What do you think?
Rate this book
Death’s Door
A new short story from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Stalkers, with an exclusive first look at the newest book, Kiss of Death!Obsession makes the heart grow fonder . . .
When a stalking case lands on DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg’s desk it seems pretty straightforward.
But when Heck discovers that the victim lives in the same house that a young woman was brutally murdered in six years earlier, instinct tells him that it’s not so simple after all.
Before long Heck is entangled in something far more dangerous than he had expected. In a race against the clock, can Heck and Gemma stop history from repeating itself – or will they end up getting caught in the crossfire?
The Sunday Times bestseller returns with a heart pounding short story that fans of M.J. Arlidge and Stuart MacBride won’t be able to put down.
When a stalking case lands on DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg’s desk it seems pretty straightforward.
But when Heck discovers that the victim lives in the same house that a young woman was brutally murdered in six years earlier, instinct tells him that it’s not so simple after all.
Before long Heck is entangled in something far more dangerous than he had expected. In a race against the clock, can Heck and Gemma stop history from repeating itself – or will they end up getting caught in the crossfire?
The Sunday Times bestseller returns with a heart pounding short story that fans of M.J. Arlidge and Stuart MacBride won’t be able to put down.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2018
390 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books470 followersPaul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
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
August 20, 2023
When D S Heckenburg (Heck) is given what appears to be a straightforward stalking case, he isn’t too concerned about it, he’ll soon have it sorted. However, things begin to look less straightforward when he discovers that the stalking victim lives in the same house, where six years earlier, a young woman had been brutally murdered.
Heck’s superiors believe it’s a coincidence, but events prove them wrong, and he ends up dealing with a stalker who’s obsession knows no limits.
Author Paul Finch is a Sunday Times bestseller, so I had high expectations, and fortunately I wasn’t disappointed.The characters were believable and there was lots of tension in this relatively short read (just over 100 pages), and it was really gripping too.
Heck’s superiors believe it’s a coincidence, but events prove them wrong, and he ends up dealing with a stalker who’s obsession knows no limits.
Author Paul Finch is a Sunday Times bestseller, so I had high expectations, and fortunately I wasn’t disappointed.The characters were believable and there was lots of tension in this relatively short read (just over 100 pages), and it was really gripping too.
February 9, 2023
Boy, some people will snap up anything if it's free and that's how I ended up with "Death's Door" on my kindle. This was actually a pretty good little story (just over 100 pages) but apparently the characters are from a fairly long-running series. Nevertheless I didn't have a problem getting into this story about a woman who lives in a house where another woman was murdered years ago and now the current resident feels like someone is watching her. DS Mark Heckenburg (Heck) and girlfriend Detective Constable Gemma Piper are on the case. There's a fair bit of action in this brief novella and a bit of violence. This book was published in 2018 and also contains an excerpt from another book in this series, "Kiss of Death", published the same year. It seems like it could be enjoyable but I have to resist for now.
December 31, 2019
This was so much fun though the suspense was slightly low. Nonetheless, I completely enjoyed it. Heck and Gemma make great partners. Now I need more of their books.
Great introduction to an author New to me.
Great introduction to an author New to me.
July 8, 2020
It was surprisingly good. Heck seems to be a promising character. It was indeed an engaging read.
May 22, 2021
The writing is good but the story lacks closure. 10-15 more pages with a few more details about the who and the why would have been perfect
July 17, 2018
Writing was very good and I'm sure I'll read more by this author, nevertheless it seems as if I'm the only one thinking that here several pages to conclude the story were missing. They got their bad guy but who-and-why was missing for this reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2019
A free short story that's a great introduction to this series, if like me, you are new to it. Plenty of tension and action following a brutal murder at the beginning although I did feel that the ending felt incomplete leaving a few unanswered questions. I do like the main character of DS Mark 'Heck' Heckenburg though and can see another series finding its way onto my bookshelves!
July 16, 2018
"A gripping short spoiled by the advertisement"
A decent short story, written by an accomplished author. However, as one-third of this book was filled with an excerpt from the newest title in the series it disappointed me. Roll on when the 10% rule rids us of these cheap advertising gimmicks. I've not read the previous titles about Heck, so a taster that assumes you know everything that went before is just a waste of time. I ignored it.
A decent short story, written by an accomplished author. However, as one-third of this book was filled with an excerpt from the newest title in the series it disappointed me. Roll on when the 10% rule rids us of these cheap advertising gimmicks. I've not read the previous titles about Heck, so a taster that assumes you know everything that went before is just a waste of time. I ignored it.
August 18, 2018
Its a short gripping story, the story line is really good. The writing is very mature and easy to read.
A good read.
A good read.
August 18, 2019
Good short story but could of done with being a bit long though but really enjoyed the read
July 2, 2018
This is a relatively short story starring DS Mark "Heck" Heckenburg that will whet series fans' appetites for the new book out soon (the start of which is to be found after the short concludes). It also serves well as a little taster as to what Heck is about although, if you are new to the series and like what you see here, I would recommend giving the preview a miss and start from the beginning and read the rest in order to really get the best from it.
This is a relatively simple tale, well Heck makes it look easy. It revolves around a young woman who fears she is being stalked. On further investigation, Heck discovers that she is living in the same house in which a woman was brutally murdered a few years ago. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... but assume nothing and expect everything. Heck is typical Heck in his gung ho investigation, almost playing vigilante to apprehend a culprit he catches spying on the house. But the man is released on charge. Heck however knows there is something a bit off and, in his own inimitable way, sets off to prove himself right, but with time running out, will he get there before things turn nastier?
I blooming love this series and, if I had to tell the truth, I'm maybe a little in love with Heck himself. He's a bit of a bad boy but he gets the job done, much to the exasperation of colleague and girlfriend Gemma. Even though it's only relatively short, the story is complete and everything you need to either satisfy or reconnect with the characters prior to their next outing when Heck returns next month in Kiss of Death.
This is a relatively simple tale, well Heck makes it look easy. It revolves around a young woman who fears she is being stalked. On further investigation, Heck discovers that she is living in the same house in which a woman was brutally murdered a few years ago. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... but assume nothing and expect everything. Heck is typical Heck in his gung ho investigation, almost playing vigilante to apprehend a culprit he catches spying on the house. But the man is released on charge. Heck however knows there is something a bit off and, in his own inimitable way, sets off to prove himself right, but with time running out, will he get there before things turn nastier?
I blooming love this series and, if I had to tell the truth, I'm maybe a little in love with Heck himself. He's a bit of a bad boy but he gets the job done, much to the exasperation of colleague and girlfriend Gemma. Even though it's only relatively short, the story is complete and everything you need to either satisfy or reconnect with the characters prior to their next outing when Heck returns next month in Kiss of Death.
July 21, 2018
Dark...Chilling...Will make your blood run Cold
Jemma A Detective Constable lives and works beside Detective Sergeant Mark Heckenburg both in CID..When PC Prentiss tells them about a woman who feels as though she is being watched Heck as he is known by his friends is intrigued..even more so when Prentiss says he has looked further into it...Six years earlier at this same house a woman has been murdered..The next night Heck and Gamma go to see Dorothy Bainbridge...and this woman is not one who strikes them as one who is easily scared...But outside there is someone on the move and they give chase ...he attacks Heck ...whacking him but Heck is no pushover...and they take him in ..The man makes all sort of claims protesting his innocence..The next day he is set free...Just when they leave for the night..like a thunderbolt..Check puts it all together...but before this night is over there will be fear...blood spilt...and the thunderbolt will explode into a night that those who remember will never forget...My heart skipped a few beats at the end of this little novella...Fast,gripping a dark tale of a phsycopath...I will have to look for more by this author...Chilling...will make your blood run Cold.
Jemma A Detective Constable lives and works beside Detective Sergeant Mark Heckenburg both in CID..When PC Prentiss tells them about a woman who feels as though she is being watched Heck as he is known by his friends is intrigued..even more so when Prentiss says he has looked further into it...Six years earlier at this same house a woman has been murdered..The next night Heck and Gamma go to see Dorothy Bainbridge...and this woman is not one who strikes them as one who is easily scared...But outside there is someone on the move and they give chase ...he attacks Heck ...whacking him but Heck is no pushover...and they take him in ..The man makes all sort of claims protesting his innocence..The next day he is set free...Just when they leave for the night..like a thunderbolt..Check puts it all together...but before this night is over there will be fear...blood spilt...and the thunderbolt will explode into a night that those who remember will never forget...My heart skipped a few beats at the end of this little novella...Fast,gripping a dark tale of a phsycopath...I will have to look for more by this author...Chilling...will make your blood run Cold.
September 20, 2020
I had high hopes for this book! It started out with someone watching possibly my favourite slasher film of all time so I was definitely invested and wanted to keep reading. It also helped that the fear was built up straight away, the atmosphere was tense...
Death's Door hooked me in from the start and built up so much intrigue within just a few pages. As a short story I was worried the book would feel rushed, but we moved through at a steady pace, and even though quite a lot was packed into the few pages we had it didn't feel like too much.
Reading this book was like being on a roller coaster, it was a wild ride!
Admittedly, I was disappointed in the ending of the book, it felt a bit anti climatic and I was left feeling underwhelmed and wanting to know more about the killer.
What did really piss me off about this book is that we got to around 73% of the way through and then the rest was a sample from another novel, we got a underwhelming ending and then when I thought there was another chapter or two to redeem it LOL NOPE.
Whilst this shouldn't have bugged me as much as it did, it lead me to really drop down my rating.
Death's Door hooked me in from the start and built up so much intrigue within just a few pages. As a short story I was worried the book would feel rushed, but we moved through at a steady pace, and even though quite a lot was packed into the few pages we had it didn't feel like too much.
Reading this book was like being on a roller coaster, it was a wild ride!
Admittedly, I was disappointed in the ending of the book, it felt a bit anti climatic and I was left feeling underwhelmed and wanting to know more about the killer.
What did really piss me off about this book is that we got to around 73% of the way through and then the rest was a sample from another novel, we got a underwhelming ending and then when I thought there was another chapter or two to redeem it LOL NOPE.
Whilst this shouldn't have bugged me as much as it did, it lead me to really drop down my rating.
January 29, 2020
This free ebook from Amazon is a fast moving short story with plenty of tension and action. It is a typical crime fiction like NCIS, Bones or True Detective only in writing which gave me a similar experience as that of watching a police procedural drama.
.
The story is about a stalker keeping a watchful eye on a house and it's new occupant. The house has witnessed a gruesome murder a few years back which is till date not solved. Does this stalker has any connection with the murder? Is he an ally or a foe? Read the story to find out.
.
It was a light and quick read, suitable to squeeze in between heavy or long reads. Not to mention it was a page turner affaor but the the only snag was that the story ended abruptly.
.
Author Paul Finch is an ex-cop and journalist and now a full time writer. His copper skills has helped him to write a number of books revolving around crime including this one. The story, although, a little low on suspense is intriguing and like I mentioned before, while reading it I felt as if I'm watching an episode of crime show which I truly did not mind.
.
The story is about a stalker keeping a watchful eye on a house and it's new occupant. The house has witnessed a gruesome murder a few years back which is till date not solved. Does this stalker has any connection with the murder? Is he an ally or a foe? Read the story to find out.
.
It was a light and quick read, suitable to squeeze in between heavy or long reads. Not to mention it was a page turner affaor but the the only snag was that the story ended abruptly.
.
Author Paul Finch is an ex-cop and journalist and now a full time writer. His copper skills has helped him to write a number of books revolving around crime including this one. The story, although, a little low on suspense is intriguing and like I mentioned before, while reading it I felt as if I'm watching an episode of crime show which I truly did not mind.
December 5, 2018
Death’s Door is a short story of the genre “crime thriller.” I read it in Kindle. This story revolves around a policeman DS Heckenburg who happen to investigate a case.
The narrative starts with a flashback of a murder, which indeed adds more gripping factors to the story. The investigation procedures and its technicalities explain adequately.
I liked the author’s writing style. Even though a short story, the author has incorporated every intricate detail at exact proportion.
After having devoured half the story, the “intriguing” graph got declined. But I liked the citing of several scientific speculations which sounds more genuine.
The end is so vague and abrupt. It could have been better if the author hadn’t broken off the story.
I would recommend this book to those who want to get started with the Thriller/Mystery genre.
The narrative starts with a flashback of a murder, which indeed adds more gripping factors to the story. The investigation procedures and its technicalities explain adequately.
I liked the author’s writing style. Even though a short story, the author has incorporated every intricate detail at exact proportion.
After having devoured half the story, the “intriguing” graph got declined. But I liked the citing of several scientific speculations which sounds more genuine.
The end is so vague and abrupt. It could have been better if the author hadn’t broken off the story.
I would recommend this book to those who want to get started with the Thriller/Mystery genre.
February 15, 2021
This short story has very lucid and rapid narration and it contains strong characters
Suppose you're a woman who lives in a big house all her own and you're all new to the neighborhood and the city; as a young woman for leaving you runs a business of yours and after work you spend your evenings and nights in the house of yours. A watchful eye always fixes on your house, scrutinizing your routines and activities. Looking for your appearance, your silhouette. The watchful eye weaving a story in his hand where you're the love of his life; he loves you like Romeo and expects the Juliet kind of passionate love from you.
It doesn't matter to him whether you know him or not, in his mind he meets you everyday. One day when the thin line between his whimsy imagination and your normal reality feds. He will come out from the dark pavements where he used to hide himself to keep an eye on you, he will cross the road and bushes and will unlock your house from the spare key which you never gave him but he always has. As you see him, he will exclaim before you shrink"Honey I'm home". Don't freak out seeing a sharp steel in his hand which he took from your kitchen, bcoz if your reactions hurt his feelings he will penetrate the knife in your stomach, and mutilate incessantly, till his temper calms down.
"Death's Door" by Paul Finch is a short story which revolves around Heck and Gemma and their investigations; they are in the CID Department, holding posts of DS. Heck is the hero of the story who doesn't think twice before breaking protocols and procedures, and making his own ways and set of rules to reach the neck of culprits. He relies on his own instincts and does necessary action, stunts accordingly, which fills empty cells and bloodied his uniform.
Other side Gemma is a woman who follows protocols and procedures strictly, she doesn't put her life into risk to catch culprits who don't think before stabbing or shooting anyone who comes in their way. So in her perspective it's better to wait for the backup or the right moment.
By a colleague, Heck got to know about a stocker, who keeps a watchful eye on a woman who is in her thirties; young and ambitious. It's not Heck's case, he need not put his nose into the matter but still Heck being Heck, he probes deep and finds out that a gruesome murder is done there 8 years before where the current victim lives now. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. The murderer of the past case is still breathing fresh air.
Heck instinct is telling him that both cases are intermingled. He stations himself outside the victim's house after a zealous chase and grappling,fumbles, falling, and punches from both sides and some vigilant moves from Heck. The stalker was behind the bars. But before Heck interrogated him for his now and then crimes, he got freed.
Heck is still suspicious about the culprit whom he catches. Next night after breaking in a house and consulting the situation with a psychologist, the motive is crystal clear for Heck. He is running out of time; he has to reach the victim's house where Gemma and that woman is oblivious about the murderer's move. Who is already headed off to kill. Will Heck be able to reach on time? Who is the killer and what psychotic motives he has? To know read the story it's free on Amazon Kindle.
Even though it's a short story. The author has incorporated every detail in the right amount which made the story; a movie-like experience.I loved the little disputes and wordplays which goes on and off between Heck and Gemma. They are made for each other. I was utterly disappointed by the marketing stunts no matter how much I like the action inside the book; but it all has been diluted when I didn't get a conclusive end. This short story is an introduction for the Heck series and the first book of that series has been interjected with this short story which is not acceptable.
Overall, if I forget about the ending which I cannot. But if, then this short story has very lucid and rapid narration and it contains strong characters like Gemma and Heck; and you're going to enjoy the romance which blooms between them while the chaos goes side by side.
It's a gripping fast-paced thriller which can be a suitable escape for you when you are reading a long read or you can go for this short story when you have less time to read.
-Abhi Panwar
For more Book Reviews visit our blog
https://bookreligion.blogspot.com/?m=1
Suppose you're a woman who lives in a big house all her own and you're all new to the neighborhood and the city; as a young woman for leaving you runs a business of yours and after work you spend your evenings and nights in the house of yours. A watchful eye always fixes on your house, scrutinizing your routines and activities. Looking for your appearance, your silhouette. The watchful eye weaving a story in his hand where you're the love of his life; he loves you like Romeo and expects the Juliet kind of passionate love from you.
It doesn't matter to him whether you know him or not, in his mind he meets you everyday. One day when the thin line between his whimsy imagination and your normal reality feds. He will come out from the dark pavements where he used to hide himself to keep an eye on you, he will cross the road and bushes and will unlock your house from the spare key which you never gave him but he always has. As you see him, he will exclaim before you shrink"Honey I'm home". Don't freak out seeing a sharp steel in his hand which he took from your kitchen, bcoz if your reactions hurt his feelings he will penetrate the knife in your stomach, and mutilate incessantly, till his temper calms down.
"Death's Door" by Paul Finch is a short story which revolves around Heck and Gemma and their investigations; they are in the CID Department, holding posts of DS. Heck is the hero of the story who doesn't think twice before breaking protocols and procedures, and making his own ways and set of rules to reach the neck of culprits. He relies on his own instincts and does necessary action, stunts accordingly, which fills empty cells and bloodied his uniform.
Other side Gemma is a woman who follows protocols and procedures strictly, she doesn't put her life into risk to catch culprits who don't think before stabbing or shooting anyone who comes in their way. So in her perspective it's better to wait for the backup or the right moment.
By a colleague, Heck got to know about a stocker, who keeps a watchful eye on a woman who is in her thirties; young and ambitious. It's not Heck's case, he need not put his nose into the matter but still Heck being Heck, he probes deep and finds out that a gruesome murder is done there 8 years before where the current victim lives now. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. The murderer of the past case is still breathing fresh air.
Heck instinct is telling him that both cases are intermingled. He stations himself outside the victim's house after a zealous chase and grappling,fumbles, falling, and punches from both sides and some vigilant moves from Heck. The stalker was behind the bars. But before Heck interrogated him for his now and then crimes, he got freed.
Heck is still suspicious about the culprit whom he catches. Next night after breaking in a house and consulting the situation with a psychologist, the motive is crystal clear for Heck. He is running out of time; he has to reach the victim's house where Gemma and that woman is oblivious about the murderer's move. Who is already headed off to kill. Will Heck be able to reach on time? Who is the killer and what psychotic motives he has? To know read the story it's free on Amazon Kindle.
Even though it's a short story. The author has incorporated every detail in the right amount which made the story; a movie-like experience.I loved the little disputes and wordplays which goes on and off between Heck and Gemma. They are made for each other. I was utterly disappointed by the marketing stunts no matter how much I like the action inside the book; but it all has been diluted when I didn't get a conclusive end. This short story is an introduction for the Heck series and the first book of that series has been interjected with this short story which is not acceptable.
Overall, if I forget about the ending which I cannot. But if, then this short story has very lucid and rapid narration and it contains strong characters like Gemma and Heck; and you're going to enjoy the romance which blooms between them while the chaos goes side by side.
It's a gripping fast-paced thriller which can be a suitable escape for you when you are reading a long read or you can go for this short story when you have less time to read.
