Gaius and Marcus are eight year old boys revelling in life when they are
set upn by Suetonius a 14 year old neighbour and a couple of his
friends. The two lads take a serious beating. Tubruk, ex-gladiator
and the estate manager is asked by Gaius' father to find someone to
train the boys. Renius, a battle hardened veteran is brought in to do
so.
Cabera comes at a time when Gaius is injured and saves his
life. Later, Gaius loses his father in a riot and becomes master of the
estate. He has an interest in Alexandria, who is a slave. He later
discovers that Marcus is also interested in her. Gaius looks to his
uncle for protection. The boys have a lot to learn from Uncle Marius.
Gaius
is elected to the senate in place of his father, while Marcus is sent
to Greece for further military training with Renius. Gaius gets to meet
men like Sulla and Pompey. He also falls in love with Cornelia,
daughter of Cinna. When he marries her he takes his adult name; Gaius
Julius Caesar.
Sulla has been sent by the senate to put down a
revolt in the east. Inthe meantime, Marius takes control of Rome.
Sulla is quick in putting down the revolt and returns to Rome with his
army. Marius is intent on preventing him from taking the city.
However, Sulla's guile wins the city back and Julius is forced to flee.
Julius and Cabrera join a legion headed to Egypt, but when he boards the legion's ship he runs into his old nemesis, Suetonius.
Author, Conn Iggulden, has done terrific research to present this novel of Rome. A great read for fans of historical fiction. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Birdman
A body has been found near the Millenneum Dome. DI Jack Caffery of the
Area Major Investigation Pool with his superior, Detective
Superintendent Dave Maddox, have been dragged out of bed to
investigate. DS Fiona Quinn tells them that an amateur autopsy has been
performed on the body. Hours later Maddox calls Caffery and tells him
that four more bodies have been found.
A new DI on the team plays the racist angle on the serial killer, but Caffery doesn't buy it. The autopsy reveals that the culprit is a necrophileiac. Later a witness remembers an incident which could be crucial, she tells Caffery. Someone arrested by the new DI also points out that he had taken a couple of the victims to the same place.
When the prime suspect takes his own life, everyone thinks that the killing spree has come to an end. However, another victim appears, and is clinging to life. Caffery comes to the realisation that there were two involved in the murders and mutilations. Now he just has to figure out how to catch the remaining criminal. As he investigates further, he determines who the culprit wants the victims to look like, and realises that she might be in trouble. However, she is now missing.
Author Mo Hayder is excellent at creating rising tension as she draws her murder mysteries to a conclusion. I have been a fan of hers ever since I picked up the first book I read of hers. "Birdman" leaves the reader wanting more of this fine author.
A new DI on the team plays the racist angle on the serial killer, but Caffery doesn't buy it. The autopsy reveals that the culprit is a necrophileiac. Later a witness remembers an incident which could be crucial, she tells Caffery. Someone arrested by the new DI also points out that he had taken a couple of the victims to the same place.
When the prime suspect takes his own life, everyone thinks that the killing spree has come to an end. However, another victim appears, and is clinging to life. Caffery comes to the realisation that there were two involved in the murders and mutilations. Now he just has to figure out how to catch the remaining criminal. As he investigates further, he determines who the culprit wants the victims to look like, and realises that she might be in trouble. However, she is now missing.
Author Mo Hayder is excellent at creating rising tension as she draws her murder mysteries to a conclusion. I have been a fan of hers ever since I picked up the first book I read of hers. "Birdman" leaves the reader wanting more of this fine author.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Dead Beat
It is the early 60s, Kate O'Donnell has left Liverpool to look for a job
in London as a photographer. She has no place to stay, but is able to
sleep on the couch of a friend. Luckily she does land a job with an
agency on a two month trial basis. One other reason for going to
London was to search for her brother, Tom.
DS Harry Barnard is on the lookout for the killer of a homosexual, a man who apparently lived with Kate's brother. He finally comes across Kate. He gets a picture of Tom from her. Later, he can't understand why his boss is telling him to back off the case.
Kate's quest for information leads her along a similar path to that which Barnard is following. As the investigation progresses, DS Barnard stumbles on a murdered shop owner who has been a reliable informer for him. The victim has died in the same way the original victim had, a slashed throat.
Pictures Kate has taken may prove her brother's innocence, although she doesn't know that until she shows Barnard. Barnard is shocked by what the pictures reveal.
Author Patricia Hall has written a graphic and tension filled novel of London on the early sixties. A good read.
DS Harry Barnard is on the lookout for the killer of a homosexual, a man who apparently lived with Kate's brother. He finally comes across Kate. He gets a picture of Tom from her. Later, he can't understand why his boss is telling him to back off the case.
Kate's quest for information leads her along a similar path to that which Barnard is following. As the investigation progresses, DS Barnard stumbles on a murdered shop owner who has been a reliable informer for him. The victim has died in the same way the original victim had, a slashed throat.
Pictures Kate has taken may prove her brother's innocence, although she doesn't know that until she shows Barnard. Barnard is shocked by what the pictures reveal.
Author Patricia Hall has written a graphic and tension filled novel of London on the early sixties. A good read.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The Crossing Places
A body has been found in the salt marshes near King's Lynn and DCI Harry
Nelson has asked Doctor Ruth Galloway, a forensic archeologist, to
examine it in situ. What she finds, she is sure is a Bronze Age child.
Nelson was hoping that it was a recent murder, a missing child, that
would allow the parents to finally grieve.
It is just before the new year when Ruth is called back to the police station in King's Lynn. Another child has been abducted in similar circumstances to the one Nelson was investigating. He asks for help.
One stormy night later, Ruth opens her door looking for one of her cats. She finds it at her feet with its throat slashed. She is frightened and Nelson tells her this could be a threat from the person who has taken the two little girls.
Using her knowledge of archeology and information from the letters Nelson had received regarding the two little girls, Ruth surmises where the second girl is buried. She is correct. Later she makes a surprising discovery in her own library. People she knows seem to be tied into the murders. What is she to do now?
Author Elly Griffiths has written an excellent novel here. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
It is just before the new year when Ruth is called back to the police station in King's Lynn. Another child has been abducted in similar circumstances to the one Nelson was investigating. He asks for help.
One stormy night later, Ruth opens her door looking for one of her cats. She finds it at her feet with its throat slashed. She is frightened and Nelson tells her this could be a threat from the person who has taken the two little girls.
Using her knowledge of archeology and information from the letters Nelson had received regarding the two little girls, Ruth surmises where the second girl is buried. She is correct. Later she makes a surprising discovery in her own library. People she knows seem to be tied into the murders. What is she to do now?
Author Elly Griffiths has written an excellent novel here. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Truth Dare Kill
Danny McRae has returned home from the war with a steel plate in his
head. He doesn't want to return home to Scotland, so he has set up shop
as a private investigator in London. Kate Graveney has come to him fearing that she has killed a
man. When she names the man, it turns out that McRae knew him through
the SOE. Prior to the war McRae had been a police detective, and now he was
being asked to use his skills again.
McRae can't let go of his policing instincts, so he starts to inquire about the recent spate of murdered prostitutes. The local police inspector doesn't appreciate McRae's interest.
McRae finds out that the man in question is indeed dead. He is also surprised at the lack of reaction by Kate when he tells her. Something doesn't seem right in his mind. He is also unable to get information from the SOE about his head injury and the missing memories.
As McRae delves into his past he is punished for it, but it slowly brings back painful memories. He is also put into the frame for a murder, so has to go into hiding. As he puts things together, he is sure of who the murderer is, it is just a matter of proving it and his own innocence.
Author Gordon Ferris has put together a real page turner, a book that is hard to put down, one I am sure fans of murder mysteries will enjoy.
McRae can't let go of his policing instincts, so he starts to inquire about the recent spate of murdered prostitutes. The local police inspector doesn't appreciate McRae's interest.
McRae finds out that the man in question is indeed dead. He is also surprised at the lack of reaction by Kate when he tells her. Something doesn't seem right in his mind. He is also unable to get information from the SOE about his head injury and the missing memories.
As McRae delves into his past he is punished for it, but it slowly brings back painful memories. He is also put into the frame for a murder, so has to go into hiding. As he puts things together, he is sure of who the murderer is, it is just a matter of proving it and his own innocence.
Author Gordon Ferris has put together a real page turner, a book that is hard to put down, one I am sure fans of murder mysteries will enjoy.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Vodka Doesn't Freeze
The body of a man has been found near a beach in Sydney. It turns out
that he is a paedophile. DS Jill Jackson, and her partner Scott
Hutchinson are investigating. Their investigation points to two other
similar killings in the area.
Jackson discovers a link to all three dead men; Mercy Merris, a clinical psychologist. Dr. Merris had treated Jackson after a critical incident. Jackson didn't want the therapy, but in the end found it refreshing. However, Jackson is unsettled at Merris' reaction to the death of the men.
Jackson turns to a transvestite for help. Honey was one of those abused by a paedophile ring, and Jackson hopes to use her to find out more about the ring.
As the investigation continues, the murder team intends to look at the doctor, the head of a paedophile ring and his procurer. As they close in on the ring, Jackson's life is threatened. The climax of this psycho-drama is scary and tense.
Author Leah Giarratano has written a very good thriller, one that is hard to put down.
Jackson discovers a link to all three dead men; Mercy Merris, a clinical psychologist. Dr. Merris had treated Jackson after a critical incident. Jackson didn't want the therapy, but in the end found it refreshing. However, Jackson is unsettled at Merris' reaction to the death of the men.
Jackson turns to a transvestite for help. Honey was one of those abused by a paedophile ring, and Jackson hopes to use her to find out more about the ring.
As the investigation continues, the murder team intends to look at the doctor, the head of a paedophile ring and his procurer. As they close in on the ring, Jackson's life is threatened. The climax of this psycho-drama is scary and tense.
Author Leah Giarratano has written a very good thriller, one that is hard to put down.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Where the Shadow Falls
Sheriff James Freeman has been brutally murdered in his home. DS Alice
Rice is part of the team investigating the murder. Upon further
investigation, Rice finds out that Freeman had a motor neurone disease
and had planned to commit suicide on the night he was killed.
Newly appointed DCI Robin Bruce has a different approach to how to get information on the murder. He is hard core, and looking for advancement. This is not an approach that Rice uses. Rice receives a series of threatening letters from the sheriff's lover that the victim received. The murder team now has a new unknown suspect. It appears that a wind farm was being proposed in the area and Freeman was one of the principal supporters.
It isn't long after that, that Freeman's lover is hit by a car that leaves the scene. Are the two incidents related? Evidence now points to the fact that the sheriff was going to put a stop to the wind farm, however immediately following his death, his brother gave it the go ahead.
Author Gillian Galbraith provides an interesting twist to this murder mystery. A good read.
Newly appointed DCI Robin Bruce has a different approach to how to get information on the murder. He is hard core, and looking for advancement. This is not an approach that Rice uses. Rice receives a series of threatening letters from the sheriff's lover that the victim received. The murder team now has a new unknown suspect. It appears that a wind farm was being proposed in the area and Freeman was one of the principal supporters.
It isn't long after that, that Freeman's lover is hit by a car that leaves the scene. Are the two incidents related? Evidence now points to the fact that the sheriff was going to put a stop to the wind farm, however immediately following his death, his brother gave it the go ahead.
Author Gillian Galbraith provides an interesting twist to this murder mystery. A good read.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Buried Too Deep
A bloodied, unconscious man has been brought to the doctor who lives
near the mansio operated by Aurelia Marcellus. Apparently he had asked
to speak to her before losing consciousness. The following morning
Aurelia finds out that the wounded man really wanted to see he brother
Lucius and pass on a message about Gaulish raiders trying to take land
from small land holders.
Lucius arrives later on in the day after the man dies. They decide to take the body home to his relatives and visit their sister, Albia, and her family in the process. While visiting their sister, Lucius reveals that he has met their half-brother, unknown to them until now. Matters worsen when the raiders attack Albia's farm. The raiders named Albia and her husband when they were attacking. Is someone ordering them to do the attacks?
Two powerful families are at odds, and like Romeo and Juliet have a set of young lovers. Will the murder of one of the family heads lead to a war between the families, or can the Aurelius family prevent that from happening?
Author Jane Finnis has provided the reader with a very good historical novel. Well worth the read.
Lucius arrives later on in the day after the man dies. They decide to take the body home to his relatives and visit their sister, Albia, and her family in the process. While visiting their sister, Lucius reveals that he has met their half-brother, unknown to them until now. Matters worsen when the raiders attack Albia's farm. The raiders named Albia and her husband when they were attacking. Is someone ordering them to do the attacks?
Two powerful families are at odds, and like Romeo and Juliet have a set of young lovers. Will the murder of one of the family heads lead to a war between the families, or can the Aurelius family prevent that from happening?
Author Jane Finnis has provided the reader with a very good historical novel. Well worth the read.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Bitter Water
Police have found a body with its head encased in concrete. It turns
out to be one of the councillors of Glasgow. Shortly after reporting on
it, Douglas Brodie is asked by a demobbed soldier, calling himself
Ishmael, to arrange for legal help for a mate. His friend, Samantha
Campbell agrees to take on the case.
The soldier is given five years, and his friend protests loudly in court resulting in his arrest, too. He vows that justice will be served. The soldier, a POW taken at Dunkirk, commits suicide in jail a matter of days later. It isn't long after that, that a loan shark is badly beaten. After writing about it, Brodie receives a letter stating that this is how the 'Glasgow Marshals' are going to mete out justice since neither the police nor the judges were doing it.
As Brodie delves into the incidents, he discovers at least 19 of them. Punishment fitting the crime. While Brodie is investigating this his senior crime reporter is investigating the original crime, which he feels leads to a corrupt city council.
Brodie and his friend Sam Campbell are surprised by the Glasgow Marshals and held at gunpoint as they threaten Brodie and explain their point of view. Later they expand their operations by chalking messages on walls asking people to report transgressors to them for punishment. This leads to a murder of a homosexual, which the Marshals claim they didn't commit. While Brodie is meeting with the gang, more homosexuals are killed.
It isn't long after this that an attempt is made on Brodie. The concluding pages of Gordon Ferris' sequel to 'Hanging Shed' are filled with tension and excitement. A thoroughly good read.
The soldier is given five years, and his friend protests loudly in court resulting in his arrest, too. He vows that justice will be served. The soldier, a POW taken at Dunkirk, commits suicide in jail a matter of days later. It isn't long after that, that a loan shark is badly beaten. After writing about it, Brodie receives a letter stating that this is how the 'Glasgow Marshals' are going to mete out justice since neither the police nor the judges were doing it.
As Brodie delves into the incidents, he discovers at least 19 of them. Punishment fitting the crime. While Brodie is investigating this his senior crime reporter is investigating the original crime, which he feels leads to a corrupt city council.
Brodie and his friend Sam Campbell are surprised by the Glasgow Marshals and held at gunpoint as they threaten Brodie and explain their point of view. Later they expand their operations by chalking messages on walls asking people to report transgressors to them for punishment. This leads to a murder of a homosexual, which the Marshals claim they didn't commit. While Brodie is meeting with the gang, more homosexuals are killed.
It isn't long after this that an attempt is made on Brodie. The concluding pages of Gordon Ferris' sequel to 'Hanging Shed' are filled with tension and excitement. A thoroughly good read.
Silesian Station
Miriam Rosenfeld has been sent by her parents to Berlin to be with her uncle, and away from Nazi youth in her town.
John Russell and his son Paul are returning to Germany from America when he receives a telegram telling him that his girlfriend Effi has been arrested by the Gestapo. He is sure that the arrest is more aimed at him.
When Russell visits his ex-brother-in-law to discuss Effi's arrest, he also learns that Miriam never showed up, and that her uncle, who was supposed to meet her was beaten up and died. He asks Russell if he knows of any private investigators who could look into her disappearance. Russell does and hires Uwe Kuzorra.
Russell also has another girl to look for, one some American friends had left behind in Berlin with her boyfriend when they fled to America.
The evening before Russell is to meet with the SD he is beaten up and threatened. The SD request that he provide information to the Soviets in return for Effi's freedom. Russell is now working for the Americans, the Germans, and the Soviets.
Unfortunately the PI he has looking into Miriam's disappearance has been leaned on and forced to stop his investigation. While Russell is out of the country on assignment, Effi discovers that Miriam and other girls have been taken to an SS brothel. They need to figure out how they are going to get her out.
Author David Downing has done an excellent job in creating a story of pre-war Germany, right up to the declaration of war against here by France and Britain. This sequel to Zoo Station is a true thriller, very exciting and hard to put down.
John Russell and his son Paul are returning to Germany from America when he receives a telegram telling him that his girlfriend Effi has been arrested by the Gestapo. He is sure that the arrest is more aimed at him.
When Russell visits his ex-brother-in-law to discuss Effi's arrest, he also learns that Miriam never showed up, and that her uncle, who was supposed to meet her was beaten up and died. He asks Russell if he knows of any private investigators who could look into her disappearance. Russell does and hires Uwe Kuzorra.
Russell also has another girl to look for, one some American friends had left behind in Berlin with her boyfriend when they fled to America.
The evening before Russell is to meet with the SD he is beaten up and threatened. The SD request that he provide information to the Soviets in return for Effi's freedom. Russell is now working for the Americans, the Germans, and the Soviets.
Unfortunately the PI he has looking into Miriam's disappearance has been leaned on and forced to stop his investigation. While Russell is out of the country on assignment, Effi discovers that Miriam and other girls have been taken to an SS brothel. They need to figure out how they are going to get her out.
Author David Downing has done an excellent job in creating a story of pre-war Germany, right up to the declaration of war against here by France and Britain. This sequel to Zoo Station is a true thriller, very exciting and hard to put down.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A Cotswold Killing
Thea Osbourne has just gotten a job as a house sitter in the Cotswolds.
During the middle of the night on her first night there she hears a
scream. she doesn't do anything about it. But late the next morning,
while exploring the land where she is staying, she finds a body in the
pond. Later in the afternoon, she is informed that a few months earlier
the brother of the victim had been shot and killed in the same field.
Thea's brother-in-law, James, is a plains clothes police officer and is quite concerned that she is staying to house-sit. She decides that it is important to get to know her neighbours.
Following a minor car accident, Thea overhears a couple of her neighbours discussing something that sounds somewhat criminal. She doesn't know what to make of it. The funeral of the victim brings more questions and concerns to mind for Thea.
As the mystery unwinds author Rebecca Tope gives the reader an unusual conclusion.
Thea's brother-in-law, James, is a plains clothes police officer and is quite concerned that she is staying to house-sit. She decides that it is important to get to know her neighbours.
Following a minor car accident, Thea overhears a couple of her neighbours discussing something that sounds somewhat criminal. She doesn't know what to make of it. The funeral of the victim brings more questions and concerns to mind for Thea.
As the mystery unwinds author Rebecca Tope gives the reader an unusual conclusion.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Silent Court
Christopher Marlowe continues his spying for Francis Walshingham in the
hopes of protecting Elizabethan England from invasion by Spain. He is
now assigned to travel to Delft to aid a Protestant leader there.
Marlowe decides to join a group of Egyptians who are conjurers and tumblers on their way to the fairs of Flanders. The Egyptians don't welcome him with open arms, that is until he produces a small bag of gold. They plan on stopping at Ely on their way to the coast to visit John Dee, someone Marlowe knows from the past.
Shortly after arriving at Dee's magic and death occur.
Meantime Joseph Fludd, Constable of Cambridge is in search of the Egyptians. While he is away, a dastardly murder occurs. Some blame the Egyptians, but it doesn't take long for Fludd to prove otherwise.
While in Delft, Marlowe and the Egyptians manage to save the life of William the Silent not once, but twice. Where are the threats to his life coming from? But it rouses one of the Egyptians to flee back to England in the darkness of the night, and Marlowe doesn't know which one it is. He just knows that it is urgent to follow him.
In wrapping up this historical mystery, author M. J. Trow throws a few twists at the reader. All-in-all a very good read.
Marlowe decides to join a group of Egyptians who are conjurers and tumblers on their way to the fairs of Flanders. The Egyptians don't welcome him with open arms, that is until he produces a small bag of gold. They plan on stopping at Ely on their way to the coast to visit John Dee, someone Marlowe knows from the past.
Shortly after arriving at Dee's magic and death occur.
Meantime Joseph Fludd, Constable of Cambridge is in search of the Egyptians. While he is away, a dastardly murder occurs. Some blame the Egyptians, but it doesn't take long for Fludd to prove otherwise.
While in Delft, Marlowe and the Egyptians manage to save the life of William the Silent not once, but twice. Where are the threats to his life coming from? But it rouses one of the Egyptians to flee back to England in the darkness of the night, and Marlowe doesn't know which one it is. He just knows that it is urgent to follow him.
In wrapping up this historical mystery, author M. J. Trow throws a few twists at the reader. All-in-all a very good read.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Misterioso
DI Paul Hjelm has just diffused a hostage taking at the immigration
centre. unfortunately in the process he wounds thnpe hostage taker.
Fortunately, no on else is hurt. However, Hjelm is suspended for his
actions.
Shortly afterwards Hjelm is approached by Detective Superintendent Jan-Olov Hultin who asks him to join a newly formed special branch of the police. They are tasked with finding whoever is assassinating key players in the Swedish business world. Two shots to the head, and retrieval of the bullets.
The A-Unit consists of only six members plus Hultin, who is in charge. The members are paired off and given tasks to investigate. Hjelm has three possible links the victims have to look into. When the team meets next, they have very few links, however Hjelm has a potential victim they plan on guarding that night.
The plan doesn't work, as another victim goes down in similar circumstances. However, this time one of the bullets is not retrieved. Why not? The team is now looking at two angles; the Russian mafia and business. However, the investigation stalls when there are no new murders; for sometime, that is. This time the murderer is interrupted in his routine. Both bullets are left behind, as is the jazz tape he listens to after he kills.
A sudden inspiration turns into a lead for Hjelm and two of his team members. They discover evidence that ties things together and gives them the name of the culprit. While they are on the hunt, another murder occurs, and one of their team members is shot, but at a different place.
The culprit calls Hjelm to warn him off. This leads the team to believe they know who the next victim is going to be. Unfortunately he is missing. A frantic search begins.
Author Arne Dahl has written a tremendous page turner here. It is full of excitement and a wonderful read. I am looking forward to the two sequels in this trilogy.
Shortly afterwards Hjelm is approached by Detective Superintendent Jan-Olov Hultin who asks him to join a newly formed special branch of the police. They are tasked with finding whoever is assassinating key players in the Swedish business world. Two shots to the head, and retrieval of the bullets.
The A-Unit consists of only six members plus Hultin, who is in charge. The members are paired off and given tasks to investigate. Hjelm has three possible links the victims have to look into. When the team meets next, they have very few links, however Hjelm has a potential victim they plan on guarding that night.
The plan doesn't work, as another victim goes down in similar circumstances. However, this time one of the bullets is not retrieved. Why not? The team is now looking at two angles; the Russian mafia and business. However, the investigation stalls when there are no new murders; for sometime, that is. This time the murderer is interrupted in his routine. Both bullets are left behind, as is the jazz tape he listens to after he kills.
A sudden inspiration turns into a lead for Hjelm and two of his team members. They discover evidence that ties things together and gives them the name of the culprit. While they are on the hunt, another murder occurs, and one of their team members is shot, but at a different place.
The culprit calls Hjelm to warn him off. This leads the team to believe they know who the next victim is going to be. Unfortunately he is missing. A frantic search begins.
Author Arne Dahl has written a tremendous page turner here. It is full of excitement and a wonderful read. I am looking forward to the two sequels in this trilogy.
Friday, June 7, 2013
The Dark Lady
A German national has been murdered and Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend,
and DS Bob Rutter are on scene to investigate. It occurred near the
hotel maintained by British Chemical Industries. They are guided by
Inspector Tim Chatterton, whom they have worked with before. The local
cops are sure that they have the culprit in custody.
It appears that the victim had been brought in by BCI to find ways to reduce staff. Could this have been the reason or his murder? Was Schulz, the victim, afraid of The Dark Lady, a local ghost? As Woodend questions the workers at BCI, he send Rutter off to investigate the BCI plant in Hereford. Rutter also is tasked with investigating where the victim has been a POW. Woodend then sends him to Bavaria in search of more information.
Information gleaned by Rutter in Germany sends Woodend to Liverpool to follow up on a possible lead. Rutter comes up with surprising information in a little church in Bavaria. With what Woodend has discovered in Liverpool, he is able to solve the crime. However, author Sally Spencer throws the reader a real curveball in the final pages. An excellent read, hard to put down.
It appears that the victim had been brought in by BCI to find ways to reduce staff. Could this have been the reason or his murder? Was Schulz, the victim, afraid of The Dark Lady, a local ghost? As Woodend questions the workers at BCI, he send Rutter off to investigate the BCI plant in Hereford. Rutter also is tasked with investigating where the victim has been a POW. Woodend then sends him to Bavaria in search of more information.
Information gleaned by Rutter in Germany sends Woodend to Liverpool to follow up on a possible lead. Rutter comes up with surprising information in a little church in Bavaria. With what Woodend has discovered in Liverpool, he is able to solve the crime. However, author Sally Spencer throws the reader a real curveball in the final pages. An excellent read, hard to put down.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Out of the Dawn
Lassair is a 14 year old girl living in the Fens of England at the time
when William the Conquerer has died. She is learning the work of a
herbalist and healer from her aunt, all because her grandmother had
discovered her dowsing abilities.
Romain de la Flèche and Sibert want her help on a quest that they have in mind. It means walking to the sea, and where Sibert's family used to live and which Romain's family was given after the Battle of Hastings. Once there Lassair feels that it is a place of shadow and death. She also comes to the realisation that Romain is using her and Sibert and they won't be recompensed for helping to find the treasure.
Lassair and Sibert quietly get the treasure, which turns out to be a small crown without Romain knowing. However, he chases after them, but they escape. Unfortunately malevolent forces are at work. Back in their village, Romain's uncle comes in search of them. They find the crown on Sibert, and charge him with theft, plus the murder of Romain. Now some way must be found to prove Sibert's innocence.
She is forced to go through an ordeal to prove his innocence, but while she is doing that, the crown is stolen. What follows is another ordeal for Lassair and Sibert. Out of the Dawn is a good historical novel.
Romain de la Flèche and Sibert want her help on a quest that they have in mind. It means walking to the sea, and where Sibert's family used to live and which Romain's family was given after the Battle of Hastings. Once there Lassair feels that it is a place of shadow and death. She also comes to the realisation that Romain is using her and Sibert and they won't be recompensed for helping to find the treasure.
Lassair and Sibert quietly get the treasure, which turns out to be a small crown without Romain knowing. However, he chases after them, but they escape. Unfortunately malevolent forces are at work. Back in their village, Romain's uncle comes in search of them. They find the crown on Sibert, and charge him with theft, plus the murder of Romain. Now some way must be found to prove Sibert's innocence.
She is forced to go through an ordeal to prove his innocence, but while she is doing that, the crown is stolen. What follows is another ordeal for Lassair and Sibert. Out of the Dawn is a good historical novel.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Dear Old
An elderly woman has been foully murdered and left with a bunch of
daffodils stuffed in her mouth. DS Bev Morriss has been assigned the
case despite being severely hung over. She has DC Ossama Khan to help
her. A new DI has been assigned to the team, and Bev is shocked that it
is a woman, Danny Shields. Shields immediately puts Morriss in her
place.
A gang of youths has taken to attacking and robbing elderly women. One of the gang members doesn't really fit in. DI Shields comes up with an ID for the victim, however the following day, Morriss proves her wrong when the victim's friend comes forward with a positive identification of who it really is. The question that is bothering the team is, why leave daffodils at the crime scene?
Two of the gang members have been arrested, but they are close-mouthed. Late that night Morriss is unable to sleep, and glancing out her window she sees a person dressed all in black watching the house she shares with her mother and grandmother. Why?
Morriss discovers hidden photos in the home of the last victim. They cover the life of a young girl from her birth for 16 years. What is their relevance? Khan wonders if there is a link between the four victims. Morriss' grandmother is attacked one night at home when Bev and her mother are out. Fortunately she is not badly injured, and she saw the attacker because he had taken off his mask. Also, daffodils had bee scattered behind the home.
When a young man comes forward, saying he was the murderer, DI Shields accepts it, but Morriss doesn't buy it. Author Maureen Carter presents an unsurprising conclusion with a surprising end to it. A well written novel with plenty of twists and turns, hard to put down.
A gang of youths has taken to attacking and robbing elderly women. One of the gang members doesn't really fit in. DI Shields comes up with an ID for the victim, however the following day, Morriss proves her wrong when the victim's friend comes forward with a positive identification of who it really is. The question that is bothering the team is, why leave daffodils at the crime scene?
Two of the gang members have been arrested, but they are close-mouthed. Late that night Morriss is unable to sleep, and glancing out her window she sees a person dressed all in black watching the house she shares with her mother and grandmother. Why?
Morriss discovers hidden photos in the home of the last victim. They cover the life of a young girl from her birth for 16 years. What is their relevance? Khan wonders if there is a link between the four victims. Morriss' grandmother is attacked one night at home when Bev and her mother are out. Fortunately she is not badly injured, and she saw the attacker because he had taken off his mask. Also, daffodils had bee scattered behind the home.
When a young man comes forward, saying he was the murderer, DI Shields accepts it, but Morriss doesn't buy it. Author Maureen Carter presents an unsurprising conclusion with a surprising end to it. A well written novel with plenty of twists and turns, hard to put down.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Detective Inspector Huss
Richard von Knecht has fallen five stories from a building in Goteborg.
The ME tells DI Irene Huss and DS Sven Andersson that it is definitely
a homicide. As Andersson's team begins to piece together information
about the victim, it is discovered that he has a second son.
While the team is in the end of the day meeting an explosion is heard. Just as the meeting is winding up, they are told that the explosion was where von Knecht's office was. Further investigation indicates that the von Knecht's cleaning lady is missing. A charred body found at the site of the explosion turns out to be the missing cleaning lady. Evidence also points to there being a set of keys to von Knecht's home, office and country estate. Police now fear that the life of his wife and son could be in jeopardy.
Before long the Hell's Angels and a drug scenario come into play. It takes some work for the team to tie it all together. Author Helene Tursten has written an engaging murder mystery. This was a book that was hard to lut down. I look forward to reading sequels.
While the team is in the end of the day meeting an explosion is heard. Just as the meeting is winding up, they are told that the explosion was where von Knecht's office was. Further investigation indicates that the von Knecht's cleaning lady is missing. A charred body found at the site of the explosion turns out to be the missing cleaning lady. Evidence also points to there being a set of keys to von Knecht's home, office and country estate. Police now fear that the life of his wife and son could be in jeopardy.
Before long the Hell's Angels and a drug scenario come into play. It takes some work for the team to tie it all together. Author Helene Tursten has written an engaging murder mystery. This was a book that was hard to lut down. I look forward to reading sequels.
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