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Langthorne #1-7
The Complete George Elms Langthorne Crime Thriller Series Books 1-7
In this 7-book box set:
BOOK 1: BODILY HARM
An edge-of-your-seat crime thriller starts with a vicious stabbing of a pretty teenage girl and her boyfriend on a local bus. She happens to be the mayor’s niece. It’s the final straw for the local community. The police are desperate to get results and decide on a risky course of action involving undercover infiltration of the notorious Effingell Estate.
BOOK 2: PANIC BUTTON
“A man is stood in front of me with a gun. He has a message for me and for us all. He says that he will come for us. He will come for all of us one by one. Until it is finished.” Someone is killing the officers of the Langthorne Police one by one. And in a sadistic twist he makes each victim push their radio panic button before they die, thus broadcasting their last moments to the entire force.
BOOK 3: BLOOD MONEY
What would you do to save your dying son? Imagine the doctors told you there was a cure, but only if you had the money. What would you do to get that money to save your son’s life?
BOOK 4: END GAME
There’s a cop killer on the loose and only George Elms can take him down.
BOOK 5: MISSING
What wouldn’t you do to get your family back? In the busy town centre of Canterbury, a woman and a young boy are snatched from the street. A few miles away, a man stands on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off. Sergeant Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is trying to talk him down, but he dare not get too close. This man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
BOOK 6: THEN SHE RAN
On a lazy Sunday morning, Jenny Harris is shaken awake by her panic-stricken boyfriend, Joseph. Their baby daughter lies asleep on her chest. ‘We’ve got to go!’ Joseph screams. Jenny sprints with her family from the hotel. And it’s clear that they are being chased. Their pursuers are indiscriminate and they are deadly. Her boyfriend falls, caught up in the carnage, but he manages to give her one last message: RUN!’
BOOK 7: HER LAST BREATH
Detective George Elms thought he'd seen it all, until he comes up against serial killer Henry "The Bull" Roberts. Henry Roberts had a type — young, blonde, attractive women. He is three years into a life sentence. Two of his victims were never found. Now, Henry Roberts is dying and he wants to make a deal.
BOOK 1: BODILY HARM
An edge-of-your-seat crime thriller starts with a vicious stabbing of a pretty teenage girl and her boyfriend on a local bus. She happens to be the mayor’s niece. It’s the final straw for the local community. The police are desperate to get results and decide on a risky course of action involving undercover infiltration of the notorious Effingell Estate.
BOOK 2: PANIC BUTTON
“A man is stood in front of me with a gun. He has a message for me and for us all. He says that he will come for us. He will come for all of us one by one. Until it is finished.” Someone is killing the officers of the Langthorne Police one by one. And in a sadistic twist he makes each victim push their radio panic button before they die, thus broadcasting their last moments to the entire force.
BOOK 3: BLOOD MONEY
What would you do to save your dying son? Imagine the doctors told you there was a cure, but only if you had the money. What would you do to get that money to save your son’s life?
BOOK 4: END GAME
There’s a cop killer on the loose and only George Elms can take him down.
BOOK 5: MISSING
What wouldn’t you do to get your family back? In the busy town centre of Canterbury, a woman and a young boy are snatched from the street. A few miles away, a man stands on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off. Sergeant Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is trying to talk him down, but he dare not get too close. This man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
BOOK 6: THEN SHE RAN
On a lazy Sunday morning, Jenny Harris is shaken awake by her panic-stricken boyfriend, Joseph. Their baby daughter lies asleep on her chest. ‘We’ve got to go!’ Joseph screams. Jenny sprints with her family from the hotel. And it’s clear that they are being chased. Their pursuers are indiscriminate and they are deadly. Her boyfriend falls, caught up in the carnage, but he manages to give her one last message: RUN!’
BOOK 7: HER LAST BREATH
Detective George Elms thought he'd seen it all, until he comes up against serial killer Henry "The Bull" Roberts. Henry Roberts had a type — young, blonde, attractive women. He is three years into a life sentence. Two of his victims were never found. Now, Henry Roberts is dying and he wants to make a deal.
1830 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2020
677 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
26 books601 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 22, 2021
I thought this series was stunning, ten stars for me. Seven books for £0.99, bargain of the century, (so far). The books are best read in numerical order, so best not start at volume seven! They cover the trials and tribulations of, at first, a detective sergeant, whose demeanour is totally weird, the world is against him, and then as a DI when unsolvable cases become his forte. All this mixed in with his dire home life, put them all in a mixing bowl and whoosh, up come these novels, A must read for British detective story fans, well done Charlie Gallagher.
April 25, 2021
different but thoroughly enjoyable
A lovely series of stories that each have their own merit. Excellent cast of likeable characters, Nice t.o have proper endings, withn open opportunity to allow more of the
same if so desired
A lovely series of stories that each have their own merit. Excellent cast of likeable characters, Nice t.o have proper endings, withn open opportunity to allow more of the
same if so desired
January 25, 2022
Very good read!
I enjoyed this whole series. You never knew where or when the plot would take twist. I recommend this to anyone that loves mysteries .
I enjoyed this whole series. You never knew where or when the plot would take twist. I recommend this to anyone that loves mysteries .
October 16, 2020
BODILY HARM
The plot is good, characters well described, the tender moments when one is expecting a baby. The outside is .Effingell Estate and the drugs robberies that are a constant nightmare. A plan to bring a special team of civilians in the plan worked in another area, they were sure it would there also. It holds your attendant. The big drawback was the cursing so marked it down.
PANIC BUTTON
The panic button was pressed and police officer forced to read a note. Four now have been instantly killed, the space and time were close, was it more than one. When Inspector Cutter was killed right outside the station, brings then up short and questioning, do they have a dirty cop. Few knew he would be leading the investigation. It put fear in all of them. The plot is thick with tension and fear, well done.
BLOOD. MONEY
His son has a rare disease, and now responding to an experimental drug, that is costly. A father turns to organized crime element, for the money. The job is directed against the police force. Some surprises along the way
END GAMES.
The plot is on going. This showed D S George Elms and with his colleagues trying to fight against the corrupt policemen. Good plot, characters were well defined, enough tension as you read the story.
MISSING.
A tense story from the first page, and one wonders what the connections are. A car out of control, then a woman and her son forced into a car. A woman thrown off a bridge, was it her, the husband is devastated, and where is son. Once again Charlie has written a gripping thriller, and readers will delight in this latest story
THEN SHE RAN.
A husband knows who is after them, the wife doesn’t. Fleeing with their baby, he gives here one last word. RUN. With four month old baby she runs, istill someone is after her. Another case is intwined with this a wife is shot, what is the connection . George is going to be off for his daughter’s birthday, He hasn’t been able to do so for three years.will he be able to solve the cases.
THE LAST BREATH.
A lifer makes a deal, to tell all, before dying. Something is wrong, when bodies are turning up. Did he have someone else involved, could Detective George get answers. The set up, that the killer wanted, he had old money, lots of it to do what he wanted. How can one find out what the truth was, will George find out. Everyone says that the Killer is ruthless, was George just a pawn, in his devious scheme. A twisted plot, that has a killer’s evil plot to get what he wants. Another twisted thriller by author that will capture people from the beginning.
Start with the first book and watch how George works thru the cases and the turmoil in his life. Enjoyable series
The plot is good, characters well described, the tender moments when one is expecting a baby. The outside is .Effingell Estate and the drugs robberies that are a constant nightmare. A plan to bring a special team of civilians in the plan worked in another area, they were sure it would there also. It holds your attendant. The big drawback was the cursing so marked it down.
PANIC BUTTON
The panic button was pressed and police officer forced to read a note. Four now have been instantly killed, the space and time were close, was it more than one. When Inspector Cutter was killed right outside the station, brings then up short and questioning, do they have a dirty cop. Few knew he would be leading the investigation. It put fear in all of them. The plot is thick with tension and fear, well done.
BLOOD. MONEY
His son has a rare disease, and now responding to an experimental drug, that is costly. A father turns to organized crime element, for the money. The job is directed against the police force. Some surprises along the way
END GAMES.
The plot is on going. This showed D S George Elms and with his colleagues trying to fight against the corrupt policemen. Good plot, characters were well defined, enough tension as you read the story.
MISSING.
A tense story from the first page, and one wonders what the connections are. A car out of control, then a woman and her son forced into a car. A woman thrown off a bridge, was it her, the husband is devastated, and where is son. Once again Charlie has written a gripping thriller, and readers will delight in this latest story
THEN SHE RAN.
A husband knows who is after them, the wife doesn’t. Fleeing with their baby, he gives here one last word. RUN. With four month old baby she runs, istill someone is after her. Another case is intwined with this a wife is shot, what is the connection . George is going to be off for his daughter’s birthday, He hasn’t been able to do so for three years.will he be able to solve the cases.
THE LAST BREATH.
A lifer makes a deal, to tell all, before dying. Something is wrong, when bodies are turning up. Did he have someone else involved, could Detective George get answers. The set up, that the killer wanted, he had old money, lots of it to do what he wanted. How can one find out what the truth was, will George find out. Everyone says that the Killer is ruthless, was George just a pawn, in his devious scheme. A twisted plot, that has a killer’s evil plot to get what he wants. Another twisted thriller by author that will capture people from the beginning.
Start with the first book and watch how George works thru the cases and the turmoil in his life. Enjoyable series
August 2, 2021
Gripping
Enjoyed all seven books and how they developed. GreAt plots and characters with some surprising twists, a bit gruesome in places
Enjoyed all seven books and how they developed. GreAt plots and characters with some surprising twists, a bit gruesome in places
March 21, 2021
Brilliant
Couldn't put these books down,absolutely brilliant from start to finish,trouble is, how do you follow that??what do I read next?
Couldn't put these books down,absolutely brilliant from start to finish,trouble is, how do you follow that??what do I read next?
March 14, 2021
Some good some not so good
I did enjoy reading this series. The last one wasn't as good as the first ones. But if you enjoy murder mysteries, you might.
I did enjoy reading this series. The last one wasn't as good as the first ones. But if you enjoy murder mysteries, you might.
April 2, 2021
Suspense to the end.
Not much good putting into words about this set of books.books. Each book followed the plots and trials of George Elms his steadfastness and dogged determination to get to the truth kept me wanting more from these books. It could have been as if it was a complete book with different chapters bot! I had to keep going as soon as I finished one book I had to keep going. Hope the next set keep me as hooked.
Not much good putting into words about this set of books.books. Each book followed the plots and trials of George Elms his steadfastness and dogged determination to get to the truth kept me wanting more from these books. It could have been as if it was a complete book with different chapters bot! I had to keep going as soon as I finished one book I had to keep going. Hope the next set keep me as hooked.
May 2, 2021
Never Give Up (George Elms)7
I have really enjoyed reading this series of fiction. The lead villain was the epitome of evil. The fact that he was covering for someone else meant nothing to me. My life goal is to hurt no one; to harm no woman/girl/child! I am glad Sarah, Charlie and George got back together again. It is extremely rough on families of police officers. Jackfire
I have really enjoyed reading this series of fiction. The lead villain was the epitome of evil. The fact that he was covering for someone else meant nothing to me. My life goal is to hurt no one; to harm no woman/girl/child! I am glad Sarah, Charlie and George got back together again. It is extremely rough on families of police officers. Jackfire
October 14, 2020
Very good books
These books are very good as you come to admire and then hate and then understand George Elms' character better. Several of the plot scenarios are done so well that it's scary and you pray that they're really not based on actual facts.
These books are very good as you come to admire and then hate and then understand George Elms' character better. Several of the plot scenarios are done so well that it's scary and you pray that they're really not based on actual facts.
February 15, 2021
Brilliant, Gripping Storylines
Really enjoyed reading this collection of George Elms Books. Book 5 Missing was a real gripper. If George and Emily get fed up with Kent transfer them to TVP Thanks Charlie for creating George Elms got to be the best detective series I have read.
Really enjoyed reading this collection of George Elms Books. Book 5 Missing was a real gripper. If George and Emily get fed up with Kent transfer them to TVP Thanks Charlie for creating George Elms got to be the best detective series I have read.
September 5, 2020
Charlie Gallagher is a master. I was so sorry to come to the last page of this series Charlie cannot write his books fast enough for me
January 9, 2021
Excellent Series!
January 11, 2021
I wasn’t too sure about this character at first. Then as I progressed through the books I couldn’t get enough and was sorry when it came to the end. Fast paced and plenty of twists in the stories
May 25, 2021
Interesting
These novels were interesting but gruesome . Interesting stuff but the author has a very vivid imagination, not for weak people.
These novels were interesting but gruesome . Interesting stuff but the author has a very vivid imagination, not for weak people.
December 30, 2022
Fantastic value for money at full price, never mind at the reduced fee paid on an Amazon deal - with seven books that have kept me going for a while.
I'd rate each book highly on its own, but when you put them together and read as one series, you really get to appreciate the high quality of the writing as both personal and professional lives and relationships develop from the start to the finish.
There are times when some of the content can be a difficult read but it reflects the gritty realism that can only come from the experience that the author has gained first hand from his role as a serving officer.
Particularly if you're already read the Maddie Ives series, then you'd certainly be advised to also check out the George Elms novels.
I'd rate each book highly on its own, but when you put them together and read as one series, you really get to appreciate the high quality of the writing as both personal and professional lives and relationships develop from the start to the finish.
There are times when some of the content can be a difficult read but it reflects the gritty realism that can only come from the experience that the author has gained first hand from his role as a serving officer.
Particularly if you're already read the Maddie Ives series, then you'd certainly be advised to also check out the George Elms novels.
February 25, 2024
Excellent dark but very human detective series
I read all of these interspersed with other books so the books did not all run into one, and I'm very glad I did.
Every book in this series is gripping, gritty, fast paced, and a times really emotionally disturbing, but the plot twists and tales themselves are SO well written it is absolutely worth the effort.
Really superb stuff, but not for the faint hearted!
I read all of these interspersed with other books so the books did not all run into one, and I'm very glad I did.
Every book in this series is gripping, gritty, fast paced, and a times really emotionally disturbing, but the plot twists and tales themselves are SO well written it is absolutely worth the effort.
Really superb stuff, but not for the faint hearted!
July 23, 2025
I have reviewed each book separately so will just say that these were excellent British crime thrillers, well-written and engaging.
George is a likeable character that faced enormous pressure and injustice. I didn't like those 'at the very top' and their corrupt and cowardly ways.
Each story was tension-filled with plenty of action and suspense. Each had a twist.
Overall, I enjoyed this box set, though disturbing, the stories were very well done.
Highly recommended.
George is a likeable character that faced enormous pressure and injustice. I didn't like those 'at the very top' and their corrupt and cowardly ways.
Each story was tension-filled with plenty of action and suspense. Each had a twist.
Overall, I enjoyed this box set, though disturbing, the stories were very well done.
Highly recommended.
February 26, 2026
Compulsive reading
The character development is well controlled. George loses so much of his life bringing criminals to justice. I found the first and last books most compelling. Others might find different favourites.
Reading the series as one was the best way to start and finish.
I could not put it down.
The character development is well controlled. George loses so much of his life bringing criminals to justice. I found the first and last books most compelling. Others might find different favourites.
Reading the series as one was the best way to start and finish.
I could not put it down.
April 7, 2021
Not a good read
How to destroy a good plot make the lead role an emotional cripple not capable of even remembering to take essential equipment with him. A detective novel should be about detecting not about emotion problems leave those problems to the psycho style novels
How to destroy a good plot make the lead role an emotional cripple not capable of even remembering to take essential equipment with him. A detective novel should be about detecting not about emotion problems leave those problems to the psycho style novels
November 20, 2022
I love this series and I hope that you bring George Elms out of retirement soon 🙏 please
I like how he and Emily work together to solve crimes and catch the worst of the suspect it leaves us trying who did it specifically in panic buttons and blood money 💰 🤔 😐 😑
I like how he and Emily work together to solve crimes and catch the worst of the suspect it leaves us trying who did it specifically in panic buttons and blood money 💰 🤔 😐 😑
June 22, 2021
Disappointing
Both the first and last books were excellent,but the ones in between were rubbish.If this were true to life then our love force is both corrupt and incompetent
Both the first and last books were excellent,but the ones in between were rubbish.If this were true to life then our love force is both corrupt and incompetent
February 7, 2022
Riveting read
Stories flow nicely from one book to the next one, caution though this can lead to binge reading although its time well spent.
Stories flow nicely from one book to the next one, caution though this can lead to binge reading although its time well spent.
February 28, 2022
Loved this series! A bit of a challenge getting used to language, but certainly riveting. Couldn't stop reading from beginning to end. Recommend for anyone who loves a loooooong book.
March 15, 2022
Brilliant series
Loved reading this series, right amount of mystery and evil without being like a horror. Detective Elms is a favourite, now to try some more Charlie Gallagher books
Loved reading this series, right amount of mystery and evil without being like a horror. Detective Elms is a favourite, now to try some more Charlie Gallagher books
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews