What do you think?
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas' Casebook
What colour death would you fear the most?
From the author of Movemind and Incite Insight, comes a collection of nine detective stories where colour plays a role in the mystery. Including:
Blue Bloods: A high school awards ceremony turns to tragedy when the audience turns blue as they die.
The 11th Killer: A serial killer's hair colour could be the key to their capture.
The Storyteller: An arsonist is trapping people in burning buildings, just to write a story about the rescuers.
Black Death: After a body is dumped in public, working out how the victim died is harder than decoding the intended message.
Fear the Red Man: An incident with the Red Man haunts Detective Thomas, but may also be the key to solving a new case.
Praise for Robert New's Books:
"A super sleuth" (Peter Lingard, Author)
"Thrilling mystery" (SC Karakaltsas, Author)
"Grippingly readable" (Sara Stuart, Author)
"Interesting and authentic twists" (Robert Sayegh, Author)
From the author of Movemind and Incite Insight, comes a collection of nine detective stories where colour plays a role in the mystery. Including:
Blue Bloods: A high school awards ceremony turns to tragedy when the audience turns blue as they die.
The 11th Killer: A serial killer's hair colour could be the key to their capture.
The Storyteller: An arsonist is trapping people in burning buildings, just to write a story about the rescuers.
Black Death: After a body is dumped in public, working out how the victim died is harder than decoding the intended message.
Fear the Red Man: An incident with the Red Man haunts Detective Thomas, but may also be the key to solving a new case.
Praise for Robert New's Books:
"A super sleuth" (Peter Lingard, Author)
"Thrilling mystery" (SC Karakaltsas, Author)
"Grippingly readable" (Sara Stuart, Author)
"Interesting and authentic twists" (Robert Sayegh, Author)
244 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
About the author
Robert New
17 books103 followersWhen he was in high school, a dare escalated a little too quickly, and Robert made the state final in an interpretive dance competition. Thankfully, his teacher was okay with him chickening out of the main event, thus preserving his affection for education. Whilst not a direct consequence, Robert has since spent much of his life studying and has completed seven university degrees, including a PhD in Education. Robert has degrees in psychology, sociology, biology and education, all of which inspire his writing. In his stories, Robert aims to shift the perspective of the reader through blending in science, psychology and other research findings.
Robert studied Wado-Ryu karate for nearly twenty years and ran his own dojo in Perth for several years. However, he is not currently training.
Robert is kosmemophobic, meaning he has a fear of jewellery. He has no idea why; it just freaks him out.
Robert studied Wado-Ryu karate for nearly twenty years and ran his own dojo in Perth for several years. However, he is not currently training.
Robert is kosmemophobic, meaning he has a fear of jewellery. He has no idea why; it just freaks him out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 1, 2019
This is verily the many colours of death,
As they come and go fleeting by,
For nature ordains that with certainty,
That everything that is born must surely die.
Biswajit Basu
COLOURS OF DEATH is a collection of 9 mysteries featuring Detective Brad Thomas and his team. Color plays a role in each short story.
Blue Bloods ..... A school awards ceremony turns deadly when people start turning blue and dying.
Black Death: After a body is dumped in public, working out how the victim died is harder than decoding the intended message.
These are just a couple of my favorites. Other colors featured are RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, VIOLET, GREEN, INDIGO, and WHITE.
Each death is wrapped in a mystery that is unique. These stories are well written distinctive stories. Watching the Detective and his team solve not only the who ... but the how.
Many thanks to the author / Tale Publishing / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this assortment of murder mysteries. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 8, 2020
A well written murder mystery short story collection...
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a fine collection of nine murder mystery short stories. It’s a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thrilling and suspenseful mystery compilation that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed and engaging set of whodunits, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the stories, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists along the way that I didn’t see coming, and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of a particular story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written murder mystery short story collection with perfect pacing.
Highly recommended reading to all fans of the genre and a well-deserved five stars from me. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a fine collection of nine murder mystery short stories. It’s a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thrilling and suspenseful mystery compilation that will guarantee the attention of the reader. A skillfully constructed and engaging set of whodunits, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the stories, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists along the way that I didn’t see coming, and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of a particular story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written murder mystery short story collection with perfect pacing.
Highly recommended reading to all fans of the genre and a well-deserved five stars from me. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 16, 2021
Spoilers: The color of death might be black as the symbolic color of mourning like seen on the robes of the Grim Reaper. It might be red, the color of blood when it comes outside of a body. In some cultures, the traditional color of mourning is white. However, according to Robert New's The Colours of Death: Sgt. Thomas' Casebook, death comes in a variety of colors.
Colours of Death is a suspenseful mystery anthology with an interesting premise: each short story takes the theme of a specific color. The colors in the title are revealed as a symptom of the murder (blue skin revealing that the victim has been poisoned as seen in "Blue: Blue Bloods" ) or a specific trait about the murderer or victim in question. (One of the characters has flaming red, almost orange hair, in the short story, "Orange: The 11th Killer.")
The stories fall into a mostly predictable pattern. A murder occurs somewhere in Perth, usually seen through the perspective of the potential victim or one of the eyewitnesses. Something odd happens or some unidentified character with a unique trait appears to make what the character sees even more bizarre. Then Sgt. Brad Thomas and his colleagues are called in to investigate the crime. The color element is introduced during the investigation describing either the cause of death or the victim or killer's appearance. Thomas interviews suspects and searches the scene of the crime to gather evidence and find probable solutions. He also discusses the case with others including his mentor, Prof. Engels, forensic pathologist, Sally Summers, and his fiancee, Amy Stevenson. Thomas uses his deductive skills or intuitive reasoning to come up with a Eureka moment, connected to the color. He discovers the killers' identity and gets them to confess in a final interview. Thomas is then left contemplating his dangerous career and upcoming marriage to Amy.
While the stories are formulaic by nature, the colors are made to explore all of the interesting ways and possibilities in which a murder can occur. New does a brilliant job of making each story unique in execution, connecting the story with the rest of the anthology, and also allowing the story to stand on its own as an interesting case in its own right.
The stories run an interesting gambit of murderous possibilities. In "Black: Black Death," Thomas investigates the murder of Johnny Smyth, a man who had his bones broken, organs damaged, and had been beaten so much that the bruises on his skin appeared black. ("It's like he was sandwiched between two trucks or fell from the sky from a parachute," Sally observes.) Thomas uses information that he gathered investigating images and memories from his own rural background to reason that Smyth had been killed and dropped into a mine that was owned by Athol "The Fugue" Fugate, a local crime boss posing as a legitimate businessman and reoccurring antagonist in Thomas' series. This is among the more gruesome cases, but it stands out because of the one on one struggle between the opposite sides of the law. Those sides are found in Thomas' Sherlock Holmes-like deductive reasoning and empathy towards the crime victims vs. Fugate's smooth ability to do away with his enemies and making his name known and feared by the general public while literally getting away with murder.
Thomas has a fascination with psychology and criminal profiling. That profiling comes into play in "Orange: The 11th Killer." Thomas engages in a conversation with Paul over an investigation in which 47 different hair samples are found around a series of dead bodies. Thomas reasons that the person is obsessed with hair. Perhaps he could be bald or has a unique hair color in which he was noticed or mocked for. (The orange in the title refers to hair color.) Thomas also notes that the killings occurred on the 11th of each month as an important date in the killer's life. Of course he is found to be right. There is almost something psychic about this approach to crime solving and the short length makes Thomas' observations a bit too quick and obvious. However, this story reveals how crime solvers get into the killers' minds to learn what they are obsessed with and what compels them to take such a dangerous path.
Another brilliant case is "Yellow: The Storyteller." Aaron Stevenson, Thomas' future brother in law, is contacted by a local serial killer known only as The Storyteller. In Jigsaw like fashion, the Storyteller kidnaps a family member of the chosen target and then calls them to tell them that they have exactly 45 minutes to solve three riddles or said family member would perish in a fire that the Storyteller would start. (Yellow as in flames. Thomas and co.'s only possibility is that the Storyteller is a firefighter because they know the exact time of fire progression.) During a tense three way conversation, Aaron,Thomas, and Engels reason their way through the riddles to save the life of Aaron's son, Jethro. The three men use their vast knowledge to determine the solutions. One example involves the clue "Franklin's 51st theft stole the credit for this." Instead of the more obvious choice of Benjamin Franklin, Engels comes up with the theory that the clue refers to Rosalind Franklin, whose photo fifty one revealed the helical structure of DNA and who was not given credit for the discovery until after her death. The story is almost a process of figuring out who is smarter: the criminal who gets people to play their games or the officers who are trying to end the game.
One of the more heartbreaking cases in the anthology is that in "Blue: Blue Bloods." A toxin is released during an awards ceremony at Sangre Azul School causing hundreds of deaths, most of them children. The blue in the title is a double meaning revealing the blue skin which is a symptom of the toxin and that the school's name is French for "blue blood." This is another case that is largely dependent on Thomas' rural background and knowledge of poisons, but what stands out is the emotional tone of this story. It is matter of fact but carries a sense of sadness about the realization that a whole school full of children, almost a generation, will never graduate and ascend to college, never be with their families, or never hang out with their friends, because of one person's hatred and vile actions. Hundreds of families are greatly affected by this tragedy including parents and siblings. The short story calls to mind real life mass murders such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which the majority of the victims were children.
New captures the senses well with his writing. The colors themselves capture sight and the many of the murders affect the victim's senses of smell and taste. 'White: Sting'' is one that activates the sense of touch not only in the victim but subconsciously in the Reader. Sally investigates the body of Grant Dillon. The cause of death was a self inflicted gunshot to the head but what confuses Sally is the body's appearance. Why was Dillon hairless all over and why was his skin red raw as though it had been waxed several times? Why was their one folder in his medical cabinet marked "Pain" which contained several receipts for prescribed and over the counter pain medication and alternative treatments? Dillon was clearly under a lot of pain that may have resulted in his suicide but what?
After talking to his doctor, Sally learns that Dillon had been infected for a year because of the stings from the white hair of the Gympie Gympie Tree, native only to Queensland. The hairs of the tree can embed in the skin and cause unbearable pain that can last for up to two years. ("It's like being burnt with hot acid and electrocuted at the same time," Dillon's doctor states.) Someone clearly wanted Dillon to suffer.
Readers with a low tolerance for pain or are extremely touch sensitive to rashes and bruises are advised to read only with plenty of aloe gel nearby to soothe the psychosomatic pain that will inflict in becoming too involved into this story.
Besides an interactive sensate experience thanks to New's description, the characterization in this story stand out. Both Dillon and the person who contributed to his death are written very sympathetically. Unlike many of the previous stories, there is a clear motive and understanding towards why someone would want to cause such suffering.
Also Sally emerges as a real hero in this story. In most of the previous stories in this anthology, Sally's role is to be Thomas' sidekick just to provide forensic analysis and be amazed at Thomas' observations and solutions. This time Thomas is in the back seat, preparing for his wedding and giving only a few suggestions to propel her investigation in certain directions. Refreshingly, "White: Sting" gives Sally a chance to do some real legwork, interview suspects, and come up with a solution based on her own medical expertise.
The Colours of Death is an anthology that reveals that death cannot only wear many faces, but it can be many colors as well.
Colours of Death is a suspenseful mystery anthology with an interesting premise: each short story takes the theme of a specific color. The colors in the title are revealed as a symptom of the murder (blue skin revealing that the victim has been poisoned as seen in "Blue: Blue Bloods" ) or a specific trait about the murderer or victim in question. (One of the characters has flaming red, almost orange hair, in the short story, "Orange: The 11th Killer.")
The stories fall into a mostly predictable pattern. A murder occurs somewhere in Perth, usually seen through the perspective of the potential victim or one of the eyewitnesses. Something odd happens or some unidentified character with a unique trait appears to make what the character sees even more bizarre. Then Sgt. Brad Thomas and his colleagues are called in to investigate the crime. The color element is introduced during the investigation describing either the cause of death or the victim or killer's appearance. Thomas interviews suspects and searches the scene of the crime to gather evidence and find probable solutions. He also discusses the case with others including his mentor, Prof. Engels, forensic pathologist, Sally Summers, and his fiancee, Amy Stevenson. Thomas uses his deductive skills or intuitive reasoning to come up with a Eureka moment, connected to the color. He discovers the killers' identity and gets them to confess in a final interview. Thomas is then left contemplating his dangerous career and upcoming marriage to Amy.
While the stories are formulaic by nature, the colors are made to explore all of the interesting ways and possibilities in which a murder can occur. New does a brilliant job of making each story unique in execution, connecting the story with the rest of the anthology, and also allowing the story to stand on its own as an interesting case in its own right.
The stories run an interesting gambit of murderous possibilities. In "Black: Black Death," Thomas investigates the murder of Johnny Smyth, a man who had his bones broken, organs damaged, and had been beaten so much that the bruises on his skin appeared black. ("It's like he was sandwiched between two trucks or fell from the sky from a parachute," Sally observes.) Thomas uses information that he gathered investigating images and memories from his own rural background to reason that Smyth had been killed and dropped into a mine that was owned by Athol "The Fugue" Fugate, a local crime boss posing as a legitimate businessman and reoccurring antagonist in Thomas' series. This is among the more gruesome cases, but it stands out because of the one on one struggle between the opposite sides of the law. Those sides are found in Thomas' Sherlock Holmes-like deductive reasoning and empathy towards the crime victims vs. Fugate's smooth ability to do away with his enemies and making his name known and feared by the general public while literally getting away with murder.
Thomas has a fascination with psychology and criminal profiling. That profiling comes into play in "Orange: The 11th Killer." Thomas engages in a conversation with Paul over an investigation in which 47 different hair samples are found around a series of dead bodies. Thomas reasons that the person is obsessed with hair. Perhaps he could be bald or has a unique hair color in which he was noticed or mocked for. (The orange in the title refers to hair color.) Thomas also notes that the killings occurred on the 11th of each month as an important date in the killer's life. Of course he is found to be right. There is almost something psychic about this approach to crime solving and the short length makes Thomas' observations a bit too quick and obvious. However, this story reveals how crime solvers get into the killers' minds to learn what they are obsessed with and what compels them to take such a dangerous path.
Another brilliant case is "Yellow: The Storyteller." Aaron Stevenson, Thomas' future brother in law, is contacted by a local serial killer known only as The Storyteller. In Jigsaw like fashion, the Storyteller kidnaps a family member of the chosen target and then calls them to tell them that they have exactly 45 minutes to solve three riddles or said family member would perish in a fire that the Storyteller would start. (Yellow as in flames. Thomas and co.'s only possibility is that the Storyteller is a firefighter because they know the exact time of fire progression.) During a tense three way conversation, Aaron,Thomas, and Engels reason their way through the riddles to save the life of Aaron's son, Jethro. The three men use their vast knowledge to determine the solutions. One example involves the clue "Franklin's 51st theft stole the credit for this." Instead of the more obvious choice of Benjamin Franklin, Engels comes up with the theory that the clue refers to Rosalind Franklin, whose photo fifty one revealed the helical structure of DNA and who was not given credit for the discovery until after her death. The story is almost a process of figuring out who is smarter: the criminal who gets people to play their games or the officers who are trying to end the game.
One of the more heartbreaking cases in the anthology is that in "Blue: Blue Bloods." A toxin is released during an awards ceremony at Sangre Azul School causing hundreds of deaths, most of them children. The blue in the title is a double meaning revealing the blue skin which is a symptom of the toxin and that the school's name is French for "blue blood." This is another case that is largely dependent on Thomas' rural background and knowledge of poisons, but what stands out is the emotional tone of this story. It is matter of fact but carries a sense of sadness about the realization that a whole school full of children, almost a generation, will never graduate and ascend to college, never be with their families, or never hang out with their friends, because of one person's hatred and vile actions. Hundreds of families are greatly affected by this tragedy including parents and siblings. The short story calls to mind real life mass murders such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which the majority of the victims were children.
New captures the senses well with his writing. The colors themselves capture sight and the many of the murders affect the victim's senses of smell and taste. 'White: Sting'' is one that activates the sense of touch not only in the victim but subconsciously in the Reader. Sally investigates the body of Grant Dillon. The cause of death was a self inflicted gunshot to the head but what confuses Sally is the body's appearance. Why was Dillon hairless all over and why was his skin red raw as though it had been waxed several times? Why was their one folder in his medical cabinet marked "Pain" which contained several receipts for prescribed and over the counter pain medication and alternative treatments? Dillon was clearly under a lot of pain that may have resulted in his suicide but what?
After talking to his doctor, Sally learns that Dillon had been infected for a year because of the stings from the white hair of the Gympie Gympie Tree, native only to Queensland. The hairs of the tree can embed in the skin and cause unbearable pain that can last for up to two years. ("It's like being burnt with hot acid and electrocuted at the same time," Dillon's doctor states.) Someone clearly wanted Dillon to suffer.
Readers with a low tolerance for pain or are extremely touch sensitive to rashes and bruises are advised to read only with plenty of aloe gel nearby to soothe the psychosomatic pain that will inflict in becoming too involved into this story.
Besides an interactive sensate experience thanks to New's description, the characterization in this story stand out. Both Dillon and the person who contributed to his death are written very sympathetically. Unlike many of the previous stories, there is a clear motive and understanding towards why someone would want to cause such suffering.
Also Sally emerges as a real hero in this story. In most of the previous stories in this anthology, Sally's role is to be Thomas' sidekick just to provide forensic analysis and be amazed at Thomas' observations and solutions. This time Thomas is in the back seat, preparing for his wedding and giving only a few suggestions to propel her investigation in certain directions. Refreshingly, "White: Sting" gives Sally a chance to do some real legwork, interview suspects, and come up with a solution based on her own medical expertise.
The Colours of Death is an anthology that reveals that death cannot only wear many faces, but it can be many colors as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Colours of Death is a collection of 9 police procedural short fiction stories set in Australia. Released 1st July 2019, written by Robert New, it's 244 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I enjoy intelligently written procedurals and this is a collection of 9 short and satisfying examples of the craft. The main character, Detective Sergeant Brad Thomas, is refreshingly normal, intelligent and well spoken, in a healthy relationship with his fiancée, Amy. The stories are loosely tied together by a theme of colour, the abnormal bruising of victims (Black Death), the physical appearance of the perpetrator (Fear the Red Man), and on through the rest of the colour spectrum.
All of the stories are well written and competently plotted and paced. The characters are finely drawn with believable internal motivations. The writing style is simple and easy to read with some interestingly complex technical plot devices.
Written and set in Australia, the language and spelling are Antipodean, but the meanings are perfectly understandable in context. The language is fairly clean, with a very few instances of cursing, also used in context. There is no sexual content, and one plot which revolves around a self inflicted gunshot wound (not written in a triggering manner).
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; this title, as well as much of the author's oeuvre is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Enjoyable read. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Colours of Death is a collection of 9 police procedural short fiction stories set in Australia. Released 1st July 2019, written by Robert New, it's 244 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I enjoy intelligently written procedurals and this is a collection of 9 short and satisfying examples of the craft. The main character, Detective Sergeant Brad Thomas, is refreshingly normal, intelligent and well spoken, in a healthy relationship with his fiancée, Amy. The stories are loosely tied together by a theme of colour, the abnormal bruising of victims (Black Death), the physical appearance of the perpetrator (Fear the Red Man), and on through the rest of the colour spectrum.
All of the stories are well written and competently plotted and paced. The characters are finely drawn with believable internal motivations. The writing style is simple and easy to read with some interestingly complex technical plot devices.
Written and set in Australia, the language and spelling are Antipodean, but the meanings are perfectly understandable in context. The language is fairly clean, with a very few instances of cursing, also used in context. There is no sexual content, and one plot which revolves around a self inflicted gunshot wound (not written in a triggering manner).
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; this title, as well as much of the author's oeuvre is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Enjoyable read. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 16, 2020
The Palette of Murder
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a compilation of nine murder mystery short stories. In addition to the common thread of each being a murder mystery assigned to the detective work of Sgt. Thomas, each of the stories revolve around a certain color which signifies or highlights the method or mode of death.
For example, one story around the color of black signifies a horrific death perpetrated upon individuals in whom a crime boss wishes to make an example. Another color centralizes on the color red and involves a driver who is killed in an automobile wreck. Was it an accident or a case of a sophisticated murder? Another story utilizes the color yellow and involves a criminal known as the Storyteller who provides clues to the relatives of victims and provides so much time to find their loved one before it is too late.
Colors of Death is an imaginative murder mystery set of stories that is sure to draw in the reader and satisfy their interest and enjoyment of murder mysteries. Additionally, many of the stories have components of forensic science as there is a character whose name is Samantha and the development of her character and her vast expertise in determining the causes of death is a very intriguing aspect of the book.
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a well-written, thought provoking, intriguing collection of stories that fully displays their own non-traditional methods of committing murder. The stories are well thought out and engaging and are sure to entertain the reader through not only the carry out of the murders, but the solving of the crimes through investigative work, autopsies and forensic science.
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a compilation of nine murder mystery short stories. In addition to the common thread of each being a murder mystery assigned to the detective work of Sgt. Thomas, each of the stories revolve around a certain color which signifies or highlights the method or mode of death.
For example, one story around the color of black signifies a horrific death perpetrated upon individuals in whom a crime boss wishes to make an example. Another color centralizes on the color red and involves a driver who is killed in an automobile wreck. Was it an accident or a case of a sophisticated murder? Another story utilizes the color yellow and involves a criminal known as the Storyteller who provides clues to the relatives of victims and provides so much time to find their loved one before it is too late.
Colors of Death is an imaginative murder mystery set of stories that is sure to draw in the reader and satisfy their interest and enjoyment of murder mysteries. Additionally, many of the stories have components of forensic science as there is a character whose name is Samantha and the development of her character and her vast expertise in determining the causes of death is a very intriguing aspect of the book.
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas Casebook by Robert New is a well-written, thought provoking, intriguing collection of stories that fully displays their own non-traditional methods of committing murder. The stories are well thought out and engaging and are sure to entertain the reader through not only the carry out of the murders, but the solving of the crimes through investigative work, autopsies and forensic science.
November 7, 2019
I love a good ‘who done it’ book, and enjoy discovering new detectives. I have known the author, Robert New, for a number of years as we went to the same writer’s group, and this is the first of his books that I’ve read. No idea why it took me so long!
Colours of Death is a series of stories that vary in length that follow cases that land on the desk of Sargeant Brad Thomas and his team. The thing that ties all the cases together is that they each feature a colour of some sort.
I really enjoyed the different cases and the creative ways that both the murders were committed and how the team solved them. The only real issue I had with the stories was the suggestion that pain doctors would send someone for Calmare treatment early on, when often they either haven’t heard of it or use it as a last resort. My favourite story was the one featuring koalas (I won’t tell you any more than that, you will have to read the book for the full story).
Brad Thomas was an interesting character who used his mind and lateral thinking to solve crimes rather than just relying on modern technology, but he didn’t do things alone. He also has an equally interesting team that includes the forensic examiner, other detectives, his fiance, and his mentor. All of these characters I would like to get to know more. I really hope there is a follow up collection of stories.
A great book for anyone who loves detective stories.
Colours of Death is a series of stories that vary in length that follow cases that land on the desk of Sargeant Brad Thomas and his team. The thing that ties all the cases together is that they each feature a colour of some sort.
I really enjoyed the different cases and the creative ways that both the murders were committed and how the team solved them. The only real issue I had with the stories was the suggestion that pain doctors would send someone for Calmare treatment early on, when often they either haven’t heard of it or use it as a last resort. My favourite story was the one featuring koalas (I won’t tell you any more than that, you will have to read the book for the full story).
Brad Thomas was an interesting character who used his mind and lateral thinking to solve crimes rather than just relying on modern technology, but he didn’t do things alone. He also has an equally interesting team that includes the forensic examiner, other detectives, his fiance, and his mentor. All of these characters I would like to get to know more. I really hope there is a follow up collection of stories.
A great book for anyone who loves detective stories.
November 14, 2020
Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas’ Casebook by Robert New is a collection of short murder mysteries compiled into one book.
Although each book contains a different colour, as the title hints, they relate to each short story. Each murder has a specific colour that either signifies or highlights the method or cause of the deaths. The only thing that is similar in each story and the connecting thread is the detective being assigned to all the murders Sgt. Thomas. I’m not the biggest fan of mysteries or blood thirsty murders due to some of the things being gruesomely described. That being said trying to keep an open mind while reading this, the author has cleverly written the book so that even the readers that aren’t the biggest fans are easily drawn in and wait to figure out the ‘who did it’. This is definitely not for some, including myself, a before or bedtime read due to the gore or horrific detail. The character creation has been well created and they were interesting.
This series is certainly well thought out and detailed but still not truly my go to genre.
Although each book contains a different colour, as the title hints, they relate to each short story. Each murder has a specific colour that either signifies or highlights the method or cause of the deaths. The only thing that is similar in each story and the connecting thread is the detective being assigned to all the murders Sgt. Thomas. I’m not the biggest fan of mysteries or blood thirsty murders due to some of the things being gruesomely described. That being said trying to keep an open mind while reading this, the author has cleverly written the book so that even the readers that aren’t the biggest fans are easily drawn in and wait to figure out the ‘who did it’. This is definitely not for some, including myself, a before or bedtime read due to the gore or horrific detail. The character creation has been well created and they were interesting.
This series is certainly well thought out and detailed but still not truly my go to genre.
October 13, 2020
Engaging readings full of mystery and suspense.
This is a short but very compelling book. “Colours of Death: Sargeant Thomas Casebook” was written by Robert New who is fond of writing short stories, specially connected to science and shifting perspectives.
The book comprises 9 different and intriguing stories with elaborated plots. Each of them has its peculiarities and actions that will hold your attention throughout the reading. I really enjoyed them!
It is an action-packed book with stories that are worth reading. The author´s writing style is engaging since you can follow the cases in a simple manner. Besides, the author is so descriptive that he makes you feel inside the tale. I was at the edge of my seat while I was reading each mystery. Some of them are more appealing than others, it will depend on every reader´s taste. All in all, I truly recommend this book to anyone in search of mysteries with great endings.
October 12, 2020
A mystery story where colours are the clue
Colours of Death is a book that contains a total of nine short stories, where colours play an important role. These fascinating and innovative colour-coordinated tales were written by Robert New.
I found the writing original and evocative. The crime / detective tales are addictive and spectacularly well-written. Due to the length of each story, I chose to read one each night before going to bed. I am generally tired at night so I thought that if I read only one I would fall asleep as soon as I finished. The truth is that it wasn’t easy for me to stop reading them!
This is a must have mystery book. I give this book 5 stars out of five because I think that the writer is creative and innovative. I seriously believe that lovers of detective stories will find this reader amazing.
Colours of Death is a book that contains a total of nine short stories, where colours play an important role. These fascinating and innovative colour-coordinated tales were written by Robert New.
I found the writing original and evocative. The crime / detective tales are addictive and spectacularly well-written. Due to the length of each story, I chose to read one each night before going to bed. I am generally tired at night so I thought that if I read only one I would fall asleep as soon as I finished. The truth is that it wasn’t easy for me to stop reading them!
This is a must have mystery book. I give this book 5 stars out of five because I think that the writer is creative and innovative. I seriously believe that lovers of detective stories will find this reader amazing.
November 4, 2020
Multiple murder mystery’s in short story version
Colours of Death is a collection of mini murder mystery stories. Sergeant Thomas Casebook has opened his case files of murder by color. Each mystery is assigned a color and the different methods of death are gruesome and frightening. Teamed up with forensics specialist Samantha, they comb through the evidence of each case to determine the events that led up to the death and the method in which the murder was executed. I found this collection to be intriguing and held my attention from the first page. I love murder mystery and this one does not disappoint. The characters are well developed and the scenes are descriptive and pull you in as you follow the evidence and try to find the killer. This is a well written collection and very enjoyable read.
Colours of Death is a collection of mini murder mystery stories. Sergeant Thomas Casebook has opened his case files of murder by color. Each mystery is assigned a color and the different methods of death are gruesome and frightening. Teamed up with forensics specialist Samantha, they comb through the evidence of each case to determine the events that led up to the death and the method in which the murder was executed. I found this collection to be intriguing and held my attention from the first page. I love murder mystery and this one does not disappoint. The characters are well developed and the scenes are descriptive and pull you in as you follow the evidence and try to find the killer. This is a well written collection and very enjoyable read.
February 12, 2021
I would recommend this book to those people interested in mystery and intrigue stories, with action, drama and turns along. Also, I think that it is an easy to follow book, with a quick pace, so it is light and enjoyable.
I must admit that the plot of this book is unique and very imaginative. It tells nine detective stories where colour is a main issue in the riddle to solve, so every mystery has a different character and presents a different scenario. In my opinion, the format of the narrative is quite aesthetic and the headings of every chapter have very original names, which contributed to increase the intrigue in me, while I was reading it. But, what I like the most is that it contains a lot of scientific data; it was really informative and at the same time entertaining, no doubt of that.
I must admit that the plot of this book is unique and very imaginative. It tells nine detective stories where colour is a main issue in the riddle to solve, so every mystery has a different character and presents a different scenario. In my opinion, the format of the narrative is quite aesthetic and the headings of every chapter have very original names, which contributed to increase the intrigue in me, while I was reading it. But, what I like the most is that it contains a lot of scientific data; it was really informative and at the same time entertaining, no doubt of that.
May 16, 2021
Imagine if death had a color: how bright or how dull would it be?
The Australian, Robert New’s Colours of Death is written in one hundred and fifty-eight pages and tells the story of a detective: Sergeant Brad Thomas who is confronted with a murder case to solve.
I am not a fan of creepy stuff like a murder mystery but the investigative bit in me made me give it a shot. I was sincerely shocked to learn that as the story unfolds there were eight more murder cases to be solved. This thrilling crime and action-filled novel give us insights into how cruel and horrible some people could be. I tried imagining the glaring pictures in my minds-eye as they were so detailed in the description. Readers who love the thrill and have taste for crime and action stories will have to follow where the story takes them. What would be the death for cheating? Grab a copy of this book to find out.
The Australian, Robert New’s Colours of Death is written in one hundred and fifty-eight pages and tells the story of a detective: Sergeant Brad Thomas who is confronted with a murder case to solve.
I am not a fan of creepy stuff like a murder mystery but the investigative bit in me made me give it a shot. I was sincerely shocked to learn that as the story unfolds there were eight more murder cases to be solved. This thrilling crime and action-filled novel give us insights into how cruel and horrible some people could be. I tried imagining the glaring pictures in my minds-eye as they were so detailed in the description. Readers who love the thrill and have taste for crime and action stories will have to follow where the story takes them. What would be the death for cheating? Grab a copy of this book to find out.
February 29, 2024
Based on the title and book cover, I was expecting a very different book. There is a book with a similar name that contains Horror short. This is full of short story mysteries, each revolving around the seven colors of the spectrum plus black and white.
Sgt Brad Thomas comes across as a more normal and sociable Sherlock Holmes type. He and his team of police investigators seem to have a world of trivia knowledge at their fingertips and can recall it as needed. They also have psychological insight far beyond the norm. That helps them in knowing how to prepare the interview room prior to bringing in a suspect to finding "hidden in plain sight" clues that other investigators miss.
The reason for the missing star is that a few of the stories went beyond "interesting concept" to "why did the criminal go through the trouble for such an outlandish murder"?
Sgt Brad Thomas comes across as a more normal and sociable Sherlock Holmes type. He and his team of police investigators seem to have a world of trivia knowledge at their fingertips and can recall it as needed. They also have psychological insight far beyond the norm. That helps them in knowing how to prepare the interview room prior to bringing in a suspect to finding "hidden in plain sight" clues that other investigators miss.
The reason for the missing star is that a few of the stories went beyond "interesting concept" to "why did the criminal go through the trouble for such an outlandish murder"?
October 16, 2020
With an impressive cover, author Robert New managed to catch my attention at first sight. He is the writer behind this book called “Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas’ Casebook”.
It is a collection of nine detective stories, one better than the last one. In each of them a colour plays an important role. These mystery tales are very well written and enjoyable. Once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put it down. The suspense hooked me to the pages. Characters were very well portrayed and developed as well as the different plots.
It is a short book with less than two hundred pages, so I finished reading it in just a couple of days. I will surely recommend reading these stories because they are very good and caught my attention from the first pages to the last.
It is a collection of nine detective stories, one better than the last one. In each of them a colour plays an important role. These mystery tales are very well written and enjoyable. Once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put it down. The suspense hooked me to the pages. Characters were very well portrayed and developed as well as the different plots.
It is a short book with less than two hundred pages, so I finished reading it in just a couple of days. I will surely recommend reading these stories because they are very good and caught my attention from the first pages to the last.
February 20, 2021
In this book nine stories of suspense, action and murder are perfectly intermingled. Each one of them is related to a different colour. It is almost unthinkable for me to relate death to a colour; I would have never come up with it. However, as I was starting reading, I could discover the reason why the author chose each of the colours and their relationship with the narrative and I must say that it is very clever.
“Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas’ Casebook” surprised me at all levels. The writing style is excellent as well as the characterization and the description of each of the characters.
I recommend it for anyone who like suspense stories and especially the ones with spine-tingling details that make them so realistic.
“Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas’ Casebook” surprised me at all levels. The writing style is excellent as well as the characterization and the description of each of the characters.
I recommend it for anyone who like suspense stories and especially the ones with spine-tingling details that make them so realistic.
March 22, 2021
I was immediately drawn to this one from the cover of the book. I've always been a fan of crime novels, and this one has a bit of a twist that I had never experienced before. Relating a color to a specific cause of death has an interesting concept, but once I started getting into the story, I was actually even more amazed by this author's ability to paint a clear picture with words. These nine stories feature just enough information to get readers hooked, and it really does read like a casebook, which I was mesmerized by. This collection was perfect for me because of my enjoyment of short stories, and even more so because of my love of crime stories. This set is an attention-grabber for sure and I was transfixed into the stories at a constant reading pace.
February 12, 2021
The idea of linking nine colours with nine detective stories (where of course the chosen colour plays a special role) was really catching for me. I am really into the meanings and the feelings each color communicates, and I thought it was promising to relate them with suspenseful tales. “Colours of Death: Sergeant Thomas' Casebook” did not disappoint me. It is easily one of the most engaging books in the mystery genre I have encountered.
Author Robert New did a great job by creating in-depth plots that left me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. So, I recommend this book to everyone who likes the mystery and thriller genre.
Author Robert New did a great job by creating in-depth plots that left me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. So, I recommend this book to everyone who likes the mystery and thriller genre.
February 17, 2021
What I enjoyed the most in “Colours of Death” was the blend between the fiction and the scientific details. Personally, I think the author managed to create a very attractive plot that kept me reading, interested in the book and wanting to solve all the mysteries.
This is my second read from this author and I have to say, so far so good. The author knows his ways with words in the forensic world making you trespass that fine line between literature and real world over and over.
To conclude, I would say these stories the author wrote have the right mix of suspense and crime. I had a blast reading them.
This is my second read from this author and I have to say, so far so good. The author knows his ways with words in the forensic world making you trespass that fine line between literature and real world over and over.
To conclude, I would say these stories the author wrote have the right mix of suspense and crime. I had a blast reading them.
February 17, 2021
I was first attracted by the cover of this book, but as soon as I started reading it, I realized that the plot was also very captivating. This book is a collection of nine detective stories, where colour plays a big role in solving the mystery.
This thrilling mystery got me reading at the edge of my seat more than once, and this is something I always look for in a good read. The author did a great job describing the events, scenes and also the characters of every story. I specially enjoyed The 11th Killer, which was so fascinating that I read it in one seat. There were no details left to chance.
This is a book that I will certainly recommend reading because I liked it from beginning to end!
This thrilling mystery got me reading at the edge of my seat more than once, and this is something I always look for in a good read. The author did a great job describing the events, scenes and also the characters of every story. I specially enjoyed The 11th Killer, which was so fascinating that I read it in one seat. There were no details left to chance.
This is a book that I will certainly recommend reading because I liked it from beginning to end!
May 6, 2021
Colours of Death is a gripping book made up of nine creepy short stories, being each of them more interesting than the other one. Sergeant Thomas is faced with puzzling and terrible murder mysteries and in each of them there is a significant colour that will represent a clue key to the solving of the murders. I fully enjoyed reading these thrilling and action-pack stories written by author Robert New. He is definitely good at storytelling and knows perfectly how to keep its readers immersed in the narration. I strongly recommend this book as the stories are short and captivating, which makes it a perfect read. The plot twists and the suspenseful scenes are definitely a must.
March 27, 2021
Colours of death by Robert New is an interesting and captivating book that is very original because of what all nine stories have in common: the role of a colour in the mystery.
I like books such as this one, which have many stories inside because it makes the reading process faster and in this case, I could discover the mystery in a single sitting, almost.
The stories are good and entertaining, with interesting plots and characters. I did not find all endings surprising but it is a good read, this is why I recommend reading it.
I like books such as this one, which have many stories inside because it makes the reading process faster and in this case, I could discover the mystery in a single sitting, almost.
The stories are good and entertaining, with interesting plots and characters. I did not find all endings surprising but it is a good read, this is why I recommend reading it.
April 26, 2020
I enjoyed Colours of Death. I really enjoy that "murder mystery" type book and this had that. 9 short stories all relating to "Death" and the colours that play out in them. I fell in love with the main character Sergent Brad Thomas and his interaction with his team and the brain power needed to solve the deaths. Will look forward to reading more from Robert New, especially if there is a follow up from here.
June 29, 2019
BRAD BEATS SHERLOCK! I really like how mysteries are solved by brain power, and the perpetrators are rather clever, too. But not enough.
The book is well written, with excellent characters, and I also like the format. By having several short stories, one can easily fit reading into a stressful life.
The book is well written, with excellent characters, and I also like the format. By having several short stories, one can easily fit reading into a stressful life.
August 24, 2019
The Colours of Death
I enjoyed reading this book, or rather a series of books in one. They were defininitely different! Not my usual type of reading; however, enjoyable. I love reading mystereies, and so found these were not my typical sort that I usually read. Having said all of that I cannot say they were unenjoyable.
I enjoyed reading this book, or rather a series of books in one. They were defininitely different! Not my usual type of reading; however, enjoyable. I love reading mystereies, and so found these were not my typical sort that I usually read. Having said all of that I cannot say they were unenjoyable.
January 30, 2021
A rainbow of death...literally. I loved this idea. Each story is tied to a different color of the rainbow. It doesn't feel forced, like I was afraid it would. The stories were captivating, and each one was unique with enough twists to keep you reading. This is definitely worth a re-read, to see if I can pick up on any clues now that I know what happens. I highly recommend if you love mysteries.
September 27, 2021
I really liked this book. The writer must have researched a lot to find out the real causes of death for some people in his book. I found it very interesting. It is a few short stories telling murders that happened. Brad was a brilliant detective and solved lots of cases quickly. He had called Sally in to confer with as they process the cases.
March 5, 2022
An intriguing set of short stories!
I thoroughly enjoy reading short stories when they are consecutive in a series like this! It's old and boring, and this author is certainly not that! I trust Robert new gets into another spate of 250 words a day writing, and comes up with another series like this! Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoy reading short stories when they are consecutive in a series like this! It's old and boring, and this author is certainly not that! I trust Robert new gets into another spate of 250 words a day writing, and comes up with another series like this! Highly recommend!
April 21, 2024
INTERESTING POLICE PROCEDURAL
This book reviews the case files of Sergeant Brad Thomas and relates each case as a color. It has significant details as to how each crime was solved. They are like short stories, in that they all stand alone, yet they are organized in chronological order. It is a nice quick read, but needed some editing to remove typos.
This book reviews the case files of Sergeant Brad Thomas and relates each case as a color. It has significant details as to how each crime was solved. They are like short stories, in that they all stand alone, yet they are organized in chronological order. It is a nice quick read, but needed some editing to remove typos.
December 4, 2019
Like these stories
Enjoy reading these stories. They really kept me wanting more. I really enjoy the last one. I really believe you will enjoy reading this book. Can't wait to start on my next one.
Enjoy reading these stories. They really kept me wanting more. I really enjoy the last one. I really believe you will enjoy reading this book. Can't wait to start on my next one.
August 19, 2021
Wow.
It's an amazing collection of awesome murder mysteries. Detective Brad Thomas reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with an astute power of observation. Loved all the stories. It's a must read.
It's an amazing collection of awesome murder mysteries. Detective Brad Thomas reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with an astute power of observation. Loved all the stories. It's a must read.
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