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DCI Cyril Bennett #9
Threadbare
The team is seeing changes. Cyril is away and for the second time, Owen finds himself in charge of the investigation. An elderly gentleman dies of a snake bite and unfortunately his carer is also attacked. The second murder is a shooting, an unusual weapon being used, again an elderly victim.
A photograph of four friends celebrating a win at the Great St Wilfred’s Stakes at Ripon races in 1986 seems to be significant, but the relevance, at first, is lost in the investigation.
Another victim, one of the friends in the photograph, is found dead in his home. Only one of the friends remains alive and Owen and his team fight against time to prevent his murder.
The investigation is hampered by two siblings, the Bostock brothers, who have a history of rivalry and hatred; one of them is in the Ripon races photograph.
DS April Richmond’s biblical knowledge proves critical in solving the crime. The snake, Lilith, conjures the Garden of Eden. Two more fatalities occur before the crimes are solved and the motive is revealed.
A photograph of four friends celebrating a win at the Great St Wilfred’s Stakes at Ripon races in 1986 seems to be significant, but the relevance, at first, is lost in the investigation.
Another victim, one of the friends in the photograph, is found dead in his home. Only one of the friends remains alive and Owen and his team fight against time to prevent his murder.
The investigation is hampered by two siblings, the Bostock brothers, who have a history of rivalry and hatred; one of them is in the Ripon races photograph.
DS April Richmond’s biblical knowledge proves critical in solving the crime. The snake, Lilith, conjures the Garden of Eden. Two more fatalities occur before the crimes are solved and the motive is revealed.
- GenresFiction
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2020
51 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 13, 2020
The story starts off focusing on Cyril and Julie and their relationship and I almost forgot that I was reading a crime book. The author lulls you in under a false sense of security as it isn’t long before the story takes a dramatic turn with the body count mounting up.
Anyone that knows me, knows I really do not like snakes at all. If you’re like me, you may try reading some of this behind a cushion as I could feel the hairs raise on my arms and shivers running up and down my spine. This would be one case I would have to leave to some one else as no way would you get me anywhere near!
If you have read the series, you can’t help but feel like a proud mum when it comes to Owen. In charge of the investigation whilst Cyril is away. Definitely not one of the easiest cases he has worked on either. I feel like we are seeing a more grown up side to him than we did in the earlier books in the series. In fact both Owen and Cyril have grown in character since our first meeting and I have developed quite the soft spot for them both.
Threadbare is an intelligent crime thriller. It is perfect for fans who love crime series’ like Inspector Morse. Along with a gripping storyline, I always feel like I learn something new in this authors books as his wealth of experience in the world of arts, always shines through. Another page turner of a read that made me squirm but also thrilled me.
Anyone that knows me, knows I really do not like snakes at all. If you’re like me, you may try reading some of this behind a cushion as I could feel the hairs raise on my arms and shivers running up and down my spine. This would be one case I would have to leave to some one else as no way would you get me anywhere near!
If you have read the series, you can’t help but feel like a proud mum when it comes to Owen. In charge of the investigation whilst Cyril is away. Definitely not one of the easiest cases he has worked on either. I feel like we are seeing a more grown up side to him than we did in the earlier books in the series. In fact both Owen and Cyril have grown in character since our first meeting and I have developed quite the soft spot for them both.
Threadbare is an intelligent crime thriller. It is perfect for fans who love crime series’ like Inspector Morse. Along with a gripping storyline, I always feel like I learn something new in this authors books as his wealth of experience in the world of arts, always shines through. Another page turner of a read that made me squirm but also thrilled me.
May 17, 2020
What a super start this is to the 9th book in this incredible series. DCI Cyril Bennett and pathologist Dr Julie Pritchett are finally getting hitched and heading off to the sunny climate of Barbados for their honeymoon. I had such a smile on my face but not for long......
A call comes in from Barbara Perry a carer, saying that she has found the body of George Lyons at his home but the woman is also unconscious too when help arrives. It is soon determined that both have them have been bitten by a snake. DS David Owen is called upon to investigate the case of the dead man and seriously injured woman. It isn't long before another unusual death takes place too.
What a cracking story this is and as much as I love Bennett it was lovely to see Owen in another light. He has grown so much in the books and he shone in this one. As always in these books, Hollingdrake is a master of the unusual demise of any victims, his research is impeccable and his knowledge about art truly magical. I always love the added bit at the end.
I love trying to work out the cases with this incredible duo, yes Bennett does come back and join the investigation in this story too, this has a touching storyline with it. An author that I can always rely on for delivering a perfect plot. A top series!
A call comes in from Barbara Perry a carer, saying that she has found the body of George Lyons at his home but the woman is also unconscious too when help arrives. It is soon determined that both have them have been bitten by a snake. DS David Owen is called upon to investigate the case of the dead man and seriously injured woman. It isn't long before another unusual death takes place too.
What a cracking story this is and as much as I love Bennett it was lovely to see Owen in another light. He has grown so much in the books and he shone in this one. As always in these books, Hollingdrake is a master of the unusual demise of any victims, his research is impeccable and his knowledge about art truly magical. I always love the added bit at the end.
I love trying to work out the cases with this incredible duo, yes Bennett does come back and join the investigation in this story too, this has a touching storyline with it. An author that I can always rely on for delivering a perfect plot. A top series!
April 13, 2020
Although I have bought the whole series in readiness, this was actually my first introduction to this series. It is a little different to the rest of the stories, in that DCI Cyril Bennett has taken off to Barbados on honeymoon with pathologist Dr Julie Pritchett for two weeks, leaving Harrogate in the capable hands of DS David Owen and the rest of the team, including DS April Richmond and DC Quinn. A new case comes in - an elderly man George Lyons and his carer Barbara Perry have both died from snake bites in George's home. Barbara managed to raise the alarm but both suffered long painful deaths, and the snake must have been introduced into the house by someone who knew the damage it could inflict. It appears George was the intended victim but there doesn't seem to be a good motive for killing him. In a short space of time the detectives have another murder to investigate, this time a shooting with an unusual gun that again caused a slow death. The man was a farm labourer and was found by his employer who spoke well of the man. Whilst investigating, the team uncover evidence in both cases that link to each other but it starts to look like the killer is leading them along to another victim, especially when they find an old photograph of four men. Could they all be possible victims or could one be the killer? There are lots of false trails and red herrings in the investigation, as old secrets come to light and sibling rivalry plays a big part in confusing matters. With a third murder and Cyril back at the helm the big question is will they be able to save anyone at all? And who exactly is Lilith? There are lots of tangled threads in this story which are baffling at the time but which do eventually all come together to make sense of a wonderfully clever and complex plot with lots of good suspects and suspicious individuals. Even at the end of a story full of action and excitement, there were a few excellent twists guaranteed to surprise the reader, even those who think they have it all figured out! This is easily read as a stand alone novel but there are references to past events which have definitely aroused my curiosity and made me wish I had read the earlier books first. Highly recommended! 5*
April 14, 2020
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I love the books in this series and as soon as I saw the cover for this one and read the blurb I knew I needed to get my hands on the book – and I can’t believe it is already the ninth book in the series!
I thought that the story was really well developed and it had me hooked. The writing style was brilliant and I loved being thrown into the story too. The characters are excellent, down to earth, genuine and really well developed – I loved being able to catch up with them too.
I read the book the same weekend that it landed on my Kindle too – I couldn’t wait to get started on it and it was definitely worth waiting for as it seems ages since book eight was out!
It is another 5 star read for me and this one is an excellent addition to the series – very highly recommended and another fantastic read!!
I love the books in this series and as soon as I saw the cover for this one and read the blurb I knew I needed to get my hands on the book – and I can’t believe it is already the ninth book in the series!
I thought that the story was really well developed and it had me hooked. The writing style was brilliant and I loved being thrown into the story too. The characters are excellent, down to earth, genuine and really well developed – I loved being able to catch up with them too.
I read the book the same weekend that it landed on my Kindle too – I couldn’t wait to get started on it and it was definitely worth waiting for as it seems ages since book eight was out!
It is another 5 star read for me and this one is an excellent addition to the series – very highly recommended and another fantastic read!!
April 13, 2020
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This was my first Hollingdrake novel and it did not disappoint! I’m a huge fan of the DCI Yorke series, and luckily for me this one is similar in the eerie content and fast pace!
You also do not need to have read the previous books to start this series on say, number nine, as I did. Still, I think I see myself reading the other eight in the future.
