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30 DAYS IN JUNE
On the 1st day of June 1988, the residents of south Wales were thrown into a state of panic when a married couple were brutally murdered in their own home. The killer, nicknamed Spartacus by the media, did not flee the scene immediately; instead, he stayed to carve Roman Numerals onto his victims' chests.
This was the beginning of a month-long killing spree, each murder taking a step closer to home.
Seventeen-year-old Jeffrey Allen was to be the final victim, on the final day of the month. Instead, he became the only survivor, and the only real witness. The killings ended as suddenly as they began. Jeffrey relocated to London, changing his name, and his identity, to Marcus Clancy. His past life became merely a dark secret.
On 1st June 2018, 30 years to the day since the first killing, a mysterious figure refers to Marcus by his old name, through closing lift doors.
Is Spartacus back? If so, has he returned to finish what he failed to do thirty years ago?
And so begins 30 days of terror for Marcus Clancy, culminating in dramatic fashion on the final day of June.
30 DAYS IN JUNE is Chris Westlake's third novel, and his first crime thriller. He is currently writing his second crime thriller, and is on schedule to have it completed in 2020.
This was the beginning of a month-long killing spree, each murder taking a step closer to home.
Seventeen-year-old Jeffrey Allen was to be the final victim, on the final day of the month. Instead, he became the only survivor, and the only real witness. The killings ended as suddenly as they began. Jeffrey relocated to London, changing his name, and his identity, to Marcus Clancy. His past life became merely a dark secret.
On 1st June 2018, 30 years to the day since the first killing, a mysterious figure refers to Marcus by his old name, through closing lift doors.
Is Spartacus back? If so, has he returned to finish what he failed to do thirty years ago?
And so begins 30 days of terror for Marcus Clancy, culminating in dramatic fashion on the final day of June.
30 DAYS IN JUNE is Chris Westlake's third novel, and his first crime thriller. He is currently writing his second crime thriller, and is on schedule to have it completed in 2020.
- GenresThriller
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2019
127 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Chris Westlake
9 books5 followersChris’s page-turning novels will make you doubt what happens next, but leave you in no doubt that you sure as hell want to find out. His thrillers toy with your mind and play with your emotions.
Chris has published five novels, including three thrillers. His latest novel, THE F-WORD REALITY SHOW, is a compelling thriller which will leave you wondering whether the cameras that follow your every move are your best friend or your worst enemy.
30 DAYS IN JUNE is a serial killer thriller, and I AM HERE TO KILL YOU is a psychological thriller, with a key focus on cults, the power of manipulation, and brainwashing.
After completing a Creative Writing course in 2010, Chris Westlake's short story, Welsh Lessons, was awarded 1st place in the Global Short Story Award (not bad for the first writing competition he had entered). He followed this up with 1st place in the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award and 2nd place in the HASSRA Literary Award.
Chris is determined to write many, many more novels - his main regret is that he didn't start writing earlier. He is always looking to make his next novel even better than the last. He is continuously experimenting with different styles, different genres.
You can discover more about Chris on his website, www.chriswestlakewriter.com
Chris has published five novels, including three thrillers. His latest novel, THE F-WORD REALITY SHOW, is a compelling thriller which will leave you wondering whether the cameras that follow your every move are your best friend or your worst enemy.
30 DAYS IN JUNE is a serial killer thriller, and I AM HERE TO KILL YOU is a psychological thriller, with a key focus on cults, the power of manipulation, and brainwashing.
After completing a Creative Writing course in 2010, Chris Westlake's short story, Welsh Lessons, was awarded 1st place in the Global Short Story Award (not bad for the first writing competition he had entered). He followed this up with 1st place in the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award and 2nd place in the HASSRA Literary Award.
Chris is determined to write many, many more novels - his main regret is that he didn't start writing earlier. He is always looking to make his next novel even better than the last. He is continuously experimenting with different styles, different genres.
You can discover more about Chris on his website, www.chriswestlakewriter.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 31, 2020
3.5☆ Gritty Crime Thriller with a Dash of Mystery and Intrigue!,
30 Days In June Is a gritty crime thriller/mystery.
The story opens with a married couple picking up at young man for kinky sex, however things go horribly wrong when they are horrifically murdered.
That young Man turns out to be Spartacus a feared serial killer who reigned terror for a month.
But one person manage to escape serial killer Spartacus and that young man is Jeffrey.
He was Spartacus last victim. Ending his reign of terror.
Fast forward Jeffrey has now become Marcus, changing his identity in the Hope he never revisits his past and Spartacus remains a painful memory. Using therapy to help him overcome his horror.
But all that might be about to change for Marcus! Spartacus might be back...or is he?
The chapters flit between past 1988 when Spartacus ruled terror and present 2018 where Marcus is living in his reality of being the only surviving victim of Spartacus and in fear he may be back to finish off what he started all those years ago. Which was good as you got to understand the plot as it progresses forward.
I didn't particularly connect with Marcus, I'm not entirely sure I was meant to. He was an interesting character but I just didn't feel any emotional connection to him, which was surprising as he was a victim after all.
The pace for me was a bit up and down. The beginning threw me into a scene that I didn't really know what was going on then, it ramped up a little in pace then came back to present and slowed back down. I do prefer my crime thrillers to be more thrilling.
Overall 30 DAYS IN JUNE is a gritty crime thriller, with a dash of mystery and intrigue. With a few twists and turns along the way.
Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
30 Days In June Is a gritty crime thriller/mystery.
The story opens with a married couple picking up at young man for kinky sex, however things go horribly wrong when they are horrifically murdered.
That young Man turns out to be Spartacus a feared serial killer who reigned terror for a month.
But one person manage to escape serial killer Spartacus and that young man is Jeffrey.
He was Spartacus last victim. Ending his reign of terror.
Fast forward Jeffrey has now become Marcus, changing his identity in the Hope he never revisits his past and Spartacus remains a painful memory. Using therapy to help him overcome his horror.
But all that might be about to change for Marcus! Spartacus might be back...or is he?
The chapters flit between past 1988 when Spartacus ruled terror and present 2018 where Marcus is living in his reality of being the only surviving victim of Spartacus and in fear he may be back to finish off what he started all those years ago. Which was good as you got to understand the plot as it progresses forward.
I didn't particularly connect with Marcus, I'm not entirely sure I was meant to. He was an interesting character but I just didn't feel any emotional connection to him, which was surprising as he was a victim after all.
The pace for me was a bit up and down. The beginning threw me into a scene that I didn't really know what was going on then, it ramped up a little in pace then came back to present and slowed back down. I do prefer my crime thrillers to be more thrilling.
Overall 30 DAYS IN JUNE is a gritty crime thriller, with a dash of mystery and intrigue. With a few twists and turns along the way.
Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
January 27, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Chris Westlake has writing talent and he starts 30 Days in June with an absolute bang. His atmospheric description of the events leading to the first attack will have anyone hooked. There are similar tense moments in subsequent chapters, particularly in the final few days.
From the outset the reader is almost certain in two aspects of this book. Firstly, the title and the chapter headings make it clear that the events will fit into two months thirty years apart; a format that suits my tidy mind. The second aspect is that because much of the tale is told by the main character in the first person he is highly likely to survive the book.
I have to say that I found some chapters rather flat. These were predominantly in the early part of the book when the reader is being drip fed snippets of information about the events of June 1988. There are also some long sessions where Marcus is with his psychiatrist. These were not only tedious but also frustrating because it was obvious that Marcus was not being honest, either with the psychiatrist or with the reader.
Despite those challenging sections it is worth persisting with 30 Days in June because Westlake pulls it all together as the book progresses and there is a very tense standoff situation at the end. It may have been deliberate by the author but I was left with a few questions; in particular how true to life is the character of Spartacus? Could a random serial killer just stop or was there some reason that prevented him killing during that long period? Unless there is a sequel I will never know.
Chris Westlake clearly has talent and on his website he describes himself as a developing writer who wants to get better. Yes, there is room for improvement but if you want to share the Chris Westlake journey then 30 Days in June is an acceptable place to start.
Given the flat chapters I have moderated my rating to a good four stars.
Chris Westlake has writing talent and he starts 30 Days in June with an absolute bang. His atmospheric description of the events leading to the first attack will have anyone hooked. There are similar tense moments in subsequent chapters, particularly in the final few days.
From the outset the reader is almost certain in two aspects of this book. Firstly, the title and the chapter headings make it clear that the events will fit into two months thirty years apart; a format that suits my tidy mind. The second aspect is that because much of the tale is told by the main character in the first person he is highly likely to survive the book.
I have to say that I found some chapters rather flat. These were predominantly in the early part of the book when the reader is being drip fed snippets of information about the events of June 1988. There are also some long sessions where Marcus is with his psychiatrist. These were not only tedious but also frustrating because it was obvious that Marcus was not being honest, either with the psychiatrist or with the reader.
Despite those challenging sections it is worth persisting with 30 Days in June because Westlake pulls it all together as the book progresses and there is a very tense standoff situation at the end. It may have been deliberate by the author but I was left with a few questions; in particular how true to life is the character of Spartacus? Could a random serial killer just stop or was there some reason that prevented him killing during that long period? Unless there is a sequel I will never know.
Chris Westlake clearly has talent and on his website he describes himself as a developing writer who wants to get better. Yes, there is room for improvement but if you want to share the Chris Westlake journey then 30 Days in June is an acceptable place to start.
Given the flat chapters I have moderated my rating to a good four stars.
March 27, 2020
30 Days in June is a tense psychological thriller with a beginning that really draws you in.
The story has two narratives, 1988 when Spartacus was at the height of his reign of terror and thirty years later when Jeffery Allen, now Marcus Clancy, the serial killer’s only surviving victim, is trying his best to get on with his life. Unfortunately for him someone doesn’t want that, has Spartacus come back to finish him off?
To me, Marcus wasn’t all that likeable but he was definitely interesting and at times quite an unreliable narrator that you’re not entirely sure you can trust. I did feel sorry for him at times, especially as he started to lose his grip on his sanity.
I have to be honest it lost a little bit of steam at certain times through the book, specifically when Marcus was talking to his therapist, I just wanted to get back into the thick of the story.
I’d recommend 30 Days in June if you like a realistic character driven crime story.
The story has two narratives, 1988 when Spartacus was at the height of his reign of terror and thirty years later when Jeffery Allen, now Marcus Clancy, the serial killer’s only surviving victim, is trying his best to get on with his life. Unfortunately for him someone doesn’t want that, has Spartacus come back to finish him off?
To me, Marcus wasn’t all that likeable but he was definitely interesting and at times quite an unreliable narrator that you’re not entirely sure you can trust. I did feel sorry for him at times, especially as he started to lose his grip on his sanity.
I have to be honest it lost a little bit of steam at certain times through the book, specifically when Marcus was talking to his therapist, I just wanted to get back into the thick of the story.
I’d recommend 30 Days in June if you like a realistic character driven crime story.
March 30, 2020
This is the tale of Spartacus, a serial killer at his height of notoriety in 1988.
Now, 30 years later, the sole survivor of this reign of terror, Marcus, has heard someone call his old name. He’d changed it to protect himself and had a life and family using his new name. Has Spartacus found him?
Told in the two timelines, it really concentrates on Marcus, his state of mind, his previous trauma and subsequent therapy.
This is incredibly tense at times as Marcus starts to unravel under the pressure, this tension continues to build making this a truly compelling thriller, a real nail biter.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Now, 30 years later, the sole survivor of this reign of terror, Marcus, has heard someone call his old name. He’d changed it to protect himself and had a life and family using his new name. Has Spartacus found him?
Told in the two timelines, it really concentrates on Marcus, his state of mind, his previous trauma and subsequent therapy.
This is incredibly tense at times as Marcus starts to unravel under the pressure, this tension continues to build making this a truly compelling thriller, a real nail biter.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
March 9, 2020
30 days in June is a thriller fiction about Jefferey Allen trying to hide away from a serial killer called Spartacus. The story begins 30 years ago in June when Spartacus brutally kills a married couple and continues to kill until he gets to Jeffery Allen. Jeffery becomes the final victim and witness who survives the ordeal and goes into hiding, changing his name, and location to protect himself.
Spartacus seems to find Jeffery again, and that’s’ when the story takes an exciting turn creating a dynamic, page-turner, action-packed tale.
This is the third book for this author, and I found myself drawn to every detail of the story. The plot was very compelling and was filled with mystery, making me want to read it till the end. I was happy that the author didn’t always move back and forth with the time setting of the story and didn’t shed too long dwelling on the past and spent more time in the future.
The literature was very descriptive and not too harsh for the light-hearted, yet embodied enough detail for certain murder scenes. I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this story to anyone who likes to read thriller novels.
Spartacus seems to find Jeffery again, and that’s’ when the story takes an exciting turn creating a dynamic, page-turner, action-packed tale.
This is the third book for this author, and I found myself drawn to every detail of the story. The plot was very compelling and was filled with mystery, making me want to read it till the end. I was happy that the author didn’t always move back and forth with the time setting of the story and didn’t shed too long dwelling on the past and spent more time in the future.
The literature was very descriptive and not too harsh for the light-hearted, yet embodied enough detail for certain murder scenes. I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this story to anyone who likes to read thriller novels.
February 22, 2020
I knew nothing of this book, nor its author Chris Westlake, other than the small synopsis that I read before getting a free copy on Amazon. I’m always drawn to books in a diary or day by day format, so that was enough to pull me in, together with a crime thriller theme.
From the start the story was very compelling, with a mystery I wanted solved and a character I wanted to get redemption. I was a bit worried when an early chapter flashed back 30 years, fearing we’d spend too much time in the past and not enough time progressing the action. However, the flashbacks were limited to just the odd chapter, so we got context without getting bogged down.
Aside from a couple of typos the book was very well written, with a number of big twists and turns that I never saw coming, and enough intrigue and suspense that I couldn’t read the last third quick enough. The relationship between the protagonist and his father, although meagre by most standards, tugged at the heartstrings and had me quite emotional at one point.
30 Days In June was a fantastic read, and one I’d have been more than happy paying full price for. A serial killer story unlike any I’ve read before, and one that I wholly recommend.
From the start the story was very compelling, with a mystery I wanted solved and a character I wanted to get redemption. I was a bit worried when an early chapter flashed back 30 years, fearing we’d spend too much time in the past and not enough time progressing the action. However, the flashbacks were limited to just the odd chapter, so we got context without getting bogged down.
Aside from a couple of typos the book was very well written, with a number of big twists and turns that I never saw coming, and enough intrigue and suspense that I couldn’t read the last third quick enough. The relationship between the protagonist and his father, although meagre by most standards, tugged at the heartstrings and had me quite emotional at one point.
30 Days In June was a fantastic read, and one I’d have been more than happy paying full price for. A serial killer story unlike any I’ve read before, and one that I wholly recommend.
March 17, 2020
This novel started with a great opening chapter gripping you from the start. Told in two time lines 1988 and 2018.
In 1988 a serial killer known as Spartacus was on the loose, Jeffrey Allen was meant to die on the 30th June but he had survived the attack, the only victim to survive. Afterwards at 17 he had sneaked out of his home, and gone to London changing his identity. His name was now Marcus Clancy. He had done ok for himself money wise working as a trader. He had got married, had a daughter, but his wife had an affair. After that he left her, he left his job and purchased a canal boat where he lived.
Even before Spartacus had attacked his life hadn’t been great, his big brother Luke who had been his protector had been taken I’ll with Leukaemia and had died. Leaving Jeffrey to fight his own battles, something he wasn’t good at. He had started sneaking out of the family home and was drinking.
The chapters go from timelines and days in June for both timelines. At times the story falls a little flat, but picks up again as you carry on reading.
Marcus heard his old name called out, as he turns to see who had said it, they disappear in a lift, despite him running down the stairs he misses whoever it was. But he gets the feeling that Spartacus is back and this time he wants to finish the job he started. But was Marcus hiding something back from when he was attacked?
He has been seeing a therapist for the last 10 years to cope with his feelings, he does seem to have some anger issues. He also has nightmares. At times he has lashed out in his sleep on his long time girlfriend Erika. He has never told her what happened to him.
Some of the chapters are a little long, and some of the information is a little too much. But overall the story flows well.
There are a couple of twists towards the end which I did see coming, but it did tie it all up nicely. When Marcus went to see his dad was quite a touching moment.
I look forward to see what comes next from this author.
In 1988 a serial killer known as Spartacus was on the loose, Jeffrey Allen was meant to die on the 30th June but he had survived the attack, the only victim to survive. Afterwards at 17 he had sneaked out of his home, and gone to London changing his identity. His name was now Marcus Clancy. He had done ok for himself money wise working as a trader. He had got married, had a daughter, but his wife had an affair. After that he left her, he left his job and purchased a canal boat where he lived.
Even before Spartacus had attacked his life hadn’t been great, his big brother Luke who had been his protector had been taken I’ll with Leukaemia and had died. Leaving Jeffrey to fight his own battles, something he wasn’t good at. He had started sneaking out of the family home and was drinking.
The chapters go from timelines and days in June for both timelines. At times the story falls a little flat, but picks up again as you carry on reading.
Marcus heard his old name called out, as he turns to see who had said it, they disappear in a lift, despite him running down the stairs he misses whoever it was. But he gets the feeling that Spartacus is back and this time he wants to finish the job he started. But was Marcus hiding something back from when he was attacked?
He has been seeing a therapist for the last 10 years to cope with his feelings, he does seem to have some anger issues. He also has nightmares. At times he has lashed out in his sleep on his long time girlfriend Erika. He has never told her what happened to him.
Some of the chapters are a little long, and some of the information is a little too much. But overall the story flows well.
There are a couple of twists towards the end which I did see coming, but it did tie it all up nicely. When Marcus went to see his dad was quite a touching moment.
I look forward to see what comes next from this author.
March 25, 2020
We are thrown straight into the action in the opening chapter. We are back in 1988 and we are with a couple who have just picked someone up to take home. When we realise what's going on, with a few shocks in store. That's when things don't actually go to plan for the couple, as they end up dead.
What we have is a serial killer who goes by the name of Spartacus. And, he's targeting those around Cardiff. A month long killing spree ensues, but Jeffrey Allen survives.
In 2018, 30 years after the murders. Jeffrey, who has changed his identity and moved on with his life is suddenly thrown back into his past, when someone calls him by his old name. Is it Spartacus back to finish off what he started?
What then follows is an exciting story of unraveling what is going on. The story is told from 1988 and 2018. This gives us an understanding of what happened and how it affected Jeffrey. We get a better knowledge of his character through these differing timelines and also through his counselling sessions.
30 Days in June is a cracking read that culminates in a gripping stand off that you don't want to miss.
What we have is a serial killer who goes by the name of Spartacus. And, he's targeting those around Cardiff. A month long killing spree ensues, but Jeffrey Allen survives.
In 2018, 30 years after the murders. Jeffrey, who has changed his identity and moved on with his life is suddenly thrown back into his past, when someone calls him by his old name. Is it Spartacus back to finish off what he started?
What then follows is an exciting story of unraveling what is going on. The story is told from 1988 and 2018. This gives us an understanding of what happened and how it affected Jeffrey. We get a better knowledge of his character through these differing timelines and also through his counselling sessions.
30 Days in June is a cracking read that culminates in a gripping stand off that you don't want to miss.
March 28, 2020
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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3.5 stars
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Sign me up: 30 Days in June is a crime novel about a serial killer during the month of June and the story also takes place in 1988 and 2018. The novel starts on June 1st, 1988 with a married couple and their sexually graphic adventures that take an unexpected turn for them. Throughout the month of June the serial killer Spartacus frightens the immediate area until the final victim survives and then Spartacus disappears.
Fast forward thirty years and the survivor had moved and changed his name then one day he hears his old name, which starts him on a path he did not expect to go on. Is Spartacus back or is this some kind of copycat occurring exactly 30 years later? And if Spartacus in fact is back, what does he want after all this time?
30 Days in June was a decent read for me. The premise is intriguing and you want to know if in fact Spartacus is back. I was not really attached to Jeffrey/Marcus, so I did not really care what happened to him. He is an imperfect person and we see this over both time periods. Parts of the novel became a bit mind-numbing for me, but keep with it as when you get to the final few chapters, the story really gets moving and we have a final standoff with a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, 30 Days in June has its ups and downs but is ultimately worth it in the end!
I received a copy for the blog tour with damppebbles blog tours.
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3.5 stars
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Sign me up: 30 Days in June is a crime novel about a serial killer during the month of June and the story also takes place in 1988 and 2018. The novel starts on June 1st, 1988 with a married couple and their sexually graphic adventures that take an unexpected turn for them. Throughout the month of June the serial killer Spartacus frightens the immediate area until the final victim survives and then Spartacus disappears.
Fast forward thirty years and the survivor had moved and changed his name then one day he hears his old name, which starts him on a path he did not expect to go on. Is Spartacus back or is this some kind of copycat occurring exactly 30 years later? And if Spartacus in fact is back, what does he want after all this time?
30 Days in June was a decent read for me. The premise is intriguing and you want to know if in fact Spartacus is back. I was not really attached to Jeffrey/Marcus, so I did not really care what happened to him. He is an imperfect person and we see this over both time periods. Parts of the novel became a bit mind-numbing for me, but keep with it as when you get to the final few chapters, the story really gets moving and we have a final standoff with a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, 30 Days in June has its ups and downs but is ultimately worth it in the end!
I received a copy for the blog tour with damppebbles blog tours.
January 26, 2020
I gave up and deleted this at 22%. I wasn't really enjoying the story and it has too many mistakes as well. It does offer up some very surprising situations that gripped me at first but then it didn't head in the direction I expected at all.
It mentions the "Funky Town" song in 1988 which was 10 years earlier than that. This sentence doesn't need will repeated-"Will the steel works will be affected....," then he mentioned a working top and I believe he meant worktop, then a daughter replies with a text to her father saying, "Aww watch you, I miss you too Dad x" and I had no idea what that was meant to say !! I was very baffled by this sentence, too, "So long as you don't start crossing and uncrossing your legs then we aren't really going to have a problem here." More confusion too when Jeffrey reported his encounter to the police with the chap using his old name but not mentioning the veiled threat he uttered !! Why not ??
He really likes his brackets, too, and totally overuses them in sentences. He wrote cackle and not crackle and tact not tack and also misuses apostrophes a lot, too. (Weirdo's, Euro's and two's).
All in all, it just isn't for me.
It mentions the "Funky Town" song in 1988 which was 10 years earlier than that. This sentence doesn't need will repeated-"Will the steel works will be affected....," then he mentioned a working top and I believe he meant worktop, then a daughter replies with a text to her father saying, "Aww watch you, I miss you too Dad x" and I had no idea what that was meant to say !! I was very baffled by this sentence, too, "So long as you don't start crossing and uncrossing your legs then we aren't really going to have a problem here." More confusion too when Jeffrey reported his encounter to the police with the chap using his old name but not mentioning the veiled threat he uttered !! Why not ??
He really likes his brackets, too, and totally overuses them in sentences. He wrote cackle and not crackle and tact not tack and also misuses apostrophes a lot, too. (Weirdo's, Euro's and two's).
All in all, it just isn't for me.
March 5, 2020
Fantastic
I enjoyed this book, but it also made me sad. I felt sympathetic toward the main character and his family. loved how all threads of the plot were woven together at the end.
I enjoyed this book, but it also made me sad. I felt sympathetic toward the main character and his family. loved how all threads of the plot were woven together at the end.
February 19, 2020
Exciting read
Really invested in the characters,, enjoyed the descriptive style of writing . It was based in my home town just a couple of years before I started going out. I found myself by the library or by boots or Newbridge Fields watching the scenes unfold. Look forward to the next book
Really invested in the characters,, enjoyed the descriptive style of writing . It was based in my home town just a couple of years before I started going out. I found myself by the library or by boots or Newbridge Fields watching the scenes unfold. Look forward to the next book
February 6, 2020
From the opening chapter the story is very compelling and draws you in.
We start with a flashback thirty years ago and the mystery starts to hook you in with a couple murdered in their own home which kick-starts a month long killing spree.
Impressionable seventeen-year-old Jeffrey Allen becomes obsesses with Spartacus as the killings move closer to his home town. Jeffrey was to be the final victim, on the final day of the month but instead, he became the only survivor, and the only real witness.
Fast forward to the present day and Jeffrey has assumed a new identity - Marcus. He's separated from his wife, is a father, has a new relationship and successful job. Everything is going pretty swimmingly for Marcus until June 1 2018, 30 years to the day since the first killing, a mysterious figure refers to Marcus by his old name, through closing lift doors.
Is Spartacus back? If so, has he returned to finish what he failed to do thirty years ago?
And so begins 30 days of terror for Marcus Clancy, culminating in dramatic fashion on the final day of June.
Who is this serial killer nicknamed Spartacus?
Is he really after Marcus a second time round, is it a copy-cat or is he simply losing his mind?
Marcus is hiding more than just his real identity and this is drip fed throughout the book.
As the book progresses the tension and mystery build and there is a very tense standoff situation at the end.
I really enjoyed this thriller and would recommend it.
We start with a flashback thirty years ago and the mystery starts to hook you in with a couple murdered in their own home which kick-starts a month long killing spree.
Impressionable seventeen-year-old Jeffrey Allen becomes obsesses with Spartacus as the killings move closer to his home town. Jeffrey was to be the final victim, on the final day of the month but instead, he became the only survivor, and the only real witness.
Fast forward to the present day and Jeffrey has assumed a new identity - Marcus. He's separated from his wife, is a father, has a new relationship and successful job. Everything is going pretty swimmingly for Marcus until June 1 2018, 30 years to the day since the first killing, a mysterious figure refers to Marcus by his old name, through closing lift doors.
Is Spartacus back? If so, has he returned to finish what he failed to do thirty years ago?
And so begins 30 days of terror for Marcus Clancy, culminating in dramatic fashion on the final day of June.
Who is this serial killer nicknamed Spartacus?
Is he really after Marcus a second time round, is it a copy-cat or is he simply losing his mind?
Marcus is hiding more than just his real identity and this is drip fed throughout the book.
As the book progresses the tension and mystery build and there is a very tense standoff situation at the end.
I really enjoyed this thriller and would recommend it.
April 4, 2020
If there's one thing that I like doing, it's discovering new authors and Chris Westlake is certainly a new author for me. I liked the sound of this book so without further ado I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down to read. Oh boy, '30 Days In June' is one hell of a book, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first dozen or so pages I knew that this would be one of those gripping books that would have me on the edge of my seat. I was so right. I would pick this book up only intending to read a dozen or so pages, but I would still be sat there reading over an hour later, having read significantly more than any dozen pages. I had to force myself to put the book down for any length of time. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book and well you get the picture. I got to the end of the story far quicker than I had anticipated which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that to sound negative towards the author but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storyline so much that I just wish the book had been longer.
'30 Days In June' is well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention with one hell of a creepy sounding synopsis. Once the author had my attention, then he would not let me have it back until the moment I closed the back cover as it were. Even then the story stayed with me for quite a while after I had finished reading it. The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading this book was very much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, '30 Days In June' is a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced and at the same time chilling book. I would recommend the book to other readers. I will be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
It didn't take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first dozen or so pages I knew that this would be one of those gripping books that would have me on the edge of my seat. I was so right. I would pick this book up only intending to read a dozen or so pages, but I would still be sat there reading over an hour later, having read significantly more than any dozen pages. I had to force myself to put the book down for any length of time. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book and well you get the picture. I got to the end of the story far quicker than I had anticipated which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that to sound negative towards the author but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storyline so much that I just wish the book had been longer.
'30 Days In June' is well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention with one hell of a creepy sounding synopsis. Once the author had my attention, then he would not let me have it back until the moment I closed the back cover as it were. Even then the story stayed with me for quite a while after I had finished reading it. The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading this book was very much like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, '30 Days In June' is a thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced and at the same time chilling book. I would recommend the book to other readers. I will be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
April 7, 2020
Well when you begin a novel with an opening chapter like that you know you're in for a thrilling ride. I think knowing from very early on that you're in countdown mode gives this novel a tense atmosphere and a feeling that something is coming, but you don't know what.
The novel tells the story through the days of June in two different timelines - 1988 and 2008. In June 1988, a killer is on a spree with Jeffrey Allen being his last and only surviving victim. Fast forward 20 years and Jeffrey is living with a new identity (Marcus Clancy) and he hears his old name for the first time in 20 years. At first Marcus tries to convince himself there's nothing in it but it's the beginning of 30 days of sheer terror.
The narrative is in chronological order but flits between events of 1988 and 2008, telling of the initial reign of terror and in the present, Marcus's story. Marcus isn't the easiest character to connect with and I think this has been done on purpose. Someone who has been through an horrific experience and has had to leave their whole identity is unlikely to put themselves fully out there emotionally and may not be the most social and trusting character. With this perspective I think Marcus is well written and also his character and personality doesn't overpower the plot. His vulnerability is clear and this adds to building the tension. It becomes obvious as the time goes by that his initial cool and calm exterior begins to slip and he is no longer in control of his emotions and anxiety.
The plot and suspense build throughout the story as we discover more about Jeffrey's experience through the flashbacks. The present narrative makes for tense reading in places and there are definitely some twists that I wasn't expecting. It's an intriguing plot that pulls you along to a tense and exciting ending.
I really enjoyed this novel and definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
The novel tells the story through the days of June in two different timelines - 1988 and 2008. In June 1988, a killer is on a spree with Jeffrey Allen being his last and only surviving victim. Fast forward 20 years and Jeffrey is living with a new identity (Marcus Clancy) and he hears his old name for the first time in 20 years. At first Marcus tries to convince himself there's nothing in it but it's the beginning of 30 days of sheer terror.
The narrative is in chronological order but flits between events of 1988 and 2008, telling of the initial reign of terror and in the present, Marcus's story. Marcus isn't the easiest character to connect with and I think this has been done on purpose. Someone who has been through an horrific experience and has had to leave their whole identity is unlikely to put themselves fully out there emotionally and may not be the most social and trusting character. With this perspective I think Marcus is well written and also his character and personality doesn't overpower the plot. His vulnerability is clear and this adds to building the tension. It becomes obvious as the time goes by that his initial cool and calm exterior begins to slip and he is no longer in control of his emotions and anxiety.
The plot and suspense build throughout the story as we discover more about Jeffrey's experience through the flashbacks. The present narrative makes for tense reading in places and there are definitely some twists that I wasn't expecting. It's an intriguing plot that pulls you along to a tense and exciting ending.
I really enjoyed this novel and definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
September 13, 2020
30 Days in June is a tense serial killer thriller with a few nasty spikes along the way. Not too dark but we are a long way from cozy! Nicely balanced for this reader
30 years ago (1988) a killer dubbed Spartacus committed a month long sequence of murders. His last intended victim, Jeffrey, survived but did not come out the incident unscathed. Jeffrey moved to London and changed his name – hoping to blend into the city and gain anonymity.
In 2018 Jeffrey (now Marcus) gets spoken to by someone who knows his real name. The fears come rushing back. Has Spartacus returned to finish the murder he planned three decades ago? If not Spartacus then who recognized Marcus as Jeffrey and what do they hope to gain?
Narrative is split between two time periods and the full story is slowly revealed to the reader with everything building nicely as we approach the end of the tale.
30 Days in June builds up towarss the finale so don’t come into this book looking for a murder second chapter. It’s a slow burn tale that rewards the reader in the telling rather than trying to blow them off the page with high octane adventures.
Serial killer stories are my favourite so I enjoyed 30 Days In June. Fun was had.
30 years ago (1988) a killer dubbed Spartacus committed a month long sequence of murders. His last intended victim, Jeffrey, survived but did not come out the incident unscathed. Jeffrey moved to London and changed his name – hoping to blend into the city and gain anonymity.
In 2018 Jeffrey (now Marcus) gets spoken to by someone who knows his real name. The fears come rushing back. Has Spartacus returned to finish the murder he planned three decades ago? If not Spartacus then who recognized Marcus as Jeffrey and what do they hope to gain?
Narrative is split between two time periods and the full story is slowly revealed to the reader with everything building nicely as we approach the end of the tale.
30 Days in June builds up towarss the finale so don’t come into this book looking for a murder second chapter. It’s a slow burn tale that rewards the reader in the telling rather than trying to blow them off the page with high octane adventures.
Serial killer stories are my favourite so I enjoyed 30 Days In June. Fun was had.
October 13, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read. It is about a serial killer and his last attack who survived and went into hiding. Thirty years later and the surviving victim hears someone talking to him by his former name. It goes back and forth 30 years giving more information. But you'll have to read the ending for yourself. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. Highly recommended.
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August 2, 2021Good read
This is the first book I have dead by Chris Westlake, but it won't be the last. It took me a chapter to get into the way the book read, but once I got the rhythm of the story, I found it quite interesting. There was good character building and multiple twists within the story.
This is the first book I have dead by Chris Westlake, but it won't be the last. It took me a chapter to get into the way the book read, but once I got the rhythm of the story, I found it quite interesting. There was good character building and multiple twists within the story.
September 20, 2020
Great read with an unexpected ending
Cleverly written thriller with lots of suspense to keep you turning pages. I read most of the book in one sitting as I was hooked and needed to see what happened next. Look forward to reading more from Chris.
Cleverly written thriller with lots of suspense to keep you turning pages. I read most of the book in one sitting as I was hooked and needed to see what happened next. Look forward to reading more from Chris.
July 10, 2020
Completely caught me off track until the end.
July 24, 2020
awesome book, really had me going finished it fast and really enjoy every moment of it
February 9, 2021
Good plot but predictable
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December 2, 2021
greadt ead from start to finish .i still do nt know who the killer is
April 7, 2020
The opening to 30 Days in June certainly grabbed my attention! Setting up a dark and edgy tone that continued the whole way through the story. I really enjoyed how I was pulled into a cat and mouse game where I was never quite sure what would happen next. The story itself is mainly set 30 years after a serial killer went on a killing spree for one month and then suddenly disappeared. This has haunted the last victim and only survivor, Jeffrey Allen. Changing his name to Marcus Clancy and moving to London his past has now come back to haunt him. The question is after all this time can the killer they called Spartacus really be back?
The plot is steady and shows both time periods which I thought helped to give an insight into both the killer and survivor. There is enough tension to keep the reader on edge as slowly but surely the details surrounding the events in the eighties are revealed. Along with seeing how the life Marcus has in the present is unravelling as the end of June draws closer. I will admit that at the end of the book I was left questioning the odd detail however I do think the whole story came together very nicely. The cat and mouse aspect in this book especially appealed to me. I was rooting for Marcus to try and get the upper hand along with wanting to discover the secrets that were waiting just below the surface ready to pop out at any moment. Let’s just say when the twists did come I was left surprised and one in particular I never saw coming!
30 Days in June had a dark edge that took me on quite a twisty journey!
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
The plot is steady and shows both time periods which I thought helped to give an insight into both the killer and survivor. There is enough tension to keep the reader on edge as slowly but surely the details surrounding the events in the eighties are revealed. Along with seeing how the life Marcus has in the present is unravelling as the end of June draws closer. I will admit that at the end of the book I was left questioning the odd detail however I do think the whole story came together very nicely. The cat and mouse aspect in this book especially appealed to me. I was rooting for Marcus to try and get the upper hand along with wanting to discover the secrets that were waiting just below the surface ready to pop out at any moment. Let’s just say when the twists did come I was left surprised and one in particular I never saw coming!
30 Days in June had a dark edge that took me on quite a twisty journey!
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
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