. Have read all of Maddie Ives as well.
Yet another great book from Charlie Gallagher. Lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to book four. Have read all of Maddie Ives as well.
March 1, 2022
Great series. I am moving to book 4. End Game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews