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DCI William Blake #8
Dark Visions of Torment
Could you keep a secret, even if it caused others torment?
When a young boy goes missing, DCI Will Blake and his team are led into the little-known subterranean world beneath the Wirral. But the investigation unearths the body of a man who has been missing for almost sixty years. Ernie Hughes, lead singer of the little known Merseybeat band Arthur and the Galahads, disappeared one November in 1964, the night before the band were off to chase their dreams in Hamburg. It appears that Ernie’s death was violent. Blake’s investigations take him back to the heady days of The Cavern Club and Liverpool during the swinging sixties. Many of the witnesses are dead and the suspects in their twilight years. But not everyone is happy for dark secrets to surface, even after all this time and they’ll stop at nothing to keep them buried.
And why is Serafina behaving so amorously towards the local cat population?
Dark Visions of Torment is the eighth book from popular crime author J.E. Mayhew and is ideal for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Alex Smith and Luca Veste.
When a young boy goes missing, DCI Will Blake and his team are led into the little-known subterranean world beneath the Wirral. But the investigation unearths the body of a man who has been missing for almost sixty years. Ernie Hughes, lead singer of the little known Merseybeat band Arthur and the Galahads, disappeared one November in 1964, the night before the band were off to chase their dreams in Hamburg. It appears that Ernie’s death was violent. Blake’s investigations take him back to the heady days of The Cavern Club and Liverpool during the swinging sixties. Many of the witnesses are dead and the suspects in their twilight years. But not everyone is happy for dark secrets to surface, even after all this time and they’ll stop at nothing to keep them buried.
And why is Serafina behaving so amorously towards the local cat population?
Dark Visions of Torment is the eighth book from popular crime author J.E. Mayhew and is ideal for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Alex Smith and Luca Veste.
- GenresMystery
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First published November 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 15, 2022
Wow, this is the 9th story in the DCI Will Blake series and it is another excellent read. I have read the last few stories in the order they were released. And had them pre-ordered and started them on the day they released. This one dropped during a busy time and it took me about a month to start reading it. It the beginning I was jumping around, but now I read the stores in the order they release. I have stated before that each of the stories is strong enough to be read on its own, but they are better as part of the series and better yet being read in order. I discovered this series based on a recommendation from Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books. I had read all the Kett books and was awaiting the next Softley Softley book when Smith mentioned book two in this series, Fearful Symmetry, and gave it a plug. I am still waiting for that Softley novel. But have had a lot of DCI Blake stories to fill the time. I have since discovered that the author publishes under three names, much like Smith. One for Adult crime novels, J.E. Mayhew and another for Young Adult and younger readers, Jon Mayhew, and a third supernatural Urban Noir as Edwin Torr. And I have now read books under all three names. I was glad I gave that first one a try and after reading all books currently available from him, I know I will read this series as long as new books are published in it. And even pre-ordered book as soon as I saw it available. I have read 26 books by Mayhew under the three different names and they are all great reads! These books are not as gritty as the Kett novels, but they are great British crime procedural stories. When I reviewed a Kett story I stated I could see Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett, and while reading this I could not help but picture Karl Urban as DCI Will Blake. And can picture it much like the old TV series Wired in the Blood.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is very different than many of the others in the series. First it is both a murder and a cold case wrapped in one. And soon the cases start to cross over. Blake is back, but being assigned to a desk job after this case. He will be focusing on cold cases. And staying out of action, while his injuries continue to heal, both physical and emotional.
The description of this volume is:
“When a young boy goes missing, DCI Will Blake and his team are led into the little-known subterranean world beneath the Wirral. But the investigation unearths the body of a man who has been missing for almost sixty years. Ernie Hughes, lead singer of the little known Merseybeat band Arthur and the Galahads, disappeared one November in 1964, the night before the band were off to chase their dreams in Hamburg. It appears that Ernie’s death was violent. Blake’s investigations take him back to the heady days of The Cavern Club and Liverpool during the swinging sixties. Many of the witnesses are dead and the suspects in their twilight years. But not everyone is happy for dark secrets to surface, even after all this time and they’ll stop at nothing to keep them buried.
And why is Serafina behaving so amorously towards the local cat population?”
This story is not as dark and gruelling as the others in the Blake Series. We get to see a softer side of Blake. We even see him mend some old burned bridges. But there is the case of the modern kidnapping, a 60 year old body, and then a new murder. All three events taking place roughly at the same place. Blake is not leading the team on the current case and that causes some hut feelings and stepping on toes when he is called first. Can he navigate his new role in the department and the strange occurrences with his mother’s cat at home?
Usually at the end of a DCI Will Blake novel is a preview and announcement of the next instalment. I reached out to the author, and he is not sure there will be more stories. But this one does not feel like the ends of the adventures of DCI Will Blake but only time will tell. If it is the end it is a good capping off of the story. But I personally hope there will be more stories from Mayhew’s masterful pen.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is very different than many of the others in the series. First it is both a murder and a cold case wrapped in one. And soon the cases start to cross over. Blake is back, but being assigned to a desk job after this case. He will be focusing on cold cases. And staying out of action, while his injuries continue to heal, both physical and emotional.
The description of this volume is:
“When a young boy goes missing, DCI Will Blake and his team are led into the little-known subterranean world beneath the Wirral. But the investigation unearths the body of a man who has been missing for almost sixty years. Ernie Hughes, lead singer of the little known Merseybeat band Arthur and the Galahads, disappeared one November in 1964, the night before the band were off to chase their dreams in Hamburg. It appears that Ernie’s death was violent. Blake’s investigations take him back to the heady days of The Cavern Club and Liverpool during the swinging sixties. Many of the witnesses are dead and the suspects in their twilight years. But not everyone is happy for dark secrets to surface, even after all this time and they’ll stop at nothing to keep them buried.
And why is Serafina behaving so amorously towards the local cat population?”
This story is not as dark and gruelling as the others in the Blake Series. We get to see a softer side of Blake. We even see him mend some old burned bridges. But there is the case of the modern kidnapping, a 60 year old body, and then a new murder. All three events taking place roughly at the same place. Blake is not leading the team on the current case and that causes some hut feelings and stepping on toes when he is called first. Can he navigate his new role in the department and the strange occurrences with his mother’s cat at home?
Usually at the end of a DCI Will Blake novel is a preview and announcement of the next instalment. I reached out to the author, and he is not sure there will be more stories. But this one does not feel like the ends of the adventures of DCI Will Blake but only time will tell. If it is the end it is a good capping off of the story. But I personally hope there will be more stories from Mayhew’s masterful pen.
November 16, 2021
Loved it
One of my top favourite series, I hope there are more to come. Great character's, great stories, hooked from start to finish. Great twist that I wasn't expecting and it all came together in the end. The cat fiasco is a nice little addition, poor old Blake. Would love to see him and Hannah as a couple, he deserves some happiness. Thank you for a fabulous read.
One of my top favourite series, I hope there are more to come. Great character's, great stories, hooked from start to finish. Great twist that I wasn't expecting and it all came together in the end. The cat fiasco is a nice little addition, poor old Blake. Would love to see him and Hannah as a couple, he deserves some happiness. Thank you for a fabulous read.
December 2, 2021
Past lives!
This author's uncanny ability to lead the reader's mind down so many different alleys, with twists you don't see coming makes it almost impossible to make your mind up who the perpetrator or perpetrators actually are!
A vulnerable young boy disappears on his way to school and wakes to find himself in what appears to be underground tunnels, pitch black and terrifying for an adult even more so for a child, who doesn't even know how he got there!
This kicks of a dark puzzling case for DCI Will Blake and his team. A past disappearance and murder going back to the 1960's hidden from view and buried by those responsible. There's so many twists and dark secrets, I couldn't make my mind up who was guilty and who was innocent. There's a shocking revelation at the end I certainly didn't see that coming.
A different era a different life, but somethings never change murder is murder however long ago it happened!
Brilliant characters and plenty of puzzles for the reader to scratch their heads over, another great outing for Will and his team!
This author's uncanny ability to lead the reader's mind down so many different alleys, with twists you don't see coming makes it almost impossible to make your mind up who the perpetrator or perpetrators actually are!
A vulnerable young boy disappears on his way to school and wakes to find himself in what appears to be underground tunnels, pitch black and terrifying for an adult even more so for a child, who doesn't even know how he got there!
This kicks of a dark puzzling case for DCI Will Blake and his team. A past disappearance and murder going back to the 1960's hidden from view and buried by those responsible. There's so many twists and dark secrets, I couldn't make my mind up who was guilty and who was innocent. There's a shocking revelation at the end I certainly didn't see that coming.
A different era a different life, but somethings never change murder is murder however long ago it happened!
Brilliant characters and plenty of puzzles for the reader to scratch their heads over, another great outing for Will and his team!
November 28, 2021
Fabulous!
Again another 5 star for me Mr Mayhew never fails to deliver first class novels that remain as fresh as book one .DCI Will Blake and his team just blend together like old friends. A body discovered after 60 years takes the team back to the 1960's to discover who the victim is and the circumstances behind it. As usual more cat problems for poor Will with a mystery which is solved eventually. Look forward to the next addition. BP Sheffield.
Again another 5 star for me Mr Mayhew never fails to deliver first class novels that remain as fresh as book one .DCI Will Blake and his team just blend together like old friends. A body discovered after 60 years takes the team back to the 1960's to discover who the victim is and the circumstances behind it. As usual more cat problems for poor Will with a mystery which is solved eventually. Look forward to the next addition. BP Sheffield.
November 24, 2021
Very well written
This book gets your heart pumping with the action, makes you laugh til you cry and presents a couple of mysteries that tie you up in knots. I guessed wrong on each of the villains but enjoyed the ending as everything wrapped up. Definitely won't be getting a Persian!
This book gets your heart pumping with the action, makes you laugh til you cry and presents a couple of mysteries that tie you up in knots. I guessed wrong on each of the villains but enjoyed the ending as everything wrapped up. Definitely won't be getting a Persian!
November 13, 2021
Loved it!
A winner as usual. Glad to see Will getting on with life. I enjoy the way all the characters get stories in the book. Laughed out loud at the cat. Ready for the next in the series.
A winner as usual. Glad to see Will getting on with life. I enjoy the way all the characters get stories in the book. Laughed out loud at the cat. Ready for the next in the series.
November 15, 2021
Compelling police procedural story
I'd pre-ordered this book, and got into it the day it arrived.Mysterious linkage between a current and a cold case from the heartbeat era of the 1960s may provoke nostalgic thoughts in some older followers of DCI Blake and his team
I'd pre-ordered this book, and got into it the day it arrived.Mysterious linkage between a current and a cold case from the heartbeat era of the 1960s may provoke nostalgic thoughts in some older followers of DCI Blake and his team
November 16, 2021
Just keep getting better
These books improve every time . The characters are believable and they grow on you as you get to know them. I like that there are mentions of past events without spoiling any previous plot t hat some may not have read. Please keep them coming.
These books improve every time . The characters are believable and they grow on you as you get to know them. I like that there are mentions of past events without spoiling any previous plot t hat some may not have read. Please keep them coming.
December 10, 2021
Dark visions
Another superb instalment in the Will Blake novels, I really like his character and the team he around him, this time I had a good chuckle at his cat’s antics , I’m pleased I’m a dog person
Another superb instalment in the Will Blake novels, I really like his character and the team he around him, this time I had a good chuckle at his cat’s antics , I’m pleased I’m a dog person
December 18, 2021
Great Book!!
The DCI Blake books just keep getting better! They are well written and the characters are great. It’s 7:30 am. I had to find out who did it! I highly recommend this this series. You won’t be disappointed. Now I just wait for the next book!
The DCI Blake books just keep getting better! They are well written and the characters are great. It’s 7:30 am. I had to find out who did it! I highly recommend this this series. You won’t be disappointed. Now I just wait for the next book!
November 17, 2021
Great as ever Will always gets his man.
Brilliant book from start to finish ! Never thought it would be a lady though great twist to the ending.
Brilliant book from start to finish ! Never thought it would be a lady though great twist to the ending.
November 20, 2021
Fantastic
So glad will finally woke up and seen Laura for who she is . Absolutely fantastic book as the rest in the series
Hopefully more cat antics to come
So glad will finally woke up and seen Laura for who she is . Absolutely fantastic book as the rest in the series
Hopefully more cat antics to come
December 13, 2021
Enjoyed
What an interesting plot . love when a bit of history gets mixed in with a good murder mystery. Waiting impatiently for the next book!
What an interesting plot . love when a bit of history gets mixed in with a good murder mystery. Waiting impatiently for the next book!
December 15, 2021
Another great book! Love how the characters continue to develop and interesting role switch between a couple of them. Loved the side story about Serafina 😊. Thank you Mr Mayhew 🤗🙏
December 26, 2021
Great read
A really thought provoking thriller with many tortuous twists and turns and an excellent surprise at the end. Can't wait for Book 8.
A really thought provoking thriller with many tortuous twists and turns and an excellent surprise at the end. Can't wait for Book 8.
February 14, 2022
Dark visions of torment
Since finishing the last book I couldn't wait for this to drop in my kindle, really enjoyed it, now to wait for the next one, keep them coming !
Since finishing the last book I couldn't wait for this to drop in my kindle, really enjoyed it, now to wait for the next one, keep them coming !
August 31, 2024
DCI Will Blake
Excellent story, a good ending to a good series. Looking forward to more Will Blake crime tales. Rated it 5 ⭐
Excellent story, a good ending to a good series. Looking forward to more Will Blake crime tales. Rated it 5 ⭐
September 5, 2024
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. Looking forward to more in the series.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. Looking forward to more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews