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Eddie Collins #3.5
The Note
A thrilling novella introducing Eddie Collins, CSI
Have you ever had that feeling of being watched but when you turn around no ones there?
I have.
It was raining, and I was working a murder scene around midnight when that prickle ran up my spine. If I’d listened to that feeling, if I’d thought back to my past, maybe I could have prevented the terror that was to come.
Back at the office, I found a death threat on my desk.
I had no idea who sent it or why they wanted to kill me.
But I was about to find out.
I’m Eddie Collins, a CSI, and this is my story.
Andrew Barrett is the best-selling author of The End of Lies. This novella serves as a thrilling introduction to his Eddie Collins Series. It will appeal to fans of authors like Ian Rankin, Robert Bryndza and Kathy Reichs.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2018
653 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Barrett
35 books283 followersHi everyone,
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
June 26, 2018
4☆ A Short Sharp Read
The Note is a great short story. Definitely starts off the series, with the sense of greater things to come.
We meet Eddie Collins who works in the CSI.
He has a death threat on his hands.
I don't want to say much more as it's such a short read I don't want to risk spoiling it for you.
The Note is a eerie, short read, with some great lil twists.
I liked Eddie and I'm excited to read more from this series to find out more about him.
This is a pacy quick read that is full of suspense and a a dash of witty humour.
If your looking for a new crime thriller and want to read a short sharp story introducing you to the lead character. Then you should definitely give this a try!,
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on My Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The Note is a great short story. Definitely starts off the series, with the sense of greater things to come.
We meet Eddie Collins who works in the CSI.
He has a death threat on his hands.
I don't want to say much more as it's such a short read I don't want to risk spoiling it for you.
The Note is a eerie, short read, with some great lil twists.
I liked Eddie and I'm excited to read more from this series to find out more about him.
This is a pacy quick read that is full of suspense and a a dash of witty humour.
If your looking for a new crime thriller and want to read a short sharp story introducing you to the lead character. Then you should definitely give this a try!,
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on My Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
January 17, 2019
This was a terrific and suspenseful short crime story that succeeded in giving a reader all the elements of a novel in a well done compact little book.
The storyline is dark and edgy and has a complete ending yet left me wanting to read more stories by this author.
If you enjoy crime or mystery fiction and don't have.time to read a novel, I highly recommend trying out this story!
The storyline is dark and edgy and has a complete ending yet left me wanting to read more stories by this author.
If you enjoy crime or mystery fiction and don't have.time to read a novel, I highly recommend trying out this story!
July 3, 2020
03.07.20 Re-read in anticipation of that arrival of This Side of Death, ie Eddie Collins Book 6, an ARC which is apparently winging its way to me from Leeds this weekend. It’s about what happens when Alex and Eddie reunite...
As below, this was my introduction to Eddie, and it’s interesting to review my review (as it were) - love at first sight has turned into an enduring relationship and I’ve read not only the whole series, but everything else Andy has written.
I didn’t know it at the time, but this is story 3.5 in Eddie’s series - but there are no spoilers, so you can read it any time - or as a chilling solo novella. I’m now SO ready for the latest book!
Original review:
At the beginning of The Third Rule, which I am starting today, there is a link to download this free novella about Eddie Collins, the protagonist. It seemed a good way to start, although I am now unclear whether this is set before or after the novel. It doesn’t really matter, and even if I didn’t already have the book ready to go, I’d be tracking it down. It took less than an hour to read.
Eddie Collins is a CSI based in Leeds, not a city I know. He attends the murder of a young man, and realises that he recognises the victim. Brushing aside the feeling that he is being watched, he gets on with the job, despite the interference of an obnoxious detective. Then at the end of his shift, he finds a note, saying only “your going to die tonight”(sic)...
I liked Eddie immediately - he is irreverent, bolshy and sarcastic, but determined to do the best job he can, like a more jokey Harry Bosch.
I’m not a big fan of short stories/novellas, but make an exception for those attached to series, especially when they are free. Happily I can now go straight on to the main book.
As below, this was my introduction to Eddie, and it’s interesting to review my review (as it were) - love at first sight has turned into an enduring relationship and I’ve read not only the whole series, but everything else Andy has written.
I didn’t know it at the time, but this is story 3.5 in Eddie’s series - but there are no spoilers, so you can read it any time - or as a chilling solo novella. I’m now SO ready for the latest book!
Original review:
At the beginning of The Third Rule, which I am starting today, there is a link to download this free novella about Eddie Collins, the protagonist. It seemed a good way to start, although I am now unclear whether this is set before or after the novel. It doesn’t really matter, and even if I didn’t already have the book ready to go, I’d be tracking it down. It took less than an hour to read.
Eddie Collins is a CSI based in Leeds, not a city I know. He attends the murder of a young man, and realises that he recognises the victim. Brushing aside the feeling that he is being watched, he gets on with the job, despite the interference of an obnoxious detective. Then at the end of his shift, he finds a note, saying only “your going to die tonight”(sic)...
I liked Eddie immediately - he is irreverent, bolshy and sarcastic, but determined to do the best job he can, like a more jokey Harry Bosch.
I’m not a big fan of short stories/novellas, but make an exception for those attached to series, especially when they are free. Happily I can now go straight on to the main book.
May 10, 2017
The Note is a short story featuring Eddie Collins from the CSI Eddie Collins crime series.
The story is told in the first person by Eddie himself.
It’s actually really hard to know what to write as a review for this book. With it being short I fear that if I mention anything about the story itself I will give something away. So I had better not.
What I will say though is this is a short, dark and intriguing read. For a short story it certainly packs some punches and was nothing like what I had envisioned it would be, mainly because I had my own thoughts at the beginning where the story was going to go. This is why I would never make a detective as did not see what was coming, at all!
The book cover promises of something dark and disturbing within the pages and the author delivers on that promise. The Note is a great little read that is sure to be a hit with fans of Eddie. Don’t panic if you haven’t read any of the series though as it easily reads as a stand alone.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story is told in the first person by Eddie himself.
It’s actually really hard to know what to write as a review for this book. With it being short I fear that if I mention anything about the story itself I will give something away. So I had better not.
What I will say though is this is a short, dark and intriguing read. For a short story it certainly packs some punches and was nothing like what I had envisioned it would be, mainly because I had my own thoughts at the beginning where the story was going to go. This is why I would never make a detective as did not see what was coming, at all!
The book cover promises of something dark and disturbing within the pages and the author delivers on that promise. The Note is a great little read that is sure to be a hit with fans of Eddie. Don’t panic if you haven’t read any of the series though as it easily reads as a stand alone.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 13, 2017
CSI Eddie Collins arrives at a crime scene to process the body of a murdered victim. As he’s photographing the evidence, he can’t shake the feeling that someone’s watching him from a distance. This same unnerving feeling follows him home and he’s struck hard with a terrible surprise!
► What an unexpectedly funny story this was! This short read was gritty, suspenseful, a little chilling, and featured a great twist! I sort of liked the narrator but I didn’t like that he addressed the reader so frequently. Bits of Eddie’s thoughts?
Anger is therapeutic and pure; it’s the medicine that keeps me sane. I suspect it also gives me high blood pressure, but you can’t have it all.
► Enjoyed!
► What an unexpectedly funny story this was! This short read was gritty, suspenseful, a little chilling, and featured a great twist! I sort of liked the narrator but I didn’t like that he addressed the reader so frequently. Bits of Eddie’s thoughts?
Anger is therapeutic and pure; it’s the medicine that keeps me sane. I suspect it also gives me high blood pressure, but you can’t have it all.
► Enjoyed!
January 7, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
A dark, edgy short story that is everything I expect and more from author Andrew Barrett and the caustic, razor tongued Eddie Collins. He's a contrary fellow with a defeated outlook on life and quick to anger, but he speaks to me and I can't help but be taken in by his need to see justice served.
"When the past comes back to bite you" pretty much encompasses the synopsis without giving any spoilers away. I will say that poor old Eddie should consider a vow of chastity or join the monks because his track record in romance and choice of partner is stunningly atrocious!
A finely tuned thriller for all Eddie Collins fans.
A dark, edgy short story that is everything I expect and more from author Andrew Barrett and the caustic, razor tongued Eddie Collins. He's a contrary fellow with a defeated outlook on life and quick to anger, but he speaks to me and I can't help but be taken in by his need to see justice served.
"When the past comes back to bite you" pretty much encompasses the synopsis without giving any spoilers away. I will say that poor old Eddie should consider a vow of chastity or join the monks because his track record in romance and choice of partner is stunningly atrocious!
A finely tuned thriller for all Eddie Collins fans.
June 11, 2018
A short look into the crazy life of CSI Eddie Collins, a hard working officer who tries his best. His job is to collect photos and any information available at a crime scene, something he is doing when he gets the feeling that he is being watched!
Eddie is a sharp tongued ,independent young man who has made mistakes in his past with bad relationships, but this unease he feels will take hold and stay with him as he walks into his cottage...
A delightful short story that gives an explicit, interesting look into a day on the job with an entertaining CSI!
Eddie is a sharp tongued ,independent young man who has made mistakes in his past with bad relationships, but this unease he feels will take hold and stay with him as he walks into his cottage...
A delightful short story that gives an explicit, interesting look into a day on the job with an entertaining CSI!
March 18, 2018
Amusing crime story about Eddie a CSI, not what I was expecting, better! Have now downloaded 'A Long Time Dead'
May 2, 2017
I’m not a crime fan, especially police procedural, as it usually makes me lose the will to live. As The Note is a short story, I thought I’d give it a go, as it allowed me to avoid hours of reading about police procedure.
This story made me laugh in places and it was fast paced and tense, so no time for boredom to set in, phew!
Not knowing the difference between you’re and your is one of my pet hates, so I was entertained by it being used as part of the storyline.
CSI, Eddie Collins is quite a funny bloke, and says it how it is, so I did warm to his character.
I definitely recommend this The Note to crime fans, but as I said, I’m not a crime fan and still enjoyed it. Being a short story and featuring Eddie Collins, who is actually part of a whole series by this author, makes The Note a good way to get a taste of this character, and help you decide whether to read more of the series.
This story made me laugh in places and it was fast paced and tense, so no time for boredom to set in, phew!
Not knowing the difference between you’re and your is one of my pet hates, so I was entertained by it being used as part of the storyline.
CSI, Eddie Collins is quite a funny bloke, and says it how it is, so I did warm to his character.
I definitely recommend this The Note to crime fans, but as I said, I’m not a crime fan and still enjoyed it. Being a short story and featuring Eddie Collins, who is actually part of a whole series by this author, makes The Note a good way to get a taste of this character, and help you decide whether to read more of the series.
June 16, 2017
Exciting short crime action story
Great quick read with good characters and plot. I enjoyed how this author tells us of Eddie Collins, an investigator of the police, I like Eddie's demeanor and humor. He tries to use his humor in dangerous situations to keep himself okay. Nice story for readers of crime books.
Great quick read with good characters and plot. I enjoyed how this author tells us of Eddie Collins, an investigator of the police, I like Eddie's demeanor and humor. He tries to use his humor in dangerous situations to keep himself okay. Nice story for readers of crime books.
June 25, 2018
This is a novella that is told from the perspective of Eddie Collins and we meet him as he is at a crime scene.
Being a short story the author has managed to pack a real punch. This is another new to me author and it is great to read a book that is the start of a new series.
So impressions for me on this novella was that Eddies is intense, I mean really intense with his work ethic as a police officer tries to hurry Eddie up. A crime scene has to be preserved and all evidence to be collected and this is exactly what Eddie does. He takes no nonsense and comes across as also quite angry.
Now Eddie is still an enigma for me, a novella doesn’t give you more that a snap shot of a character, I have mentioned my first impressions of him but also as I read the book I did discover something else. He is not really a people person, he keeps to himself at work, doesn’t seem to mix with others and lives in an isolated area. This has really piqued my interest as to how this character is going to pan out in a future series, he seems dark, focused, moody and also a professional hmmmmm i am intrigued.
The plot moves along quickly, as you would expect for this short format, but does have quite a few interesting elements that definitely kept me hooked.
This is a great introduction for a new series that has left me wanting more. I owuld recommend this to readers who like their crime based on a CSI perspective. One I would definitely recommend.
Being a short story the author has managed to pack a real punch. This is another new to me author and it is great to read a book that is the start of a new series.
So impressions for me on this novella was that Eddies is intense, I mean really intense with his work ethic as a police officer tries to hurry Eddie up. A crime scene has to be preserved and all evidence to be collected and this is exactly what Eddie does. He takes no nonsense and comes across as also quite angry.
Now Eddie is still an enigma for me, a novella doesn’t give you more that a snap shot of a character, I have mentioned my first impressions of him but also as I read the book I did discover something else. He is not really a people person, he keeps to himself at work, doesn’t seem to mix with others and lives in an isolated area. This has really piqued my interest as to how this character is going to pan out in a future series, he seems dark, focused, moody and also a professional hmmmmm i am intrigued.
The plot moves along quickly, as you would expect for this short format, but does have quite a few interesting elements that definitely kept me hooked.
This is a great introduction for a new series that has left me wanting more. I owuld recommend this to readers who like their crime based on a CSI perspective. One I would definitely recommend.
June 24, 2018
Welcome to Leeds and Eddie’s dark world. This is a short sharp introduction to Mr Collins and his work. Eddie has a target on his back and doesn’t know why…
“It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back”
You hit the ground running with a murder in one of the less desirable areas of Leeds in the rain. I totally feel the frustration of a CSI in the rain! I’ve watched enough cop shows and read many police procedurals to feel the pain of evidence just being washed away by Mother Nature!
It’s like Eddie is talking to me as he works through the night. Eddie is your a-typical Yorkshire man, blunt and to the point. He doesn’t hold back his opinions particularly of those in CID.
With all action taking place over a few hours, The Note is just what I expect from a short story, a fast paced, waffle free tale. If you fancy getting acquainted with Eddie, this is an ideal way to dip your toes into his world!
“It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back”
You hit the ground running with a murder in one of the less desirable areas of Leeds in the rain. I totally feel the frustration of a CSI in the rain! I’ve watched enough cop shows and read many police procedurals to feel the pain of evidence just being washed away by Mother Nature!
It’s like Eddie is talking to me as he works through the night. Eddie is your a-typical Yorkshire man, blunt and to the point. He doesn’t hold back his opinions particularly of those in CID.
With all action taking place over a few hours, The Note is just what I expect from a short story, a fast paced, waffle free tale. If you fancy getting acquainted with Eddie, this is an ideal way to dip your toes into his world!
June 24, 2018
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Note is my introduction to CSI Eddie Collins and it is quite the introduction! This is part of a series that is being re-published by Bloodhound Books. Eddie tells the story himself and it pulls you in from the beginning as Eddie is at a crime scene! You can see that Barrett took his experience of being a CSI to the page for his readers. I am sure the rest of the series is just as good as The Note. I would be interested in reading more of his stories in the series. It can also stand by itself as a standalone story, but why stop here? Keep on reading!
The Note is dark and disturbing: Eddie is a far from perfect person, but this is why you end up liking him. The description intrigued me which was why I wanted to read it; and I had no idea that it was going to go in the direction it that it did! This short story makes me want to know more about Eddie.
If you like crime stories, give The Note a try! It’s short and can be ready very quickly, so you have nothing to lose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Note is my introduction to CSI Eddie Collins and it is quite the introduction! This is part of a series that is being re-published by Bloodhound Books. Eddie tells the story himself and it pulls you in from the beginning as Eddie is at a crime scene! You can see that Barrett took his experience of being a CSI to the page for his readers. I am sure the rest of the series is just as good as The Note. I would be interested in reading more of his stories in the series. It can also stand by itself as a standalone story, but why stop here? Keep on reading!
The Note is dark and disturbing: Eddie is a far from perfect person, but this is why you end up liking him. The description intrigued me which was why I wanted to read it; and I had no idea that it was going to go in the direction it that it did! This short story makes me want to know more about Eddie.
If you like crime stories, give The Note a try! It’s short and can be ready very quickly, so you have nothing to lose.
April 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reconnecting with Eddie Collins in this short story and would recommend it to both people who have read the other Eddie Collins books and also as an introduction to people who have never read any before.
The book is a short crime thriller with lots of twists in it which I didn't see coming. the story started with a bang and the momentum kept up right tot the end.I loved how all the characters interacted and how the story entwined all of them together to create an exciting climax.
The book is a short crime thriller with lots of twists in it which I didn't see coming. the story started with a bang and the momentum kept up right tot the end.I loved how all the characters interacted and how the story entwined all of them together to create an exciting climax.
June 20, 2018
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This is the second book I’ve read by Andrew Barrett, I read Ledston Luck a few months ago and was really impressed. That was the fourth in a series featuring CSI Eddie Collins and I loved his character and the fact that the story was told from a fresh perspective. Andrew Barrett is a CAI himself so the authenticity is outstanding and you know you’re getting a true look at the life of a CSI. The Note is a short story featuring Eddie and it was fun to check in on him again, albeit briefly.
Barrett sure knows how to set a creepy stage, it opens late one evening when Eddie is processing a crime scene and gets that uneasy feeling of being watched, unawares. Then, he finds a note that says he’ll be dead tonight. The atmosphere was really fantastic, late at night, alone in an office then at home, I was paranoid for Eddie’s safety just as much as he was! The chilling cover certainly matched what was inside and had the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
As it’s such a short story I don’t want to say anything more about what happens, but Barrett manages to include a few shocking plot twists in a short amount of time. Even though Eddie is scared for most of the story his sarcasm and wit is still there, maybe even more so than usual. Defensive mechanism perhaps? I don’t know, but it always works for me! This is a perfect introduction to a great character, so if you haven’t read any of the books in this series, why not start here?
This is the second book I’ve read by Andrew Barrett, I read Ledston Luck a few months ago and was really impressed. That was the fourth in a series featuring CSI Eddie Collins and I loved his character and the fact that the story was told from a fresh perspective. Andrew Barrett is a CAI himself so the authenticity is outstanding and you know you’re getting a true look at the life of a CSI. The Note is a short story featuring Eddie and it was fun to check in on him again, albeit briefly.
Barrett sure knows how to set a creepy stage, it opens late one evening when Eddie is processing a crime scene and gets that uneasy feeling of being watched, unawares. Then, he finds a note that says he’ll be dead tonight. The atmosphere was really fantastic, late at night, alone in an office then at home, I was paranoid for Eddie’s safety just as much as he was! The chilling cover certainly matched what was inside and had the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
As it’s such a short story I don’t want to say anything more about what happens, but Barrett manages to include a few shocking plot twists in a short amount of time. Even though Eddie is scared for most of the story his sarcasm and wit is still there, maybe even more so than usual. Defensive mechanism perhaps? I don’t know, but it always works for me! This is a perfect introduction to a great character, so if you haven’t read any of the books in this series, why not start here?
Read
July 19, 2019I loved every page of this short story. I highly recommend this unique crime story. Andrew Barrett has done a splendid job, inviting us to meet victims and a villain. So pull on your plastic gloves and your face mask, get comfy, and read on.
Eddie Collins a CSI is sent to a crime scene in Leeds where a dead man lay at a pub car park.
As Eddie was taken photographs of the dead man he sensed he was being watched by giggling drunk people. One of them in the crowd could have been the killer.
Back at the office Eddie opens a letter that is a death threat all it said was Your going to die tonight.
Once Eddie arrives home he finds out why and who wanted to kill him.
The author Andrew Barrett writes crime thrillers. Each crime fiction book is hand-crafted and nurtured to give readers a unique flavour of what a forensic insight CSIs encounter in real life. Every book is rich with forensic insight but that insight never drowns the story it’s there to enhance readers enjoyment only.
Eddie Collins a CSI is sent to a crime scene in Leeds where a dead man lay at a pub car park.
As Eddie was taken photographs of the dead man he sensed he was being watched by giggling drunk people. One of them in the crowd could have been the killer.
Back at the office Eddie opens a letter that is a death threat all it said was Your going to die tonight.
Once Eddie arrives home he finds out why and who wanted to kill him.
The author Andrew Barrett writes crime thrillers. Each crime fiction book is hand-crafted and nurtured to give readers a unique flavour of what a forensic insight CSIs encounter in real life. Every book is rich with forensic insight but that insight never drowns the story it’s there to enhance readers enjoyment only.
May 9, 2017
Andrew Barrett delivers another cracker. I don't usually read short stories but as I've read almost all of the authors books, I just had to step out of my anti-short story zone and give it a bash.
I really wasn't disappointed, I enjoyed it so much I had whizzed through and finished it in 45 minutes, even letting my cuppa go cold!
A day in the life of CSI Eddie Collins and a visit to process a murder scene, what could possibly go wrong following leaving the scene?
If you have never read one of the Eddie Collins Series then I recommend you give this a try, even if you have read the series and enjoyed them, you need to read this.
Eddie Collins a force to be reckoned with!
I really wasn't disappointed, I enjoyed it so much I had whizzed through and finished it in 45 minutes, even letting my cuppa go cold!
A day in the life of CSI Eddie Collins and a visit to process a murder scene, what could possibly go wrong following leaving the scene?
If you have never read one of the Eddie Collins Series then I recommend you give this a try, even if you have read the series and enjoyed them, you need to read this.
Eddie Collins a force to be reckoned with!
April 30, 2017
As a general rule, I am not a fan of short stories. I find that they don't suit my reading. The one exception to this is when the short is from a series that I already read, such as this one. This means that the story can start pretty much from page one rather than having to introduce and build the main characters. It doesn't hurt that I am also a big fan of both Eddie Collins as a characters and Mr Barrett as an author.
I usually start by saying that series books are best read in order but I am not going to say this here. I think that this book can be read as an introduction to both Eddie and this author. I am not going to say much specifically about the story here as it's only short and contains so many twists and turns that I am scared that anything I do say might contain spoilers and I am definitely never going there in a review. Eddie is a SOCO, a CSI, or whatever they are calling themselves these days and he has received a death threat. He is also a bit of a lad, character wise, so the net is cast wide as to who could have him in their sights. He has definitely peed off a fair few people in his life. Still, he has a job to do and gets on with it anyway! What happens next is a great little story, filled with humour - some quite dark - action packed with no padding.
It's written in the first person so you really get right into Eddie's head. Not a place I'd choose to go but a fascinating one nevertheless! His narration is full of his sarcasm and wit, his inner dialogue at times just brilliant. It's quite claustrophobic in tone given both the situation and the setting which contributed to my "heart in mouth" status pretty much throughout reading this. Added to all that, we also dip into Eddie's past a bit. Oh my! And that's all I'm saying about that.
All in all, an excellent story that has all the elements of a great suspense thriller just presented in a shorter, concise version. A brilliant addition to this author's already impressive back catalogue and a good introduction to the enigma that is Eddie Collins.
I usually start by saying that series books are best read in order but I am not going to say this here. I think that this book can be read as an introduction to both Eddie and this author. I am not going to say much specifically about the story here as it's only short and contains so many twists and turns that I am scared that anything I do say might contain spoilers and I am definitely never going there in a review. Eddie is a SOCO, a CSI, or whatever they are calling themselves these days and he has received a death threat. He is also a bit of a lad, character wise, so the net is cast wide as to who could have him in their sights. He has definitely peed off a fair few people in his life. Still, he has a job to do and gets on with it anyway! What happens next is a great little story, filled with humour - some quite dark - action packed with no padding.
It's written in the first person so you really get right into Eddie's head. Not a place I'd choose to go but a fascinating one nevertheless! His narration is full of his sarcasm and wit, his inner dialogue at times just brilliant. It's quite claustrophobic in tone given both the situation and the setting which contributed to my "heart in mouth" status pretty much throughout reading this. Added to all that, we also dip into Eddie's past a bit. Oh my! And that's all I'm saying about that.
All in all, an excellent story that has all the elements of a great suspense thriller just presented in a shorter, concise version. A brilliant addition to this author's already impressive back catalogue and a good introduction to the enigma that is Eddie Collins.
April 26, 2017
I have to confess straight off that I love Eddie Collins. He is one of my favourite characters and I do struggle with the idea that he's not real. He grumps and swears his way through this short story in typical Eddie style. There is a lot of dark humour in this which had me laughing aloud. I particularly love his descriptions of the detectives and I was immediately reminded of a particular young detective I worked with and his very large coat.
This may only be a short story and it will probably leave you wanting more Eddie books (I know I do) but it's a cracker as a standalone. I'm never sure whether I'm an Andrew Barrett fan or an Eddie Collins fan but I guess it's both. More Eddie soon please.
I received a free ARC of The Note and my thanks to the author Andrew Barrett for that.
This may only be a short story and it will probably leave you wanting more Eddie books (I know I do) but it's a cracker as a standalone. I'm never sure whether I'm an Andrew Barrett fan or an Eddie Collins fan but I guess it's both. More Eddie soon please.
I received a free ARC of The Note and my thanks to the author Andrew Barrett for that.
June 18, 2018
What a great story. Initially when I first started reading this I had no idea where it was going to lead, and to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. Andrew Barrett certainly knows how to grab the readers attention, and this story is another example of his natural skill for writing. Bill Gristle is a great character, and I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded.
CSI Bill Gristle doesn’t mind living on his own, especially after having a girlfriend who turned out to be a bit of a psycho. Bill knows he’s good at his job and he doesn’t particularly like having slack police detectives at his crime scene. So he’s not about to hand over the recent murder victim to a couple of detectives that he doesn’t trust. Especially sine he can’t trust them in contaminating the scene, in an already less than favourable location. If he knew the trouble he was going to have the rest of the day, he might have stayed with the victim himself. Hands down this is definitely worth a read. 5/5 Star Rating.
CSI Bill Gristle doesn’t mind living on his own, especially after having a girlfriend who turned out to be a bit of a psycho. Bill knows he’s good at his job and he doesn’t particularly like having slack police detectives at his crime scene. So he’s not about to hand over the recent murder victim to a couple of detectives that he doesn’t trust. Especially sine he can’t trust them in contaminating the scene, in an already less than favourable location. If he knew the trouble he was going to have the rest of the day, he might have stayed with the victim himself. Hands down this is definitely worth a read. 5/5 Star Rating.
April 28, 2017
This book was brilliant I loved Eddie I'd love to meet him such a shame I can't but I can find him in books, that will have to do, the Note was fantastic, great, it made the heart beat faster, I enjoyed it so much when I finished I raced off to find other work by this author, iv not really been one for short stories up to now but after this wonderful experience I will be more open, I would definitely recommend this book, its one you definitely don't want to miss, if I could give this great book more than 5* I would, Andrew you've written a great story a heart beating hum dinger
April 23, 2017
Wow. I'm a first time reader of this series and what an introduction. Fast paced with a gripping storyline that definitely keeps you turning the pages. Sarcasm and black humour, action a plenty, this is a winner and Andrew Barrett is an author I will be adding to my list to read. Keep them coming please.
April 22, 2017
Brilliant short story, this is my meatloaf book, two out of three aint bad.
June 28, 2018
This was my first encounter with Eddie Collins and what an encounter it was!
Eddie is a CSI and he's been sent to a pub car park where a man's body has been found. It's late, it's dark and the car park is full of drunken onlookers but he can't seem to shake the feeling that someone is watching him. Maybe the killer is amongst the crowd, admiring their handiwork.
When he finally gets back to the office someone has left him a note. . . . . well to be more precise - a death threat.
What follows is tense and atmospheric and I'm glad I wasn't reading it late at night!
In a way I'm pleased that this was my first meeting with Eddie. Being written in the first person gave me a great insight into his sarcastic, but very humorous character and I'm really looking forward to getting to know him better by adding all of the Eddie Collins books to my TBR.
Even if you're not a fan of short stories I would urge you to give this one a go as it genuinely doesn't read like other short stories. The writing is superb, the characters are true to life and the story is gripping - what more can you want from a book?
Eddie is a CSI and he's been sent to a pub car park where a man's body has been found. It's late, it's dark and the car park is full of drunken onlookers but he can't seem to shake the feeling that someone is watching him. Maybe the killer is amongst the crowd, admiring their handiwork.
When he finally gets back to the office someone has left him a note. . . . . well to be more precise - a death threat.
What follows is tense and atmospheric and I'm glad I wasn't reading it late at night!
In a way I'm pleased that this was my first meeting with Eddie. Being written in the first person gave me a great insight into his sarcastic, but very humorous character and I'm really looking forward to getting to know him better by adding all of the Eddie Collins books to my TBR.
Even if you're not a fan of short stories I would urge you to give this one a go as it genuinely doesn't read like other short stories. The writing is superb, the characters are true to life and the story is gripping - what more can you want from a book?
May 5, 2017
Review of THE NOTE
by Andrew Barrett
I really enjoyed this dark little story. CSI Eddie Collins of Leeds is a loner, a man with a high moral character who does not tolerate fools gladly. In this story he is called out on a night shift to do forensic work on a murder victim outside a trashy pub. He realizes he recognizes the man, a recent victim of violent domestic abuse. Within a short time, Collins finds himself wrapped up within the case, his very existence threatened, as his past comes to claim him.
THE NOTE is a tautly-plotted short story, revelatory of CSI work, and a revealing look at abnormal psychology.
by Andrew Barrett
I really enjoyed this dark little story. CSI Eddie Collins of Leeds is a loner, a man with a high moral character who does not tolerate fools gladly. In this story he is called out on a night shift to do forensic work on a murder victim outside a trashy pub. He realizes he recognizes the man, a recent victim of violent domestic abuse. Within a short time, Collins finds himself wrapped up within the case, his very existence threatened, as his past comes to claim him.
THE NOTE is a tautly-plotted short story, revelatory of CSI work, and a revealing look at abnormal psychology.
December 24, 2018
Nice, short read
I chose this story because human mind, behaviour/s, criminal investigations, and such interest me. I was not disappointed with this, it certainly kept my attention. Let me ask you something... What would you do if you received a note/letter telling you that you did tonight/today? Panic? Laugh it off? In this read CSI Eddy Collins does receive that threat. He is nervous and more than a little spooked when he reads to simple note "your going to die tonight." At first the ' your' instead of the proper word "you're" stayed in my nerves and made my eyes hurt, but I kept reading and soon I understood why.
The author Mr Andrew Barrett is a real life CSI in Yorkshire and writes these books/stories to give audiences a glance into what any CSI might deal with in a daily basis. I think being a CSI or any facet of criminal investigation would be interesting. I look forward to reading more of CSI Barrett's story. Nice work sir.
I chose this story because human mind, behaviour/s, criminal investigations, and such interest me. I was not disappointed with this, it certainly kept my attention. Let me ask you something... What would you do if you received a note/letter telling you that you did tonight/today? Panic? Laugh it off? In this read CSI Eddy Collins does receive that threat. He is nervous and more than a little spooked when he reads to simple note "your going to die tonight." At first the ' your' instead of the proper word "you're" stayed in my nerves and made my eyes hurt, but I kept reading and soon I understood why.
The author Mr Andrew Barrett is a real life CSI in Yorkshire and writes these books/stories to give audiences a glance into what any CSI might deal with in a daily basis. I think being a CSI or any facet of criminal investigation would be interesting. I look forward to reading more of CSI Barrett's story. Nice work sir.
December 6, 2018
Barrett is a new author to me and this likely won't be the last time I dabble in his work. It's a short tale. If told by an average writer, it could have been mundane and forgettable, but Barrett's writing is strong, solid and punchy, much like his protagonist, Eddie Collins. I liked Eddie almost instantly; he's a down to earth real character. For a shorter story, there's quite a lot here and it comes around full circle at the end. I didn't get some of the quips (perhaps because I'm American), but there's humor to some of the dialogue, as well as Collins' inner monologue, which adds to the character's likability. Despite its brevity, I enjoyed the book, consuming it in one sitting and less than an hour. Well done, Mr. Barrett.
May 8, 2017
It all starts on a rainy night in Leeds. Nothing new there. CSI Eddie Collins stands over a body in a pub car park and gets the feeling he's being watched. The author expertly draws the reader into a tense kitchen sink drama, the first person narration lending tension and intimacy to keep you enthralled to the end. Brief, but enjoyable.
July 5, 2017
A cracking short story that's a great accompaniment for the wonderful Eddie Collins series .
Very difficult to review without spoilers but I can tell you it's gripping, tense and action packed. Eddie is his usual frustrating, acerbic self and this may be a little book but gives total satisfaction - read it!!
4.5 stars - Highly recommended
Very difficult to review without spoilers but I can tell you it's gripping, tense and action packed. Eddie is his usual frustrating, acerbic self and this may be a little book but gives total satisfaction - read it!!
4.5 stars - Highly recommended
June 1, 2017
I just finished The Note. Wow! A new master's in Thriller Town and he's here to stay. A pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure. Thriller writing doesn’t get any better than this.
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