Never Ask The Dead

Book Blurb: When only the dead have the answers, who can tell you the truth? DI Owen Sheen and DC Aoife McCusker are back working on the reformed Serious Historic Offences Team in Belfast, although the hands-on approach of the chief constable and the political agendas at play are a struggle to manage. And that’s before a cryptic message from a retired, and now missing, cop begins to prey on Sheen’s mind. The note Tom ‘Tucker’ Rodgers sent says that they killed his friend, and now they’re coming for him.

Sheen and Aoife’s search for Tucker and the truth places them on the path of the most highly placed IRA double agent of the Troubles, as well as another man with an old score to settle…

‘Never Ask the Dead’ is the third book by Gary Donnelly in the DI Sheen series. Born in Belfast, and raised in largely in London, DI Owen Sheen, has vowed that he will never to return to Ireland since the loss of his brother in a bombing during the height of The Troubles in Belfast, many years previously.

In the DI Sheen series, the past is never far away and indeed the events of the past are having clear repercussions today. Despite the movement towards peace, those echoes are ever present and for that reason the Serious Historic Offences Team (SHOT) has been created to deal with the resulting cases. Sheen is in charge of this unit and leading his rather motley crew.

This time around, their boss the Chief Constable has tasked the team with investigating the deaths of three members of the IRA in Cyprus, suspected to be planning a bombing. The SAS has been found responsible but with the government to be reformed in Northern Ireland, the case in being reviewed. And, then a walk-in, throws a fairly hefty spanner in the works by suggesting that a double agent may have been involved ……

The descriptions of the city of Belfast and surrounding countryside are incredibly colourful and vivid and it is easy for the reader to imagine themselves walking the streets. Equally the characters are well developed and I found myself caring for Aoife and the outcome of the case which is not often the situation in a crime/thriller.

In summary: An utterly engrossing and exciting thriller and I will be catching up on the first two books in the series.
Many thanks to to Netgalley for the ARC.

Title: Never Ask The Dead

Author: Gary Donnelly

All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)

Book Blurb: Darkness is coming…

Inspector Logan McRae was looking forward to a nice simple case – something to ease him back into work after a year off on the sick. But the powers-that-be have other ideas…

The high-profile anti-independence campaigner, Professor Wilson, has gone missing, leaving nothing but bloodstains behind. There’s a war brewing between the factions for and against Scottish Nationalism. Infighting in the police ranks. And it’s all playing out in the merciless glare of the media. Logan’s superiors want results, and they want them now.

Someone out there is trying to make a point, and they’re making it in blood. If Logan can’t stop them, it won’t just be his career that dies.

The most recent addition to the Logan McRae series is definitely the best yet. Set in Aberdeen, (the only place to rival the county of Midsomer for serial killers and astronomical body counts), our hero is working for Professional Standards in Police Scotland and is a Inspector. He is surrounded by the usual motley crew:
Sergeant Roberta Steel (formerly DCI) – a contender for the rudest and most politically incorrect character in crime fiction, Steel nevertheless remains a firm favourite with me. I was originally shocked by her behaviour but I have become somewhat immune and now just enjoy the dark humour in each novel and wonder what she will utter next. Despite her attitude, she delivers some of the best one liners.

Detective Sergeant Simon Rennie – when we first met Rennie, he was a mere DC and had joined McRae was part of the “screwup squad” run by Steel. He is now a DS and part of the PS team. He considers himself to be the best sidekick that McRae could ever have and is rather thick but he does try his best.
And finally, my favourite of the crew, DC Stewart “Tufty” Quirrel – the lovably daft member of the team. I’m not sure how Tufty has survived this long in the series, without someone (mainly Logan) attempting to kill him. But “I is Tufty” is hilarious and his ability to ignore the obvious and focus on the topic that interest to him, serves as comic relief to the seriousness of the investigation.

In ‘All That’s Dead’, Logan has been assigned to support the unfortunate DI Frank King as he investigates to disappearance of a well-known professor. As always, the case is not as straightforward as it initially appears and soon we learn of several subsequent disappearances – the only connection between the victims being their pro-union stance. There is definitely a more political edge to this book than in previous novels, but only from the perspective of several characters, and the author does not attempt to force any opinions on the readers.

This is a gripping tale with plenty of twists to hold the readers attention and quite a few moments that grab you by the throat and do not let go.

According to the author Stuart MacBride, he approached the first book in the series, Cold Granite as “Mind you, I wanted Cold Granite to read as if it was from the middle of a series (lots of events from the past that are never explained) so you should be able to dip in and out in any order you fancy.” And this remains true, whether you read one of the novellas or start with #12.

The stories listed in in chronological order (including the short stories and novella) are as follows: Cold Granite, Dying Light, Broken Skin, Flesh House, Blind Eye, Dark Blood, DI Steel’s Bad Heir Day, Shatter The Bones, Stramash, Close to the Bone, The 45% Hangover, 22 Dead Little Bodies, The Missing and the Dead, In the Cold Dark Ground, Now we are Dead, The Blood Road and the most recent Logan novel, All That’s Dead.

Title: All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)

Author: Stuart MacBride

Rating:  

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Shadow Man

Book Blurb: The brand new crime thriller from the bestselling author of the Perfect series – Helen Fields is back with her first stand-alone novel! He collects his victims. But he doesn’t keep them safe.

Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are locked in a flat. They don’t know where they are, and they don’t know why they’re there. They only know that the shadow man has taken them, and he won’t let them go.

Desperate to escape, the three of them must find a way out of their living hell, even if it means uncovering a very dark truth. Because the shadow man isn’t a nightmare. He’s all too real. And he’s watching.

‘The Shadow Man’ by Helen Fields is a new novel, that does not form part of the popular ‘DI Callanach’ police procedural series, but runs along a similar vein as two characters investigate a series of terrible kidnappings that may also be linked a to brutal murder.

Fields delivers a sucker punch in the opening pages and the pace continues rapidly, while the punches do not let up. The story can be decidedly graphic at times, especially when dealing with the victims trying to avoid upsetting their captor. The storyline follows the investigation as lead by DI Baarda from the Metropolitan police and the assistance of Dr Connie Woolwine, a profiler from the US. The pair made a strong team, with Woolwine being the good abrasive of the two and playing upto the stereotype of the brass, uncompromising American. I found this aspect of the characterisation interesting – it is a turnabout on the usual play of the male character being the more difficult of the pair and while I did not like Woolwine,

I did enjoy how the pair worked together. The kidnapper is truly disturbed and the syndrome described in the novel adds both an unusual and compelling layer to the storyline. I will definitely to looking out for another investigation with Woolwine and Barda.

Many thanks to Fields, Netgalley & Avon for allowing me to read an ARC of ‘The Shadow Man’ in return for an honest review.

Title: The Shadow Man

Author: Helen Field

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Mr. Right Across the Street

Such a sweet and wonderfully distracting story, perfect for the miserable winter days with it's cheerful, uplifting storyline. The story focuses on Mia and Luke, who are (as the title suggests) living across the street from each other. Initially Mia is unsure about this potential Mr. Right, who approaches her via a note left in the window.  

As I've mentioned, this is a light-hearted tale and not to be taken seriously as at times found Mia's attitude of "I'm not a typical girl as I don't wear make-up/dresses etc". And her nicknames for her neighbors are both humorous and accurate.  With plenty of laughs, this is the perfect, feel good read for current times.

Title: Mr. Right Across the Street
Author: Kathryn Freeman
Rating: 

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Night Hawks (Dr. Ruth Galloway #13)

Book blurb: Dr Ruth Galloway returns to the moody and beautiful landscape of North Norfolk to confront another killer. A devastating new case for our favourite forensic archaeologist in this acclaimed and bestselling crime series.
The Night Hawks, a group of metal detectorists, are searching for buried treasure when they find a body on the beach in North Norfolk. At first Nelson thinks that the dead man might be an asylum seeker but he turns out to be a local boy, Jem Taylor, recently released from prison. Ruth is more interested in the treasure, a hoard of Bronze Age weapons. Nelson at first thinks that Taylor’s death is accidental drowning, but a second death suggests murder.
Nelson is called to an apparent murder-suicide of a couple at the isolated Black Dog Farm. Local legend talks of the Black Shuck, a spectral hound that appears to people before they die. Nelson ignores this, even when the owner’s suicide note includes the line, ‘He’s buried in the garden.’ Ruth excavates and finds the body of a giant dog.
All roads lead back to this farm in the middle of nowhere, but the place spells serious danger for anyone who goes near. Ruth doesn’t scare easily. Not until she finds herself at Black Dog Farm.

‘The Night Hawks’ marks a welcome return to the world of archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway and is the 13th addition to the highly successful series and by Elly Griffiths.

I’ve read a number of the series but have missed out on some of the more recent books, so it was with joy that I sat down to catch up on the adventures of some old friends in Norfolk this weekend. And yes, reading a Ruth Galloway novel, does indeed feel like a return to a place of comfort – this is not a negative but a compliment to the author as she has a knack for catching the reader’s attention with both an engaging plotline and enjoyable characters.

A few brief sentences scattered throughout the novel are sufficient background for old readers and newcomers alike to quickly orientate themselves with the characters and their history. There is also just enough of the past plotline referenced so that readers will be curious and want to investigate the previous stories. A nice touch from the author as one of my pain points when new to a series is trying to catch up without having to either wade through lots of background material or alternatively feeling lost until I start ‘googling’. Griffiths is skilled enough to avoid this error and whet our appetites for more. She has also included a handy appendix called “Who Is Who” at the end of the story, just in case any further clarity if required.There are plenty of humorous moments scattered thoughout the story such as when Ruth is considering Nelson’s possible reaction to some comments by Cathbad, or how she has reacted to become the Head of Dept and at least she hasn’t introduced Flint (her cat) to the staff. At times, there is a sense of wry commentary from the author when she is voicing the character of Ruth. And Ruth is a strong character who has adapted her life since we first met her back in ‘The Crossing Places’. She has become a mum, changed jobs, moved country and finally decided to return to where she feels most comfortable. She is also more confident, though her relationship with Nelson and feeling towards him, will always be, difficult.

As always, there are plenty of bones in the story – a group of amateur archaeologists called the Night Hawks have come across a body (recent) along with some bones and swords on the local beach. Ruth is called in to excavate the site and after confirming that the body is indeed recent death, DCI Nelson and team, commence their murder hunt. It’s not long before a few more victims are found, and the investigation becomes increasingly complicated as science and legends clash. Meanwhile, Ruth is concerned about her new colleague who seems to be involved with the murder case and there are some local myths which are proving to be less myth and more fact! There are several layers to the murder story but each one is neatly woven together, leading to a satisfactory conclusion to the case. The twist in the story comes courtesy of Nelson and his need to make a decision about his future – something that will keep fans guessing and waiting excitedly for the next book.

For the previous Galloway books, I’ve listened to the e-audio version and I found that I was much more engaged with the storyline when reading this e-book. For me, the story suits the format of reading and I will continue with this approach in future.

To summarise: ‘The Night Hawks’ is an entertaining, read a story of murder with lots of laughter.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Title: The Night Hawks (Dr. Ruth Galloway #13)

Author: Elly Griffiths

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Midwinter Murder (A Collection of Short Stories)

It was the night before Christmas Eve, snow was falling, and I had a copy of Agatha Christie’s ‘Midwinter Murder’, a collection of her entertaining short stories, each featuring a grizly murder (or two), set around the festive season. My idea of a perfect Christmas evening. 🎄

Starting with “the greatest detective in the world”, Hercule Poirot, the following 12 stories are included in the volume:

– Three Blind Mice
– The Chocolate Box (Poirot)
– A Christmas Tragedy (Marple)
– The Coming of Mr Quin (Quin)
– The Clergyman’s Daughter/Red House (Tommy & Tuppence)
– The Plymouth Express (Poirot)
– Problem at Pollensa Bay (Pyne) à
– Sanctuary (Marple)
– The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge (Hastings)
– The World’s End (Quin)
– The Manhood of Edward Robinson
– Christmas Adventure (Poirot)

And so we have a mix of Poirot, Ms. Marple, Tommy & Tuppence and the unusual Mr. Quin. Typically, as in any collection, some tales are of a higher quality than others.

In summary: an enjoyable read. Particularly good for anyone who is looking for an introduction to the world of Christie. Loved the setting of Christmas/winter and the challenge of creating a complex mystery in a short story.

Title: Midwinter Murder

Author: Agatha Christie

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elephants Can Remember (A Hercule Poirot Mystery, #40)

Book Blurb: Hercule Poirot stood on the cliff-top. For here, many years earlier, there had been a tragic accident – the broken body of a woman was discovered on the rocks at the foot of the cliff. This was followed by the grisly discovery of two more bodies – a husband and wife – shot dead. But who had killed whom? Was it a suicide pact? A crime of passion? Or cold-blooded murder? Poirot delves back into a crime committed 15 years earlier and discovers that, when there is a distinct lack of physical evidence, it’s just as well that ‘old sins leave long shadows.’Mrs. Ariadne Oliver and Hercule Poirot, twins, a mysterious murder/suicide, half-forgotten tales and an overbearing woman. ‘Elephants Can Remember’ has all of the ingredients for a wonderfully, classic Agatha Christie mystery. Yet, I had solved the mystery before I was half way through the story. This is not supposed to happen with a Hercule Poirot story. I enjoy being challenged by all of the red herrings and little mysteries along the way. Being able to guess the resolution so easily was hugely disappointing.

The idea of Poirot investigating a ‘murder in retrospect‘ is a fascinating idea as the reader learns of how memories can change and be influenced over time – something that be perfectly true, regardless of the location or time.

I enjoy how Mrs. Oliver refers to “elephants” when carrying out her investigation. She is a truly hilarious character, and a great counterpart to Poirot, with her creative and scatty outlook. I look forward to reading another novel where she features.

In summary: Certainly not the greatest of Christie’s novels but overall a reasonable read. If another author was responsible, then I would probably give a higher rating, but where Christie is concerned, the standard is always far higher.

Title: Elephants Can Remember

Author: Agatha Christie

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Rather Be the Devil (Inspector Rebus, #21)

Book Blurb: Some cases never leave you. For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria’s killer has never been found.

Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking?

I’m a long-term fan of the John Rebus series but I need to catchup on the last couple of books before I start to read ‘A Song for the Dark Times’, #23 in the phenomenal series.

John has now retired from his role in Police Scotland, due to his declining health and rather than relax and find a new hobby, he has decided to turn his attention to cold cases. In particular, the unsolved murder case of Marie Turquand, who was killed at the Caledonian Hotel, 40 years previously. The case comes to mind when dining with Deborah Quant at the hotel. Ah Rebus, you old romantic!

Unable to access the police file without assistance, Rebus turns to his old cohort, Siobhan Clarke. Clarke in turn is busy investigating a vicious assault on local business man (gangster) Darryl Christie. Meanwhile, rising star Malcolm Fox returns to Edinburgh to investigate Christie and his incredibly dodgy finances.

As with all Rebus books, there are multiple layers to the story and I did find that as I was listening to an audio book, I could become distracted easily while out walking, so needed to reply a few pieces to ensure that I was fully aware of all elements of the storyline. Having said that, James McPherson has a wonderful voice for the story and embodies the character of Rebus, extremely well. Took me a few moments to realise that I recognised his voice from playing ‘Mike Jardine’ in ‘Taggart’ many years ago.

Despite the rather grim storylines, there is plenty of humour to be found in the novel and much of this is due to Rebus’s attitude and conversations with those around him. Not to mention his frequent references to music, which are an enjoyable education in itself.

Title: Rather Be The Devil (Inspector Rebus, #21)

Author: Ian Rankin

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Who are the ‘Survivors’?

Book Blurb:

Coming home dredges up deeply buried secrets…

Kieran Elliott’s life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences.

The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal community he once called home.

Kieran’s parents are struggling in a town where fortunes are forged by the sea. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn.

When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away… 

Within the opening pages, Harper sweeps you away into the world of Evelyn Bay, a fictional town situated in Tasmania, an island state of located, south of the Australian mainland. Seamlessly weaving the events of twelve years ago with the present days, Harper tells her tale through the eyes of Kieran Elliott. Kieran is a local man who has recently returned with his partner and baby has an extended absence of two years from the town. They have reluctantly returned to help Kiernan’s mother pack up the house and prepare for his father to move into a care home. Understandably, this is not an experience that the family welcome. But Kieran has other reasons for his disclination to visit.

Twelve years ago, a horrendous storm hit the Bay and Kierna’s older brother Finn and his business partner, Toby died while trying to rescue Kiernan who was caught in the local caves. A young girl called Gabby also went missing during the storm and was never found. The rumour mill has never quite stopping running and Kiernan moved to Sydney to escape, now he is back in the middle of it all again. And to add to his troubles, a young student called Bronte has gone missing – this time around Toby’s son and his father are the prime suspects. With tension building and old secrets threatening to unravel, Kiernan and his partner Mia are faced with the horror of discovering both the true behind what truly happened 12 years ago and who really killed Bronte.

Alternative cover for The Survivors

Harper has a gift for painting such a vivid picture of the locations that she creates and this time around is no different. I can actually imagine myself in Evelyn Bay and smell the salty, cold sea air. The images that she crafts of small town life, where tourism is the main industry, seem to echo those that I know and the reader can easily find themselves becoming increasingly drawn into the storyline. The characters are also very likeable, which helps here and the portrayal of Brian’s descent into dementia and the impact on the family is both accurate and painful to read. With such a thoughtful and nuanced approach, I find Harper’s work is moved from being one of the more ‘pulpy’ thrillers and into a more literary work. She also leaves us with a fundamental question – while we ‘meet’ the Survivors sculpture of the novel, who really are the survivors of this tale. That’s a thought that will stay with me for some time.

Another amazing tale from the award-winning Australian author Jane Harper.

Title: The Survivors

Author: Jane Harper

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Island

Book Blurb: Lost meets The Hunger Games in the thrilling new young adult novel from C.L. Taylor, the Sunday Times and million-copy bestselling author.

Welcome to The Island.
Where your worst fears are about to come true… It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare.

Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re coming true.

Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I’ve read several books by C.L. Taylor but this is the first time that I’ve read one of her youth adult books.
The Island tells the highly charged tale of six teenagers on holidays with their respective families, when they embark a week long ‘survival trek’ to a near by island with an experienced guide. The six friends have known each other all of their lives as their parents met at an NCT baby group and have been holidaying together ever since. We soon learn of the divisions within the group, but these appear to be the natural disharmony that occur overtime, especially as the group are growing up and developing their own interests.

For any modern teenager, it would quite possibly seem challenging to spend a week without their various forms of technology and access to social media – this is certainly a fear for any of the group except for Jefferson, (the birthday boy) a survivalist guru excited for the experience. And so, the story is set for some trouble ahead.

Taylor does not waste any time in plunging the reader straight into the mindset of her characters and catching our attention immediately with a character discussion their wish to be a psychopath in order to avoid dealing with their own emotions.

We are quickly introduced to the protagonists and the story is told from the point of view of Jessie (first person), Danny (third person) and Honor (first person). This is one of the strengths of the novel as we are given the opportunity to hear the voice of the teenager and their individual response to the challenges that they face. Despite being only 16, they must react as adult and have both their physical and mental health tested. This is a particular challenge for Jessie because we soon health of the death of ‘Tom’ – though it is only though slow revelations that we discover the truth about Tom and Jessie’s role in his death. Several characters have to deal with a great depth of mental anguish and I think that that author has addressed numerous problems facing teenagers today such as depression, grief, gender awareness, self-harm and bullying.

The claustrophobic atmosphere created by the jungle is used to build up the senses of fear and tension – along with providing a place of mystery for the group. They cannot determine if the jungle is a place of safety or should be avoided. Yet, they rely on the jungle for water and food.

In summary: I read this story in one go and I would hugely recommend – yes, there are trigger warnings for difficult topics but this book also opens up the opportunity to discuss these topics aswell. It is fast-paced, exciting and provides and intriguing insight into the thought process of being a teenager in 2020.

Title: The Island

Author: C.L. Taylor

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.