What do you think?
Rate this book
Jack Rutherford and Amanda Lacey British Detective #6
Scream Blue Murder
British detectives DC Jack Rutherford and DS Amanda Lacey revisit cases new and cold.
Two cold cases are about to turn red hot…
Detective Jack Rutherford’s instincts have only sharpened with age. So when a violent road fatality reminds him of a near-identical crime from 15 years earlier, he digs up the past to investigate both. But with one case already closed, he fears the wrong man still festers behind bars while the real killer roams free…
For Detective Amanda Lacey, family always comes first. But when she unearths a skeleton in her father-in-law’s garden, she has to balance her heart with her desire for justice. And with darkness lurking just beneath the surface, DS Lacey must push her feelings to one side to discover the chilling truth.
As the sins of the past haunt both detectives, will solving the crimes have consequences that echo for the rest of their lives?
If you like crimes featuring ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, then you’ll love this gripping novel.
The complete Jack Rutherford and Amanda Lacey series:
The Controller
Hot to Kill
The Hunted
Dark Service
One Last Hit
Hey You, Pretty Face
Scream Blue Murder
Chrissy Livingstone series:
Tin Men
Walk Like You
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2019
838 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Linda Coles
34 books65 followersHi, I'm Linda Coles and I write British crime novels. #GreatBritishCrime. #BritishCrimeDrama
An English woman myself, I now reside in New Zealand with my husband, 1 cat and 6 wonderful goats. Google Earth and two UK based editors ensure I keep my stories and language, accurate. I’m the author of 17 books including four non-fiction and two of a very different genre published under a pen name.
I currently have three different series published:
Detectives Jack Rutherford and Amanda Lacey set in Croydon, south London.
Private investigator Chrissy Livingstone set in the upmarket areas of Surrey.
Amateur sleuth, mini-cab driver and part-time grave digger Will Peters, set in the Midlands.
There’s something for everyone!
A #1 Amazon bestselling author, I’ve been writing since 2011
A full-time writer, I also write newsletter content for accountants across the country, something to ‘cleanse my palette on’ and the polar opposite of dead bodies on the other side of the world. My claims to fame include having a cuddle with Lee Child, sharing a New York cab with Heather Graham, and interviewing Karen Slaughter as a podcast guest.
My latest book and series, Where There’s a Will is the first in a trilogy and sees Will Peters insert himself into the investigation of a young homeless man found dead in the woods. There’s a message written on his chest: Your Move. With the help of some of his elderly mini-cab customers, the unlikely group endeavor to solve the case, any way they can. With a serious message, it’s often amusing. Think Man on the Street and Thursday Murder Club rolled into one. I know you’ll enjoy it.
You can find out more of my work at lindacoles.com and all the usual social channels.
Drop me a line and say hello.
An English woman myself, I now reside in New Zealand with my husband, 1 cat and 6 wonderful goats. Google Earth and two UK based editors ensure I keep my stories and language, accurate. I’m the author of 17 books including four non-fiction and two of a very different genre published under a pen name.
I currently have three different series published:
Detectives Jack Rutherford and Amanda Lacey set in Croydon, south London.
Private investigator Chrissy Livingstone set in the upmarket areas of Surrey.
Amateur sleuth, mini-cab driver and part-time grave digger Will Peters, set in the Midlands.
There’s something for everyone!
A #1 Amazon bestselling author, I’ve been writing since 2011
A full-time writer, I also write newsletter content for accountants across the country, something to ‘cleanse my palette on’ and the polar opposite of dead bodies on the other side of the world. My claims to fame include having a cuddle with Lee Child, sharing a New York cab with Heather Graham, and interviewing Karen Slaughter as a podcast guest.
My latest book and series, Where There’s a Will is the first in a trilogy and sees Will Peters insert himself into the investigation of a young homeless man found dead in the woods. There’s a message written on his chest: Your Move. With the help of some of his elderly mini-cab customers, the unlikely group endeavor to solve the case, any way they can. With a serious message, it’s often amusing. Think Man on the Street and Thursday Murder Club rolled into one. I know you’ll enjoy it.
You can find out more of my work at lindacoles.com and all the usual social channels.
Drop me a line and say hello.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 16, 2019
3.5 stars
June 28, 2019
This book feels like coming back to a good friend. The new story line was exciting and I really liked the look back at some of the previous characters we have met along the way. Linda never disappoints this is a great read.
November 18, 2019
So glad I picked this up!
Loved the intertwined mysteries and great characters. As I enjoy police procedurals, and British ones in particular, I have to recommend this to anyone who feels likewise. I was very impressed with the writing and the intricacy of the plot and subplots.
Loved the intertwined mysteries and great characters. As I enjoy police procedurals, and British ones in particular, I have to recommend this to anyone who feels likewise. I was very impressed with the writing and the intricacy of the plot and subplots.
December 1, 2019
A really good read
I loved the way that the stories in this book intertwined. Someone might be innocent of one thing, but wait until the skeletons pop out of the cupboard. Deceit, lies and corruption. In this book, nothing is as it seems. Well worth reading.
I loved the way that the stories in this book intertwined. Someone might be innocent of one thing, but wait until the skeletons pop out of the cupboard. Deceit, lies and corruption. In this book, nothing is as it seems. Well worth reading.
December 2, 2019
good characters; good story; good writing. police procedurals are always a good "lousy day" read for me, and this was perfect for a nasty, cold, gray afternoon. glad i found it!
April 3, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
A truly intriguing book. The tale of a wrongly accused police officer who's plight brings to light a similar case some 15 years previously where the victim had been imprisoned for murder. A murder that he didn't really commit. How and why was he wrongly judged. Can it be righted after all these years. What happened to the runaway landscaper 15 years previously and will an old man be sent to prison when the body is eventually found. An intensely intriguing book which an absolute page tuner. Recommended read for all enthusiastic murder/mystery lovers.
A truly intriguing book. The tale of a wrongly accused police officer who's plight brings to light a similar case some 15 years previously where the victim had been imprisoned for murder. A murder that he didn't really commit. How and why was he wrongly judged. Can it be righted after all these years. What happened to the runaway landscaper 15 years previously and will an old man be sent to prison when the body is eventually found. An intensely intriguing book which an absolute page tuner. Recommended read for all enthusiastic murder/mystery lovers.
April 14, 2020
It´s amazing what the human brain can do when using technology - for the good and for the bad! In this book although with a large dose of black humor, we see technology being used at its worst to hurt, steal, deceive and kill. The book also covers how normal people get attracted and addicted to pain killers and how these drugs affects and destroys families. A good thriller with a large dose of family drama.
August 23, 2020
What about amanda
I read lots of British murder mysteries, the characters and communities are the heart of the stories. I had not read the previous novels. I enjoyed being introduced to the characters. I respected the manner in which each character was developed and allowed to be individuals. I was left hanging regarding amanda. What is her future relativity the job and ruth?
I read lots of British murder mysteries, the characters and communities are the heart of the stories. I had not read the previous novels. I enjoyed being introduced to the characters. I respected the manner in which each character was developed and allowed to be individuals. I was left hanging regarding amanda. What is her future relativity the job and ruth?
April 9, 2021
I enjoy these books by Linda Coles. The characters have pathos and became real in my head. I can’t help but keep turning the pages to see what happens next. Still annoys me now and then when she starts sentences with the ‘And’ but I forgive her until the next time. I will be looking for the next in the series and also for other series to dive into.
February 21, 2023
Another corker!
Two cold cases, one that affects Amanda and the other, Jack. The first takes us back to the first book and the second has arisen through a death that happened recently and has similarities.
Linda Coles has again researched the forensics of the past and present and puts it all together in this great story. Brilliant!!
Two cold cases, one that affects Amanda and the other, Jack. The first takes us back to the first book and the second has arisen through a death that happened recently and has similarities.
Linda Coles has again researched the forensics of the past and present and puts it all together in this great story. Brilliant!!
September 12, 2020
Total rubish
I have had to read all kinds of rubbish to pass the time during the covid 19 outbreak, but nothing worse than Linda Coles books.
She really should find a new hobby ! ! ! !
I have had to read all kinds of rubbish to pass the time during the covid 19 outbreak, but nothing worse than Linda Coles books.
She really should find a new hobby ! ! ! !
October 1, 2020
Great story
Thoroughly enjoyed Linda's story, even though set around Caterham (where I was stationed in 73) and Croydon (where I lived throughout the 90s). Look forward to more of her books
Thoroughly enjoyed Linda's story, even though set around Caterham (where I was stationed in 73) and Croydon (where I lived throughout the 90s). Look forward to more of her books
April 8, 2022
good read
Jack and Amanda were two very compatible detectives. They watched each other’s back. The involvement with Amanda’s room mate is not my cup of tea and the story could have been just as interesting without it.
Jack and Amanda were two very compatible detectives. They watched each other’s back. The involvement with Amanda’s room mate is not my cup of tea and the story could have been just as interesting without it.
March 7, 2021
I couldn't put it down!
And I never figured it all out.m I liked the characters, who seemed to be completely fleshed out. Great job!
And I never figured it all out.m I liked the characters, who seemed to be completely fleshed out. Great job!
August 24, 2021
Good characters. Ethical issues in the family, and cops doing no good.
August 30, 2021
Very likable characters, a couple of storylines going on, the mention of familiar places makes it seem a bit more real.
Excited to read more in this series.
Excited to read more in this series.
November 26, 2021
Excellent!
Very well written and a thoroughly captivating story. The characters came to life and I shall be reading more of Linda's work. Well done!
Very well written and a thoroughly captivating story. The characters came to life and I shall be reading more of Linda's work. Well done!
January 7, 2026
These are the best detective books I have read in a long time. I like the non-formulaic way it is presented. Great writing.
October 26, 2019
Leisurely-paced police procedural laden with domestic/personal drama.
This solid crime-fiction drama is my first experience reading a book by author Linda Coles. Detectives Rutherford and Lacey investigate the deaths of two men who suffered brain hemorrhages after taking a punch to the face. The media is in a lather about the contemporaneous case, because a police detective threw a punch, but in the old case, the culprit has been incarcerated for eighteen years.
The two stories are skillfully interwoven, and the main storyline is bolstered by interesting subplots. I also enjoyed the unexpected twists in Detective Lacey’s professional and personal drama-subplot—after the discovery of a skeleton in her in-law’s garden. This police procedural is heavily padded with personal relationships and domestic drama, but some readers seem to expect that.
The denouement leaves a domestic drama TBC, but the “murder” storylines were cleverly resolved. For readers (like me) who aren’t fond of flashbacks, there are five flashback chapters with different POVs.
This solid crime-fiction drama is my first experience reading a book by author Linda Coles. Detectives Rutherford and Lacey investigate the deaths of two men who suffered brain hemorrhages after taking a punch to the face. The media is in a lather about the contemporaneous case, because a police detective threw a punch, but in the old case, the culprit has been incarcerated for eighteen years.
The two stories are skillfully interwoven, and the main storyline is bolstered by interesting subplots. I also enjoyed the unexpected twists in Detective Lacey’s professional and personal drama-subplot—after the discovery of a skeleton in her in-law’s garden. This police procedural is heavily padded with personal relationships and domestic drama, but some readers seem to expect that.
The denouement leaves a domestic drama TBC, but the “murder” storylines were cleverly resolved. For readers (like me) who aren’t fond of flashbacks, there are five flashback chapters with different POVs.
July 25, 2019
Another great read by Linda Coles!! Having read all of the books so far in the series this happens to be a great one and top of the best ones of them all. Having 2 cases running together has been awesome. They were both executes soundly and not mixed up with one another. Love this book. Thanks for the great reads! Look forward to many more books written by Linda Coles. Looking forward to all Linda has to offer in future books. Now added to my Favorite Author list.
December 15, 2019
After a violent road rage incident, and death Detective Jack Rutherford is reminded of a similar case fifteen years previously. Meanwhile Detective Sergeant Amanda Lacey, has to deal with the fallout when a skeleton is discovered in the old garden of her father-in-law.
Although the seventh in the series I found I could read it as a standalone story.
An interesting and well-written story, I look forward to reading others in the series
Although the seventh in the series I found I could read it as a standalone story.
An interesting and well-written story, I look forward to reading others in the series
October 30, 2019
Great story line- twists that feel real to life and not as if all sorts of weirdness just happens to occur directly to the plot line-- leaving you to figure out what applies to the central story! Characters have depth and originality- sets this book apart from so many other mysteries. Introduced to Linda Coles through Bookbub, will be reading the rest of the series!
October 31, 2019
Good read
I mostly enjoyed this book but if I were to give it one criticism it would have to be that I felt it dragged on a little long. The storyline was rich and I enjoyed getting to know each character but a little over halfway, I found myself wanting to skip over the subplots and just get on with it.
I mostly enjoyed this book but if I were to give it one criticism it would have to be that I felt it dragged on a little long. The storyline was rich and I enjoyed getting to know each character but a little over halfway, I found myself wanting to skip over the subplots and just get on with it.
December 23, 2019
An amazing and believable novel!
I couldn't put this book down once I read the first page. It has all the necessary elements for a winner! Great and interesting players, a twisty story and as it unfolds the reader feels every emotion suffered (or enjoyed) by the characters. Loved this book.
I couldn't put this book down once I read the first page. It has all the necessary elements for a winner! Great and interesting players, a twisty story and as it unfolds the reader feels every emotion suffered (or enjoyed) by the characters. Loved this book.
September 9, 2019
The story of Jack Rutherford's and Amanda Lacey's partnership continues in this police procedural. The primary crime seems to be intertwined with history and it takes Jack some time to tease out the truth, while Amanda is sidetracked by a past crime that hits too close to home.
October 17, 2019
Amanda , Ruth, Walter, Jack,...
So many great characters, so few pages! Wow, what an amazing story of police officers and medical examiner's. Their public and private lives and the stress placed on both.
Go get your copy and become spellbound! Yes, seriously!
So many great characters, so few pages! Wow, what an amazing story of police officers and medical examiner's. Their public and private lives and the stress placed on both.
Go get your copy and become spellbound! Yes, seriously!
October 19, 2019
Gripping story of murder up
A n incredibly well told tale of police work and the twists and turns that occur in life. Realistic situations and characters and a completely unexpected ending.
A n incredibly well told tale of police work and the twists and turns that occur in life. Realistic situations and characters and a completely unexpected ending.
June 29, 2019
Another great read in a great series
Once again Linda does not disappoint, good rounded characters and a simple yet complicated plot, well worth the effort, excellent
Once again Linda does not disappoint, good rounded characters and a simple yet complicated plot, well worth the effort, excellent
October 21, 2019
Well written
Interesting characters and a plot that made me want to finish the book in one sitting. Lots of relevant detailing.
Interesting characters and a plot that made me want to finish the book in one sitting. Lots of relevant detailing.
October 23, 2019
Scream blue murder.
A good story with intriguing characters. I found the ending somewhat ABRUPT. What happens to Amanda and Ruth? Is their story continued in another book?
A good story with intriguing characters. I found the ending somewhat ABRUPT. What happens to Amanda and Ruth? Is their story continued in another book?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews