She's looking for you... Since committing her first murder a month ago, Cara Mooney craves the high it gave her and decides it’s time to kill again. Her victim Ryan has no idea he’s next.
Meanwhile, after being suspended from her job, DC Nasreen Maqsood returns to work and quickly suspects that DCS Adams might be a dirty cop. She vows to investigate but knows she must tread carefully. Then she’s handed the case of Ryan’s murder.
With the pressure mounting, Nasreen finds her hands full.
Soon it becomes apparent that Nasreen is looking for a sadistic predator, but little does she know just how determined this killer is…
Will Nasreen find the murderer before she strikes again, and can her career survive intact?
D C Brockwell lives in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, with his wife, Beks and rescue cat, Olivia. He works as a dental technician for Elite Dental Studios in the day, and writes crime/horror/action and adventure/romance stories in the evenings and weekends. After completing his dental technicians’ course at Lambeth College in March 2018, he sat down and started taking his writing more seriously, completing five first drafts of novels in a year.
A graduate of criminology and criminal justice studies at the University of Portsmouth, he has always had an interest in crime, specifically abnormal psychology. It was while studying criminology that he penned his first (unpublished) novel, which, he says, will never see the light of day.
He self-published his first romance novel, The Southern Belles in July 2019, under his pseudonym, Katie Simpkins, a name both he and Beks chose together.
His first crime novel is a contemporary and gritty crime drama.
DC Nasreen Maqwood is back to work after a temporary suspension from her job. She highly suspects that one of her colleagues is a dirty cop but she must be cautious in her belief as her next suspension could be permanent.
Maqsood has been given a new case to investigate and what she's learning is just how sadistic this killer is ... and who will kill again if not stopped soon. She has had to work twice as hard to prove that she's as good as any of the male detectives she works along side.This investigation will test her like she's never been tested before.
This is well written with an intricate plot drawing in characters that are solidly drawn. Twists and turns make this a real page turner. Although 2nd in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone ... but I highly recommend starting with NO WAY OUT to get the nuggets that make this a riveting crime fiction series.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I am a big fan of gritty, dark crime thrillers and Bird of Prey was exactly that! There was a fantastic blend of a multi-plot story that left me thirsty for what happened next. The characters were well thought out and solid, making them integral to the story from start to finish. I could not put this down, and quite frankly read it in one sitting! I would highly recommend Bird of Prey to anyone who enjoys darker crime thrillers and would even place this up there with the Stillhouse Lake series by Rachel Caine and the Elise Sandburg series by Anne Fraiser, which are some of my favorite crime thriller series! You will not be disappointed with this book, but you might want to clear your schedule because you will not want to put it down. Looking forward to more DC Nasreen Maqsood novels.
DC Nasreen Maqsood is back and I start by saying that I think you should read No Way Out first as Bird of Prey does follow in from book 1.
Nas is back following her suspension and not everyone is pleased to see her! Nas needs to be careful and up her game to keep her job.
Cara Mooney is back and doesn’t care who knows it as she seeks out revenge on men. Cara stays one step ahead of the police but it can’t last forever and Nas is waiting for that one mistake to happen.
Garvey is back and is causing mayhem across the city with a killing spree. He doesn’t plan on leaving any bent police or certain drug dealers alive. Can his plan succeed or is the hunter being hunted?
This book is action packed from the start to the finish. Full of tension and grit, I couldn’t put it down and it ended up with me being up all night! Even with more than one storyline, the book flows well and has great characters.
An intense thriller that has left me wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book in this superb series.
This story follows on a few weeks after the end of book one, No Way Out, and it would be hard to write a review without talking about some the events of the first story, so if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Nas in her debut, I would strongly recommend stopping now, reading that one first, and without reading any spoilers here just take it from me, this one is even better!! This is a book containing two separate stories running concurrently and linked together by Peter Franks, the police Assistant Commissioner who is masterminding a highly controversial scheme for the Home Secretary and the Met Commissioner of Police Harry Thomas. One side of the story begins with DC Nasreen Maqsood and her supervisor DS Terrence Johnson, both still working for senior officer DCS Clive Adams whom Nas knows to be crooked after the events of book one. Nas has now been back a month after gaining much notoriety in the Harrison torture brothel case, even appearing on television, and Adams wants her out. She is trying to keep her head down and stick to the rules, after being a real loose cannon previously. Their workload has been lightened a little by the arrival of Detective Inspector Arjun Gupta and also Aldwyn Bishop, a forensic legend, when they are handed a murder case where, unbeknown to them, an old face from book one pops up – Cara Mooney. She got a taste for blood at the Hamilton farm and now is on a mission. She starts straight away by picking up an unfortunate man in a nightclub and once at his house, wastes no time in selecting a nice sharp knife and turning him into her first “masterpiece”. A second man in a different town goes the same way soon after. As we read more about Cara’s history it’s not surprising she has a perverted outlook on life. Sexually abused from the age of six by her father, she escapes him to fall into the hands of an Asian grooming gang until a suicide bid led her to hospital and psychiatric help. Her relationships have turned toxic and violent, and she even kidnapped one ex-lover. Another spell sectioned and locked up, heavy drug use, rehab and gang rape didn’t help her outlook on life either, so it’s little wonder her views are a bit warped and now she is out for revenge. The bodies start to pile up and even when the detectives finally make an identification, Cara is always one step ahead of them. As they race around the country chasing her the big question is how many more will die before she gets to her endgame and will they stop her in time? The other side of the book features another old face from book one, Lennox Garvey. Franks believed that one of his henchmen had finished Garvey off but Garvey turned the tables on the killer and is now lying low and also plotting his revenge. Thanks to his former association with Rothstein, he knows all about Franks’ plan to control all the drug dealing in the country by selecting a handful of dealers to run each area who will grass on all their rivals. In this way the police will control the importation and supply of drugs, and when the time’s right they will reveal their success story to the public. Lennox plans to eliminate these chosen few dealers and suppliers, especially as his Jamaican supplier uncle has been pushed out, and together with close friends Barkley, Bembe and Khenan they start to put their plan into action. Garvey has a man on the inside and getting an insight into Thomas’s plans is proving invaluable but he doesn’t realise how much danger they are all heading for. Eventually both sides to the story each reach a crashing and devastating ending that will change lives forever. There are many parts of the story which are very gory and blood thirsty, guaranteed to shock and horrify, after all beside Cara, most of them are violent and ruthless people who do terrible things to each other. The characters were well described and easy to get to know. Terrence is a good solid detective, as is Gupta, and Nas is starting to conform and be more of a team player. In fact the detectives and the victims are the only real likable people in the book so it was easy to know who to root for and not get upset when anyone else met a sticky end! There is a lot going on in this book to get stuck into and keep the reader well occupied in a gripping and fascinating plot. Overall this was a fantastic read which flowed effortlessly and one I really didn't want to put down until I got to the end. I can't wait to see what happens to Nas in book 3, Bad Blood, which comes out in November 2020. Duncan Brockwell has only recently popped up on my radar, originally with No Way Out, but I think after two superb novels in the series already I can safely say he is most definitely here to stay!! 5*
Another great book from Duncan Brockwell. We briefly came across Cara in No way out, which is where she got the taste for murder. In this book she’s hell bent on revenge and leaves a trail of bodies behind her. Nas has been reinstated and whilst some people aren’t happy about it, she’s glad to be back. Nas and her team soon know it’s Cara they’re after as she leaves lots of traces behind and doesn’t seem bothered that they know it’s her killing all these people. Nas gets to read Cara’s psych notes and she’s definitely had an awful life, but does it excuse the killing spree she’s currently on? Her victims are all linked to her past but each time, Nas is just too a little too late to catch her. Garvey is back and is determined to take out all the dodgy senior police officials and others. He’s also on a bit of a killing spree but soon brings too much attention to himself so his life is in danger. This is another gripping crime thriller and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store in book three. Thanks to Duncan Brockwell for sending me a copy of the book.
Book 2 in the Met Murder Investigations Series and DC Nasreen Maqsoid has been reinstated. Whilst could be read as a stand-alone I was pleased I had read the first book in the series as this book continues the stories of some of the characters from the first book. Namely Nasreen, Cara a sadistic murderer and Lennox Garvey a high level drug dealer. Nas is on the case searching for Cara, whilst privately pursuing what she believes to be high level police corruption.
I was hooked from the start of this book. It was well written and fast paced and Cara was a believable character. A true sociopath with no understanding or right and wrong even for the woman she is convinced is her true love. If you like an exciting psychological thriller and are not too squeamish this is a read for you.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it’s available.
This is the second in the series by the wonderful new author Duncan Brockwell. This follows on from No Way Out and follows Detective Nasreen Maqsood. It follows the story of Cara. After committing her first murder in the underground House of Beas Bees, she has got a taste for it and wants to repeat that high. Those that are in her path should beware as she's a very angry young lady. She starts off picking innocent victims but some that have wronged her in the past are on her radar too. After her suspension Nasreen still feels that DCS Adams may be dirty and vows to carry on looking into him as discreetly as possible. This whole book is stunning. It doesn't let you stop and catch your breath at any point, and the ending is phenomenal.
I cant recommend this author highly enough. No Way Out was recently longlisted for the Guardians Not the Booker prize, and Bird of Prey is even better.
My read of 2020 so far. Id give it all the stars if I was able.
I absolutely loved it! It’s the first book that I have read from the author and even if this is book two of a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone as I did. Since the beginning I was hooked by the story line. Each character is so well described and the more the story advanced, the more their personality emerged. The author way of writing is very enjoyable, easy to read, the words just flow and when I was forced to put the book down, I kept on thinking of what was going to happen next. When I finished the book I just looked at my husband and told him “oh my I loved it!”. If you are looking for a gripping read, look no further! I cannot wait to read the sequel!
I made the mistake of reading this not realising it was book two in the DC Nasreen Maqsood series. Having said that I really liked this story. The blurb sucked me in straight away.
Cara craves to kill more after her first murder. Ryan is next and of course he doesn’t know it. DC Maqsood is back to work after suspension. She’s given the case of Ryan’s murder. She also suspects a colleague could be a dirty cop.
Great read. I’ll definitely be going back to read book one.
What a stunning read! It had me on the edge of my seat throughout. An excellent follow up to the first book in the series. Not for the fainthearted. Gory, bloody, violent, shocking....packed with corruption, sex, drugs, torture....murder. A terrific storyline that was fast paced and nail biting. DC Brockwell is a fairly new author to me and I am already a big fan. Book three (Bad Blood) is winking at me on my bookshelf and I can't wait to dive in. Highly recommended.
An emotional rollercoaster I didn't want to get off!
Ooh jeez, and I thought book one was gripping and wouldn't be beaten, how wrong was I? I don't write spoilers in my reviews so fear not, this is just an outline and my opinion on this story which I didn't want to end but I needed an ending, as we do.
DC Nasreen Maqsood, has returned to work after her forced suspension at the end of book one. Her suspicions regarding corruption that reaches the highest echelons of the police force is still at the forefront of her mind. Absolutely convinced of her beliefs, she watches, nose's around by stealth and listens to her instincts. She is one gutsy lady who isn't afraid to put herself in the firing line if an innocent person is in danger. I love her fighting instinct which has been put to the test more than once and she doesn't always come out unscathed, but this festering niggle of dirty cops could put her in more danger than she could imagine, so tread lightly she must!
Nas, is handed an investigation to find the sadistic killer of a young man named Ryan, brutal is an understatement but our intrepid DC is on a mission. Unbeknownst to her a cruel bloodthirsty and lover of pain (other people's she relishes it) is on the prowl again. Cara Mooney who appears in the previous book, is out to feed her twisted addiction again, her insatiable appetite for inflicting pain and the excitement she gets seeing the blood of others spilling out is truly the stuff of nightmares. She is one sick individual, even when you learn of her childhood horrors that have obviously made her the way she is, I still found it difficult to excuse her actions. She's a character you despise but can't help the thought, that those responsible from her childhood should be up against a wall and shot!
Anyway lets get to the nitty gritty, like book one this isn't a book for the faint hearted, especially where bloody gore and torture is concerned, but they're integral to the story in many ways some subtle so. Several threads run throughout the book which you'd expect with police corruption simmering away in the background, which makes my brain itch to be honest as it appears to be something in between illegal and legal.........food for thought!
I love the characterization, wonderful in-depth characters especially the protagonist DC Nasreen Maqsood her gritty determination, sense of justice, honesty and sometimes foolhardy bravery is just one small reason to want another book in this series!
I was gripped from the first page, a book which has a good pace, some strong characters weaved through the storyline. A few gruesome parts if you are of a sensitive nature. I hadn't read No Way Out (Book 1) but this works well as a standalone book. I absolutely loved it.
Since committing her first murder a month ago, Cara Mooney craves the high it gave her and decides it’s time to kill again. Her victim Ryan has no idea he’s next.
Meanwhile, after being suspended from her job, DC Nasreen Maqsood returns to work and quickly suspects that DCS Adams might be a dirty cop. She vows to investigate but knows she must tread carefully. Then she’s handed the case of Ryan’s murder.
With the pressure mounting, Nasreen finds her hands full.
Soon it becomes apparent that Nasreen is looking for a sadistic predator, but little does she know just how determined this killer is…
Will Nasreen find the murderer before she strikes again, and can her career survive intact?
This is the second book with that kick-ass DC Nasreen Maqsood, and it is just as good as No Way Out. There's violence, corruption, guns, and drugs, but to balance it out, there are some really wonderful characters who are written in great detail.
Cara Mooney plays a pivotal role in this book, and she is even more evil and crazy than we imagined after meeting her briefly in the first book. The murders are gory and filled with rage, and fit Cara's sadistic personality perfectly. We learn a bit more about the forces driving her anger, and it does tug at the heart-strings just a little.
I have a soft spot for Lennox Garvey, and I enjoyed how his story branched out in this book.
This was great follow up to No Way Out, and I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the third in the series.
This is a great read from Duncan Brockwell. Downloaded both of his books together but unfortuntely only this one downloaded successfully so had to read it first. No Way Out was eventually downloaded and should have been read first as the introductions to Nas was missed. Don't be put off by the longer read of this book as it is basically two stories within the book, both very exciting and extremely readable. I love the short chapters, natural read breaks I call them, make the book fly along with the continual switching between the two storylines. I fully expected the two storylines to combine in the finale but they don't, (sorry if you haven't read this book and I've spoiled it for you), so I am expecting a third book in this series. New author, new excitement, new ways to tell a story, really enjoyed the ride from page one to the end. Hoping for a third.
Overall 4.5* D.C. Nasreen Maqsood may be defined as one of the unluckiest luckiest detective in books. Her enthusiasm for justice has no boundaries however she constantly finds herself in a great deal of trouble from all around her! Having been suspended and injured in the last story ( this one reads well as a stand alone though), she is back to apprehend the guilty parties still at large. Immediately she runs into a sociopathic killer who has no boundaries when it comes to getting what she wants...nor is she the only one in the story like that. Again Mr Brockwell weaves a tight tale making the reader wonder where they might end up next. Again the story does have quite graphic details of the murders and may not be for everyone however for me, it helps to intensify what is going on. Would definitely recommend. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
This is the second in the DC Nasreen Maqsood series and is an absolute belter of a book. If you like your books fast paced and full of action you will positively love this book. If you have not read the first in the series, "No way out" do not be put off as this reads well as a stand alone although you will want to read the first book as well.
The storyline follows Cara Mooney who is on a mission and hell mend anyone that gets in her way. As the body count mounts up you become more and more engrossed with the book. Some books tend to fade out as the story reaches its end however this one certainly doesn't.
DC Brockwell has excelled himself with this thriller and I eagerly await the next in the series.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily.
Wow this is the first dc brockwell book I have read and after reading this one I am certainly going to go back and read the first one to find out all about how nasreen maqsood career began and the events leading up to her first scar. This was an enthralling and gripping psychological thriller and the story got more enticing the more it went on and the quicker the killing rampage escalated. I was drawn into the book quickly from the first few pages and was hooked until the end. This book is difficult to review as it was so good and hard to explain just how good without giving spoilers away so all I would say is if you love a fast paced psychological thriller then this is for you
Murder, mayhem and an exquisite eye for detail - this is another excellent book from DC Brockwell. Following on from a very memorable scene in No Way Out, Cara Mooney takes her desires to a whole new level in an unforgettable way in Bird of Prey. DC Nasreen Maqsood is on top form and is as brilliantly written as the first book, continuing to face down everything that is thrown at her. Shocking, bloody and fascinating, this is one book I won't soon forget with characters that you will like and feel for even as they behave in a reprehensible manner. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
This is the second instalment from DC Brockwell featuring our leading lady Nazreen, another great action packed police procedural, this time with a psychotic female chalking up some decent kills. The story is well written and though features the usual bent dirty cops, good cops, murderers, drug deals and everyday gang wars it held my interest and left me wanting to read more. I can’t wait to see what antics Nazreen gets up to next.
4.25* Gore score 🗡🗡🗡 For me this series is getting even better. My second book by this author. Glad I read them in order as a part of the story continues on from the last book. I like that familiarity. The amount that knife is getting used you’d think Cara would need to resharpen it 😂 My score would have been higher except for a niggle with a part of the ending. I would recommend this book, it’s very fast paced.
A serial killer with a twisted agenda gives reinstated detective Nasreen Maqsood a chance for redemption. Maqsood must walk a tight line. Aware of an unholy alliance between cops and criminals, she understands powerful men are waiting to destroy. In the meantime the alliance is under siege by a drug dealer bent on vengeance.
This is a taut thriller. The stories interweave and alternate. The pacecis good and it held my interest. Well done.
Ideally this needs to be read in order of the series to get the full enjoyment. The saga continues with the bent coppers and picks up the story behind one of the characters in the first book. And she turns this into a bloodbath with her psychotic ways with a knife. So Nasreen is on the hunt for her whilst havoc is being created with the drug gangs. No more to say except, read the series as I am doing.
This is a page-turner, about a serial killer out to get anyone who has done her wrong in the past or who gets in her way as she pursues her goals. The book also focuses on the police officers who are chasing her and on a complicated sting operation the police are running with a bunch of drug dealers. Lots of murder and mayhem, but some likable characters emerge from the gory chaos. I may look for other books in the series.
An excellent follow up to No Way Out. A darker story but equally gripping and nothing should be allowed to interfere with your reading of the book. Highly recommended!
Just finished reading Bird of Prey by D C Brockwell. Wow what a story. Cara is absolutely brutal and if you like plenty of vicious murders you are going to love this. I am.moving straight onto the next in the series to find out the next case Nasreen has to work on and I cant wait. Fast paced engaging and plenty going on.....I can highly recommend this one.