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Inspector Marco #5
Dead of Night
A victim with no voice.... A killer with no fear.... A race against time.
When the body of a homeless man is found at the foot of a church steeple in the middle of the harshest winters Cardiff has seen for years Inspector Marco’s superior wants the inquiry finished quickly. Even if it means the killer evades justice. But Marco isn’t happy and he knows from bitter personal experience how tough life can be.
A second killing of a rough sleeper only galvanises Marco and his team to hunt down the killer. But the lives of the homeless community makes uncovering the clues and tracking the killer challenging.
When a vital witness disappears, Marco fears the worse. And despite knowing that a vital clue exists it remains tantalisingly out of his grasp. Things only get worse when a woman linked to the inquiry cannot be found.
Only when he uncovers the missing piece of the jigsaw does he realise where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.
When the body of a homeless man is found at the foot of a church steeple in the middle of the harshest winters Cardiff has seen for years Inspector Marco’s superior wants the inquiry finished quickly. Even if it means the killer evades justice. But Marco isn’t happy and he knows from bitter personal experience how tough life can be.
A second killing of a rough sleeper only galvanises Marco and his team to hunt down the killer. But the lives of the homeless community makes uncovering the clues and tracking the killer challenging.
When a vital witness disappears, Marco fears the worse. And despite knowing that a vital clue exists it remains tantalisingly out of his grasp. Things only get worse when a woman linked to the inquiry cannot be found.
Only when he uncovers the missing piece of the jigsaw does he realise where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2021
65 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Puleston
49 books298 followersI write mysteries and thrillers.
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 23, 2021
Another intriguing case with Inspector Marco, as someone is killing homeless, helpless people...And Marco's Boss wants this cleaned up quickly, they are 'homeless, dregs of society', after all and he has more important things for them to do...Callous, even cruel thought, and Inspector Marco burns upon hearing this...He knows from his own experience with the bottle just how tough life can be...So he intends to find this killer, no matter what the Boss may say!!
However finding any clues on the street is a thankless job, and the people he needs to talk to are alone, wary of any cops...With no address to find them at, no phone to call, no place they can stay safely for more than a short time...Marco has the name of one witness to speak with, but after finally finding her and putting her in a safe house for the night, she disappears...And Marco fears for her life, blaming himself for losing her...
A wild ride through the streets, with old time policing by a cop who believes in doing his job for ALL people in his community!!
However finding any clues on the street is a thankless job, and the people he needs to talk to are alone, wary of any cops...With no address to find them at, no phone to call, no place they can stay safely for more than a short time...Marco has the name of one witness to speak with, but after finally finding her and putting her in a safe house for the night, she disappears...And Marco fears for her life, blaming himself for losing her...
A wild ride through the streets, with old time policing by a cop who believes in doing his job for ALL people in his community!!
June 1, 2021
DI Marco is back in this fast-paced series based in Cardiff.
The body of a homeless man has been found at the foot of a church steeple. It's been one of the worst winters ever .. and the severe cold is leaving no evidence to the man's identity or how he died. The only thing they can say for sure is that he was one of the homeless.
Just a short time later, another homeless man was killed. Trying to investigate these murders Marco and his team are finding that the homeless are far from easy to determine where they stayed, who they saw, what they may have heard.
The only link that can be found is that of a shelter where both men had stayed. It was also told to Marco that there was a woman friend who has disappeared.
Only when he uncovers the missing piece of the jigsaw does he realize where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.
As all the books in this series, it is well written with page-turning twists and turns. The characters are solidly drawn and it's been fun watching how they've changed over the course of previous books. The plot is cleverly written and the suspects vary. The ending came as an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The body of a homeless man has been found at the foot of a church steeple. It's been one of the worst winters ever .. and the severe cold is leaving no evidence to the man's identity or how he died. The only thing they can say for sure is that he was one of the homeless.
Just a short time later, another homeless man was killed. Trying to investigate these murders Marco and his team are finding that the homeless are far from easy to determine where they stayed, who they saw, what they may have heard.
The only link that can be found is that of a shelter where both men had stayed. It was also told to Marco that there was a woman friend who has disappeared.
Only when he uncovers the missing piece of the jigsaw does he realize where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.
As all the books in this series, it is well written with page-turning twists and turns. The characters are solidly drawn and it's been fun watching how they've changed over the course of previous books. The plot is cleverly written and the suspects vary. The ending came as an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 15, 2024
I'm sorry, but I was bored, and the ending was kind of unsatisfying. Also, the only character I even kind of liked was the MC.
May 31, 2021
‘Dead Of Night’ is the fifth book in the bestselling series featuring Detective Inspector Marco. I haven’t quite caught up with all of the books in the series but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Dead Of Night’ and it certainly sounded like the gritty crime drama I have come to expect from Stephen Puleston. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Of Night’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. In fact, by the time I got to the end of the synopsis on the back cover, I knew that I was in for a treat. I found it nigh on impossible to put the book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the case and by the characters and I just had to keep reading to see how the investigation panned out. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers became a blur. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dead Of Night’ and I had to say farewell to Marco and his team. I found ‘Dead Of Night’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Dead Of Night’ is superbly written but then that’s certainly true of all of Stephen’s books. In Marco, Stephen has created a multi layered main character, who has had his problems but he doesn’t let them hold him back. I must admit that I have developed a soft spot for Marco. For me, ‘Dead Of Night’ was perfectly paced. The story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Dead Of Night’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that’s thanks to Stephen’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Of Night’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Stephen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this story. In fact, by the time I got to the end of the synopsis on the back cover, I knew that I was in for a treat. I found it nigh on impossible to put the book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the case and by the characters and I just had to keep reading to see how the investigation panned out. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers became a blur. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dead Of Night’ and I had to say farewell to Marco and his team. I found ‘Dead Of Night’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Dead Of Night’ is superbly written but then that’s certainly true of all of Stephen’s books. In Marco, Stephen has created a multi layered main character, who has had his problems but he doesn’t let them hold him back. I must admit that I have developed a soft spot for Marco. For me, ‘Dead Of Night’ was perfectly paced. The story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Dead Of Night’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that’s thanks to Stephen’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Of Night’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Stephen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
May 13, 2021
When the body of a homeless man is discovered in the churchyard of St. Jude's D.I. Marco and his team investigate. But they can't find a motive, and then a second body is found. Is there a connection and what is the motive.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story in this series with its cast of interesting characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story in this series with its cast of interesting characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2021
DEAD OF NIGHT kicks off with a tragic, grisly discovery. A horrifying incident adds to the mystery complicating the situation. Suspense skyrockets after new information comes to light catapulting this conundrum to a highly treacherous level. Multiple devastatingly atrocious events create a rollercoaster ride of chilling intrigue and heart-racing action concluding with a dynamite explosive finish.
May 30, 2021
SJW Propaganda
Written like a Twitter PC brainwashed idiot. Gotta follow our PC overlords fascist speech police guidelines. I forced myself to read a few chapters before the gagging on the PC b.s. made me give up. I have unfollowed this novelist.
Written like a Twitter PC brainwashed idiot. Gotta follow our PC overlords fascist speech police guidelines. I forced myself to read a few chapters before the gagging on the PC b.s. made me give up. I have unfollowed this novelist.
May 28, 2021
Stephen Puleston’s latest DI John Marco mystery deals with the murder of a homeless man during one of Cardiff’s coldest days in years. With no identification, Marco and his team must visit available shelters and interview the people who work to provide some comfort and hope for those who sleep rough. Their victim was Robert Dalby, a former member of the military who had trouble coping after he was dismissed. He was friends with Lisa and Stewart, who were also homeless. Marco knows that his best chance of solving this murder is to find them, which is not an easy task. After searching parks and shelters, Stewart’s body is found and finding Lisa becomes a priority. While Marco’s superintendent pushes him to not waste time on the death of a homeless person, Marco believes that every victim deserves justice. His investigation takes him up against an indifferent hostel manager, a former member of Dalby’s military unit who was responsible for Dalby’s dismissal and a businessman who preys on the homeless. The investigation takes a turn in a new direction when Marco discovers Dalby had made a recording on his cell phone before his death that points to the murderer and motive.
Marco constantly fights the draw of alcohol. The drinking and long hours working led to the end of his marriage. He is now in a relationship with Alison, who is also in law enforcement and is more sympathetic to the demands of the job. The current investigation brings the plight of the homeless to Marco’s attention, including their exploitation by politicians for their own political gain. Puleston not only presents a mystery that moves at a steady pace to a final chase, but also heightens the reader’s awareness of the problems faced by the homeless. I received a copy of Dead of Night from the author for this review and I have become a fan of DI John Marco. This is a novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to mystery fans.
Marco constantly fights the draw of alcohol. The drinking and long hours working led to the end of his marriage. He is now in a relationship with Alison, who is also in law enforcement and is more sympathetic to the demands of the job. The current investigation brings the plight of the homeless to Marco’s attention, including their exploitation by politicians for their own political gain. Puleston not only presents a mystery that moves at a steady pace to a final chase, but also heightens the reader’s awareness of the problems faced by the homeless. I received a copy of Dead of Night from the author for this review and I have become a fan of DI John Marco. This is a novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to mystery fans.
May 28, 2021
This story starts with DI John Marco and DS Lydia Flint from Queen Street police station in Cardiff attending St. Jude’s church where a body has been found by a jogger. In the freezing weather, a man lies dead up against the wall of the church steeple. He looks to be a rough sleeper and has been stabbed to death. Despite Supt Cornock’s intimation that not all victims are worth the same amount of time and trouble, Marco is determined to first identify the man and then get justice for him. After all, he knows what it is like to have a drink problem and a life on the rocks. Trawling the homeless shelters and outreach centre, they eventually establish his name, Robert Dalby. They manage to trace his friends but also come across a nasty character known to prey on homeless people and also a disgruntled ex soldier. They still struggle for motive – who would have wanted to kill Dalby and why? Within a couple of days the body of someone involved in their inquiry is also found dead in suspicious circumstances and it looks like it is no coincidence. It seems as fast as they trace a good witness they vanish and the race is on for the clever and insightful detectives to make sense of what little clues they have in order to catch a killer and reveal the chilling truth behind the deaths.
I really like Marco, a very human and “real” person who has been to the bottom and come back up again. Life is now starting to look very good for him with his relationship with son Dean and new girlfriend DC Alison Swan. He is dogged and determined to catch the bad guys and achieve justice for everyone, whatever their standing in society, and has a great team of clever junior detectives in Lydia and Jane. This is an excellent police procedural with a great plot and exciting ending, and shows great empathy and understanding of the very real problems faced by the homeless and the organizations who try to help them. 5*
I really like Marco, a very human and “real” person who has been to the bottom and come back up again. Life is now starting to look very good for him with his relationship with son Dean and new girlfriend DC Alison Swan. He is dogged and determined to catch the bad guys and achieve justice for everyone, whatever their standing in society, and has a great team of clever junior detectives in Lydia and Jane. This is an excellent police procedural with a great plot and exciting ending, and shows great empathy and understanding of the very real problems faced by the homeless and the organizations who try to help them. 5*
May 18, 2021
Inspector John Marco has had his demons in the past (recovering alcoholic) but now with a steady girlfriend (who knows about his past) has moved on, and then he gets a call a homeless man has been found murdered by the foot of the local church steeple, at this time it is one of Wales hardest hit winters and Marco gathers his team around because he needs to bring this perpetrator to justice but the higher-ups want this cleared quickly as local elections are looming. Marco and the team have trouble getting information out of the homeless people as they trust no one and Marco can understand that and has been at rock bottom himself but is determined to get justice no matter who the person is. During his investigations another homeless person is murdered and he is friends with the first person and there is also a homeless lady they need to find desperately she could hold the key but she has gone to ground. All while this is going on his cousin's wife is standing for election, and Marco is being drawn into this, and of course, the positions also want to help the homeless always too little too late but they need the brownie points. Marco finally gets his man/woman, there are lots of twists and turns I would not say it's fast-paced but plods on nicely I can't warm to this man but putting that aside it's a pleasant read and was fortunate to have an ARC copy to review. This author has produced some good works and I have also listened to some of the audio novels and they do bring the story more to life.
June 7, 2021
DI Marco returns in this brilliant addition to the series and Stephen Puleston has not disappointed.
A homeless man is murdered and Marco is determined to track down the person or persons responsible. He has his work cut out because in the list of priorities for an overstretched Police department the murder of a rough sleeper is not very high but Marco is determined he will be treated the same as any other victim. When another body is discovered the team are determined to crack the case.
I do love Marco. Struggling to beat the demon drink he has turned his life around and is determined to stay on track. His compassion and steely determination to give his full attention to keeping the streets of Wales safe come accross very well in this character.
Lydia is Marco's partner. She knows him very well and is the softer side of the partnership but like Marco she is determined to take down the bad guys.
I love the way Lydia and Marco work. They have developed a very effective working relationship throughout the series and know each other very well. This comes accross brilliantly during interviews when each will let the other lead if they are more likely to achieve results and that adds to the enjoyment of the book.
The story itself is gripping. It moves along at a fast pace keeping the reader turning page after page. There are many possibilities for the murderer and although I thought I had worked it out several times I was wrong and the story is wrapped up in a brilliant ending I did not see coming.
A brilliant detective story.
A homeless man is murdered and Marco is determined to track down the person or persons responsible. He has his work cut out because in the list of priorities for an overstretched Police department the murder of a rough sleeper is not very high but Marco is determined he will be treated the same as any other victim. When another body is discovered the team are determined to crack the case.
I do love Marco. Struggling to beat the demon drink he has turned his life around and is determined to stay on track. His compassion and steely determination to give his full attention to keeping the streets of Wales safe come accross very well in this character.
Lydia is Marco's partner. She knows him very well and is the softer side of the partnership but like Marco she is determined to take down the bad guys.
I love the way Lydia and Marco work. They have developed a very effective working relationship throughout the series and know each other very well. This comes accross brilliantly during interviews when each will let the other lead if they are more likely to achieve results and that adds to the enjoyment of the book.
The story itself is gripping. It moves along at a fast pace keeping the reader turning page after page. There are many possibilities for the murderer and although I thought I had worked it out several times I was wrong and the story is wrapped up in a brilliant ending I did not see coming.
A brilliant detective story.
May 27, 2021
Stephen Puleston has a great character in Inspector John Marco, he is a brilliant detective, but is also great at getting the most from his team, despite sometimes unwanted interference from his superiors. His private life history isn't pretty, with alcohol issues and a rather nasty divorce, but he has put that behind him and is now sober and in a stable relationship.
I like that the author has embraced the Covid pandemic and written it into the story, most authors seem to be just ignoring it, and as it has affected everyone so much I definitely think that it should be acknowledged.
In this story he investigates the murder of a rough sleeper, he gets pressure from above to get a result, any result, but he isn't prepared to accept that someone on the streets deserves just as good an investigation as anyone else.
Then a second rough sleeper is also murdered and Marco is convinced that there is a connection and uncovers a shocking conspiracy.
This is a great story and a great read that is a great addition to this very enjoyable series.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book but this honest review was written voluntarily and reflects my own opinions.
I like that the author has embraced the Covid pandemic and written it into the story, most authors seem to be just ignoring it, and as it has affected everyone so much I definitely think that it should be acknowledged.
In this story he investigates the murder of a rough sleeper, he gets pressure from above to get a result, any result, but he isn't prepared to accept that someone on the streets deserves just as good an investigation as anyone else.
Then a second rough sleeper is also murdered and Marco is convinced that there is a connection and uncovers a shocking conspiracy.
This is a great story and a great read that is a great addition to this very enjoyable series.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book but this honest review was written voluntarily and reflects my own opinions.
June 2, 2021
Marco at his best!
DI Marco is faced with the brutal murder of a rough sleeper, which leads him down a path of deception, indifference and kidnap.
The killer is wiping out anyone who can identify the what and why but they can't find the secreted, incriminating evidence.
DI Marco and his team tirelessly follow every lead. They uncover drug dealing, pimping, corruption and a Fagin-like approach to using children, gathering stolen goods.
It's all going on in this investigation but finding a true link and motive evades Marco. He is like a dog with a bone and does not rest until he connects the dots!
As the truth is revealed, Marco closes in on the suspects - pushed to the edge, fear takes over and a desperate car chase has an explosive ending!
I like Marco's dogged pursuit of every lead, how the facts interlinking and how he goes all out to solve the case.
Good story, great characters and a well written, evolving police drama, which felt like I was watching a TV series.
More please!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
DI Marco is faced with the brutal murder of a rough sleeper, which leads him down a path of deception, indifference and kidnap.
The killer is wiping out anyone who can identify the what and why but they can't find the secreted, incriminating evidence.
DI Marco and his team tirelessly follow every lead. They uncover drug dealing, pimping, corruption and a Fagin-like approach to using children, gathering stolen goods.
It's all going on in this investigation but finding a true link and motive evades Marco. He is like a dog with a bone and does not rest until he connects the dots!
As the truth is revealed, Marco closes in on the suspects - pushed to the edge, fear takes over and a desperate car chase has an explosive ending!
I like Marco's dogged pursuit of every lead, how the facts interlinking and how he goes all out to solve the case.
Good story, great characters and a well written, evolving police drama, which felt like I was watching a TV series.
More please!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2021
This is Book 5 in this very well written series. Wales is cold in the winter and the winter of this book is especially cold. So why would someone live on the streets when he had a very nice home he could live in? That is a mystery that remains unsolved in this book. When a man’s body is found beaten, it becomes a suspicious death, and is investigated by Inspector John Marcos. The fact that the man was a rough sleeper, homeless, makes no difference to Marcos. The story uncovers the social injustice of homelessness and exposes the corrupt people who use it as their means for getting elected. When a second body is found on the tracks of the local rail line, Marcos suspects there is someone who doesn’t want these specific individuals To share what they know. He starts looking for a 3rd person who was friends with the recently murdered men. It all leads to a politician who also owns some property near the homeless center but how to prove it is the problem. This series is well written, the characters are well developed, and you find that Marcos is a flawed individual just like you and me. Treat yourself to a Welsh tour of Cardiff and get to know Marcos. Start with Book 1.
May 27, 2021
Inspector Marco is called out to the discovery of the body of a man found in the churchyard of St Jude.
Its the middle of winter and his superior wants the matter cleared up quickly.
After all they have more important cases than the death of a homeless person.
His boss maybe able to ignore the fact that the man was brutally stabbed to death not so Marco who determines to treat the homeless mans murder as he would any other.
His investigation struggles until a second body is found.
Another homeless person.
Is there a connection between them? What could possibly be the motive?
Will Marco discover who killed the rough sleepers and bring them to justice?
I really enjoyed this one, an entertaining read with a host of interesting characters.
A good fifth addition to the Detective Inspector Marco series.
I was given an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Its the middle of winter and his superior wants the matter cleared up quickly.
After all they have more important cases than the death of a homeless person.
His boss maybe able to ignore the fact that the man was brutally stabbed to death not so Marco who determines to treat the homeless mans murder as he would any other.
His investigation struggles until a second body is found.
Another homeless person.
Is there a connection between them? What could possibly be the motive?
Will Marco discover who killed the rough sleepers and bring them to justice?
I really enjoyed this one, an entertaining read with a host of interesting characters.
A good fifth addition to the Detective Inspector Marco series.
I was given an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
The miseries of homelessness and rough sleeping are graphically brought home when D.I. Marco is brought in on a case in the depths of a bitterly cold Welsh winter. A flawed character - with a history of alcoholism challenging him, a broken marriage, and a relationship to restore with his son - Marco's constant diligence, integrity and determination never fails. Despite negative attitudes from many factions towards them, Marco demands justice for three murdered street people. Piece by piece he unveils a conspiracy of greed, fraud, contempt and determination that reaches into a few surprising places. Marco also ensures we understand the nature of police work, the pressure, the toll it takes on the force. I have read this volume out of sequence but will return to the intervening stories pdq. The atmosphere, the environment, the social issues, the characters and the pace ensure a fine read.
May 25, 2021
I love these Inspector Marco stories. It's rare for a book to portray a truly "good" cop who lives by the rules, solves his cases through good, old-fashioned hard work and actually cares about the murder victims whose murderers he pursues, whether they live in posh, gated homes or living rough on the streets.
In this story, the brutal stabbing death of a homeless man has Marco and his team investigating the homeless community, the outreach organizations that are supposed to support them and the unscrupulous people who prey on them and, as the bodies start piling up it becomes abundantly clear that there's more going on than just the random death a single homeless man.
A good story with a sympathetic hero and supporting characters .
In this story, the brutal stabbing death of a homeless man has Marco and his team investigating the homeless community, the outreach organizations that are supposed to support them and the unscrupulous people who prey on them and, as the bodies start piling up it becomes abundantly clear that there's more going on than just the random death a single homeless man.
A good story with a sympathetic hero and supporting characters .
May 31, 2021
This book is just the sort of novel I enjoy most. The writing is well constructed with enjoyable descriptive sentences, the characters are credible, the plot is intriguing, and it is just about possible to work out who the perpetrator is before the author reveals it to the reader. The story goes along at a nice, steady pace, too.
The lead character, Inspector Marco, comes with a full set of personal issues. He also has to deal with a boss and colleagues who present their own challenges. And yet he ploughs ahead with his own priorities to make sure justice is done for the victims.
A great read for me!
The lead character, Inspector Marco, comes with a full set of personal issues. He also has to deal with a boss and colleagues who present their own challenges. And yet he ploughs ahead with his own priorities to make sure justice is done for the victims.
A great read for me!
June 20, 2021
When a cold snap hits Wales everyone is miserable! When one rough sleeper is murdered DI Marco is on the case. When two are murdered he’s puzzled. Everyone wants him to just drop the case & stop tying up resources! When he finally starts to figure it out with the information from another rough sleeper! Add in the commissioners nieces disappearance & DI Marco has his hands full.
This was a really good book. You can feel Marco’s frustration as the case drags on. He knows whose involved but can’t see the connections. The plot is original & heartbreaking! Crooked politicians & other police who don’t care make the case harder. I really enjoyed this book & high recommend it.
This was a really good book. You can feel Marco’s frustration as the case drags on. He knows whose involved but can’t see the connections. The plot is original & heartbreaking! Crooked politicians & other police who don’t care make the case harder. I really enjoyed this book & high recommend it.
May 28, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 3, 2021
The death of a homeless man could easily be dismissed as a dispute between drug users but Inspector Marco is determined to investigate it as throughly as any other murder. Marco is under pressure not to waste police resources but how do you trace witnesses that have no home, workplace or mobile phone? Despite the obstacles Marco persues his inquiries as the case becomes more complex - involving murder, fraud and kidnapping.
May 11, 2021
A fast paced police procedural with an excellent storyline and well developed realistic characters. This well written mystery has plenty of suspense, lots of action, some romance, and an unexpected ending. A real page turner that I would highly recommend. Another great story in the Detective Inspector Marco series.
July 13, 2021
Excellent read, keeps you going to the last page.
Puleston has done it again. I simply love becoming immersed in the world he envisions and really enjoy the depth of the characters, the twisting plots, and the suspense of the chase. I highly recommend this novel if you have a few hours for a great read. Brew your tea or coffee, sit back and enjoy!
Puleston has done it again. I simply love becoming immersed in the world he envisions and really enjoy the depth of the characters, the twisting plots, and the suspense of the chase. I highly recommend this novel if you have a few hours for a great read. Brew your tea or coffee, sit back and enjoy!
May 23, 2021
A homeless man is stabbed in the middle of winter. And then another homeless man is killed. Detective Marco has his hands full as politics comes into play. The higher ups want the case closed even if the right killer is not found. There is enough going on in this novel to keep you interested.
May 23, 2021
I always enjoy books by this author, and this one is no different. Intriguing storyline that keeps you guessing until the end. Not too much gore, so it doesn't make me squeamish either. Intelligently constructed and fast paced enough to never be dull.
May 28, 2021
Another great book in the Detective Inspector Marco series from Stephen Puleston. It was very tense at the end! These books are a great look at the investigation methods used by the police. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
May 25, 2021
An exciting story of murders of homeless people. Action from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down.
May 27, 2021
Another gripping book with John Marco as the main character. It concerns homeless men being murdered in the depth of winter and him try to solve the cases. It keeps you guessing right to the end.
May 28, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
Great series
Inspector Marco is one of my favourite characters
Enjoyed it
Great series
Inspector Marco is one of my favourite characters
Enjoyed it
May 30, 2021
The book was a bit slow in the beginning, but as the clues build so does the action. The last half of the book really sucked me in and built the excitement of the case. I enjoyed it.
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