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Chains

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A brilliant murder mystery of shifting perspectives, motivations, and politics from the author of Rabbit Hole .

The owner of Brookhaven Care Home has been stabbed to death in his office, and DS Ursula Pembridge is called out to investigate the murder of the prominent property developer. When Owen Caulfield, campaign staffer for the local Labour MP, arrives to find his boss’s planned visit has been cancelled due to the tragedy, he decides to stay and visit his elderly father instead.

And so begins this uniquely compelling crime thriller. With each chapter told from a different point of view, Chains pulls us into the recent history of Britain and introduces us to adulterer and blackmailer, politician and private detective, environmentalist and killer—and reminds us that whether it’s about current events or criminal activities, we all see situations very differently . . .

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2022

7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Jon Richter

16 books41 followers
Jon Richter writes dark fiction in a variety of genres, including critically acclaimed crime thrillers, horror, science fiction and fantasy. His novels include gripping whodunnit mystery Rabbit Hole, psychological techno-thriller The Warden, the disturbing illustrated collection of short horror stories DARK FICTION, and his latest release, the fantasy epic Scarred.

He hails from the northwest of England but now lives in London with his (extremely patient) wife, and loves immersing himself in all things dark and sinister, whether that's books, films, music, video games or even board games – any way to tell a great story! As well as writing, he co-hosts two podcasts: the dark fiction podcast, Dark Natter, and the cyberpunk podcast, Hosts In The Shell, which you can find wherever you get your podcast fix.

He also develops video games and recently released his debut game, a comedy horror RPG called Reanimation Ltd, which you can download here: https://jonrichter.itch.io/reanimatio....

If you want to chat to him about any of this, you can find him on Twitter @richterwrites, Bluesky @jonrichter, or Instagram @jonrichterwrites. His website haunts the internet at www.jon-richter.com, and you can find his books available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2OXXRVP.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
Author 29 books210 followers
September 17, 2022
Yet another brilliant book by Jon Richter! I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to write - each chapter is from a different character's point of view, each linked to the previous one in some way. Keeping track of everything must have been a nightmare, but he pulls it off seamlessly!

A local businessman has been murdered, and the police have no idea who did it or why. The story slowly unravels in each chapter, and each character adds another layer to the mystery. With political intrigue and current affairs issues such as climate change, the story keeps you hooked. And the ending is... surreal, but perfect.

Jon Richter writes various genres, but I highly recommend all of his books for a fast-paced, entertaining read.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
November 10, 2022
One thing I like about this authors books is that they're all different. You don't open the pages thinking, "I know how this will play out." I didn't see the killer in this book and that for me is a BIG plus, because having a writers brain i usually figure it out early. Not this time.
This book is told in multiple POV. Usually I'd say that puts me off, because i think there was maybe 20 plus different characters. However, that kept the suspense alive. We got to see the crimes from different perspectives and that opened a lot of doors. A definite one click for any crime/thriller fan.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
778 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. It seemed to start as a slow burner but then the pace picked up and it raced away. I really enjoyed and I loved the way everything was connected like chains. I will be recommending this book.
Profile Image for CJ Carey.
31 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2022
My review of ‘Chains’ by Jon Richter. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Description
A brilliant murder mystery of shifting perspectives, motivations, and politics from the author of Rabbit Hole.

The owner of Brookhaven Care Home has been stabbed to death in his office, and DS Ursula Pembridge is called out to investigate the murder of the prominent property developer. When Owen Caulfield, campaign staffer for the local Labour MP, arrives to find his boss’s planned visit has been cancelled due to the tragedy, he decides to stay and visit his elderly father instead.

And so begins this uniquely compelling crime thriller. With each chapter told from a different point of view, Chains pulls us into the recent history of Britain and introduces us to adulterer and blackmailer, politician and private detective, environmentalist and killer—and reminds us that whether it’s about current events or criminal activities, we all see situations very differently . . .

My Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟

‘Clever and compelling’

‘Another great read from Jon Richter’

I’ve read other books by Jon Richter including ‘Rabbit Hole’ and they are all so wonderfully different! This one did not disappoint.

