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PI Charlie Cameron #4
The Accused
When Private Investigator Charlie Cameron agrees to take on a cold case, he is drawn back into Glasgow’s dark underworld…
Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron knew Kim Rafferty was bad news the moment they met. Desperate people always spelled trouble in his experience, and Mrs Rafferty was as desperate as they come. What she was asking for was insane. If he agreed to help the wife of the notorious East-End gangster, the consequences for them both could be fatal.
Twenty-four hours later, another betrayed woman with a hopeless case is pleading for Charlie's help. The PI is her only chance to keep an innocent man from serving a second prison sentence for murders he didn't commit.
Dennis Boyd is on the run, and as Charlie fights against the clock to keep him out of jail, he crosses a line that puts him on the wrong side of the law and pits him against his old friend and ally, DS Andrew Geddes.
As the body count grows, and the defence for his client falls apart bit by bit, Charlie refuses to accept the inevitable. But everyone has their limits – even the infamous Charlie Cameron. Will he be forced to admit that this case may be the one to beat him…
Owen Mullen is the author of many best-selling, page-turning thrillers including his popular Charlie Cameron series. His fast-paced, twist-aplenty stories are perfect for all fans of Robert Galbraith, Ian Rankin and Ann Cleeves.
Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron knew Kim Rafferty was bad news the moment they met. Desperate people always spelled trouble in his experience, and Mrs Rafferty was as desperate as they come. What she was asking for was insane. If he agreed to help the wife of the notorious East-End gangster, the consequences for them both could be fatal.
Twenty-four hours later, another betrayed woman with a hopeless case is pleading for Charlie's help. The PI is her only chance to keep an innocent man from serving a second prison sentence for murders he didn't commit.
Dennis Boyd is on the run, and as Charlie fights against the clock to keep him out of jail, he crosses a line that puts him on the wrong side of the law and pits him against his old friend and ally, DS Andrew Geddes.
As the body count grows, and the defence for his client falls apart bit by bit, Charlie refuses to accept the inevitable. But everyone has their limits – even the infamous Charlie Cameron. Will he be forced to admit that this case may be the one to beat him…
Owen Mullen is the author of many best-selling, page-turning thrillers including his popular Charlie Cameron series. His fast-paced, twist-aplenty stories are perfect for all fans of Robert Galbraith, Ian Rankin and Ann Cleeves.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
31 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Owen Mullen
27 books192 followersBestselling author Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist.
Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
New and exciting things are happening in 2021 and if you'd like to know all about them ahead of time, subscribe to my newsletter. You won't be spammed but you will be sent exclusive competitions and giveaways, and oh yeah...get all the inside gen...
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Copyright
Owen Mullen graduated from Strathclyde University, moved to London and worked as a rock musician, session singer and songwriter, and had a hit record in Japan with a band he refuses to name; Owen still loves to perform on occasion. His great love for travel has taken him on many adventures from the Amazon and Africa to the colourful continent of India and Nepal. A gregarious recluse, he and his wife, Christine, split their time between Glasgow, and their home away from home in the Greek Islands where all of his crime thrillers were created.
New and exciting things are happening in 2021 and if you'd like to know all about them ahead of time, subscribe to my newsletter. You won't be spammed but you will be sent exclusive competitions and giveaways, and oh yeah...get all the inside gen...
Sign up here 😃 bit.ly/JOINNEWSLETTER
If you would like a set of questions for book group discussions please contact me.
linktr.ee/OwenMullen
Copyright
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 27, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Secrets. Everybody had them. The only people who didn’t were six feet under.
He’d helped me more often than I could remember; he had a good heart. But if you wanted to find it, you had to be prepared to dig.
She stepped back to look at him. ‘How do you manage to stay in such good shape?’ ‘Clean living. Avoid it at all costs.’
She rummaged in her bag again with the enthusiasm of a panhandler, except the silver and gold she was after were dried leaves and paper. Diane inhaled hard enough to suck the oxygen from the room; when she spoke, there was smoke in her voice.
When it suited him, Andrew was a paid-up member of the Awkward Squad.
My Review:
Owen Mullen is a master storyteller but he must have a dark and dastardly soul as his well-crafted storylines were dripping with gripping intrigue while raw, gritty, and cringe-worthy with violence and twisted cruelty. I found I was flinching and needed to take it in stages and periodically put my kindle down and walk away. Finishing took me quite a bit longer than expected yet I couldn’t leave it alone. I was hooked, ensnared, and addled by my unrelenting curiosity as the clever wordsmith wasn’t giving anything away. I had to know the who, why, and how as his well-honed mystery seemed unsolvable. The little pea in my brain was working overtime and although my meager gray matter failed to crack it, the beleaguered yet persistent bloodhound Charlie Cameron came through. I was so proud of him I now feel compelled to read all the previous books in this series.
In addition to a new addiction for crime thrillers, I came away from this book with a new entry for my Brit Words and Phrases List with wide boy – which is British informal for a man earning a lot of money in a nefarious or illegal manner. Not at all the image I had pictured ;)
Secrets. Everybody had them. The only people who didn’t were six feet under.
He’d helped me more often than I could remember; he had a good heart. But if you wanted to find it, you had to be prepared to dig.
She stepped back to look at him. ‘How do you manage to stay in such good shape?’ ‘Clean living. Avoid it at all costs.’
She rummaged in her bag again with the enthusiasm of a panhandler, except the silver and gold she was after were dried leaves and paper. Diane inhaled hard enough to suck the oxygen from the room; when she spoke, there was smoke in her voice.
When it suited him, Andrew was a paid-up member of the Awkward Squad.
My Review:
Owen Mullen is a master storyteller but he must have a dark and dastardly soul as his well-crafted storylines were dripping with gripping intrigue while raw, gritty, and cringe-worthy with violence and twisted cruelty. I found I was flinching and needed to take it in stages and periodically put my kindle down and walk away. Finishing took me quite a bit longer than expected yet I couldn’t leave it alone. I was hooked, ensnared, and addled by my unrelenting curiosity as the clever wordsmith wasn’t giving anything away. I had to know the who, why, and how as his well-honed mystery seemed unsolvable. The little pea in my brain was working overtime and although my meager gray matter failed to crack it, the beleaguered yet persistent bloodhound Charlie Cameron came through. I was so proud of him I now feel compelled to read all the previous books in this series.
In addition to a new addiction for crime thrillers, I came away from this book with a new entry for my Brit Words and Phrases List with wide boy – which is British informal for a man earning a lot of money in a nefarious or illegal manner. Not at all the image I had pictured ;)
September 9, 2021
PI Charlie Cameron #4
When Private Investigator Charlie Cameron agrees to take on a cold case, he is drawn back to Glasgow's dark underworld. Charlie knew Kim Rafferty was bad news the moment they met. Desperate people always spelt trouble in his experience, and Mrs Rafferty was as desperate as they come. What she was asking for was insane. If he agreed to help the wife of the notorious East-End gangster, the consequences for them both could be fatal.
Even though this is the fourth book in this series, this is the second book in the series that I've read. I do think it can be read as a standalone. Set in Glasgow: Charlie is obsessive in any job he takes on and he's the best person anyone could ask to find a missing person. There's two cases Charlie is trying to solve: Sean Rafferty's wife wants to escape the life she leads with her husband and Denis Boyd is just out of jail and instantly finds himself at the scene of another crime. There's violence and some sexual content in this gripping read. All the loose ends are tied up and it's full of twist and turns.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #OwenMullen for my ARC of #TheAccused in exchange for an honest review
When Private Investigator Charlie Cameron agrees to take on a cold case, he is drawn back to Glasgow's dark underworld. Charlie knew Kim Rafferty was bad news the moment they met. Desperate people always spelt trouble in his experience, and Mrs Rafferty was as desperate as they come. What she was asking for was insane. If he agreed to help the wife of the notorious East-End gangster, the consequences for them both could be fatal.
Even though this is the fourth book in this series, this is the second book in the series that I've read. I do think it can be read as a standalone. Set in Glasgow: Charlie is obsessive in any job he takes on and he's the best person anyone could ask to find a missing person. There's two cases Charlie is trying to solve: Sean Rafferty's wife wants to escape the life she leads with her husband and Denis Boyd is just out of jail and instantly finds himself at the scene of another crime. There's violence and some sexual content in this gripping read. All the loose ends are tied up and it's full of twist and turns.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #OwenMullen for my ARC of #TheAccused in exchange for an honest review
October 13, 2021
This series keeps getting better and better with every installment.
I just CAN’T wait for the next book in the series!
Hope it’s out soon 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I just CAN’T wait for the next book in the series!
Hope it’s out soon 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
March 7, 2024
I have finally finished the whole series. For one, I actually thoroughly enjoyed all 4 books, though for me, they all resulted in a 4 star read. And I have my reasons.
Due to time constraints, I have writing this reviews as a collective for all four books in the series, and will be placed in each book.
I do first want to praise this author for setting his series in Scotland and making it readable for people all around the world. In the past, I’ve DNF’d many books set in Scotland due to the Scottish monologue/language that was used, and were all terrible to understand. I remember with the first book in this series, when I realised it was based on Scotland and the characters were Scottish, I was worried and concerned that I may have picked the wrong book to read, especially as the series appeared to be pretty good. Thankfully, I found to really enjoy the book and the lack of constant Scottish dialogue/monologue/language/etc, etc, was refreshing and, quite frankly, an absolute relief. It was easily read and easy to follow, even with all the weird town names that were in the series (my trusty friend google helped me with pronunciation of the town names - I couldn’t possibly read on without being able to properly pronounce them in my head. Call me weird, but I’m not bothered) were easy to picture in my head.
The main reason for the lack of a fifth star, and is especially relevant and related more in this fourth book, is the switching between two fantastic storylines - one being that of the PI Charlie Cameron and the other a Scottish gangster called Sean Rafferty. What I refer to here that I believe to be the biggest let down is that both stories did not connect at the end and was left for us readers, I can imagine, quite confused and baffled. My first thought was; ‘what is the point?’, ‘Why are we reading two different storylines that do not connect at the end, or anywhere for that matter, and leave myself feeling I’m either missing something or I just wasted a fair chunk of my time?’ I would have loved a connection, a strong twisty one, than to be left with questions and a sigh of frustration that I’ve wasted valuable time.
Both the storylines were intriguing and great to read though and I won’t take away the fact that this fourth instalment in the PI Charlie Cameron series was amazing but it was a confusing ending and my biggest, fattest, probably most obvious question - that many readers of this series may have - is that: ‘will there be another PI Charlie Cameron book? Will a fifth instalment be on the way? This book was published in 2021 and I would have assumed that if a new book for the series were to be added, it would have been added by now. I’d love to be proven wrong though and I would absolutely welcome another one.
As a whole this series was a great evening/night time read, especially for myself who suffers with quite severe insomnia, and a series I would recommend - though heed to the warnings I have already provided above about this final book in the series.
The first book for slow going and took me time to really get stuck in but it ended up being great though simply written with many errors and unrealistic scenes.
Likewise, books 2 and 3 were slow burners as well but once I was stuck in, I was hooked. To an extent. I say this because I’m a little disappointed with the writing style of this series compared to that of the first book I read from this author - “The Three Sisters” - which was AMAZING, and a book that is easily in my top 10 best reads of 2023/2024.
I don’t want to drone on about this series. So, if you love a good detective - or in this case a private investigator - mystery novels, that are not too grim or graphic, more a light hearted read for the genre, then definitely grab all 4 and have yourself a reading-a-thon that may last just a week or two tops.
Overall, it was a great series and I’m so glad I took a chance. I was just let down considering how amazingly well written ‘The Three Sisters’ was. Great author, intriguing characters, bewildering storylines and cool plot twists, I’ll be keeping an eye out for future books from this author as I love his imagination for unique storylines and even more unique characters.
Due to time constraints, I have writing this reviews as a collective for all four books in the series, and will be placed in each book.
I do first want to praise this author for setting his series in Scotland and making it readable for people all around the world. In the past, I’ve DNF’d many books set in Scotland due to the Scottish monologue/language that was used, and were all terrible to understand. I remember with the first book in this series, when I realised it was based on Scotland and the characters were Scottish, I was worried and concerned that I may have picked the wrong book to read, especially as the series appeared to be pretty good. Thankfully, I found to really enjoy the book and the lack of constant Scottish dialogue/monologue/language/etc, etc, was refreshing and, quite frankly, an absolute relief. It was easily read and easy to follow, even with all the weird town names that were in the series (my trusty friend google helped me with pronunciation of the town names - I couldn’t possibly read on without being able to properly pronounce them in my head. Call me weird, but I’m not bothered) were easy to picture in my head.
The main reason for the lack of a fifth star, and is especially relevant and related more in this fourth book, is the switching between two fantastic storylines - one being that of the PI Charlie Cameron and the other a Scottish gangster called Sean Rafferty. What I refer to here that I believe to be the biggest let down is that both stories did not connect at the end and was left for us readers, I can imagine, quite confused and baffled. My first thought was; ‘what is the point?’, ‘Why are we reading two different storylines that do not connect at the end, or anywhere for that matter, and leave myself feeling I’m either missing something or I just wasted a fair chunk of my time?’ I would have loved a connection, a strong twisty one, than to be left with questions and a sigh of frustration that I’ve wasted valuable time.
Both the storylines were intriguing and great to read though and I won’t take away the fact that this fourth instalment in the PI Charlie Cameron series was amazing but it was a confusing ending and my biggest, fattest, probably most obvious question - that many readers of this series may have - is that: ‘will there be another PI Charlie Cameron book? Will a fifth instalment be on the way? This book was published in 2021 and I would have assumed that if a new book for the series were to be added, it would have been added by now. I’d love to be proven wrong though and I would absolutely welcome another one.
As a whole this series was a great evening/night time read, especially for myself who suffers with quite severe insomnia, and a series I would recommend - though heed to the warnings I have already provided above about this final book in the series.
The first book for slow going and took me time to really get stuck in but it ended up being great though simply written with many errors and unrealistic scenes.
Likewise, books 2 and 3 were slow burners as well but once I was stuck in, I was hooked. To an extent. I say this because I’m a little disappointed with the writing style of this series compared to that of the first book I read from this author - “The Three Sisters” - which was AMAZING, and a book that is easily in my top 10 best reads of 2023/2024.
I don’t want to drone on about this series. So, if you love a good detective - or in this case a private investigator - mystery novels, that are not too grim or graphic, more a light hearted read for the genre, then definitely grab all 4 and have yourself a reading-a-thon that may last just a week or two tops.
Overall, it was a great series and I’m so glad I took a chance. I was just let down considering how amazingly well written ‘The Three Sisters’ was. Great author, intriguing characters, bewildering storylines and cool plot twists, I’ll be keeping an eye out for future books from this author as I love his imagination for unique storylines and even more unique characters.
