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Mike Yorke #1
Thorn In My Side
DI Mike Yorke is coming home. After three months in London, he’s looking forward to being back in the north east - but he’s barely off the train before he’s deep into the most bizarre case of his career.
A viciously flogged corpse. Children disappearing, the length of the A1. Horrific new street drugs. And buried somewhere is a deadly secret that will lead him down paths so dangerous, he will question the very fabric of society.
In the first in a stunning new series set on Holy Island, an explosive secret going back to the dawn of time is unearthed by a young woman who, fearing for her life, goes on the run in the wilds of Northumbria. The fate of the world is in the hands of DI Mike Yorke, and abused clairvoyant street kid called ‘Smiler’, and Mike’s elderly Aunt May. Everyone from the lowlifes of the London streets to the monks near Holy Island become involved in a race against time to save humanity.
From the celebrated author of the Seahills Estate novels comes a BRAND NEW Series that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
‘This terrifyingly thrilling crime drama opens a brand new chapter in the dark imagination of Sheila Quigley’ (SHARI LOW - Daily Record)
‘Sometimes brutal, sometimes scary, sometimes funny, always entertaining! Quigley delivers a storming debut to her brand new series with THORN IN MY SIDE’ (MATT HILTON - Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers)
‘Quigley’s gripping thriller is a convincing portrayal of a violent underworld’ (THE INDEPENDENT)
'Thorn in my Side is a fast and furious page turner, with one of the best characters in 'smiler', to grace fiction. The best book I read last year. (GRAHAM SMITH - crimesquad.com).
'A real page-turner' (WOMAN).
'Fast-paced' (DAILY TELEGRAPH).
'A rattling good plot... it doesn't stop running until the final page by which time you will be breathless' (NEWCASTLE JOURNAL).
'In the imortal words of Spinal Tap, this one goes up to 11'. (PAUL D BRAZIL).
'The grande Dame of gritty northern crime offers a new series character, but with all her usual power and page turning style'. (CHRIS SIMMONS crimesquad.com).
A viciously flogged corpse. Children disappearing, the length of the A1. Horrific new street drugs. And buried somewhere is a deadly secret that will lead him down paths so dangerous, he will question the very fabric of society.
In the first in a stunning new series set on Holy Island, an explosive secret going back to the dawn of time is unearthed by a young woman who, fearing for her life, goes on the run in the wilds of Northumbria. The fate of the world is in the hands of DI Mike Yorke, and abused clairvoyant street kid called ‘Smiler’, and Mike’s elderly Aunt May. Everyone from the lowlifes of the London streets to the monks near Holy Island become involved in a race against time to save humanity.
From the celebrated author of the Seahills Estate novels comes a BRAND NEW Series that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
‘This terrifyingly thrilling crime drama opens a brand new chapter in the dark imagination of Sheila Quigley’ (SHARI LOW - Daily Record)
‘Sometimes brutal, sometimes scary, sometimes funny, always entertaining! Quigley delivers a storming debut to her brand new series with THORN IN MY SIDE’ (MATT HILTON - Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers)
‘Quigley’s gripping thriller is a convincing portrayal of a violent underworld’ (THE INDEPENDENT)
'Thorn in my Side is a fast and furious page turner, with one of the best characters in 'smiler', to grace fiction. The best book I read last year. (GRAHAM SMITH - crimesquad.com).
'A real page-turner' (WOMAN).
'Fast-paced' (DAILY TELEGRAPH).
'A rattling good plot... it doesn't stop running until the final page by which time you will be breathless' (NEWCASTLE JOURNAL).
'In the imortal words of Spinal Tap, this one goes up to 11'. (PAUL D BRAZIL).
'The grande Dame of gritty northern crime offers a new series character, but with all her usual power and page turning style'. (CHRIS SIMMONS crimesquad.com).
- GenresCrime
360 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2010
19 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Quigley
25 books52 followersSheila Quigley started work at 15 as a presser in Hepworths, a tailoring factory. She married at 18 and had three daughters: Dawn, Janine and Diane and a younger son, Michael. Recently divorced, she now has eight grandchildren, five boys and three girls, and every Saturday and Sunday can be found at a football match for the under tens and under fifteens. Sheila has lived on the Homelands Estate (at present with her son and two dogs) at Houghton-le-Spring near Sunderland for 30 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 27, 2016
While the story is narrated mainly by Mike Yorke, who is returning home to Northhumberland from London, for me the main character has to be Smiler - talk about unleashing my mothering instinct - his character made me just want to reach into the pages and bring him home with me! Smiler has been used and abused since childood and is found near death on the doorstep of Mike Yorke's temporary London home - he gets under Mike's skin and if you read the book you will understand why - what an endearing and engaging character that Sheila has created here and I am looking forward to finding out more about him in the rest of the series.
The main plot did seem a little far fetched, if I'm honest (although the conspiracy theorist part of me thought hmmmmmm well is it far fetched? I'm a firm believer a lot goes on in the establishment that we are unaware of) However as I am an avid FICTION fan then I don't have an issues with reality being stretched in the name of a good book - if the characters engage me then I can deal with a bit of imagination stretching.
Thorn In My Side gives you murder, child trafficking, abuse, addiction and conspiracy theory but it is served up with a healthy Northeastern humour which lessens the blow to those who prefer something a bit milder!
The main plot did seem a little far fetched, if I'm honest (although the conspiracy theorist part of me thought hmmmmmm well is it far fetched? I'm a firm believer a lot goes on in the establishment that we are unaware of) However as I am an avid FICTION fan then I don't have an issues with reality being stretched in the name of a good book - if the characters engage me then I can deal with a bit of imagination stretching.
Thorn In My Side gives you murder, child trafficking, abuse, addiction and conspiracy theory but it is served up with a healthy Northeastern humour which lessens the blow to those who prefer something a bit milder!
June 13, 2018
Sheila Quigley is a new crime reader to me. She also has the bonus of setting at least this series in around Berwick/Holy Island and the North East where I hail from.
This is the first book in the Holy Island trilogy. The story, though stretching credibility a bit, is fast paced and a real action packed crime thriller. Though quite brutal at times, the characters make up for it. I just love the setting as I know the area very well.
The end came too quickly for me, leaving me on a cliff hanger. So much so I have had to download the final 2 books and start number 2 (Nowhere Man) immediately. Just hope I can fit in some sleep tonight!
This is the first book in the Holy Island trilogy. The story, though stretching credibility a bit, is fast paced and a real action packed crime thriller. Though quite brutal at times, the characters make up for it. I just love the setting as I know the area very well.
The end came too quickly for me, leaving me on a cliff hanger. So much so I have had to download the final 2 books and start number 2 (Nowhere Man) immediately. Just hope I can fit in some sleep tonight!
January 13, 2017
This couldn't be happening. This is England.
So thought one of the minor characters in this confused novel. The hero, DI Mike Yorke, returns to Northumberland after a stint in London, accompanied by a street kid who has visions and a large dog. He heads for Lindisfarne, the Holy Isle of St. Cuthbert where his Aunt May runs a B&B. There are stories of dangerous new drugs hitting the streets and people disappearing the length of the A1. Two or three brutal murders by scourging by sinister monks, led by a madman connected to one of the families running the world.
I nearly gave up on this book several times, but buoyed by the blurb on the jacket I soldiered on, as vital clues were missed and the characters ran around like headless chooks. In the last 20 or so pages the hero comes to the fore and some are rescued, others lost or on life support in Newcastle infirmary. After 360 pages we are left with so many questions unanswered and a second book beckons, but not to me.
The dialogue and accents are authentic, but the dramatic landscape I remember from my youth scarcely rates a mention.
So thought one of the minor characters in this confused novel. The hero, DI Mike Yorke, returns to Northumberland after a stint in London, accompanied by a street kid who has visions and a large dog. He heads for Lindisfarne, the Holy Isle of St. Cuthbert where his Aunt May runs a B&B. There are stories of dangerous new drugs hitting the streets and people disappearing the length of the A1. Two or three brutal murders by scourging by sinister monks, led by a madman connected to one of the families running the world.
I nearly gave up on this book several times, but buoyed by the blurb on the jacket I soldiered on, as vital clues were missed and the characters ran around like headless chooks. In the last 20 or so pages the hero comes to the fore and some are rescued, others lost or on life support in Newcastle infirmary. After 360 pages we are left with so many questions unanswered and a second book beckons, but not to me.
The dialogue and accents are authentic, but the dramatic landscape I remember from my youth scarcely rates a mention.
September 21, 2018
Not my normal fare, loved the smiler character.
August 21, 2018
This is the first in the Holy Island Trilogy by Sheila Quigley and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great characters to get to know and for me, Smiler is my favourite so far. Lots to keep you intrigued in this story, there are disappearances, murders, kidnappings and lots of blood! Really looking forward to the second book in this trilogy. I would recommend this book.
October 29, 2018
This is a brilliant book! I've not read anything by Sheila Quigley before but I will be reading more of her books. I need the next one in the series!
It gripped me from the first page and I didn't want to put it down but I was devastated when I realised I was reading the last page - I didn't want it to end. Set in a spectacularly beautiful place, and written from Mike Yorke's angle, the reader is allowed into his thought processes while we cheer him on to the end.
I would recommend to all who love detective mysteries although be warned, they may prove addictive!
It gripped me from the first page and I didn't want to put it down but I was devastated when I realised I was reading the last page - I didn't want it to end. Set in a spectacularly beautiful place, and written from Mike Yorke's angle, the reader is allowed into his thought processes while we cheer him on to the end.
I would recommend to all who love detective mysteries although be warned, they may prove addictive!
March 4, 2017
brilliant, loved it
August 27, 2011
c2010. I was inveigled into reading this by some rave reviews on some book blogging sites. When I had the book in my hand, I was further enthused by the positive reviews on the back cover such as "A rattling good plot..it doesn't stop running until the final page, by which time you will be breathless." Newcastle Journal. There was one that I didn't really understand at all ie "Fast-paced and overtly commercial..a modern version of Cookson's best sellers' Telegraph magazine. Cookson???? No way!!!! But then I calmed down a bit when I read the titles of the previous books which all seem to be the titles of some well known rock songs such as Bad Moon Rising and Every Breath You Take. That rather appealed to me so I settled down to be thoroughly entertained. The first couple of chapters were so promising - nice development of the main characters, glimpses of the plot, some good basic baddies, a bit of humour and then..........nothing. It seemed to me that the plot and characters all kind of dissolved into gloop and I was doing the inevitable swimming through treacle again. The ending, well, I have no words but clearly designed to "look forward" to the next book. No way, nada doing, sorry - not for me. "The security lamp, lazy since the day it had been installed, finally decided it was time to go to work..."
July 29, 2011
This is the first book by Sheila Quigley that I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the ride following the characters. Looking forward to the sequel ! Now to catch up reading her earlier work !
August 31, 2012
Start of a new series by this author.Really enjoyed this and it introduces some very interesting people. Look forward to next in the series.
December 16, 2019
Great story!
August 6, 2011
DI Mike Yorke is coming home. After three months in London, he's looking forward to being back in the north east - but he's barely off the train before he's deep into the most bizarre case of his career. A viciously flogged corpse. Children disappearing, the length of the A1. Horrific new street drugs. And buried somewhere is a deadly secret that will lead him down paths so dangerous, he will question the very fabric of society. In the first in a stunning new series set on Holy Island, an explosive secret going back to the dawn of time is unearthed by a young woman who, fearing for her life, goes on the run in the wilds of Northumbria.
The fate of the world is in the hands of DI Mike Yorke, an abused clairvoyant street kid called 'Smiler', and Mike's elderly Aunt May. Everyone from the lowlifes of the London streets to the monks near Holy Island become involved in a race against time to save humanity.
Introducing a new series with DI Mike Yorke, Sheila Quigley has crafted an imaginative novel with Thorn in My Side – a crime thriller – that will entertain from beginning to end. I have to say it took me a little by surprise, I hadn’t expected (no idea why) such a flowing narrative that would have me thoroughly engrossed from the opening scenes – so much so that I read three quarters of the book in one very quick sitting!
When we first meet Mike Yorke he’s nearing the end of a three month stint in London as an undercover cop. Originally from the North he takes time to settle down to city life and is just about coming to terms with his role when he has to go back to Berwick and solve another crime. The opening salvos however are important on two levels – not only do we meet Mike Yorke, we are also introduced to the colourful and clairvoyant “Smiler” – a young lad that has been through the ringer and thanks to his friendship with Mike begins to live a somewhat “normal” life – as normal as can be expected that is!
Full review on my blog:- http://www.milorambles.com/2011/06/21...
The fate of the world is in the hands of DI Mike Yorke, an abused clairvoyant street kid called 'Smiler', and Mike's elderly Aunt May. Everyone from the lowlifes of the London streets to the monks near Holy Island become involved in a race against time to save humanity.
Introducing a new series with DI Mike Yorke, Sheila Quigley has crafted an imaginative novel with Thorn in My Side – a crime thriller – that will entertain from beginning to end. I have to say it took me a little by surprise, I hadn’t expected (no idea why) such a flowing narrative that would have me thoroughly engrossed from the opening scenes – so much so that I read three quarters of the book in one very quick sitting!
When we first meet Mike Yorke he’s nearing the end of a three month stint in London as an undercover cop. Originally from the North he takes time to settle down to city life and is just about coming to terms with his role when he has to go back to Berwick and solve another crime. The opening salvos however are important on two levels – not only do we meet Mike Yorke, we are also introduced to the colourful and clairvoyant “Smiler” – a young lad that has been through the ringer and thanks to his friendship with Mike begins to live a somewhat “normal” life – as normal as can be expected that is!
Full review on my blog:- http://www.milorambles.com/2011/06/21...
April 26, 2012
‘Thorn in my Side’ by Sheila Quigley
Published by Burgess Books, 2011. Paperback. ISBN: 978-0-95665461-8
From the prologue we are aware of intense evil.
But the story opens with DI Mike York who has been in London on an undercover operation for three months, and is now going home to the Northumbria. His only regret in leaving London is the young lad that he has been befriending since he found him in the street almost dead. He discovers that the young lad had been abused from an early age and because of his injuries has earned the name Smiler
While the main voice in the story is that of Mike York, quite early on in the book we hear from a young unnamed woman who is escaping with knowledge that she needs to impart, but knows of no one she can trust.
The killing by flogging is a horrific way to die, and the body of a young girl whipped to death is unbelievable. The description by the pathologist of the make-up of the whip that has inflected these injuries is horrendous.
Set on Holy island, the disappearance of children and the circulation of a new street drug leads Mile York into grave danger. For these are powerful people who are determined to keep a secret that has been kept hidden for centuries and is worldwide.
Sheila Quigley weaves an incredible tale that spans the centuries but could be so easily part of the world in which we live, although a chilling thought. On the credit side we have Mike and his elderly Aunt May.
This is the first book in a new series and whilst we may resolve one battle, the war is far from won. This is also the first book that I have read by Sheila Quigley and this is a situation I will be addressing – what a book, what a writer!
-----
Lizzie Hayes
Published by Burgess Books, 2011. Paperback. ISBN: 978-0-95665461-8
From the prologue we are aware of intense evil.
But the story opens with DI Mike York who has been in London on an undercover operation for three months, and is now going home to the Northumbria. His only regret in leaving London is the young lad that he has been befriending since he found him in the street almost dead. He discovers that the young lad had been abused from an early age and because of his injuries has earned the name Smiler
While the main voice in the story is that of Mike York, quite early on in the book we hear from a young unnamed woman who is escaping with knowledge that she needs to impart, but knows of no one she can trust.
The killing by flogging is a horrific way to die, and the body of a young girl whipped to death is unbelievable. The description by the pathologist of the make-up of the whip that has inflected these injuries is horrendous.
Set on Holy island, the disappearance of children and the circulation of a new street drug leads Mile York into grave danger. For these are powerful people who are determined to keep a secret that has been kept hidden for centuries and is worldwide.
Sheila Quigley weaves an incredible tale that spans the centuries but could be so easily part of the world in which we live, although a chilling thought. On the credit side we have Mike and his elderly Aunt May.
This is the first book in a new series and whilst we may resolve one battle, the war is far from won. This is also the first book that I have read by Sheila Quigley and this is a situation I will be addressing – what a book, what a writer!
-----
Lizzie Hayes
March 30, 2017
This was a curious read, amongst the plot devices the author gave her reader a detective Mike Yorke who was stunningly attractive to any woman who had the good fortune to meet him yet was as tough as they come with rippling muscles, a mysterious group of families stretching back centuries who manipulate everything as per the illuminati of Dan Brown, sadistic murders, odd monks, missing lindisfarne gospels that could change the world, a psychic young drug addict that Mike saves, and much much more. As I was reading it I couldn't decide whether to lob it across the room or carry on even though the writing was a bit cliched and over romantic. Somehow though I was hooked and rattled through it . It's a series in three parts apparently and if I'd had book two handy I might of carried on but I doubt if I will carry on with it if a few weeks go by and I don't see it in the library. Popcorn crime which doesn't bear close analysis but as with Dan Brown books quite an enjoyable escape.
August 17, 2014
A pretty short book that I read in one sitting because, well, because I had to. Yes the plot is way far-fetched (and yes I have been critical of other books because implausible plots) but at least its not your typical serial killer thriller. The characters are quite engaging and you are really for the hapless victims as they struggle to survive the overwhelming forces arrayed against them. I don't want to give away any of the plot but yeah, a roller-coaster read.
January 2, 2014
Oooh yes, right up my street. Why have I never read (listened to in this case) Sheila Quigley before? Have already downloaded the next book and ordered number three from the library. Possibly a new favourite author. *Squee*
A great story, fab characters and well written. Also well narrated. Happy, happy, happy.
A great story, fab characters and well written. Also well narrated. Happy, happy, happy.
September 5, 2013
Thorn in My Side is the first in a trilogy revolving around DI Mike Yorke and the evil that he finds as he returns home to the north east of England.
I found this book pretty fast paced and once I got half way I had to keep reading until the end. I just couldn't put it down.
I can't wait to follow Mike Yorke into the next two books in the series.
A great read.
I found this book pretty fast paced and once I got half way I had to keep reading until the end. I just couldn't put it down.
I can't wait to follow Mike Yorke into the next two books in the series.
A great read.
January 27, 2016
Wasn't sure I would get drawn into another detective's life like I did Lorraine in the Seahills series but it didn't take long to get into Mike Yorke's life. He worked in London and came back up north with Smiler an ex druggie off the streets and a dog called Tiny taking them to Holy Island for Aunt May to look after them. I can't wait to read more of their adventures.
February 12, 2013
Was surprised by the story in this book was expecting more along the lines of Sheila's previous book featuring Lorraine Hunt. This book is the first of a trilogy and once I read this one I bought the others straight away and read them all within a week. Superb
Read
August 12, 2011was a great book although a little confusing at times but i cant wait for next book
November 4, 2013
Absolutely brilliant stuff,
can`t wait for he next one in the series 5*****
can`t wait for he next one in the series 5*****
May 21, 2013
Good new series with an interesting background on Holy Isle
May 21, 2013
Excellent highly recommended
January 5, 2022
Thorn in My Side is book one in the Holy Island Trilogy by Sheila Quigley. DI Mike Yorke was on the way home after three months in London. However, on arrival at Holy Island, DI Mike Yorke caught a case that would take him on a rollercoaster ride. The readers of Thorn in My Side will continue to follow DI Mike Yorke to find out what happens.
Thorn In My Side is the first book I have read of Sheila Quigley and an enjoyable book to read. I had no trouble engaging with the story from the first page. I love Sheila Quigley portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Thorn In My Side is well written and researched by Sheila Quigley. I like Sheila Quigley description of the settings of Thorn In My Side that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Thorn in My Side will understand the issues for teenagers living on the streets. Also, the readers of Thorn In My Side will learn about living on Holy Island Northumbria.
I recommend this book.
Thorn In My Side is the first book I have read of Sheila Quigley and an enjoyable book to read. I had no trouble engaging with the story from the first page. I love Sheila Quigley portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Thorn In My Side is well written and researched by Sheila Quigley. I like Sheila Quigley description of the settings of Thorn In My Side that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Thorn in My Side will understand the issues for teenagers living on the streets. Also, the readers of Thorn In My Side will learn about living on Holy Island Northumbria.
I recommend this book.
March 25, 2020
I was wary of this as it’s the first in what’s called ‘Holy Island Trilogy’ and I’ve been stung by a ‘Holy Island’ book before. This is better, rough and tough and I suspect not quite true to police life but interesting. Could do with a bit of an edit – ‘classified’ is an American term, not a British one, a straight jacket is not the same as a straitjacket, for example, apostrophes deserve a day off, too, and it’s the second book I’ve read recently with a reference to florescent lighting – blooming lovely! I didn’t like the main thrust of the plot – just not my kind of thing, and I wasn’t convinced that an open order of monks could be taken over so secretly. But I did appreciate the portrayal of experiencing diabetes, the characters of Smiler and Aunt May, and I liked the variety of characters and their personal experiences.
April 12, 2018
This book of 360-odd pages has 70-odd chapters! and each chapter relates to a different part of the story, different characters and it's sometimes difficult to see how it fits into the preceding chapters. I found it very chaotic to read and there is more gore than I usually like reading. I think the plot of the all-powerful families who have been leading the peasants by the nose, including creating Christianity, is too far fetched to be believable. I am also unclear how Shelley got her information on said family. The ending left you hanging; presumably there is a sequel. I wasn't enthralled enough with the book to continue with this series.
May 10, 2020
This is a really good start to the series & as I’m new to Quigley’s writing style, I’m keen to read more. This detective novel has it all, religious cults, drug dealers & even some psychic twists that keep the storyline twisting & turning. I enjoyed the writer’s style, fast-paced & descriptive and she knows her characters well, picking up on their individual traits like a close friend. Looking forward to reading more.
July 24, 2019
A great book
This was a great read and nice to see my local area put into the lime light.
I got a little confused at first with so many different people/characters in the story but the further you get in, the more it makes sense and everything starts to fit together and click into place.
Look forward to seeing where this story goes.
This was a great read and nice to see my local area put into the lime light.
I got a little confused at first with so many different people/characters in the story but the further you get in, the more it makes sense and everything starts to fit together and click into place.
Look forward to seeing where this story goes.
April 6, 2021
Disappointed with this book
Against such a great historical backdrop this book clunked along with poor storyline and far too much swearing and unpleasant language, was ready to buy all three books but won't bother with the next two. Writing was amateur.
Against such a great historical backdrop this book clunked along with poor storyline and far too much swearing and unpleasant language, was ready to buy all three books but won't bother with the next two. Writing was amateur.
January 14, 2019
Good...need to read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews