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DI Gus McGuire #4
Uncommon Cruelty
DI Gus McGuire and his team are called in to investigate the disappearance of a teenage boy after his parents return from a weekend away, to find their home trashed and their son missing.
But that is just the beginning.
As the investigation unfolds, Gus must discover what links a violent bikers’ gang, a Muslim youth group and a fundamentalist American based Christian church.
Alongside this, two cases from the past come back to haunt DI Gus McGuire and his DS, Alice Cooper.
Gus has a lot to juggle, but will he cope?
Uncommon Cruelty is the fourth in the DI Gus McGuire series set in Bradford West Yorkshire and is a gritty, Northern Noir read.
But that is just the beginning.
As the investigation unfolds, Gus must discover what links a violent bikers’ gang, a Muslim youth group and a fundamentalist American based Christian church.
Alongside this, two cases from the past come back to haunt DI Gus McGuire and his DS, Alice Cooper.
Gus has a lot to juggle, but will he cope?
Uncommon Cruelty is the fourth in the DI Gus McGuire series set in Bradford West Yorkshire and is a gritty, Northern Noir read.
- GenresCrime
Paperback
Published April 14, 2018
81 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Liz Mistry
23 books194 followersBorn in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 26, 2018
This is my first meeting of DI Gus McGuire and his team and I loved it, even though it's part of a series it really doesn't matter if you haven't read the others although you will find yourself buying them after this book.
DI McGuire is back from a break and is hurled into a new case,The Proctors have been away and their teenage son was home alone but as they returned they find their house trashed and Simon(the son) is missing but that isn't the worst thing but the dead body is!. This is a great fast paced book and the characters are well defined and yet still hold a bit of mystery and plenty of misdirections to keep you guessing. Yes there are twists but that isn't all the book is about it just held my attention until the very last page and now I can't wait for the next in the series.
DI McGuire is back from a break and is hurled into a new case,The Proctors have been away and their teenage son was home alone but as they returned they find their house trashed and Simon(the son) is missing but that isn't the worst thing but the dead body is!. This is a great fast paced book and the characters are well defined and yet still hold a bit of mystery and plenty of misdirections to keep you guessing. Yes there are twists but that isn't all the book is about it just held my attention until the very last page and now I can't wait for the next in the series.
April 16, 2018
This is book 4 in the Gus McGuire series. I have read books 1 and 2 but not book 3 and although it works well as stand alone I did feel as though I was missing some background to Alice.
The story begins with a fire where there are multiple fatalities and the only survivor is a small boy. We then fast forward a few years and a couple return from a weekend away, leaving their teenage son home alone, to find the house ransacked and a dead body in the bedroom. Enter Gus Maguire and his team with his pathologist father being involved we are bound to be introduced to some humour given the strange dynamics between father and son.
This is a complex case with 2 dead and 1 missing teenagers and very few clues as to what happened Gus and his team are pulled all ways trying to untangle the clues while looking for the missing teenagers. There are a lot of different aspects with drugs, church cults and many secrets will the team ever get to the bottom of what happened?
This is an intriguing story that keeps the reader turning page after page with many twists and turns to keep the adrenaline flowing.
It lost marks on a few points: I find the author’s inclusion of what can only be described as stomach churning events that bring nothing to the story in this book we were treated to a teenager squeezing pus from his acne spots, not sure what all that was about. Also Gus is attacked by 2 Rottweilers but only needed a few stitches???? He leaves hospital with his arm in a sling and then proceeds to administer CPR, in particular chest compressions. I find that pretty difficult to believe so 4 stars from me.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
The story begins with a fire where there are multiple fatalities and the only survivor is a small boy. We then fast forward a few years and a couple return from a weekend away, leaving their teenage son home alone, to find the house ransacked and a dead body in the bedroom. Enter Gus Maguire and his team with his pathologist father being involved we are bound to be introduced to some humour given the strange dynamics between father and son.
This is a complex case with 2 dead and 1 missing teenagers and very few clues as to what happened Gus and his team are pulled all ways trying to untangle the clues while looking for the missing teenagers. There are a lot of different aspects with drugs, church cults and many secrets will the team ever get to the bottom of what happened?
This is an intriguing story that keeps the reader turning page after page with many twists and turns to keep the adrenaline flowing.
It lost marks on a few points: I find the author’s inclusion of what can only be described as stomach churning events that bring nothing to the story in this book we were treated to a teenager squeezing pus from his acne spots, not sure what all that was about. Also Gus is attacked by 2 Rottweilers but only needed a few stitches???? He leaves hospital with his arm in a sling and then proceeds to administer CPR, in particular chest compressions. I find that pretty difficult to believe so 4 stars from me.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
April 14, 2018
Uncommon Cruelty is the fourth book in the DI Gus McGuire series. The author has written it so it reads well as a stand alone giving enough background where needed.
I have read and enjoyed all the books in the series and really didn’t think it was possible for them to get any better than they already were. Boy, how wrong I was as the author knocked the ball out of the park with this one.
When Simon’s parents come home after a weekend away, they could never envision what is in store for them when they walk through their door. I might actually get my teenagers to read the book in the hope it puts them off ever even thinking about having a party behind our backs! The aftermath of the party is only the start of the shocks and surprises that are in store for the reader.
This is a series with a seriously strong cast of characters. Gus, his dad, Alice, they really are stand out characters who all bring something different to the table. I think I might actually be a teensy bit in love with Gus’s dad. He brings some humour into the otherwise dark and twisted read. He is so laid back and for some reason I imagine him sounding a bit like Sean Connery of which sends me weak at the knees.
This is one case that has the team working around the clock. It is a story that I couldn’t stop thinking about over the course of the few days I read it and I picked it up at every free opportunity I had. It really got under my skin and I was as desperate as Gus to solve it.
Uncommon Cruelty is a jaw dropping read that will send your heart racing. Without a doubt my personal favourite in the series and in my opinion, the authors best novel yet. If you haven’t read this series yet then why not?
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I have read and enjoyed all the books in the series and really didn’t think it was possible for them to get any better than they already were. Boy, how wrong I was as the author knocked the ball out of the park with this one.
When Simon’s parents come home after a weekend away, they could never envision what is in store for them when they walk through their door. I might actually get my teenagers to read the book in the hope it puts them off ever even thinking about having a party behind our backs! The aftermath of the party is only the start of the shocks and surprises that are in store for the reader.
This is a series with a seriously strong cast of characters. Gus, his dad, Alice, they really are stand out characters who all bring something different to the table. I think I might actually be a teensy bit in love with Gus’s dad. He brings some humour into the otherwise dark and twisted read. He is so laid back and for some reason I imagine him sounding a bit like Sean Connery of which sends me weak at the knees.
This is one case that has the team working around the clock. It is a story that I couldn’t stop thinking about over the course of the few days I read it and I picked it up at every free opportunity I had. It really got under my skin and I was as desperate as Gus to solve it.
Uncommon Cruelty is a jaw dropping read that will send your heart racing. Without a doubt my personal favourite in the series and in my opinion, the authors best novel yet. If you haven’t read this series yet then why not?
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 16, 2018
‘Uncommon Cruelty’ is harrowing and utterly distressing and it left me craving for the next book in the series – you will have to read it to understand why. Brutal, poignant, vicious and powerful this fourth book in the DI Gus McGuire series!
| Introduction |
DI Gus McGuire #4
A devastating fire leaves five dead bodies and only one survivor: a traumatised child. One of the deceased is the social worker, a friend to DI Sandy Panesar. DS Gus McGuire does his utmost to comfort not only his DI but also the social worker’s fiance. Five years later, Gus and his childhood friend, Mo, are pondering their lives whilst relaxing at Robin Hood’s Bay. A family gathering to heal some wounds (see the previous DI Gus McGuire books). Gus’s father, Doc Angus McGuire the pathologist, is, of course, also present.
Soon, both father and son will have their hands full…
Meanwhile, in Bradford, two teenagers are worried. Not only do they feel terrible due to a few too many alcoholic drinks, but also, something must have happened and their friend, ‘Si’, is unaccounted for. That is just the start of it because soon, a murder is reported to the police and DI Gus has to investigate…
| Storyline |
When James and Jayne Proctor return from a weekend away, they are surprised to see all the lights in their house on but they know who to blame: their son, Simon. He must have held a party in their absence. But soon, they wish the lights were all they had to worry about because the house is trashed and Simon nowhere around. When James finds the deceased body of a teenage girl, he has only but one option: to call the police. In come DI Gus McGuire and his DS, Alice Cooper who soon make the gruesome discovery of another dead teenage girl. What happened here? And where is Simon? What at first seemed a party having gone wrong turns into something ugly and utterly shocking when they find drugs as well as footage of bikers and teenaged girls being abused. It turns out that a Muslim ‘Young Jihadist’ group is somehow involved, as is a fundamental Christian church and to top it all, a dirty copper is hellbent on revenge.
As if that does not put enough on DI Gus’s plate, there are also disturbing blasts from the past haunting him and his DS, Alice. Will they be able to untangle it all and get those sick bastards behind bars?
A tough case for DI Gus and his detective team!
| My Thoughts |
What a terrific read is this fourth book in the DI Gus McGuire series! It is dark and devastating, with harrowing events and gritty circumstances. The reader, like the detective team, is set on the wrong foot quite a few times and yes, it gets even worse. There are some really mean characters to whom lives mean nothing and who are beyond any redemption. There are hypocrites and innocents, deceivers, cheaters and downright brutal criminals. I loved catching up with Gus and his team, they are enthusiastic and supportive – and they will need to be but that is for you to find out! The interactions are written well and it is great that the author shows us the personal feelings of the detectives when faces with yet another gruesome crime. There is also another quite disturbing plotline with quite an impact… but telling you would spoil it! I recommend you read Uncommon Cruelty to find out yourself! By the way, I NEED to know what happens next, Liz Mistry!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/uncomm...
| Introduction |
DI Gus McGuire #4
A devastating fire leaves five dead bodies and only one survivor: a traumatised child. One of the deceased is the social worker, a friend to DI Sandy Panesar. DS Gus McGuire does his utmost to comfort not only his DI but also the social worker’s fiance. Five years later, Gus and his childhood friend, Mo, are pondering their lives whilst relaxing at Robin Hood’s Bay. A family gathering to heal some wounds (see the previous DI Gus McGuire books). Gus’s father, Doc Angus McGuire the pathologist, is, of course, also present.
Soon, both father and son will have their hands full…
Meanwhile, in Bradford, two teenagers are worried. Not only do they feel terrible due to a few too many alcoholic drinks, but also, something must have happened and their friend, ‘Si’, is unaccounted for. That is just the start of it because soon, a murder is reported to the police and DI Gus has to investigate…
| Storyline |
When James and Jayne Proctor return from a weekend away, they are surprised to see all the lights in their house on but they know who to blame: their son, Simon. He must have held a party in their absence. But soon, they wish the lights were all they had to worry about because the house is trashed and Simon nowhere around. When James finds the deceased body of a teenage girl, he has only but one option: to call the police. In come DI Gus McGuire and his DS, Alice Cooper who soon make the gruesome discovery of another dead teenage girl. What happened here? And where is Simon? What at first seemed a party having gone wrong turns into something ugly and utterly shocking when they find drugs as well as footage of bikers and teenaged girls being abused. It turns out that a Muslim ‘Young Jihadist’ group is somehow involved, as is a fundamental Christian church and to top it all, a dirty copper is hellbent on revenge.
As if that does not put enough on DI Gus’s plate, there are also disturbing blasts from the past haunting him and his DS, Alice. Will they be able to untangle it all and get those sick bastards behind bars?
A tough case for DI Gus and his detective team!
| My Thoughts |
What a terrific read is this fourth book in the DI Gus McGuire series! It is dark and devastating, with harrowing events and gritty circumstances. The reader, like the detective team, is set on the wrong foot quite a few times and yes, it gets even worse. There are some really mean characters to whom lives mean nothing and who are beyond any redemption. There are hypocrites and innocents, deceivers, cheaters and downright brutal criminals. I loved catching up with Gus and his team, they are enthusiastic and supportive – and they will need to be but that is for you to find out! The interactions are written well and it is great that the author shows us the personal feelings of the detectives when faces with yet another gruesome crime. There is also another quite disturbing plotline with quite an impact… but telling you would spoil it! I recommend you read Uncommon Cruelty to find out yourself! By the way, I NEED to know what happens next, Liz Mistry!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/uncomm...
January 3, 2019
This really is a top class series, although the stories can be read as stand alones. I do have to admit to reading the 5th book before this but the enjoyment was just as enriching. The opening scene is a distressing house fire, with the only survivor being a young boy before the story jumps forward to present day.
There is that moment, when you have children, of leaving them at home when you feel they are responsible enough to stay behind while you have a weekend away. Well for Simon’s parents it turns into every parents worst nightmare. How can such much go wrong in one weekend? The team have their work cut out as they are pulled in so many directions with this case and dire complications and twists of a case that should have had its conclusion, one that was very personal to the team. Unfortunately when you think that things can’t get any worse they just do! The more they discover about the teenage party the more vile crimes are uncovered, rape, murder, drugs and abductions. Even when some of the party goers emerge the picture doesn’t become clear.
This is a terrific read with so many tangled leads, suspects and personal complications for the team that my mind wouldn’t rest. The aftermath of destroyed families that would never be the same again just kept growing as the pieces were fitted together, concluding with a devastating end! Utter brilliance!
There is that moment, when you have children, of leaving them at home when you feel they are responsible enough to stay behind while you have a weekend away. Well for Simon’s parents it turns into every parents worst nightmare. How can such much go wrong in one weekend? The team have their work cut out as they are pulled in so many directions with this case and dire complications and twists of a case that should have had its conclusion, one that was very personal to the team. Unfortunately when you think that things can’t get any worse they just do! The more they discover about the teenage party the more vile crimes are uncovered, rape, murder, drugs and abductions. Even when some of the party goers emerge the picture doesn’t become clear.
This is a terrific read with so many tangled leads, suspects and personal complications for the team that my mind wouldn’t rest. The aftermath of destroyed families that would never be the same again just kept growing as the pieces were fitted together, concluding with a devastating end! Utter brilliance!
April 23, 2018
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This book was so, so good I cannot recommend it highly enough!!
I love the characters in this series and I am a massive fan of the author's previous books in the series and her writing style suits this book really well.
The plot in this book is great, really well planned out and it flows so well. We are thrown straight in to the story and I was hooked as soon as I started reading. I didn't want to put the book down until the end and was a little bereft after I'd finished too
No hesitation in giving the book 5 stars, it really deserves it and has been one of the best I have read so far in 2018!!
This book was so, so good I cannot recommend it highly enough!!
I love the characters in this series and I am a massive fan of the author's previous books in the series and her writing style suits this book really well.
The plot in this book is great, really well planned out and it flows so well. We are thrown straight in to the story and I was hooked as soon as I started reading. I didn't want to put the book down until the end and was a little bereft after I'd finished too
No hesitation in giving the book 5 stars, it really deserves it and has been one of the best I have read so far in 2018!!
April 19, 2018
The police and his team are called in about a disappearance for a teenager.
His parents have been away for a weekend.
See if he has been returned .
I got this from Netgallery
His parents have been away for a weekend.
See if he has been returned .
I got this from Netgallery
April 16, 2018
DI Gus McGuire and his team are back in their fourth investigation in Liz Mistry’s gritty Bradford based series. Uncommon Cruelty follows the events of Unquiet Souls, Uncoiled Lies and Untainted Blood – however it can be read as a standalone as the author gives enough back story for new readers but not too much as to annoy current readers 🙂
Uncommon Cruelty opens with a tragic house fire whereby all the inhabitants other than a young child are killed including the social worker who is a friend of DI Sandy Panesar – Gus is on hand to comfort not only his DI but also the fiancé of the social worker. Fast forward five years, Gus is taking a holiday with his family and best friend Mo, getting over events from Untainted Blood. This peace and tranquility is soon over for both Gus and Angus.
What starts as a nice, weekend away for the Proctors results in every parent’s nightmare. They return home to find that their house has been completely trashed by the attendees of their son, Simon’s impromptu party however he is no where to be seen. The aftermath of this party is only the beginning and results in Gus and his team working all the hours possible to get a lead and then put together the various contrasting threads that start to surface. As a result this is one of those books that you do not want to put down and if you have to, you cannot wait to get back to it to find out what comes next.
Alongside Gus is his trusty partner DS Alice Cooper and his pathologist father, Angus – I love the dynamic that Gus has with both Alice and Angus, especially when his Dad inadvertently embarrasses him in front of his team. Also, what I enjoyed about Uncommon Cruelty, aside from the investigation, is that we find out a bit about Alice’s background and why she’s ended up in Bradford.
I really loved the various threads within this overall complex plot that gives Gus and the team a lot to deal with – there are contrasting groups involved which add to the complications, not to mention the bent copper thrown into the mix. Mistry has done it once again, a seamless narrative brought together by a stellar cast of characters.
I highly recommend Uncommon Cruelty as well as the rest of the series – if you can, start at the beginning so you really get a feel of the characters and their relationships. If you can’t wait, then Uncommon Cruelty is a great read in its own right. Also, after THAT ending, I cannot wait for book five!!
Uncommon Cruelty opens with a tragic house fire whereby all the inhabitants other than a young child are killed including the social worker who is a friend of DI Sandy Panesar – Gus is on hand to comfort not only his DI but also the fiancé of the social worker. Fast forward five years, Gus is taking a holiday with his family and best friend Mo, getting over events from Untainted Blood. This peace and tranquility is soon over for both Gus and Angus.
What starts as a nice, weekend away for the Proctors results in every parent’s nightmare. They return home to find that their house has been completely trashed by the attendees of their son, Simon’s impromptu party however he is no where to be seen. The aftermath of this party is only the beginning and results in Gus and his team working all the hours possible to get a lead and then put together the various contrasting threads that start to surface. As a result this is one of those books that you do not want to put down and if you have to, you cannot wait to get back to it to find out what comes next.
Alongside Gus is his trusty partner DS Alice Cooper and his pathologist father, Angus – I love the dynamic that Gus has with both Alice and Angus, especially when his Dad inadvertently embarrasses him in front of his team. Also, what I enjoyed about Uncommon Cruelty, aside from the investigation, is that we find out a bit about Alice’s background and why she’s ended up in Bradford.
I really loved the various threads within this overall complex plot that gives Gus and the team a lot to deal with – there are contrasting groups involved which add to the complications, not to mention the bent copper thrown into the mix. Mistry has done it once again, a seamless narrative brought together by a stellar cast of characters.
I highly recommend Uncommon Cruelty as well as the rest of the series – if you can, start at the beginning so you really get a feel of the characters and their relationships. If you can’t wait, then Uncommon Cruelty is a great read in its own right. Also, after THAT ending, I cannot wait for book five!!
March 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of Uncommon Cruelty, the fourth novel to feature DI Gus McGuire of Bradford police.
James and Jane Proctor return from a weekend away to discover their house wrecked, a dead teenager in their bedroom and their teenage son, Simon, missing. Gus and his team soon have their hands full as they try to identify the body and find Simon because everyone is lying or at least concealing parts of the truth.
I thoroughly enjoyed Uncommon Cruelty, so much that I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It is an excellent piece of crime fiction with great pacing and characterisation which held me engrossed throughout.
The plot is well planned as the investigation starts from the fairly narrow confines of a dead girl and a missing teenager and gradually spreads its tentacles wider and wider until it narrows back to the conclusion. I am in awe of Ms Mistry's command of her plot as it covers a lot of ground seamlessly. There is no superfluity and while wide ranging it is concise, almost sparing in execution. It is exactly the kind of novel I like to read and I will be searching out her back catalogue for more of the same.
The characterisation is equally strong from the police to the unnamed first person narrator whose imprisonment peppers the main narrative. Gus and his sergeant, Alice, have a great, natural vibe which adds to the reading experience. Alice does not have her troubles to seek in this novel and they add an extra edge to the read.
Uncommon Cruelty is one of the best novels I have read this year so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
James and Jane Proctor return from a weekend away to discover their house wrecked, a dead teenager in their bedroom and their teenage son, Simon, missing. Gus and his team soon have their hands full as they try to identify the body and find Simon because everyone is lying or at least concealing parts of the truth.
I thoroughly enjoyed Uncommon Cruelty, so much that I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It is an excellent piece of crime fiction with great pacing and characterisation which held me engrossed throughout.
The plot is well planned as the investigation starts from the fairly narrow confines of a dead girl and a missing teenager and gradually spreads its tentacles wider and wider until it narrows back to the conclusion. I am in awe of Ms Mistry's command of her plot as it covers a lot of ground seamlessly. There is no superfluity and while wide ranging it is concise, almost sparing in execution. It is exactly the kind of novel I like to read and I will be searching out her back catalogue for more of the same.
The characterisation is equally strong from the police to the unnamed first person narrator whose imprisonment peppers the main narrative. Gus and his sergeant, Alice, have a great, natural vibe which adds to the reading experience. Alice does not have her troubles to seek in this novel and they add an extra edge to the read.
Uncommon Cruelty is one of the best novels I have read this year so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
February 7, 2019
I absolutely thought book 4 having read the other 3 was absolutely amazing brilliant, such a talented author. Liz mystery books always grab me from the first chapter, she puts many twist and turns in her books. I could write so much about this book, my only problem I will never put spoilers in any book. I once read 11 books of a series of 12 I started book 12 got almost half way through the book, and my mother in law said oh so and so happens in the last book, I never picked the book up to finish, I just felt she’s totally ruined the series. I just have a philosophy if I wanted to know I would ask. Just out of curiosity are their other readers like myself. Going back to liz mystery. Don’t pass this book by, it’s a superb read, as I always find her books to be. She actually seems to get better the more she writes, she certainly does a fair bit of research on her books I notice. A must read. So sorry I am not giving much away. I do however definitely recommend you read this book
April 13, 2018
This is a fast paced gripping thriller and it will have you on the edge of your seat at the end.
Gus is back trying to find out who is responsible for the deaths of two teenage girls at a party that got out of hand.
Alice and Sampson are on hand to help him and as always, the dynamic between them all is great. Gus also has to contend with his Dad doing the post mortems and this gives this dark thriller some humour.
This is quite a shocking story as so many of the characters are hiding something and it takes Gus and the team a while to unravel it all.
There’s lots of twists and turns in this book and the ending will leave you desparate for the next book....
I loved this book and will be looking out for the next in the series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me a copy to read and review.
Gus is back trying to find out who is responsible for the deaths of two teenage girls at a party that got out of hand.
Alice and Sampson are on hand to help him and as always, the dynamic between them all is great. Gus also has to contend with his Dad doing the post mortems and this gives this dark thriller some humour.
This is quite a shocking story as so many of the characters are hiding something and it takes Gus and the team a while to unravel it all.
There’s lots of twists and turns in this book and the ending will leave you desparate for the next book....
I loved this book and will be looking out for the next in the series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me a copy to read and review.
April 23, 2018
Books that keeps your attention until the end. I enjoyed reading about work of Gus McGuire and his father as a team while working of a complex case where 2 victims are dead and other is missing. This is an intriguing story with lot of secrets, drug connections, church cults...many twists and turns that will keep your heart racing and craving for the next instalment
November 29, 2018
Uncommon Cruelty is a well written book. It tugged on my heartstrings when 2 teenage girls are found murdered and a teenage boy goes missing early on in the book. A well thought-out story with many twists along the way and I have to say, I did not see them coming at all! A wonderful book in a brilliant series. I highly recommend this book
April 25, 2018
Brilliant book, really liked how the plot came together, Gus and his team are fantastic characters
July 24, 2018
WOW
OMG wow wow wow. I literally couldn't put this book down, I read it through the night finished at 4am. I would recommend this story, it was a cracker!!!!
OMG wow wow wow. I literally couldn't put this book down, I read it through the night finished at 4am. I would recommend this story, it was a cracker!!!!
April 27, 2019
Yet another fantastic book by Liz Mistry, full of fantastic twists and turns with every chapter.
We join Gus and the team as they start to investigate the murder of two young girls and the missing teenager Simon Proctor. Is Simon connected to the murder or is his disappearance connected to something else.
Gus, Alice, Sampson, Compo and Taffy (the newbie) start to investigate the case. We follow them as they conduct their investigations along with another murder, this time of a prostitute along with leaks to the press of the current investigation. We also have the annoying DC Knowles who is determined to stoop to so many levels to destroy Alice.
I found this book such a riveting read and is definitely one of my favourites so far. There was enough suspense to keep me tapping the pages of my kindle and despite some titbits that had me thinking I knew what was going to happen I still did the "OMG" on a couple of occasions when pieces of the jigsaw I was putting together didn't quite fit and I felt like I had to start some of it all over again.
We join Gus and the team as they start to investigate the murder of two young girls and the missing teenager Simon Proctor. Is Simon connected to the murder or is his disappearance connected to something else.
Gus, Alice, Sampson, Compo and Taffy (the newbie) start to investigate the case. We follow them as they conduct their investigations along with another murder, this time of a prostitute along with leaks to the press of the current investigation. We also have the annoying DC Knowles who is determined to stoop to so many levels to destroy Alice.
I found this book such a riveting read and is definitely one of my favourites so far. There was enough suspense to keep me tapping the pages of my kindle and despite some titbits that had me thinking I knew what was going to happen I still did the "OMG" on a couple of occasions when pieces of the jigsaw I was putting together didn't quite fit and I felt like I had to start some of it all over again.
August 1, 2018
I love this series and in my opinion the books are best read in order to get the most out of them. Set in and around Bradford West Yorkshire they give a good insight into the multi cultural way of life in this city of many faiths. Liz brings the characters to life and I particularly like the interaction between DI Gus McGuire and his sergeant Alice. The book is packed with action as you would expect. If you love gritty northern crime thrillers then this book is for you. Thank you for the ARC
April 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book with a small caveat that the ending was quite rushed and left some loose ends, which made me very glad that I had the next instalment to hand to read straight away.
There is a flashback as a prologue and it took me a while to see its relevance - but I enjoyed that level of mystery. After that, there is a social outing and I thought that was a clever way to catch the reader up with what has happened to date.
I really liked how the book shows the investigation and the taking of statements although I thought it was probably missing a step of getting the boys to describe "the bikers" - are they really bikers or men with motorbikes? did they show colours? It was a level of detail that I missed. I wish Gus would get over his sense of inferiority on not being able to handle blood or be able to talk to his dad about it. As Dr McGuire says, he's done his fair share now; just delegate that part!
Part of the attraction of Liz Mistry's books (this is the fourth DI Gus McGuire book) is the portrait of a multi-cultural Bradford. In this book, there were depictions of the lives of teenagers of different religions, races and classes. It was interesting to see how it played with expectations: of the Jihadi youth group and of the middle class parents. Worth a read for that alone. I did think there are some parallels with Val McDermid's books but not too much, I thought.
The ending was rushed. Critical events took place off the page and lacked real power. A great deal of the truth of the case came out in the perpetrator's diaries and other records. Since the story is told from Gus's point of view, that might be inevitable but it felt a bit flat. Still, there was always the next book!
There is a flashback as a prologue and it took me a while to see its relevance - but I enjoyed that level of mystery. After that, there is a social outing and I thought that was a clever way to catch the reader up with what has happened to date.
I really liked how the book shows the investigation and the taking of statements although I thought it was probably missing a step of getting the boys to describe "the bikers" - are they really bikers or men with motorbikes? did they show colours? It was a level of detail that I missed. I wish Gus would get over his sense of inferiority on not being able to handle blood or be able to talk to his dad about it. As Dr McGuire says, he's done his fair share now; just delegate that part!
Part of the attraction of Liz Mistry's books (this is the fourth DI Gus McGuire book) is the portrait of a multi-cultural Bradford. In this book, there were depictions of the lives of teenagers of different religions, races and classes. It was interesting to see how it played with expectations: of the Jihadi youth group and of the middle class parents. Worth a read for that alone. I did think there are some parallels with Val McDermid's books but not too much, I thought.
The ending was rushed. Critical events took place off the page and lacked real power. A great deal of the truth of the case came out in the perpetrator's diaries and other records. Since the story is told from Gus's point of view, that might be inevitable but it felt a bit flat. Still, there was always the next book!
April 15, 2018
DI Gus McGuire is still reeling from events that happened earlier in the year (and in the previous book) when he is called in to a house party gone wrong, two girls are dead and the teenage boy, Simon Proctor, is missing. The case proves to be tough for Gus, especially as a case from his second in command DS Alice Cooper’s past comes back to haunt her.
I discovered this author last year and after reading Untainted Blood, I knew I had to read the next book in the Gus McGuire series.
For me this book was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions (I don’t often say that about crime fiction). Liz Mistry faces some of the most despicable acts one human does to another head on which may not be for everyone but I found compelling and realistically done. Also when the bad guys are caught, if their crimes are that much more despicable, it feels so much more satisfying.
As always Liz Mistry creates great and rounded characters from the horrid DC Steven Knowles, who is out to get Alice to Tayyub, Simon’s friend who is on the Autistic Spectrum.
The story starts off a little slowly but builds to a tension packed, emotionally charged ending that I wasn’t ready for it at all! It’s safe to say I’m looking forward to the next book later in the year.
I discovered this author last year and after reading Untainted Blood, I knew I had to read the next book in the Gus McGuire series.
For me this book was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions (I don’t often say that about crime fiction). Liz Mistry faces some of the most despicable acts one human does to another head on which may not be for everyone but I found compelling and realistically done. Also when the bad guys are caught, if their crimes are that much more despicable, it feels so much more satisfying.
As always Liz Mistry creates great and rounded characters from the horrid DC Steven Knowles, who is out to get Alice to Tayyub, Simon’s friend who is on the Autistic Spectrum.
The story starts off a little slowly but builds to a tension packed, emotionally charged ending that I wasn’t ready for it at all! It’s safe to say I’m looking forward to the next book later in the year.
April 15, 2018
From the first page to the last word Liz Mistry does not disappoint.
Gus is one of my favoured characters, and more so now. Uncommon Cruelty is the 4th book in the series. Highly recommend you read them in order, or go back and read after this one. They are too fantastic not to!
Having thoroughly enjoyed and devoured the previous three I was anticipating this great read.
Uncommon cruelty has exceeded the previous three books! I didn’t think Liz could as they are high calibre books, but wow she really did.
The depth of the story is sublime and the undercurrent theme was intense, dark and the plot lines were extremely well planned and brought to life on the pages.
This for me is my firm favourite.
Maybe already knowing Gus and his team helps, or the slight shift in character focus on Alice, was why, but I am not questioning it too deeply.
Liz has brought an intense crime thriller series to a new level and I for one thoroughly enjoyed her devious mind being displayed within this book!
Looking forward to book 5! Especially with the teaser at the end of book 4.
Want an in-depth police series focusing on human nature, you have it here in spades!
thank you to #Netgalley @bloodhound books for an advance copy. All thoughts on this review are my own.
Gus is one of my favoured characters, and more so now. Uncommon Cruelty is the 4th book in the series. Highly recommend you read them in order, or go back and read after this one. They are too fantastic not to!
Having thoroughly enjoyed and devoured the previous three I was anticipating this great read.
Uncommon cruelty has exceeded the previous three books! I didn’t think Liz could as they are high calibre books, but wow she really did.
The depth of the story is sublime and the undercurrent theme was intense, dark and the plot lines were extremely well planned and brought to life on the pages.
This for me is my firm favourite.
Maybe already knowing Gus and his team helps, or the slight shift in character focus on Alice, was why, but I am not questioning it too deeply.
Liz has brought an intense crime thriller series to a new level and I for one thoroughly enjoyed her devious mind being displayed within this book!
Looking forward to book 5! Especially with the teaser at the end of book 4.
Want an in-depth police series focusing on human nature, you have it here in spades!
thank you to #Netgalley @bloodhound books for an advance copy. All thoughts on this review are my own.
April 22, 2018
Twisted,Dark...Shocking...and So so Tense...
When Jane and James Proctor return from a long weekend away they find their home trashed ,turned upside down ,their son nowhere to be found...When James goes to investigate further he finds his worst nightmare...DI Gus McGuire and his team arrive at the house...they realise this is much worse than they could have ever imagined...McGuire and DS Alice Cooper have their work cut out for them...This case leads them to a Mosque , where behind closed doors some things should never happen..but things become even darker when they go in search of a biker gang...And Simon the boy who is missing what could have happened to him?..This story filters from the present to the past...Terrifying ...sad, it will grab you ...squeeze all these different emotions out of you...as you begin to connect the dots....you will feel small slithers of fear....because out there in the distance is a killer....one who has no fear.....as the team get closer there is an even bigger shock in store...Will they find the boy...? And on top of it all a nightmare from the past will come back to haunt one of them...Shocking...the team and crushing one of their own..A Twisted ,dark...Shocking read....
When Jane and James Proctor return from a long weekend away they find their home trashed ,turned upside down ,their son nowhere to be found...When James goes to investigate further he finds his worst nightmare...DI Gus McGuire and his team arrive at the house...they realise this is much worse than they could have ever imagined...McGuire and DS Alice Cooper have their work cut out for them...This case leads them to a Mosque , where behind closed doors some things should never happen..but things become even darker when they go in search of a biker gang...And Simon the boy who is missing what could have happened to him?..This story filters from the present to the past...Terrifying ...sad, it will grab you ...squeeze all these different emotions out of you...as you begin to connect the dots....you will feel small slithers of fear....because out there in the distance is a killer....one who has no fear.....as the team get closer there is an even bigger shock in store...Will they find the boy...? And on top of it all a nightmare from the past will come back to haunt one of them...Shocking...the team and crushing one of their own..A Twisted ,dark...Shocking read....
January 4, 2019
Firstly, this is book four in the DI Gus McGuire series. That really didn’t matter at all. I was able to bond with the characters and enjoy the book as a stand-alone.
After listening to Liz reading a chapter at Wigan Noir last year, I knew I needed to read Uncommon Cruelty. I wasn’t wrong to buy it either. What a rollercoaster of a ride!
For a longer novel, this story sure did fly along. The action and intrigue doesn’t stop all the way through. I enjoyed the complex lives of the teenagers involved, and their characters felt so authentic; from their actions and descriptions, to their voices. As for the main detective, I loved DI Gus McGuire and enjoyed reading the chapters featuring him and Alice.
This novel is gritty and quite often the descriptions are gruesome but they set an authentic scene. The topics used in the story aren’t light by any means, in fact they’re the worst. Rape, murder and sexual assault are prominent. It’s definitely not for those seeking a cosy mystery, but if you like your reads dark, disturbing and realistic, this is one for your reading list. I thought it was fab!
After listening to Liz reading a chapter at Wigan Noir last year, I knew I needed to read Uncommon Cruelty. I wasn’t wrong to buy it either. What a rollercoaster of a ride!
For a longer novel, this story sure did fly along. The action and intrigue doesn’t stop all the way through. I enjoyed the complex lives of the teenagers involved, and their characters felt so authentic; from their actions and descriptions, to their voices. As for the main detective, I loved DI Gus McGuire and enjoyed reading the chapters featuring him and Alice.
This novel is gritty and quite often the descriptions are gruesome but they set an authentic scene. The topics used in the story aren’t light by any means, in fact they’re the worst. Rape, murder and sexual assault are prominent. It’s definitely not for those seeking a cosy mystery, but if you like your reads dark, disturbing and realistic, this is one for your reading list. I thought it was fab!
April 12, 2018
A couple arrive home to find not only has their teenage son had a party in their weekend absence but he has gone AWOL. When two bodies are discovered at the property this puts a serious twist on the party and who attended. Years beforehand a house fire has claimed 5 lives. Why and who is behind them? DI Gus is a lovable character (which I like in a main player). He brings leadership and determination but also something of a rogue about him- especially when he meets up with his father Angus who just happens to be a pathologist. There is an excellent plot, wonderful characters (as always) and a little humour along the way. Nothing to put you off your dinner, just an engaging, very entertaining read. Gus is one of those characters you would like to meet- and be glad that he is on your side. A wonderful series, a brilliant read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
April 12, 2018
5 stars from me.
What a fantastic introduction to Liz Mistry! Although this is book number 4 in the Gus McGuire series, it was the first I have read and before I had even finished it I had already bought books 1-3. Without relating the plot, I can tell you it is a fast-moving gritty police crime story featuring DI Gus McGuire and his team. The characters and plot are well described and thought out. I loved the good ones and hated the baddies, just as it should be, my favourite being Dr McGuire (I think it was the dance shoes that did it!). It maybe would have been nice to have read the books in order to have a greater understanding of the team's backgrounds but it is definitely not essential as the book is a great story on its own. And a cliff-hanger at the end for one of the main characters leaves the reader chomping at the bit for the fifth book which I understand is due out Winter 2018. Personally I can't wait!!
What a fantastic introduction to Liz Mistry! Although this is book number 4 in the Gus McGuire series, it was the first I have read and before I had even finished it I had already bought books 1-3. Without relating the plot, I can tell you it is a fast-moving gritty police crime story featuring DI Gus McGuire and his team. The characters and plot are well described and thought out. I loved the good ones and hated the baddies, just as it should be, my favourite being Dr McGuire (I think it was the dance shoes that did it!). It maybe would have been nice to have read the books in order to have a greater understanding of the team's backgrounds but it is definitely not essential as the book is a great story on its own. And a cliff-hanger at the end for one of the main characters leaves the reader chomping at the bit for the fifth book which I understand is due out Winter 2018. Personally I can't wait!!
July 18, 2019
Wow! what a compelling read. I love this authors style of writing. Gripping and powerful with a no nonsense approach. This book has a brilliant storyline (as always) with Gus having to contend with more than first meets the eye. It all starts out with one small group of 'innocent' teenages having a little party while the parents are away for a loved up weekend. Well that's what kids do, right? But when the host of the party, Simon, goes missing and the parents come home to a ransacked house, it appears that more has gone on than just a group of friends having some pop and crisps and listening to loud music. One thing leads to another....and another...and before you know it your nails are bitten to the bone and as you pull yourself up off the floor the book pulls you in even further as the pages just keep turning themselves. Tense and shocking right through to the end. This was indeed another fantastic read from Liz Mistry.
April 14, 2018
This is the 4th in the Gus McGuire series and they definitely get better and better, I am left yearning for the next one.
The McGuire family dynamic is brilliant, I can't think of any other crime fiction where there is a family involved in quite this way. Mistry's prose races along and if I could have read it without stopping I would have loved to.
The characters are well drawn and as a reader I care about them, this is down to the writing. The plot was interesting if a little teasing it wasn't clear until well into the book who was responsible for all of the violence etc. and I found myself wondering where the prologue fitted into the whole plot. I like a plot where I have to think and don't see the ending coming.
I cannot wait until later in the year for more, I need to know what happens to Alice!
I would recommend this to all but get the first 3 as well.
The McGuire family dynamic is brilliant, I can't think of any other crime fiction where there is a family involved in quite this way. Mistry's prose races along and if I could have read it without stopping I would have loved to.
The characters are well drawn and as a reader I care about them, this is down to the writing. The plot was interesting if a little teasing it wasn't clear until well into the book who was responsible for all of the violence etc. and I found myself wondering where the prologue fitted into the whole plot. I like a plot where I have to think and don't see the ending coming.
I cannot wait until later in the year for more, I need to know what happens to Alice!
I would recommend this to all but get the first 3 as well.
April 14, 2018
Wow. This series just gets better and better with each book! This is Brilliant! I am absolutely loving this five star series, I cannot get enough!
This is book four in the DI Gus McGuire series and cannot be read as a standalone, this series needs to be read in order as it makes reference to previous cases and previous books.
Uncommon Cruelty is written well, fast paced, easy to devour, and contains short chapters. This case is dark and focuses on a missing teenager and what seems like one hell of a party aftermath and mess to clear up. Its great to be back with the familiar team! You will not be able to put this book down until you’ve finished it!
I would highly recommend this series to you all, but please read them in order. I look forward to the next book by Liz!
This is book four in the DI Gus McGuire series and cannot be read as a standalone, this series needs to be read in order as it makes reference to previous cases and previous books.
Uncommon Cruelty is written well, fast paced, easy to devour, and contains short chapters. This case is dark and focuses on a missing teenager and what seems like one hell of a party aftermath and mess to clear up. Its great to be back with the familiar team! You will not be able to put this book down until you’ve finished it!
I would highly recommend this series to you all, but please read them in order. I look forward to the next book by Liz!
March 17, 2018
This book is so exciting, I think Liz’s books have got better and better as she continues with Gus, Alice and the rest of the team. His poor mums cooking still hasn’t improved, but Compo seems to enjoy it.
I really couldn’t work out the reasoning behind it all and it kept me guessing right until the end. It was action packed all the way and plenty to get my teeth into.
I’m so looking forward to the next instalment with the team.
I was so lucky last year at Harrogate to have Liz come and sit with me and other authors at the table, what a thrill to meet her, and everyone.
My thanks to Liz, bloodhound books and netgalley for the ARC.
I really couldn’t work out the reasoning behind it all and it kept me guessing right until the end. It was action packed all the way and plenty to get my teeth into.
I’m so looking forward to the next instalment with the team.
I was so lucky last year at Harrogate to have Liz come and sit with me and other authors at the table, what a thrill to meet her, and everyone.
My thanks to Liz, bloodhound books and netgalley for the ARC.
March 23, 2018
Uncommon Cruelty is the 4th book in the DI Gus McGuire series and to my mind the best yet. The characters are brilliant especially Gus Mcguires team of Alice, Compo, Taffy and Sampson. There were several threads going on in this book and it all made for a riveting read. The main plot plot throughout the book dealt with sex, drugs, violence and murder. A gruesome, harrowing, frightening, shocking, heartbreaking and emotional read. Did I say emotional? Yes, it certainly had that aspect. I was still thinking about this book long into the night. I highly recommend this book and I also highly recommend the previous books in the series to be read first. Eagerly awaiting book 5,!
April 17, 2018
Liz Mistry has created a fabulous character in DI Gus McGuire. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about him and his relationship with his team. Such a refreshing change to have police colleagues who work together with respect and professionalism rather than pushing each other under the nearest bus. The story is an emotional roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. An exceptionally high calibre tale, which we have come to expect from Liz Mistry. I'm thrilled to highly recommend this book to everyone; you can thank me later!
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