This was the perfect length, the pacing not drawn out or rushed and the Hollingdrake knows how to draw out suspense without overdoing it and making you lose interest.
This was creepy and yet plausible, not too gory but also right there with say the darker episodes of CSI, so, perfection for a fan of crime and thrillers such as myself.
The motivation for the killer was unique and was probably my favorite part about the book, I also loved how they planned everything, gave me goosebumps and kept me reading late into the night. [While also wanting me to keep the light on and not have my limbs sticking out from the covers at all, haha.]
So, if you love thrillers, I highly recommend this and if you’re a Hollingdrake fan, you’ll want to jump into this ninth book in the series!
Thank you to Caroline and the Author for a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was my first Hollingdrake novel and it did not disappoint! I’m a huge fan of the DCI Yorke series, and luckily for me this one is similar in the eerie content and fast pace!
You also do not need to have read the previous books to start this series on say, number nine, as I did. Still, I think I see myself reading the other eight in the future.
This was the perfect length, the pacing not drawn out or rushed and the Hollingdrake knows how to draw out suspense without overdoing it and making you lose interest.
This was creepy and yet plausible, not too gory but also right there with say the darker episodes of CSI, so, perfection for a fan of crime and thrillers such as myself.
The motivation for the killer was unique and was probably my favorite part about the book, I also loved how they planned everything, gave me goosebumps and kept me reading late into the night. [While also wanting me to keep the light on and not have my limbs sticking out from the covers at all, haha.]
So, if you love thrillers, I highly recommend this and if you’re a Hollingdrake fan, you’ll want to jump into this ninth book in the series!
Thank you to Caroline and the Author for a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 20, 2020
When DCI Cyril Bennett goes away on honeymoon, newly promoted D.I David Owen is left holding the fort.When the emergency services receive a call saying a man has been found dead by his housekeeper, on arrival at the scene they find the man dead, with the housekeeper barely clinging to life..The first responder notices there is something very wrong with the scene, both victims it appears have been bitten by a snake.. As the team probe further..all they have is a photograph..until another man is found murdered..The case takes a strange turn ,when the team find a puzzling connection to the previous murders.Owen, along with D.S.April Richmond and young Quinn all work deep into the night..digging into the victims pasts ,and when Cyril returns from his honeymoon he sees the case with fresh eyes..He notices that the Invisible threads are the strongest ties from the past to the present ..That life so wonderfully brilliant can be so terribly cruel..Murder being the most wicked act at its centre..Threadbare is a story with many sides..There is both Darkness and Light..Scaring yet Emotive..The Harrogate series is one of those series that are both Addictive and Compulsive reading ..And once again ..Utterly Unputdownable ..Brilliant
August 11, 2020
Wow what to say about this one. I would argue this is the best so far.
The book starts off with a switching between 2 stories, one a crime and the other personal, which made me cry in between reading about a grusome snake bite death.
The team investigate the deaths and as more come in wonder what the link it between them.
At the same time Penny and her son Leonard, who has special needs after being starved of oxygen at birth, befriend an old man. Karl seems to have a way with the boy and shows him his "friends," snakes and spiders.
The story is of family problems, absent family, friendships, love and retribution.
The subject of the special needs of Leonard is brilliantly and sensitively written.
I kept flipping between who done it and I was rooting for one person i hoped it wasn't. A very rare occurrence when it comes to baddies.
I think the overwhelming message from this was love. The love of family and friends. Its really special. Maybe Malcolm is going soft, but i will certainly be reading more. This gets a 5 star and a little heart from me.
The book starts off with a switching between 2 stories, one a crime and the other personal, which made me cry in between reading about a grusome snake bite death.
The team investigate the deaths and as more come in wonder what the link it between them.
At the same time Penny and her son Leonard, who has special needs after being starved of oxygen at birth, befriend an old man. Karl seems to have a way with the boy and shows him his "friends," snakes and spiders.
The story is of family problems, absent family, friendships, love and retribution.
The subject of the special needs of Leonard is brilliantly and sensitively written.
I kept flipping between who done it and I was rooting for one person i hoped it wasn't. A very rare occurrence when it comes to baddies.
I think the overwhelming message from this was love. The love of family and friends. Its really special. Maybe Malcolm is going soft, but i will certainly be reading more. This gets a 5 star and a little heart from me.
April 13, 2020
This is a twisted tale of murder and venomous creatures. The author leads us towards a group of men with a connection, but leaves us to discover who is the villain and who is still in danger. There’s a lot going in in this book, not the least being the marriage of our hero Cyril Bennett. Followers of the series will see Owen coming into his own, which I enjoyed. The final connection between what seem to be two disparate groups is nicely done. Bennett is a very engaging character, not over-the-top and always thoughtful. In comparison with some of the gung-ho detectives in modern novels, he’s the sort you’d like to meet if you were ever the victim of crime.
June 23, 2020
I can’t believe we are up to book 9 already, would it be weird to say it’s always fun to see what new method of murder the author is going to come up with.
It starts nicely enough though, as we finally get to the wedding of Cyril and Julie, and in fact the two of them do vanish for a big chunk of the book, as they slip away to Barbados on Honeymoon.
This leaves the newly promoted Owen in charge of another convoluted case. This one starts with an OAP and his carer both being bitten by a venomous snake. From there on in, it becomes more complicated. With Cyril being away, this gives the rest of the team a little more time in the spotlight.
It’s fairly obvious from quite early on, who the killer is, but in this case it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. It’s not till the end that the why becomes clear, and it’s quite a satisfying one as well.
It starts nicely enough though, as we finally get to the wedding of Cyril and Julie, and in fact the two of them do vanish for a big chunk of the book, as they slip away to Barbados on Honeymoon.
This leaves the newly promoted Owen in charge of another convoluted case. This one starts with an OAP and his carer both being bitten by a venomous snake. From there on in, it becomes more complicated. With Cyril being away, this gives the rest of the team a little more time in the spotlight.
It’s fairly obvious from quite early on, who the killer is, but in this case it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. It’s not till the end that the why becomes clear, and it’s quite a satisfying one as well.
April 16, 2020
This novel is part of a series (The Harrogate Crime Series) but it does work well as a stand alone. I normally recommend that people read most series' in order just to follow the character development and I think this would be advisable in this case however, it still works well without doing that.
Having just passed his exams to become an inspector, DS Owen is in charge of investigating the murder of George and attempted murder of Barbara (who is left fighting for her life) after being bitten by a snake. I hate snakes with a might passion but I'll let Malcolm off for this as it made for such interesting and clever reading. DS Owen is in charge for the first time. Can he piece the clues together and solve the crime?
This is a shortish novel and perfect for readers of detective novels. The writing is paced well and there is enough mystery to keep the reader on their toes but not too much that it becomes confusing or difficult to keep track of. Lots of red herrings and a cleverly woven make this a really enthralling read. The plot itself is unique from most crime thrillers.
You can see the admiration Owen has for DCI Bennet as a mentor and I get the feeling this relationship has been well developed over the previous 8 installments of this series. I'm looking forward to going back and catching up on this aspect in particular. I found the characters likable and I really want to know more about them.
A great crime read with twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Having just passed his exams to become an inspector, DS Owen is in charge of investigating the murder of George and attempted murder of Barbara (who is left fighting for her life) after being bitten by a snake. I hate snakes with a might passion but I'll let Malcolm off for this as it made for such interesting and clever reading. DS Owen is in charge for the first time. Can he piece the clues together and solve the crime?
This is a shortish novel and perfect for readers of detective novels. The writing is paced well and there is enough mystery to keep the reader on their toes but not too much that it becomes confusing or difficult to keep track of. Lots of red herrings and a cleverly woven make this a really enthralling read. The plot itself is unique from most crime thrillers.
You can see the admiration Owen has for DCI Bennet as a mentor and I get the feeling this relationship has been well developed over the previous 8 installments of this series. I'm looking forward to going back and catching up on this aspect in particular. I found the characters likable and I really want to know more about them.
A great crime read with twists and turns to keep you guessing.
April 29, 2020
Well this book is definitely a little different than the previous ones in the series! Less of Cyril to start with and more of the team which I liked, as after 8 books, it’s good to get a bit more depth to some of the other key characters.
I must confess to being slightly confused at the beginning as the threads and crimes seemed very disconnected - more so than usual - but that’s not a negative point, as honestly with a crime thriller - it’s way more fun and interesting if things are a little more complex and hard to guess.
I totally loved the different aspect of the crimes and without giving everything away - I love snakes - who are in my opinion vastly underused in general as a crime tool 🤣
Again Malcom utterly surprises me and catches me out at the end. I thought it was all over, then WHAM! Maybe it’s just me, but I DID NOT see that ending coming! Great job Malcolm. Keep that imagination going as I love your creative approach to crimes.
One thing though....does Cyril or the team ever really ‘solve’ their crimes or do they all just come to a natural sort of end?? Don’t recall any of the baddies being caught before the killing seems to naturally conclude - a thought for future books? Bit more of a progressive twist?
Overall - great book that I would’ve finished in a day had I not been so insanely busy, but managed to squeeze it in before bedtime for a few nights as I’ve been waiting since Dec when I saw Malcolm in final editing of this to read it 😄👍🏻
I must confess to being slightly confused at the beginning as the threads and crimes seemed very disconnected - more so than usual - but that’s not a negative point, as honestly with a crime thriller - it’s way more fun and interesting if things are a little more complex and hard to guess.
I totally loved the different aspect of the crimes and without giving everything away - I love snakes - who are in my opinion vastly underused in general as a crime tool 🤣
Again Malcom utterly surprises me and catches me out at the end. I thought it was all over, then WHAM! Maybe it’s just me, but I DID NOT see that ending coming! Great job Malcolm. Keep that imagination going as I love your creative approach to crimes.
One thing though....does Cyril or the team ever really ‘solve’ their crimes or do they all just come to a natural sort of end?? Don’t recall any of the baddies being caught before the killing seems to naturally conclude - a thought for future books? Bit more of a progressive twist?
Overall - great book that I would’ve finished in a day had I not been so insanely busy, but managed to squeeze it in before bedtime for a few nights as I’ve been waiting since Dec when I saw Malcolm in final editing of this to read it 😄👍🏻
April 15, 2020
Threadbare starts with Cyril proposing to Julie and then moves on to their wedding day. Before they go off on honeymoon, Cyril lets DS Owen know he has passed his exams and is now Inspector Owen.
When Barbara was late for her job as a carer to George, she wasn’t expecting for George to lose his life and for her to end up fighting for her life after they both are bitten by a snake. What is the link between a photograph of friends at Ripon races in 1986 and the murder of George and soon after the victim of a shooting? Where do Penny and her son Leonard fit into the story? As Inspector Owen is in charge of the team while Cyril is on honeymoon, they must try to solve the case as quickly as possible before anyone else dies.
The tension builds throughout as the story is told at a steady pace. Both Owen and Bennett have changed a lot over the series but this one has seen the most changes in them both. Owen has learnt so much from Cyril and his knowledge has helped him with this case. Cyril has finally learnt to let his emotions out and it makes for tender and emotional reading, especially on his wedding day with his relationship with his step mum, Wendy.
Harrogate is such a beautiful place to visit and it is wonderful to be able to picture the places again from the authors descriptive writing. I also enjoy how the author brings the art world into his books in some way. Not just an excellent read but interesting and informative too.
When Barbara was late for her job as a carer to George, she wasn’t expecting for George to lose his life and for her to end up fighting for her life after they both are bitten by a snake. What is the link between a photograph of friends at Ripon races in 1986 and the murder of George and soon after the victim of a shooting? Where do Penny and her son Leonard fit into the story? As Inspector Owen is in charge of the team while Cyril is on honeymoon, they must try to solve the case as quickly as possible before anyone else dies.
The tension builds throughout as the story is told at a steady pace. Both Owen and Bennett have changed a lot over the series but this one has seen the most changes in them both. Owen has learnt so much from Cyril and his knowledge has helped him with this case. Cyril has finally learnt to let his emotions out and it makes for tender and emotional reading, especially on his wedding day with his relationship with his step mum, Wendy.
Harrogate is such a beautiful place to visit and it is wonderful to be able to picture the places again from the authors descriptive writing. I also enjoy how the author brings the art world into his books in some way. Not just an excellent read but interesting and informative too.
April 21, 2020
Another unique clever and well-written book, number nine in the series so no mean feat. The book starts out on a light-hearted note with the wedding of Cyril and Julie and what a happy event it is. I love the description of the wedding at Ripley Castle, what a fantastic venue it is. Owen does a brilliant job as best man but he still finds it hard to call Cyril by his name and not sir. When it comes to the speeches Cyril calls upon Owen to perform his best man's speech revealing that Owen has received his promotion to D. I. and has also been put in charge, while Cyril whisks Julie away to Barbados on honeymoon. If Owen thought he was in for an easy ride he couldn't have been more wrong when they are called out to a suspected double murder of an elderly man and his carer. This is just the beginning of events that will test Owen to his limits. I absolutely love this series which is entertaining and believable.
August 16, 2020
An Extraordinary Detective Story
Starting with DCI Bennet Book 9 throws you right into the water at the deep end. For me, the beginning was confusing, a marriage between Cyril and his beloved didn’t make much sense. No matter, as the story unfolded, it was easy to get to know the characters.
Snake bites, a shooting, a man with the brain of a seven-year-old child, a wish for revenge, a retired gentleman with a penchant for spiders, also, dead sheep, a biblical snake, and old photos form a puzzle that puts the young officer (Owen), who takes over from Cyril while he is on honeymoon, through the hoops. On his return, Cyril must help to disentangle the threads. The search for the murderer becomes increasingly urgent, and one of the clues to solving the crime lies buried in the Book of Genesis.
Starting with DCI Bennet Book 9 throws you right into the water at the deep end. For me, the beginning was confusing, a marriage between Cyril and his beloved didn’t make much sense. No matter, as the story unfolded, it was easy to get to know the characters.
Snake bites, a shooting, a man with the brain of a seven-year-old child, a wish for revenge, a retired gentleman with a penchant for spiders, also, dead sheep, a biblical snake, and old photos form a puzzle that puts the young officer (Owen), who takes over from Cyril while he is on honeymoon, through the hoops. On his return, Cyril must help to disentangle the threads. The search for the murderer becomes increasingly urgent, and one of the clues to solving the crime lies buried in the Book of Genesis.
April 21, 2020
Not Threadbare but almost too many threads
I like the characters in this series and if Malcolm Hollingdrake himself, feels, as he says, that Cyril and Owen are real people then he has succeeded in that creation, for me at least.
Deaths in this book seem to be unrelated but we know that they must have some thread to link them or it wouldn’t be a book worth reading.
Giving more activity to other members of the team is okay, with Cyril and Julie away in Barbados on the honeymoon........but I started to get lost for a while with who was going to investigate what and where. Team building is great but a book can have too many characters.
I like the characters in this series and if Malcolm Hollingdrake himself, feels, as he says, that Cyril and Owen are real people then he has succeeded in that creation, for me at least.
Deaths in this book seem to be unrelated but we know that they must have some thread to link them or it wouldn’t be a book worth reading.
Giving more activity to other members of the team is okay, with Cyril and Julie away in Barbados on the honeymoon........but I started to get lost for a while with who was going to investigate what and where. Team building is great but a book can have too many characters.
April 27, 2020
This is the ninth book in the Harrogate Crime Series. Although it is part of a series this reads perfectly well as a stand alone.
This book sees the death of a man from a snake bite, not a usual way to die. With Cyril just married, Owen takes control of this case.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the different characters and I liked how the author progressed the story whilst still providing in depth character backgrounds. Owen manages the case well as he tries to find out a motive for the mans death, and when a second body is found, the pressure on him mounts.
An excellently written book and I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
This book sees the death of a man from a snake bite, not a usual way to die. With Cyril just married, Owen takes control of this case.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the different characters and I liked how the author progressed the story whilst still providing in depth character backgrounds. Owen manages the case well as he tries to find out a motive for the mans death, and when a second body is found, the pressure on him mounts.
An excellently written book and I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
April 16, 2020
Another thrilling book - read it in 2 days!
I have absolutely loved this series, I feel I know the main characters so well as if they were my friends & it's great to see them grow in confidence.
As a Harrogate girl I feel as though I am sometimes standing within the story as I recognise so many places.
This book is yet another story full of twists & turns and has you hooked from beginning to end.
I highly recommend you read the full series - you will not be disappointed.
Many congratulations Malcolm on another outstanding book - looking forward to number 10!
I have absolutely loved this series, I feel I know the main characters so well as if they were my friends & it's great to see them grow in confidence.
As a Harrogate girl I feel as though I am sometimes standing within the story as I recognise so many places.
This book is yet another story full of twists & turns and has you hooked from beginning to end.
I highly recommend you read the full series - you will not be disappointed.
Many congratulations Malcolm on another outstanding book - looking forward to number 10!
June 1, 2020
Another masterpiece
Whilst DCI Cyril Bennett is otherwise engaged, Owen takes a step up in this 9th book in the series.
Once again the author shows his meticulous research and his amazing ability to keep the reader hooked to the end. Malcolm Hollingdrake weaves the seemingly unconnected strands of this story into one final brilliant tapestry. Highly recommended as are all his previous books.
Whilst DCI Cyril Bennett is otherwise engaged, Owen takes a step up in this 9th book in the series.
Once again the author shows his meticulous research and his amazing ability to keep the reader hooked to the end. Malcolm Hollingdrake weaves the seemingly unconnected strands of this story into one final brilliant tapestry. Highly recommended as are all his previous books.
September 3, 2021
Wow! Shocker of an ending
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, I've now read 9 books in a row over the past couple of weeks. The stories are unique, what a remarkable mind, I have grown to love the characters and have enjoyed following their journey. This particular book had such an unexpected ending, I new the characters were involved in some way, but to what extent I wasn't sure, I was shocked and saddened in equal measures. Brilliant! Now onto book 10 😁
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, I've now read 9 books in a row over the past couple of weeks. The stories are unique, what a remarkable mind, I have grown to love the characters and have enjoyed following their journey. This particular book had such an unexpected ending, I new the characters were involved in some way, but to what extent I wasn't sure, I was shocked and saddened in equal measures. Brilliant! Now onto book 10 😁
September 27, 2022
Well has many people know that I'm working my way through the Harrogate crime series by a brilliant Author called Malcolm Hollingdrake there there are 12 books in total and I have just finished reading book 9 called threadbare. And I'm now currently reading book 10 called Fragment's I'm Absolutely enjoying these books and you will too and I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
June 25, 2020
Loved it!
It’s 5:45 am and I just finished Threadbare. Oh my goodness, it was good! The characters are favorites of mine. They seem so real. I have to say, I didn’t figure this one out! The story played out perfectly. I look forward to number 10! I highly recommend this series of books. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s 5:45 am and I just finished Threadbare. Oh my goodness, it was good! The characters are favorites of mine. They seem so real. I have to say, I didn’t figure this one out! The story played out perfectly. I look forward to number 10! I highly recommend this series of books. You won’t be disappointed.
April 18, 2020
I have read all nine books in the Harrogate series and enjoyed each one. Cyril Bennett's character makes thus series a tad different from run of the mill police procedure tales.
Cyril being a well educated , sophisticated and fastidious guy. Malcolm Holingdrake manages to come up with interesting and unique plots for his stories , some of them quite enlightening. Myb one criticism, too much time is spent on Cyril's unlikely back story, which seems irrelevant to the overall stories. Looking forward to Book Ten.
Cyril being a well educated , sophisticated and fastidious guy. Malcolm Holingdrake manages to come up with interesting and unique plots for his stories , some of them quite enlightening. Myb one criticism, too much time is spent on Cyril's unlikely back story, which seems irrelevant to the overall stories. Looking forward to Book Ten.
May 21, 2020
Another great story
Another great story featuring Cyril and Owen set in and around Harrogate. Great characters and a good story line with plenty of twists and turns. Having read all nine books I am looking forward to the tenth.
Another great story featuring Cyril and Owen set in and around Harrogate. Great characters and a good story line with plenty of twists and turns. Having read all nine books I am looking forward to the tenth.
April 26, 2020
Number nine, and he just gets better with time. So looking forward to number 10.
August 17, 2020
Very good read who is the killer
January 5, 2021
Brilliant
You get hooked right from the beginning looking forward to reading book ten. I would recommend this series of books very good read and great characters
You get hooked right from the beginning looking forward to reading book ten. I would recommend this series of books very good read and great characters
November 1, 2021
Would have given 6 stars if possible.
October 1, 2022
The team have their work cut out with a series of deaths involving various weapons. It becomes clear that there’s a story being drip fed but where will it end?
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