Gary Haynes latest thriller takes us from the mud and despair of the final throes of the second world war, to the gleaming skyscrapers of the 21st cenGary Haynes latest thriller takes us from the mud and despair of the final throes of the second world war, to the gleaming skyscrapers of the 21st century, and shows us that 70 years is nothing when it comes to revenge. Haynes skilfully weaves the tragedies of those killed in humanity’s worst atrocity with the modern day tragedy of a missing child. Packed full of historical detail, yet never over-burdened, Haynes is as comfortable amongst the ashes of 1945 as he is in the digital world of today....more
This was my first introduction to Rachel Lynch’s Lake District based Detective Kelly Porter, and the other books in the series are now definitely on mThis was my first introduction to Rachel Lynch’s Lake District based Detective Kelly Porter, and the other books in the series are now definitely on my too-be-read pile. The story centres around two seemingly unrelated events, the disappearance of two girls on a walking holiday in the Lakes and the suicide of a wealthy, elderly man. Lynch has crafted a fine, feisty hero in Porter with a richly described ensemble cast of supporting characters. She has a clearly established back-story, and the book hints at events in previous novels in a way that makes me want to find out more, but doesn’t deter someone starting mid-series. Lynch’s description of this beautiful part of the country shows that she clearly knows and loves the area well, and I could almost feel the wind in my hair. The investigation rattles along at a fine pace, with plenty of twists and turns. The complex interweaving of the various protagonist’s lives means that there are several plausible suspects right up to the very end and the conclusion, when it comes is dramatic and satisfying. All-in-all, a very enjoyable read....more
"A Killing of Angels" is the second Alice Quentin novel, following on from the excellent "Crossbones Yard".
Alice is stil"Just keeps on getting better"
"A Killing of Angels" is the second Alice Quentin novel, following on from the excellent "Crossbones Yard".
Alice is still dealing with the fallout from her previous case and has vowed never to work a homicide again. But she feels that she owes Detective Don Burns a favour. So when a man is pushed to his death on the London Underground, the killer leaving behind a calling card of a picture of an Angel, she reluctantly agrees to help.
The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways and the ending when it comes is barely telegraphed, making it a sudden pleasure in the last few pages.
Rhodes' writing is descriptive and evocative, from the steamy heat of London in a heatwave to the mutilated bodies, her skill with language shines through. Alice Quentin is a wonderfully flawed character and the events of the previous novel still resonate powerfully in her psyche. The cast of supporting characters - both new and old - is well served with a development from the previous book, particularly for Don Burns.
Rhodes has also clearly done her research. Quentin is a psychiatrist and the author wields the technical language clearly and confidently, explaining terms to the reader without being overly explicit.
All-in-all another damn good read from a very good author. I'm definitely putting book 3 in the TBR pile....more
Kate Rhodes introduces a fantastic new character, psychologist Alice Quentin. Strong, on the surface at least, she seems to have a lot going for her.Kate Rhodes introduces a fantastic new character, psychologist Alice Quentin. Strong, on the surface at least, she seems to have a lot going for her. Yet like all good protagonists, scratch beneath the surface and she has her demons. Rhodes writes her sympathetically, whilst avoiding cliché and gives us someone who we will want to follow in future books, just to see what happens to her.
The plot is complex and satisfying with enough twists and turns to keep any crime fans happy.
I've just picked up a copy of the next book A Killing of Angels and it is now at the top of my reading pile!...more
"Teases the reader and keeps them hooked until the final twist"
Unquiet Grave is the 4th novel in the DI Damen Brook series and my first exposure to th"Teases the reader and keeps them hooked until the final twist"
Unquiet Grave is the 4th novel in the DI Damen Brook series and my first exposure to the writer Steven Dunne. It won't be my last, I'll definitely be reading the previous 3 and any future books.
The book takes place over fifty years as DI Brook is assigned to the cold-case unit. Child murders from half a century previously are given a new resonance when it becomes apparent that a significant anniversary is approaching. Will the killer strike again or can DI Brook prevent another tragedy?
The book is a meaty 518 pages and every page is worth it. The book doesn't shy away from difficult questions and has twists and turns right up to the very last page. DI Brook is a compelling and sympathetic character and the secondary characters are similarly well-written, with strong motives and some original characteristics. Brook has a past, and is coming off suspension, and Dunne gives us just enough hints about why that was the so to make me want to read the previous books in the series.
This book was given to me for free by the author as a promotion, with no expectation of a review. However, I can't recommend it highly enough and will be happy to purchase others in the series with my own money....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this highly topical and intriguing mixture of political thriller, detective story and slightly alternate (but uncomfortably plausI thoroughly enjoyed this highly topical and intriguing mixture of political thriller, detective story and slightly alternate (but uncomfortably plausible) reality. The characters are well-observed and three dimensional and there are sub-plots and twists woven throughout the story, leading to a satisfyingly meaty read.
The author's knowledge and love of Liverpool shines through the book and makes the city an important character in its own right, whilst avoiding lazy stereotypes and clichés. I heartily recommend it to readers of the genre and suggest that Phil Kurthausen is one to follow in the future....more
When an unexpected email lands in the inbox of lonely lawyer Kate Dixon, the unique opportunity to swap lives for 3 months with research student AnnaWhen an unexpected email lands in the inbox of lonely lawyer Kate Dixon, the unique opportunity to swap lives for 3 months with research student Anna seems too good to turn down. Leaving her dull existence in Portsmouth behind, she travels to London, where she starts a new life as Anna. Handing over everything from the keys to her flat, to the passwords to her email, she even lets Anna maintain contact with her husband Neil, a Naval officer working away at sea.
Eventually of course the initial excitement starts to wear off and it's not giving anything away to say that she soon starts to have second thoughts about the wisdom of her decision. Anna has an agenda and pretty soon, Kate finds herself asking "How far would you go to get your life back?"
The book combines the deliciousness of those horror movies where you find yourself shouting at the screen "don't go into the darkened basement to investigate the strange noise, you silly woman", with a detailed character study of a twisted, insane protagonist. Along the way, there are twists and turns and a rather unexpected ending.
A great read and I'm looking forward to the Amy Bird's next book....more
A non-stop thriller, full of authentic action scenes bound up in a plot that twists and turns through both political landscapes of both the middle EasA non-stop thriller, full of authentic action scenes bound up in a plot that twists and turns through both political landscapes of both the middle East and the West. Tom DuPree is one to watch for the future, the man has a lot more tales to tell....more
A good, taught thriller and whodunnit. The subject matter is topical at the moment. Puller is a less-extreme version of Jack Reacher but answers the qA good, taught thriller and whodunnit. The subject matter is topical at the moment. Puller is a less-extreme version of Jack Reacher but answers the question "what would Reacher be doing if he still worked for Uncle Sam". Hopefully Baldacchi will continue the series and Puller will continue to grow. His father and brother provide plenty of background material for Intriguing secondary arcs....more
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