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Standstill

J.A. Marley (Goodreads Author)

4.30 · Rating details · 112 ratings · 33 reviews

Looking for a gripping crime thriller full of twists? Then try J.A. Marley's unmissable debut, Standstill.

Even the deadliest criminals leave a trail…

When a psychotic policeman drags the young, ambitious thief, Danny Felix out of bed, he could not imagine he was about to be plunged into the robbery of a lifetime.

Corruption and coercion follow the corrupt Detective Inspecto ...more

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Kindle Edition, 278 pages

Published January 11th 2018 by Bloodhound Books

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· 112 ratings · 33 reviews

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Jan 10, 2018 Dash fan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour, publisher-review

5☆ A Gripping, Fresh and Enthralling Crime Thriller.

Standstill is J.A. Marley debut novel and wow was it a good one.

Standstill is a fresh new twist on a Crime Thriller. It had crooked cops, drama, Thrilling, unforgettable characters, it was gripping, Very cleverly thought out and written. I loved it!!

For me what made it stand out was.... for once a detective/cop was ruling the underworld... Harkness ruled with fear and knowledge.
As with great knowledge becomes great power!

When Dectective Inspe ...more

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Dec 27, 2017 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction

What an exciting debut novel this is.

Danny is one of those cheeky rogues that you just can’t help but fall that little bit in love with. You know you should probably steer well clear but there’s just something about him that grabs your attention and before you know it, he’s hooked you. I did feel a bit sorry for him even though he does tend to spend a lot of time on the wrong side of the law but he does have a big heart.

Christine Chance has a lot going on in her personal life. As heart breaking ...more

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Oct 10, 2016 Liz Barnsley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Really rather enjoyed this one! I do like a bit of a change from the standard this did the trick nicely. Great main character, banging story.
Full review to follow.

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Jan 03, 2018 Yvonne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour-book

Danny Felix is a thief, he is a good thief. But when dirty cop D.I. Harkness raids his flat and doesn’t give him a choice but to work for him, Danny realises he is on uncertain ground. Danny knows in his gut that working for a dirty cop is not going to be a good relationship. Add into this story a flying squad officer Christine Chance, she is torn between work and her critically ill daughter. Christine has had a great lead and result on a crime, but when more information comes forward regarding ...more

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Dec 04, 2017 Kate~Bibliophile Book Club rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Standstill is a gritty and dark UK crime novel which follows a corrupt cop and an ambitious thief as they plan a crime the scale of which neither has seen before. What follows is a pacy and hard-boiled journey into the depths of London and the lengths to which people will go to get what they want.

I was gripped by Standstill early on. I became invested in Danny, and even for all of his bad decisions, I was still rooting for him the whole way through. As a character, he is really interesting. For ...more

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Dec 15, 2017 Between The Pages Book Club (Gemma M) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Standstill is well written, easy to read and fast paced. It is a gripping story throughout which builds up into an explosive finale. Detective Chance is busy trying her hardest to crack the case but she also has her own personal problems to attend too during the case. I actually felt so sorry for how much Detective Chance went through.

Danny’s character is full of arrogance, power and he thinks he can get away with anything… But can he? This story is sure to keep you on your toes and one I highl ...more

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Mar 13, 2018 Samantha rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I couldn’t get on with this book, try as I might. There are a huge number of wonderful reviews for this novel and I really thought I’d enjoy it, but I just didn’t. I think it’s perhaps more ‘me’ than it is the book, especially going by the reviews.

I disliked all of the characters and found it was too busy. You’ve got a ‘jack the lad’ style protagonist who is just annoying. A crazy cop who seems to be missing marbles as opposed to brilliant. And then to top it off, a good cop with a terminally il ...more

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Jan 13, 2018 Alexina rated it it was amazing

We are led through the storytelling with Danny, a character who is a criminal, a protagonist that usually would be the bad guy. In this instance he has more than met his match, but his match is attached to the Law and there is no where for Danny to turn.
This really is a game of cat and mouse, between Danny and his nemesis.
Getting to know Chance in one of life's most horrendous situations gave a freshness and a great way to learn about this character out side of work.
The setting in London was r ...more

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Oct 09, 2016 Stephanie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The first thing that stood out about Standstill was how refreshing it was. Danny Felix is a thief who is forced by a crooked police officer into carrying out a very large robbery. One that will bring London to a standstill. Harkness, the corrupt cop is a nasty piece of work. He is violent and a bully who won’t take no for an answer. Christine Chance is a member of the flying squad, her team have recently solved a series of cases and she is starting to get suspicious about their luck. She also ha ...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Donna Maguire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-read, crime-mystery-suspense, 2018-books-read, publishers-bloodhound-books

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I was really surprised when I realised that this was the author's debut, it reads more like a book from a well established author with several works of this very competitive genre under their belt!

The plot had me hooked right from the outset, I was intrigued and wasn't sure where the book would take us, but wherever it was going I was certainly up for the ride! Harkness is a brilliant character and I was routing for Christine throughout but I really enjoye ...more

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Dec 31, 2017 Mark Wilson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Standstill is an invigorating read that feels like it is adding something quite fresh, modern and fun into an often tired and clichéd genre.

J.A. Marley writes with all the technical skill and self- assurance of a seasoned writer whilst managing to make his characters, plot and dialogue feel vital, realistic and utterly connected to the plot which unfolds at pace throughout this novel. For a debut author Marley’s ability to tell a story, which he fires relentlessly at the reader, is notable.
Writ Standstill is an invigorating read that feels like it is adding something quite fresh, modern and fun into an often tired and clichéd genre.

J.A. Marley writes with all the technical skill and self- assurance of a seasoned writer whilst managing to make his characters, plot and dialogue feel vital, realistic and utterly connected to the plot which unfolds at pace throughout this novel. For a debut author Marley’s ability to tell a story, which he fires relentlessly at the reader, is notable.
Written in third-person, past-tense throughout, Standstill is one of the paciest and most engaging novels I’ve read in recent times. The reader follows a number of characters through several weeks in which they are brought together on the road to what is essentially an audacious heist at the finale of the book.
What sets Marley’s characters, and his story, apart from the usual heist romp is his ability to convey the very best and the very worst of each of his characters; exposing their intentions, motivations and desires without judgment.
Marley lays his characters bare before the reader, utilising some lovely flashback techniques that in less able hands could’ve been unengaging exposition dumps. Marley takes these moments and expertly crafts tender, or brutal or, heart-wrenching insights into his main players. This is not an easy technique, that a debut writer is assured enough to utilise, and in such fine manner, is impressive.
My favourite example of this was a scene in which Danny replays sections of his childhood whilst picking locks. This scene was heavy with metaphors and symbolism and was a completely perfect little section of writing.
Marley’s characters are the lifeblood of this wonderfully invigorating read. Each of them pulses into vivid life displaying psychological damage, realistic motivations, flaws, virtues. Each are genuinely lost while still remaining intent on their goals. Complex stuff, from some truly terrific characters, none of whom are minor or act as bit-players.
Dialogue is also a major strength throughout. Always believable, and never wasted, Marley’s dialogue serves to move the plot or the character development forward. Not a ‘spoken’ word is wasted as filler.
Marley writes in an episodic manner. Short, sharp scenes, no nonsense, no fluff; each crafted to accelerate the plot or expose characters’ intentions. I could easily see these characters used in an ongoing TV series. A personal highlight for me, was Marley’s use of Mr Bright Sky to serve as a beat for the heist. Loved this.
The main flaw for me in this novel (and it’s a minor one) was with the main character, Danny. Whilst we saw excellent development with CC, and to a lesser extent, Harkins, I felt that Danny did not change significantly throughout the novel. He remained, for me, largely unaffected by the events unfolding around him, and at moments, a little too in control at all times. His past gave him a lot of doubts and flaws, I’d have liked to have seen more of these exposed in the latter art of his story. Really though, it’s a minor quibble, and one I’m sure there will be adequate time to work with on the follow-up.
A hugely impressive debut novel from a talent to watch.
...more

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Jan 13, 2018 Mark Tilbury rated it really liked it

Shelves: thriller, crime, bloodhound-books

This is a crime action thriller with a difference. The protagonist (Danny,) is a criminal who comes across as quite a likeable character. Harkness, the antagonist, is the kind of copper that you hope you never have investigating crimes against you. He’s a very nasty piece of work. Danny is forced into committing a large robbery that could bring London to a standstill, and try as he might, it seems as though Harkness is always one step ahead of him making sure he’s doing as he’s told.

This is a ve ...more

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Apr 12, 2018 Shell Baker rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reading-challenge

OMG I am so excited that there is a new Grit Lit author in town!!! Those of you that follow my reviews will know that I am a massive fan of Grit Lit and this book is just that. Standstill is the author’s debut novel and what a corker it is. I still cannot believe it is a debut novel, talk about impressive..

Set in Criminal underworld of London we follow a game of cat and mouse.We all love a bad boy don't we?! (speaking to the ladies that is) LOL we meet lovable rogue Danny Felix who I loved and I ...more

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Jul 31, 2018 Jeff rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-thrillers

Danny Felix is an exceptionally good thief. Detective Inspector Harkness is an exceptionally bad and corrupt copper (he kills two of Danny's associates and buries them in concrete in the first couple of chapters). Harkness "persuades" Danny to plan and execute an armed robbery - £21,000,000 or thereabouts - in the middle of London. To do this Danny enlists the help of various other criminals, including an Irish bomber.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book about a brilliant heist. It was packed f ...more

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Feb 04, 2018 Gwen Samson rated it really liked it

A thriller

Had a hard time getting into this book and it was a slog. It has a good story line but a bit choppy. Sorry J A Marley. Did not like this one but please give this book a try. Do not be influenced by me

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Apr 12, 2018 Sue Wallace rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

standstill by Ja Marley.
Danny Felix is a thief.
Detective inspector harkness offers him a deal. a robbery of a lifetime. can he do it and get away?
a fantastic read. Loved Danny. didn't like harkness at all. I had my own theory how this would end. I loved the ending too. 5*. ...more

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Jan 07, 2018 Chris Nolan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Once again I am grateful to Bloodhound Books for letting me have an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. J A Marley is a new writer to me and I am excited to see how his writing progresses as this is a fast-paced, intriguing and well-written thriller. There are two principal threads in the story each of which features an interesting and well-drawn detective, and eventually the two aspects of the tale interweave impressively. I particularly liked the frequent references to ...more

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Jan 11, 2018 Angela Newby rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What a great debut novel. Really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more of his books

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Jan 06, 2018 Kath rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I am not sure quite what I was really expecting when I started this book but I have to say that I was very satisfied with what I was given. We have criminals, terrorists, bent coppers, straight coppers, informants, and a really rather well planned heist all packed into what on page count isn't a particularly long book but the amount contained within proves that not a single word is wasted. No padding here, not at all. It's action packed all the way.
Our main boy here is one career criminal Danny I am not sure quite what I was really expecting when I started this book but I have to say that I was very satisfied with what I was given. We have criminals, terrorists, bent coppers, straight coppers, informants, and a really rather well planned heist all packed into what on page count isn't a particularly long book but the amount contained within proves that not a single word is wasted. No padding here, not at all. It's action packed all the way.
Our main boy here is one career criminal Danny Felix. His charmed life is about to end as he is rudely awakened by the cops. But things soon become clear that this is no ordinary raid as we are introduced to DI Harkness who shall we just say, walks the dark side of life. Turns out, Harkness needs Danny's rather dubious skillset and uses his knowledge of Danny's crimes and now the evidence of same, to recruit him for what transpires to be a rather ambitious heist; the likes of which will go down in history.
Meanwhile, we also follow fellow cop Christine Chance who is struggling to combine supporting her terminally ill child with a dangerous job. Luckily for her, things are going great at work and her team's clean up rate is through the roof, removing some rather nasty people from the street. I say luckily, but is it really luck? She has a feeling things are too easy and is desperate to figure out why. Can she get to the bottom of things and prevent the carnage that threatens if the bad guys get their way?
Well, this book hit the ground running and really didn't let up until the very last page as I followed the shenanigans completely transfixed by what I was reading. It is so deliciously well plotted and expertly executed with tight writing that keeps the action and intrigue levels high throughout.
It also has a great cast of very real characters. They were all very well described both physically and by their actions which made them easy to connect with, something I find vital in order to fully enjoy a book. Harkness was delightfully dark and nasty, Danny came across very well as the intelligent guy he really was despite being a wrong 'un. I couldn't help but be very impressed by the way he thought things out and put them into action, notwithstanding the heinous nature of his plotting of course. Christine was more complex but although she appeared to be a lesser character in much of what happens during the book, she is key to what eventually happens at the end. Sort of snuck up on me a bit in a way. She has a lot to deal with personally in the book but that only added to her character development rather than being a distraction.
I've been trying to work out whether this is a series opening book. I believe it could be but at the time of reading I have to admit to hoping that it is as I feel that it contains some cracking characters which the author has taken great trouble to define very well and it would be a shame for this book to be their only outing.
My thanks go to the Publisher for the chance to read this book. ...more

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Jan 14, 2018 Susan Corcoran rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Many thanks to the publisher Bloodhound Books, author J A Marley and blog tour organiser Sarah Hardy for the ARC copy of Standstill in return for an honest review.
Crime thrillers are a massively popular genre, which makes it difficult for any book to stand out among the thousands published each year. To succeed it needs to have an element that makes it different in some way from all the other highly enjoyable thrillers that the reader has to choose from. One such component is that the ‘hero’ is Many thanks to the publisher Bloodhound Books, author J A Marley and blog tour organiser Sarah Hardy for the ARC copy of Standstill in return for an honest review.
Crime thrillers are a massively popular genre, which makes it difficult for any book to stand out among the thousands published each year. To succeed it needs to have an element that makes it different in some way from all the other highly enjoyable thrillers that the reader has to choose from. One such component is that the ‘hero’ is meant to overcome the ‘bad guy’ after a thrilling series of chases and deadly encounters and this is what makes Standstill stand out! The ‘good guy’ Danny, is in fact not so good himself, he is in reality just significantly less bad that his nemesis Detective Inspector Harkness.
Don’t get me wrong Standstill has all the traditional elements of a thriller, it’s fast paced, gritty and violent. It starts with a bang. The villain is evil and determined to cause trouble on a scale London has not seen in a while. The stakes for many of the characters are high enough. Potential for death is littered within its pages, while the ‘hero’ is determined not to allow the villain, to derail his plans to pull off an audacious robbery. It is full of twists and turns and is a first class thriller, with an anti hero, you will find yourself wanting to succeed, even though you know that he is flawed and a criminal.
This is why I enjoyed Standstill so much, it stood out and keep me reading well past the time I would normally be snuggled up under my duvet.
I could see this as a TV programme and a great one at that! It grips you and draws you into London’s criminal underworld and the world of an unhinged Police officer, who cares little for the role of protecting the public from people like Danny.
Importantly I forgot the world around me and was lost in the fantasy of the book, which dared to take the traditional elements we expect in a thriller and twist them to give the story an original and exhilarating feel.
I can heartily recommend Standstill to existing thriller fans and those looking to discover why thrillers have so many dedicated readers.
...more

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Mar 17, 2018 Paula Stammers rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-read

What a great read. This has you gripped right from the start.

Danny is your loveable rogue who is a very talented thief. Despite the best efforts of the police he just always gets away with his crimes, he is one very intelligent thief who has a plan for everything. Unfortunately for Danny a cop by the name of Harkness has noticed this and decides that Danny is the ideal candidate to pull off a large robbery. Harkness is one terrifying character that you don’t want to mess with, there is definitel ...more

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Jan 19, 2018 Maria-Anne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In a way this is a fast read because you just don't want to put it down.
Danny might be a villain but you just can't help hoping he gets away with it. With Christine I actually cried when she was sitting with her daughter that last time. You just knew how awful the situation was. Basically keeping her mind occupied with work was the only way for her not to go completely to pieces.
The story felt real. The characters felt real. Suddenly you became part of the whole story. Highly recommend reading ...more

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Apr 26, 2018 Carole Gourlay rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow what a story teller! Can’t believe this is a debut nove. It is better than some established authors.

Wow what a story teller! Can’t believe this is a debut novel. It is better than some established authors. It really is a page turner.

The characters are likeable, except Harkness who you’d like to do something really nasty to!! I did like Danny he was a loveable rogue and the story was so well thought out and the detail was amazing.

I hope the author might consider writing a sequel, would lov ...more

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Sep 05, 2020 Barbara J Maich rated it it was amazing

Cat and Mouse thriller

Based in LOndon one of the best thieves was approached by a mean looking copper. This special crimes division cop was a really bad copper and forcefully took Danny the their under his wing. He was mean and face with death or doing what the large copper wanted. Lots of action with many twist and turns as that's two adversaries worked together on a project. Danny knew that he was probably going to be eliminated at some point, the planning began. A great thriller.
...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Melanie Lewis rated it liked it · review of another edition

I'm definitely in the minority with Standstill, as all I've seen is rave reviews. So I'm sure it's me and not the book. There is no issue with the writing, which is good and flows well. I simply didn't bond with any of the characters, especially weird was CC and her dying daughter, without a friend or family member in the world to support her, and going back to work almost immediately following the funeral.
It didn't work for me, sorry ...more

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Dec 23, 2017 Jo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017

Standstill is a crime novel with a difference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The lines between good and evil are cleverly blurred in this gripping tale of crime and corruption. It's a fast paced read with lots of action but ultimately has characters that we care about.

Set in the heart of London, the novel revolves around three central characters, all of whom intrigued me. We have the corrupt and psychotic policeman, Detective Inspector Harkness, who on paper we should loathe, but there is a certai Standstill is a crime novel with a difference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The lines between good and evil are cleverly blurred in this gripping tale of crime and corruption. It's a fast paced read with lots of action but ultimately has characters that we care about.

Set in the heart of London, the novel revolves around three central characters, all of whom intrigued me. We have the corrupt and psychotic policeman, Detective Inspector Harkness, who on paper we should loathe, but there is a certain charm about him, an energy that rises from the page, that entices you in and urges you to understand his pont of view. I didn't like him, but I did pity him. He's a complex character.

The young and opportunist thief, Danny Felix, is easier to understand. I 'got him' and understood where he was coming from and why he had chosen his current and destructive path. I couldn't help but like him. He finds himself in an impossible position, doing things that are out of his control, and his personal story gripped me.

The final character in this colourful trio is that of Christine Chance who is a member of the Flying Squad. She is the character that I understood the most, the one I clicked with, and when this happens I know that I am in for ah enjoyable read. Here is a woman who has one hell of a professional responsibility, a responsible job in which she needs to protect the public. She is tough, oponionated and single minded, but she is also the mother to a child with a serious medical condition and she has to balance these two parts of her life, personal and professional, and this is what makes for such an enjoyable read.

Danny, although in league with Harkness, needs to watch his back, from those in opposition on the street, his rivals, and from those in power. But who can he trust?

Standstill is a modern day thriller that is unique. The book is witty, yet violent at times. It twists and turns in completely different directions and it intrigued me as a reader. The description of London when it does indeed cone to a standstill is simply quite stunning.

Standstill is an impressive debut. There are characters that we care about, a pace that is unrelenting with a clever and twisted plot. I can't wait to read the next installment. ...more

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Nov 07, 2016 Liz Nealon rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Wow. Aemorable Heist!

Marley's book reads like an action movie, propelled forward by the elaborate planning of a likable master thief. Authentic characters from the British and Irish disenfranchised classes abound. Fun read. ...more

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Jan 21, 2018 Pam Madson rated it really liked it

Great book

I really like the story. It had a lot of action and it was very suspenseful. It was hard to read at times because of the language and words used because it was in London. Hard to follow but it was really a good book

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Jan 19, 2018 Geoff. Lamb rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A very dark story well told.

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Jan 24, 2018 Andrew Lone rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved this book great storyline

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About J.A. Marley

J.A. Marley

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John A. Marley was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Following early success as a film journalist and radio broadcaster in his homeland, he embarked on an accomplished career in television production in England. An avid film fan, John is addicted to crime and mystery thrillers and is passionate about walking his two dogs, discovering new music and travel.