Category Archives: Crime Fiction

THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman!

Credit to my wife for this one, she highlighted the author is a local and I’ve been really enjoying tales set In/near my local area lately..Who knew we had such a good author hidden within Ashington!

Here’s the blurb

Six weeks. Just forty-two short days. That’s all it takes to rip the heart out of a city and change the lives of those who live there. Forever. One such life belongs to Ryan Jarrod. In the early hours of a wet winter’s morning on Tyneside, Ryan Jarrod approaches the end of his second shift as a Special Constable when he stumbles across the body of a savagely beaten Teddy McGuffie, a down-at-heel taxi driver. On the same night, an explosion rips through the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne’s student community. Casualties are high; the city brought to a standstill. And the University blast is only the beginning of a bloody reign of terror which threatens the very fabric of the region. With the McGuffie case shelved, Ryan vows to investigate it himself. When he uncovers links between the assault on McGuffie and a series of letters which seem to foretell the terror attacks, members of the force ridicule his theories. Except for one man: DCI Stephen Danskin. Danskin sees a lot of himself in the young Special. He breaks protocol. Invites Jarrod into the case. Together, they dive deeper into the tangled lives of those associated with the letters – and lay a trap to lure the killer to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: The Angel of the North. What could possibly go wrong?

Review

Ryan Jarrod is a Special Constable who stumbles upon a badly beating man.. there’s real rage behind the attack and although Jarrod is only a Special Constable right now he has dreams to become so much more.. could this be his big break?

The really good thing about Jarrod from the off is that he’s selfless.. he’s just wants to bring bad people to justice… he doesn’t have an ego.

On the same night there’s a terrible explosion… but it’s only the first in a series of attacks that will rock those living in Newcastle and the surrounding area.

A local online news outlet dubs the bomber The Tyneside Tyrant.

While the police focus on the bombing Jarrod can’t move past the savage beating of Teddy McGuffie and it’s while he’s visiting his grandma that he starts to see a pattern to the attacks and a link to the McGuffie beating is found.

This Is where Detective Chief Inspector Danskin comes in.. he’s leading the investigation and sees potential in keeping Ryan Jarrod around. Jarrod sees what others don’t.. he’s young and has a lot to learn but it’s also clear he’s got what it takes.

As usual no spoilers from me but there’s twists and turns, and even when you think the case is solved there’s more headed our way.. wow.

I particularly loved the plot and how this is a perfect introduction to Ryan Jarrod…it’s teasing the future as he’s kind of a bystander at times but wow.. what a introduction.

Being based in my local area I found the tale even more fascinating.. reading scenes set in Newbiggin for example just gave me a real buzz.

There’s a tonne of characters each packed with their own development, everything all flowed well, nothing forced or out of place just a full on intriguing plot.

Great start to a series so I’m looking forward reading more soon!.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Murder on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 1) by Eileen Thornton – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Murder on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 1) by Eileen Thornton.

Here’s the blurb

Recently widowed Agnes Lockwood is spending a few days on Tyneside in Northeast England, catching up with her past. When expensive jewelry is stolen at the hotel, Chief Inspector Alan Johnson gets on the case.

After Alan recognizes Agnes as a friend from schooldays, they rekindle their friendship and Agnes bombards him with questions about the case. But after dinner one evening, they find a body lying on the roadside.

Fearing for her safety, Alan warns Agnes to stay away from the case. But being an inquisitive woman, Agnes cannot resist getting involved… too involved.

Review

Widowed Agnes decides to head up north to revisit her past.. it’s time for some peace and quiet and to reacquaint herself with life.

Life’s not ready to go that easy on Agnes though and she quickly finds herself embroiled in a police case looking into thefts and murder!

It starts innocently enough.. the theft takes place at the hotel Agnes is staying at and that’s when she meets Alan..an old school friend..he’s at the hotel on official business though in his role as Chef Inspector. While Alan wants to focus on the case he can’t help but want to rekindle the connection with Agnes and it’s while out together they stumble upon a body..

The case is quite complex at first as the pieces are scattered and there’s many unknowns but with Agnes’s keen eye Alan hopes to wrap this case up without more bodies showing up.

The tale was fun and engaging and reminded me of my youth watching shows like Murder She Wrote, it instantly had me invested and curious to know more.

Agnes is a lot to handle for Alan to be honest.. he’s a bit blindsided by her coming back into his life that he struggles to focus on the case at times and as much as Agnes doesn’t mean anything bad by it she uses this to worm her way in at every chance… I mean I think we would all like to have the opportunity to get involved in a real case if we could.. but Agnes doesn’t see the danger she could be in.

Overall the pace and development of the plot were super. The case really didn’t allow for the connection to grow between Agnes and Alan and I would have loved to have had more chance to see them together without the case being the primary focus, saying that each character themselves developed well and I’d like to see what the pair get up to next.

I’m late to the party with the book being released back in 2016 but this just means I can crack on with the rest of the series without needing to wait!

What I’ve wanted to do recently is to try and find some books set near or around where I actually live so it was really fun to read the story knowing the area as it just added an extra dimension for me.

4/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Dark Revelations: Level 26: Book Three (Level 26 Thriller 3) by Anthony E. Zuiker – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Dark Revelations: Level 26: Book Three (Level 26 Thriller 3) by Anthony E. Zuiker

Here’s the blurb

Steve Dark has been tasked by the FBI with the ultimate search-and-destroy mission: to take down the
world’s most dangerous serial killers. Now he faces the most intricate, intense, and explosive case of his career.

The killer calls himself Labyrinth. The riddles, puzzles, and wordplay with which he announces his new targets have caused a worldwide media sensation. The case has already claimed a number of high profile individuals as its victims – not to mention several government agencies, which have tried and failed to stop a growing global panic.

But what point is Labyrinth trying to make? Who will be his next victim? It’s up to Dark to assemble an elite team from the remains of the international crime-solving community, find Labyrinth wherever he may be, and put a stop to the mayhem, once and for all.

But the mystery of who, where and what Labyrinth is, is the biggest riddle of them all. And if Dark doesn’t solve it, he knows he’ll be the next victim . . .

Review

In Dark Revelations Steve Dark joins a new team, Global Alliance. They have the funds and the connections that will allow Steve to do what he does best.. and that’s stop the worst of the worst..

Steve’s newest target is Labyrinth.. but the hunt is going to take him on a collision course with his old team, Riggins and Constance. They don’t understand why he’s left them behind.. and I think Steve just doesn’t care at this stage.. he’s a one man band.. he doesn’t want a team.. something Global Alliance will find out shortly..the team doesn’t exactly gel.

Labyrinth was a very interesting villain.. he’s got secrets that he’s willing to spill..I was conflicted if I’m honest.. his actions are despicable but he’s trying to right the world.. and that’s something I can get onboard with.

It’s been a very interesting series, and this book read as a standalone is pretty decent but if you compare to the 1st instalment it’s lost a little shine.. the original team..the red tape.. the realism.. that’s what hooked me in. Don’t get me wrong the plot was still really engaging and the added cut scenes you can access online really give it an extra punch but I felt we lost a little of the Steve Dark I loved.

I wish we had more time to see the team connections within Global Alliance and really would have loved to see Riggins and Constance join forces with Steve’s new team properly..

Overall a very interesting series that I’m glad I took the time to read. Shame there isn’t more.

4/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Equinox by Michael White – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Equinox by Michael White

Here’s the blub

A BRUTAL MURDER. A THREE-HUNDRED-YEAR CONSPIRACY. A DEADLY SECRET.

Oxford, 2006: a young woman is found brutally murdered. Her heart has been removed and in its place lies an apparently ancient gold coin. Twenty-four hours later, another woman is found. This time her brain has been removed, and a silver coin lies glittering in the bowl of her skull.

The police are baffled but when police photographer Philip Bainbridge and his estranged lover Laura Niven become involved, they discover that these horrific, ritualistic murders are not confined to the here and now.

A shocking story begins to emerge which intertwines Sir Isaac Newton with a deadly conspiracy which echoes down the years to the present day, as lethal now as it was then.

Before long those closest to Laura are in danger, and she finds herself the one person who can rewrite history; the only person who can stop the killer from striking again…

Review

The book starts strong with a brutal murder. This is will be the first of many.

We soon meet Philip and Laura, Philip is a police photographer, Laura is a writer and when Philip is called to a scene Laura can’t help but take a peak..

It’s clear from the start there’s something strange about these murders, there’s something ritualistic about them.

Laura has the gut instinct to follow the story and does her own digging.. helped by Philip who is a little naughty to say the least sharing the information  he’s privy to.

As the puzzle pieces slot together a connection with alchemy and astrology are found along with a striking connection to the past.. and a well known figure Sir Isaac Newton no less!

What I really enjoyed was the changing perspective when you were transported back to the time of Newton.. when a similar killing spree occurred. It breaks the chapters up nicely, keeping you interested. It was also a major plus that the chapters are short. Don’t get me wrong… I love any chapter length but since I read while commuting I hate when I need to stop mid chapter to get off the bus ha.

Now Laura, ah Laura.. I just didn’t gel with her personality.. she was annoying at times ha but whats great about her is she doesn’t give up and will use all the tools at her disposal to figure this one out! Luckily those closest to her have the skills between them to unravel the past… to save the day now.. but will they make it in time?

Plot wise I really enjoyed the idea, quite Dan Brown style, but I just didn’t feel the characters at times.. things were a little too easy for them but overall, it was a decent read. I think the story might have flowed more if the author hadn’t tried to build the relationship between the characters, as it just distracted from what was a promising plot.

3/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

BLOG TOUR – Dead Money by Keith Nixon (Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 2)

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Today I help kick off the blog tour for Dead Money by Keith Nixon. Any follower of my blog will know Keith is a firm favourite of mine 😊

Here’s the blurb

With a reputation for solving bizarre murders Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance, recently transferred to the National Crime Agency, is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie – choked to death, then his body arranged and ready for a wake.

Then a second corpse turns up under identical circumstances – that of washed-up investigative reporter, Stan Thewlis. But how are the two men connected?

Soon, Pennance’s partner, Sergeant Simone Smithson, comes under suspicion for the deaths – the evidence seems overwhelming. To save her Pennance must determine what role the shadowy organisation Blackthorn plays and who is in the background, pulling all the strings…

Review

Dead Money is the 2nd book in the Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers series.. and I’m so glad to be back!

Pennance, who is now with the National Crime Agency Is brought in to help investigate a mysterious death. It’s clear he’s going to have his hands full the moment a 2nd body is discovered.. the only link between them at first is the method of their death..but there must be more.

As the investigation starts to gain pace there’s more than one stumbling block for Pennance to navigate.. Sergeant Simone Smithson for one..,Smithson and Pennance have a history and it’s going to make this investigation that much harder.

I’m never one for spoilers but I loved the method of death, it hooks you in straightaway as an unusual murder which you just have to see through to the end.

The characters are brilliant as ever, Keith Nixon knows how to write that’s for sure and gives a lot of depth to Pennance. He’s a flawed character, swayed by emotions at times but he’s fascinating! I love that he enjoys ruffling feathers along the way ha.

What I really loved was how the author developed characters who didn’t even say a word… the victims, especially Stan Thewlis. You can really see a lot of time was given to writing the plot ensuring a backstory full of intriguing titbits.

Nixon keeps getting better and better, if that’s even possible. All I know is every book he puts out there is a real cracking read that any fan of the genre will love!

Dead Money starts slow, setting the scene… then we are thrust into a world of misdirection as the author masterfully takes us on the investigation with Jonah.. weeding out the truth.

Probably the strongest finishing book from Nixon yet leaving me with a insatiable thirst for more!

5/5 Stars.

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or any local bookstore 😊 )

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review! I’ve already bought my own copy too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Keith Nixon is the best-selling author of sixteen novels and one million words in print, including the Margate based Solomon Gray series of over 250,000 copies in circulation and reached no.1 on Amazon in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Keith lived near the gritty seaside town of Margate, where many of his novels are based, for 17 years before relocating to the edge of the Peak District with his family where he lives today. Keith works in a senior sales role within a high-tech industry and has regularly travelled all over the globe.

His novels are published by Gladius Press and Bastei Lubbe (German)


Follow Keith:


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithnixonauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_nixon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knntom

Website: keithnixon.co.uk

Blog Tour – The Accused Book 4 in the PI Charlie Cameron series by Owen Mullen

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Accused, book 4 in the PI Charlie Cameron series by Owen Mullen.

Here’s the blurb :-

When Private Investigator Charlie Cameron agrees to take on a cold case, he is drawn back into Glasgow’s dark underworld…

Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron knows Kim Rafferty is bad news the moment they meet. Desperate people always spell trouble in his experience, and Mrs Rafferty is as desperate as they come. What she is asking for is insane and if he agrees to help the wife of the notorious East-End gangster, the consequences for them both could be fatal.

Twenty-four hours later, another betrayed woman with a hopeless case is pleading for Charlie’s help. The PI is her only chance to keep an innocent man from serving a prison sentence for murders he didn’t commit. 

Dennis Boyd is on the run, and as Charlie fights against the clock to keep him out of jail, he crosses a line that puts him on the wrong side of the law and pits him against his old friend and ally, DS Andrew Geddes.

As the body count grows, and the defence for his client falls apart bit by bit, Charlie refuses to accept the inevitable. But everyone has their limits – even the infamous Charlie Cameron. Will he be forced to admit that this case may be the one to beat him…

Review

We are back with our favourite flawed PI Charlie Cameron. He’s a magnet for trouble and he just can’t seem to say no.. even when he does say no to a case trouble still finds it’s way to his door!

First through the door is Kim Rafferty..things with her gangster husband Sean are unravelling fast and she wants Charlie’s help. Sean is well known to Charlie.. worse still Charlie is well known to Sean.. it’s best if he stays clear of this one.. but can he?.. and if he doesn’t help what will happen. To Kim?

Sean has more troubles than just his wife to be concerned about, his benefactor is visiting. The visit needs to go well.. Sean has a temper and won’t take anything less than perfect on this one. Things never go to plan do they though?

The other potential case is around Dennis Boyd who has served 15 years for a crime he claims not to have committed. He wants to find out who set him up. The case is made more complicated when another body hits the ground related to the original case. This is a tough one to handle as Charlie can’t seek assistance for his long time friend DS Andrew Geddes without blurring the lines of work and friendship.

As always Charlie can rely on his other source of information Patrick Logue, his humour always has me smiling… he’s a loveable rogue and really adds to the story. Charlie would be lost without him.

I’ve come to expect high quality from Owen Mullen, action packed, gritty and full of twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next and boy does this one tick all the boxes! The series just keeps getting better and better! How is that even possible? How do you build on perfection?

The storylines are hard hitting and convincing mixed with some wonderful dark humour that just makes this an outstanding 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for having me on the tour!

Why not follow the tour and have the look at the blogs mentioned below?

Author Bio –  Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete.  In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer.

Social Media Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OwenMullenBooks

Twitter https://twitter.com/owenmullen6

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://bit.ly/OwenMullenNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

Blog Tour – Games People Play by Owen Mullen

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Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Games People Play by Owen Mullen! Followers of the blog should know the name well 😊

I didn’t need an arc of this one, I had the book per-ordered as soon as it hit Amazon!

Let’s ger started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Crime Thriller

When a baby is stolen from a Scottish beach, private investigator Charlie Cameron reluctantly agrees to take the case.

While her parents are just yards away, thirteen-month-old Lily Hamilton is abducted from Ayr beach in Scotland. Three days later, her distraught father turns up at private investigator Charlie Cameron’s office. Mark Hamilton believes he knows who has taken his daughter. And why.

Against his better judgment, Charlie takes the case—and when bodies are discovered, he suspects this may not be an isolated crime. Is there a serial killer whose work has gone undetected for decades? Is baby Lily his latest victim? Charlie won’t be able to give up on this case. Memories and guilt from his childhood won’t let him…

Review

When a child goes missing after a day at the beach with her parents, the case ends up with PI Charlie Cameron. The dad is convinced he knows who took her and against his better judgement, knowing this will coincide with a ongoing police investigation Charlie decides to take on the case.

Charlie has is own issues to work through at the same time as we find out more about the PI’s past and his motivations which give him depth and made him very likable, he’s flawed, you want him to succeed but you know it’s not going to come easy for Charlie.. he’s just not that lucky!

The story shifts focus between the investigation and Charlie’s life, this balance was perfect, it kept it fresh and encouraged me to keep reading as I just had to find out what happened next. While the main story line is very serious the chapters around Charlie’s life and his interactions with those he knows allowed for some dark humour which was a joy to read.

I loved Charlie’s style, one clue leading to another, the characters, the setting, everything fit the image that I have in my head of an old school, down on his luck PI out to solve a case.. and you just can’t help but root for the guy.

The story was well written and planed out. I must admit I did not see the ending coming until the author put the pieces together for me.. it really had a wow finish..the hand over mouth moment when you finally see what Charlie has figured out.

Suspense is the word that best describes this book.. it’s all about the build-up and Owen Mullen did this superbly. Some books make suspense plain boring but not this book!

For me this is one of the best Crime Fiction novels I’ve read, the development of the characters natural, the flow of the plot perfect. Owen Mullen is a master at his craft, I could not help but be hooked in.

Owen Mullen has a lot to offer the reader, so grab a copy now. With a cover like that I’m sure some of you already have 😊

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or  Amazon!

Why not follow the rest of the tour?

Author Bio:

Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete.  In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. He has now written seven books and his first gangland thriller for Boldwood, Family  will be published in January 2021.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OwenMullenAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OwenMullen6

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://mailchi.mp/boldwoodbooks/owenmullennnewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

Blog Tour – Family by Owen Mullen

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Today I’m taking part in my first blog tour of the year! I’m going to be reviewing Family by Owen Mullen.

I’m a big fan of the author so jumped at the chance to get involved!

Here is the blurb –

Family – might be the death of you…

The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he’s free and he’s never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.

His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands – nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live – not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met’s rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.

Luke can’t see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can’t be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.

In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty to rival the Richardsons and the Krays. Heart-pounding, jaw-dropping with non-stop action, Family is perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.

Review

Family is the tale of Danny, Luke and Nina Glass. As young children they were forced to fend for themselves and turned to the life of crime… Danny found he quite enjoyed the gangster life and has built up quite an empire with the support of his sister Nina.

Nina is less brash than her brother but is certainly a Glass through and through. She may look good but those teeth are sharp!

Luke on the other hand is a little different. He’s been in prison for the murder of Albert Anderson a rival who dared to go a step too far. He’s always followed his bothers lead but it’s time for that to change.

Each family member has their own agenda and their bond will be tested..it’s not a matter of will the bond break.. but when … and who will be standing at the end.

As Luke is finally released from prison after serving his time it’s a new life he’s after.. but Danny won’t let his brother go that easily and wants to bring him back into the fold.

Times a healer they say…but no one forgets..soon events force Luke back into a world he no longer wants to be part of. An adversary is out for payback.

Matters escalate quickly with a rival gang out for blood and Danny doesn’t give an inch. The hard-hitting plot just keeps serving as the brutality level is ramped up to the max when Danny plans to put an end to things… in the most gruesome and flashy way he can, even if this means harming innocent bystanders. It’s all one big show to Danny.

Luke’s whole world comes crashing down as events spiral, secrets are revealed and the bone chilling reality hits home.. but don’t forget.. Luke is a Glass! It won’t be over until there’s a bullet in his head.

Owen Mullen is quite the wordsmith, it’s brutal and vivid. Lets be fair we all know a gangsters favourite method of getting rid of someone involves a little bit of torture. These scenes weren’t overdone, they added to Danny’s character and his meltdown.. he’s a loose cannon from the start.

Luke’s character develops very well, but what makes it hit the high note is how the author manages to makes his feelings come alive.. you feel that adrenaline rush with Luke..every heart pounding moment you live it with him.

Overall a very enjoyable read. Yeh it’s gut wrenchingly horrid at times what these gangsters will do for power and control but damn it’s a compelling story and I just loved how everything tied together nicely at the end, all those bits of thread woven throughout the tale pulled tight to give the reader that wow moment they are looking for.

Being a fan I had high hopes for this book and Owen Mullen delivered! Mullen constantly delivers high-pressure, fresh and exhilarating tales.

The only downside to the book is that it had to end.. the good news is there’s already a new book planned for July!!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to Owen, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour. I already had the book ordered but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join in on the tour 😊

Do follow the tour and check out the other amazing reviews!

Author Bio –

When he was ten years old, Owen Mullen won a primary schools short story competition and didn’t write another word for four decades. One morning he announced he was going to write a book. He did. Since then he has written seven. Owen was born in Coatbridge, a few miles from Glasgow, where the Charlie Cameron stories take place, and where he ran a successful design and marketing business. A late developer, he has a Masters degree from Strathclyde University which he got in his forties. In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. People tell him he enjoyed himself and he has no reason to doubt them. The journey from rocker to writer has been a fascinating experience and the similarities between the music and book industries, never cease to amaze him. His passions are travel, food and Arsenal Football Club. A gregarious recluse, he now splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete, along with his wife, Christine.

Twitter https://twitter.com/OwenMullen6

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BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

Salt Lane by William Shaw – Review

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Salt Lane by William Shaw, Book 1 in the DS Alexandra Cupidi series.

Here’s the blurb

SHE ALWAYS WENT TOO FAR

DS Alexandra Cupidi has done it again. She should have learnt to keep her big mouth shut, after the scandal that sent her packing – resentful teenager in tow – from the London Met to the lonely Kent coastline. Murder is different here, among the fens and stark beaches.

SHE WAS THE ONE WHO FOUND THE KILLERS

The man drowned in the slurry pit had been herded there like an animal. He was North African, like many of the fruit pickers that work the fields. The more Cupidi discovers, the more she wants to ask – but these people are suspicious of questions.

AND NOW IT WAS KILLING HER

It will take an understanding of this strange place – its old ways and new crimes – to uncover the dark conspiracy behind the murder. Cupidi is not afraid to travel that road. But she should be. She should, by now, have learnt.

Salt Lane is the first in the new DS Alexandra Cupidi series. With his trademark characterisation and flair for social commentary, William Shaw has crafted a crime novel for our time that grips you, mind and heart.

Review

DS Cupidi has moved to Kent after a scandal she would rather her new colleagues don’t find out about. She’s trying to keep her head down and not get too pally with anyone.. a case soon hits her desk to take her mind off the past..at least for a little while.

Two murders take place in a short space of time.. this can’t be a coincidence can it? Is there a link? What makes one of the murders even stranger is the circumstances behind the woman’s death.. the time of death doesn’t make sense.. she was seen alive at the same time as she was dead in a ditch.. how is that possible?

Well I’m not going to spoil it but I will admit it’s very well executed. Until the case unravelled I had no clue where the tale would go and that’s the kind of crime novel I love! Keep me guessing 🙂

Cupidi herself is flawed like all the good detectives. She’s balancing her work but also her personal life.. a teenage daughter she’s struggling to connect with and a past that will catch up to her at some point.. this gave the character a realness I love to see. It was really refreshing having a female lead too, almost all police type books I’ve read have had male leads.

Chapter length and pace of the plot for me was spot on and the mix of personal and professional focused scenes makes it very easy to read… you’ve never get bogged down. So good infact it’s easy to devour!

The character development of Cupidi was gradual and delivered perfectly.. she’s Impulsive..she’s human..I liked her.

Do I want to read book 2 in the series? Yes!

Will I be pre-ordering book 3 due out next year? Yes!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

 

The Silent Dead by Keith Nixon – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m reviewing The Silent Dead by Keith Nixon.

Here’s the blurb

Genre –  Crime Thriller/Police Procedural

A gruesome discovery. A secret long-buried. The past uncovered.

When Detective Inspector Solomon Gray is called to a quiet residential property what he discovers is truly shocking – the mummified body of a new-born baby. The tiny corpse, hidden inside a cardboard box at the back of a wardrobe, is only found after the death of the homeowner, Andrea Ogilvy.

Until a few years ago Ogilvy was a foster carer for the local council, looking after hundreds of children during her career. But something made her give up her role. But what? Nobody truly knows.

DNA analysis on the child leads Gray to three women; one of which may be the abandoned baby’s mother. As Gray digs deeper he uncovers painful family secrets and a multitude of lies. It seems vulnerable young women were being exploited by a man in a position of power. But who helped them cover everything up? And why?

And someone is setting a dog onto teenagers – criminals early in their careers. Seemingly a vigilante is operating, doing what the police won’t. And, as usual, Gray’s complex personal life interferes with his job.

Who is the baby? Why was it hidden? What lives will be shattered by Gray’s investigation?

Review

The Silent Dead is book 6 in the Solomon Gray series by Keith Nixon. To enjoy this book you don’t necessarily need to have read the rest of the series but it would certainly help you understand Sol’s personal situation. The great thing is the author very nicely links back to past events so a new reader can get an idea of what has happened whilst also keeping the loyal readers hooked.. you get sucked in..it brings everything back.. I found myself playing out bits and pieces in my head remembering the past events in Sols life… it sticks with you.

So Sol once again has his work cut out for him when a baby is found…but the poor little thing has been dead for years.. but how did they die and why was the death hidden for so long.

There’s twists and turns and dark secrets come out left, right and centre.. the author plays with you.. always misdirecting your thoughts..keeping the truth tantalizingly close until the right moment! Loved it.

Let’s just say a few people have their lives turned upside down from these events.

Sol has his personal life to deal with too and more than one stained work relationship causing him a headache. I really love this side to the story, not only does it increase the suspense, it also delivers in bucket load the character development I always yearn for.

The Silent Dead is the perfect thriller.. it’s packed with some cracking moments when the action hits. There’s also quite a harrowing side to the tale that will stick with you long after you’ve finished.

If you like thrillers this books for you… if you like suspense this books for you.. if you like police procedural novels this books for you.. if you want a heart wrenching plot this is for you.. if you want.. oh you get my drift ha. I can’t see anyone not loving this book.

Let’s talk characters for a moment.. Sol in particular.. while the ensemble cast certainly play their part well it’s Sol who sticks with you.. as he should.. he’s flawed.. he’s dealing with a lot of past pain and it shows sometimes when he really needs to step back.. but that’s what I love about the guy.. it’s real.. I’ve make errors.. I’ve needed to apologise at times.. but I always have the best intentions.. that’s Sol.. I identify with this character as I can see his thought process and would act the same as he does and this connection will keep me coming back time and time again.

I know from the author’s notes that Sol will be back.. just not soon.. While that’s hard to take I can’t wait to see what Keith comes up with next.

My rating – 5/5 Stars

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