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First Frost by James Henry – Book Review

Posted on January 16, 2011
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When R.D. Wingfield was invited to write “Frost at Christmas” in 1972 by MacMillan – and then not have it published until the early 1980’s in Canada – little did we know then that Frost would become a television phenomenon spanning 18 wonderful years. Wingfield died of prostate cancer in 2007 and his final novel A Killing Frost published the following year.

With that in mind, James Henry (pseudonym for James Gurbutt and Henry Sutton) has authored a prequel to the Frost series and the first title (of two) is aptly called “First Frost”. Written on behalf of the R.D. Wingfield Estate it breathes new life into the colourful character and one of the great television detectives of the modern era.

Denton, 1981 – Shakin Stevens has already had two number one records with “This Ole House” and “Green Door”, Diana and Charles marry at St Paul’s Cathedral and the United States launch the first space shuttle – Detective Sergeant Frost meanwhile is struggling with his marriage and an Abba tune he can’t seem to escape!

Julie, a twelve year old girl, out shopping for a school uniform with her mother, disappears from the changing rooms while her mother (Mrs Hudson) browses the new lingerie section. In the background a stranger is watching, waiting for a chance to pounce – it takes her mother twenty minutes before she realises her daughter is missing.

Meanwhile back at Denton Division HQ (Eagle Lane)DI Allen is on a walking holiday and DI Bert Williams, just two weeks from retirement, is nowhere to be found. William Edward “Jack” Frost is the highest ranking officer at the station and Superintendent Mullet, just six months into his command, has no option but to begrudgingly hand the investigation to …

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The Cutting (McCabe 1) by James Hayman – Book Review

Posted on January 14, 2011
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James Hayman’s “The Cutting”, published by Penguin in the United Kingdom, is the latest crime thriller to land on my desk in 2011. Given that this is Hayman’s debut novel I approached the book with an air of excitement, eager to discover a new leading detective and a new novelist – adding to the fact that McCabe is a detective from Portland – I wasn’t disappointed!

After spending over twenty years as a senior creative director at one of New York’s largest advertising agencies, Hayman, who currently lives in Portland Maine, utilises his knowledge of the area in this wonderfully evocative thriller.

It’s hard to comprehend that this is his first novel; such is the fluidity of his narrative and intelligent police procedural throughout. An incredibly fast paced thriller, not only did this story have heart (and yes a play on words!) it had a lot of soul. Page by page I felt as if I was discovering more about Hayman’s interests through the parting wisdom of his lead character Michael McCabe.

Leaving the New York police department following an acrimonious divorce and the fatal shooting of his brother and a small time hoodlum, Detective Michael McCabe, an intelligent and enigmatic character, is keen to start anew with his daughter Casey. Leaving the violence of the big city the pair move to Portland, far away from an ex-wife who wants nothing to do with her daughter – the pair move on.

Three years on and McCabe and his daughter are comfortable in their loving relationship – I really enjoyed this softness to the story and his fears of protecting Casey plays a small part in keeping the story ticking along nicely.

Available from The Book Depository (Free Postage) – Amazon UK & Amazon US

1971 and a young …

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The Terror of Living by Urban Waite – Book review

Posted on January 11, 2011
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Urban Waite is a relatively unknown 30 year old author from Seattle but one thing is certain – he won’t remain a secret for very much longer – “The Terror of Living” is an astonishingly taut thriller for a debut novelist and one of my tips for 2011. Check out my interview with Urban Waite here (no spoilers)

As I settled down to read the thriller, one factor became fairly evident to me, certainly within the initial twenty pages or so – the narrative is intense and powerful. Waite has an assured style of writing, a wordsmith of the highest order – I’d go so far to say that his prose is beautifully evoking, hypnotic and mesmerizing.

Already dubbed the literary thriller of 2011, “The Terror of Living” is without doubt about to set the literary world alight!

As I was nearing the end of the book I stopped to gather my thoughts and wondered when I’d last read a book where I liked each and every one of the characters – I don’t think that has ever happened to me before.

There are three distinct themes running throughout the book namely the good, the bad and the bad bordering on good! – A guy who, for all intents and purposes, wants to do the right thing but is caught up in the fight for everyday survival and finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

Noticing an abandoned car in a remote area north of Silver Lake, Deputy Bobby Drake makes a decision that will change countless lives over the course of a few days. He runs the plate but it comes back clean – yet his experience tells him something is going down.

Available to buy from Amazon (UK) & Amazon (US).…

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Midnight by Stephen Leather – Book Review

Posted on January 2, 2011
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Stephen Leather, you clever clever man – what a truly magnificent way to kick off a brand new year – welcome to 2011!

My first introduction to Stephen Leather and Jack Nightingale, “Midnight” is one of those books you never really know what to expect when you pick it up. Sent an ARC by Hodder & Stoughton towards the end of last year I put it to one side to clear my backlog of impending publishing deadlines. If I knew then what I know now – I sincerely doubt I would have waited until New Year’s Day to begin reading this supernatural thriller!

Available at Amazon & The Book Depository.

As many of you know I have a penchant for crime thrillers and have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the genre over the last five months. Leather’s “Midnight” is a crime thriller and so much more – add a dash of devilish behaviour, sprinkle with the occult and finish it off with helping of soul and you have a non-stop thriller on your hands.

As I read the novel, I found myself on three occasions holding my breath during certain passages, such was the intensity Leather had created. With my heart rate intensifying, the atmosphere was palpable and I had to take stock following each incident – I can’t remember the last book that affected me in such a way.

“Midnight” isn’t your classic horror book, it slowly works psychologically and before you know it you find you can’t escape the desperate fight to save not one but two souls from an impending and final destiny.

The narrative is sharp and incredibly well thought out affording an expeditious pace from start to finish. I must admit I struggled to put the book down and over the course …

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TAG by Simon Royle – Book Review

Posted on December 28, 2010
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In what will be my penultimate book review for 2010 I cast my beady eye on a new independent novel by Simon Royle called TAG –a futuristic scientific thriller set in the 22nd Century.

Now as many of you will know from the earlier reviews, Science Fiction and futuristic thrillers (whatever genre they may be) are not my forte! I’m not sure why I’ve never been drawn to that type of story but I do like to step outside my comfort zone once in a while. I think it’s important as a reviewer to give everything a fair go whether you like a particular genre or not – you never know what you’ll find!

Available to buy at Amazon UK & Amazon US.

If I had stuck with what I know best then I would certainly have missed out on Murder at Mansfield Park – another independent novel set in the regency period – incidentally “The Park” made it to my top 15 books of 2010! I digress!

When Simon contacted me asking if I reviewed independent books I answered in the affirmative but always subject to my schedule for major publishing releases. He sent me a copy of TAG and although I mentioned it wasn’t something I would normally read I promised to make time for the book – and boy am I glad I did!

This futuristic novel surprised me! I thoroughly enjoyed it, loved the easy paced style, the modern play on words and the fact they still use yards as a measurement on a golf course in 2109!

The 15th of March is an important day in our history. Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in 44BC, a revolution breaks out in Hungary, the first internet domain is registered and if …

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Zero Hour by Andy McNab – Book Review

Posted on December 12, 2010
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In all the action books I’ve had the pleasure to read this year, there is no doubt that Andy McNab brings a certain honest to goodness realism with his recurring character Nick Stone. In what is his 13th outing in “Zero Hour”, Stone and McNab morph to deliver a non-stop action packed novel that sees our hero travel from London to Moldova and various other cities around the globe in a quest to save a young Moldovan girl.

My first encounter with Nick Stone, I came away thoroughly exhausted and suitably impressed. A wonderful way to spend a few winter evenings reading, “Zero Hour” captivates in a way few other action figure series can.

Available to buy from Amazon in CD Audio & Hardcover

McNab’s experience as a member of the SAS in both covert and overt special operations worldwide is put to good use in “Zero Hour”, Stone sharing more than a passing resemblance to the McNab. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Military Medal (MM) during his career, McNab was the British Army’s most highly decorated serving soldier when he left the SAS in 1993.

When Lilian, the beautiful student and daughter of a Moldovan businessman, goes missing, Nick Stone is called in to find and rescue the girl from the hands of an unknown entity. On the back of a visit to a specialist in Harley Street who delivers devastating news, Stone has nothing to lose and agrees to travel to Moldova to find and return the girl to her family.

When we first meet Stone, he is “on holiday” in Syria posing as a tourist in early September 2007 when Israeli F-15’s bomb the suspected nuclear installation in North–Eastern Syria. Ten jets took off from an air base just south of …

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Gone by Mo Hayder – Book Review

Posted on December 4, 2010
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Mo Hayder has been writing for ten years and it shows. Her latest book “Gone”, her eighth and fifth to feature Bristol Detective Inspector Jack Caffrey, is a rollercoaster of a whodunit. Frightening at times the narrative exudes a thrilling quality that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages.

Set in the West Country Jack Caffrey, lead detective in the MCIU, (Major Crime Investigation Unit) is called in to investigate a seemingly random carjacking. However it soon becomes evident that this is no ordinary carjacking; the suspect, sporting a Santa Claus face mask is targeting cars with children in the back seat. What the police can’t figure out is why some children are returned to their parents and some remain missing – can Caffrey discover the identification of the masked carjacker before it’s too late?

Available now from Book Depository & Amazon

One thing is clear, the carjacker is clever; very very clever and Caffrey is up against it. To solve this crime and those that follow, he will have to use the full force of the law and his years of experience as a detective to bring about a successful outcome.

Along for the ride is Phoebe “Flea” Marley, Sergeant and head of Underwater Search Unit (USU). Hayder introduces us to our heroine by way of an abandoned cave in the Mendip Hills where, intriguingly, she is confirming that a corpse she hid six months previously remains undisturbed!

The carjacker taunts the police with a number of disturbing handwritten letters and despite the leads and the sluggish momentum the jacker is always one step ahead of Caffrey’s unit – It’s clear he won’t stop until he’s caught.

Although part of a long standing series and a continuation of her …

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The Soul Collectors by Chris Mooney – Book Review

Posted on November 21, 2010
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The Soul Collectors by Chris Mooney is a dark and complex thriller, disturbing in parts; the book will scare, entertain and chill you to the core.

Twelve years ago, CSI Darby McCormick was one of the investigators in a child abduction case when Charlie Rizzo, the youngest child in the Rizzo family was taken from his parents. Despite an exhaustive investigation by local police and the FBI, Charlie Rizzo disappeared from the face of the earth – until now.

Available now from The Book Depository & Amazon

Back from the dead and holding his family hostage, Rizzo places a call to 911 and asks to speak to Darby McCormick, promising to release his family once he has told his side of the story. McCormick however is persona non grata with the Boston police. Darby, suspended three months earlier from the Criminal Services Unit after killing the police commissioner and two cops both hell-bent on silencing her permanently, is confused. Why now? Why her?

Darby, following a thorough de-brief from SWAT, enters the Rizzo house to confront Charlie ending up in a dark, unlit bedroom. There to greet her are his parents and twins sisters, all tied up and a look of terror and sheer desperation on their faces. Just as she is about to turn and face him she feels the muzzle of a gun touch her skull and Rizzo asks her not to turn around.

When she eventually turns around and sees him for the first time, the terror is justifiable – she discovers a horrifically mutilated face. The effect is immediate, blood drains from her limbs as she focuses on the mask, made of human skin, covering his entire face.

Just as he begins to relate his story SWAT burst in with gas canisters and all hell breaks …

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The Apostle by Brad Thor – Book Review

Posted on November 13, 2010
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Scot Harvath is a man on a mission. Brought in to rescue the daughter of a well-connected supporter of the President of the United States, he grudgingly travels to war torn Afghanistan in a bid to bring the woman home.

Right off the bat I realised that “The Apostle” by Brad Thor was going to be an intelligent read. A stranger to his Scot Harvath novels (this is his eighth by the way) I was curious to see how an ex member of the Department of Homeland security would bring his knowledge to print. Would it be exciting? Would it be a thriller?

The answer to both questions is a categorical Yes!

As I delved deeper I discovered an intelligent and consuming plot that entertained from start to finish. Not only is the book a fast paced rollercoaster but Brad Thorn educates the reader with a plethora of Afghan words for clothing, greetings and food, not to mention the military acronyms – The Apostle truly is a knowledgeable and all-encompassing ride. Available from The Book Depository & Amazon

Although part of a well-trodden series, I’d certainly class “The Apostle” as a standalone story despite clear references to past relationships and events. Humorous in parts, I found the narrative compelling and easily held my interest throughout. Intense at times the book follows two clear paths; that of the kidnapped doctor (Julia Gallo) in Afghanistan and President Alden in Washington. A new administration, an old enemy.

I thoroughly enjoyed both halves of the book but for me the atmospheric storytelling in Afghanistan won the day, it just had that little extra. We learn the shocking attitude and upbringing of the Taliban where children as young as three are subjected to videos of suicide bombings, beheadings, torture and rape. No shock therefore when …

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Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay – Book Review

Posted on October 25, 2010
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Can someone please tell me why I’ve never read a Linwood Barclay book before? “Never Look Away” is a marvellous on the edge of your seat thriller that will most certainly leave you wanting more. You want More boy?!!

“Never Look Away” is a complex tale of corruption, deceit and murder. It’s obvious to me; certainly from this novel, that Barclay is a gifted thriller writer capable of weaving intelligent plots, adding a dash of lemon and then sweetening the deal with a satisfying ending.

This engrossing story doesn’t let up from the initial pages, it hooks you in from the get go, the twists and turns are endless and the characters believable. Concentration is key in a novel of this stature, the multiple sub plots are well thought out and intelligent.

On more than one occasion I wondered in which direction Barclay was taking the book. I paused; thought about it; thought about it some more and then made an educated decision. I had it solved, easy! Wrong – that’s where he changed all the rules and baffled me! It was like I was driving the wrong way up a one way street. Brilliant.

Available at The Book Depository & Amazon

The last two weeks have been difficult for David Harwood, a small-town reporter for the Promise Falls Standard in New York State, and things are about to get worse. His wife Jan is showing signs of depression and has hinted on numerous occasions that David and their four year old son Ethan would be better off without her. With Jan showing signs of suicidal tendencies and the paper struggling to survive, a day out at the amusement park could be just what the doctor ordered.

Things don’t quite go to plan; someone takes Ethan’s …

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The Priest by Gerard O’Donovan – Book Review

Posted on October 19, 2010
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Weighing in at a hefty 500 pages, Gerard O’Donovan’s “The Priest” is a captivating and fast paced thriller that will leave you begging for more. Without question, “The Priest” is an outstanding first instalment (in a new series) featuring Inspector Mike Mulcahy and journalist Siobhan Fallon.

Shortlisted for the 2007 Crime Writers’ Association’s “Debut Dagger” competition, the Irish journalist, born in Cork and brought up in Dublin, has certainly left his mark with a gritty and character driven novel.

His name is the priest… his weapon is a crucifix…  his victims don’t have a prayer…

Jesica Salazar, a diplomat’s 16 year old daughter has been sent, along with her school friends, to Dublin by her father (Don Alfonso) to experience a different way of life. Her father, a powerful and wealthy Spanish politician, is convinced she will be safe in Ireland. After all Ireland is a Catholic country, what could possibly go wrong in just two weeks?

“I thought it would be good for her, you see. To get away from me for a few weeks, from the bustle of politics that surrounds us, to see how ordinary people live”.

When the body of a young girl is discovered, battered and bruised and left for dead, the sex crimes unit launch an immediate investigation. Claire Brogan heads the unit and has her own way of doing things. When Mulcahy is ordered to join the investigation, the tight unit make it clear he is unwelcome. Rushed to hospital and in a serious condition, the victim of the brutal assault is identified as Jesica Salazar.

Fresh from a long stint in Madrid, Mulcahy puts his language skills to good use and serves as a liaison to the Spanish Government, a role received with derision from fellow cop Cassidy. …

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Epitaph by Shaun Hutson – Book review

Posted on October 16, 2010
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Epitaph by Shaun Hutson isn’t for the faint hearted! An incredibly faced paced horror-thriller. Epitaph is a story of revenge, child abuse and murder – a most heinous murder.

Eight year old Laura Hacket is on her way home from school, the final day of the summer term – she has seven weeks of holiday ahead and so much to live for. Unfortunately for Laura, she won’t get to enjoy her break, she won’t get to see her parents again and she won’t get to play with her friends. Laura is abducted and killed.

Thirty Six year old Paul Crane has everything he could ever wish for, a steady and rewarding job as a talented copy writer, money and a loving partner Amy. He has spent the last 15 years going on exotic holidays, staying at five star hotels and travelling first class – money has never been an issue – until now.

When we are first introduced to Paul Crane, the copy writer has returned home from work after being made redundant from “Meyer and Banks” and is at risk of losing everything he has worked for. With a volatile economy and a market where no one is hiring, the outlook is bleak.

After a night of drinking alone in his flat, a flat he can no longer afford – festering in his misery; Paul awakes in a dark and confined space. His mind in overdrive as his hands hit an unfamiliar obstacle, he suddenly realises he is in a coffin.

Epitaph is a book of two halves that somehow blend together to bring a taught yet thoroughly depressing narrative. Hutson utilises chapter breaks to shift the narrative from Laura and her parents to Paul Cane and his woes. The chapters are short and succinct and as each one …

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Judgement & Wrath (Joe Hunter #2) Book Review

Posted on October 13, 2010
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Judgement & Wrath is the second book in Matt Hilton’s Joe Hunter series and my third review of the action series. Having reviewed Cut and Run (Joe Hunter #4) and Dead Men’s Dust (Joe Hunter #1) I set about reading Hilton’s second captivating instalment.

Once again the narrative is written from a first person point of view (Joe Hunter) and third person narrative (Dantalion the hitman); this is without doubt Matt Hilton’s trade mark along with the non-stop action that lies within.

I didn’t find the plot as strong as Cut and Run or Dead Men’s Dust but it more than makes up for this shortfall with the high body count – I do mean high! – And a character hell bent on protecting a young girl from the evil clutches of her abusive boyfriend; whatever the cost.

The story begins when Joe Hunter meets with a worried father (Richard Dean) in a bar no self-respecting citizen would be seen dead in. His daughter is in an abusive relationship and he wants her home, far away from Bradley Jorgenson’s persuasive influence. Money is exchanged and Dean’s parting words remain clear to Hunter

“Please, Mr Hunter, I need you to get my daughter away from that monster. If it means killing him do that ….I’ll pay you any price”

Richard Dean slides over evocative images of his daughter including a mug shot taken as evidence of her battered profile. As Hunter peruses the photographs he is clear what has to be done.

Judgement & Wrath isn’t for the feint hearted, the book is violent and descriptive – Hilton pulls no punches when it comes to the cold blooded murders that occur at regular intervals until its atmospheric dénouement.

Dantalion, Hunter’s nemesis for this instalment, is a cold hearted, crazed psychopathic killer …

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The Snowman by Jo Nesbo – Book Review

Posted on October 9, 2010
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I can promise you one thing; my days of making snowmen are over. No more! The British winter isn’t far away and if one of my neighbours decides to build a snowman in our quiet, secluded street, I’m booking the first flight to Barbados and running! I’m not kidding; this is one hell of a creepy crime thriller! – They don’t have snow in Barbados do they?

Two days ago I entered the world of the snowman and within seven pages I know I was hooked. Psychologically it scared me to death; I guess it had the desired effect!

“We’re going to die” a young lad proclaims in the back of his mother’s car.

Jo Nesbo’s “The Snowman” is without doubt one the best books I have read in the last six months, it has everything. A tight storyline; electrifying pace and imaginative prose; all morphing together to produce a magnificent on the edge of your seat Norwegian thriller. You won’t know who to trust!

The Independent newspaper claims Jo Nesbo is the next Stieg Larsson – I’ll go one further and say Jo Nesbo is the next Jo Nesbo.

Translated by Don Bartlett, The Snowman is the fifth internationally acclaimed novel featuring Inspector Harry Hole.

Soon the first snow will come. And then he will appear again. The Snowman. And when the snow has gone, he will have taken someone else. What you should ask yourself is this; “Who made the snowman”? Who makes snowmen? Who gave birth to the Murris? For the Snowman doesn’t know.

Jonas wakes to a house filled with silence. His father left the night before to catch an overnight flight and when he went to bed he only had his mother and a snowman in the garden for company – A creepy …

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