It was written from the perspective of various characters which isn’t an easy thing to do - but it works. As each person tells their version of the truth dark secrets surface, political intrigue and criminal intent thrown in to the mix. It’s police procedural, but the focus is on the cast of characters rather than the investigation. A refreshing change from other novels in tbe genre. Clever and compelling. Highly recommended.

Thank you so much to Bloodhound Books and to Jon for the ARC. 🙏
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,232 reviews122 followers
September 4, 2022
I’ve read a few books by this author and as they are all so different I had no idea what to expect. This is, loosely, a police procedural but with more emphasis on the crimes and the characters than the investigation. Unusually this is written from the perspective of numerous different characters, which I felt shouldn’t work but it did. Set in a small town called Axton, in the north-west of England, shortly before Brexit, this is a fairly complex tale. There’s a bit of everything thrown into the mix; politics, eco warriors, blackmail, organised crime, people trafficking, private detectives, hired gunmen just for starters. Yes it’s a bit far fetched but novels are allowed to be!

Briefly, John Harrington, a partner in a property company, is stabbed to death in one of his care homes. DS Ursula Pembridge and DI Tobias Friedel are assigned the case which proves more complex than it originally seemed. But his death is just the start of a catalogue of criminal acts.

This was a fast paced book with plenty of action. A lot of characters so they weren’t particularly well fleshed out but there were certainly a number of very unsavoury characters, and not always the ones you expected. It was quite a quick read and a good one; I can see that this could become a series should the author wish. Well written and enjoyable novel.
Profile Image for Anne.
760 reviews
August 30, 2022
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this ARC.

This is my first read by this author so I began the book not knowing quite what to expect. I initially thought it was a bit of a slow burner, and was proved wrong very quickly. I really like the way the author has wrote this book and think the title couldn't be more apt. The format Jon Richter has used here really works and has, in my opinion, made the book flow very well. There are an assortment of characters, from all walks of life - each one relatable, realistic and very believable.
I liked some of the characters, loathed others and couldn't wait to see them get their come uppance. I thought this was going to be a cozy mystery and it most DEFINITELY is not. It had everything I like - great writing, a good plot line and quite a few tense moments full of suspense that held my attention and kept me engrossed in the story. Read for yourself and see. If you like crime books that are just that little bit different try this - I'd recommend it and don't think you'll be disappointed. I loved this book and will be looking to read the authors other books in the future.

4.5 stars
228 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2022
This is a very good book by John Richter although written in a very different style. Each new chapter introduces a particular character and their perspective of the goings on. You would maybe think that this would interrupt the flow of the story however it helps the whole book flow and makes for a very enjoyable read and one that is particularly hard to put down. 

When a prominent local businessman is killed in the early hours of the morning in a care home which is one of the buildings in his portfolio it opens a whole can of worms. It soon becomes clear that he is not the law abiding citizen many thought he was. This is a book with corrupt politicians, people trafficking, drugs,  environmental protection groups, prostitution and so much more. That said,  at no point does the storyline seem rushed and in no way is it slow. It is a very well crafted story with many twists and turns. 

I thank Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily. Five stars all the way!
Profile Image for D.K. Hundt.
827 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2024
CHAINS – by Jon Richter

‘The owner of Brookhaven Care Home has been stabbed to death in his office, and DS Ursula Pembridge is called out to investigate the murder of the prominent property developer.’

‘With each chapter told from a different point of view, CHAINS pulls us into the recent history of Britain and introduces us to adulterer and blackmailer, politician and private detective, environmentalist and killer . . .’

Richter uses a writing style I don’t recall experiencing in my reading journey, though I could be wrong. As mentioned above, each clipped chapter in this Political Thriller is narrated from a different character perspective with a correlating chapter title—who take center stage only once in the book—which makes for an intense, unputdownable, well-paced read.

Recommend!

Thank you, Jon Richter and Bloodhound Books, for providing me with an eBook of CHAINS at the request of an honest review.
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,419 reviews58 followers
April 7, 2023
Wealthy businessman, John Harrington is stabbed to death at one of the care homes he owns. Who would want to kill him and why?

He hadn’t been getting on with his business partner, Ian Braithwaite, did he have something to do with it?

As the police investigate, it soon becomes apparent that there is a lot more to investigate as well as John’s death.

This was a fast paced and enjoyable read. I soon realised the reason for the book being called Chains, as each chapter is about a new character and each one is a link in the chain. A clever idea that shouldn’t really have worked with the amount of characters but actually worked really well.

All gradually falls into place as you read each chapter. An entertaining mystery and I was surprised by who the killer was.

My thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny McClinton.
514 reviews27 followers
September 5, 2022
I received an E-ARC with a request fr my honest review.

This crime mystery is set in Axton in Cheshire, and a successful businessman has just been found murdered.

The police are soon on the scene, but with many possible links and enemies the investigation will be difficult to solve.

When more and more characters talk about their lives, more secrets and dark criminal and political exploits are uncovered.

Who is the murderer? What will be discovered during the investigation?

I loved how this book was set out, as apart from towards the end each chapter is told by a different character. These chapters are well linked with the next character mentioned or related in some way to the previous one. I found that it allows the story to be developed through each character.

There is action, secrets and lies throughout as the mystery unravels to find out who is the killer.

Even though each character had only about one chapter each to tell their part of the story, I felt that their personality is portrayed thoroughly to understand them very quickly.

Overall, a dark mystery where the murder of a businessman uncovers lies, criminal activity and deception.
92 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2022
Harrington and Braithwaite - two long term business partners who don’t get on. But then John Harrington is murdered in one of his own care homes. But the mystery deepens when we discover that Harrington was having an affair with his own partners wife. Worse still they ran a side line in trafficking young girls to work in The Cabin deep in the woods. But they were found out by one of their clients who took matters into his own hands. A clever story with each chapter written from the perspective of a key player. It was fascinating to get different views of the whole event and definitely get me on my toes. Well worth a read.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but my views are my own.
1,488 reviews25 followers
September 9, 2022
This is my first book by this author and it really was a great introduction. It is quite a complex read, with so much going on and everything interlinked.

The story is told from many many characters viewpoints and despite the numerous characters and the initial wondering of what was going on, it worked really well and I was totally hooked. I loved the way you realise how everything is linking together albeit peripherally at times, or so it seems, until the final whammy. What a climax it was.

Because of the short chapters, I felt it made the story more compelling and I was so eager to continue reading. Always a win in my view.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
19 reviews
September 2, 2022
This story was well told with several characters being introduced and then telling the story from their point of view. This enabled the reader to understand how and what made the individual think and act in the way they did, allowing a deeper insight. The murder within the story was told in a way that I did not have a clue who the murderer was. I enjoyed this story and at times I did not want to put it down. However, with the amount of characters involved I got a bit confused towards the end, trying to remember who was being referred to because they hadn't being mentioned in a while. The killer was a surprise for me, possibly a bit far fetched at times but overall a worth while read.
Profile Image for Reaghan.
10 reviews
September 13, 2022
The first and last chapter are from the same character’s point of view. All the other chapters, thirty two of them, are written from a different character’s perspective. Sounds messy, but it works. At first it seems as if the book will be a straightforward, ‘whodunnit’, how and why, with the culprit arrested in due course but it’s a much broader narrative, with many more twists, turns and complications: just like real life, but with added seediness and grit. It’s cleverly done, keeps the pages turning and held my interest till the end, where it goes a bit off-piste stylewise too, but I won’t spoil it. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Sandra Cook.
193 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2022
This book comes out September 14, 2022. The paperback is out August 31, 2022. This is a story about a Detective Sergeant Cheshire constabulary Ursula Pembridge she was called to investigate the caller from Brookhaven Hall, A harrington, and Braithwaite Care Home, to a fancy nursing home. DS Ursula Pembridge was the officer on call to come to s murder of a rich tycoon. She has to find out who killed him and why. Inside you will meet a lot of different interesting characters, I novel give you twists, gripping page turning, fantastic storyline. This was enjoyable. I hope you find this just as thrilling.
342 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2022
This book blew me away, the linkage between chapters and characters was inspired. The way that people view what has happened or its ramifications is very different. Each little nugget of information gleaned added to the whole until you learn more about the key players and the secrets they're trying to hide.

I thought I'd worked out who the killer was a couple of times, but I couldn't have been further off the mark if I'd tried.

I'll definitely look for books by the author again.

I received an ARC from Bloodhound Book and am giving my honest review
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,020 reviews65 followers
September 15, 2022
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is a well written story that brings the twists and turns to a new level. I enjoyed how each chapter gives you a different POV. It made the story easy and entertaining to read. The characters are strong, unique and bring the story to life. I enjoyed their growth as well as the plot growth throughout the story. This is an engaging story that is fast paced and hard to put down. This is a great suspenseful story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Deb.
703 reviews22 followers
November 13, 2022
I have read this author’s work before & they are all a bit different & this one is definitely original.

Told from each character’s POV, in different chapters, this could be confusing but it isn’t. The chapters are short & concise, although the cast is large & varied; it is easy to follow.
I won’t repeat the blurb, there is little point, suffice it to say, it starts with a murder & by the conclusion we know who did it.
By way of a change, I didn’t guess the killer & that makes me very happy.

A solid read & recommended.
Profile Image for Jane Welchman.
93 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2022
I havent read a book by this author before but really enjoyed this one. Had me hooked from page 1. I loved how each chapter followed on from a different character's point of view and coming full circle to find out who the killer was. Wasn't sure how all the characters question marks would be answered but the author had a brilliant way and fulfilling this part.
This book was definitely not a disappointment.
Profile Image for Sue.
116 reviews
September 6, 2022
A first from this author for me, but it will definitely not be the last based on this novel.

A really interesting structure and I particularly like the way the story was told as it was really easy to follow and see how the 'chains' inter-linked. I really liked the ending too.

Well written, well-presented characters, even though some of them were really unpleasant.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC and introducing me to another new author.
628 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2022
First time reading a book by Jon Richter and I was not disappointed. Well written and even though each chapter was written from a different character's perspective it flowed seamlessly.
The story starts with the murder of the co-owner of a care home and flowing through the different characters ends with more murder via the murky underside of prostitution, politics and dirty deals.
Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Huw.
Author 10 books19 followers
July 9, 2023
Compelling and unique

I initially wondered if a story that was structured in the unique way Jon Richter has written Chains would actually work, but I needn't have worried. This is a real page-turner, and an intriguing experiment in the way the narrative hands over from character to character. It really works and the story keeps you guessing. There's also some fantastic and chilling imagery here. Another great tale from this terrific author.
36 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2022
Wasn’t what I expected at all but this book had me gripped from start to finish. With each chapter being told from a different persons perspective it gave the opportunity to really understand the character and what made them tick and made for a compelling read.

Throughout the book I had several theories about who the killer was and why, all proved wrong, didn’t see the end coming at all.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,793 reviews43 followers
September 10, 2022
At first I got very confused with all the characters but it came together and worked, so it was a slow burn but really worth it. Recent events were woven into the story - a couple made me chuckle.

The way the chapters worked it was so easy to just read one more and then the book was devoured.

I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own
Profile Image for Jude Srivalsan.
266 reviews6 followers
September 11, 2022
Another hit from this author who always keeps you intrigued and wondering what the twist is.
This time it’s the death of a care home owner but why has he been targeted? The chapters are told from different viewpoints which makes it all the more interesting. I didn’t see the ending coming which makes it even better!!
1,057 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2022
This is a very interesting story as it is told by a different narrator in each chapter who is usually referenced to in the previous one. As such, it makes for a quick read without the reader losing the trend albeit you do have to have your wits about you! Really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Profile Image for Stacy .
110 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2022
I truly loved how this book read from the perspective of each of the characters. It was so fluid and I never felt that I needed to know more about their point of view. The storyline was great and the characters were unique without being too farfetched.

A unique crime drama that will have you flipping through the pages to get to the next 'scene'.
Profile Image for Steph Lawrence.
515 reviews
September 16, 2022
I thought it was brilliant.
The way the chapters relate to different characters is a great way of not losing track of who's who too. There are some pretty gruesome characters in it!
Great plot and easy to read.
Thanks to the author for the ARC, and I give my honest opinion.
I thoroughly recommend it, my second book by this author and I love his style.
102 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2022
An unusual way of telling the story, each chapter is told from the point of view if a different character. This really worked for me - moving the story along quickly and opening up different strands. This was the first book I had read by this author, but it won't be the last
294 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2022
When a care home owner is found stabbed at his desk by one of the staff, the hunt begins for his killer. Each chapter is told by a different character in the story, following the mystery as it unfolds. A brilliant climax and well written ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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