The Scars Don't Show : A Detective Michael Brady Crime Thriller

by Mark Richards

Michael Brady is willing to risk it all His career, the woman he loves. Maybe even his life And he’s risking them for the man who nearly killed him… ‘The Scars Don’t Show’ is the first Michael Brady Short Read. Books you can read in an evening. The story takes you back to the start of Brady’s career. He’s 26. It’s his first murder case – and he’s desperate to impress. Sarah Cooke’s been strangled – and there’s an obvious suspect. “His fingerprints are all over the house. His car’s on CCTV. The old lady across the road, the incident before Christmas. Four four ticks. That’s enough for me.” Brady has his doubts. But who’s going to listen to a rookie detective? Someone on his first murder someone who’s “playing detective for the day…” “He’s abused his wife. He’s cheated his brother. But that doesn’t make him a murderer.” But it’s not his decision. Brady and his partner are sent to make the arrest. It goes wrong. Badly wrong. As wrong as an arrest can go. And Brady wakes up in hospital… You’ve already met Michael Brady in ‘Salt in the Wounds’ and ‘The River Runs Deep…’ “Fabulous! Had me gripped from start to finish. Reminded me of Mark Billingham’s detective, Tom Thorne.” “Book 2 of the Michael Brady series, and it’s every bit as good as the first. Read it in three sittings – but only because real life got in the way!” “I read a lot of detective stories, but none have sucked me into another world like this one.” “Michael Brady book 1 was brilliant. Book 2 is equally excellent. Believable characters, strong plot, intriguing story.” Michael Brady Short Reads are a third the length of a normal book. They’re books that you can read in an evening. They’re the stories that trace Brady’s career. That made him the detective he is today…

Genres: Crime

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2021

Reviews

[Louise Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival to Line of Duty

I like to know the back story even more than the sequel. I read Salt in the Wounds, and River Runs Deep when they were first published, and loved them both, having become a big fan of Mark's walking books. Then, for various reasons, stopped reading for a while. My MY resolution this year was to read more again and what better way to start than with the first Beady back story! It was brilliant, explained a lot about the Brady I had already grown to love. Now I can't wait to catch up with the other books in the series and the other back stories. Fantastic writing, great characters who are completely believable with interesting personalities. This is so good I can see it being made into a TV drama to rival Line of Duty!

[Vicsta Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story introducing Mike brady to the scene of policing.

Brady meets Sarah Cooke and she explains she has written a will… but why ? she pleads for Brady to help her if she’s is ever found in trouble…

Brady gets a call from Sarah??

Why is she calling?
What does she want from Brady?

Although a short story the content is full. Great characters and nice early introduction to Bradys career, his skills, passion for the job and early relationship with Grace.

Brill read and a big 5 stars from me

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

PC Michael Brady wants to become a detective and is given the opportunity to become an acting one.

When the victim of domestic violence is murdered, can Brady and the team find the killer?

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be my last. This may be a short story but it packs a punch. I liked the characters and for me, Brady and his fiancée, Grace were definitely my favourites. Looking forward to reading Salt in the Wounds.

[Joyce Rigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book about Mike Brady that I have read and I am delighted to know that there are more full length novels just waiting for me. A well written, well thought out plot with a character I really liked. I am looking forward to reading more of his progress in his career. A detective with a happy home life is always a plus for me.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t yet read the main books in the Michael Brady series though I’m looking forward to them, especially after enjoying this prequel novella. The character is introduced and the story is compelling with enough detail to flesh it out. A really good, well written story. Looking forward to the second prequel, Crossing The White Line before the main series.

[Carole Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Prequel.

Having read all of the Whitby books it was very interesting to go back to the start & see how Brady’s career began & to meet Grace before they were married. In it’s own right it is also a very good crime novella & of the highest stand. Looking forward to more full length & prequels too.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable introduction to a series

I’ve not read any of the Detective Michael Brady books, so this was an enjoyable introduction to the series. I’m looking forward to reading more about Michael and Grace, and seeing how his career develops.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. It is about a case that Mike Brady helped investigate when he was an Acting DC and only just starting. It is a case that he can never forget and shapes him. It shows his character and determination. Only a short read but a good one

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella length prequel that fills in some of the early working life of Michael Brady. He's a rookie constable and his opinions on a case differ from those of his superiors. The story is well put together and shows us how he became the man he is in the full length novels. Very enjoyable.

[Wendy S Mottart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I thought I would start with this book as it introduces the character in a short story. This is the start of Michael Bradys' career as a Detective and shows a very interesting take on his character - naive and a bit headstrong for sure, but hopefully he will learn. I'm already intrigued with this series and have downloaded the other books ready for reading. This is my favourite genre and there are a few authors I always look forward to reading. I can now say Mark Richards has piqued my interest already with this book. Onto the next short story to see how Michael is coping! Bravo Mark.

[Gail Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I have read many of the Mark Richards books including the walking ones. Not one had disappointed. Settle yourself down and prepare to become immersed in the whole series. Can't wait for the next.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first four full length novels in this series in quick successions, it was a delight to go back in time and see Mike Brady at the start of his career.
Set in Manchester, this is as gritty as the Whitby based novels and I loved it. Good to meet Grace too.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am normally averse to reading ‘short’ stories but at 174 pages, this felt like a fast moving full book. Good to catch up with Brady as a young copper, meet and learn more about Grace. Again, a thoroughly enjoyable read and if all the ‘shorts’ are this long, I’ll read them all.

[Shewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as it gets

Enjoyed the twists & turns until the very last! Michael Brady is not only a believable character but admirable, as well.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book where the character starts out as a police constable his name is Michael Brady i thoughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend to other avid readers like.

[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great Michael Brady book,these shorts give you the biuld up to who he is and where he is
a great story , great plot , loved it

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s to Policemen’s Wives

Excellent short story with lots happening, lots of psychology and authentic understanding of abuse and false presumptions. A great read.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read but riveting nonetheless. It brings an insight into a young Mike Brady, recently engaged to Grace and eager to move from uniform into a detective role despite the efforts of his father in law to-be who is keen for him to join his solicitor firm.

Mike is the only one who believes a woman who alleges her husband abuses her. When the woman rings Mike and is immediately found murdered in her home, it's pretty obvious who the prime suspect is. Mike doesn't think things are so cut and dried as it appears though.

This is a great introduction to the early beginnings of Mike's career and the characteristics which shapes the man we see in Salt In The Wounds. Another great story from this author.