-Abhi Panwar
For more Book Reviews visit our blog
https://bookreligion.blogspot.com/?m=1
June 19, 2021
Deals with violent and mysterious crimes and the thrilling process of investigation.
The book is divided into two parts. Two parts portray two different time period. Detective constables Gemma Piper and Mark Heckenburg, who are also in a relationship with each other, confront two situations where they have to deal with terrible psychopath murderers. The book gives us an account of their investigation process and the dangers they have to overcome.
Heck and Gemma, both are strong characters but with subtle differences in their perception. The difference in the portrayal of their characters definitely helps the plot to advance.
In the first part, Heck and Gemma investigate a murder that happened six years ago considering the present situation of a girl named Ms Dorothy Bainbridge, who is in serious trouble. While investigating, they put their life at risk and ultimately find out the murderer to be a psychopath. The definite motive behind the murder is quite inexplicable.
The second part of the story deals with another group of psychopaths who launch organised attacks on specific people. The apparent logic or motive behind the murders, explained by them will surely make the readers grasp the real terror.
Both of these stories provide the readers with a detailed account of the process through which Heck and Gemma start to investigate. There are spine-chilling descriptions of murders in these short stories that add to the thrilling experience of going through the book.
I would like to recommend this book to all those readers who prefer short stories and are very much into the genre of blood-curdling crime and thriller.
The book is divided into two parts. Two parts portray two different time period. Detective constables Gemma Piper and Mark Heckenburg, who are also in a relationship with each other, confront two situations where they have to deal with terrible psychopath murderers. The book gives us an account of their investigation process and the dangers they have to overcome.
Heck and Gemma, both are strong characters but with subtle differences in their perception. The difference in the portrayal of their characters definitely helps the plot to advance.
In the first part, Heck and Gemma investigate a murder that happened six years ago considering the present situation of a girl named Ms Dorothy Bainbridge, who is in serious trouble. While investigating, they put their life at risk and ultimately find out the murderer to be a psychopath. The definite motive behind the murder is quite inexplicable.
The second part of the story deals with another group of psychopaths who launch organised attacks on specific people. The apparent logic or motive behind the murders, explained by them will surely make the readers grasp the real terror.
Both of these stories provide the readers with a detailed account of the process through which Heck and Gemma start to investigate. There are spine-chilling descriptions of murders in these short stories that add to the thrilling experience of going through the book.
I would like to recommend this book to all those readers who prefer short stories and are very much into the genre of blood-curdling crime and thriller.
October 30, 2020
This short and twisted crime thriller makes a brilliant quick read.
Death's Door by Paul Finch started off a little slow and I did contemplate whether or not I'd continue reading it, but around halfway through the pace picked up and so much tension was built that I found myself sitting upright, reading anxiously until the very end.
I wasn't expecting much from this to be honest, and despite it being a short story, just over 100 pages in fact, there's a lot going on! It's an easy, gripping read, and one that did make me feel uncomfortable at times because the storyline itself is kind of messed up. But that's not a bad thing!
If anyone's looking for a non-spooky but twisted stalker themed crime thriller on this eve of Halloween, this short could be one for you.
Death's Door by Paul Finch started off a little slow and I did contemplate whether or not I'd continue reading it, but around halfway through the pace picked up and so much tension was built that I found myself sitting upright, reading anxiously until the very end.
I wasn't expecting much from this to be honest, and despite it being a short story, just over 100 pages in fact, there's a lot going on! It's an easy, gripping read, and one that did make me feel uncomfortable at times because the storyline itself is kind of messed up. But that's not a bad thing!
If anyone's looking for a non-spooky but twisted stalker themed crime thriller on this eve of Halloween, this short could be one for you.
May 10, 2023
Nice read
I won't say that it is extraordinary, but you can surely pick it up as a nice read during some free time. I found the detailing of places and surroundings a bit stretched, which didn't help me visualize the scene clearly. The langauge may be toned down slightly, and the use of colloquial language may be avoided to reach a wider audience. I found it hard to understand some colloquial terms. I also feel that the focus of a thriller should be on the crime and the criminal, more than on the cops, but it's understandable with the author's background. Yet, the story is kept interesting.
I won't say that it is extraordinary, but you can surely pick it up as a nice read during some free time. I found the detailing of places and surroundings a bit stretched, which didn't help me visualize the scene clearly. The langauge may be toned down slightly, and the use of colloquial language may be avoided to reach a wider audience. I found it hard to understand some colloquial terms. I also feel that the focus of a thriller should be on the crime and the criminal, more than on the cops, but it's understandable with the author's background. Yet, the story is kept interesting.
January 10, 2026
A short story about a murder that took place in 1997 which was unsolved, a woman murdered in her own home. Flash forward to 2003 where the new unaware resident spots a man watching the house and reports it to the police. Heck (the investigating officer) has a nose for trouble and when the stalker states he’s the boyfriend of the woman who was murdered in 1997 and believes the new resident is now in trouble he knows not everything is as it seems.
December 19, 2018
Very gripping, very real, great suspense
Definitely five stars for this excellently written crime thriller which has the reader held in suspense - very realistic, as you'd expect from an author who used to work in this field. I highly recommend this book. As for me, I'm away to read his other works.
Definitely five stars for this excellently written crime thriller which has the reader held in suspense - very realistic, as you'd expect from an author who used to work in this field. I highly recommend this book. As for me, I'm away to read his other works.
December 30, 2018
This is a compelling short story which had me gripped from the very first page. If you're a fan of crime thrillers and fancy a quick read then I highly recommend this one.
What seems like a stalking case quickly turns out to be a lot more sinister (as if being stalked isn't bad enough). DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg and his team find themselves in a dangerous race against time to catch a killer. A very tense and suspenseful story. Brilliant!
chataboutbooks.wordpress.com
What seems like a stalking case quickly turns out to be a lot more sinister (as if being stalked isn't bad enough). DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg and his team find themselves in a dangerous race against time to catch a killer. A very tense and suspenseful story. Brilliant!
chataboutbooks.wordpress.com
September 3, 2018
Very good short story, well plotted and well written.
In this clever storyline, the detective work is realistic and the characterisation is good. By the end you have a real feel for the characters and can understand their actions.
This story keeps you turning pages.
In this clever storyline, the detective work is realistic and the characterisation is good. By the end you have a real feel for the characters and can understand their actions.
This story keeps you turning pages.
December 29, 2018
A gripping dark murder mystery sure to send some chills down your spine! The good writing, a well thought out storyline and good execution of storytelling, makes this an enjoyable read. I'm definitely going to be reading more from Paul Finch!
February 24, 2019
Only about 65% of this is actually this book. The other 35% is a preview into his new book.
What I read was good, really good. But it had the promise to be a much better book. Shame it was just too short.
What I read was good, really good. But it had the promise to be a much better book. Shame it was just too short.
July 28, 2020
Unputdownable
Wasn't to sure about this book as I hadn't read anything from this author before, and I don't particularly like short stories. But wow what a read, I have now purchased the first book in the series
Wasn't to sure about this book as I hadn't read anything from this author before, and I don't particularly like short stories. But wow what a read, I have now purchased the first book in the series
December 23, 2020
Sometimes you just want a solid, reliable story from someone you can trust. That's Paul Finch. The Heck series is a great read and whilst this is just a short story, it gives a good introduction to Finch 's creation.
July 24, 2021
For a short story this is action packed and easy to read. A man is reported to have been seen hanging around a womans house. The detective fears that it could be history repeating itself, of a murder many years ago and looks into it.
January 27, 2022
Well worth a read!
I've had the book since July 2018, finally read it, loved it, wish I had got to it sooner, then I could have enjoyed more books by the author, I'm away to stock up on some now.
I've had the book since July 2018, finally read it, loved it, wish I had got to it sooner, then I could have enjoyed more books by the author, I'm away to stock up on some now.
July 3, 2018
Enjoyed this short story featuring Heck and Gemma Piper from their DC days. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews