Tag Police Procedural

In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callahan #fiction #crime #mystery #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callahan. I had seen many great reviews about this book and finally bought myself a copy when it was released in paperback. It is a brilliant book and I can see why it has gone down so well with many fans. It is thought-provoking, to say the least!

In the Blink of An Eye by Jo Callaghan

In the UK, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds.
Just gone. Vanished. In the blink of an eye. 

DCS Kat Frank knows all about loss. A widowed single mother, Kat is a cop who trusts her instincts. Picked to lead a pilot programme that has her paired with AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock, Kat’s instincts come up against Lock’s logic. But when the two missing person’s cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help Kat when the case gets personal. 

AI versus human experience. 
Logic versus instinct.
With lives on the line can the pair work together before someone else becomes another statistic? 

In the Blink of an Eye is a dazzling debut from an exciting new voice that asks us what we think it means to be human. 

MY REVIEW

I have recently bought this book and I did wait until it came out in paperback. I have an advance copy of the next book I wanted to read, In the Blink of an Eye, to see if it was as good as people said. It definitely is and I am so eager to read the next one.

Kat is DCS Kat Frank and Lock is AIDE Lock, (Artificial intelligence detective entity). Kat has been asked to lead the pilot program for this new tech that will hopefully help the police and if all goes well to go further. Kat is very anti AI and the reason why is not known until much further into the book. Her reasons are justified when you do learn. Even though she is not a fan she does start to see that there are some advantages, but there is also a lot for Lock to learn. He may know the rulebook inside out but he does not know people.

The pilot is to look at some cold cases, there are several to choose from unfortunately and two cases are chosen. One is based on knowledge and the other on fact. given that the cases are cold, it comes as a surprise to find that these are not as cold as they think. Some shocking revelations and some real soul-searching for those involved in the cases.

There are two other detectives involved with this book, one meek and uncertain the other confident and I think you could call him a go-getter. They have their own stories and these also emerge I liked this as often you find that it is only the main characters that have details of their home lives revealed. I think because Kat’s side-kick is an AI rather than a person it does give the author the scope to include details of the other human members of the team.

The book is laid out in chapters and these do vary in length, but another voice is heard occasionally. I thought I was on the right path with who this voice is but I was completely wrong about the context. A fabulous revelation when it finally dawned on me!

This is a great story and one that would be brilliant for a book club discussion, there are things in the story that show prejudice and stereotyping but these views do differ as the story continues. Even though Lock is an AI he does have a good role in the story, and he does have some very awkward moments which does enamour him to the reader.

A story that mixes science and technology with good old-fashioned hunches and gut instincts. It is so well done and because of the mentions of the progress of AI in the news you can see this being a possibility. This then begs the question… will it happen and when!!!

This is one for fans of crime, thriller, and mystery books that have something different, it is a police procedural but it also looks into the lives of its main characters and how these could impact a case or are perceived. So, in some ways, it does have a psychological edge to it as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and it is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Stop at Nothing by Lucy Martin @lucymartinbooks #psychological #thriller #crime #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of Stop at Nothing by Lucy Martin. I was very fortunate to win this and a further two books in this series after entering a competition on Karen’s fabulous Blog – My Reading Corner.

The chilling break out thriller, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Fiona Barton and Gillian Flynn.

How far would you go to get what you want?

Amie Slade’s sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.

But everyone’s got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman’s body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hides a sinister reality.

Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?

MY REVIEW

This is the first book in the DS Ronnie DElmas series and what an amazing introduction this book is to Ronnie. The book focuses on the Slade family and in particular Amie Slade. She lives with her older brother Andrew, her mum and dad Maeve and Stuart. The family is broken with Maeve being obsessive about having an orderly and tidy house, Andrew is always in his room and getting ready to go to university and Stuart is about to drop a bombshell.

Amie is a young teen who has had trouble in past. She was the victim of sexual abuse and this is something that hangs over her constantly as you would expect. She moves schools and has only one friend.

Ronnie (Veronica) is a hard-working single mum and also a Detective Sergeant, she has split from her husband and has two children. She has a secret from her past. Her second in command so to speak is Baz, he is someone whom she is not totally sure about and when an accusation is made about Ronnie she is not sure who made it. Ronnie has some very close friends and she will rely on these as this complex case gradually unfolds.

What is the case? Well, that is not really revealed as such until much later when the body of a woman is discovered. The author cleverly lays out the story and gives a lot of information leading up to the discovery of the body which occurs when a child goes missing.

This story will have you second-guessing yourself, well it did me for sure. I like it when an author can twist me around like this. One moment feeling sorry then suspicious and then guilty for feeling suspicious. This is something that I love in a psychological thriller and this definitely has a psychological theme to it.

The story starts out well and there was something about it that just kept me hooked and I found myself just reading one more chapter, and another until I got to the end. There were many twists and revelations to be had.

Seeing this is the start of the series I am looking forward to getting to know Ronnie a bit more. She is definitely a female lead that I like. If you are a fan of very devious and twisted psychological crime thrillers then this is one that will keep you on your toes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book.

About the Author…

One-time reluctant lawyer, turned entrepreneur and novelist with a life-long passion for supporting women…

My first book was Make It Your Business, a business start-up guide for women co-authored with Bella Mehta in 2002, followed by The Childcare Bible in 2010 and then when I became a teacher, a series of modern language handbooks for my students. I am now working on a crime thriller series to be published by Welbeck in October 2021.

I grew up in Brussels and London, and have a first class degree in French and Russian from Wadham College, Oxford. I am a qualified solicitor, contributor to BBC Bitesize French and the founder of networking group Wimbledon Women in Business.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Death at Paradise Park by Ross Greenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Death at Paradise Park by Ross Greenwood. This is the 2nd book in the Norfolk Murders series and what starts with one death soon develops into something much more.

My huge thanks to Boldwood Books for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

The new instalment in the bestselling Norfolk Murders series!

When Alfie Hook settles down to eat his fish and chips by the Hunstanton seaside he hasn’t anticipated it is going to be his last meal. DS Ashley Knight and her Major Investigation Team are called to investigate and when they discover who Alfie is married to, they realise this case is not going to be straightforward.

A second body is found in gruesome circumstances at the nearby Paradise Caravan Park, but the team struggle to connect the two victims. Even after hours of interviews with the residents, and many questionable stories, to the police’s frustration, all their alibis check out. What are they concealing?

As the bodies mount up and the leads get ever more complicated, Ashley and her rookie partner Hector Fade finally join the dots. But then it’s a race against time to stop the killer striking again…

Bestselling Ross Greenwood is back with an unputdownable seaside thriller, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Ian Rankin and Peter James.

MY REVIEW

After reading and loving the first book in this series I was eager to see what was next on the cards for DS Ashley Knight and her team. When a local man is found dead in his van behind a fish and chip shop, well, it does sort of look like it is going to be a case that is not going to throw up too many surprises. Well, that is what I initially thought, but the author took such an amazing and complex route to get from the beginning to the end. I should mention I did not read the synopsis for this book before requesting it.

It starts with one body that then leads the team to Paradise Park, a holiday complex that houses tourists as well as more long-term guests and owners, with lodges and all the things you would expect of a site of this sort. The thing you don’t expect is a second body at the park or what follows…

Along with Ashley, you will get to meet the rest of her team. There is a good mix and there is already a good sense of camaraderie. Even Hector, the newbie is getting to find his feet. With such a complex case on their hands, it is a case of all hands to battle stations as such. With so many things to deal with and the bodies mounting up you would think the team would have more to go on. The links they have are tenuous and this makes for excellent reading. There wasn’t a point in the story where I thought I actually knew who did what. I am wondering if the author was the same as he wrote I and if he was following the characters. It is a complex caseload for the team, but I have to say the author did an amazing job keeping it easy to follow.

There is quite a few characters in this story but they soon become memorable, some have more of a part to play than others, but they all have something to input. This made for an intriguing story and one that felt tense throughout.

This is a fabulous second book in the series and it is one I would definitely recommend to fans of police procedurals, crime and thriller reads.

About the Author

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King’s School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I’m still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

I’ve now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.

The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.

Abel’s Revenge is something a bit different. It’s a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There’s a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.

Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women’s side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won’t have read a book like it.

I hope you enjoy reading them.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

What Dies Inside by Tony J Forder @TonyJForder #DIBliss #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of What Dies Inside Us by Tony J Forder. THis is the 11th book in the series and it sees our loveable DI Jimmy Bliss coming up for retirement, but that does not mean he has an easy final week! And what an amazing book it was, again my favourite one so far 🙂

My huge thanks to Tony for sending me an advanced copy of this book. My views are my own.

FOR SOME, LIFE CAN BE MURDER

When the police are unable to find a body, they are forced to dismiss a homeless veteran’s claim that he witnessed a homicide. But after he is found murdered in the same spot two days later, DI Bliss and the Major Crime Unit set their sights on catching a ruthless killer.

Elsewhere, when the daughter of a cuckooed family is reported to have attempted suicide, Jimmy Bliss and DC Penny Chandler have their doubts and vow to uncover the truth. But the situation is about to get much worse, and violence is certain to erupt on the city streets.

In his final two investigations before retiring from the police force, Bliss undergoes a desperate search for answers. Answers that prove to be as elusive as the identities of the men making so many people’s lives a complete misery. But with his colleagues every bit as determined to bring these people to justice, the team uses all of their experience and insight to uncover the one lead they need to make a breakthrough in both cases…

MY REVIEW

This is the last time we get to see DI Jimmy Bliss in this role, he is in his last week at the Peterbortough Major Crimes Unit before his retirement. This will not, however, be the last we see of him as he will still be working with the force but in a different role. This means the series will continue, which I am very glad about.

This book starts with a heart-stopping moment. It threw me for a moment, you will understand if you have read this series. From then the story gets into the nitty gritty of murder and an investigation. Just because it is Jimmy’s last week does not mean he will not take on work.

When a murder has been reported but the body has disappeared, it makes the witness come across as unreliable, there are other reasons for this. But, when the witness is murdered it begs the question as to why, what did he see that would cause this reaction?

As the team try to get their heads around this case, or could it be two cases? After all, just because there is a connection, does not necessarily mean they are connected. Add to that the missing body! As I was saying, there is also another case that comes into the office. This is one of an overdose and of a drug gang taking over a residence, they have become victims of being cuckooed!

With two, possibly three cases on the books, this is going to be a tough week for Jimmy. Not only will he want to leave with a clean sheet and no outstanding cases, but he also has other things on his mind.

Once again the author has really got the team working overtime and there are diversions and conflicts on the cards. There are some grey areas, but Jimmy is the older style of copper who sees beyond the theory and the protocols. Because this team has been together a while there is a solid camaraderie between them, the banter is good as always but there is also the opportunity for thoughts to be aired, and if things don’t feel right then someone will mention it. You only get this sort of thing with an established team and the author knows his characters inside out and this is why this sort of banter works so well.

There is a really nasty element to this story, not just murder, even though that is, of course, bad, but the cuckooed family have their own storyline. This is one that looks like an attempted suicide, but there is far more to this than first impressions suggest.

Having Jimmy Bliss as the main character means he has built up a lot of respect over the years, as well as treading on a few toes. This becomes evident with his retirement party, it did feel emotional and it was a chance to see the softer side of this man.

Having Jimmy still remain around in the future is fabulous, and it also fits in so well with the character. Still wanting to help and be part of the force feels right. This is his work family and they are a very close bunch. I cannot imagine him wanting to leave them behind and go into full retirement just yet! So I am eagerly awaiting to see what the author has in store for the loveable Jimmy.

This is an established series and one that I have read from the beginning, it is one I would recommend reading in order as there are things that have happened in the earlier books that still crop up and have a bearing. And, they are also amazing books to read as well!

If you are a fan of crime and thrillers that are fast-paced and intense then this is a series and a book for you. A police procedural that has more than just the crimes at its centre. This is another amazing instalment in the DI Bliss series and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. The first seven novels, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, and Slow Slicing, were joined in December 2020 by a prequel novella, Bliss Uncovered. The series continued with The Autumn Tree and Darker Days to Come, and The Lightning Rod. The next, What Dies Inside Us will be published in autumn 2023.

Tony’s other early series – two action-adventure novels featuring Mike Lynch – comprises both Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun. These books will hopefully be joined in 2024 by The Dark Division.

In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

The Huntsmen, released in October 2021, was the first book in a new crime series, set in Wiltshire. It featured DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May. The second book, The Predators, will be released on 15 May 2023.

Tony’s first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. He is currently working on the two more Jimmy Bliss books.

Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: HERE

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The Man Who Didn’t Burn by Ian Moore @Duckbooks #NetGalley #crime #mystyery #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Man Who Didn’t Burn by Ian Moore. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was interesting to see how the French Police set up their rural crimes and investigations.

My huge thanks to Duckworth Books for accepting my request to read and review this title via NetGalley.

A KILLER. A SAINT. A TOWN FULL OF WHISPERS

–––––––––––

When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the perpetrator.

Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.

But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?

The thrilling new crime series from The Times -bestselling author of Death and Croissants

MY REVIEW

This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was a thoroughly enjoyable book. This is the first book in the Juge Lombard Mystery series and it is set in France. Lombard is called back to oversee a crime and it is the first case he is attending since the death of his wife.

The French Police system is different to ours in the UK, and this made for interesting reading in itself. It is interesting to see how other countries’ departments work. Lombard is not like others, rather than sit behind a desk he likes to be out investigating, much to the annoyance of police officers and others. Lombard is sarcastic, often found to be mulling and keeping his thoughts to himself, being vague and going off on a different tangent. I liked him.

When a body is discovered disguised as a scarecrow, but crucified, then Lombard has his work cut out. There is little in the way of clues, but there is a link, this is one that becomes longer and longer as the case continues and another body is found. What starts as a coincidence, now becomes something that is almost a hindrance. Too much is fitting too well together, but does that mean the team are being sidetracked, set up or being led too well?

I really liked the pacing of this story, the mystery and investigation are not too fast-paced and there are some interesting locations and some history mixed into the storyline. Having mentions of bureaucracy, ways of doing things, councils, mayors and other positions of office makes for interesting reading. There is also the murder and the accompanying investigation, as I said a different style compared to UK or US styles and this is what I have read most so it was great to see.

This is a murder mystery and also crime and police procedural, there are some wonderful twists and I do like Lombard, he is a little bit like Poirot and Morse, or at least he reminded me of them! Not a brutal and bloodthirsty thriller, but more than a cosy mystery. Very enjoyable story and I am looking forward to picking up more by this author. I would happily recommend this one.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Canticle Creek by Adrian Hyland @ultimopress #crime #mystery #suspense #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Canticle Creek by Adrian Hyland. This is a murder mystery that is set in Australia and is the first time I have read anything by this author.

My huge thanks to Ultimo Press for accepting my request to read and review this title via NetGalley.

Two bodies. One long hot summer. A town that will never be the same.

When Adam Lawson’s wrecked car is found a kilometre from Daisy Baker’s body, the whole town assumes it’s an open and shut case. But Jesse Redpath isn’t from Canticle Creek. Where she comes from, the truth often hides in plain sight, but only if you know where to look.

When Jesse starts to ask awkward questions, she uncovers a town full of contradictions and a cast of characters with dark pasts, secrets to hide and even more to lose.

As the temperature soars, and the ground bakes, the wilderness surrounding Canticle Creek becomes a powderkeg waiting to explode.

All it needs is one spark.

MY REVIEW

I like the cover for this book and it is now that I have finished that I realise the relevance. While it looks like a nice cheery cover, the story is dark and twisted and the author has created a wonderful mystery set in this remote area of Australia.

This is quite a riveting story but also one that is a slow burner, the author introduces his characters in a way that makes them easier to remember. These are relevant and while some have more input than others, they all provide something that helps the story along.

I liked the descriptions I was given of the countryside, tracking, weather and the fear that as everything was so dry that it could go up in a moment. I did read in his acknowledgements a the end of the story that he received help and advice from Indigenous People and this has been incorporated into the story so well. It is great to be able to learn more as well as have their experiences and expertise acknowledged and used in the story.

The story is one of murder, but who murdered who is the question. It takes the intervention from Jesse Redpath, a copper from a different district to step in and cause trouble. She knew one of the bodies, and it doesn’t fit with what she knew about him. As she steps out of her jurisdiction she finds her own leads from unexpected places and uses her own skills to discover what is going on.

I enjoyed this story and I was able to envisage various things from the words and descriptions. It is an atmospheric story and one that I got into and kept me turning the pages. It is a mystery and has a crime feel to it. Suspense I think more than thriller but definitely enjoyable and one I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adrian Hyland spent many years in the Northern Territory, living and working among indigenous people. He now teaches at LaTrobe University and lives in the north-east of Melbourne. His first novel, Diamond Dove won the 2007 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction.

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The Fallen by John Sutherland #crime #thriller #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

Today I am delighted to share my review of The Fallen by John Sutherland. I read his previous book The Siege last year and it was such an amazing story I was eager to pick his latest one up. You can read my review of The Siege HERE

The Fallen: The latest book from the Sunday Times bestselling author, the must-read new crime-thriller of 2023 by [John Sutherland]

ARE YOU READY TO SAVE A LIFE?

WHY HER?

Becca Palmer has just lost her job as assistant to Simon Jones MP – the highly-regarded Policing Minister, tipped as a future Prime Minister. But Becca claims that Simon was more than her boss, that she is in love with him.

WHY HERE?

When a heartbroken Becca leaves the Home Office, she heads to Westminster Bridge, intending to take her own life. Which is where hostage negotiator Alex Lewis meets her for the first time. It is his job to try to talk her back from the edge.

WHY NOW?

MY REVIEW

In the negotiation that follows, Becca suggests that she may know something about the Policing Minister that she shouldn’t. Something that could prompt a serious fall from grace were it to come out.

But can Alex save Becca – and get to the bottom of an alleged conspiracy that goes deep inside the highest levels of government – before it’s too late?

Having read this author’s previous book The Siege, I knew I wanted to read this one. The author has a background in the Police and it does show in the writing, not in a bad way but in a very good way. There are comments from his characters in the story that shows how the force is struggling due to cutbacks and bureaucrats. With a mix of politics and policing this makes for a cracking read especially as a squeaky-clean politician is quite as clean. But then, are any politicians clean!!!

Alex is called out to deal with a young woman on a bridge, he is a negotiator and he has been struggling to deal with his previous case. Back into the swing of things he manages to persuade the young woman down. When she mentions something about a politician he isn’t sure if he believes her, but there is something about her that has an element of truth.

From here the story gets really intriguing as there is a trail being laid but where it leads and who is involved keeps you on your toes. Politics for me means lies, backstabbing and power-grabbing strategies. When you don’t really know who to trust, then the storyline keeps you hooked waiting for a trickle of information that will give you more answers to your questions.

With a vulnerable young woman, a politician and police officers, the story is one that weaves its way through lies, deception and some very dodgy dealing. With those who have power and money then it seems the worse and deeper the problem is. Knowing what Alex went through in the previous book shows how PTSD can have an effect and the police deal with many incidents that leave their mark. This story shows the more human side of policing and the stresses they are under from those higher in rank and not necessarily with any front-line experience.

The is an ever-present danger lurking in the shadows. You are never quite sure where this is coming from because you can never be sure who you can trust. You kind of know who you want to trust, but can you?

I really liked the way the author brought in problems with policing and the funding they receive also the mentions of knife crime, things that are relevant in today’s society. A mix of crime thriller, and mystery, it is tense throughout. Fabulous story and great characters. I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Sutherland is a married father of three and he lives with his wife and children in South London.

He joined the Met Police in September 1992 and served a variety of ranks and roles across London.

He retired on ill health grounds in February 2018.

He writes blogs about life and policing – about the extraordinary people he served alongside and the challenges they face.

The Fallen: The latest book from the Sunday Times bestselling author, the must-read new crime-thriller of 2023 by [John Sutherland]

MAny thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

To Die in June by Alan Parks @AlanJParks @RandomTTours @canongatebooks #crime #policeprocedural #historicalfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review of To Die In June by Alan Parks. This is a brilliant series and I am adoring each one I have read. This is a historical fiction series as well as a police procedural and it is gritty Glasgow Crime at its best.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the tour and for arranging my hardback copy from the publisher Canongate Books.

MY REVIEW

I have loved every book in this series and followed each of the steps that Harry McCoy and his partner Wattie have made. They have just been moved to a new police area and as they arrive a body is one of the first things they come across. This is Glasgow, it is now 1975 and the streets are just as mean and there are still some areas that are better avoided.

Harry is concerned that there is someone targeting homeless men, of similar age to his father and tries to see if he can get the word out to be careful of taking unknown drinks as they could be poisoned. For some other officers, the homeless and the destitute are not worth the effort, but as his father is one of those homeless people he has a vested interest.

Alongside this is the usual alliance he has with his old friend Cooper, they came through the orphanages together and without Cooper, Harry may not have made it. The only problem is that Harry is being warned away from Cooper, easier said than done when he is known as a gang leader and expects Harry to be at his beck and call.

As the month of June begins, Harry and Wattie are trying to solve the case of the poisonings, there is a report of a missing person and there are other deaths which may or may not be part of his remit. He also has another secret that he is keeping from everyone, this is mentioned in the synopsis but even though it is part of the story I only felt it was a smaller part, but also potentially could be something that could be more far-reaching.

Harry is a bit of a rough-sounding bloke, but there is more to him than that. If you have read the previous books you will be aware of his past and how he has dealt with what life has thrown at him. It is a good job he has Wattie at his side to help keep him grounded.

The crimes are baffling for the pair as they are not sure who to believe, or even if there is a crime. This leads to some crossed words and at times you do despair for Harry as he does go through some painful moments. He is a vulnerable bloke who is not adverse to challenging, bending or even working in the complete opposite of the rules. The ending of the book I enjoyed, it does leave an opening for something that could be interesting depending on how the author decides to go with it!

This series and this book are dark and gritty it does give a great idea of what the area and the way of policing were all about at the time. A mix of gangland crime, police-procedural and crime thriller with some tough characters and storyline. This was a fabulous read and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan Parks has worked in the music industry for over twenty years. His debut novel Bloody January was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. His second novel February’s Son was shortlisted for the Edgar Awards. He lives and works in Glasgow.

Bobby March Will Live Forever is the third Harry McCoy thriller.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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The Predators by Tony J Forder @TonyJForder #ThePredators #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Predators by Tony Forder. This is the 2nd book in the DC Roston Chase series and it is another fabulous book. I adore this author’s books and I am loving this new series, a great place to start if you have not read any of his books yet.

The frozen corpse of a female hiker discovered on snow-covered downs presents DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and Trainee DC Alison May with a fresh murder case to investigate.

The more the body thaws the more it reveals, and as the investigation gathers momentum hopes are dashed of an early and successful outcome. It soon becomes clear that the victim and her killer were not the only ones on the hillside when the murder occurred, and the police are desperate to locate everybody who was.

But when the operation is interrupted by a series of related abductions, with all witnesses swiftly falling under suspicion, Chase realises that their case is far more complex than any of them could ever have imagined…

MY REVIEW

Once again the author has done a fantastic job of completely flummoxing me. I had no idea how this story would pan out and when I did start, it was only because the author led me there.

Chase, Laney and May are called to look at a body that has been found, frozen and in the elements for some time. When they start to put the scant clues together they are left with even more of a puzzle than when they started. When five more people who are connected with the case go missing there is something that the team are missing. They are joined by another unit and together they are really grasping to find the connections.

DS Royston Chase is a character I like, he can be a bit tunnel minded at times but with good reason. He does focus his mind to the nth degree, but he has a way of switching off to allow his mind to relax and focus instead on his family. They keep him grounded while at home but at work, well that falls to DC Claire Laney. Outspoken, brash and trying at all times to embarrass her boss. It is a hilarious combo but one that does work rather well. The two of them banter and poor Trainee DC Alison May is never quite sure who is being serious about making fun of her. It’s not just the job she has to learn, but how her two superiors work.

The setting is a semi-rural one and the exposure and expanse of the area add to the overwhelming feeling that I got and the team showed. You expect more questions than answers at the start of an investigation, but the questions are not really getting the answers or the results that would usually help. With the rural setting, it makes the usual security, shop, road cameras and the like a no-go for information, there are blackspots for mobile coverage and the people that may know something can’t be found.

The further this continues the more intriguing it gets, while I am giving the impression that this case may be slow in getting answers, the pacing of the story is anything but. It is brilliant for details and the author keeps the ideas and thoughts of his characters constantly thinking and using everything at their disposal to discover a chink that will allow them to proceed further.

This is a complex case but also it is one that had me hooked. It follows the investigation and brings the reader into a close-knit and tight group of people who are all invested in discovering the right outcome.

The first book was excellent at introducing the key players in this series and with this second book, the author has added a little more detail. Once again bringing the reader a story that delves into some tough themes but done in a way that does not go into detail, there is no need to.

It is one that I adored and it was good to come back to these characters, it didn’t take me long to remember them and their quirks and habits which is for me great as I do read quite a few books.

If you are looking to start a new series then this one is a good one to start with as this is only the second book, so not too much catching up to do. The Predators is a perfect title, snappy, to the point and relevant. A police procedural that definitely falls within the crime thriller genre and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. The first seven novels, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, and Slow Slicing, were joined in December 2020 by a prequel novella, Bliss Uncovered. The series continued with The Autumn Tree and Darker Days to Come, and The Lightning Rod. The next, What Dies Inside Us will be published in autumn 2023.

Tony’s other early series – two action-adventure novels featuring Mike Lynch – comprises both Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun. These books will hopefully be joined in 2024 by The Dark Division.

In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

The Huntsmen, released in October 2021, was the first book in a new crime series, set in Wiltshire. It featured DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May. The second book, The Predators, will be released on 15 May 2023.

Tony’s first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. He is currently working on the two more Jimmy bliss books.

Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Death on Cromer Beach by Ross Greenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of Death on Cromer Beach by Ross Greenwood. I am a big fan of this author and have read several of his books over the years. Death on Cromer Beach is the start of a new series and it is a brilliant way to start!

My huge thanks to Boldwood Books for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Publication Date – 26th April 2023

The first in a new series from bestselling author, Ross Greenwood!

A brutal double murder on a Norfolk beach horrifies the town of Cromer. The way the victims died is chilling and so Norfolk’s Major Investigation Team task DS Ashley Knight to manage the case.

It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges. 

Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things.  When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one-off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.

There’s a killer on the loose who must be caught, or other victims will meet their fate by the sea.

MY REVIEW

I have read several of this author’s books and when I saw he had a new series I definitely needed to check it out.

DS Ashley Knight, loner, single, middle-aged, has just been asked to investigate a double death on Cromer beach. She has also been saddled with one of the fast-track detectives, Hector Fade.

Finding a double murder on her local beach is not something Ashley would have expected to get a call out to, especially when there is more to this than meets the eye. She has a bad feeling and she is not wrong as more bodies surface.

This first book in this new series is so good, it has such a tense and atmospheric feel to it. Having to deal with a double murder and then more as another and another body turns up is tough on the whole team. What makes this case even harder is that the link is tenuous but it is a link. Those connected are so varied and have many problems and this also makes trying to work out events, truths and lies very difficult.

In between the questioning and interviews, the author takes the time to have Ashley and Hector get to know each other, a great way to fill in some details about them. They are very opposite and so their differences can show. Discovering more about them helps to understand their characters a little more, there is more to each than you first imagine.

Having more to it than first expected also goes for the case. There are reasons for it to have a connection to an event from years ago. What this connection is and how it is worked into this story is such a good one. There are twists and misdirections and an overall sense of danger and of something lurking and waiting.

This is a fabulous first book in the series and I do hope that Hector is not fast-tracked out too soon as I do kind of like him. Ashley is a tough one, and she does get on well with her younger colleague, Between them, I do think they would make a great team, but then I am not writing the books 🙂

If you are looking for a new series then this is one you need to look at if you are a fan of tough, gritty crime thrillers. There are so many unexpected things that occur and this adds to the mystery and the suspense. Excellent storyline and great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King’s School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I’m still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, I randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

I’ve now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought-provoking and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.

The first three books are stand-alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.

Abel’s Revenge is something a bit different. It’s a modern-day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There’s a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.

Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women’s side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won’t have read a book like it.

I hope you enjoy reading them.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx