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Syn
Retribution and Time
An everyday Friday night out. A few too many drinks.
A few harsh words said. No one was hurt.
All easily forgotten.
Both can heal
Except he didn’t forget. Their threats. How they made him feel…
They must pay - with their lives.
But one will always leave a scar…
A young woman goes missing. She’s done it before, but Detective Inspector April Decent senses this time it’s serious. Can she convince her colleagues she’s right before it’s too late?
Decent and her DS Skeeter Warlock face their most deadly opponent yet in Syn, the second novel in Malcolm Hollingdrake’s superb Merseyside Crime Series.
An everyday Friday night out. A few too many drinks.
A few harsh words said. No one was hurt.
All easily forgotten.
Both can heal
Except he didn’t forget. Their threats. How they made him feel…
They must pay - with their lives.
But one will always leave a scar…
A young woman goes missing. She’s done it before, but Detective Inspector April Decent senses this time it’s serious. Can she convince her colleagues she’s right before it’s too late?
Decent and her DS Skeeter Warlock face their most deadly opponent yet in Syn, the second novel in Malcolm Hollingdrake’s superb Merseyside Crime Series.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2021
59 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 14, 2021
Hot on the heels of the first book in this new series comes Syn. Decent and Warlock are back investigating another complex case.
As the old saying goes, 'revenge is dish best served cold,' and in this story you can certainly understand how the need to get revenge had built up over time for one particular character. This character's actions and methods to get revenge, and gain their victims trust, were very imaginative. As they dished out their own unique form of justice I couldn't help seeing things from their POV and understanding how things had got where they had.
As with other books I've read by Hollingdrake, the amount of research into the topics involved was evident to see. And, although it involves a lot of police procedure, the story never got bogged down in 'police speak' or abbreviations I didn't understand.
Another enjoyable read that is highly recommended to fans of British crime fiction.
As the old saying goes, 'revenge is dish best served cold,' and in this story you can certainly understand how the need to get revenge had built up over time for one particular character. This character's actions and methods to get revenge, and gain their victims trust, were very imaginative. As they dished out their own unique form of justice I couldn't help seeing things from their POV and understanding how things had got where they had.
As with other books I've read by Hollingdrake, the amount of research into the topics involved was evident to see. And, although it involves a lot of police procedure, the story never got bogged down in 'police speak' or abbreviations I didn't understand.
Another enjoyable read that is highly recommended to fans of British crime fiction.
April 24, 2021
I absolutely loved my first introduction to this series in Catch As Catch Can so was very eager to get my hands on the second book in the series and it didn’t disappoint.
This is very much a story about revenge of which will have the reader glued to the pages. The murders are particularly gruesome but yet exciting as these aren’t your typical killings. It is definitely going to appeal to the more hardened crime thriller fans out there. If you are bored with your stereo typical murders, then look no further as the ones in this story will send shivers down your spine!
My favourite character has to be Skeeter and for me she steals the limelight in this one. April is very much the boss but felt more in the background whilst Skeeter is out there doing the legwork and showing just how invaluable she is to the investigation. There is so much potential with her character and I have a feeling the author is going to have so much fun with her.
Syn was a much anticipated read following a top class start in the series. What I love in particular with this authors books is that I always end up learning something new. There is always a little bit of history either about the particular area, a monument or a quite famous item etc but it’s done in a way that makes it really fascinating and I always end up having a little search on the internet to explore more. More importantly though he writes a cracker of a storyline and I am absolutely loving this more darker and twisted side to him.
This is very much a story about revenge of which will have the reader glued to the pages. The murders are particularly gruesome but yet exciting as these aren’t your typical killings. It is definitely going to appeal to the more hardened crime thriller fans out there. If you are bored with your stereo typical murders, then look no further as the ones in this story will send shivers down your spine!
My favourite character has to be Skeeter and for me she steals the limelight in this one. April is very much the boss but felt more in the background whilst Skeeter is out there doing the legwork and showing just how invaluable she is to the investigation. There is so much potential with her character and I have a feeling the author is going to have so much fun with her.
Syn was a much anticipated read following a top class start in the series. What I love in particular with this authors books is that I always end up learning something new. There is always a little bit of history either about the particular area, a monument or a quite famous item etc but it’s done in a way that makes it really fascinating and I always end up having a little search on the internet to explore more. More importantly though he writes a cracker of a storyline and I am absolutely loving this more darker and twisted side to him.
May 19, 2021
It is a typical night out for a group of friends, where the lads strut their stuff and the girls coo in admiration. But for one bloke, who is always the target of this type of group, it is the final straw. His buttons have been pushed once too often, and his humiliation has taken a final battering. It is one thing facing a gang on your own, but a one to one is a different matter.
This killer has a look that nobody notices, and blends as one of the crowd. He seems harmless, someone who has learnt to back down rather than face off with anyone. That I find frightening because I need killers to look like they should be avoided, not pitied.
The team are back in this second book, DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock being the prime investigating characters. The first woman to go missing doesn’t raise too many red flags as she has been known to take off before, but something doesn’t sit right. This killer is imaginative when I thought about it, he had probably relived everything he was doing time and time again, perfecting all of his actions. It wasn’t the first time he had faced humiliation and worse. It is almost like his victims seem to think he just won’t kill them.
I have always loved this author’s books. His Harrogate series is superb and always had that middle class feel about it. It is a little like Morse, but this new series feels like it is more street level. It’s like life has chosen which side of the law they are on, with a few still in the grey area of best of both worlds. It is brilliant.
Malcolm Hollingdrake is a super talent where I can almost see him syncing himself up with his characters to get inside them and feel what they would do rather than him being the lead. Whatever he does, he pulls it off in style.
This killer has a look that nobody notices, and blends as one of the crowd. He seems harmless, someone who has learnt to back down rather than face off with anyone. That I find frightening because I need killers to look like they should be avoided, not pitied.
The team are back in this second book, DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock being the prime investigating characters. The first woman to go missing doesn’t raise too many red flags as she has been known to take off before, but something doesn’t sit right. This killer is imaginative when I thought about it, he had probably relived everything he was doing time and time again, perfecting all of his actions. It wasn’t the first time he had faced humiliation and worse. It is almost like his victims seem to think he just won’t kill them.
I have always loved this author’s books. His Harrogate series is superb and always had that middle class feel about it. It is a little like Morse, but this new series feels like it is more street level. It’s like life has chosen which side of the law they are on, with a few still in the grey area of best of both worlds. It is brilliant.
Malcolm Hollingdrake is a super talent where I can almost see him syncing himself up with his characters to get inside them and feel what they would do rather than him being the lead. Whatever he does, he pulls it off in style.
November 19, 2022
4⭐️
#2 in the Merseyside Crime series.
I had the audiobook narrated by Adrian Hobeck, he does a good job with the voices, and subtle accent.
I enjoy the authors writing style, it’s quite individual.
DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock are in action when Carla Sharpe goes missing, she’s done similar before but April feels there’s more to it.
This one is a revenge serial killer. We also hear from the killers POV
throughout so we know why he is doing it. I would have liked more of his past included to demonstrate his mindset.
I enjoyed following the killers devious ways of getting to his intended victims who are a group of friends.
Skeeter comes to the forefront in this book. I think my favourite character is Carlos.
It holds up well in the police procedural genre.
#2 in the Merseyside Crime series.
I had the audiobook narrated by Adrian Hobeck, he does a good job with the voices, and subtle accent.
I enjoy the authors writing style, it’s quite individual.
DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock are in action when Carla Sharpe goes missing, she’s done similar before but April feels there’s more to it.
This one is a revenge serial killer. We also hear from the killers POV
throughout so we know why he is doing it. I would have liked more of his past included to demonstrate his mindset.
I enjoyed following the killers devious ways of getting to his intended victims who are a group of friends.
Skeeter comes to the forefront in this book. I think my favourite character is Carlos.
It holds up well in the police procedural genre.
March 25, 2021
Book 2 in the Merseyside crime series and I was really looking forward to reading this. Oh it was good. Even better than book 1 as now the main characters have come to life it my head. As always the writing is superlative and a real pleasure to read. The storyline is inspired; original and shocking in places.
Briefly, DI April Decent, DS Skeeter Warlock and the team are looking into the disappearance, and ultimately murder of Carla Sharpe. When her friends also begin to disappear the police are fighting time to find the killer before someone else dies...
A really good police procedural/ thriller. The book has a number of twists and turns to keep you guessing about who the murderer is; although it is made clear early on in the book why the murderer is acting in this manner. But who is he? I’d like to say thank you to Mr Hollingdrake for keeping me awake late into the night finishing this book. Definitely one of my reads of 2021. 5* because that’s all I’m allowed.
Briefly, DI April Decent, DS Skeeter Warlock and the team are looking into the disappearance, and ultimately murder of Carla Sharpe. When her friends also begin to disappear the police are fighting time to find the killer before someone else dies...
A really good police procedural/ thriller. The book has a number of twists and turns to keep you guessing about who the murderer is; although it is made clear early on in the book why the murderer is acting in this manner. But who is he? I’d like to say thank you to Mr Hollingdrake for keeping me awake late into the night finishing this book. Definitely one of my reads of 2021. 5* because that’s all I’m allowed.
May 11, 2021
DI April Decent has been with The Serious Crimes Unit in Merseyside for five months now ..Working alongside DS Skeeter Warlock and her team is a role she feels she was born into ...She has found her niche ..The team are looking into the case of a young missing woman , Carla Sharpe ..when a man's body is found in the sands ...A weekend night out ends with words spoken in haste ...for one individual the words are unforgotten ..Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else ...Yet sometimes what is bitterly done in controlled anger cannot be undone ...Because such thoughts become your actions , your actions become your character...your character becomes your destiny...A seething white rage ...A team searching for answers...What happened to the young woman with a head full of dreams ? And who is behind these actions and why ? Syn the second book in The Merseyside Police series takes you deep into the human psyche ..Skeeter Warlock , the lean little powerhouse is for me the star of the show ..Malcolm Hollingdrake brings Merseyside to life in all its colours, places and characters..A Stunning Flawless read ...
April 26, 2021
My thoughts about this brilliant follow up to the fantastic Catch As Catch Can, Malcolm Hollingdrake’s Syn is just wow excellent, A well written murder mystery thriller that deals with revenge,Syn is a masterpiece winner with its breathtaking suspense and mystery,that is truly unbelievable,the way Malcom Hollingdrake’s handles the characters and the story is a treat for crime fiction fans.The murders that takes place and what DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock investigate,leads them to a dangerous sinister killer,who will stop at nothing until he gets his revenge,is just mindblowing.Malcolm Hollingdrake not only writes a well crafted and well written murder mystery thriller, he has created a series, that blows you away with its unique story and suspense that is truly remarkable. The story of Syn begins when a young woman goes missing. She’s done it before, but Detective Inspector April Decent senses this time it’s serious. Can she convince her colleagues she’s right before it’s too late? Decent and her DS Skeeter Warlock face their most deadly opponent yet which is fantastic. With Syn Malcolm Hollingdrake delivers yet another blockbuster that doesn’t disappoint,The Merseyside crime thriller series,is my all time favourite series,of all time, alongside M.W Cravens Washington Poe series and Abir Mukherjee’s Captain Sam Wyndham Series, Malcolm Hollingdrake’s Syn is highly recommended to all crime thriller fans, I’ve enjoyed reading. I would like to say thank you to author Malcolm Hollingdrake. Publishers Hobeck Books for kindly not only gifting me a copy but introducing me to a brilliant series and a fantastic author. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 9, 2021
Whew what a ride. Fantastic opening where a guy is accidentally knocked into and gets laughed at by the friendship group.
It then moves to a woman being attached to a pole in a field where a scarecrow once stood. Promised her friends would come to find her.
Carla is missing and another victim is found dead on a remote location.
April Decent and Skeeter are on the investigation.
This is the second in Malcolms new series. It feels like he's hit his stride already.
I felt one of Malcolms strengths is his Harrogate series was the description of the setting. You almost felt like you were walking those same streets, visiting the same pub. This is has been transported to Liverpool. Whilst reading there's already a comforting familiarity in the settings.
I'm also falling in love with the team. Despite little information being written about them, their interactions with each other tell you plenty.
The story line is brilliant, I had to remember to breathe at the end as it reached its climax. Can't wait til book three.
It then moves to a woman being attached to a pole in a field where a scarecrow once stood. Promised her friends would come to find her.
Carla is missing and another victim is found dead on a remote location.
April Decent and Skeeter are on the investigation.
This is the second in Malcolms new series. It feels like he's hit his stride already.
I felt one of Malcolms strengths is his Harrogate series was the description of the setting. You almost felt like you were walking those same streets, visiting the same pub. This is has been transported to Liverpool. Whilst reading there's already a comforting familiarity in the settings.
I'm also falling in love with the team. Despite little information being written about them, their interactions with each other tell you plenty.
The story line is brilliant, I had to remember to breathe at the end as it reached its climax. Can't wait til book three.
September 7, 2024
Last year I read book 1 in the series and loved it. Ever since then Book 2 has been screaming at me from my bookshelf wanting me to read it.
It was well worth the wait. I love the way that the author builds the location on a par with the main characters. Most of this book is based around Southport, and area that I used to live, and even I learnt new things about the area.
This is the first book that I have read that uses drones and explains a little about how they work which I found interesting.
Overall, it is a great story, a credit to the town of Southport and to the author's writing skills.
I need to get book 3 now to catch up with the series.
My only negative comment was the title of the book as, for me, it did not really fit the story but the story carries it through making it a real page turner.
It was well worth the wait. I love the way that the author builds the location on a par with the main characters. Most of this book is based around Southport, and area that I used to live, and even I learnt new things about the area.
This is the first book that I have read that uses drones and explains a little about how they work which I found interesting.
Overall, it is a great story, a credit to the town of Southport and to the author's writing skills.
I need to get book 3 now to catch up with the series.
My only negative comment was the title of the book as, for me, it did not really fit the story but the story carries it through making it a real page turner.
May 25, 2021
Coming hot on the heels of “Catch as Catch Can” this 2nd book of the Merseyside series is another excellent offering from one of my favourite authors. His description of the area and almost ‘innocent’ introduction of the characters lead us into the intriguing twists and turns of this well thought out plot. “How the worm turns” and “Revenge is a dish best served cold” come to mind! Malcolm, I suppose it’s too much to ask that book 3 will be just around the corner, but I live in hope and anticipation. Definitely recommend and worthy of 5*s
June 4, 2021
It would be a sin not to read this!
The second story in Malcolm Hollingdrake's new crime series is even better than the first. It is as always well researched and riveting from the first page and the female leads DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock are proving to be a formidable partnership. I love the depth of detail and the references in the book to the writer's personal interests - the stained glass making being one. As I know the areas over which the crimes take place it makes the story even more alive. Highly recommended!
The second story in Malcolm Hollingdrake's new crime series is even better than the first. It is as always well researched and riveting from the first page and the female leads DI April Decent and DS Skeeter Warlock are proving to be a formidable partnership. I love the depth of detail and the references in the book to the writer's personal interests - the stained glass making being one. As I know the areas over which the crimes take place it makes the story even more alive. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2021
The second in the new Merseyside Crime Series and boy it didn't disappoint, plenty of action from the onset. DI April Decent and her DS Skeeter Warlock have their job cut out in this inquiry, as the MO is pretty horrific and to find the killer, they must first find a motive. As usual with Malcolm Hollingdrakes books the area and settings are a big part of the story and it's something he seems to do effortlessly. The two main characters work well together and I'm sure as the series progresses we will get more of a back story to their personalities.
February 10, 2024
This is the second book in the series, and what an excellent read. I really like the characters, there’s no back biting, they’re all very different and get the job done.
This time they are involved in several grisly murders, but it’s proving hard to find the perpetrator and the reason. I also liked the fact, that despite my best endeavours I couldn’t work it out who “dunnit “! 🤣🤣🤣
I’m onto the third one now, and I can’t wait. Malcolm has such a good knowledge of the area and you feel like you know Liverpool well.
A most enjoyable thriller.
This time they are involved in several grisly murders, but it’s proving hard to find the perpetrator and the reason. I also liked the fact, that despite my best endeavours I couldn’t work it out who “dunnit “! 🤣🤣🤣
I’m onto the third one now, and I can’t wait. Malcolm has such a good knowledge of the area and you feel like you know Liverpool well.
A most enjoyable thriller.
April 17, 2021
DI April Decent, DS Skeeter Warlock and the team investigate when Carla Sharpe disappears and is reported missing. Not normally a case for them but April trusts her gut and thinks there is more to it.
As the body counts mounts up, the team are struggling to find any reason for the deaths, other than the victims are all friends. Who is doing this and why?
This is the second book in The Merseyside Crime Series. In this one we get to know the main characters a little more. The author has put some great twists into the story and although we know why the killer is committing these heinous murders, we don’t know who it is!
An excellent series and I am looking forward to reading more.
As the body counts mounts up, the team are struggling to find any reason for the deaths, other than the victims are all friends. Who is doing this and why?
This is the second book in The Merseyside Crime Series. In this one we get to know the main characters a little more. The author has put some great twists into the story and although we know why the killer is committing these heinous murders, we don’t know who it is!
An excellent series and I am looking forward to reading more.
May 24, 2021
Another '5 star' read!
Malcolm Hollingdrake is one of my favourite authors & I have read all of his books.
As always, the book is well written with 'twists' making it a great page turner.
I had originally thought that this would be very similar to the Harrogate Crime Series books but I am so wrong.
Highly recommend both crime series.
So looking forward to book 3 in this series & book 11 in the Harrogate Crime Series.
Malcolm Hollingdrake is one of my favourite authors & I have read all of his books.
As always, the book is well written with 'twists' making it a great page turner.
I had originally thought that this would be very similar to the Harrogate Crime Series books but I am so wrong.
Highly recommend both crime series.
So looking forward to book 3 in this series & book 11 in the Harrogate Crime Series.
April 25, 2021
A gripping second in series book featuring Detectives April Decent and Skeeter Warlock. A tense investigation into the disappearance of a young woman.Someone has been affronted by some harsh comments and the plan is to make them pay. An intriguing plot in this Merseyside Crime series. As always a superbly written novel
May 30, 2021
Loving this new series
As a huge fan of The Harrogate Series by this author ( do check them out) I’m loving the new venues and new characters in this the Merseyside Series. As always this author has a great vocabulary and knows how to use it. Looking forward to to #3 ⭐️
As a huge fan of The Harrogate Series by this author ( do check them out) I’m loving the new venues and new characters in this the Merseyside Series. As always this author has a great vocabulary and knows how to use it. Looking forward to to #3 ⭐️
June 6, 2021
Interesting story. Fascinating use of drones, a technology we'll be seeing more of in the future as it becomes a standard piece of police equipment. I didn't find myself taking to the characters, I'm afraid, perhaps because I've skipped book 1 of this series.
July 28, 2021
Another great story
A great follow up story in the Merseyside Crime series. Great characters and a really good story line that has plenty of twists and turns and kept me gripped right to the end.More please.
A great follow up story in the Merseyside Crime series. Great characters and a really good story line that has plenty of twists and turns and kept me gripped right to the end.More please.
August 23, 2021
Great sequel
Skeeter Warlock is brilliant. The whole of DCI Decents team work really well together and the individual characters are emerging. Loved that the Huers got a mention. Can't wait for the next instalment
Skeeter Warlock is brilliant. The whole of DCI Decents team work really well together and the individual characters are emerging. Loved that the Huers got a mention. Can't wait for the next instalment
September 12, 2021
Fabulous new series
Loving this new series, another fabulous addition, thoroughly enjoyed. It was interesting reading about the usage of drones and the hexacopter, these no doubt will be a big part of policing in the future. Can't wait to see what the team is up against next.
Loving this new series, another fabulous addition, thoroughly enjoyed. It was interesting reading about the usage of drones and the hexacopter, these no doubt will be a big part of policing in the future. Can't wait to see what the team is up against next.
February 1, 2022
Malcolm Hollingdrake is a superb writer. Having read all of his Harrogate series And loved them, I was keen to read these. I was somewhat disappointed with the first book, but persevered to read Syn. My main dislike for these books is the lack of interaction between the main characters, mainly the police. Indeed Syn could be read without reading the first book. I won’t be reading any future books in the series
March 18, 2024
Revenge is Justice for the Weak
A brief encounter at a bar sends a man on a drive for revenge and murder.. The friends of the bully boy must die first to exact the revenge. Investigation of murders are complicated by half truths and lies by suspects and witnesses.
A brief encounter at a bar sends a man on a drive for revenge and murder.. The friends of the bully boy must die first to exact the revenge. Investigation of murders are complicated by half truths and lies by suspects and witnesses.
April 26, 2021
Inspector Decent and DS Warlock together again. Great team. Always find the villain. Good pace.
May 18, 2021
Another clever well written book from this author.
May 20, 2021
Brilliant second book in this Merseyside series. I enjoyed this one as much as the first and can't wait for the next one
October 12, 2021
A new great series from Malcolm , really enjoyed reading , recommend to everyone who loves a great thril6 with bite
November 7, 2022
This is the second book in the Merseyside crime series there has far as i know just 2 books and I have Absolutely enjoyed reading them both brilliant book's and one very talented Author.
July 26, 2022
What a phenomenal crime
As you would expect DS Warlock and DI Decent characters are developing in the second book of Merseyside Crime series
How to I love both of them they are just amazing
The crime unit is looking into missing person , when Decent has a gut feeling that it’s something more
They meet the most deadly and clever opponents yet
Will they stop him before it’s too late
The plot and the twist making the story so compelling that you can’t put it down
1st book was great
This one - 2nd in series fast paced and you just turning page after page
Can’t wait for 3rd
As you would expect DS Warlock and DI Decent characters are developing in the second book of Merseyside Crime series
How to I love both of them they are just amazing
The crime unit is looking into missing person , when Decent has a gut feeling that it’s something more
They meet the most deadly and clever opponents yet
Will they stop him before it’s too late
The plot and the twist making the story so compelling that you can’t put it down
1st book was great
This one - 2nd in series fast paced and you just turning page after page
Can’t wait for 3rd
June 15, 2021
A superb follow up to the first in the series, Syn is a darker and quite thrilling read from Malcolm Holllingdrake and his team of April Decent and Skeeter Warlock.
Skeeter is a fine creation and she really takes the diving seat in this brooding, intense and well crafted thriller.
A new series that comes highly Recommended
Skeeter is a fine creation and she really takes the diving seat in this brooding, intense and well crafted thriller.
A new series that comes highly Recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews