A city in fear of the night A detective at home in the dark
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JAKE SAWYER is in demand. With his profile raised after his successes in the Peak District, he’s called to London to help the Met Murder Squad with a baffling case which has shocked the nation.
A family of four has been tortured and murdered in their Hammersmith home. The crime’s disturbing details are kept private to protect the victims’ dignity and to deter copycats. But when the killer strikes again, so soon after the first attack, the pressure mounts to understand his motives before a third family faces his wrath.
Starved of hard evidence, the capital’s smartest detectives feed on scraps of speculation. As Sawyer struggles to settle in the big city and keep his mental health in balance, he follows a theory about the killer which leads him deep into an urban underworld where the lines between pleasure and pain are blurred.
Another awesome story of Jake Sawyer and his ability to escape danger. The majority of the story focused on the case he was helping the Met with, a vicious killer intent on destroying families. The previous book to this had Curtis Mavers name checking Sawyer as he escaped some other bad guys. So, the side story is bad-guy-turned-good (or is he?), Dale Strickland, along with a few other rapscallions (Mavers included) who want to drag Sawyer down. To be honest, i was much more interested in the side story - i like the bad guys and like that Sawyer always seems to outfox them (but is his luck running out?)
Unfortunately most of the action to the side story is right at the end of the book and leaves on a bombshell (!!), teasing the reader with the next book. There are hints it may have something to do with Book 1 - Creepy Crawly. Ill need to go back and refresh my memory before book 8 comes out.
Andrew's writing is top notch and his books are easy to get into. If you haven't read this series i would definitely recommend it.
I am a huge Jake Sawyer fan, and while I was satisfied at the conclusion, I struggled at times reading the book. The last couple of pages seemed the most like a Jake Sawyer book. The rest of the book felt choppy.
There was also one episode in the story that was incredibly out of character for Sawyer, and it really through me for a loop. It had nothing to do with the plot and seemed to just be a political statement on behalf of the author. I nearly quit reading at that point as I couldn’t see Jake doing or saying what he did.
Four stars because it is Jake, and because the last few pages redeemed the book.
This is a brilliant read. 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 found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Jake Sawyer is back in another suspense filled action packed thriller. I like that there is a different crime in each book while having some of the characters from the beginning coming forward. There was some confusion in places but the ending redeemed itself. If you enjoy crime thrillers, Jake Sawyer will soon become a favorite. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I love this series. The characters are interesting and the action is gritty and exciting. I would recommend reading the series in order since, along with a current crime, there is an overall story line. Jake Sawyer is a complex character and there are many reoccurring characters so starting with the first book makes the series more enjoyable.
Throughout this book the reader can feel the tension building. Just when I thought Jake Sawyer may have had an easier time coming his way, the author, Andrew Lowe, throws a curve ball. When this series finally concludes, I really hope there will be a happy ending. I don’t like my fiction to imitate real life.
Read and enjoyed this book, found the beginning a bit confusing with what appeared to be several story lines going eventually got things sorted in my mind and became engrossed in the story and enjoying it Read it in one sitting.
This is an excellent story! As always Andrew Lowe has written another amazing, fast paced, action psychological police thriller! A pleasure to read with it's great, well thought out character selection & twisted plot! I do recommend to all that love this genre!
Lots of twists and turns in this book leaving you wanting more. Definitely have to start at the beginning of this series but can't wait until the next one.
An intriguing book that will have you gripped. When Jake is on the job, there’s bound to be lots of action. Crime and twists and turns to keep you guessing. Ready for the next.
Like the previous books in the Jake Sawyer series, Cruel Summer (Book 7), is well written and well researched. There are many of those “edge of your seat” moments. A mix of crime and psychological thrillers. Although separate investigations occur in each of the novels, there are ongoing storylines and character development throughout so I would recommend starting at Book 1 and, perhaps, binging the rest like I did. My only disappointment is that I have to wait a while now for the next instalment, especially after the intense ending to this one!