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Detective Roper and Hooley Mysteries #2
I Can See You
SOME PUZZLES ARE DEADLY.
In the murky world of espionage, it helps if you can tell friend from foe. Jonathan Roper is learning that it’s a tougher task than he had expected. And that’s making him worried, because he is convinced that something terrible is about to happen.
Roper is young, gifted and autistic, with the ability to pull together complex strands of information. It’s why he was plucked from Scotland Yard to work alongside the analysts at GCHQ, the UK’s front line in the war against terror. But he’s working alone, and for the first time in his life he realises he needs a friend.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Hooley is one of the few people he trusts to guide him through the do’s and don’ts of modern life. It also helps that he possesses a sense of humour robust enough to shrug off Roper’s more direct personal remarks.
In the rush to reunite the pair it means the DCI has had to leave behind his own team at Scotland Yard, just as they launch a hunt for a serial killer dubbed the Face Ripper.
I Can See You is a psychological crime thriller that’s more than just another cop story. Well-rounded characters and an acutely observed relationship between Roper and Hooley will draw you into a satisfyingly complex plot full of twists and turns.
In the murky world of espionage, it helps if you can tell friend from foe. Jonathan Roper is learning that it’s a tougher task than he had expected. And that’s making him worried, because he is convinced that something terrible is about to happen.
Roper is young, gifted and autistic, with the ability to pull together complex strands of information. It’s why he was plucked from Scotland Yard to work alongside the analysts at GCHQ, the UK’s front line in the war against terror. But he’s working alone, and for the first time in his life he realises he needs a friend.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Hooley is one of the few people he trusts to guide him through the do’s and don’ts of modern life. It also helps that he possesses a sense of humour robust enough to shrug off Roper’s more direct personal remarks.
In the rush to reunite the pair it means the DCI has had to leave behind his own team at Scotland Yard, just as they launch a hunt for a serial killer dubbed the Face Ripper.
I Can See You is a psychological crime thriller that’s more than just another cop story. Well-rounded characters and an acutely observed relationship between Roper and Hooley will draw you into a satisfyingly complex plot full of twists and turns.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2017
1505 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Michael Leese
15 books96 followersMichael Leese was a senior news executive who had a ringside seat for the most extra-ordinary stories that happened during a twenty-five-year career as a British national newspaper journalist.
From the death of Princess Diana and two Gulf wars to the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 he was leading the teams bringing the first news to a wider public. Most of his career was spent at the London Evening Standard. His time in journalism has left him with an indelible passion for news and current affairs and he tries to replicate that in his crime thriller series, Jonathan Roper investigates.
His son is profoundly autistic. It was thinking about him and how he fits into this complicated world was the inspiration for the Roper character. Who is highly intelligent, passionate, hard-working and autistic which can make him a bit hazy about social boundaries.
Leese reasoned that Roper gave him a great way to challenge perceptions, but also show some of the humour that can arise from the inevitable misunderstandings when someone on the autistic spectrum hits the world at full steam.
He was brought up in the West Midlands and can reveal a major celebrity connection, both he and Prince Williams are Aston Villa fans, although they have never met or discussed their personal affinity.
Growing up he had an ambition to be an elite athlete but gave that up by the age of nine on the grounds of having no talent. He often speculates that it is just as well as he enjoys creating characters for his books and probably wouldn’t have survived long in the corporate world.
He lives in Dorset with his wife Maria.
If you would like to contact Michael, you can either send him an email at hello@michael-leese.com or through his Facebook Page Jonathan Roper Investigates.
From the death of Princess Diana and two Gulf wars to the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 he was leading the teams bringing the first news to a wider public. Most of his career was spent at the London Evening Standard. His time in journalism has left him with an indelible passion for news and current affairs and he tries to replicate that in his crime thriller series, Jonathan Roper investigates.
His son is profoundly autistic. It was thinking about him and how he fits into this complicated world was the inspiration for the Roper character. Who is highly intelligent, passionate, hard-working and autistic which can make him a bit hazy about social boundaries.
Leese reasoned that Roper gave him a great way to challenge perceptions, but also show some of the humour that can arise from the inevitable misunderstandings when someone on the autistic spectrum hits the world at full steam.
He was brought up in the West Midlands and can reveal a major celebrity connection, both he and Prince Williams are Aston Villa fans, although they have never met or discussed their personal affinity.
Growing up he had an ambition to be an elite athlete but gave that up by the age of nine on the grounds of having no talent. He often speculates that it is just as well as he enjoys creating characters for his books and probably wouldn’t have survived long in the corporate world.
He lives in Dorset with his wife Maria.
If you would like to contact Michael, you can either send him an email at hello@michael-leese.com or through his Facebook Page Jonathan Roper Investigates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 7, 2019
I like Roper's character. Unique and different. A super smart investigator on the autistic spectrum.
Interesting suspense. Slightly OTT with an Artificial Intelligence and involvement of GCHQ... but it made me think 😉
The serial killer identity took me by surprise, and not because I didn't get why and when, but I totally forgot his character from the beginning of the story. Too many names for an old me 😂
3.5 stars
Interesting suspense. Slightly OTT with an Artificial Intelligence and involvement of GCHQ... but it made me think 😉
The serial killer identity took me by surprise, and not because I didn't get why and when, but I totally forgot his character from the beginning of the story. Too many names for an old me 😂
3.5 stars
November 16, 2017
A totally enjoyable police procedural involving detectives in intelligence , including a brilliant autistic man, Jonathan Roper. This is the second in this series, and both show how every person uses their own special skills in different ways. We see the way relationships are formed between very different people, which enhances the way crimes are and can be solved.
Roper is a wonderful person, well aware of his relationship problems, and lucky to have one DI who understands and assists him . This is Brian Hooley, a great DI in his own right, but able to understand and work with young Roper to help solve unimaginable crimes.
This is a great mystery, I love all the characters and became entrenched in a suspenseful plot. Encourage all crime story readers to take a look at this wonderful series!!
Roper is a wonderful person, well aware of his relationship problems, and lucky to have one DI who understands and assists him . This is Brian Hooley, a great DI in his own right, but able to understand and work with young Roper to help solve unimaginable crimes.
This is a great mystery, I love all the characters and became entrenched in a suspenseful plot. Encourage all crime story readers to take a look at this wonderful series!!
November 22, 2017
The blurb of this book sounds really awesome and that's why I requested this ARC from StoryCartel.
I loved the idea of a lead character who wasn't perfect. And I loved Jonathan Roper. His character was intriguing, he made me laugh at times with his bluntness, and to be absolutely honest, he was adorable.
Jonathan Roper and Brian Hooley were my favorites from the novel.
Though the novel itself, I found a bit lacking. I had to struggle through it a lot. I try to not give up on a book, and that's why I tried my best and finished reading this book.
I must admit the ending was really good, but there were many chapters where o was so confused I had no idea what was happening. At times, the conversations between characters got so technical that they were hard to understand.
Despite that, I did finish it because quite frankly, I wanted to know what happens next and also if my guess about the killer was correct. And it was.
So yes, even though it wasn't an easy read, I had fun reading it (half of the time) and I'm happy that I made it to the end.
I loved the idea of a lead character who wasn't perfect. And I loved Jonathan Roper. His character was intriguing, he made me laugh at times with his bluntness, and to be absolutely honest, he was adorable.
Jonathan Roper and Brian Hooley were my favorites from the novel.
Though the novel itself, I found a bit lacking. I had to struggle through it a lot. I try to not give up on a book, and that's why I tried my best and finished reading this book.
I must admit the ending was really good, but there were many chapters where o was so confused I had no idea what was happening. At times, the conversations between characters got so technical that they were hard to understand.
Despite that, I did finish it because quite frankly, I wanted to know what happens next and also if my guess about the killer was correct. And it was.
So yes, even though it wasn't an easy read, I had fun reading it (half of the time) and I'm happy that I made it to the end.
June 16, 2019
I liked the first book far more than this one that goes beyond plausibility. It is so far out there I don't even wish to describe the plot. I still like the main characters, so I will probably get around to trying the 3rd in the series before my Kindle Unlimited expires.
As outlandish as this was, I had just tried reading five books prior to this one that I had to dump. So...clearly this one has merit with regard to the main characters and the autism feature.
As outlandish as this was, I had just tried reading five books prior to this one that I had to dump. So...clearly this one has merit with regard to the main characters and the autism feature.
November 21, 2017
Oh dear
I enjoyed the first book but this was ridiculous. Needed a good editing for spelling and punctuation. Disappointing drivel. I learned more about sandwiches than police work.
I enjoyed the first book but this was ridiculous. Needed a good editing for spelling and punctuation. Disappointing drivel. I learned more about sandwiches than police work.
February 11, 2022
IT WAS A LITTLE SLOW IN SPOTS BUT I ENJOYED IT ANYWAY. I JUST LIKE ROPER SO MUCH I OVERLOOKED THE SLOW PARTS. IT WAS INTERSTING WATCHING THE KILLER UNRAVEL AND NOT KNOWNING WHY. I BET THIS IS SORT OF EXPLAINS WHY INFORMATION SHARING IS NOT WORKING MOST TIMES. HOW CAN YOU TRUST INFORMATION LACED WITH PARTIAL TRUTHS AND LIES? THAT’S A BIG PART O THE TROUBLE WE’RE HAVING RIGHT NOW IN THE WORLD. . . NATIONAL SECURITY . . . REALLY? ROPER SEEMS LIKE MACHINE AND LIKE AN ENGINE HE REQUIRES A LOT OF FUEL. THE MORE HE THINKS THE MORE FOOD & DRINKS HE NEEDS. ;D
January 6, 2022
This is book 2 in the Hooley and Roper series by Michael Leese but they do work well as stand alone.
The story begins with this pair of unlikely friends and colleagues working in different areas. Hooley is still DCI working for the Special Investigations Unit in London while consultant analyst Jonathan Roper has been transferred to GCHQ in Gloucestershire. Then Hooley receives a message that there is a car outside and he is quickly whisked off before he even has time to tell his boss. He soon realises that he will be reunited with Roper sooner than he thought.
It appears that Roper cannot function properly without his friend and Hooley has been whisked to join him in the hope of making sense of the jumble in Roper's head. Roper had a reputation for solving puzzles that had never been seen before but recently he had lost his way and GCHQ were hoping by bringing Hooley to work with him it would all start to make sense.
Meanwhile back in London Mayweather has to allocate Hooley's case to Cleverly.
Confused? So was I but it does all start to make sense very quickly.
As with the previous book I found this pair amusing to read about I love the way they interact with each other and other people and also the way each looks out for the other. But is that going to be enough when there is obviously a psychopath at work. One who has hacked in to high security systems and is on a mission to discredit Roper along with other very dangerous plans.
This is an absolutely riveting book. The suspense ramps up all the way through to the stunning ending. Will this be the case that finishes Roper?
Fantastic read and I cant wait to read book 3.
The story begins with this pair of unlikely friends and colleagues working in different areas. Hooley is still DCI working for the Special Investigations Unit in London while consultant analyst Jonathan Roper has been transferred to GCHQ in Gloucestershire. Then Hooley receives a message that there is a car outside and he is quickly whisked off before he even has time to tell his boss. He soon realises that he will be reunited with Roper sooner than he thought.
It appears that Roper cannot function properly without his friend and Hooley has been whisked to join him in the hope of making sense of the jumble in Roper's head. Roper had a reputation for solving puzzles that had never been seen before but recently he had lost his way and GCHQ were hoping by bringing Hooley to work with him it would all start to make sense.
Meanwhile back in London Mayweather has to allocate Hooley's case to Cleverly.
Confused? So was I but it does all start to make sense very quickly.
As with the previous book I found this pair amusing to read about I love the way they interact with each other and other people and also the way each looks out for the other. But is that going to be enough when there is obviously a psychopath at work. One who has hacked in to high security systems and is on a mission to discredit Roper along with other very dangerous plans.
This is an absolutely riveting book. The suspense ramps up all the way through to the stunning ending. Will this be the case that finishes Roper?
Fantastic read and I cant wait to read book 3.
February 28, 2022
The 2nd book in the Hooley & Roper series. You can't help but love their totally opposing characters.
A great interesting, easy read, with lots of trying to work out who's doing what.
👍👍👍👍👍
A great interesting, easy read, with lots of trying to work out who's doing what.
👍👍👍👍👍
July 22, 2019
I enjoyed having a main character that doesn't necessarily fit the usual traits.
July 17, 2020
My review of the first book in this series started: "Holy Moly! What a great character and plot!" Well, "Holy Moly! What a disappointment #2 in the series is!" The plot was disjointed, there were far more words devoted to eating than the mystery. There was chapter upon chapter when nothing happened atall.
I will go to #3 because Roper and Hooley (and Mayweather) are such good characters, but I wished I skipped this one.
I will go to #3 because Roper and Hooley (and Mayweather) are such good characters, but I wished I skipped this one.
June 17, 2018
Sci-fi High Tech.
I Can See You is a good mix of Sci-fi and mystery thriller. I enjoyed reading this a bit more than the first. I like the idea of Jonathan Roper and his unusual way of thinking and solving puzzles. It was good to see that DCI Hooley gets a bigger role and more credit than he did in the first book.
Reading the next in the series is very much on the cards.
I Can See You is a good mix of Sci-fi and mystery thriller. I enjoyed reading this a bit more than the first. I like the idea of Jonathan Roper and his unusual way of thinking and solving puzzles. It was good to see that DCI Hooley gets a bigger role and more credit than he did in the first book.
Reading the next in the series is very much on the cards.
February 12, 2022
Quite literally, it's a mind blowing read!
Intriguing to say the least, if not a little scary if you imagine the secrecy and science that maybe cyber security could be infiltrated by someone you trust. Not only that Hooley and Roper are both in the crosshairs of this sadistic ruthless killer whose torture methods are second to none!
This book is very dark and extremely deep but at the same time immensely sensitive to the brain power of those we don't understand!
DCI Hooper and Jonathan Roper are struggling to work out the reasoning behind the killers ultimate aim, nothing makes any sense or reasoning behind the killers actions, except the fact Jonathan's rainbow effect thoughts keep cropping up then disappearing just as quickly, is someone trying to get inside his head? Even more worryingly it looks increasingly like Hooper is next on the killer's list!
Ooh, this is a seriously disturbing and gripping read, especially if you like to go down the psychological route too. Lots of twists and turns blind alleys that strip your nerve endings at the very least. This is heart in your mouth reading; just have to remember to breathe occasionally. I loved book 1 and didn't think it possible but this is even better. I can't recommend this series highly enough plus its so out of the norm - buy - read - enjoy!
Intriguing to say the least, if not a little scary if you imagine the secrecy and science that maybe cyber security could be infiltrated by someone you trust. Not only that Hooley and Roper are both in the crosshairs of this sadistic ruthless killer whose torture methods are second to none!
This book is very dark and extremely deep but at the same time immensely sensitive to the brain power of those we don't understand!
DCI Hooper and Jonathan Roper are struggling to work out the reasoning behind the killers ultimate aim, nothing makes any sense or reasoning behind the killers actions, except the fact Jonathan's rainbow effect thoughts keep cropping up then disappearing just as quickly, is someone trying to get inside his head? Even more worryingly it looks increasingly like Hooper is next on the killer's list!
Ooh, this is a seriously disturbing and gripping read, especially if you like to go down the psychological route too. Lots of twists and turns blind alleys that strip your nerve endings at the very least. This is heart in your mouth reading; just have to remember to breathe occasionally. I loved book 1 and didn't think it possible but this is even better. I can't recommend this series highly enough plus its so out of the norm - buy - read - enjoy!
March 9, 2019
Interestingly Different
I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this book about how someone on the autistic spectrum would cope with all the challenges and potentially fast paced changes, not to mention strict protocols about how things are done, that inevitably come from working in law enforcement.
There are a few places where I had to go back and re-read a few paragraphs to fully understand some of the terminology used but that didn't detract from the overall enjoyment I got from the story. It was nice to see the main protagonist, in a thriller type book, having this kind of back story. I was a little concerned that it wouldn't be handled sensitively or that so much would be made of the autistic attributes of the character that he would come across as almost comical but non of that is an issue. You can tell that the author has a really good understanding of the various issues that can effect how someone on the autistic spectrum thinks, acts and feels and how widely these differ from person to person.
The book did get a little complicated in some areas with double bluffs and secret plans between different characters that didn't initially make sense, (hence some of the rereading of certain paragraphs) but overall an enjoyable read.
I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this book about how someone on the autistic spectrum would cope with all the challenges and potentially fast paced changes, not to mention strict protocols about how things are done, that inevitably come from working in law enforcement.
There are a few places where I had to go back and re-read a few paragraphs to fully understand some of the terminology used but that didn't detract from the overall enjoyment I got from the story. It was nice to see the main protagonist, in a thriller type book, having this kind of back story. I was a little concerned that it wouldn't be handled sensitively or that so much would be made of the autistic attributes of the character that he would come across as almost comical but non of that is an issue. You can tell that the author has a really good understanding of the various issues that can effect how someone on the autistic spectrum thinks, acts and feels and how widely these differ from person to person.
The book did get a little complicated in some areas with double bluffs and secret plans between different characters that didn't initially make sense, (hence some of the rereading of certain paragraphs) but overall an enjoyable read.
July 7, 2019
Another Brilliant Roper & Hooley Thriller!
This book is first class in my opinion. Extremely well written, fantastic characters and a brilliant plot. This is the second book I have read (listened to) in the Jonathan Roper and Brian Hooley detective series, although I know they can also be read stand alone.
I did not think you could improve on the first book but this was truly amazing. I listened on Audio which breathes so much life to the people involved. It has such a huge human element that I actually had tears in my eyes at the end, no spoilers though.
The plot was so original, I have honestly never read a detective novel like it. The fact that Jonathan is on the Autistic spectrum is fascinating. I know the author, Michael Leese has a son with autism so he writes fromg true experience and not just research on the condition. It is this that draws you in so much more and I found myself caring so much about Jonathan and what happened to him. Yes it is a Detective/Thriller, but it takes you through so many emotions throughout the page turner of a book and not just one of fear!
I would highly recommend this book if you want to read something a little different. I cannot wait to start the next.
This book is first class in my opinion. Extremely well written, fantastic characters and a brilliant plot. This is the second book I have read (listened to) in the Jonathan Roper and Brian Hooley detective series, although I know they can also be read stand alone.
I did not think you could improve on the first book but this was truly amazing. I listened on Audio which breathes so much life to the people involved. It has such a huge human element that I actually had tears in my eyes at the end, no spoilers though.
The plot was so original, I have honestly never read a detective novel like it. The fact that Jonathan is on the Autistic spectrum is fascinating. I know the author, Michael Leese has a son with autism so he writes fromg true experience and not just research on the condition. It is this that draws you in so much more and I found myself caring so much about Jonathan and what happened to him. Yes it is a Detective/Thriller, but it takes you through so many emotions throughout the page turner of a book and not just one of fear!
I would highly recommend this book if you want to read something a little different. I cannot wait to start the next.
September 9, 2020
This is the second in a series I recently discovered via Kindle Owners Lending Library/Prime Reading. Jonathan Roper has a mind that works like no one else's. He's been asked to assist the Government security services as an analyst and to try to explain his method to others in the group -- all folks who are 'extraordinary' thinkers, as it were. He's apparently discovered a significant threat, but when progress slows, his old friend Brian Hooley joins him in the hope that the familiar working relationship will help knock something loose.
Meanwhile, in Hooley and Roper's old police unit, they're dealing with an apparent series of fairly gruesome murders. Of course the reader figures there MUST be a connection, but it's a complex situation and hard for an ordinary mind to figure out what. :)
There were, again, some editing misses but not enough to grossly pull one out of the story. Besides the investigative aspect, it's also interesting to watch the development of the relationship between the two, as well as with their other colleagues.
Meanwhile, in Hooley and Roper's old police unit, they're dealing with an apparent series of fairly gruesome murders. Of course the reader figures there MUST be a connection, but it's a complex situation and hard for an ordinary mind to figure out what. :)
There were, again, some editing misses but not enough to grossly pull one out of the story. Besides the investigative aspect, it's also interesting to watch the development of the relationship between the two, as well as with their other colleagues.
October 30, 2021
Watch the watcher.
Roper and Hooley are definitely growing on me. Their unique partnership has grown into friendship and given them both a trusted confidant.
Having totally different personalities gives them the opportunity to share their insight into situations and think outside their own personal box.
At the start of this book, Roper has been seconded to work at GCHQ. Not settling well as first hoped, it is agreed that he is missing his sounding board, Hooley. So he is sent to join Jonathan Roper, leaving behind a rather gruesome case where the victim's face has been removed.
Roper can pick and choose what he wants to work on, his Rainbow Spectrum theory is shared with other brainiacs .
Three sets of information have attracted his attention, but the more he shares with Hooley, the more he believes that the information has been planted to blind him to what is really taking place
Roper and Hooley are definitely growing on me. Their unique partnership has grown into friendship and given them both a trusted confidant.
Having totally different personalities gives them the opportunity to share their insight into situations and think outside their own personal box.
At the start of this book, Roper has been seconded to work at GCHQ. Not settling well as first hoped, it is agreed that he is missing his sounding board, Hooley. So he is sent to join Jonathan Roper, leaving behind a rather gruesome case where the victim's face has been removed.
Roper can pick and choose what he wants to work on, his Rainbow Spectrum theory is shared with other brainiacs .
Three sets of information have attracted his attention, but the more he shares with Hooley, the more he believes that the information has been planted to blind him to what is really taking place
October 2, 2025
These books are a little different from the usual in this genre and are all the better for it. The storylines may be a little far fetched but that absolutely does not detract from their appeal in any way, especially with this one because who knows what top secret technology is out there? By virtue of being ‘top secret’ we would not know. I like the idea of a character whom the reader had to work out for themselves was neurodivergent rather than it being spelled out. There may be a little stereotyping of neurodivergence in Jonathan or maybe it really is just his phenomenal IQ at work. Either way, these are engaging stories with a few odd quirks (other than the obvious) thrown in for good measure.
I didn’t care that I worked out who was behind all the ill deeds fairly quickly, that doesn’t matter because there is still enough to confuse and a puzzle to work out how it worked.
I am enjoying these stories far more than I expected to.
I didn’t care that I worked out who was behind all the ill deeds fairly quickly, that doesn’t matter because there is still enough to confuse and a puzzle to work out how it worked.
I am enjoying these stories far more than I expected to.
March 11, 2019
Excellent Read
I really enjoyed reading this book for several reasons. It was well written and edited, something I find to be rare in self-published books. The story line was interesting, intriguing and well thought out. The characters were believable and well developed. The autistic character was particularly well done, in my opinion - excellent but not as overly extraordinarily good at his job as autistic characters are often written now-a-days. Really quite believable. The outcome was satisfying and the perpetrator was both in the story from the start and not obvious until he/she was meant to be. This is the first book of the series that I have read and it read well without having read the previous one, though I intend to go back and purchase the first book and then the subsequent books in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book for several reasons. It was well written and edited, something I find to be rare in self-published books. The story line was interesting, intriguing and well thought out. The characters were believable and well developed. The autistic character was particularly well done, in my opinion - excellent but not as overly extraordinarily good at his job as autistic characters are often written now-a-days. Really quite believable. The outcome was satisfying and the perpetrator was both in the story from the start and not obvious until he/she was meant to be. This is the first book of the series that I have read and it read well without having read the previous one, though I intend to go back and purchase the first book and then the subsequent books in the series.
May 23, 2023
When I read the first book in this series, I was hooked instantly. I was glad when I realised it was a series, as I wanted to delve deeper into Roper and Hooley’s relationship. Hooley’s ability to understand how Roper works and operates makes for a heartwarming storyline. We’re all quick to judge people who may be a little different. The details of the crime being solved in the book were incredibly gruesome, and for some parts quite complex. The discussion of different terrorist/extremist groups linking together means you have to use your full attention when reading so you don’t miss a detail. The plot twist at the end was one I didn’t see coming, it was unusual and brilliantly executed. This book was both gruesome and gripping, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
July 3, 2020
A thriller with a twist.
Detective Jonathan Roped is both brilliant and a high functioning autistic investigator. This makes him a target for a psychopathic peer with a need to outshine his co-worker. The fact that autistic people are typically free of deceit makes them an oddity in society and a target for bullies. However, his unique personality is endearing to others who are not threatened by superior intellect. His colleague, Detective Brian Hooley, has become his mentor in social skills as well as his friend who helps him navigate his brilliant mind and solve crimes committed by persons with convoluted and sinister plots.
Detective Jonathan Roped is both brilliant and a high functioning autistic investigator. This makes him a target for a psychopathic peer with a need to outshine his co-worker. The fact that autistic people are typically free of deceit makes them an oddity in society and a target for bullies. However, his unique personality is endearing to others who are not threatened by superior intellect. His colleague, Detective Brian Hooley, has become his mentor in social skills as well as his friend who helps him navigate his brilliant mind and solve crimes committed by persons with convoluted and sinister plots.
March 5, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Michael Leese and I really enjoyed it. The book is well written and gives you an insight into how some peoples brains work differently to others, and how people around them give them support or not.
The main characters are brought to life the further you read through the book which gives you the ability to imagine what Brian Hooley and Roper looks like.
This is an excellent dectective mysery with a twist and I would recommend you read it for yourself.
The main characters are brought to life the further you read through the book which gives you the ability to imagine what Brian Hooley and Roper looks like.
This is an excellent dectective mysery with a twist and I would recommend you read it for yourself.
February 19, 2021
After reading Going Underground I couldn't wait to read this book, the second in the series. It started really well but seemed to get so caught up in international or military spying that I found it very confusing.. I almost gave up on it but persevered by skimming anything happening at GCHQ. Basically because I wanted to know who was the bad guy. It had a very satisfying conclusion but I can only hope that Jonathan Roper returns to the Yard in the next book and Mr. Leese leaves spying to others.
April 5, 2019
3 1/2 stars
I loved certain elements off the book. One of the main characters having autism and using his intelligence,creating an environment for him to be successful was awesome. The story itself was very good as well. I personally felt the were times that it dragged and to much repetition of trying to get him to remember things - it kept going on and on about changing his routine. Other than that, our was a good story.
I loved certain elements off the book. One of the main characters having autism and using his intelligence,creating an environment for him to be successful was awesome. The story itself was very good as well. I personally felt the were times that it dragged and to much repetition of trying to get him to remember things - it kept going on and on about changing his routine. Other than that, our was a good story.
April 10, 2019
Excellent read
I enjoyed the storyline and character development. The intimate interplay between Roper and Brian is brilliant. The humanity and friendship displayed is dispersed with laughter that happens in all healthy relationships. The quirks in all of us, are seen through these guys with an additional layer of solving crimes together with 2 different approaches-one a seasoned cop another a highly intelligent young man on the autistic spectrum.
I enjoyed the storyline and character development. The intimate interplay between Roper and Brian is brilliant. The humanity and friendship displayed is dispersed with laughter that happens in all healthy relationships. The quirks in all of us, are seen through these guys with an additional layer of solving crimes together with 2 different approaches-one a seasoned cop another a highly intelligent young man on the autistic spectrum.
July 6, 2019
Because of the specific nature of the detective with autism and an incredible brain, this is a good one. The plot and chalenges to the reader and the detectives keep getting more involved and you don't feel that you have a handle on the story until it is explained to us in an email made to a partner detective. I liked the characters- certainly a change rom so many mystery books, and the pace was fast. This was an inytriguing book.
September 7, 2019
I started with the first book in this series and have finished the first three - these are readable books with interesting characters and a bit of humor, but I wasn't enamored enough with the characters or the series to buy the fourth book in the series - Overall, a good read by an accomplished author, but not the best I've ever read. Just s0-so. I read these books on my phone in waiting rooms and to pass the time and that's about all they're good for.
March 3, 2020
Great story and new insights into Roper and Hooley
The continuing development of the main characters and a great story held my attention.. The author develops Roper and his autism as a person you would truly like to meet and Hooley's relationship with Roper is how you yourself would hope to interact with an autistic person. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.
The continuing development of the main characters and a great story held my attention.. The author develops Roper and his autism as a person you would truly like to meet and Hooley's relationship with Roper is how you yourself would hope to interact with an autistic person. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.
January 30, 2022
Was drawn in by the title alone but was a little disappointed by the results.
Still an interesting duo, but felt this time the actual case didn't live up to the title, was almost like an afterthought to try and perk up the story a bit. Didn't want to post spoilers but the job held by the perpetrator just doesn't marry up with the twist, conveniently it never ever happened when they were at work.
Also just 2 books in I'm a little tired of the miraculous rainbow spectrum.
Still an interesting duo, but felt this time the actual case didn't live up to the title, was almost like an afterthought to try and perk up the story a bit. Didn't want to post spoilers but the job held by the perpetrator just doesn't marry up with the twist, conveniently it never ever happened when they were at work.
Also just 2 books in I'm a little tired of the miraculous rainbow spectrum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
The story mostly takes place in GCHQ, Cheltenham which is where the Autistic Detective Jonathan Roper has been employed. Hitting a mental block he asks for help from his old partner from book 1. Despite the first three pages indicating this would be an exciting gruesome story the interesting bits are all in the last forty odd pages. An awful lot of time is spent ordering, eating, or describing food. A lackluster, disappointing uneventful read.
May 5, 2019
A brilliant read
A book I enjoyed immensely. I will certainly be reading the other books in the series. I loved the characters; Roper is quite a unique and fascinating character, and along with Hooley, they make a great team. Interesting take on an autistic person with an amazing mind.
A book I enjoyed immensely. I will certainly be reading the other books in the series. I loved the characters; Roper is quite a unique and fascinating character, and along with Hooley, they make a great team. Interesting take on an autistic person with an amazing mind.
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