September 28, 2021
This is (I think) the fourth book in a series. I'll say that this time, it would have helped to read the previous books to figure out PI Charlie Cameron's history with his two friends and with the big bad guy, Sean Rafferty. That said, it can (and does, mostly) stand on its own, with enough fill-ins to not make it terribly confusing.
Charlie is approached by two women, separately, to help them with an issue. One is Kim Rafferty, the bombshell trophy wife of psychopathic gang leader Sean Rafferty who wants to leave him, and the other has a surprising connection to a man just released from prison, convicted of killing that same woman's husband.
Thus we begin two separate story arcs: Rafferty's is told from multiple viewpoints: Sean, Kim, a gangster from Portugal, the woman who runs Sean's brothels - but not Charlie's, as he declines. The other is told primarily from Charlie's and Dennis Boyd's. Charlie agrees to take the second, but very early on, he decides that maybe Boyd is guilty - one of the witnesses, for instance, who Boyd swore was lying on the stand, is found dead the night after Boyd is released. The optics of that, as far as Charlie is concerned, are terrible.
After meeting with Boyd, though, he agrees to help. Having the second witness of three turn of dead, too, is problematic,but Charlie realizes he was wrong: it does appear that Boyd, who had been sleeping with the man's wife, and was the most likely killer, may be innocent after all.
Charlie's no slouch, either. He doesn't spend his day behind a computer, tapping away. He's on the streets, chasing down clues, finding people, and sometimes pissing off his pal who is with the police. When he says he's taking a case and will work it, that's exactly what he does.
Not a lot of plot details in this review, as the entire thing would need to be spoilered.
The writing is quite good, and while sometimes Charlie can be a bit of a smartass, can't we all? Dialogue has no issues - no one is working overtime to be cutesy or coy, or occasionally witty. It flows nicely, and even a few rapidfire sections are not difficult to follow.
The dual stories are both interesting in their own right, although the Rafferty storyline was wrapped up in just a handful of pages, including a somewhat not easy to believe escape at the end, which was a bit out of sorts for the book until that point. There's a kind of, maybe, cliffhanger on that one, but I can't say why, lest I spoil it. The Boyd story - well, you'll just have to read it, and I recommend you do if police/PI mysteries are your thing.
A solid four out of five stars.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Charlie is approached by two women, separately, to help them with an issue. One is Kim Rafferty, the bombshell trophy wife of psychopathic gang leader Sean Rafferty who wants to leave him, and the other has a surprising connection to a man just released from prison, convicted of killing that same woman's husband.
Thus we begin two separate story arcs: Rafferty's is told from multiple viewpoints: Sean, Kim, a gangster from Portugal, the woman who runs Sean's brothels - but not Charlie's, as he declines. The other is told primarily from Charlie's and Dennis Boyd's. Charlie agrees to take the second, but very early on, he decides that maybe Boyd is guilty - one of the witnesses, for instance, who Boyd swore was lying on the stand, is found dead the night after Boyd is released. The optics of that, as far as Charlie is concerned, are terrible.
After meeting with Boyd, though, he agrees to help. Having the second witness of three turn of dead, too, is problematic,but Charlie realizes he was wrong: it does appear that Boyd, who had been sleeping with the man's wife, and was the most likely killer, may be innocent after all.
Charlie's no slouch, either. He doesn't spend his day behind a computer, tapping away. He's on the streets, chasing down clues, finding people, and sometimes pissing off his pal who is with the police. When he says he's taking a case and will work it, that's exactly what he does.
Not a lot of plot details in this review, as the entire thing would need to be spoilered.
The writing is quite good, and while sometimes Charlie can be a bit of a smartass, can't we all? Dialogue has no issues - no one is working overtime to be cutesy or coy, or occasionally witty. It flows nicely, and even a few rapidfire sections are not difficult to follow.
The dual stories are both interesting in their own right, although the Rafferty storyline was wrapped up in just a handful of pages, including a somewhat not easy to believe escape at the end, which was a bit out of sorts for the book until that point. There's a kind of, maybe, cliffhanger on that one, but I can't say why, lest I spoil it. The Boyd story - well, you'll just have to read it, and I recommend you do if police/PI mysteries are your thing.
A solid four out of five stars.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
October 6, 2021
The Accused by Owen Mullen is the fourth instalment in the PI Charlie Cameron series. I love this series and couldn't wait to read this book.
We see Charlie being drawn back into the murky Glaswegian underworld when the wife of Sean Rafferty, Kim, approaches Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron to help her leave her husband, even Charlie is a little concerned about taking the case. Everyone knows Sean Rafferty and the consequences of getting on his wrong side. If Charlie agrees to help Kim, he’ll be risking more than his job if Sean finds out. As much as he would love to help her to escape the man, he has to refuse her request. Will he be glad to have swerved this case or will he wish he had helped Kim? He gets involved in a case of a man accused of a crime that got him 15 years in prison. He is out but it looks like he his being set up to go right back to prison. Charlie has to find the man, Dennis and get him to trust Charlie and prove Dennis is innocent. Charlie has connections within the local police and this book sees him having to trust in those relationships and hope they don't betray him.
Both stories run concurrently and it makes for a truly compelling and addictive read with more of Owen Mullens brilliant characterisations. Charlie is a man that I have loved since book 1 and as the series has developed so has Charlie. This has been great to see, it makes for an even better read than if you have only read one.
As always an action packed and with the brutality that comes with the territory. This series never let's me down and the quality of Owen Mullins writing never loses its razor edge. I love these books.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book.
We see Charlie being drawn back into the murky Glaswegian underworld when the wife of Sean Rafferty, Kim, approaches Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron to help her leave her husband, even Charlie is a little concerned about taking the case. Everyone knows Sean Rafferty and the consequences of getting on his wrong side. If Charlie agrees to help Kim, he’ll be risking more than his job if Sean finds out. As much as he would love to help her to escape the man, he has to refuse her request. Will he be glad to have swerved this case or will he wish he had helped Kim? He gets involved in a case of a man accused of a crime that got him 15 years in prison. He is out but it looks like he his being set up to go right back to prison. Charlie has to find the man, Dennis and get him to trust Charlie and prove Dennis is innocent. Charlie has connections within the local police and this book sees him having to trust in those relationships and hope they don't betray him.
Both stories run concurrently and it makes for a truly compelling and addictive read with more of Owen Mullens brilliant characterisations. Charlie is a man that I have loved since book 1 and as the series has developed so has Charlie. This has been great to see, it makes for an even better read than if you have only read one.
As always an action packed and with the brutality that comes with the territory. This series never let's me down and the quality of Owen Mullins writing never loses its razor edge. I love these books.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book.
February 14, 2022
The Accused is the fourth book in the series featuring Owen Mullen’s private detective Charlie Cameron. I have only read one of the others so far, but this works fine as a standalone. Two very different women come to Charlie’s office seeking his help. Kim Rafferty, wife of a vicious gangster, feels her life is in danger and wants to disappear before it’s too late. Charlie has had dealings with Sean Rafferty before and feels it won’t end well for him. Diane Kennedy wants him to solve a fifteen-year-old murder that her friend Dennis Boyd was imprisoned for. Newly released from Barlinnie, and still pleading his innocence, Dennis is in danger of being locked up again for good when the witnesses who lied to convict him start turning up dead.
Unusually, this book features two separate plot lines that don’t appear to converge. One strand is told from multiple viewpoints in the third person, which works well; the other we mostly see through Charlie’s eyes which gives us an insight into his thoughts as well as his actions. The characters are well drawn and easy to differentiate, and it’s good to see the return of a few old favourites. The extracts from Pat Logue’s book of quotations add a bit of light relief. The strong sense of place was one of the highlights of the book; I could so easily picture where he was going as he walked the streets of Glasgow.
This book is not for those of a nervous disposition as the brutality is extreme, though appropriate for the criminal underworld being portrayed. The plot is complex, taking many twists and wrong turns along the way, fast paced and gripping. The book ends with some things unresolved, paving the way nicely for the next Charlie Cameron adventure. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
Unusually, this book features two separate plot lines that don’t appear to converge. One strand is told from multiple viewpoints in the third person, which works well; the other we mostly see through Charlie’s eyes which gives us an insight into his thoughts as well as his actions. The characters are well drawn and easy to differentiate, and it’s good to see the return of a few old favourites. The extracts from Pat Logue’s book of quotations add a bit of light relief. The strong sense of place was one of the highlights of the book; I could so easily picture where he was going as he walked the streets of Glasgow.
This book is not for those of a nervous disposition as the brutality is extreme, though appropriate for the criminal underworld being portrayed. The plot is complex, taking many twists and wrong turns along the way, fast paced and gripping. The book ends with some things unresolved, paving the way nicely for the next Charlie Cameron adventure. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
September 30, 2021
The Accused is a taut mystery thriller with multiple plot lines that interweave throughout the story. Character development is a big focus throughout the novel but not to the detriment of the compelling plotlines. Set in Glasgow, private investigator Charlie specialises in finding missing persons, his interest shaped by his own experiences. Charlie's office base is no longer a room above a venue called New York Blue but he still frequents the bar where he meets his close friends and acquaintances including DS Andrew Geddes and Patrick Logue, his right-hand man.
Owen Mullen cleverly combines each of the story strands really well making this a fascinating read and love the way in which he showcases his characters. In addition to a few neat twists and plenty of wit, there is a pronounced overall noir feel to the narrative and nothing is given away until the tidy, shocking and satisfying conclusion. You don't have to have read the other instalments in the series to enjoy this one, as it works as an individual tale, but there might be a few spoilers referenced from earlier ones. I adore this series so I'm planning to start the author's other series featuring Mackenzie Darroch.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Owen Mullen cleverly combines each of the story strands really well making this a fascinating read and love the way in which he showcases his characters. In addition to a few neat twists and plenty of wit, there is a pronounced overall noir feel to the narrative and nothing is given away until the tidy, shocking and satisfying conclusion. You don't have to have read the other instalments in the series to enjoy this one, as it works as an individual tale, but there might be a few spoilers referenced from earlier ones. I adore this series so I'm planning to start the author's other series featuring Mackenzie Darroch.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 26, 2022
3.5 stars
An innocent man being framed for murder, with the key to solving it based in a 15-year-old murder case, is what Charlie’s up against this time. Another solid book in the series.
[What I liked:]
•As usual, a complex mystery with emotional weight & some nice twists at the end. This writer does twists that are fully built up to, so they don’t seem random. That makes them extra satisfying.
•Charlie doesn’t have a lot of personal life happenings in this book, but there is at least some tension in his friendship with Andrew to give him a little character development.
•Patrick & the quote book was a nice schtick! Added some much needed comic relief.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The part about Kim seemed a bit farfetched. Also, why didn’t Sean go after Tony? That was never explained, though it was implied he knew Tony was involved in thwarting him.
•Why was Andrew letting other people take credit for his arrests when he was up for promotion? That made no sense & was never explained, though it was commented upon.
CW: infidelity, domestic violence, murder, human trafficking, forced drugging, substance abuse, r*pe, physical violence
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
An innocent man being framed for murder, with the key to solving it based in a 15-year-old murder case, is what Charlie’s up against this time. Another solid book in the series.
[What I liked:]
•As usual, a complex mystery with emotional weight & some nice twists at the end. This writer does twists that are fully built up to, so they don’t seem random. That makes them extra satisfying.
•Charlie doesn’t have a lot of personal life happenings in this book, but there is at least some tension in his friendship with Andrew to give him a little character development.
•Patrick & the quote book was a nice schtick! Added some much needed comic relief.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The part about Kim seemed a bit farfetched. Also, why didn’t Sean go after Tony? That was never explained, though it was implied he knew Tony was involved in thwarting him.
•Why was Andrew letting other people take credit for his arrests when he was up for promotion? That made no sense & was never explained, though it was commented upon.
CW: infidelity, domestic violence, murder, human trafficking, forced drugging, substance abuse, r*pe, physical violence
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
March 21, 2022
Another fab Charlie Cameron story
I’ve been thinking for a while that the Glass Family books were now my favourite of Owen Mullen (other than Out of the Silence which will always be number 1!) but after reading The Accused, I’m pulled straight back into Charlie and the gang, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I always enjoy these books and being able to visualise exactly where the action is taking place in Glasgow/Lanarkshire but the added bonuses of Oban and Largs in this one made it even better for me.
Looking forward to seeing what’s coming next from Owen and for Charlie.
I’ve been thinking for a while that the Glass Family books were now my favourite of Owen Mullen (other than Out of the Silence which will always be number 1!) but after reading The Accused, I’m pulled straight back into Charlie and the gang, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I always enjoy these books and being able to visualise exactly where the action is taking place in Glasgow/Lanarkshire but the added bonuses of Oban and Largs in this one made it even better for me.
Looking forward to seeing what’s coming next from Owen and for Charlie.
September 24, 2021
The Accused is another excellent read by this author.
PI Charlie Cameron is back again with maybe his most challenging case. A man on the run declares his innocence and needs help from Charlie. Kim Rafferty needs to get away from her husband and asks Charlie for help. This story sees Charlie at his best working two cases.
A well written page turner that I highly recommend.
PI Charlie Cameron is back again with maybe his most challenging case. A man on the run declares his innocence and needs help from Charlie. Kim Rafferty needs to get away from her husband and asks Charlie for help. This story sees Charlie at his best working two cases.
A well written page turner that I highly recommend.
September 25, 2021
‘The Accused’ is the fourth book in the series featuring Private Investigator Charlie Cameron. I have read and loved each of the previous books in the series. I do have to say that although it is part of a series, ‘The Accused’ reads perfectly well as a standalone. I couldn’t wait to start reading ‘The Accused’ and so without further ado, I grabbed my Kinde, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for an interesting afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Accused’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Accused’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat and that I wouldn’t be doing much else other than reading for the rest of the day, because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put this book to one side for any length of time. To say that reading ‘The Accused’ became addictive is a bit of an understatement. I would pick my Kindle up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there many chapters and a couple of hours later. I was intrigued by the plot and by the characters and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Charlie Cameron. I found ‘The Accused’ to be a gripping read, which kept me on my toes and ono the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Accused’ is superbly written but then that’s also true of all of the books in the series. Owen has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. He has the knack of grabbing the reader’s attention and drawing the reader into the story from the very start. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Accused’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take minute to catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Owen’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Accused’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Owen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Accused’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat and that I wouldn’t be doing much else other than reading for the rest of the day, because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put this book to one side for any length of time. To say that reading ‘The Accused’ became addictive is a bit of an understatement. I would pick my Kindle up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there many chapters and a couple of hours later. I was intrigued by the plot and by the characters and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Charlie Cameron. I found ‘The Accused’ to be a gripping read, which kept me on my toes and ono the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Accused’ is superbly written but then that’s also true of all of the books in the series. Owen has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. He has the knack of grabbing the reader’s attention and drawing the reader into the story from the very start. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Accused’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take minute to catch your breath and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Owen’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Accused’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Owen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 15, 2021
The Accused by Owen Mullen is the fourth book in the Charlie Cameron, P.I. series. I've read them all so I feel safe in saying that this is the best one to date (and the others weren't bad, either).
Charlie Cameron is the best in the business at finding missing persons because he's obsessive, like a dog with a bone. This time out the people aren't so much missing as unknown. A man is released from prison after serving fifteen years for a murder he claims he didn't commit. That's all well and good but almost immediately following his release one of the original witnesses turns up dead with all evidence pointing at him. He's on the run and wants Charlie to help him out. Find out who framed him fifteen years ago and you find out who's setting him up now.
At the same time Charlie's frequent nemesis, notorious crime boss Sean Rafferty, is doing his best to recreate himself as a legitimate businessman... at least on the surface. In reality Rafferty is every bit as crooked as he ever was, and now his trophy wife has decided it's time to save herself and her young child. Mrs. Rafferty wants to disappear but she knows she'll need help. She goes to the one man who has ever gotten the better of Rafferty and lived to tell the tale - P. I. Charlie Cameron.
In the space of 48-hours Charlie has been offered two impossible cases that a wiser man would walk away from. His right-hand man, the savvy and streetwise Patrick Logue, sums it up rather well when he says, "What've you gotten us into this time, Charlie?"
This is a page-turner from start to finish. This time out the two main storylines are fairly distinct from each other, running parallel without a lot of overlap between them as the story gets rolling. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists that make perfect sense in hindsight and some expected turns that just add to the experience. I can't wait for the next one!
You don't have to have read the others in the series to read this one, it does fine as a standalone, but there might be a few spoilers referenced from earlier books.
There is strong language, adult content, and violence. Not for young or sensitive readers.
***Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a free digital copy of this title
Charlie Cameron is the best in the business at finding missing persons because he's obsessive, like a dog with a bone. This time out the people aren't so much missing as unknown. A man is released from prison after serving fifteen years for a murder he claims he didn't commit. That's all well and good but almost immediately following his release one of the original witnesses turns up dead with all evidence pointing at him. He's on the run and wants Charlie to help him out. Find out who framed him fifteen years ago and you find out who's setting him up now.
At the same time Charlie's frequent nemesis, notorious crime boss Sean Rafferty, is doing his best to recreate himself as a legitimate businessman... at least on the surface. In reality Rafferty is every bit as crooked as he ever was, and now his trophy wife has decided it's time to save herself and her young child. Mrs. Rafferty wants to disappear but she knows she'll need help. She goes to the one man who has ever gotten the better of Rafferty and lived to tell the tale - P. I. Charlie Cameron.
In the space of 48-hours Charlie has been offered two impossible cases that a wiser man would walk away from. His right-hand man, the savvy and streetwise Patrick Logue, sums it up rather well when he says, "What've you gotten us into this time, Charlie?"
This is a page-turner from start to finish. This time out the two main storylines are fairly distinct from each other, running parallel without a lot of overlap between them as the story gets rolling. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists that make perfect sense in hindsight and some expected turns that just add to the experience. I can't wait for the next one!
You don't have to have read the others in the series to read this one, it does fine as a standalone, but there might be a few spoilers referenced from earlier books.
There is strong language, adult content, and violence. Not for young or sensitive readers.
***Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a free digital copy of this title
September 22, 2021
Glasgow’s East End is full of hard men. One of those is Sean Rafferty, son of a notorious gangster. He is now masked by a cloak of respectability using his proxies to carry out his nefarious crimes, one of those being Vicky Farrell who is running his girls for him. Everything is going well except for one thing – his wife Kim has now become a thorn in his side. She has served her purpose, giving him a daughter, but now she has to go. Terrified, she begs PI Charlie Cameron to help her. He normally finds people for a living. Can he do the opposite and make her disappear? For a brief and very stupid moment, he considers this, then common sense and the memory of past run ins with Rafferty make this a very big no. Desperate, Kim turns to an alternate and very dangerous helper. Meanwhile Charlie is approached by another attractive and glamorous woman – Diane Kennedy, the widow of jeweller Joe Franks who was supposed to have been murdered by his bodyguard Dennis Boyd. Except that even after serving 15 years in Barlinnie for the crime, both Diane and Boyd protest his innocence, claiming he was set up. She demands help from Charlie in finding the truth. While considering it, one of the witnesses in the murder trial is killed just after Boyd is released from jail. Charlie decides he can help investigate the fifteen year old case, after all, no one else is interested in it now, but must keep his distance from his good friend DS Andrew Geddes and the new murder at all costs, especially when the body count starts to rise.
This was my first encounter with the PI. In the tradition of all good gumshoes, Charlie narrates quite a lot of the story himself and proves to be a very likeable individual. He is also an excellent detective and with the help of good people, Patrick Logue and Andrew Geddes, makes short work of this gritty and clever mystery to reveal the shocking truth about both the past and the present. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its gripping and tense storyline and extremely satisfying ending. 5*
This was my first encounter with the PI. In the tradition of all good gumshoes, Charlie narrates quite a lot of the story himself and proves to be a very likeable individual. He is also an excellent detective and with the help of good people, Patrick Logue and Andrew Geddes, makes short work of this gritty and clever mystery to reveal the shocking truth about both the past and the present. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its gripping and tense storyline and extremely satisfying ending. 5*
December 28, 2021
Owen Mullen’s The Accused is an action-packed chiller full of grit, tension and menace featuring maverick detective Charlie Cameron.
Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron knows trouble when he sees it and Kim Rafferty is trouble with a capital T. In his line of work, Charlie isn’t averse to danger and he doesn’t balk at challenges, but even he knows that agreeing to take Kim Rafferty on would be madness. If Charlie agrees to help out the wife of an East End gangster, the consequences simply do not bear thinking about. If this job goes wrong, Charlie stands to lose absolutely everything – including his life!
Desperate women seem to be beating a path to his door lately. No sooner has Kim come asking for help that another betrayed woman comes to him asking to help her keep an innocent man out of jail who is being accused of crimes he didn’t commit. With Dennis Boyd on the run, Charlie needs to find him and keep him out of jail – even if this quest for justice ends up putting him on the wrong side of the law and pitting him against his old friend and ally, DS Andrew Geddes.
Time is running out for Charlie and with dangers and pitfalls round every corner, he finds himself wondering whether this case might be the one that will leave him completely and utterly dumbfounded.
Owen Mullen knows how to keep his readers glued to the pages of his novels and in The Accused he has written a razor sharp, fast-paced and pulse-pounding crime thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
Charlie Cameron is a terrific detective. Fearless, engaging, flawed and nuanced, Charlie is the kind of hero it is impossible not to cheer for and be drawn to and he is someone readers will thoroughly enjoy spending time with.
Crime fiction fans looking for thrillers that will keep them reading way past their bedtime need to add Owen Mullen’s books to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron knows trouble when he sees it and Kim Rafferty is trouble with a capital T. In his line of work, Charlie isn’t averse to danger and he doesn’t balk at challenges, but even he knows that agreeing to take Kim Rafferty on would be madness. If Charlie agrees to help out the wife of an East End gangster, the consequences simply do not bear thinking about. If this job goes wrong, Charlie stands to lose absolutely everything – including his life!
Desperate women seem to be beating a path to his door lately. No sooner has Kim come asking for help that another betrayed woman comes to him asking to help her keep an innocent man out of jail who is being accused of crimes he didn’t commit. With Dennis Boyd on the run, Charlie needs to find him and keep him out of jail – even if this quest for justice ends up putting him on the wrong side of the law and pitting him against his old friend and ally, DS Andrew Geddes.
Time is running out for Charlie and with dangers and pitfalls round every corner, he finds himself wondering whether this case might be the one that will leave him completely and utterly dumbfounded.
Owen Mullen knows how to keep his readers glued to the pages of his novels and in The Accused he has written a razor sharp, fast-paced and pulse-pounding crime thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
Charlie Cameron is a terrific detective. Fearless, engaging, flawed and nuanced, Charlie is the kind of hero it is impossible not to cheer for and be drawn to and he is someone readers will thoroughly enjoy spending time with.
Crime fiction fans looking for thrillers that will keep them reading way past their bedtime need to add Owen Mullen’s books to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2021
(5*s for lovers of hard hitting, realistic gangster thrillers)
Gritty, fast moving gangster thriller
Dennis Boyd has just got out of prison and finds himself in trouble almost immediately. Sean Rafferty’s wife needs to escape the fear that goes with living with her husband. Can Private Investigator Charlie Cameron help these two scared people?
Dennis Boyd is desperate for help. He has just got out of jail for a murder he says he didn’t commit, and immediately finds himself at the scene of a new crime, and being hunted by the police. Can Charlie find out what happened 15 years ago, and what is going on now.
Kim Rafferty needs to get herself and her daughter away from her gangster husband, but everybody knows it is madness to go against Sean Rafferty.
Two dangerous assignment offers for Charlie Cameron - will he learn to say “no” and just get on with the everyday humdrum cases of a Private Investigator, or will he be drawn in and provide us readers with excitement, twists and turns?
There is no doubt this thriller feels true to life and gets the reader fully involved due to the strong and convincing characters. Sean Rafferty, his gangster dealings and his’s wife’s position provide a dramatic story and Dennis Boyd provides another. So two fast moving action crime stories within one. Owen Mullen is such a skilled writer that the two threads run seamlessly alongside each other, with characters easily recognisable and the storylines easy to follow.
This is definitely a 5* read for those who like gritty and convincing crime/gangster thrillers, however I found the themes and action disturbing and too troubling to make it an enjoyable read for me.
This is the 4th book in the Charlie Cameron series, though all can be read as stand alone, I have read them all (indeed I have read all of Owen Mullen’s thrillers to date) and find The Accused to be the grittiest so far.
Gritty, fast moving gangster thriller
Dennis Boyd has just got out of prison and finds himself in trouble almost immediately. Sean Rafferty’s wife needs to escape the fear that goes with living with her husband. Can Private Investigator Charlie Cameron help these two scared people?
Dennis Boyd is desperate for help. He has just got out of jail for a murder he says he didn’t commit, and immediately finds himself at the scene of a new crime, and being hunted by the police. Can Charlie find out what happened 15 years ago, and what is going on now.
Kim Rafferty needs to get herself and her daughter away from her gangster husband, but everybody knows it is madness to go against Sean Rafferty.
Two dangerous assignment offers for Charlie Cameron - will he learn to say “no” and just get on with the everyday humdrum cases of a Private Investigator, or will he be drawn in and provide us readers with excitement, twists and turns?
There is no doubt this thriller feels true to life and gets the reader fully involved due to the strong and convincing characters. Sean Rafferty, his gangster dealings and his’s wife’s position provide a dramatic story and Dennis Boyd provides another. So two fast moving action crime stories within one. Owen Mullen is such a skilled writer that the two threads run seamlessly alongside each other, with characters easily recognisable and the storylines easy to follow.
This is definitely a 5* read for those who like gritty and convincing crime/gangster thrillers, however I found the themes and action disturbing and too troubling to make it an enjoyable read for me.
This is the 4th book in the Charlie Cameron series, though all can be read as stand alone, I have read them all (indeed I have read all of Owen Mullen’s thrillers to date) and find The Accused to be the grittiest so far.
September 23, 2021
When Kim Rafferty, the wife of the infamous Sean Rafferty, approaches Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron to help her leave her husband, even Charlie can’t deny having a few concerns about accepting her case. While Sean Rafferty pretends to be the face of respectability, everyone knows he is not a man to be crossed. If Charlie agrees to help Kim, he’ll be risking more than his livelihood if things go wrong. As much as he wants to help, the consequences are too high, and regrettably he has to turn her down. Will it be a decision he comes to regret or has he had a lucky escape?
Charlie turns his attention to another new case: a woman has sought him out to help a man newly released from prison. She’s certain that he was innocent of the crime that put him away for fifteen years, and she’s worried he’ll go after those who framed him … or worse, they’ll set him up a second time. Trouble is Dennis Boyd is in hiding after a rogue message led him to a car park and a dead body. It looks like Dennis is responsible, and even Charlie believes the only option Dennis has is to turn himself in. Until a second murder occurs – and this time Dennis could not have been responsible – now Charlie knows someone is setting Dennis up again, but proving it is another matter, and that’s assuming he can find Dennis in time and earn his trust.
Charlie’s been around the block awhile, and has made connections with the local police force, even if some relationships are strained, their is a mutual respect there (albeit subtly disguised at times). As Charlie gets closer to helping Dennis, he has to trust in those relationships … maybe a little too much.
There is betrayal around every corner as this fast-paced crime thriller gains momentum. As clever and utterly compelling as Boyd’s case is, Kim Rafferty’s situation intrudes into the story with a punch to the gut and runs alongside Boyd’s story. Sean Rafferty is a formidable enemy, and Charlie was wise to give the case a wide berth, but that doesn’t mean “out of sight, out of mind” when Charlie wonders if Kim managed to get away … her silence is deafening!
The Accused is gritty and addictive, hard-hitting and reflective. Hope and betrayal battle in equal measures for an outcome that is challenging and tense. Charlie is the kind of PI you can’t help but root for, but he does seem to walk a tightrope of danger to achieve the result he believes in. I’ll be reading more of Charlie’s exploits for sure.
Charlie turns his attention to another new case: a woman has sought him out to help a man newly released from prison. She’s certain that he was innocent of the crime that put him away for fifteen years, and she’s worried he’ll go after those who framed him … or worse, they’ll set him up a second time. Trouble is Dennis Boyd is in hiding after a rogue message led him to a car park and a dead body. It looks like Dennis is responsible, and even Charlie believes the only option Dennis has is to turn himself in. Until a second murder occurs – and this time Dennis could not have been responsible – now Charlie knows someone is setting Dennis up again, but proving it is another matter, and that’s assuming he can find Dennis in time and earn his trust.
Charlie’s been around the block awhile, and has made connections with the local police force, even if some relationships are strained, their is a mutual respect there (albeit subtly disguised at times). As Charlie gets closer to helping Dennis, he has to trust in those relationships … maybe a little too much.
There is betrayal around every corner as this fast-paced crime thriller gains momentum. As clever and utterly compelling as Boyd’s case is, Kim Rafferty’s situation intrudes into the story with a punch to the gut and runs alongside Boyd’s story. Sean Rafferty is a formidable enemy, and Charlie was wise to give the case a wide berth, but that doesn’t mean “out of sight, out of mind” when Charlie wonders if Kim managed to get away … her silence is deafening!
The Accused is gritty and addictive, hard-hitting and reflective. Hope and betrayal battle in equal measures for an outcome that is challenging and tense. Charlie is the kind of PI you can’t help but root for, but he does seem to walk a tightrope of danger to achieve the result he believes in. I’ll be reading more of Charlie’s exploits for sure.
November 21, 2021
We are back with our favourite flawed PI Charlie Cameron. He’s a magnet for trouble and he just can’t seem to say no.. even when he does say no to a case trouble still finds it’s way to his door!
First through the door is Kim Rafferty..things with her gangster husband Sean are unravelling fast and she wants Charlie’s help. Sean is well known to Charlie.. worse still Charlie is well known to Sean.. it’s best if he stays clear of this one.. but can he?.. and if he doesn’t help what will happen. To Kim?
Sean has more troubles than just his wife to be concerned about, his benefactor is visiting. The visit needs to go well.. Sean has a temper and won’t take anything less than perfect on this one. Things never go to plan do they though?
The other potential case is around Dennis Boyd who has served 15 years for a crime he claims not to have committed. He wants to find out who set him up. The case is made more complicated when another body hits the ground related to the original case. This is a tough one to handle as Charlie can’t seek assistance for his long time friend DS Andrew Geddes without blurring the lines of work and friendship.
As always Charlie can rely on his other source of information Patrick Logue, his humour always has me smiling… he’s a loveable rogue and really adds to the story. Charlie would be lost without him.
I’ve come to expect high quality from Owen Mullen, action packed, gritty and full of twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next and boy does this one tick all the boxes! The series just keeps getting better and better! How is that even possible? How do you build on perfection?
The storylines are hard hitting and convincing mixed with some wonderful dark humour that just makes this an outstanding 5*
First through the door is Kim Rafferty..things with her gangster husband Sean are unravelling fast and she wants Charlie’s help. Sean is well known to Charlie.. worse still Charlie is well known to Sean.. it’s best if he stays clear of this one.. but can he?.. and if he doesn’t help what will happen. To Kim?
Sean has more troubles than just his wife to be concerned about, his benefactor is visiting. The visit needs to go well.. Sean has a temper and won’t take anything less than perfect on this one. Things never go to plan do they though?
The other potential case is around Dennis Boyd who has served 15 years for a crime he claims not to have committed. He wants to find out who set him up. The case is made more complicated when another body hits the ground related to the original case. This is a tough one to handle as Charlie can’t seek assistance for his long time friend DS Andrew Geddes without blurring the lines of work and friendship.
As always Charlie can rely on his other source of information Patrick Logue, his humour always has me smiling… he’s a loveable rogue and really adds to the story. Charlie would be lost without him.
I’ve come to expect high quality from Owen Mullen, action packed, gritty and full of twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next and boy does this one tick all the boxes! The series just keeps getting better and better! How is that even possible? How do you build on perfection?
The storylines are hard hitting and convincing mixed with some wonderful dark humour that just makes this an outstanding 5*
October 22, 2021
REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS
Secrets and intrigue lie at the heart of this murderous thriller. Some of the characters are dastardly with cruel intentions and will literally do anything to get away with murder and frame innocent people, or are they as innocent as they want us to believe?
Charlie, the Private Investigator does not want to get drawn in to this deadly game but he is intrigued enough by Dennis that he just can’t keep away from the case. He has many fingers in many pies and is able to discover things that have lain dormant whilst Dennis was in Prison for a crime he is adamant he did not commit. However as the body count rises Charlie begins to doubt everything he has been told. Should he really continue trying to prove that his client is innocent or get out now while he is still alive?
The case of Kim Rafferty that Charlie also reluctantly takes on becomes quite grisly and had me almost recoiling at the violence that ensues. A cleverly written storyline that drags you along with it even though you’re not sure you really want to go there. The descriptive writing is excellent and you just don’t want to put the book down.
I was enthralled by Owen Mullen’s writing style. It’s edginess keeps you interested without being over the top with gratuitous violence. There are violent acts but they fit with the nature of the characters and the worlds they move in.
The Accused is one of those books that you don’t want to end because you’re enjoying it so much, well written, engaging and an all round scorcher of a thriller.
Secrets and intrigue lie at the heart of this murderous thriller. Some of the characters are dastardly with cruel intentions and will literally do anything to get away with murder and frame innocent people, or are they as innocent as they want us to believe?
Charlie, the Private Investigator does not want to get drawn in to this deadly game but he is intrigued enough by Dennis that he just can’t keep away from the case. He has many fingers in many pies and is able to discover things that have lain dormant whilst Dennis was in Prison for a crime he is adamant he did not commit. However as the body count rises Charlie begins to doubt everything he has been told. Should he really continue trying to prove that his client is innocent or get out now while he is still alive?
The case of Kim Rafferty that Charlie also reluctantly takes on becomes quite grisly and had me almost recoiling at the violence that ensues. A cleverly written storyline that drags you along with it even though you’re not sure you really want to go there. The descriptive writing is excellent and you just don’t want to put the book down.
I was enthralled by Owen Mullen’s writing style. It’s edginess keeps you interested without being over the top with gratuitous violence. There are violent acts but they fit with the nature of the characters and the worlds they move in.
The Accused is one of those books that you don’t want to end because you’re enjoying it so much, well written, engaging and an all round scorcher of a thriller.
September 25, 2021
Glasgow gangster’s wife Kim Rafferty seeks out PI Charlie Cameron with a plea for help, but Charlie has history with her husband, Sean Rafferty, and knows that keeping well clear of the viscous thug is the best way to stay alive. When another woman comes to him for help, Charlie decides to look into the case – a fifteen-year-old murder for which Dennis Boyd, newly-released from prison, was convicted. Unfortunately, one of the three men who accused Boyd is found murdered, forcing Boyd to go on the run. With the case beginning to look decidedly dodgy, can Charlie Cameron work out who is telling the truth before Boyd is arrested and thrown back in jail?
This is the eighth book I’ve read by Owen Mullen and as usual, it’s a cracker. With several storylines going on at the same time, the author thrusts his characters into a complex plot involving Scottish and Spanish gangsters, prostitution rings, and a load of folk who may or may not be on the right side of the law. As the story progresses, Mullen’s hero is faced with some difficult decisions and finds his relationship with cop-pal DS Geddes on shaky ground, which could easily land Charlie in a whole heap of trouble. It’s fair to say there are several gruesome scenes, but the author still manages to squeeze in a generous helping of his canny humour to lighten the darker aspects of this fast-moving gritty thriller.
Another cracking tale from the Big Mannie of Tartan Noir.
This is the eighth book I’ve read by Owen Mullen and as usual, it’s a cracker. With several storylines going on at the same time, the author thrusts his characters into a complex plot involving Scottish and Spanish gangsters, prostitution rings, and a load of folk who may or may not be on the right side of the law. As the story progresses, Mullen’s hero is faced with some difficult decisions and finds his relationship with cop-pal DS Geddes on shaky ground, which could easily land Charlie in a whole heap of trouble. It’s fair to say there are several gruesome scenes, but the author still manages to squeeze in a generous helping of his canny humour to lighten the darker aspects of this fast-moving gritty thriller.
Another cracking tale from the Big Mannie of Tartan Noir.
Read
September 21, 2021I sit here, a little disappointed, I’m not gonna lie… disappointed because I was going about my daily reading habits and was totally unaware that Charlie Cameron (and Owen Mullen, for that matter) even existed!!! Where have I been?!
The fourth book in a series but easily stand alone, this was brilliantly gritty!! Charlie Cameron, a PI in Glasgow, is approached by two very difficult potential cases - Dennis Boyd, recently released after 15 years for a murder he is adamant he didn’t commit, and now apparently being set up for the murder of one of the key witnesses, and Kim Rafferty, the scared wife of the dangerous and somewhat vile gangster Sean.
An extremely gritty and action packed ride (and brutal at times) Mullen writes characters incredibly skilfully. After a few pages I already felt I had known Charlie and Patrick (I love this guy and his quotes) for quite some time. Mullen’s writing style is razor-sharp and has the west coast humour down to a tee. There were plenty of twists and the story was somewhat left open for a further instalment.
I will most definitely be delving into the backlog of Charlie Cameron’s series and if you haven’t read these yet, I strongly urge you to!
The fourth book in a series but easily stand alone, this was brilliantly gritty!! Charlie Cameron, a PI in Glasgow, is approached by two very difficult potential cases - Dennis Boyd, recently released after 15 years for a murder he is adamant he didn’t commit, and now apparently being set up for the murder of one of the key witnesses, and Kim Rafferty, the scared wife of the dangerous and somewhat vile gangster Sean.
An extremely gritty and action packed ride (and brutal at times) Mullen writes characters incredibly skilfully. After a few pages I already felt I had known Charlie and Patrick (I love this guy and his quotes) for quite some time. Mullen’s writing style is razor-sharp and has the west coast humour down to a tee. There were plenty of twists and the story was somewhat left open for a further instalment.
I will most definitely be delving into the backlog of Charlie Cameron’s series and if you haven’t read these yet, I strongly urge you to!
August 23, 2021
Charlie Cameron is a private investigator who takes on a cold case of a man murdered years ago,Dennis Boyd was found guilty of the murder but now his out and he wants to prove his innocence but the first of three people who helped to put him away has been murdered and his the prime suspect.
Kim Rafferty is the wife of a bad news East End gangster and she wants out and needs to take her daughter with her but her husband has other ideas.Charlie feels its to much of a risk to help her so now she's on her own
Dennis is on the run and Charlie must chase every lead to help him.
Having only read the Glass family books by Owen Mullen which I loved I thought I'd see what else the author had written and I wasn't dissapointed I devoured this book it was brilliant.
I'm now going to read the earlier Charlie Cameron books while I wait for the next installment of the Glass family.
I would highly recommend this book.Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC
Kim Rafferty is the wife of a bad news East End gangster and she wants out and needs to take her daughter with her but her husband has other ideas.Charlie feels its to much of a risk to help her so now she's on her own
Dennis is on the run and Charlie must chase every lead to help him.
Having only read the Glass family books by Owen Mullen which I loved I thought I'd see what else the author had written and I wasn't dissapointed I devoured this book it was brilliant.
I'm now going to read the earlier Charlie Cameron books while I wait for the next installment of the Glass family.
I would highly recommend this book.Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC
October 5, 2021
I’ve officially read enough of Owen Mullen’s books to declare myself as a fan, I think. I absolutely love his writing. Every book I’ve read has been awesome.
This is book four, and each book has been excellent. The Accused may be my favorite so far. It reads great as a standalone, too!
This is a page-turner, with exceent writing. There are two storylines that run parallel, which is very interesting. They don’t seem to be related until the plot really unfolds. All the twists make for an unexpected surprise and then it all makes sense.
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
This is book four, and each book has been excellent. The Accused may be my favorite so far. It reads great as a standalone, too!
This is a page-turner, with exceent writing. There are two storylines that run parallel, which is very interesting. They don’t seem to be related until the plot really unfolds. All the twists make for an unexpected surprise and then it all makes sense.
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
October 15, 2024
I had never 'met' Charlie Cameron before, so I was looking forward to getting to know him.
I liked him, because even though some of his friends told him not to take certain cases, because they were too dangerous, he took the time to think about it and form his own opinion.
He was contacted for two cases and even though he only decided to work on one of them, the author continued to tell both tales.
This meant I was convinced the two were connected somehow and I was really intrigued in finding out how the author would glue them together. Well, they weren't in the end. We did get both outcomes though.
I have to admit the gangland type one was dragging me in more than the other one. In my mind, but who am I, I would have written two books instead of one, because both were good ideas. As I said, it's the author's 'baby and I can only write about how I felt about it.
I have a bit of mixed emotions, but all this aside, I did enjoy the book. 4 stars
Thank you
I liked him, because even though some of his friends told him not to take certain cases, because they were too dangerous, he took the time to think about it and form his own opinion.
He was contacted for two cases and even though he only decided to work on one of them, the author continued to tell both tales.
This meant I was convinced the two were connected somehow and I was really intrigued in finding out how the author would glue them together. Well, they weren't in the end. We did get both outcomes though.
I have to admit the gangland type one was dragging me in more than the other one. In my mind, but who am I, I would have written two books instead of one, because both were good ideas. As I said, it's the author's 'baby and I can only write about how I felt about it.
I have a bit of mixed emotions, but all this aside, I did enjoy the book. 4 stars
Thank you
Read
December 12, 2021...What to say? Book 4 in the series was for me the most demanding. At times harrowing. After Whistleblower I had to find a resolution to the Rafferty question without tying Charlie up in knots - and not just because he's dealing with the hardest case of his career - relationships are tested and found wanting in this very dramatic episode... even Pat Logue draws a line he won't cross. For the first time ever our hero is on his own.
Really hope you enjoy this one... give me a shout and let me know.
Owen
Really hope you enjoy this one... give me a shout and let me know.
Owen
September 7, 2021
This is an excellent read featuring PI Charlie Cameron, set in Glasgow. I love the developing characterisation in the series and the two parallel cases in this one make it a gripping read from start to finish. Although it's book 4 in the series, it could be read as a standalone, although I would recommend starting with book 1 for some background information. There is some adult content and violence, not for sensitive readers. Another 5* read from Owen Mullen which I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 19, 2021
A convicted felon gets out of jail and then witnesses who testified against time are found murdered. Did he do it? A woman is so afraid of her powerful husband she wants to disappear.
These are some of the main storylines in this ever changing book. There are so many twists you are kept guessing until the very end. The book is told from multiple POV which I love. It would have been great to include the persons name as the chapter header as it took me a page to figure out who I was reading.
These are some of the main storylines in this ever changing book. There are so many twists you are kept guessing until the very end. The book is told from multiple POV which I love. It would have been great to include the persons name as the chapter header as it took me a page to figure out who I was reading.
September 23, 2021
Charlie Cameron is an intelligent private investigator working in urban crime. He has a strong belief in justice and a soft spot for the vulnerable. The author creates a disturbing noir-crime ethos where betrayal is rife and human life has little value. Cleverly plotted with false leads and unexpected twists, there is an addictive mix of action and investigation.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 5, 2021
This is the 4th book in the series, but can be read individually (as I have). I will be reading the others though!
A great read! Boyd is accused and convicted of a murder he didn't commit. We follow the story alongside PI Cameron. I was hooked from the beginning. Uncomfortable at times due to the sheer brutality of the story, it still captivated me. Full of twists and turns. A great book for those seeking a thrilling ride!!!
A great read! Boyd is accused and convicted of a murder he didn't commit. We follow the story alongside PI Cameron. I was hooked from the beginning. Uncomfortable at times due to the sheer brutality of the story, it still captivated me. Full of twists and turns. A great book for those seeking a thrilling ride!!!
July 2, 2024
Private Investigator Charlie Cameron returns for the 4th installment in this gritty Glaswegian thriller series.
Charlie is again tangled up with the notorious gangster Rafferty's and reluctant to get anywhere near them again. This time he is also trying to protect a man who has been framed for one murder from being framed again and sent straight back to prison.
His intuition is screaming at him to stay well away from both cases, but that is easier said than done.
Charlie is again tangled up with the notorious gangster Rafferty's and reluctant to get anywhere near them again. This time he is also trying to protect a man who has been framed for one murder from being framed again and sent straight back to prison.
His intuition is screaming at him to stay well away from both cases, but that is easier said than done.
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