Death Warning: Who Killed the Killer

by Andrew Barrett

Would you break the rules to let a mother hold her daughter one last time?

A young male is brutally stabbed to death in a neglected yard, and the weather has already destroyed any potential forensic evidence before CSI Eddie Collins can get there. While at the scene he takes another call, this time he’s needed at a female suicide in a good part of Leeds. Eddie is stunned to find both deaths are connected.

There’s a lot of work for Eddie and his small team, and while they’re working to prove the case against the killer, the killer is busy in another part of town.

Join Eddie as he dives headfirst into this dark and thrilling crime investigation, where he faces tragedy and horror, and where he risks everything to find the truth before the killer finds him.

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2023

About the author

Hi everyone,

My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.

My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.

And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.

Thanks for looking,

Andy

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Warning is the seventh book in the ever-gripping Eddie Collins series, about a grumpy CSI from Leeds who just can’t stay out of trouble. While each book in the series stands alone, I do recommend reading them in order, as there are evolving character arcs that won’t otherwise make sense, and Eddie is definitely not a “love at first meet” character - you need to know him to appreciate him! While this wasn’t my favourite of the series, it’s another clever noir thriller from a brilliant author who uses his real life forensic experience to give the books a gritty realism.

One a dark and stormy night, Eddie is called to analyse the scene of a vicious knife murder, but few clues remain. Then a young school teacher is found hanged - presumed a suicide, Eddie is shocked to find a link to the first case. When his sympathy for the bereaved mother puts his job on the line, his determination to do his best for the victims, no matter what, will once more endanger both him and his colleagues. Meanwhile, a film crew is shadowing him, his colleague Benson is having a midlife crisis and his father Charles is behaving very oddly…

I beta read this one for the author a few months ago, then speed read the final version to refresh my memory. Yet again, he’s crafted an unpredictable police procedural which brings back some of the best characters from the series, and introduces an intriguing new one, conflicted DS Regan Parker.
This one wasn’t as dark as some of the previous books - not a bad thing - and the action took a while to get going - most of the thrills are in the last quarter - but they’re worth waiting for. Eddie is as rude and sarcastic as ever, but his caring side is winning through more often now. I didn’t guess the perpetrator at all, and loved all the twists. I’m intrigued to see where Barrett takes his beleaguered hero next as his life gets ever more complicated…

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one very thrilling and compelling read. It is the seventh in the Eddie Collins series which just gets better with each book. Eddie is now head of CSI and he and his team investigate a murder and a suicide. I love Andrew Barretts main character - he has a lot of empathy for the victims and their families as he tries to give them answers. That’s his caring side. He’s also obnoxious, won’t stand fools and hilarious with his one liners. Here, he and Benson have to get used to working with a new Sergeant who joins the team. I loved this book, it is so very well written and flows seamlessly, has a great plot line that went off in a very unexpected direction. I was pulled into the story right from the start and the separate story threads definitely piqued my interest and held my attention all the way through, making this one of those reads where I needed to know what was coming next. I thought Kowalski really came into her own here which I really liked and the glimpses into Eddies relationship with his dad were quite endearing (and funny) at times. I love the banter and camaraderie between the characters, and the humour the author brings into his book. The last quarter of the book was full of tension and suspense where everything started to come together and fall into place. I think that this book could be read on it’s own, although if you’re new to this author and series I’d recommend you read the books in order to get to know Eddie right from the start and what makes him tick. This is a fab addition to a very, very good series.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE Best Eddie Collins book....EVER!

Oh, my! WHERE DO I start?!! This had it all... plotting, killing, rescuing, multiple storyboards, red herrings, gruesome details, a lazy cop, stupid people, Eddie being Eddie, Dad on a mission conspiring with Sid... Phew!

Andrew's 'real job' is evident in the realism that is depicted in his books.

Loved it!

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth More Than 5 Stars

I am sure I have said it about previous books in the series, but this book really is the best of the series so far. Eddie Collins is a crime scene investigator. He likes to work alone so this time when he is told a film crew will be watching him work he is certainly not amused. He is extremely dedicated to his work, and has the greatest respect for victims of crime, but not necessarily for his co workers or police officers. I really enjoy his sense of humour and his utter disregard for rules, although this does get him into hot water at times. I can’t wait to find out what is next in store for him. Thank you, Mr Barrett, please keep up the good work writing more books in this series.

[Vivian Moulun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Andrew Barrett’s best stories. Once again Eddie is working hard at solving several murders. There are lots of twists and turns throughout the book. I couldn’t put down the book; I was glued to it. What really shocked me was the ending. I didn’t expect it at all. I certainly would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fantastic thriller.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Warning is the seventh book in the CSI Eddie Collins series. Death Warning like all the books before it starts out with a bang. It will keep you hanging on page after page as Eddie dives into all the murders that are turning up and are connected in some surprising way. The suspense will keep you hanging on turning those pages racing to the end to see what is going on and who is doing all the killing.

I have read each and every one of Eddie’s books and truly enjoyed them all. Each one just gets better and better. Each one is filled with so many twists and turns. Once I pick up one of Eddie’s books I am not able to lay it aside until I have read the last page to see how it all turns out.

I love the way Eddie talks and he is always spouting out one thing or another. I caught myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I do believe I may have to borrow one or two of Eddie’s one-liners there. Once you get to know him you will find that Eddie is really a cool guy.

I like reading Eddie’s books not just because of the things he says but how ruthless he is in his search for the truth. I also like the fact that there is usually more than one murder in his stories. He always manages to keep you hanging on right up to the end.

I highly recommend Death Warning to all thriller fans! Grab your copy of Death Warning today!

[vicki atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

If you haven't met Eddie yet, this book will introduce you to an irreverant character who is obsessive about his craft of crime scene investigating. I had no idea where the ending was heading and, as a result, couldn't put the book bown until I read the last page. I loved it.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another adventure with Eddie. So may twists and turns and some "GASP" moments. This book had me losing some sleep last night because I needed to keep reading to find out how it was going to end. LOVED IT!

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever Andrew Barratt releases a new book in the CSI Eddie Collins series, it's time to drop everything. Death Warning is the seventh book in the series, which never, ever gets boring.
A series that each book can read alone, although I recommend you read the series in order. Only so you can get a proper insight into the characters. They are so well written and multi layered. Eddie Collins, for example, is not a man who comes across as  friendly or soft. He is a real grump and pretty anti-social to boot. Once you understand him and how he works, you discover he is a proper softie. I have to admit you have to dig deep, but he is. He also gives more thought to the dead and the victims than the rules! Then there are his one-liners!
Eddie is now head of CSI alongside his team he investigates two cases, one a murder and the other a suicide. As the story unfolds, we see Eddie's caring side bring danger to him and his team. There is a new addition to the team DS Regan Parker as well as returning characters who are some of the best from this series.
Death Warning is an unpredictable and twisty read. Every Andrew Barratt book is, but as the series goes on, the twists somehow become twister. The tension becomes tauter. I can't ever put an Eddie Collins book down, and this one proved no different. The ending was a shock, that's for sure! I wonder what Andrew Barratt has in line for Eddie next time?!
Thanks to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Andrew Barrett for the gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Graham Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had access to an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I don't know how Andy does this, the stories just get better and Eddie gets grumpier, is this Andy's alter ego?

It took me a little time to get into this book but it was well worth carrying on as the story twists and turns right up to the end. Well worth reading.

[Sally Forstner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in the Eddie Collins series and his best yet. As you get to know grumpy anti-social Eddie you realise he is a softie at heart and want to do the right thing by his clients, the dead or other victims of crime. Add in his difficult relationship with his father and having to work with a cop who doesn't like dead bodies and Eddie is up against it. Eddie has two murders to try and help solve and realises they may be connected. This is a real page turner with the reader trying to keep up with Eddie as he pieces the clues together. Great characters and some plot twists you won't expect. Well worth the read.
Sally F

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. That’s it.
Love Eddie Collins. He’s good at his job and he’s funny as heck. One liners just fly out and make me laugh throughout.
The storyline is serious and sad and kept me wanting to read it. Over 2 days I dived in.
Yay Eddies back.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some characters that just resonate with you and they are Benson and Eddie in this superbly written novel. So many other characters filling the scenes - the good and the bad. I am looking forward to the next book in this witty yet frightening and always exciting series. Outstanding.
Very Highly Recommended.

[Viragored · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I love Andrew Barrett's books, get stuck in and steam through them and finally am a shade disappointed when I get to the end. I reacted a little differently to this one. The first few chapters didn't grab me as I was expecting, and I wondered if the author was putting too much effort into descriptive phrases that had never been seen before. I'm all for avoiding clichés, but ...
However it wasn't long before I was deep into the plot, wondering who the killer would turn out to be, and what amazing things grumpy Eddie could pull off. And when I got to that point, I steamed through the rest of the book.
Other reviewers have commented on the new facet of Eddie's character that appears in this novel. I'll leave that to you to judge.

Full disclosure: I got my copy of the book as one of Andrew Barrett's advance readers group. And the comments above are my honest opinion of the book.
Go on, get a copy and read it - it's pretty darned good!

[Graeme Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent crime novel featuring the West Yorkshire based CSI Eddie Collins.
Andrew Barrett skilfully builds the story which involves two apparently unconnected deaths. We follow how Eddie and his police colleagues begin to trace the links between the victims. Eddie continues to be disenchanted with life in general and some aspects of the police service in particular. However, once again, he is doggedly determined to obtain the forensic evidence needed to produce justice for the murder victims.
Eddie’s father’s secret activities provide an entertaining side-story which doesn’t detract from the thrust of the story and helps inject touches of levity to break up the grim findings and the increasing body count.
I believe this is the best of the series so far and I look forward to reading the next edition of Eddie’s adventures.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished Death Warning, the 7th Eddie Collins book, and found it to be just as good as all the others Eddie is his usual self, wanting to do his best for the victims, wanting to give them justice. He is now in charge of a small team of CSIs and an admin, all of whom he has given nicknames. There is a new Detective Sargeant Regan Parker in the Major Crime Squad who doesn’t like dead bodies. When Eddie gets called out on a rainy windswept night to a stabbing he finds it difficult to find any forensic evidence due to the weather and whilst there gets a call out to another death reported as suicide. Having examined both scenes of crime he feels that both deaths are connected. From then on the reader is taken on a journey of twists and turns and it makes for an unputdownable story. His father Charles, who lives with him has a new project which he is keeping from Eddie and is surprised with Eddie's reaction when he finds out. This book shows a less cynical/brash side of Eddie which is nice to see but his sarcastic tongue is still there I highly recommend this book. I enjoy the writing style and the characters.

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to read this book in one day! I couldn’t put it down! It was the best book so far! We finally see Eddie have compassion AND empathy enough to break the rules! We have two murder scenes! The first on a windy rainy night in an alley a young man is stabbed to death! Shortly after a woman is found hanging. But Eddie knows before anyone else that the deaths are not as easy as they appear! Eddie’s acts of kindness shock everyone. Who knew he had it in him! I liked this new side of Eddie but I don’t think it will last. Benson is still the same only getting older and fatter according to Eddie. I love Eddie’s sharp tongue. Sid is the same as always only now he has genuine Ferrari red hair! Lol we have a new Sargent but desperately need more CSI’S. It will be fun watching Eddie interview them! This book had plenty of action and drama! A mystery mentioned before that I’d forgotten was brought up again. I won’t give it away! Setting up hopefully for the next book! This one lead me to the wrong suspect all the way to the end! I love when that happens. I can’t recommend this book highly enough! It was fantastic!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in the CSI Eddie Collins series. This can be read as a standalone, although reading the other books, you get more of an insight into the characters. The main character, Eddie Collins, when reading, I always have a love, hate relationship with. Hate the working character, the way he acts sometimes, but can well understand why. I love the real Eddie who is kind and caring.
There again, this all boils down to the wonderful descriptive that makes you see the characters and what's happening, so vivid at times it leaves little to the imagination.
This book has you totally gripped from beginning to end. You are totally captured into a brilliant put-together plot and gripping storyline with great strong characters. There are revelations clever twists and turns as the story builds up to that final twisty conclusion.
I absolutely loved reading this book and would certainly recommend it to others.
Although I did purchase this book, I would like to thank the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent! An amazingly well written, exciting CSI thriller! I do love the main characters Eddie Collins! A brilliant yet miserable Yorkshire man, that sees things others do not see! I was swept away by the high tension & intrigue in the story, a nice level of drama & a great plot! I have never been disappointed by this writers work & full heartedly recommend these stories, you will not be disappointed!

[Karen greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! Another great read by this amazing author. The reader gets pulled right into this story from page one and it is one wild roller coaster of a ride. Eddie Collins is his usual self, a very multifaceted character. He is brilliant, a perfectionist, intolerant to the lazy people around him, has a wicked sense of humor but with a soft side that shows every now and then so you know he is human. He will break the rules for the dead. Rules be damned! I will not tell any of this wonderful story but to say do not even try to figure it out because you cannot. There are more wow moments in this story than you can count and I enjoyed every minute of this read. If you have never read this series I would advise to go back to the beginning. You will be giving yourself a treat. Some say each book gets better but I think they are all so good. As soon as I am done I want to reread it it really is that good. Just remember that when you start this read forget about sleep, you will not want to stop reading until you get to the end.

[Alex Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Barrett has done it once again! … I was drawn into this seventh Eddie Collins book from the start, finding myself holding my breath with anticipation of what could happen. Has Eddie become surplus to requirements? …… I couldn’t imagine how it was all going to end.

I enjoy Andy’s style of writing; especially the vivid detail he conveys throughout his books and the anticipation felt by the words “we’ve got a body”! Although Eddie Collins is portrayed as a complex and unique character, I feel as though I’m starting to fully appreciate the extraordinary, and challenging, role of a CSI.

[Carl fambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

His books get better and better each time. Eddie is a complex person and is always striving to do his job to the exclusion of any outside influences. In "Death Warning",Eddie is confronted with multiple challenges( read crime scenes) and is now responsible for assigning assets and working himself where needed and also trying to juggle his personality shortcomings and conflicts......with the goal of doing better. The conflict between his old irascible self and desire to prove he can be better drives a good part of the book. Very enjoyable read and I absolutely loved reading this book...could not do in one reading but it was not for a lack of effort. Great book and you will love it.
Carl F

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Warning is the seventh book in the CSI Eddie Collins series and is a fabulous addition to this series.

This book has humour, murder, tragedy, action, suspense, and intrigue. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next to Eddie and his crew.

I read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation.

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I absolutely love this series. CSI Eddie Collins would have to be one of my favourite characters. Even though he tries, he doesn't have the best people skills, and I love his dry sense of humor. His interactions with inspector Benson are the best. Eddie has this ability to see what others miss and he's like a dog with a bone once he gets to a murder scene. You could easily read this book as a stand alone, and I can guarantee once you've completed it, you'll want to start at the beginning of the series. Andrew Barrett has that wonderful gift as a writer in being able to take the reader to another place, and really pull you into the story. This is easily one of my favourites. 5/5 Star Rating.

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think Andy can't write any better than the last book you read, he publishes another one and outdoes himself.

As usual, Eddie gets himself into some "spot of bother" with his mouth and his impulsiveness, but good things come to those who are diligent.

Love the new character -- Benson's new right-hand gal -- and hope to see her in upcoming books in this series.

Murder, mayhem, blood, and no shortage of surprises will keep you reading and you will have difficulty putting the book down until you reach the (to me) surprise conclusion and arrests!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow I want to give it 10 🌟 and wish I hadn’t finished it!
Eddie is back better than ever and more sarcastic than ever if that’s possible!
This was a great book, with as always brilliant characters and storyline which was a little different and with a good twist.
If you thought Eddie couldn’t get better and be more sarcastic you are wrong, he is at his best in this one and the back and forth with him and his father is great.
There is a new character, Reagan, who could possibly be on Eddie’s level with whit, but we will have to wait and see.
No spoilers from me, but if you’ve read the other 6 Eddie Collins books, this is a must read.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Collins is back in Death Warning, the seventh book in the series. A stabbing, a hanging made to look like a suicide,….how many more bodies are going to turn up before CSI Eddie Collins solves this puzzle? And you know he will, after all, he is relentless in his pursuit. However, Eddie’s hard work and perseverance will have him facing the killer in this dark thriller. The multi-faceted characters in this series are great. Eddie Collins and his interactions with….well everyone is first-rate. This suspenseful and dramatic story filled with twists and turns had me glued to my seat. Andrew Barrett has done it again with this great, fast-paced, gripping thriller and I am looking forward to his next novel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

When CSI Eddie Collins goes to work to find out he has to work with a film crew, watching his every move - we can all imagine his views and comments on that! No surprise that he does his best to avoid them at all costs.

Eddie doesn’t really have any time for the living as they get on his nerves, his time is given to the dead and he is determined to get justice for them.

Always managing to get himself into hot water with the bosses, Eddie keeps himself out of the office as much as possible. When he’s called out to a young male found stabbed to death in a cold and dark yard, Eddie is lost in his work. He’s soon called out to the suicide of a young female and he quickly finds the cases are connected.

I am so glad that Eddie is back, I’ve missed his sense of humour and foul mouth! This is the seventh book in this fabulous series and each book is more thrilling and entertaining than the last one.

The characters are believable and the plot gets your brain working hard to try and work out the puzzle before Eddie does.

My thanks to the author and Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a thrilling read, from the first word to the last! Can't put an Eddie Collins book down until the end. I love this character, his sarcastic humour and his skill as a CSI. Andrew Barrett has put together an excellent plot with twists, turns and incredibly well crafted characters. Can't believe I had a lump in my throat after one particular chapter. Really Eddie....you gone soft! Nah, just a weak moment...or two.
Great storytelling...from the man who knows. Always believable, which makes it a very exciting read. A big 5*.

[Mike Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett has outdone himself on this Eddie Collins story. New characters, so many layers and misdirection galore. Eddie remains a difficult person but shows a lighter side on occasion. This book will keep you guessing all the way to the last page, kudos on a well written thriller!