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Detective Alec Ramsay #2
Slow Burn
A powerful and emotional read. A heartbreaking tale of bullying, rape, abuse and revenge. A young Jewish boy is beaten and nearly killed by a young Muslim boy. His sister, raped and abused by the same Muslim youth and his gang. His family, devastated and shamed by the events are totally destroyed. The young Muslim boy grows up to control the most violent and feared criminal gang in Liverpool. By now he has developed into a complete and sadistic psychopath - totally untouchable by the guardians of law and order. However, his downfall is being planned by an even more dangerous foe.This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that leaves the reader engrossed from the first to the last page.The Child TakerSlow BurnCriminally InsaneFrozen BetrayalDesolate Sands Concrete Evidence Three
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
193 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
125 books396 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 31, 2022
"Revenge is a dish best served cold"
A young Jewish boy is beaten and nearly killed by a young Muslim boy. His sister, raped and abused by the same Muslim youth and his gang, commits suicide. His family, devastated and shamed by the events are totally destroyed. The young Muslim boy grows up to control the most violent and feared criminal gang in Liverpool. By now he has developed into a complete and sadistic psychopath - totally untouchable by the guardians of law and order. However, his downfall is being planned by an even more dangerous foe. This is an edge of your seat thriller that leaves the reader engrossed from the first to the last page.
A young Jewish boy is beaten and nearly killed by a young Muslim boy. His sister, raped and abused by the same Muslim youth and his gang, commits suicide. His family, devastated and shamed by the events are totally destroyed. The young Muslim boy grows up to control the most violent and feared criminal gang in Liverpool. By now he has developed into a complete and sadistic psychopath - totally untouchable by the guardians of law and order. However, his downfall is being planned by an even more dangerous foe. This is an edge of your seat thriller that leaves the reader engrossed from the first to the last page.
June 21, 2011
Won this through the Goodreads Giveaways.
The cover and start of this book is slightly deceiving as the main thrust of the story has very little to do with religious terrorism (which I have noticed tends to put some readers off) but is in fact to do with bullying, rape, abuse and revenge. Jones has produced a superb book that is fast paced and keeps you thoroughly interested despite knowing the who and having the why built up throughout rather than finding it all out at the end.
The characters are lacking a little depth but Jones focuses his attention and that of the reader on the events that have led them to their present situation (both for the attackers and the attacked) which builds the reader's distaste as well as the anticipation of the finale. Some readers will connect with the characters better than others depending on their own experiences and personally I can understand if not condone the actions of the brothers to a certain extent. Although there were certain parts of the story that were a little predictable in the lead up, I didn't think this detracted from the story or the enjoyment of the book at all. And the final chapters were very unexpected which gave the story a superb ending and leaves you feeling very satisfied.
The writing itself is vivid and descriptive, placing the reader right in the middle of the action, feeling everything the characters do without going over the top or drowning the story in unnecessary information. The shorter chapters allow for faster reading, thus adding to the overall pace and feel of the story. Overall this is a superb read and I cannot wait to read more by Conrad Jones.
The cover and start of this book is slightly deceiving as the main thrust of the story has very little to do with religious terrorism (which I have noticed tends to put some readers off) but is in fact to do with bullying, rape, abuse and revenge. Jones has produced a superb book that is fast paced and keeps you thoroughly interested despite knowing the who and having the why built up throughout rather than finding it all out at the end.
The characters are lacking a little depth but Jones focuses his attention and that of the reader on the events that have led them to their present situation (both for the attackers and the attacked) which builds the reader's distaste as well as the anticipation of the finale. Some readers will connect with the characters better than others depending on their own experiences and personally I can understand if not condone the actions of the brothers to a certain extent. Although there were certain parts of the story that were a little predictable in the lead up, I didn't think this detracted from the story or the enjoyment of the book at all. And the final chapters were very unexpected which gave the story a superb ending and leaves you feeling very satisfied.
The writing itself is vivid and descriptive, placing the reader right in the middle of the action, feeling everything the characters do without going over the top or drowning the story in unnecessary information. The shorter chapters allow for faster reading, thus adding to the overall pace and feel of the story. Overall this is a superb read and I cannot wait to read more by Conrad Jones.
November 29, 2015
I read this book in two sittings. What a brilliant story, at first I thought oh no a book about terrorism but that's just a twist at the beginning of the book. The book which is set in and around Liverpool continues with a teenage gang who bully and control anyone that they take a dislike to. They are into drugs sex and violence and two of their horrendous acts come back to haunt them in later life. Conrad Jones has a way of bringing the scenes to life with his graphic descriptions of the violence but it is paramount to the story. Can't wait to read the next in the series
November 2, 2011
Have won a copy through First Reads (thank you). Will put up a review once I have received and read the book 06/06/2011
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed reading this book to some extent. The writing in general was good and the plot moved along very nicely.
It was fast-paced and very violent, which I quite like but I know many who wouldn't enjoy reading this. In parts it was disturbing and graphic in its description of violence and I think the level of detail would put many off, but all in all an interesting and quick read.
The reason why this is not four stars however is due to two quintessential things:
1. The front cover is hideous and extremely misleading. This is a novel about revenge and retribution, not terrorism.
But most importantly:
2. Lack of decent editing. Jones is a good writer but the editing is appalling in the copy I was sent. Misplaced or even missing words; gender jumps in the same paragraph; grammatical errors etc etc. Seriously, whoever edited this is a moron and makes Jones look like an incompetent writer.
I would quite like to read some other work by Jones as I did enjoy this, but the editing is shoddy and needs to be addressed.
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed reading this book to some extent. The writing in general was good and the plot moved along very nicely.
It was fast-paced and very violent, which I quite like but I know many who wouldn't enjoy reading this. In parts it was disturbing and graphic in its description of violence and I think the level of detail would put many off, but all in all an interesting and quick read.
The reason why this is not four stars however is due to two quintessential things:
1. The front cover is hideous and extremely misleading. This is a novel about revenge and retribution, not terrorism.
But most importantly:
2. Lack of decent editing. Jones is a good writer but the editing is appalling in the copy I was sent. Misplaced or even missing words; gender jumps in the same paragraph; grammatical errors etc etc. Seriously, whoever edited this is a moron and makes Jones look like an incompetent writer.
I would quite like to read some other work by Jones as I did enjoy this, but the editing is shoddy and needs to be addressed.
November 23, 2018
Slow Burn is the second book by Conrad Jones I've read and the thing that stands out in both of his novels is his graphic description of violence and the products of violence. It feels like watching the action unfold on a high definition screen. In fact, there is nothing slow about this book except the title.
This novel is tightly plotted and paced, with some well fleshed-out characters. I hugely enjoyed this story, never wanting to leave it waiting. There are a couple of things that dampened the fun for me though. Firstly, it doesn't look like professionally edited; there are many issues with the grammar in this book. The other thing is the names of the Asian - Pakistani, to be precise - characters; they don't sound authentic.
Apart from these issues, Slow Burn is a thrilling ride best enjoyed at one go.
This novel is tightly plotted and paced, with some well fleshed-out characters. I hugely enjoyed this story, never wanting to leave it waiting. There are a couple of things that dampened the fun for me though. Firstly, it doesn't look like professionally edited; there are many issues with the grammar in this book. The other thing is the names of the Asian - Pakistani, to be precise - characters; they don't sound authentic.
Apart from these issues, Slow Burn is a thrilling ride best enjoyed at one go.
September 22, 2019
As with the first book in this series, it's very violent. The author definitely enjoys describing heads exploding, blood drenching the walls, people being tortured...I wish he'd spent as much detail on the police officer's personalities. Alec Ramsay is supposed to be the main character, but he has about as much charisma as a beige wall. Really, all the police characters blended together and I had trouble keeping track of who was who. Whenever the story moved away from the police investigation and onto the villains the story became a lot more interesting.
Read
June 16, 2011I recieved this in the post today. It isnt the normal sort of book that I would pick up to read but a change could lead me into a whole new world of books. I opened it atraight away excited like a child and started to read it to see what it is going to be like and was rather suprised that I liked it.
The begining of the story (first 5 chapters) sets the sceen of the book nicely. A jewish 20 something year old man is sitting outside a Mosque the first one to be built in Britain to be percise. Where he is waiting in his car for the service of the re-opening to the Mosque to be over. While he is waiting A Parking inspector books him and he gets angry as it interups his target so he gets out of the car to explain to the traffic warden subsequesly a bomb goes off killing the traffic warden, a few others.
The begining of the story focuses on Detective Alec Ramsey and DI Wil Naylor trying to find out who has set the bomb off. While the reader knows it was Richard Bernstien, we look back on the reason why he did it by going back to his childhood and all the problems leading up to the point of the bomb going off.
I like the way that we have a few chapters about the Detective and then chapters about Richard Bernstein when he was a child. This is because I think its good to know about his motives to setting the bomb off were from.
The writing in this book is super good so far as its not too complicated and to me it flows rather well. Im looking forward to reading more :-)
The begining of the story (first 5 chapters) sets the sceen of the book nicely. A jewish 20 something year old man is sitting outside a Mosque the first one to be built in Britain to be percise. Where he is waiting in his car for the service of the re-opening to the Mosque to be over. While he is waiting A Parking inspector books him and he gets angry as it interups his target so he gets out of the car to explain to the traffic warden subsequesly a bomb goes off killing the traffic warden, a few others.
The begining of the story focuses on Detective Alec Ramsey and DI Wil Naylor trying to find out who has set the bomb off. While the reader knows it was Richard Bernstien, we look back on the reason why he did it by going back to his childhood and all the problems leading up to the point of the bomb going off.
I like the way that we have a few chapters about the Detective and then chapters about Richard Bernstein when he was a child. This is because I think its good to know about his motives to setting the bomb off were from.
The writing in this book is super good so far as its not too complicated and to me it flows rather well. Im looking forward to reading more :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2011
I enjoyed this story, more so at the beginning and the end - because at one point it felt a little like one murder followed another, followed another, with little else - but there was never a moment I felt the plot dragged. The short 'bite-size' chapters definitely benefited the read as you were never bogged down in heavy, long scenes.
There were a couple of times literally just before things happened where I saw it coming and think maybe it would have been even more effective if the lead up had made it less obvious so that the reader was taken by surprise. Vitally however, I didn't suspect the final ending throughout the whole book which means you aren't left with that let down feeling you sometimes get with books when it's too predictable - if the last chapters had been left off, maybe this would have been the case here.
The writing runs smoothly and is very readable, but to set it above other books, to make it something extra special, there could be minor improvements made to the style, I feel.
Overall, a good book, if a little gruesome!
** I received this free of charge through Goodreads First-Reads **
There were a couple of times literally just before things happened where I saw it coming and think maybe it would have been even more effective if the lead up had made it less obvious so that the reader was taken by surprise. Vitally however, I didn't suspect the final ending throughout the whole book which means you aren't left with that let down feeling you sometimes get with books when it's too predictable - if the last chapters had been left off, maybe this would have been the case here.
The writing runs smoothly and is very readable, but to set it above other books, to make it something extra special, there could be minor improvements made to the style, I feel.
Overall, a good book, if a little gruesome!
** I received this free of charge through Goodreads First-Reads **
June 24, 2011
I won this book in the First Reads givaway on Goodreads.
This is the first book by Conrad Jones Ive picked up and as such I had no expectations. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Slow Burn moves along at a good pace and during when I wasn't reading it I found myself thinking about the plot and what would happen next. I read this book in 3 sittings, it was easy to get immersed in the plot and the short chapters meant I was more inclined to keep reading just a little more.
Conrad Jones has a knack of describing the scene so that you are right there and being a Liverpudlian, found the location references in Liverpool spot on.
The only critisim I have is that the characters weren't that complex, especially the detectives. I felt that I knew only the bare bones of what I needed to to make the plot clear. This made it difficult at times to remember who was who and to relate to the story.
That said, I really did enjoy this novel and wouldnt hesitate to pick up another book from this series.
This is the first book by Conrad Jones Ive picked up and as such I had no expectations. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Slow Burn moves along at a good pace and during when I wasn't reading it I found myself thinking about the plot and what would happen next. I read this book in 3 sittings, it was easy to get immersed in the plot and the short chapters meant I was more inclined to keep reading just a little more.
Conrad Jones has a knack of describing the scene so that you are right there and being a Liverpudlian, found the location references in Liverpool spot on.
The only critisim I have is that the characters weren't that complex, especially the detectives. I felt that I knew only the bare bones of what I needed to to make the plot clear. This made it difficult at times to remember who was who and to relate to the story.
That said, I really did enjoy this novel and wouldnt hesitate to pick up another book from this series.
June 19, 2011
I did not like the cover on this book I felt that it was a book that I would not have picked up to read the blurb on the back or inside. This was my mistake as the book was very much to my taste.
I found it quite disjointed at the beginning which was when it was introducing the characters and it did flip from present day to the 'past'. I did however perservere and it all became clear how they all fit in a little into the book.The bpmbing was there at the front of the book and I expected it to finish when we found out who done it but no that was not the core of the book. The twists and turns became engrossing and the outcome inevitable but I wasn't thinking about the end chapters which blew it all out in the open and the final twist was surprising. IT basically was a great read about villans and those they harm.
I found it quite disjointed at the beginning which was when it was introducing the characters and it did flip from present day to the 'past'. I did however perservere and it all became clear how they all fit in a little into the book.The bpmbing was there at the front of the book and I expected it to finish when we found out who done it but no that was not the core of the book. The twists and turns became engrossing and the outcome inevitable but I wasn't thinking about the end chapters which blew it all out in the open and the final twist was surprising. IT basically was a great read about villans and those they harm.
July 9, 2011
Received through First Reads, will post review shortly.
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A thoroughly good read! I read this one very quickly, not quite one sitting but then who can do that with a toddler under foot.
It was just the right mix of gangsters, renegades(?) and detectives AND mixed relevant past (just the right amount rather than overdoing it as most books do) and present to give a great story line.
Just enough detail and information was given at each stage to keep you reading without giving away the entire plot or having to spend the last few chapter explaining everything.
This is not a book I would have picked up normally so thankyou First Reads to introducing me to a "new for me" author.
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A thoroughly good read! I read this one very quickly, not quite one sitting but then who can do that with a toddler under foot.
It was just the right mix of gangsters, renegades(?) and detectives AND mixed relevant past (just the right amount rather than overdoing it as most books do) and present to give a great story line.
Just enough detail and information was given at each stage to keep you reading without giving away the entire plot or having to spend the last few chapter explaining everything.
This is not a book I would have picked up normally so thankyou First Reads to introducing me to a "new for me" author.
August 29, 2011
Won this book as a Good Reads Giveaway.
I was plesently surpried by this book, I was not sure what to expect at all I have not read any of the other books by Conrad Jones. I found this fast paced and very gripping. A great read. The movement of time zones and Charecter opinion is well done so there is no confusion. Knowing from part way through who the 'bad guys' are does not by any means make you feel finishing is a waste of time either.
All in all I would definatly read another from this series.
I was plesently surpried by this book, I was not sure what to expect at all I have not read any of the other books by Conrad Jones. I found this fast paced and very gripping. A great read. The movement of time zones and Charecter opinion is well done so there is no confusion. Knowing from part way through who the 'bad guys' are does not by any means make you feel finishing is a waste of time either.
All in all I would definatly read another from this series.
June 14, 2011
I thought this was a good book. The plot was good, and the villians characters were well rounded. However, I felt it was let down by the actual detectives. They didnt have much character, and what character they did have was just given to you, rather than subtly conveyed through their words & actions.
For me this book is a 3.5, but with better detective characters I would have rated it a 4. I would probably read it again.
For me this book is a 3.5, but with better detective characters I would have rated it a 4. I would probably read it again.
June 15, 2011
I WON THIS BOOK AS A GOOD READ PRIZE. I ENJOYED THE BOOK , ALTHOUGH I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT BECAUSE OF THE COVER HAD THE STAR OF DAVID ON IT. i TEND NOT TO READ BOOKS ABOUT RELIGIOUS TERRORISM.
THIS BOOK WAS COMPELLING AND VERY EASY TO READ, THE PLOT WAS QUITE BELIEVABLE AND ONE IMAGINED ONESELF IN THE SHOES OF ALEC RAMSEY WONDERING WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT.
I WOULD SAY YES GIVE IT A TRY YOU WILL ENJOY IT.
THIS BOOK WAS COMPELLING AND VERY EASY TO READ, THE PLOT WAS QUITE BELIEVABLE AND ONE IMAGINED ONESELF IN THE SHOES OF ALEC RAMSEY WONDERING WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT.
I WOULD SAY YES GIVE IT A TRY YOU WILL ENJOY IT.
June 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and like the way it went from past to present in the chapters to let you know how it all began.Y ou really cannot wait to find out the outcome of the story which was a thriller from start to finish.It is a must to read for thriller readers.
May 4, 2015
Great story but scary to think that some people live their lives that way.
Want to read
June 15, 2011Won Slow Burn as a Goodreads giveaway, have not received it yet.
November 3, 2017
Packaged with the appalling 'the child taker' this was fractionally better but it would be preferable to have all my teeth pulled out than read anything else by this so called writer.
January 6, 2022
Slow burn!
This book turned out really good. The trouble I had was all the going back and forth by times and people. It made it hard to follow and wrap my head around. Half way through it changed to current events, which did make it easier then. And it was kind of slow during the first half most likely with all the info given. Though once you hit current times,the story took off and was fast paced and I couldn't put my Kindle down. Is a good plot, worth the read. My advice, pay attention to the names of each chapter , it will help a bit.
This book turned out really good. The trouble I had was all the going back and forth by times and people. It made it hard to follow and wrap my head around. Half way through it changed to current events, which did make it easier then. And it was kind of slow during the first half most likely with all the info given. Though once you hit current times,the story took off and was fast paced and I couldn't put my Kindle down. Is a good plot, worth the read. My advice, pay attention to the names of each chapter , it will help a bit.
January 6, 2024
A family is torn apart by repeated encounters of a local 'gang'. In the years that follow, the tables are turned; one by one, the members of this 'gang' are picked off in retribution.
Topics include rape, assault, murder, suicide, and drug use.
I had a great time reading this book. I love a book that is fast-paced and keeps me turning the page to see what happens next. I look forward to reading another of Conrad's books and see where things go for Alec and his team.
Topics include rape, assault, murder, suicide, and drug use.
I had a great time reading this book. I love a book that is fast-paced and keeps me turning the page to see what happens next. I look forward to reading another of Conrad's books and see where things go for Alec and his team.
September 19, 2017
The suspense in this book was great. It was a bit confusing at the start, as the story went from the past to present day quite often, but once you got used to that and started understanding the story line, it became a lot better and easier to read! It was great to see the detectives point of view, as he put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Great read!
May 8, 2018
The story is very good and shows how teenager crimes (bullying) can get all the way to organized crime. It shows also that there is a different in justice, it depends on which perspective. Interesting story including the israeli mossad and the detectives trying to do their job. Very violent, but believable.
January 26, 2021
Sixpence at every page.
I couldn't put this book down. It held me right from the start. I had a bit of trouble retaining all the names at first but once I had put my own faces to them I was away. Brilliant sixpence all the way through with an ending I didn't see coming. I can't wait to start my next book by this author.
I couldn't put this book down. It held me right from the start. I had a bit of trouble retaining all the names at first but once I had put my own faces to them I was away. Brilliant sixpence all the way through with an ending I didn't see coming. I can't wait to start my next book by this author.
June 11, 2019
Bloody brilliant 😁
Thoroughly enjoyable reading as expected. Conrad Jones has out done himself again. The story goes from past to present, past to present but is well put together and adds to the suspense. I would definitely recommend to read 😁
Thoroughly enjoyable reading as expected. Conrad Jones has out done himself again. The story goes from past to present, past to present but is well put together and adds to the suspense. I would definitely recommend to read 😁
August 5, 2022
Enjoyed this much more than previous reads from this author, a clever, gripping plot line with a twist at the end. I find the writing style rather clunky in places and the grammar drives me wild but overall a good read.
October 23, 2023
best book
This has to be up there as one of the best books I’ve read in a long while
Conrad jones writes contemporary novels which always hit a chord . This book is indeed a thriller
This has to be up there as one of the best books I’ve read in a long while
Conrad jones writes contemporary novels which always hit a chord . This book is indeed a thriller
April 21, 2024
Good story line
This gets 3 stars because I felt a lot that the characters repeated themselves so often. Almost 2 sentences away the same sentence was written with the words in a different order, like you didn't catch it the first time.
This gets 3 stars because I felt a lot that the characters repeated themselves so often. Almost 2 sentences away the same sentence was written with the words in a different order, like you didn't catch it the first time.
January 31, 2017
Excellent read
my mother and friends would like this book
it. was that Good!!! Excellent reading and good plot lots of waiting for what happens next
my mother and friends would like this book
it. was that Good!!! Excellent reading and good plot lots of waiting for what happens next
March 11, 2017
A brilliant read as all Conrad Jones are! My favourite Auther!
April 5, 2018
Review
Talk about a wild ride, this book grabs from page one and doesn't st let go until the end, I loved it. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fast paced ride.
Talk about a wild ride, this book grabs from page one and doesn't st let go until the end, I loved it. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fast paced ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews