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Lucy Clayburn #3
Stolen
‘A fast-paced, terrifying journey.’ RACHEL ABBOTT
‘A born storyteller.’ PETER JAMES
The Sunday Times bestseller returns with his latest nail-shredding thriller – a must for all fans of Happy Valley and M.J. Arlidge.
How do you find the missing when there’s no trail to follow?
DC Lucy Clayburn is having a tough time of it. Not only is her estranged father one of the North West’s toughest gangsters, but she is in the midst of one of the biggest police operations of her life.
Members of the public have started to disappear, taken from the streets as they’re going about their every day lives. But no bodies are appearing – it’s almost as if the victims never existed.
Lucy must chase a trail of dead ends and false starts as the disappearances mount up. But when her father gets caught in the crossfire, the investigation suddenly becomes a whole lot more bloody…
The Sunday Times bestseller returns with his latest nail-shredding thriller – a must for all fans of Happy Valley and M.J. Arlidge.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
131 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books463 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 4, 2019
DC Lucy Clayburn #3
I seem to have missed the second book in the DC Lucy Clayburn series. I will need to get myself a copy. It took me a few chapters to get into this story. It's another book where lots of characters are introduced at once. Although Lucy is a detective, her father is a crime boss, not always a good combination for several reasons. There is a lot going on in this book: missing dogs, missing pensioners and a drug addict ex-nun. How do/ or will they all tie together? The story is fast paced and will written. My little criticism is that sometimes we get information overload. It was as if the author was just trying to fill more pages to make the story last longer. This is quite a good police procedural. I do think this book could be read as a standalone but it's always best to read a series in order.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Paul Finch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I seem to have missed the second book in the DC Lucy Clayburn series. I will need to get myself a copy. It took me a few chapters to get into this story. It's another book where lots of characters are introduced at once. Although Lucy is a detective, her father is a crime boss, not always a good combination for several reasons. There is a lot going on in this book: missing dogs, missing pensioners and a drug addict ex-nun. How do/ or will they all tie together? The story is fast paced and will written. My little criticism is that sometimes we get information overload. It was as if the author was just trying to fill more pages to make the story last longer. This is quite a good police procedural. I do think this book could be read as a standalone but it's always best to read a series in order.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Paul Finch for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2019
4☆ A Pacy Crime Fiction
STOLEN is the Third book in a series however my first book.
It took my a while to get into the book as I hadn't read the previous books and there was alot of characters I had no clue who they were so I missed out on some character development.
Stolen opens with a bang, it was eerie and I have to admit I very nearly stopped reading.
DC Lucy Clayburn and her Team are about to shut down a dog fighting rink and it was pretty hard hitting.
I have a dog and it really did get to me.
But I didn't want to judge on this part alone so I kept reading and I'm glad I did, despite the animal abuse the storyline was very gritty!
People are going missing and a mysterious black Van seems to be at the centre of all the disappearances.
But who is taking them and why?
Does Lucy's Gangster Dad have any connection to the disappearances?
STOLEN isn't an easy read at times, it's a very pacy and twisty Police Procedural.
It's Suspensful, plenty of action, thrills and violence.
The Characters are very Complex, Interesting and well thought out. For example the connection between Lucy and her Crime Lord Father was cleverly written.
My only gripe was not reading the previous books.
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
STOLEN is the Third book in a series however my first book.
It took my a while to get into the book as I hadn't read the previous books and there was alot of characters I had no clue who they were so I missed out on some character development.
Stolen opens with a bang, it was eerie and I have to admit I very nearly stopped reading.
DC Lucy Clayburn and her Team are about to shut down a dog fighting rink and it was pretty hard hitting.
I have a dog and it really did get to me.
But I didn't want to judge on this part alone so I kept reading and I'm glad I did, despite the animal abuse the storyline was very gritty!
People are going missing and a mysterious black Van seems to be at the centre of all the disappearances.
But who is taking them and why?
Does Lucy's Gangster Dad have any connection to the disappearances?
STOLEN isn't an easy read at times, it's a very pacy and twisty Police Procedural.
It's Suspensful, plenty of action, thrills and violence.
The Characters are very Complex, Interesting and well thought out. For example the connection between Lucy and her Crime Lord Father was cleverly written.
My only gripe was not reading the previous books.
Thank you to Avon books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
April 30, 2020
I recieved an eARC of this book from netgalley in echange for an honest review.
Okay so I'll admit that when I requested this I had no idea it was the 3rd in a detective series. But that didn't actually matter, I still enjoyed the story and I wasn't lost in the plot as each book has their own plot and although there was some mention to what happened in the previous books I managed to keep up with all the characters and it was explained well that I wasn't left confused. Even though I do know some of the details of what happened in the first 2 books I will still add them to my tbr because I liked the authors writing style and how he wasn't shy of the gruesome parts of the crimes he was describing.
I will definitely be carrying on with these books because I want to know how Lucy's story carries on and how she will deal with the events from this book. One thing I love about her character is when she knows she's doing wrong and admits it as well as not being the perfect police detective which I've read in so many other books.
Okay so I'll admit that when I requested this I had no idea it was the 3rd in a detective series. But that didn't actually matter, I still enjoyed the story and I wasn't lost in the plot as each book has their own plot and although there was some mention to what happened in the previous books I managed to keep up with all the characters and it was explained well that I wasn't left confused. Even though I do know some of the details of what happened in the first 2 books I will still add them to my tbr because I liked the authors writing style and how he wasn't shy of the gruesome parts of the crimes he was describing.
I will definitely be carrying on with these books because I want to know how Lucy's story carries on and how she will deal with the events from this book. One thing I love about her character is when she knows she's doing wrong and admits it as well as not being the perfect police detective which I've read in so many other books.
May 23, 2019
I'm such a big fan of Paul Finch's novels - whether they're of the Heck or Clayburn flavour - but I do believe that Stolen is the very best of them all. I loved everything about it! Story, characters, creepiness, menace, scares, heart, baddies, setting, writing, the lot. Review to follow very shortly on For Winter Nights.
April 24, 2019
I was so pleased to get my teeth into another Lucy Clayburn! I love Lucy as a character and the revelation of her personal life over the last two books is in my opinion a good enough reason to ensure you read these books in order. However, for some reason the actual storyline on this latest book has my opinion kind of torn down the middle.I love the fact that Lucy is a real gritty character and one that is determined to do the right thing. However, normally this is accompanied by a storyline that has me gripped. For some treason this latest offering felt a little like a jigsaw puzzle and as much as I have finished the book, it felt like there were maybe some pieces that just didn't fit right (hope that makes sense because it does in my head). Basically the storyline sees Lucy working a simple case which features dogs and dog fighting. Then the story interweaves another thread of pensioners going missing with their dogs, which is where Lucy's curiosity takes her. Add into that some additional information and another thread featuring Frank McCracken and the Crew as well and you seem to have a storyline with almost too many moving parts.Overall this was still a great read, but for me (and I am being picky as I have high expectations with this author) there could have been less m moving parts to make it feel more like a streamlined and cohesive book. That said, this still had me gripped (I particularly liked the character Sister Cassie) and by the end of the book I realised I was hankering for another Finch novel to get my teeth into., Because of that it has a 4/5 star rating rather than the full house.
April 8, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of Stolen, the third novel to feature DC Lucy Clayburn of GMP.
Lucy is hearing rumours of missing homeless people and a mysterious black van but there is nothing tangible to go on until pensioner Harry Hopkins disappears from his home. This gives her something to get her teeth into and make some tenuous links but it also puts her on a collision course with her father, gangster Frank McCracken.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stolen which is a violent, enthralling tale of murder and mayhem in the Greater Manchester town of Crowley. As ever with Mr Finch’s writing it is high octane and action packed so not high scoring in the realism stakes. Not that the latter matters as it is so well plotted and entertaining I read it in one sitting, desperate to know what was coming next. I would never have guessed the motive or how things turn out. Mr Finch has a great imagination.
At the heart of the novel is the relationship between Lucy and her recently discovered but very estranged father who is high up in the preeminent local criminal gang named The Crew. Acknowledging this relationship would endanger both their jobs but that doesn’t stop Frank from reaching out although it makes Lucy spurn him every time. It is an interesting plot premise, pitting the idealistic Lucy against the worldly and violent Frank and I admire Mr Finch’s ingenuity in tangling them together at every turn.
There is a certain cartoon element to the kidnappers and I’m sure that the author had a lot of fun imagining them. The gangsters on the other hand are all business. They live in a world where violence solves problems and it’s quite chilling in its believability.
Stolen is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lucy is hearing rumours of missing homeless people and a mysterious black van but there is nothing tangible to go on until pensioner Harry Hopkins disappears from his home. This gives her something to get her teeth into and make some tenuous links but it also puts her on a collision course with her father, gangster Frank McCracken.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stolen which is a violent, enthralling tale of murder and mayhem in the Greater Manchester town of Crowley. As ever with Mr Finch’s writing it is high octane and action packed so not high scoring in the realism stakes. Not that the latter matters as it is so well plotted and entertaining I read it in one sitting, desperate to know what was coming next. I would never have guessed the motive or how things turn out. Mr Finch has a great imagination.
At the heart of the novel is the relationship between Lucy and her recently discovered but very estranged father who is high up in the preeminent local criminal gang named The Crew. Acknowledging this relationship would endanger both their jobs but that doesn’t stop Frank from reaching out although it makes Lucy spurn him every time. It is an interesting plot premise, pitting the idealistic Lucy against the worldly and violent Frank and I admire Mr Finch’s ingenuity in tangling them together at every turn.
There is a certain cartoon element to the kidnappers and I’m sure that the author had a lot of fun imagining them. The gangsters on the other hand are all business. They live in a world where violence solves problems and it’s quite chilling in its believability.
Stolen is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 31, 2019
Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon Books
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
How do you find the missing when there’s no trail to follow?
DC Lucy Clayburn is having a tough time of it. Not only is her estranged father one of the North West’s toughest gangsters, but she is in the midst of one of the biggest police operations of her life.
Members of the public have started to disappear, taken from the streets as they’re going about their every day lives. But no bodies are appearing – it’s almost as if the victims never existed.
Lucy must chase a trail of dead ends and false starts as the disappearances mount up. But when her father gets caught in the crossfire, the investigation suddenly becomes a whole lot more bloody…
My Review
Heads up guys, this book contains animal abuse/cruelty and can make for very hard/dark reading at times. It isn't throughout but it does have graphic scenes which some readers may find hard to read. The book starts with a police investigation, about to bust an illegal dog fighting ring and it kicks off from there. Homeless people are disappearing which doesn't cause too much of a stir but when "respectable" people start to go missing the police need to look into it.
Lucy is the main character, police officer and recently found out her father is one of the top men in a huge criminal enterprise. Conflicting between telling her work family, keeping her family at arms length and trying to get on top of the investigation poor Lucy is burning the candle at both ends.
A dark gritty story with lots of characters and veins of stories, the bad guys, the cops, the killer, the victims it gives you so much. This is book three in a series, this is the first book I have read by this author and don't feel I lost out on not having read the previous books. I will be checking them out though and catching up on the back story. Action pretty much non stop, brutal, gruesome, murder, violence galore, not for the faint hearted. Pacey and brutal, it may have been my first dance with Finch, it won't be my last!
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon Books
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
How do you find the missing when there’s no trail to follow?
DC Lucy Clayburn is having a tough time of it. Not only is her estranged father one of the North West’s toughest gangsters, but she is in the midst of one of the biggest police operations of her life.
Members of the public have started to disappear, taken from the streets as they’re going about their every day lives. But no bodies are appearing – it’s almost as if the victims never existed.
Lucy must chase a trail of dead ends and false starts as the disappearances mount up. But when her father gets caught in the crossfire, the investigation suddenly becomes a whole lot more bloody…
My Review
Heads up guys, this book contains animal abuse/cruelty and can make for very hard/dark reading at times. It isn't throughout but it does have graphic scenes which some readers may find hard to read. The book starts with a police investigation, about to bust an illegal dog fighting ring and it kicks off from there. Homeless people are disappearing which doesn't cause too much of a stir but when "respectable" people start to go missing the police need to look into it.
Lucy is the main character, police officer and recently found out her father is one of the top men in a huge criminal enterprise. Conflicting between telling her work family, keeping her family at arms length and trying to get on top of the investigation poor Lucy is burning the candle at both ends.
A dark gritty story with lots of characters and veins of stories, the bad guys, the cops, the killer, the victims it gives you so much. This is book three in a series, this is the first book I have read by this author and don't feel I lost out on not having read the previous books. I will be checking them out though and catching up on the back story. Action pretty much non stop, brutal, gruesome, murder, violence galore, not for the faint hearted. Pacey and brutal, it may have been my first dance with Finch, it won't be my last!
July 20, 2019
Loved this book, looking forward to the next one in the series
June 6, 2019
4.5
This is my first dive into the author Paul Finchs work, despite this being partway into a series and I have to say i have enjoyed it enough that on closing the book, I instantly took to online shops to scan places I can grab the others from and add to any Wishlists I happen to have.
Some of these are of course a MILE long, but I also have a shorter, more specific list aimed at a subtle birthday hint. I enjoyed this enough to also add them to that list too!
I usually prefer to enjoy a series from the very start because you get so much more from the Characters that way, subtle byplays and nuances that can easily be missed by not knowing them, nuggets of insight and history that have been missed out on, yet I still found myself enjoying getting to know them throughout this book. Now I assume that I will get to know them EVEN better starting from book 1, so of course I will be doing a series reread at some point soon.
I will say at this point, the story is quite graphic at times, so if that isn’t to your liking perhaps give it a miss. I cannot speak for the rest of the Authors work, As I haven’t read them. However I usually find Authors lean one way or the other. The graphic scenes do involve dogfighting scenarios, and these are far from glossed over so again. If not something you are able to read, skip this book.
Those aside, if you are still reading then what I will tell you, is that in picking up this book you’re in for a treat! The prose is wonderfully (hmmm... not sure that’s appropriate after my previous comment, but you know what I mean... right? Stick with it...) emotive and atmospheric, perhaps uncomfortably so at times but considering the genre of the book, I think this is to be expected and even applauded. Maybe AFTER you’ve gotten past the uncomfortable dreams at any rate. I certainly had a few of those!
I loved the way the story progressed, I cringed and laughed by turns depending on the situation, which I imagine was cause for some concern from those around me. I imagine that at times watching me flick from humour to outright horror at a book I am reading with not much inbetween will one day cause concern, but for now they seem to mostly accept it as part of who I am. Especially since those are exactly the type of book I LOVE!!
Make me laugh, then shock me into a stunned moment of “wtf just happened?”. Paul certainly delivered here!! The only thing I will say, is that it takes a few chapters to get to grips fully with who is who, purely because there are several, however I assume this would be less of an issue if going from the beginning of the series.
If you’re looking for something that will keep you engrossed from start to end, and can deal with the more graphic moments, then you need to grab this one ASAP! Or perhaps grab all of them up to this point. I know I wish I had already!
This is my first dive into the author Paul Finchs work, despite this being partway into a series and I have to say i have enjoyed it enough that on closing the book, I instantly took to online shops to scan places I can grab the others from and add to any Wishlists I happen to have.
Some of these are of course a MILE long, but I also have a shorter, more specific list aimed at a subtle birthday hint. I enjoyed this enough to also add them to that list too!
I usually prefer to enjoy a series from the very start because you get so much more from the Characters that way, subtle byplays and nuances that can easily be missed by not knowing them, nuggets of insight and history that have been missed out on, yet I still found myself enjoying getting to know them throughout this book. Now I assume that I will get to know them EVEN better starting from book 1, so of course I will be doing a series reread at some point soon.
I will say at this point, the story is quite graphic at times, so if that isn’t to your liking perhaps give it a miss. I cannot speak for the rest of the Authors work, As I haven’t read them. However I usually find Authors lean one way or the other. The graphic scenes do involve dogfighting scenarios, and these are far from glossed over so again. If not something you are able to read, skip this book.
Those aside, if you are still reading then what I will tell you, is that in picking up this book you’re in for a treat! The prose is wonderfully (hmmm... not sure that’s appropriate after my previous comment, but you know what I mean... right? Stick with it...) emotive and atmospheric, perhaps uncomfortably so at times but considering the genre of the book, I think this is to be expected and even applauded. Maybe AFTER you’ve gotten past the uncomfortable dreams at any rate. I certainly had a few of those!
I loved the way the story progressed, I cringed and laughed by turns depending on the situation, which I imagine was cause for some concern from those around me. I imagine that at times watching me flick from humour to outright horror at a book I am reading with not much inbetween will one day cause concern, but for now they seem to mostly accept it as part of who I am. Especially since those are exactly the type of book I LOVE!!
Make me laugh, then shock me into a stunned moment of “wtf just happened?”. Paul certainly delivered here!! The only thing I will say, is that it takes a few chapters to get to grips fully with who is who, purely because there are several, however I assume this would be less of an issue if going from the beginning of the series.
If you’re looking for something that will keep you engrossed from start to end, and can deal with the more graphic moments, then you need to grab this one ASAP! Or perhaps grab all of them up to this point. I know I wish I had already!
October 2, 2020
Typical me, very rarely do I start a series at the beginning and Stolen is no exception. I haven't read the previous two Lucy Clayburn books and although there are references to past events, they are not numerous and this doesn't negatively impact on my reading experience. Not everyone is the same though and for many readers it is essential they start at number 1 in a series and work their way through sequentially.
In fact I didn't even read this book but listened to the audio version. I loved the narrator and the Manchester accents and the plot was very absorbing.
I tend to go for more domestic thrillers with an emphasis on emotions which is something this book is not big on. It is far more action packed and gritty, being a crime thriller and involving a lot of violence and killing!
That makes it sound horrific, and given that I easily scare and am not a fan of gruesome, I assure you it isn't too graphic.
It is a complex plot focusing on people being taken and gangs that are into making money by threatening people, running all sorts of illegal practices whilst vying for top position. Contracts are put out on people, revenge killings take place and there is definitely a sense of law (DC Lucy Clayburn) and a lot of disorder (The Crew).
Whilst I generally prefer gentler stories, Stolen is very well written and compelling stuff. Lucy Clayburn is an incredibly brave, feisty and determined officer and capable of standing up to hardened criminals in a way I could never identify with but do appreciate and admire.
Don't be taken in by the cover which tends to suggest a much more domestic read. In fact, I don't think the book cover accurately conveys the type of read this is.
I enjoyed the revealing of who was doing what and why and particularly liked the character Sister Cassieopeia, a former nun, now drug addict living on the streets.
The dialogue is fitting for the developing storyline and the pace is relentlessly tense. There is conflict between Lucy's role as a police officer and estranged father Frank McCracken who is part of The Crew, with yet a further complication that Lucy's Mum Cora still has feelings for McCracken and Lucy's superiors are unaware of the family connections.
I enjoyed the book, if a little bit scared in places, and will look out for books 1 and 2 to read or listen to when I am in the right frame of mind. For fans of action packed thrillers Paul Finch's series will definitely be up there amongst the series that need to be read.
In fact I didn't even read this book but listened to the audio version. I loved the narrator and the Manchester accents and the plot was very absorbing.
I tend to go for more domestic thrillers with an emphasis on emotions which is something this book is not big on. It is far more action packed and gritty, being a crime thriller and involving a lot of violence and killing!
That makes it sound horrific, and given that I easily scare and am not a fan of gruesome, I assure you it isn't too graphic.
It is a complex plot focusing on people being taken and gangs that are into making money by threatening people, running all sorts of illegal practices whilst vying for top position. Contracts are put out on people, revenge killings take place and there is definitely a sense of law (DC Lucy Clayburn) and a lot of disorder (The Crew).
Whilst I generally prefer gentler stories, Stolen is very well written and compelling stuff. Lucy Clayburn is an incredibly brave, feisty and determined officer and capable of standing up to hardened criminals in a way I could never identify with but do appreciate and admire.
Don't be taken in by the cover which tends to suggest a much more domestic read. In fact, I don't think the book cover accurately conveys the type of read this is.
I enjoyed the revealing of who was doing what and why and particularly liked the character Sister Cassieopeia, a former nun, now drug addict living on the streets.
The dialogue is fitting for the developing storyline and the pace is relentlessly tense. There is conflict between Lucy's role as a police officer and estranged father Frank McCracken who is part of The Crew, with yet a further complication that Lucy's Mum Cora still has feelings for McCracken and Lucy's superiors are unaware of the family connections.
I enjoyed the book, if a little bit scared in places, and will look out for books 1 and 2 to read or listen to when I am in the right frame of mind. For fans of action packed thrillers Paul Finch's series will definitely be up there amongst the series that need to be read.
January 20, 2020
I didn't like this police procedural very much. For one thing, the secret about the main character Lucy Clayburn and her parentage would never be kept in today's world, what with social media outing everything about everybody, and this is a contemporary novel. Secondly, the characterization of Lucy's father as a gangster with a hidden heart of gold was just unbelieveable. Thirdly, this book tries to be all things to all readers. It starts out in a promising fashion with a suspenseful desription of the abduction of a senior citizen out walking his dog. But then the novel meanders all over the place as the reader is introduced to a plethora of not very interesting, cliche-ridden characters who simply muddle the trajectory of the story. I must admit that I read this novel just after finishimg an excellent mystery in Val McDermid's Karen Pirie series, a story which was tightly constructed, full of twists and turns and always believable. Compared to that gem, this book just fell on its face. If only the author had pared down his cast of undramatic dramatis personae and his confusing descriptions of Manchester, Stolen might have gone somewhere. At it is, it was a waste of time and money.
January 26, 2020
Dogs are going missing in an area of Manchester. Homeless people are going missing too, but these are only noticed by their own kind until one a down and out nun, Sister Cassie reports it to DC Lucy Clayburn. There are stories of dark vans patrolling the streets at night, locals have heard the stories are are watchful out and about. Finally a respectable old man, Harry Hopkins, is missing and his daughter calls the police. Shortly afterwards a runner goes missing. Could these all be connected and how? DS Clayburn also happens to be the clandestine daughter of Frank McCracken who is a big shot in the criminal underworld. Everything is linked but working out the links is the tricky part. The body count rises and you never know who to trust. This book is about crime syndicates, brutal murder, respect, and family ties. It is a very tight novel that draws you in, you will need a strong stomach and a quick mind to find the killers.
March 28, 2019
I have to say i haved loved getting to know Lucy Clayburn,her friends and her foe.To be a police woman and then to find out your father is well known criminal goes everything she believes in.Keeping her mom safe from harm is lucy's main objective and after coming clean to Priya sends her career and life into a spin and her dads life in jeopardy from people he answers to.I can highly recommend the Lucy Clayburn series and this book gets 5*.Well done to Paul Finch.
October 5, 2020
This was my first book by Paul Finch and I started it with high hopes having seen some of the reviews. However, whilst it started off well, it soon sunk into contrived nonsense.
*spolier alerts....*
The opening was decent enough with our central character busting a dog fighting ring (although a DC having amount of power she seems to have was a bit of a stretch) but it soon started to falter when it was revealed that our copper was secretly the estranged daughter of a high profile gangster. A gangster who suddenly wants to rekindle a relationship with her mother. A mother who is of course, a stunning woman who looks ten years younger than she is.
It then moved into even more ludicrous territory with a chapter about 'The Crew'. An organised crime syndicate which was little more than a comic book rip-off of The Soprano's inhabited by a variety of criminal characters the likes of which you'd expect to find in an episode of The Sweeney from the 1980's. The enforcer, the pimp... etc, etc.
It was at this point that I pretty much gave up with it. I did spend half an hour flicking through later pages just make sure I hadn't over reacted but all that did was confirm my initial opinion and so it went in the charity shop pile.
I'll be glad to have it out of the house.
*spolier alerts....*
The opening was decent enough with our central character busting a dog fighting ring (although a DC having amount of power she seems to have was a bit of a stretch) but it soon started to falter when it was revealed that our copper was secretly the estranged daughter of a high profile gangster. A gangster who suddenly wants to rekindle a relationship with her mother. A mother who is of course, a stunning woman who looks ten years younger than she is.
It then moved into even more ludicrous territory with a chapter about 'The Crew'. An organised crime syndicate which was little more than a comic book rip-off of The Soprano's inhabited by a variety of criminal characters the likes of which you'd expect to find in an episode of The Sweeney from the 1980's. The enforcer, the pimp... etc, etc.
It was at this point that I pretty much gave up with it. I did spend half an hour flicking through later pages just make sure I hadn't over reacted but all that did was confirm my initial opinion and so it went in the charity shop pile.
I'll be glad to have it out of the house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
Stolen – Clayburn is back and still taking names
Paul Finch has created one of the best female detectives in crime novels, that just makes you want to read more. Lucy Clayburn is not so much a defective detective, but a woman trying to do the job correctly in spite of her family. Stolen is compulsive and gripping reading and gives readers a ride as if on a Ducati bike going at full throttle. If you are after a police procedural thriller, jog on, the rule book has gone out of the window.
Lucy Clayburn is in the midst of a dog fighting investigation, and even though the bust was successful, she wants to put away the organiser for so much more. When Sister Cassie, a ‘fallen’ nun comes to see her, she barely has time to see her and take her concerns on board let alone seriously.
When a young female goes missing while on a run, does Lucy remember Sister Cassie saying that people were going missing. The problem was, the people Sister Cassie had been reporting missing were the homeless, people nobody really cared. When Lucy discovers that there are similarities in the case does, seeks out the nun for more information.
At the same time The Crew, the underworld criminal masters of Greater Manchester are under attack from all directions. They seem to be falling out with each other, and when one of the underbosses is shot, all hares are set running. Will Lucy be caught in the crosshairs, as she tries to balance her life as a detective and that of her biological father, a criminal.
As the truth comes out, about Lucy and the crimes that she has been investigating, her life is in danger and that of her colleague. Will her tenacity be able to save a colleague, while trying not to be killed by the criminals she is chasing? Will her father appear and make life even harder for her?
Once again Paul Finch has written a brilliant thriller, with a very likeable police detective, who is focused on her job, but like a honey pot seems to attract wasps that want to attack her. Stolen is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your comfy seat.
Paul Finch has created one of the best female detectives in crime novels, that just makes you want to read more. Lucy Clayburn is not so much a defective detective, but a woman trying to do the job correctly in spite of her family. Stolen is compulsive and gripping reading and gives readers a ride as if on a Ducati bike going at full throttle. If you are after a police procedural thriller, jog on, the rule book has gone out of the window.
Lucy Clayburn is in the midst of a dog fighting investigation, and even though the bust was successful, she wants to put away the organiser for so much more. When Sister Cassie, a ‘fallen’ nun comes to see her, she barely has time to see her and take her concerns on board let alone seriously.
When a young female goes missing while on a run, does Lucy remember Sister Cassie saying that people were going missing. The problem was, the people Sister Cassie had been reporting missing were the homeless, people nobody really cared. When Lucy discovers that there are similarities in the case does, seeks out the nun for more information.
At the same time The Crew, the underworld criminal masters of Greater Manchester are under attack from all directions. They seem to be falling out with each other, and when one of the underbosses is shot, all hares are set running. Will Lucy be caught in the crosshairs, as she tries to balance her life as a detective and that of her biological father, a criminal.
As the truth comes out, about Lucy and the crimes that she has been investigating, her life is in danger and that of her colleague. Will her tenacity be able to save a colleague, while trying not to be killed by the criminals she is chasing? Will her father appear and make life even harder for her?
Once again Paul Finch has written a brilliant thriller, with a very likeable police detective, who is focused on her job, but like a honey pot seems to attract wasps that want to attack her. Stolen is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your comfy seat.
December 25, 2019
Been a while since I have read Paul Finch but whilst reading Stolen, I recalled why I enjoyed his books in the post. The Heckenburg novels started off really well but seemed to get more ridiculous as they went on. The Clayburn series has moments where it seems unbelievable however, if true representations were written, nobody would read them in all probability. Entertaining and darkly enjoyable is Stolen.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
July 5, 2019
[library audiobook]
DNF. Started OK, well written and moved along. Attractive strong female cop. But continuing brutality was too much for me. Didn't care to find out the end.
DNF. Started OK, well written and moved along. Attractive strong female cop. But continuing brutality was too much for me. Didn't care to find out the end.
May 19, 2019
In Manchester people are disappearing off the streets, people who many wouldn’t even worry about; people who are sleeping rough and drug addicts, until a young woman vanishes while out running, which prompts a response from the police. One thing that links the disappearances is a dark coloured van seen in the area that has aroused the suspicions of several witnesses.
DC Lucy Clayburn becomes aware of the missing people and starts an investigation. But as she gets to grip with what could prove to be a very sinister case, her own position in the police begins to come under threat. Two years ago, Lucy discovered that she was Frank McCracken’s daughter; Frank is a dangerous criminal, well known to the police and is one of the top bosses of a criminal organisation. So far she’s managed to keep this a secret from her colleagues back at the station, but now it seems that she may have to come forward and tell the truth. Will her career survive? Will her father’s reputation survive? Lucy’s relationship with her father is what gives this series a really edgy feel.
Paul Finch’s Lucy Clayburn series is one of my favourites. There is always a strong element of mystery when it comes to Paul’s openings for his books, and this is what makes them so gripping, right from the get-go. There were a lot of things I liked about this novel; there’s a strong plot which pulled me into the story as well as Lucy’s own personal dilemma. She is perhaps faced with one of the toughest choices of her career here, and this was one of the most gripping parts of the story, would she or would she not come clean to her boss, but I won’t be revealing any details on that here.
There are quite a few on the edge of your seat moments throughout this book, and I just had to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. Lucy is a police officer who is unafraid of sailing close to danger. I think what I really like about her, is that she is in this job simply because she cares about making a difference in her community. At the moment she doesn’t think about promotion, as she tells her father, she will quite happily stay as a detective constable if it means coming clean about their relationship.
One character who I thought was written really well was Sister Cassie, a former nun who still likes to stick to her old ways. I really liked the friendship that she had with Lucy, and I think she was one of my favourite characters from this book. I’d definitely like to see her return.
I think Stolen is the best book yet in this series. Gritty, full of suspense and with a nail-biting ending, this makes for a really enjoyable read. Another top read from Paul Finch, which I highly recommend.
DC Lucy Clayburn becomes aware of the missing people and starts an investigation. But as she gets to grip with what could prove to be a very sinister case, her own position in the police begins to come under threat. Two years ago, Lucy discovered that she was Frank McCracken’s daughter; Frank is a dangerous criminal, well known to the police and is one of the top bosses of a criminal organisation. So far she’s managed to keep this a secret from her colleagues back at the station, but now it seems that she may have to come forward and tell the truth. Will her career survive? Will her father’s reputation survive? Lucy’s relationship with her father is what gives this series a really edgy feel.
Paul Finch’s Lucy Clayburn series is one of my favourites. There is always a strong element of mystery when it comes to Paul’s openings for his books, and this is what makes them so gripping, right from the get-go. There were a lot of things I liked about this novel; there’s a strong plot which pulled me into the story as well as Lucy’s own personal dilemma. She is perhaps faced with one of the toughest choices of her career here, and this was one of the most gripping parts of the story, would she or would she not come clean to her boss, but I won’t be revealing any details on that here.
There are quite a few on the edge of your seat moments throughout this book, and I just had to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. Lucy is a police officer who is unafraid of sailing close to danger. I think what I really like about her, is that she is in this job simply because she cares about making a difference in her community. At the moment she doesn’t think about promotion, as she tells her father, she will quite happily stay as a detective constable if it means coming clean about their relationship.
One character who I thought was written really well was Sister Cassie, a former nun who still likes to stick to her old ways. I really liked the friendship that she had with Lucy, and I think she was one of my favourite characters from this book. I’d definitely like to see her return.
I think Stolen is the best book yet in this series. Gritty, full of suspense and with a nail-biting ending, this makes for a really enjoyable read. Another top read from Paul Finch, which I highly recommend.
May 17, 2019
The case that Lucy finds herself at the heart of is a very distressing one for animal lovers everywhere but rest assured, although you will be saddened by the opening, a tragically all too believable tale in itself, this is only really the beginning. A dark van has been seen trawling the streets of Crowley just before beloved family pets have gone missing. But is it part of the bust that Lucy is arranging or is it the start of something far more sinister?
Well if you read the book (or the blurb) you'll know that something far more complex and disturbing is happening in Crowley. (Well that is relative and depends on your feelings on dogs v people I suppose). Residents are going missing, some noticed, many not, but to what end and who is responsible? It's going to fall to Lucy and the team at Robbers Row to find out and the facts are going to be very surprising and very dark, believe me.
I really enjoy the Lucy Clayburn series as it's nice to see a strong female character taking charge, even if she doesn't have any real level of responsibility as a DC. Lucy has always been someone who can hold her own, intelligent and determined, and truly gutsy in her approach. She has a very complicated personal life, made more so since the reappearance of her father in her life. She is passionate about her job, protective of her mother, and has a great intuition, making her a joy to read about. I like the dynamic between her and her father, gangster Frank McCracken, even with his friend and chief enforcer, Mick Shallicker, seeing them all torn between their sense of duty to their respective careers, and sense of protection for each other, even if that feeling sends chills through Lucy. Complex but compelling, it's a story I love to follow.
A real revelation in this book though is former Nun, Sister Cassie (no religious pun intended). She has led a very interesting life and certainly adds colour to the story. I don't want to say too much about her, but it is fair to say that she plays a chief role in Lucy uncovering the truth behind all the disappearances, and a surprising part in seeing justice done. Call it divine intervention if you will, but Sister Cassie does seem to have a knack for being in the right place, even if it does occasionally land her in danger. She is a fun, sometimes mixed up, often misunderstood character who brings a smile to my face when reading. The author has done a brilliant job of developing her character, the perfect blend between the righteous and the woman fallen from Grace. Religious affectation a plenty, but also very down to earth.
This is a fast paced, fun, sometimes gruesome, often heart pumping, definitely sad pout inducing read which I really enjoyed.
Well if you read the book (or the blurb) you'll know that something far more complex and disturbing is happening in Crowley. (Well that is relative and depends on your feelings on dogs v people I suppose). Residents are going missing, some noticed, many not, but to what end and who is responsible? It's going to fall to Lucy and the team at Robbers Row to find out and the facts are going to be very surprising and very dark, believe me.
I really enjoy the Lucy Clayburn series as it's nice to see a strong female character taking charge, even if she doesn't have any real level of responsibility as a DC. Lucy has always been someone who can hold her own, intelligent and determined, and truly gutsy in her approach. She has a very complicated personal life, made more so since the reappearance of her father in her life. She is passionate about her job, protective of her mother, and has a great intuition, making her a joy to read about. I like the dynamic between her and her father, gangster Frank McCracken, even with his friend and chief enforcer, Mick Shallicker, seeing them all torn between their sense of duty to their respective careers, and sense of protection for each other, even if that feeling sends chills through Lucy. Complex but compelling, it's a story I love to follow.
A real revelation in this book though is former Nun, Sister Cassie (no religious pun intended). She has led a very interesting life and certainly adds colour to the story. I don't want to say too much about her, but it is fair to say that she plays a chief role in Lucy uncovering the truth behind all the disappearances, and a surprising part in seeing justice done. Call it divine intervention if you will, but Sister Cassie does seem to have a knack for being in the right place, even if it does occasionally land her in danger. She is a fun, sometimes mixed up, often misunderstood character who brings a smile to my face when reading. The author has done a brilliant job of developing her character, the perfect blend between the righteous and the woman fallen from Grace. Religious affectation a plenty, but also very down to earth.
This is a fast paced, fun, sometimes gruesome, often heart pumping, definitely sad pout inducing read which I really enjoyed.
May 10, 2019
4.5 stars.
This is the third book in this series and, to get the very best from it, especially in terms of character backstory and development, it's best to start from book one and read in order. Lucy is a bit complex so it really will help!
This book starts with rumours. People are going missing but bodies never turn up and no one appears concerned as they are mostly from the homeless community. There are also sightings of a mysterious black van being reported. But there is nothing really to go on until Harry, a pensioner, also disappears. Could all this be linked to the spate of missing dogs Lucy is already aware of? Could this latest incident be the catalyst to give the spark Lucy needs to start her investigation properly?
Add Lucy's gangster father into the mix and you've got yourself one heck of a ride!
Well, this hit the ground running and, after all the threads were started, didn't let up until the very end! The action packed nature of the narrative did also mean that sometimes belief had to be suspended but with the overall quality of the plot and characters being top notch, I was happy to do just that! It's also a bit scattered at the beginning as there is so much going on but, by the end of the book, it does all come together very nicely and left me satisfied.
As with all series books we do delve into the main character's personal life. In this case however, personal clashes with professional as father Frank is quite the gangster. But is he as dark as he is painted? Lucy's mother wants to reconnect, Lucy notsomuch for obvious reasons but it does make for an interesting sidebar at times, especially when their world collide as they do in this book.
Admittedly this isn't the strongest book in the series to date but is a worthy addition that was, on the whole, satisfying. Looking forward to Lucy's next outing with baited breath.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This is the third book in this series and, to get the very best from it, especially in terms of character backstory and development, it's best to start from book one and read in order. Lucy is a bit complex so it really will help!
This book starts with rumours. People are going missing but bodies never turn up and no one appears concerned as they are mostly from the homeless community. There are also sightings of a mysterious black van being reported. But there is nothing really to go on until Harry, a pensioner, also disappears. Could all this be linked to the spate of missing dogs Lucy is already aware of? Could this latest incident be the catalyst to give the spark Lucy needs to start her investigation properly?
Add Lucy's gangster father into the mix and you've got yourself one heck of a ride!
Well, this hit the ground running and, after all the threads were started, didn't let up until the very end! The action packed nature of the narrative did also mean that sometimes belief had to be suspended but with the overall quality of the plot and characters being top notch, I was happy to do just that! It's also a bit scattered at the beginning as there is so much going on but, by the end of the book, it does all come together very nicely and left me satisfied.
As with all series books we do delve into the main character's personal life. In this case however, personal clashes with professional as father Frank is quite the gangster. But is he as dark as he is painted? Lucy's mother wants to reconnect, Lucy notsomuch for obvious reasons but it does make for an interesting sidebar at times, especially when their world collide as they do in this book.
Admittedly this isn't the strongest book in the series to date but is a worthy addition that was, on the whole, satisfying. Looking forward to Lucy's next outing with baited breath.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 21, 2023
I had this book on audio and maybe that was the reason that I couldn't get into the book completely. The narrator's thick and heavy accent made it hard to keep track of what was going on in the book and from there it was a complete struggle with the book.
If you ask me whether picking up a third book from a series without having read its prequel hampered the reading then the answer is NO. Stolen is my first book from the series and despite not having read the previous I didn't particularly find it hard to understand the book. What made it hard was as I said, in the beginning, the accent and secondly the fact that the book had a lot of family drama which was opposite to what I was expecting from the book.
The book claimed to be an adrenaline-fuelled thriller with murders and investigation at the core. But what it ended up for me was just being a family drama and gangster politics both of which did nothing to the core plot. The whole family, cop and gangster politics further delayed and sidelined the main murder plot and in the end sort of quickly tied up with a lot of loopholes and more questions.
Perhaps the book wanted to carry it forward to the sequels but for this book, I felt that what it claims to be and what it differs that made it a not great read for me.
In conclusion, I would say that the book, Stolen by Paul Finch was not a good read for me as the audiobook sort of ruined it in the first leg followed by a lacklustre plot. The book focused on areas that I was least interested and it sort of underplayed the murder mystery which was its main offering.
If you ask me whether picking up a third book from a series without having read its prequel hampered the reading then the answer is NO. Stolen is my first book from the series and despite not having read the previous I didn't particularly find it hard to understand the book. What made it hard was as I said, in the beginning, the accent and secondly the fact that the book had a lot of family drama which was opposite to what I was expecting from the book.
The book claimed to be an adrenaline-fuelled thriller with murders and investigation at the core. But what it ended up for me was just being a family drama and gangster politics both of which did nothing to the core plot. The whole family, cop and gangster politics further delayed and sidelined the main murder plot and in the end sort of quickly tied up with a lot of loopholes and more questions.
Perhaps the book wanted to carry it forward to the sequels but for this book, I felt that what it claims to be and what it differs that made it a not great read for me.
In conclusion, I would say that the book, Stolen by Paul Finch was not a good read for me as the audiobook sort of ruined it in the first leg followed by a lacklustre plot. The book focused on areas that I was least interested and it sort of underplayed the murder mystery which was its main offering.
May 17, 2019
This book is my first introduction to DC Lucy Clayburn and I’m now a firm fan. She’s a detective, her father is a crime boss – not the best of combinations.
There is so much going on in Stolen – dogs going missing, an ex-nun who is addicted to drugs, missing pensioners, gangsters. It’s a lot to take in and I did find myself wondering how it was all going to link up and mean something to the storyline. There is a lot of information to take in but I managed just fine and was able to pick up where I left off no problem each time I put it down. For me, this was made easy by a story that is gritty, fast-paced and superbly written.
There’s definitely room for confusion though.
As I mentioned above, this is my first Lucy Clayburn book. I read it as a standalone and with no prior knowledge about Lucy or the other books in the series. It made me want to know more though so I will be purchasing the others.
As a character, I really liked Lucy. She’s gritty and real. Before the first chapter was done I was already invested in the plot and her character. Sister Cassie is another character that intrigued me from the very first time we met. I wanted to know more about her straightaway.
The introduction of Lucy’s father just brought more intrigue along with it.
The story doesn’t disappoint and delivers everything it promises to in the first, exciting chapter.
By the time I finished Stolen, I wanted more. So will you.
There is so much going on in Stolen – dogs going missing, an ex-nun who is addicted to drugs, missing pensioners, gangsters. It’s a lot to take in and I did find myself wondering how it was all going to link up and mean something to the storyline. There is a lot of information to take in but I managed just fine and was able to pick up where I left off no problem each time I put it down. For me, this was made easy by a story that is gritty, fast-paced and superbly written.
There’s definitely room for confusion though.
As I mentioned above, this is my first Lucy Clayburn book. I read it as a standalone and with no prior knowledge about Lucy or the other books in the series. It made me want to know more though so I will be purchasing the others.
As a character, I really liked Lucy. She’s gritty and real. Before the first chapter was done I was already invested in the plot and her character. Sister Cassie is another character that intrigued me from the very first time we met. I wanted to know more about her straightaway.
The introduction of Lucy’s father just brought more intrigue along with it.
The story doesn’t disappoint and delivers everything it promises to in the first, exciting chapter.
By the time I finished Stolen, I wanted more. So will you.
October 11, 2022
Crowley is a fictional suburb of Manchester where people are going missing and are not turning up. (When I served as a real DI, it always worried me how ‘Missing From Homes’ could be so easily overlooked, or not properly investigated). Thank God then that Paul Finch’s lead character DC Lucy Clayburn is on the case. But she has her hands full. She gets help from Sister Cassie, an ex-nun with more than one habit, who lives amid the homeless who are obvious targets, being society’s forgotten people.
The empathy and heart that links DC Clayburn and Sister Cassie is delightfully crafted by Paul Finch being the master storyteller that he is. The depth of all the characters is exquisite, and therefore compelling to the reader. Lucy faces other problems when she discovers who her estranged father really is, and what he is really capable of as the two worlds separated by the law collide.
Conflicting interests, dead ends, corrupt ex-cops and family tragedy all get in DC Clayburn’s way as she tries to fathom who is responsible for taking these people and to what ends?
This all leads up to a thrilling denouement where the pace – which is already fast – reaches light speed, and the threat to Lucy Clayburn, personally, becomes all too real. The answers to who and why are revealed tying all the plotlines together perfectly, and it will shock you.
This is without doubt, a five-star cracker.
The empathy and heart that links DC Clayburn and Sister Cassie is delightfully crafted by Paul Finch being the master storyteller that he is. The depth of all the characters is exquisite, and therefore compelling to the reader. Lucy faces other problems when she discovers who her estranged father really is, and what he is really capable of as the two worlds separated by the law collide.
Conflicting interests, dead ends, corrupt ex-cops and family tragedy all get in DC Clayburn’s way as she tries to fathom who is responsible for taking these people and to what ends?
This all leads up to a thrilling denouement where the pace – which is already fast – reaches light speed, and the threat to Lucy Clayburn, personally, becomes all too real. The answers to who and why are revealed tying all the plotlines together perfectly, and it will shock you.
This is without doubt, a five-star cracker.
May 18, 2019
How do you find the missing when there’s no trail to follow?
DC Lucy Clayburn is having a tough time of it. Not only is her estranged father one of the North West’s toughest gangsters, but she is in the midst of one of the biggest police operations of her life.
Members of the public have started to disappear, taken from the streets as they’re going about their every day lives. But no bodies are appearing – it’s almost as if the victims never existed.
Lucy must chase a trail of dead ends and false starts as the disappearances mount up. But when her father gets caught in the crossfire, the investigation suddenly becomes a whole lot more bloody…
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.
Fast paced thriller/ mystery which I found well written.
The very start of the book is very sad and heartbreaking but there is also another mystery running parallel to this one.
We do have twists and turns with some red herrings.
Going to go back and read others before this one now.
Recommend reading.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This is my honest voluntary review.
DC Lucy Clayburn is having a tough time of it. Not only is her estranged father one of the North West’s toughest gangsters, but she is in the midst of one of the biggest police operations of her life.
Members of the public have started to disappear, taken from the streets as they’re going about their every day lives. But no bodies are appearing – it’s almost as if the victims never existed.
Lucy must chase a trail of dead ends and false starts as the disappearances mount up. But when her father gets caught in the crossfire, the investigation suddenly becomes a whole lot more bloody…
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.
Fast paced thriller/ mystery which I found well written.
The very start of the book is very sad and heartbreaking but there is also another mystery running parallel to this one.
We do have twists and turns with some red herrings.
Going to go back and read others before this one now.
Recommend reading.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This is my honest voluntary review.
April 12, 2019
Well Paul, you’ve pushed the boat out this time, this one is grim. I must say I found the dogs disappearing and the fighting upsetting, but the story I really could not work out what it was all about! Perhaps I’m slipping in my old age.
With animals, people and vehicles all vanishing off the streets with no clue as to why and what for it makes this book a very compulsive read.
Once again Lucys father is in the picture, as one of the most notorious criminals in the north west, and she is between the devil and the deep blue sea, caught between a rock and a hard place as he is a career criminal and, of course, it goes against the grain of her police ethics. Her mother wants to befriend him again and she, I think would like to, and curiosity is keeping her interested. Will Lucy be able to find out what’s happening without treading over the line?
It certainly is a different book from the Heckenberg series, which I loved but I’m thrilled to see the characters in this series developing and hope there’s more to come.
My thanks for the ARC from the publishers and netgalley.
With animals, people and vehicles all vanishing off the streets with no clue as to why and what for it makes this book a very compulsive read.
Once again Lucys father is in the picture, as one of the most notorious criminals in the north west, and she is between the devil and the deep blue sea, caught between a rock and a hard place as he is a career criminal and, of course, it goes against the grain of her police ethics. Her mother wants to befriend him again and she, I think would like to, and curiosity is keeping her interested. Will Lucy be able to find out what’s happening without treading over the line?
It certainly is a different book from the Heckenberg series, which I loved but I’m thrilled to see the characters in this series developing and hope there’s more to come.
My thanks for the ARC from the publishers and netgalley.
August 4, 2019
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am a fan of Paul Finch and love Lucy as a strong, female character who takes no prisoners. Here she finds herself in the midst of a pretty grim series of what initially appear to be a series of unconnected events but they quickly turn into a nightmare investigation. This is where I need to warn you that this book does contain scenes of animal cruelty and abuse ... it also contains scenes of human cruelty! Both are hard to read.
Dark, gritty, exciting, full of tension and suspense, well written with a cast of brilliant characters, this is a great addition to the series and one I would happily recommend.
This is the third book in the series and although can be read as a standalone, to get the best out of it, I would recommend you read them in order so that you get the back story to the characters ... you won't be disappointed.
My thanks go to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I am a fan of Paul Finch and love Lucy as a strong, female character who takes no prisoners. Here she finds herself in the midst of a pretty grim series of what initially appear to be a series of unconnected events but they quickly turn into a nightmare investigation. This is where I need to warn you that this book does contain scenes of animal cruelty and abuse ... it also contains scenes of human cruelty! Both are hard to read.
Dark, gritty, exciting, full of tension and suspense, well written with a cast of brilliant characters, this is a great addition to the series and one I would happily recommend.
This is the third book in the series and although can be read as a standalone, to get the best out of it, I would recommend you read them in order so that you get the back story to the characters ... you won't be disappointed.
My thanks go to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 19, 2022
DC Lucy Clayborn is not only the daughter of a notorious Mancunian gangster but also a successful policewoman that tries her hardest to separate her personal from her work life. When pets start disappearing from their owners and then a homeless nun reports that homeless people have gone missing as well, Lucy is starting to connect the dots and again, she crosses paths with her dad who she suspects to be involved somehow.
The author, Paul Finch, used to be a policeman before he started writing books and while I don't know if there's really an underworld in Manchester, he appears to be writing about it in quite a realistic fashion. It always felt like I was very close to the action and the inner workings of the police force, which I liked.
What I didn't like was the excessive gore and violence, and the detailed description of it. I do like a good crime novel, but I am not a big fan of dwelling on innocent people being butchered and disposed of, that truly disgusted me. I'm happy to try another one of the author's books in the hopes that it is less violent.
The author, Paul Finch, used to be a policeman before he started writing books and while I don't know if there's really an underworld in Manchester, he appears to be writing about it in quite a realistic fashion. It always felt like I was very close to the action and the inner workings of the police force, which I liked.
What I didn't like was the excessive gore and violence, and the detailed description of it. I do like a good crime novel, but I am not a big fan of dwelling on innocent people being butchered and disposed of, that truly disgusted me. I'm happy to try another one of the author's books in the hopes that it is less violent.
April 22, 2019
I'm a bit late to the party on this series, this is my first read but in saying that... its now been added to my list!
DC Lucy Clayburn is hot on the heels of dog fights after numerous dogs being reported missing, she thinks this is the missing link.... unfortunately none of those dogs are found but at least quite a few nasty people are locked up!!!
From dogs going missing, now to homeless people going missing and then an elderly man going missing from his house, how does this all tie in together.....
Lucy also has a lot going on personally as it turns out that her Dad is one of the North West's major gangsters who was estranged to her up until two years ago.... she doesn't know how to feel about him given what she does and who he is!!!
A great police procedural series, fast paced with plenty of action, definitely recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
DC Lucy Clayburn is hot on the heels of dog fights after numerous dogs being reported missing, she thinks this is the missing link.... unfortunately none of those dogs are found but at least quite a few nasty people are locked up!!!
From dogs going missing, now to homeless people going missing and then an elderly man going missing from his house, how does this all tie in together.....
Lucy also has a lot going on personally as it turns out that her Dad is one of the North West's major gangsters who was estranged to her up until two years ago.... she doesn't know how to feel about him given what she does and who he is!!!
A great police procedural series, fast paced with plenty of action, definitely recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 12, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and whilst it was fine as a stand-alone, I’m intrigued to find out what happened in the first two books.
The story begins with Lucy busting a dog fighting syndicate which was quite uncomfortable reading.
Then the story moves on to an old man going missing with his dog.
Sister Cassie asks to see Lucy, and tells her of other people that have gone missing and Lucy starts to look into the situation.
As well as this we see what Frank McCracken and the Crew are up to and I must admit I became a bit overwhelmed at this stage.
There seemed to be too many different aspects to the story and I found myself drifting away from the book and starting to lose interest as there was too much to remember.
I did finish the book and whilst it made more sense at the end, I think this story was a bit too over complicated.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and whilst it was fine as a stand-alone, I’m intrigued to find out what happened in the first two books.
The story begins with Lucy busting a dog fighting syndicate which was quite uncomfortable reading.
Then the story moves on to an old man going missing with his dog.
Sister Cassie asks to see Lucy, and tells her of other people that have gone missing and Lucy starts to look into the situation.
As well as this we see what Frank McCracken and the Crew are up to and I must admit I became a bit overwhelmed at this stage.
There seemed to be too many different aspects to the story and I found myself drifting away from the book and starting to lose interest as there was too much to remember.
I did finish the book and whilst it made more sense at the end, I think this story was a bit too over complicated.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 4, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the series and I only realised after I finished that I have read the 1st but have somehow missed the 2nd. I could’ve sworn I had read it but I will be purchasing it ASAP. I have also read all of Pauls Heck series which I highly recommend.
As with most of Paul Finch’s books I found this one a bit of a slow starter however once it got going it was impossible to put down. It is a fast paced, action filled book with all the twists and turns you could ask for. Lucy is such a likeable character and her relationship with her father adds so much to the story. The villain is way more twisted than I ever expected and everything about the storyline sucks you in further. I also absolutely adored Sister Cassie. Definitely one of my favourite characters
If you love edge of your seat reads then check this one out. Preferably the whole series
Thanks yo NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
As with most of Paul Finch’s books I found this one a bit of a slow starter however once it got going it was impossible to put down. It is a fast paced, action filled book with all the twists and turns you could ask for. Lucy is such a likeable character and her relationship with her father adds so much to the story. The villain is way more twisted than I ever expected and everything about the storyline sucks you in further. I also absolutely adored Sister Cassie. Definitely one of my favourite characters
If you love edge of your seat reads then check this one out. Preferably the whole series
Thanks yo NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
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