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The Unforgiving Stone
Nick Fisher and his son have not spoken for years. But, when the boy brings the girl he is about to marry to the island of Crete, Nick is persuaded to travel to the remote south-west coast, seeking a reconciliation.
Instead, he discovers that a body has been found on the beach. His son has disappeared and is now prime suspect in a murder case.
In a race against time, ex-cop Nick must call upon his old skills and instincts to find his son, then convince the Greek police of his innocence. To do that, he must seek out other suspects and track down the one who was driven to kill. The one who reached their breaking point.
Only success can save his son. It might even restore Nick’s own self-belief.
Failure is unthinkable.
Instead, he discovers that a body has been found on the beach. His son has disappeared and is now prime suspect in a murder case.
In a race against time, ex-cop Nick must call upon his old skills and instincts to find his son, then convince the Greek police of his innocence. To do that, he must seek out other suspects and track down the one who was driven to kill. The one who reached their breaking point.
Only success can save his son. It might even restore Nick’s own self-belief.
Failure is unthinkable.
317 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2020
About the author
Alex Dunlevy
6 books4 followersAlex abandoned a career in finance at the age of forty-nine and spent a few years staring at the Mediterranean, contemplating life and loss. Finally, he accepted what his heart had always known. So, he joined some writing groups and he began to write.
He has now completed four novels in a series of crime thrillers set on the island of Crete and featuring British protagonist Nick Fisher. The Unforgiving Stone was the October 2020 debut. Beneath the Stone followed in 2021, The Stone Skimmers in 2022 and Tamarisk Bay in 2024. The first three have been awarded medallions of quality by B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Group in the USA) and Amazon UK readers rate them 4.5 (out of 5) on average.
Alex has also published a collection of short stories, The Late Shift Specialist. These are quite different from his crime writing. Recently, he has been working on a darkly comic novel set in the world of 1990s corporate finance and a bitter-sweet coming-of-age story, set in the 1960s.
Born in Derbyshire, England, Alex now lives in The Apokóronas, a fertile region in the north-west Crete, between the White Mountains and the nearby Cretan Sea.
He has now completed four novels in a series of crime thrillers set on the island of Crete and featuring British protagonist Nick Fisher. The Unforgiving Stone was the October 2020 debut. Beneath the Stone followed in 2021, The Stone Skimmers in 2022 and Tamarisk Bay in 2024. The first three have been awarded medallions of quality by B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Group in the USA) and Amazon UK readers rate them 4.5 (out of 5) on average.
Alex has also published a collection of short stories, The Late Shift Specialist. These are quite different from his crime writing. Recently, he has been working on a darkly comic novel set in the world of 1990s corporate finance and a bitter-sweet coming-of-age story, set in the 1960s.
Born in Derbyshire, England, Alex now lives in The Apokóronas, a fertile region in the north-west Crete, between the White Mountains and the nearby Cretan Sea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 8, 2021
I picked this up because it is set on Crete, and am always interested in stories set in Greece, a country I visit often and know well. I did enjoy the Greek setting, although it isn’t done as well as, say, Paul Johnston. The writing is a little clunky, but it’s readable and involving enough. I quite liked the central character, Nick, and his relationship with the Greek police was done well enough.
What I didn’t like about it was the portrayal of women. They are the villains of the piece, in stereotypical ways that verge on the offensive. There’s the femme fatal, who uses her sexuality to ensnare men, and the wronged, older, vengeful woman. There is some male fantasy sex, graphically (and very unrealistically) described in great detail as part of a confession.
So, despite liking some things about this I’m unlikely to pick up the next one.
What I didn’t like about it was the portrayal of women. They are the villains of the piece, in stereotypical ways that verge on the offensive. There’s the femme fatal, who uses her sexuality to ensnare men, and the wronged, older, vengeful woman. There is some male fantasy sex, graphically (and very unrealistically) described in great detail as part of a confession.
So, despite liking some things about this I’m unlikely to pick up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2021
It gets an extra star just for being set on Crete, an island I love and lived on for several years. The hero is the usual cliche of ex cop with an ex wife, poor relationship with a child and an old problem with drink. The plot was good but spoilt by some really clunky and at times unrealistic, dialogue.
August 2, 2021
As seems to be rapidly becoming the norm with me, I discovered this book, and its author, on Instagram. Further investigation confirmed it to be a crime story set on the island of Crete. As someone who loves all things Greek and has lived and travelled within Cyprus and Greece, and who set half of my own trilogy on a Greek island, how could I resist? The book was downloaded from Kindle Unlimited without any more delay, and took me two days to read, it was that unputdownable.
I’ve never made it to Crete – it’s on the list – but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting it through Alex Dunlevy’s story set around a divorced, retired and flawed British policeman who has made the island his home. A body is found and Nick is back in business, for his own personal reasons; more than that I won’t say, for fear of spoiling for those who haven’t read yet. But there’s a good amount of detective work for the reader to do, around that of the police in the book, a few twists and turns (I really thought I’d cracked the case at one point; no such luck), with plenty of Greek language, food, drink and other culture to set the scene nicely.
Beautifully-written and edited, well-paced, a hugely satisfying read. I’d give it six stars if I could, but will have to make do with five. Highly recommended.
I’ve never made it to Crete – it’s on the list – but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting it through Alex Dunlevy’s story set around a divorced, retired and flawed British policeman who has made the island his home. A body is found and Nick is back in business, for his own personal reasons; more than that I won’t say, for fear of spoiling for those who haven’t read yet. But there’s a good amount of detective work for the reader to do, around that of the police in the book, a few twists and turns (I really thought I’d cracked the case at one point; no such luck), with plenty of Greek language, food, drink and other culture to set the scene nicely.
Beautifully-written and edited, well-paced, a hugely satisfying read. I’d give it six stars if I could, but will have to make do with five. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2020
What a great story this is. It is my favorite type of mystery-an intellectual police procedural. There are plenty of red herrings and wild goose chases to keep the reader guessing as to who the 'bad guy' is. The characters are realistic and not some overblown caricature of police officers. And while there's not any 'beat 'em up, shoot 'em up' action it's not boring either. Along with the details of the police investigation, there are detailed descriptions of locations, food, and drink that enhance the mystery that is at the core of this book. There is even a little history thrown in as icing on the cake. And if I have to come up with one little criticism, it's that all of these Greek names are really difficult for this Southern Alabama girl to pronounce. Thank goodness I didn't have to say them out loud. I would have butchered them unmercifully! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
September 24, 2023
Nick is an expat and retired policeman who has to defy the Greek police
Nick is a retired policeman and expat living in Crete. He discovers his estranged son Jason has become engaged and is actually on the island.
Nick is reluctant to reconnect because his son did not inform him he was even in the area. He has a change of heart and travels across Crete to find him.
While looking, a body is discovered. Thankfully not male. Sadly, it is quite possible!y his son's fiance with no Jason anywhere to be found. He starts investigating trying to find his son.
When the police arrest and charge Jason, Nick is detirmined to find evidence that will prove his son's innocence. His inquiries irritate the Greek investigators but he continues to defy them.
There is a good description of Crete culture, foods, drinks and police procedures mixed in making this a fun read.
Nick is a retired policeman and expat living in Crete. He discovers his estranged son Jason has become engaged and is actually on the island.
Nick is reluctant to reconnect because his son did not inform him he was even in the area. He has a change of heart and travels across Crete to find him.
While looking, a body is discovered. Thankfully not male. Sadly, it is quite possible!y his son's fiance with no Jason anywhere to be found. He starts investigating trying to find his son.
When the police arrest and charge Jason, Nick is detirmined to find evidence that will prove his son's innocence. His inquiries irritate the Greek investigators but he continues to defy them.
There is a good description of Crete culture, foods, drinks and police procedures mixed in making this a fun read.
November 6, 2023
I enjoyed the book - well plotted story, engaging characters, and with good pace. And plenty of red herrings to keep the reader from guessing too soon who did it. I'll certainly be looking out for more from this author.
Two niggles led me to give 4 stars rather than 5:
Two niggles led me to give 4 stars rather than 5:
* The descriptions of erotic scenes are too detailed and graphic for my taste - my mind works much better when it's inventing its own details to flesh out an author's skeleton.
* The Greek names give proper authenticity to the story's setting in Crete, but my mind struggled to retain them so I occasionally got mixed up amongst the characters and places.
July 1, 2024
Set on the island of Crete, this starts a series centered around Nick Fisher, a retired DCI from London. He is pulled into investigating the death of his estranged son’s fiancée on Crete in an effort to free his accused son. Not sure why father/son are estranged, but I digress.
The pace felt a bit slow, there were some red herrings that felt like they were reaching and some instances of “that would never happen”. And to be honest, I was not overly pulled in by Nick, didn’t feel like he was well-fleshed out as the main. Couple these things with some clunky, at times unrealistic dialogue, and it just wasn’t a win-win for me.
Just an OK. Not sure if I’ll continue on.
The pace felt a bit slow, there were some red herrings that felt like they were reaching and some instances of “that would never happen”. And to be honest, I was not overly pulled in by Nick, didn’t feel like he was well-fleshed out as the main. Couple these things with some clunky, at times unrealistic dialogue, and it just wasn’t a win-win for me.
Just an OK. Not sure if I’ll continue on.
September 13, 2024
Kept me guessing.
Well written, sucked me in immediately and I didn't have a clue as to whodunit til it was almost done and that's hard to do, as I have read literally thousands of books. The setting and characters were unique and interesting as well. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was the over the top, graphic, and unnecessarily detailed, almost adolescent, descriptions of the sex scenes. The writing on those did not fit in with the quality of the writing in the rest of the book. To the author I say, you're an excellent author and without those descriptions this would have been one of the best mysteries I have ever read.
Well written, sucked me in immediately and I didn't have a clue as to whodunit til it was almost done and that's hard to do, as I have read literally thousands of books. The setting and characters were unique and interesting as well. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was the over the top, graphic, and unnecessarily detailed, almost adolescent, descriptions of the sex scenes. The writing on those did not fit in with the quality of the writing in the rest of the book. To the author I say, you're an excellent author and without those descriptions this would have been one of the best mysteries I have ever read.
August 5, 2021
This is a new author for me which I enjoyed. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author and this series. This is a suspenseful story about a boy who disappears but is also a suspect in a murder case. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. The characters are relateable and kept the story engaging. The twists and turns they took me on had me guessing what would happen next. They made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is worth the pick up and I highly recommend it.
September 7, 2023
An unexpected killer
Nick goes to catch up with his son and fiancé to try to mend their relationship, but finds the fiancé floating in the water and the police are already on the scene. His son is no where to be found and Nick is worried that he may be arrested because it seems his fiancé was the victim of foul play. To further complicate matters, the murder has taken place in Greece and so the laws are a bit different.
This book has a few twists and turns and several viable suspects. If you like a good mystery, I would recommend.
Nick goes to catch up with his son and fiancé to try to mend their relationship, but finds the fiancé floating in the water and the police are already on the scene. His son is no where to be found and Nick is worried that he may be arrested because it seems his fiancé was the victim of foul play. To further complicate matters, the murder has taken place in Greece and so the laws are a bit different.
This book has a few twists and turns and several viable suspects. If you like a good mystery, I would recommend.
February 20, 2021
Highly enjoyable
I know Greece well and I know Crete very well, thankfully I do not know Greek police at all. This story took me along Cretan roads and to villages that I know. I could see the pictures that were being painted so clearly and almost smell the sea air and mountain thyme.
The book brought together my two loves of murder mystery and Crete. I look forward to reading more of Alex Dunlevy work.
I know Greece well and I know Crete very well, thankfully I do not know Greek police at all. This story took me along Cretan roads and to villages that I know. I could see the pictures that were being painted so clearly and almost smell the sea air and mountain thyme.
The book brought together my two loves of murder mystery and Crete. I look forward to reading more of Alex Dunlevy work.
August 1, 2021
The story is beginning with a dead woman found in a rough beach in Crete. The retired English detective learns the victim to his sons fiancé, and begins to invest his own. The characters are realistic and some unique. Much of the scenic in Crete comes into the story. It takes a lot of study before the truth actions are revealed. The story is very engrossing and develops a surprise ending. I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
September 6, 2023
Enjoyed the plot and really enjoyed the author's descriptions of Crete as a place of ancient beauty where the rules favor the rugged and the resourceful. Justice does arrive, eventually, and the actual motive is as classic as the environment, but the penultimate suspect seemed a more innovative choice than the actual one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
Twists ‘n Turns!
“The Unforgiving Stone” was a one of a kind whodunit during which I was engrossed from start to finish. I can normally figure out who the culprit was at least half way through tales such as this. Not in this case. Alex Dunlevy has managed to weave an entertaining and suspenseful tale that keeps the reader guessing right up until the end.
“The Unforgiving Stone” was a one of a kind whodunit during which I was engrossed from start to finish. I can normally figure out who the culprit was at least half way through tales such as this. Not in this case. Alex Dunlevy has managed to weave an entertaining and suspenseful tale that keeps the reader guessing right up until the end.
March 3, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed the book firstly as it is based in Crete an island close to my heart, secondly the story was very good, with a believable main character. I enjoy a good crime novel and this was right up my street.
Enjoyed the book firstly as it is based in Crete an island close to my heart, secondly the story was very good, with a believable main character. I enjoy a good crime novel and this was right up my street.
June 4, 2021
Murder
On the beautiful island of Crete a young girl/woman is found dead. Drowned or murdered? Here fiancée is arrested, is he innocent or guilty. Good description of the land, the people, the easy way of life.
On the beautiful island of Crete a young girl/woman is found dead. Drowned or murdered? Here fiancée is arrested, is he innocent or guilty. Good description of the land, the people, the easy way of life.
September 14, 2023
Smoothly written!
The arthur was quite descriptive and carried the story along nicely! The ending came as a bit of a surprise which is desirable! The hero is likable and human! I would read another by him!
The arthur was quite descriptive and carried the story along nicely! The ending came as a bit of a surprise which is desirable! The hero is likable and human! I would read another by him!
May 3, 2024
My first read from this author. Enjoyed it immensely. Good character development and that’s a lot to say with ALL the characters in this yarn. Kept me wanting more so will be looking for the next in the series.
August 23, 2024
Good read
What happened to a young couple traveling in Crete. An estranged father and former detective tries to figure nd out. Lots of twists and turns, some red herrings and interesting characters. Nice descriptions of lovely countryside.
What happened to a young couple traveling in Crete. An estranged father and former detective tries to figure nd out. Lots of twists and turns, some red herrings and interesting characters. Nice descriptions of lovely countryside.
January 4, 2021
We are proud to announce that THE UNFORGIVING STONE (Nick Fisher Novels #1) by Alex Dunlevy is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
Read
January 18, 2021A great first novel. Compelling storyline, lovely descriptions of the island. Looking forward to the next one.
September 1, 2023
Unforgiving
F-bombs and profane language. Not what I want to read. There’s better reading material elsewhere. I did not waste more time on this garbage.
F-bombs and profane language. Not what I want to read. There’s better reading material elsewhere. I did not waste more time on this garbage.
September 4, 2023
Goid mystery plot
The mystery was good with lots of twists and turns. However, I did not find the lead character to be likable so doubt I will read another.
The mystery was good with lots of twists and turns. However, I did not find the lead character to be likable so doubt I will read another.
September 6, 2023
The Unforgiving Stone -
I enjoyed this book but it was not an effortless smooth read. In my opinion, it was a slightly awkward ‘R’ rated story.
I enjoyed this book but it was not an effortless smooth read. In my opinion, it was a slightly awkward ‘R’ rated story.
Read
September 6, 2023Read 9/23
September 7, 2023
The book is full of stereotypes. The main character is mildly interesting. It does have enough twists that I kept reading. Will I read the next book in the series? No.
September 21, 2023
Loved this. The scenery, the characters, the writing style, the plot, all brilliant. Made me really want to visit Crete. Just downloading second in the series.
September 26, 2023
Good Mystery
I enjoyed this book with the descriptions of Crete. The mystery was satisfying with a few twists . The main character was well drawn and likeable.
I enjoyed this book with the descriptions of Crete. The mystery was satisfying with a few twists . The main character was well drawn and likeable.
September 27, 2023
One surprise after another!
Best mystery ever! Just when I thought I had it figured, some new clue was revealed. I have to see if there are other books by this suthor!!
Best mystery ever! Just when I thought I had it figured, some new clue was revealed. I have to see if there are other books by this suthor!!
October 12, 2023
Another free book with good writing, and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews