The Daves Next Door by Will Carver

Today is my last tour stop of what has been a busy reading and reviewing month, for me anyway. But I'm going out with a bang! Today it's the turn of The Daves Next Door by Will Carver. Now, having read a few of Will's previous books I knew it was probably going to be a mind blowing read and... it was! Big thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me on the tour and to publisher for my review copy. 

The Blurb

A disillusioned nurse suddenly learns how to care.

An injured young sportsman wakes up to find that he can see only in black and white.

A desperate old widower takes too many pills and believes that two angels have arrived to usher him through purgatory.

Two agoraphobic men called Dave share the symptoms of a brain tumour, and frequently waken their neighbour with their ongoing rows.

Separate lives, running in parallel, destined to collide and then explode. Like the suicide bomber, riding the Circle Line, day after day, waiting for the right time to detonate, waiting for answers to his questions: Am I God? Am I dead? Will I blow up this train?

Shocking, intensely emotive and wildly original, Will Carver’s The Daves Next Door is an explosive existential thriller and a piercing examination of what it means to be human … or not. 

My Review

Having read four of Will Carver's previous books, beginning with the outstanding Nothing Important Happened Today at the end of 2019, as well as being mind blowing and unpredictable, as mentioned above, they have been nigh on impossible to review! Well, again, this one is no different. I honestly have no idea were to start. 

A summary, I'll start with a summary! A small group of strangers, with no connection, will find themselves inextricably linked. Saul, mourning a lost love and attempting suicide, the sportsman - we never know his name or his sport, Vashti, a jaded nurse who finds herself beginning to care again, the Daves of the title and our narrator, who might be God or a terrorist or just simply our narrator. Or all three. We meet each of them, and a small cast of supporting characters, over the course of a few days, culminating in life changing events for all of them. 

The chapters are short and sharp, keeping things rattling along. They are written in the present tense, giving a feeling of immediacy, and in the third person, except those from the point of view of Narrator/God/Terrorist, which are in the second person, addressing the reader directly. I've seen this in the author's earlier books too and it is very effective. Sometimes, it's quite aggressive. Here, our Narrator/God/Terrorist asks constant questions, forcing the reader to really think. About the small stuff - Diagnosis Murder gets a mention, the huge subjects and questions about the story so far. 

All the characters are interesting and incredibly well written. Standouts would be Saul, heartbroken after the death of his wife and confused by the angels he finds in his home and Vashti, tired and worn down by her work, as are many of her colleagues and, of course, as are so many of our actual NHS workers. And a shout out for the Daves, the most inspired, in my opinion, of this collection of creations. 

The Daves Next Door is brilliantly written - 'Time passes. Haemophilic seconds bleeding furiously into seconds that feel like weeks...', darkly 

comic in places and full of fascinating characters. It discusses big issues - racism, religion, radicalisation, apathy, addiction to social media, lack of engagement with the real world, what it is to feel, what it is to be human. It is not an easy, relaxing read. It questions, shocks, confronts and challenges. And it's absolutely worth the effort. 


The Author

Will Carver is the international bestselling author of the January David series. He spent his early years in Germany, but returned to the UK at age eleven, when his sporting career took off. He turned down a professional rugby contract to study theatre and television at King Alfred’s, Winchester, where he set up a successful theatre company. He currently runs his own fitness and nutrition company, and lives in Reading with his two children. Will’s most recent title, prior to this one, published by Orenda Books, The Beresford came out last July. His previous title, Hinton Hollow Death Trip, was longlisted for the Not the Booker Prize, while Nothing Important Happened Today was longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Good Samaritans was book of the year in the Guardian, Telegraph and Daily Express, and hit number one on the ebook charts.

Dead Money by Keith Nixon

Today I'm shining my spotlight on Dead Money, the second book in the DI  Jonah Pennance, by Keith Nixon. You can read my review of the first in the series, Blood Sentence, here, and if you search under Keith's name on the blog you'll find reviews of many of his earlier books too. My thanks to Zoe at Zooloo's Book Tours for the invitation and to the publisher for my review copy.

 

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…


Buy Link - https://geni.us/AIBnWQ

My Review

DI Jonah Pennance is new to the National Crime Agency and immediately sent to work with the City of London police force looking into a bizarre death. And he soon crosses paths with his old colleague Simone Smithson. As the investigation develops and evidence mounts against Simone for involvement in the crime, Pennance is determined to prove her innocence...  

Pennance is a good, stand up guy - one you can always see coming as he stands taller than everybody else! He's an imposing presence but the police teams he's working with soon learn he's worth keeping on their side. The investigation is deep and multi-layered and delves into the underside of the corporate world. Keith Nixon has clearly done his research for this book. It's packed with fascinating information about post mortems, religious practices, economics, NFTs and crypto currency. It's all really interesting stuff but I did feel at times there was a bit too much information as it took away from the pace of the story. But things really pick up towards the end and get very exciting and tense. 

Dead Money is a fascinating look at bizarre deaths and corporate crime. It's a little detail heavy but tense in the latter half and overall a good read. Looking forward to the next one.

The Author

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)


Author Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithnixonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_nixon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/knntom
Website: www.keithnixon.co.uk

Deep Water by Emma Bamford

We're heading for even warmer weather in today's blog tour stop but there are stormy times ahead. I'm pleased to share my book review of Deep Waters by Emma Bamford. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton on behalf of Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for my invitation and to the publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

The dark side of paradise is exposed when a terrified couple reveals their daunting experience on a remote island to their rescuers - only to realize they’re still in the grips of the island’s secrets - in this intense and startling debut. When a Navy vessel comes across a yacht in distress in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean, Captain Danial Tengku orders his ship to rush to its aid. On board the yacht is a British couple: a horribly injured man, Jake, and his traumatized wife, Virginie, who breathlessly confesses, ‘It’s all my fault. I killed them’.

Trembling with fear, she reveals their shocking story to Danial. Months earlier, the couple had spent all their savings on a yacht, full of excitement for exploring the high seas and exotic lands together. Jake and Virginie start at the busy harbours of Malaysia and, through word of mouth, they learn about a tiny, isolated island full of unspoiled beaches. When they arrive, they discover they are not the only visitors and quickly become entangled with a motley crew of expat sailors. Soon, Jake and Virginie’s adventurous dream turns into a terrifying nightmare.

Now, it’s up to Danial to determine just how much truth there is in Virginie’s alarming tale. But when his crew make a shocking discovery, he realizes that if he doesn’t act soon, they could all fall under the dark spell of the island.

My Review

Captain Daniel Tengku rescues Virginie and her badly injured husband Jake from their yacht. Except it's not their yacht. It is some time before Virginie begins to make sense and then we are taken back with her to the beginning of their adventure and all that happens to bring us to this point. And it's all because they decided to visit Amarante, a beautiful, deserted island they have heard about. When they arrive there they find two boats already moored there and another one soon arrives. Things are great for a wee while for this wee group. Until they're not. 

I don't have sea legs. I love the idea of selling up and buying a yacht, it all seems very glamorous, but it wouldn't be for me. I wouldn't like the isolation eother. But bravo to Virginie and Jake who do it. Virginie's recollections go back to them arriving in the Malaysian town of Port Brown full of excitement to collect, fix up and paint their new boat. I enjoyed learning a little about boats and sailing and a little about ocean going superstitions. Virginie and Jake are an engaging couple and I liked being a fly on the wall as they begin their new life. Most of the story happens on the yacht or on Amarante so it has a claustrophobic feel to it. And the folk they meet in the island are a motley crew, very different personalities, hailing from the US, Australia, Brazil and Mozambique. I have a wee soft spot for Roly. And our naval captain, Danial, is a lovely character. 

I can't really say much about the plot without spoilers but it's great. Tense too. I found myself dying to know what on earth has happened to the couple. And as we learn the course of events there are certainly some shocks on the way. I actually stayed up until 3.45am to finish this! And I'm not sure I can give a better recommendation than that. Deep Water is well written, atmospheric and suspenseful with engaging characters. Yup, enjoyed it. Now I'm away to catch up on lost sleep! 

The Author

Emma Bamford, a freelance journalist, is working on an MA in prose fiction at University of East Anglia, UK. She is the author of Deep Water and the memoirs Casting Off and Untie the Lines. Find out more at EmmaBamford.com.

The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney & Ian Rankin

I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for this very special book on its paperback release. The Dark Remains was begun by William McIlvanney before his death and has now been finished by Ian Rankin. Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton on behalf of Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the invitation. I read from my own purchased copy.

The Blurb

Two crime-writing legends join forces for the first ever case of DI Laidlaw: the original gritty Glasgow detective who inspired an entire genre

William McIlvanney’s Laidlaw trilogy changed the face of crime fiction in the 1970s and 1980s, inspiring an entire generation of crime writers including Mark Billiangham, Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre – and Ian Rankin.

When McIlvanney died in 2015, he left half a handwritten manuscript of Laidlaw’s first case – his first new novel in 25 years. Now, Ian Rankin is back to finish what McIlvanney started.

In The Dark Remains, these two iconic authors bring to life the criminal world of 1970s Glasgow, and the relentless quest for truth.

'[William McIlvanney] kicked the door open so the likes of Ian Rankin,
Denise Mina and me could sneak through behind him' - Val McDermid

With his iconic Laidlaw trilogy, McIlvanney launched a new genre – introducing to the world the original Glasgow detective with a knowledge of the streets, and an equal love of alcohol and philosophy.

McIlvanney’s books fell out of print in the 1990s, and he believed himself forgotten; it was only when they were republished in 2013 to huge acclaim, that he realised the esteem in which he was held by his fellow writers. He was inspired to start writing again and began The Dark Remains – left unfinished on his death in 2015, and which Ian Rankin has now completed.

My Review

This was quite a poignant read. I didn't come to the Scottish Crime scene until after the death of William McIlvanney and have only read the first of his Laidlaw trilogy. But I know what an inspiration he was to many successful Scottish crime writers today. I have heard Ian Rankin speak a couple of times about the writing of this book - the pages and pages of hand written notes forming the basis of The Dark Remains and the responsibility Rankin felt to keep the tone right, make sure that it was still a William McIlvanney book, as a long time fan and friend. 

It's 1972 Glasgow. A dodgy lawyer is found dead and the police need to solve the crime before a gang war breaks out across the city. The Dark Remains is the prequel to the Laidlaw trilogy and introduces us to the newest member of the Glasgow Crime Squad, DC Jack Laidlaw. A cop good at the job but definitely not a team player. Laidlaw likes to work the streets and has no time for playing nice with his colleagues. 

 

Jack Laidlaw is a strong character. He's married with kids but doesn't seem particularly suited to it. He feels older than he is to me, I think because of the way he speaks. He reads a lot of philosophy and the like and speaks accordingly - not someone who fits in. He's short with his colleagues, downright rude to some of them, particularly his superior, which is entertaining. As is watching DI Milligan take it. The investigation sees Laidlaw ignore commands he feels are a waste of time and follow his own inquiries. He understands people, I think. 

The story is well written and satisfying, focusing a lot on the personalities involved. We are fully immersed in the 70s, cigarette smoke and whisky. It's very atmospheric and evocative. But what is really magic is that half the book was written by one very talented writer and finished by another years later. Half written scenes and conversations completed, sections written from original notes. And it's impossible to tell who wrote what. In fact, at one of events I mentioned above, Ian Rankin read a section from the book and asked the audience to guess which bits he wrote and which were written by McIlvanney. The majority of us got them the wrong way round! I had my copy of Laidlaw to hand when I was ready this and referred to it several times while reading this one, and the tone in the new one is the same, just so. For me, The Last Remains is a triumph and in keeping with the original books.  

The Authors

William McIlvanney is the author of the award-winning Laidlaw trilogy, featuring Glasgow’s original maverick detective. He died in December 2015.

Both Laidlaw and The Papers of Tony Veitch gained Silver Daggers from the Crime Writers’ Association, while the third in the series, Strange Loyalties, won the Herald’s People’s Prize.

The McIlvanney Prize, named in his honour in 2016, is awarded annually for the best Scottish crime novel of the year.

Ian Rankin is the number one bestselling author of the Inspector Rebus series. The Rebus books have been translated into thirty-six languages and are bestsellers worldwide.

He is the recipient of four Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards, including the prestigious Diamond Dagger, and in 2002 he received an OBE for services to literature and in 2022 he was knighted. He lives in Edinburgh. You can find out more about Ian's work on his website ianrankin.net and he's also on Twitter @beathhigh. 

The Liar's Promise by Mark Tilbury

I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for The Liar's Promise by Mark Tilbury which was re-launched yesterday by Red Dragon Publishing. The Liar's Promise was one of the earliest books to feature on this blog way back in April 2018 and I'm re-sharing my review from then today. I notice I waffled a lot less back then!

 

The Blurb

How does a mother protect her child from the unknown?

During a visit to a local theatre, four-year-old Chloe Hollis becomes hysterical. But her mother, Mel, doesn’t realise that this is just the beginning of the nightmare. In the coming weeks, Chloe talks of The Tall Man - Of death.

At her wit's end, Mel confides in Charles Honeywell, the headmaster at the school where she works. But what Mel doesn’t know is that Honeywell is linked to what is happening to her daughter.

Will Mel learn the terrible truth? And can she overcome her own tragic past and save her daughter before it’s too late?

The Liar’s Promise is a story of past lives and future torment.

My Review

OMG! What a book!

I wasn't sure about getting this book as my To Be Read list was so huge, but it really appealed to me. And, gosh, I am so pleased I did - I was hooked from beginning to end!

Four year old Chloe has a fit and refuses to watch the pantomime at the local theatre. She starts talking about the threat of the 'Tall Man' and other strange things. Desperate, her mother confides in the headmaster of the school she teaches in. But is he the right man to talk to?

I thought this was a very original story - certainly not like anything else I've read. The characters and situations are richly described. It features a Shakespeare fanatic, colour coded freezers and a horrific, deadly game. I can't really say much more without revealing spoilers!

There was nothing I didn't like about this book - an absolutely cracking read. A word of warning though - it is quite gruesome in parts, definitely not for the faint hearted. But I loved it and look forward to reading more by this author.

Edited Since then I've read another six (I think) of Mark's books and enjoyed them all. You can find my reviews on the blog by searching under Mark's name.


The Author

Mark lives in a small village in the lovely county of Cumbria, although his books are set in Oxfordshire where he was born and raised.

After being widowed and raising his two daughters, Mark finally took the plunge and self-published two books on Amazon, The Revelation Room and The Eyes of the Accused. Since then he has gone from strength to strength.

When he's not writing, Mark can be found playing guitar, reading and walking.

Where Demons Hide by Douglas Skelton

Where Demons Hide, the new book in the Rebecca Connolly series, by Douglas Skelton was published this time last week. I am delighted to share my review of this excellent book.

The Blurb

Something scared Nuala Flaherty to death. When her body is found in the centre of a pentagram on a lonely moor, Rebecca is determined to find out what. Was she killed by supernatural means, or is there a more down-to-earth explanation?

Rebecca’s investigation leads her to a mysterious cult and local drug dealings. But what she doesn’t know is that crime matriarch Mo Burke still has her in her crosshairs. Mo wants payback for the death of her son, and after one failed attempt to hurt Rebecca, she is upping the ante. And this time, it could be lethal.

My Review 

I have read several of Douglas's books and loved them all. Where Demons Hide is the fourth book in the Rebecca Connolly series following Thunder Bay, The Blood Is Still and A Rattle of Bones. As with any series, you might have a richer reading experience if you start at the beginning. Having said that, Where Demons Hide works perfectly as a standalone - everything you need to know is there, but not overdone for those coming to this from the previous books. 

Rebecca Connolly is a young journalist based in Inverness working for a news agency, writing freelance pieces for local and national newspapers, magazines and TV companies. She's had it tough, as Skelton has fair put her through the wringer in the previous books, but things are calmer now and she's looking forward to her best friends' wedding. Trouble is, the wedding is on the island of Stoirm - pronounced 'Stirrum' - a place that holds bad memories for Rebecca, and possibly enemies too. A week before the wedding a woman is found dead in mysterious circumstances in the woods on Stoirm. Rebecca investigates from the mainland, ably assisted by Chaz and Alan on the island itself. But, unbeknownst to Rebecca, trouble is also brewing near to home...

The opening chapter is breathtaking, drawing the reader in immediately. It's dark, atmospheric and scary. I'm not sure I took a breath for the whole chapter as I became immersed in it, the woman's fear seeping through the pages, the nod to the supernatural and the dark arts. Very evocative. 

The storyline is dark and troubling. Who are the mysterious Children of the Dell? Commune? Cult? Something else? And who is The Father, who only the chosen few have met? Delia has been happy with the Children for a good while, having given everything she had up to them when she joined, as was required. But now, a visitor to the island has put doubts in her mind about it all...

Rebecca is fab. As mentioned above, things haven't been easy for her but she's still here. She's resilient, tenacious and determined. And always looking for a story. I adore Elspeth, Rebecca's boss. She has discovered her true sexuality in later life, doesn't give a stuff what she looks like or what she says. She doesn't really seem to have a filter. The final woman I must mention is Mo Burke, a woman broken and twisted by grief, who refuses to believe what deep down she knows to be true and, instead, turns her grief into hatred for Rebecca. And I also have to mention Seb - in whom, looks wise (only), Douglas has pretty much created my ideal man! After Jason Momoa, obviously. 

There's always some humour in Douglas Skelton's work and there is plenty to be found here, more than in some of the previous books in the series. My favourite was 'He hadn't reached full drunkenness but he was definitely on the inebriation express.' And these humorous moments are very welcome between the more sinister ones. Douglas has once again used the wild beauty of the Scottish highlands and islands in his scene setting and it is often in these instances  that so the story feels at its most foreboding. Conversely, some of the Inverness action happens in a pub, so well described, I know I wouldn't want to go in it! 

For all its good humour and light touches, Where Demons Hide is a beautifully written tale of the worst of humanity, of grief, anger, hate, greed and desperation and will send a shiver down your spine more than once. Douglas Skelton is such a talented writer of crime fiction and I am delighted we've got more Rebecca to look forward to and excited for his first historical crime thriller, An Honourable Thief, coming in September. 

The Author

Douglas Skelton was born in Glasgow. He has been a bank clerk, tax officer, taxi driver (for two days), wine waiter (for two hours), journalist and investigator. He has written several true crime and Scottish criminal history books but now concentrates on fiction. Thunder Bay (longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year 2019), The Blood Is Still, A Rattle of Bones (longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize 2022) and Where Demons Hide are the first four novels in the bestselling Rebecca Connolly thriller series.

Dark Objects by Simon Toyne

Today is my stop on the blog tour for the sinister Dark Objects by Simon Toyne. Big thanks to Tracy Fenton, on behalf of Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the invitation and to the publisher for my review copy.

 

The Blurb

‘Count to three,’ her mother told her, the last words she would ever speak. A wealthy woman is found brutally murdered in the locked fortress of her London mansion. Surrounding her are four mysterious objects, including a book on forensics by Dr Laughton Rees. Pressured by the lead detective to help with the investigation, Laughton begins to realise that the objects left by the body are not just about the victim, they’re also about her. Her childhood was destroyed by one killer. Now she must catch another before her daughter’s is destroyed too.

‘Simon Toyne, already one of the UK’s top thriller writers, really has outdone himself with Dark Objects. It’s intelligent, insanely paced and brimming with fresh ideas – I doubt I’ll read a better book this year’ M.W. Craven

‘A stunning novel! Dark Objects will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And what a masterful voice Toyne brings to his fiction!’ Jeffrey Deaver

 

My Review

This was my first Simon Toyne book so I didn't know what to expect. But the blurb had enticed me in. Happily, I wasn't disappointed, it was a blast - couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Laughton Rees is an expert in criminology and forensics. She only deals with old cases. She has known trauma in her life and is still dealing with its effects every day. DCI Tannahill Khan is heading up the inquiry into the violent murder of a woman who seems to have no past. Her body has been laid out almost ritualistically with objects around her, including a book by Laughton Rees. DCI Khan controversially asks her to consult on the case. She agrees, but she has no idea of what is to come...

Laughton Rees is a really interesting character (with a fabulous name!) shaped by her traumatic path. It was easy to sympathise with her and I found myself worrying for her as the story progressed and things got harder for her. The author  has described her anxieties and rituals very well. I also loved her fractious relationship with her daughter, it felt very real to me. I haven't had a teenage girl but I was one once - a very long time ago! - and I know it was no picnic for my parents. But I also loved Gracie's concern for her mum, how she's had to modify her behaviour so her mum doesn't get anxious - it's a lot for a young girl to take on. Anyway, both characters are beautifully written. I also have to mention Brian Slade - another character so well described, I wanted to punch him in the face! 😂 Made my skin crawl a bit.

I really enjoyed this book. Found myself picking it up every spare few minutes as I was eager to find out what happened next. It's really fast paced, and easy to read. It's written in the present tense which gives it that sense of urgency. And there is always something happening. We see it from three different points of view and it was really interesting reading how the different characters responded to things. The crime scenes described are graphic and disturbing but fit perfectly with the storyline. And what a storyline it is! Full of surprises. 

Dark Objects is a tale of obsession, murder, trauma, confronting the past and maybe a little bit of healing. It's intelligent, twisted, tense and fast moving with some really interesting, diverse characters. I loved it. 

The Author

Simon Toyne is the bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy: Sanctus, The Key and The Tower. He wrote Sanctus after quitting his job as a TV executive to focus on writing. It was the biggest selling debut thriller of 2011 in the UK and an international bestseller. His books have been translated into 27 languages and published in over 50 countries. Simon lives with his family in Brighton and the South of France. @simontoyne

Death in Blitz City by David Young

Happy publication day to David Young for Death in Blitz City, published today by Zaffre. Hope you're celebrating in style, David! What a brilliantly to be sharing my review as part of the blog tour. Big thanks to Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for the invite and to The publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

1942. Hull, East Yorkshire - It is the most heavily-bombed city outside of London - but for the sake of national morale the Hull Blitz is kept top secret. Only the politicians in Whitehall and Hull's citizens themselves know of the true chaos.

Newly-posted Inspector Ambrose Swift cannot believe the devastation he finds. But for Swift and his two deputies - part-time bare-knuckle boxer Jim 'Little' Weighton and Dales farmer's daughter Kathleen Carver - it's murder, not the war, that's at the forefront of their minds.

When a series of sadistic killings is wrongly blamed on locally-stationed black American GIs, Swift, a one-armed former WW1 cavalryman who tours the rubble-strewn city on a white horse, soon discovers these are no ordinary murders. The fetid stench of racism, corruption and perversion go to the very top. And for Swift, Weighton and Carver, finding the real killers means putting their own lives at risk - because powerful forces in the US and Britain cannot let the war effort be undermined. Not even by the truth.

Death in Blitz City is out today from Zaffre.

My Review

I hadn't read any of David Young's previous books and don't tend to read very much historical stuff, but I read the blurb and was sold! I mean, come on, how can you not be? And...I loved it! Didn't know what to expect but found so much to enjoy between the covers.

Hull was very badly damaged by a short campaign of bombings in 1941 and, a year on, the bombs are still dropping. But amidst the rubble, bodies are found with injuries suggesting that it wasn't the blasts that killed these folk. Ambrose Swift and his (very) small team are assigned to investigate the killings, and they discover far, far more than they bargained for, putting their jobs, and maybe their lives, on the line to get to the truth.

Ambrose Swift has come to Hull from London, where he made some waves - we learn more about that as the book progresses. He has no family, just a horse called Blanche, and he uses a prosthetic arm following an injury in the First World War. His sergeant is a huge bear of a man, seemingly very calm and mild mannered when he isn't following the family tradition of bare-knuckle boxing. A family man, he has a broad Hull accent unlike Swift with his posh accent - they make for an intriguing, and unusual pairing. The third member of the team is Women's Auxiliary Police Corps officer Kathleen Carver. Prior to the war, there were only a small handful of Women Police Constables in existence but the outbreak of the war saw the formation of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps. Officers had no police powers but undertook clerical duties and the like. However, intelligent and intuitive, Carver proves herself capable of much more than that, and is a welcome addition to the team.

One of the great things about this book was how much I learned. Of course, I realise it's a work of fiction, but I know from the author notes that it is very much rooted in reality. I had no idea how badly damaged Hull was in the Second World War and can't begin to imagine how that affected the people living there. And, of course, attitudes to so many things were different 80 years ago. The treatment of women for example. So many men felt them inferior, unable to take responsibility, unable to work effectively. Swift's boss, Superintendent Holdridge , summed up that thinking perfectly: 'We only have a handful of female officers in the whole force, and none here in CID, thank God.' And the attitude towards, and treatment of, black people, specifically (in this case), black GIs serving in Hull with the US army. I have to wonder how much things have progressed since then. Of course, these ideas were not held by everyone and our team of Swift Weighton and Carver are pretty progressive in their thinking. And I loved reading all the other  details - blackouts, the dances, 'walking out', the huge amount of tea, suits and fedora hats for plain clothed policemen and police boxes for communication.

The story is horrible, sad and made me angry because, whilst extreme, it has parallels today. It exposes hatred, racism and abuse, together with coercion and corruption. Archie and Theo are heartbreaking - two young American men trying to make better lives for themselves only for their skin colour to hold them back. Sarah and Jessica, too, victims of their circumstances, and their hard lives. Things weren't easy then, and that was without the constant threat of bombings and death.

Given that police work moved slower then, purely because it took so much longer to get things done - no mobiles, no computers, no internet - this is a surprisingly fast moving book. There might not be action on every page, but there is plenty going on and it never once lags.

Death in Blitz City is a fascinating and atmospheric period police procedural with a fabulous trio of protagonists - I really hope we get to see them again. As hinted at above, the subject matter is challenging, important and heartbreaking. And terrifying. The murders are violent (we see more of the aftermath than the crimes themselves) and might not be for everyone. The same with racism - the details are brutal. The story is detailed, well written, clearly well researched, and devastating. It tells of war, hate, rage, abuse, racism and corruption at the highest level. But it also talks of determination, teamwork, integrity, love, hope and unity. As I said in my opening, much to be enjoyed.  Loved it.

The Author

East Yorkshire-born David Young began his East German-set crime series on a creative writing MA at London's City University when Stasi Child - his debut - won the course prize. The novel went on to win the 2016 CWA Historical Dagger, and both it and the 2017 follow-up, Stasi Wolf, were longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. His novels have been sold in eleven territories round the world. Before becoming a full-time author, David was a senior journalist with the BBC's international radio and TV newsrooms for more than 25 years. He writes in his Twickenham garden shed and in a caravan on the Isle of Wight. The Stasi Game, his sixth novel, is available to pre-order now. You can follow him on Twitter @djy_writer

Old Bones Lie by Marion Todd

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Old Bones Lie by Marion Todd. It's the first book of hers I've read but I'm sure it won't be the last. My thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours for the invite and to the publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

DI Clare Mackay is about to face a test of her loyalty…

When a report comes in that a van containing two prison officers and a convicted jewel thief is missing, the police in St Andrews work quickly to locate the vehicle. Their efforts prove in vain when no trace is found and they realise the wives of both officers also appear to have left the area. Is this a case of corrupt guards springing a felon, or innocent people caught in the crossfire?

DI Clare Mackay leads the team but has to do without her right hand man; DS Chris West is a cousin to one of the missing prison officers and must not be involved in the case. With a new sergeant at her side plus a previously unencountered DCI, Clare’s people skills are pushed to the limit. Especially once she realises her boss is keeping her on the sidelines. Just what is it that Clare doesn’t know? And if she has to choose between keeping secrets from a friend, or letting slip something that could see a culprit go free, which path will she take?

A compelling addition to the bestselling series by a much-loved Scottish crime author, perfect for fans of Caro Ramsay, Lin Anderson and Alex Gray.

Old Bones Lie is out tomorrow, published by Canelo Crime. 

My Review

I read the blurb for this book some time ago and it appealed to me. I missed the bit that said it was part of a series so hadn't realised that was the case when I started it. Actually, I didn't find out until I finished it. But, you know what? It made no difference to my reading, or my enjoyment of the book which should give you an idea of how well this worked as a standalone. 

Clare Mackay and her team are tasked with solving the mystery of a missing prison van, containing two prison officers and a prisoner, convicted of the robbery of a jeweller's  shop a year earlier. And Clare's team cannot trace  the officers' wives either. Clare's partner, DS Chris West is related to one of the prison guards and so is removed from the inquiry to look into tractor vandalism on local farms. But before Clare's team can get their teeth into the case of the missing prisoner and guards, Clare has to deal with a new partner, transferred from another station, and a DCI who is brought in, sidelining Clare and her team from the prison mystery, leaving her with another inquiry which Clare is convinced is linked to the prison break and is confused as to why she has been taken off that one... The truth is not what she expected. 

Old Bones Lie is a police procedural but one that involves secrets and lies between officers. People deliberately not told the truth, or not given the full picture. Sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes maybe not. And that all changes the dynamic between teams and team members. Especially with the addition of new personnel, even if they are only temporary. 

Clare was easy to like. She's straight up, fair and kind with her team, but firm when she needs to, determined to get the job done. I loved the glimpses into her home life and her relationship with Al. He used to be her boss and even though they're now sharing a home she still tends to think of him as ' the DCI'. Thought that was super cute. And it was nice to see a main character with a pretty steady home life - doesn't seem to happen very often! It might not have always been the case, of course. I also enjoyed her relationship with Chris. Whilst she's still his boss, the two of them have an easy relationship, and there is a fair bit of humorous banter between them. It was good to have a few lighter moments. I also must mention Max, drafted to be Clare's temporary right hand man, desperate to impress Clare. He's really keen, maybe too keen sometimes, but good at his job. And he makes good coffee, what more do you need?!

The story is more than just that of a prison break  - there are secrets aplenty discovered along the way, some of them really quite shocking. I certainly didn't see a couple of them coming. There's no big denouement but that's OK because everything is explained. Old Bones Lie is a well written, even handed police procedural with an appealing central character. An easy read, perfect for taking on holiday. 

The Author

A native of Dundee, Marion studied music with the Open University and worked for many years as a piano teacher and jobbing accompanist. A spell as a hotel lounge pianist provided rich fodder for her writing and she began experimenting with a variety of genres. Early success saw her winning first prize in the Family Circle Magazine short story for children national competition and she followed this up by writing short stories and articles for her local newspaper.

Life (and children) intervened and, for a few years, Marion’s writing was put on hold. During this time, she worked as a college lecturer, plantswoman and candle-maker. But, as a keen reader of crime fiction, the lure of the genre was strong, and she began writing her debut crime novel. Now a full-time writer, Marion lives in North-east Fife, overlooking the River Tay. She can often be found working out plots for her novels while tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.

Good Cop, Bad Cop by Simon Kernick

I'm excited to share my review of Good Cop, Bad Cop, The new one from Simon Kernick as part of the blog tour. Big thanks to Tracy Fenton on behalf of Random Things Tours for the invite and to the publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

Brave hero or criminal mastermind?
Tonight we find out.

Undercover cop Chris Sketty became a hero when he almost died trying to stop the most brutal terror attack in UK history. With the suspects either dead or missing, the real motive remains a mystery.

But someone is convinced Sketty is a liar.

A criminal mastermind.

A murderer.

Blackmailed into revealing the truth, Sketty will share a twisting tale of betrayal, deception and murder...with a revelation so shocking that nothing will be the same again.

Good Cop, Bad Cop was published in paperback on 23rd June 2022 by Headline.

 

My Review

Blimey, there's a lot going on here! I've read a few of Simon Kernick's previous books - you can read my review of 2020's Kill a Stranger here - so I expected this one to be fast paced and action packed. And I wasn't disappointed. I whizzed through Good Cop, Bad Cop in two days and it only took that long because I had to put it down to do some adulting, otherwise I reckon I'd have read it in one sitting. 

The story is told mainly in the first person from the point of view of the main character, retired undercover cop Chris Sketty. Sketty has been hailed a hero for his part in a major incident 15 years previously. But not everyone believes that... When we meet Chris he is reluctantly telling his story to Dr Ralph Teller. The reasons why he agrees to speak and why Dr Teller wants to hear it are revealed as the story begins. And then we're off and running! 

Chris Sketty is an interesting character. He comes across as a decent man, albeit a little haunted by personal tragedy, who  wants to do the right thing. He does have a bit of a temper though, when the red mist comes down. But, generally, a good  man. That's how he comes across, anyway, but is that who he really is? Or might be not be as straight up as he seems? After all, we only see  his version of events. These thoughts were running through my head as I read, right up until the denouement. Which is very tense, violent and shocking. 

The storyline follows an undercover operation which Sketty was involved in fifteen years earlier, but Chris's story starts before then so we learn how he came to be undercover and how he got close to and gained the trust of the subject of the operation. I really enjoyed seeing him settling into his role and getting to know the people he was working with. I loved his boss of the team Chris was put into undercover. Devon Andrews is a fair man, seems to be a good but those questions stayed in mind as I read on. 

As Sketty tells his story, in detail, and it's pretty action packed right from the beginning. And I was right there for it. I had so many questions about what was happening, what the truth was, who is good, who is bad. There is a lot going on here. A lot. The storyline is interesting enough to easily keep my attention and I'm sure it will hours too. Good Cop, Bad Cop is fast paced, action packed, tense  - super tense in places - and exciting, with an interesting protagonist at the centre of it all. It's everything I could ask for from a crime thriller and it's easy to see why Simon Kernick is as popular as he is. 

The Author

Simon Kernick is a number one bestseller and one of the UK's most popular thriller writers, with huge hits including Relentless, The Last 10 Seconds, Siege and the Bone Field series.

Open Your Eyes by Heather Fitt

I am delighted to be sharing my review of Heather Fitt's debut novel, Open Your Eyes, today for my stop on the blog tour. My thanks to Overview Media for my invitation and to the author for my review copy.

The Blurb

A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel of men, women, resentment, and rage...

Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned a high-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety, which doesn’t seem to have improved much since the era of the Yorkshire Ripper.

When she faces a torrent of abuse online, it leads her to discover the phenomenon of incels— and puts her in the sights of those trying to stop her covering the story. But she refuses to back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is being goaded into a spectacular and shocking attack with Frankie as his main target...

 

My Review

Well, this was an eye opener! I was aware of the incel movement but in a very superficial way. I realise this is fiction but Heather seems to have done her research and I now feel more informed. And more horrified! 

Frankie is a young journalist at an Edinburgh paper keen to show she can write more than the fluff pieces she is currently working on. She is given an opportunity to write about women's issues and also about a recent spate of attacks on local women. Initially slightly reluctant, not wanting to be labelled as a feminist writer, she soon becomes invested in her subjects and the people they involve. Boyfriend Todd kind of wants to do the right thing but doesn't really get his girlfriend's mission and really isn't as supportive as he could be. But they are both horrified by some vile comments and threats about what might happen to Frankie... they just respond in different ways. 

I liked Frankie. I liked her ambition, her determination to show everyone how much more she is can do. I admired her for sticking to her guns when it came to doing what she believed was the right thing but got a little frustrated with her when she didn't seem to take threats to her safety seriously. Here I found myself tending to side, just a little bit, with Todd, who worries about her. She asks him to help her, and when he reluctantly does, she doesn't necessarily believe what he tells her. That said, more generally, I was not a Todd fan - how Frankie has put up with him for so many years is beyond me! The other character I must mention is Liam. It's hard not to feel sorry for him in the earlier part of the story - I could imagine him, red faced and teary with humiliation. My sympathy soon waned for him, although it was all to easy to see why he behaves the way he does from then on (not that he made choices most people would make).

We all know how great the internet can be. We also know how dangerous it can be, that there are sites (and the people behind them) just waiting to prey on vulnerable visitors, get inside their minds. Incels, for those unfamiliar with the term, are involuntary celibates - men who are unsuccessful romantically and sexually and who can develop a deep hatred of women and more 'successful' men. I don't know how big it active the incel community in this country is but I remember at least one US gun massacre in recent years where the gunman has links to an online incel group. If this book is any indication at all of how much hatred there is online here, it's very scary. 

Open Your Eyes is full of action and tension and things gather pace quickly from Frankie's well received St Valentine's Day piece at the start of the book until the events of the denouement. It's a novel for our time, a warning of the dangers of the internet, corrosive control and brainwashing, and often a challenging read. I found it a little repetitive in places, but overall I enjoyed it - a strong debut novel with a brave, unusual, subject choice. I look forward to seeing what Heather comes up with next. 

The Author

Heather was born in Scotland and after moving around Europe with her parents and sister, settled in Hampshire where she met her husband, Stuart.

After leaving the rat-race in 2018, Heather re-trained as an editor and proof-reader and entered the world of publishing. These days she works as a part-time freelancer and a part-time Commissioning Advisor for Bloodhound.

Heather was inspired to start writing her novel by the authors who have become her closest friends. Now the ideas are flowing she has plans to write several more over the coming years.

When she isn’t reading, Heather enjoys spending her time watching sport – especially her beloved rugby – and exploring the British countryside with Stuart.

Heather’s debut novel, Open Your Eyes, is published by Bloodhound.

For regular bookish updates, you can follow Heather on Twitter: @HeatherJFitt