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Inspector Liam McLusky #2
Four Below
Heavy snow, and it’s still only November. DI McLusky has settled into his new job in Bristol but the severe weather shows an unfamiliar side to the city. After the conviction of a drug baron earlier in the year a new kingpin secures the hub of drug crime in Bristol. But how secure does he feel? A series of seemingly unconnected murders, accidents and dying drug users, investigated by McLusky and his team, slowly reveal the web of violence that spreads across the city. Narrow strips of a cut-up photograph arriving piecemeal at the Bristol Herald’s office may hold vital clues, but will the completed puzzle reach McLusky in time to prevent more deaths?
The private lives of both McLusky and his rival, DI Kat Fairfield, take unexpected turns too, making the atmosphere at Albany Road station, already considerably cooled by the failed heating, icier still.
The private lives of both McLusky and his rival, DI Kat Fairfield, take unexpected turns too, making the atmosphere at Albany Road station, already considerably cooled by the failed heating, icier still.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Peter Helton
15 books17 followersPETER HELTON was born in Germany but moved to London in 1982 where he worked as a translator for film and TV before discovering the attractions of the West Country.
He completed a Fine Arts Degree at UWE and has exhibited in London, Cornwall and Bath. At present he divides his time between his painting studio and writing in the study of a minute cottage near Bath in the company of his cat, Asbo.
Series:
* Chris Honeysett
* Inspector Liam McLusky
He completed a Fine Arts Degree at UWE and has exhibited in London, Cornwall and Bath. At present he divides his time between his painting studio and writing in the study of a minute cottage near Bath in the company of his cat, Asbo.
Series:
* Chris Honeysett
* Inspector Liam McLusky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 16, 2012
I won this book from Goodreads and am glad I did. This is a great mystery that you don't figure out early on, it really holds your attention. The onset of an early snow storm sets the stage for the story well. Detective McLusky finds himself investigating horrific murders and criminal drug activity in the middle of a frigidly cold city. McLusky is a very realistic character, not a superhero - just a smart (and sometimes lucky) working detective. What’s great about the book is that you find yourself drawn into all of the details of the various crimes in an effort to beat McLusky to solve the mystery. We also get a glimpse of his messed up private life which adds to his realism. All in all a very smart and well done mystery!
September 6, 2018
Pretty good mystery series about a hot mess of a DI who's new to Bristol. I must say, the author makes Bristol sound like hell on earth. O.O
January 14, 2020
Four Below, featuring Peter Helton's Detective Inspector McClusky, starts with DI McClusky chasing down a samurai sword wielding suspect on foot and by jumping in a cab and telling the driver to "follow that man". Meanwhile, an unnamed person prepares to blackmail a very dangerous man with a photograph. How their paths cross will eventually be answered by the end of the novel.
After the excitement of chasing down the man with the sword, DI McClusky and DS Austin are soon stuck in the woods in the cold on what may be a wild goose chase looking for a body or at least part of one according to a dog walker who insists she saw a fox dragging a face around.
Meanwhile, McClusky's sometime rival, DI Kat Fairfield, has the exciting case of a dead junkie in a public toilet. As it turns out, the junkie did not die of an overdose, he died of anthrax poisoning. And soon more junkies start dying. Is someone deliberately trying to kill off junkies using heroin laced with anthrax?
McClusky's case also quickly starts to develop a high body count as the search of the woods turns up a different body that was obviously tortured before being killed. It still has its face, so the body the fox mangled is still out there. Other severely tortured victims start turning up as well. McClusky must also deal with the case of a dead body in a car wreck near a farm near the woods. The driver of the car may have been involved in dealing drugs.
Could the case be connected to DI Fairfield's case? And what is the connection among the seemingly unrelated torture victims? Meanwhile, the Bristol Herald starts receiving cut up pieces of a photograph. Is this the same photograph taken by the unnamed blackmailer? How does this tie in with either McClusky's or Fairfield's cases?
Making DI McClusky's and DI Fairfield's lives more difficult, the heat is completely out at the Albany Road station and, more importantly, some idiot safety regulation has resulting in the removal of the office coffee maker. In addition to the pressure from their high body count cases, McClusky and Fairfield are also dealing with problems in their personal lives, as their exes both show up in Bristol.
One body and one clue at a time, Peter Helton gradually weaves the complex web of the cases together, resulting in a satisfying conclusion that resolves all of the plot threads set up in the first half of the book. Four Below is the second DI Liam McClusky novel and worked just fine as a stand alone mystery. It is not necessary to have read the first McClusky novel, Falling More Slowly, in order to understand or enjoy Four Below. Fans of police procedurals and gritty urban crime novels will want to read Four Below.
After the excitement of chasing down the man with the sword, DI McClusky and DS Austin are soon stuck in the woods in the cold on what may be a wild goose chase looking for a body or at least part of one according to a dog walker who insists she saw a fox dragging a face around.
Meanwhile, McClusky's sometime rival, DI Kat Fairfield, has the exciting case of a dead junkie in a public toilet. As it turns out, the junkie did not die of an overdose, he died of anthrax poisoning. And soon more junkies start dying. Is someone deliberately trying to kill off junkies using heroin laced with anthrax?
McClusky's case also quickly starts to develop a high body count as the search of the woods turns up a different body that was obviously tortured before being killed. It still has its face, so the body the fox mangled is still out there. Other severely tortured victims start turning up as well. McClusky must also deal with the case of a dead body in a car wreck near a farm near the woods. The driver of the car may have been involved in dealing drugs.
Could the case be connected to DI Fairfield's case? And what is the connection among the seemingly unrelated torture victims? Meanwhile, the Bristol Herald starts receiving cut up pieces of a photograph. Is this the same photograph taken by the unnamed blackmailer? How does this tie in with either McClusky's or Fairfield's cases?
Making DI McClusky's and DI Fairfield's lives more difficult, the heat is completely out at the Albany Road station and, more importantly, some idiot safety regulation has resulting in the removal of the office coffee maker. In addition to the pressure from their high body count cases, McClusky and Fairfield are also dealing with problems in their personal lives, as their exes both show up in Bristol.
One body and one clue at a time, Peter Helton gradually weaves the complex web of the cases together, resulting in a satisfying conclusion that resolves all of the plot threads set up in the first half of the book. Four Below is the second DI Liam McClusky novel and worked just fine as a stand alone mystery. It is not necessary to have read the first McClusky novel, Falling More Slowly, in order to understand or enjoy Four Below. Fans of police procedurals and gritty urban crime novels will want to read Four Below.
July 8, 2023
Here is another mystery which I grabbed at our library’s annual Book Sale (actually, the first two installments in the series). Set in Bristol, England, the protagonist D.I. McLusky is more of an antihero since his traits are not what we associate with the “hero.” He is grouchy, slovenly, not afraid to buck the status quo, and extremely stubborn. This is an engaging mystery that really holds your attention.
The onset of an early snow storm sets the stage for the story well. Detective McLusky finds himself investigating horrific murders and criminal drug activity in the middle of a frigidly cold city. Drug addicts are turning up dead, and the culprit is heroin which has been contaminated, some of it with anthrax virus. The police must track down this poisonous heroin before more people are killed.
"Four Below" was a nicely thought out, very well executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns, which lead to a not quite satisfying ending. Overall, the ending just seemed to happen too fast. Although the key characters were well developed, at times throughout the story, some of the minor characters were a bit hard to follow. D.I. McLusky was well developed, and I especially enjoyed his dry humor. McLusky was a very realistic character, not a superhero - just a smart (and sometimes lucky) working detective. Sadly, "Four Below" was not as good as Peter Helton’s first book in this series “Falling More Slowly.” I really enjoyed “Falling;” however, if you were expecting a continuation of “Falling” as I was, you will not find it here. Regardless, it was still a good mystery, so give it a try.
The onset of an early snow storm sets the stage for the story well. Detective McLusky finds himself investigating horrific murders and criminal drug activity in the middle of a frigidly cold city. Drug addicts are turning up dead, and the culprit is heroin which has been contaminated, some of it with anthrax virus. The police must track down this poisonous heroin before more people are killed.
"Four Below" was a nicely thought out, very well executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns, which lead to a not quite satisfying ending. Overall, the ending just seemed to happen too fast. Although the key characters were well developed, at times throughout the story, some of the minor characters were a bit hard to follow. D.I. McLusky was well developed, and I especially enjoyed his dry humor. McLusky was a very realistic character, not a superhero - just a smart (and sometimes lucky) working detective. Sadly, "Four Below" was not as good as Peter Helton’s first book in this series “Falling More Slowly.” I really enjoyed “Falling;” however, if you were expecting a continuation of “Falling” as I was, you will not find it here. Regardless, it was still a good mystery, so give it a try.
February 12, 2018
Very good police procedural. I could tell the author had written for television as his dialog was very quick, real and believable. McKlusky was well developed and I enjoyed his dry humor. Ending seemed to happen pretty fast but overall , Helton does a great job writing about the gritty , tough side of life without declining into f bombs. (Well, maybe just a couple.) Thank you!
June 3, 2018
So.many.characters. So many POV, most of which don’t ultimately matter. Too much needlessly violent death, and an unsatisfying ending.
January 25, 2012
Four Below is a first reads win from Goodreads.
D.I. McLusky has settled into his new position in Bristol but a change in weather to a 'severe freeze' lays bare an unfamiliar side to the city. Brutal murders, bodies found dumped and barely covered by fresh snow and if that wasn't enough someone's removed the kettle from D.I. McLusky's office...
First, let me say, I've not read the first in the series of D.I. McLusky books, but after reading Four Below I'll be looking for the first! I had to force myself to put the book down in order to go to sleep - a rarity in a novel where I'm concerned.
Set in Bristol, England, D.I. McLusky is the type of character who reminds me of Inspector Frost from the television series, A Touch of Frost. He's grouchy, not afraid to buck the status quo, and extremely stubborn. The author also lets the quirky humor I grew up with, shine through in the novel. Mr. Helton's version of British police officers reminds me of those I knew when I lived in England, and I have nothing but praise for the style of writing. It fits the novel and story perfectly. The pacing in fantastic, and I find myself wanting to know more about D.I. McLusky, his back story and what the future will hold for him.
Prime example of the humor - which I swear I heard my Dad's voice when I was reading the story (He was a Special Constable Police Officer for 19 in Merseyside) - would be the kettle vs health and safety regs scene. Beautifully written - either Mr. Helton's was a police officer in a previous life or he spent a lot of time sitting down with officers before writing the book.
If A Touch of Frost or New Tricks is your cup of tea when it comes to television Detectives, then this is a book for you.
D.I. McLusky has settled into his new position in Bristol but a change in weather to a 'severe freeze' lays bare an unfamiliar side to the city. Brutal murders, bodies found dumped and barely covered by fresh snow and if that wasn't enough someone's removed the kettle from D.I. McLusky's office...
First, let me say, I've not read the first in the series of D.I. McLusky books, but after reading Four Below I'll be looking for the first! I had to force myself to put the book down in order to go to sleep - a rarity in a novel where I'm concerned.
Set in Bristol, England, D.I. McLusky is the type of character who reminds me of Inspector Frost from the television series, A Touch of Frost. He's grouchy, not afraid to buck the status quo, and extremely stubborn. The author also lets the quirky humor I grew up with, shine through in the novel. Mr. Helton's version of British police officers reminds me of those I knew when I lived in England, and I have nothing but praise for the style of writing. It fits the novel and story perfectly. The pacing in fantastic, and I find myself wanting to know more about D.I. McLusky, his back story and what the future will hold for him.
Prime example of the humor - which I swear I heard my Dad's voice when I was reading the story (He was a Special Constable Police Officer for 19 in Merseyside) - would be the kettle vs health and safety regs scene. Beautifully written - either Mr. Helton's was a police officer in a previous life or he spent a lot of time sitting down with officers before writing the book.
If A Touch of Frost or New Tricks is your cup of tea when it comes to television Detectives, then this is a book for you.
April 23, 2012
Received "Four Below" through a Good Reads contest. First of all, having recently read a book that was supposed to take place in England, but written with about as much English authenticity as the Sookie Stackhouse novels, it was nice to read an English book that you could tell was written by, if not a native, then someone who had spent many, many years in the country. Even so, being an American I found myself spending more time on the internet trying to figure out the acronyms and slang so that I wouldn't miss something important, and it really broke up the continuity of the book for me. Had I been British, I'm sure that would not have been the case. Still, for international readers, it would be nice to have at least the acronyms explained a little sooner in the story.
That being said, "Four Below" was a well thought out, very well executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns, which lead to a surprise ending. The characters were a bit hard to follow, but once I figured out that many of the guys had girl names (Becky, DeeDee and Jane) and one of the girls had a guy name (Phil), I was able to follow pretty well. By the end of the story, I was eager to find out whodunit, and was completely surprised where it ended up. Looking forward to more from this author.
That being said, "Four Below" was a well thought out, very well executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns, which lead to a surprise ending. The characters were a bit hard to follow, but once I figured out that many of the guys had girl names (Becky, DeeDee and Jane) and one of the girls had a guy name (Phil), I was able to follow pretty well. By the end of the story, I was eager to find out whodunit, and was completely surprised where it ended up. Looking forward to more from this author.
Read
May 10, 2012Four Below: an Inspector McLusky Mystery, by Peter Helton, b-plus, narrated by David Thorpe, Produced by Isis Publishing, downloaded from audible.com.
McLusky is getting used to his transfer to Bristol, but now he and his officers have a big problem. Drug addicts are turning up dead, and the culprit is heroin which has been contaminated, some of it with anthrax virus. The police must track down this heroin before more people are killed. In the meantime, a few other people have also been murdered who turn out to be connected on the drug dealer side of the equasion. The police must find the connection between these people, and connect it to the tainted heroin. It’s a good book with a somewhat irritating McLusky, always going his own way, and a narrator who reads at a very slow pace. He does read well, though, and there are some extremely humorous, (dry humor, my favorite kind) points in the book.
McLusky is getting used to his transfer to Bristol, but now he and his officers have a big problem. Drug addicts are turning up dead, and the culprit is heroin which has been contaminated, some of it with anthrax virus. The police must track down this heroin before more people are killed. In the meantime, a few other people have also been murdered who turn out to be connected on the drug dealer side of the equasion. The police must find the connection between these people, and connect it to the tainted heroin. It’s a good book with a somewhat irritating McLusky, always going his own way, and a narrator who reads at a very slow pace. He does read well, though, and there are some extremely humorous, (dry humor, my favorite kind) points in the book.
January 27, 2012
This is my first time reading something by this author and I thought that this book was really good but not quite at a 5-star level for me. As far as the good goes, I can't really think of anything specific to say (I wish I could), I just really enjoyed reading the book.
The not so good for me: There were a few leads from early in the book that seemed to be ignored until the end neared and were then quickly wrapped up. The climax and conclusion of the case felt a bit hurried (the culprits "why" was lacking a bit), I would've liked an after story section or a small chapter of McLusky and Austin discussing/summerizing things as they made a final report or something for the case.
The not so good for me: There were a few leads from early in the book that seemed to be ignored until the end neared and were then quickly wrapped up. The climax and conclusion of the case felt a bit hurried (the culprits "why" was lacking a bit), I would've liked an after story section or a small chapter of McLusky and Austin discussing/summerizing things as they made a final report or something for the case.
February 10, 2012
I received an Advance Uncopyedited Edition paperback;the copyediting was fine. The transitions between scenes and from one character to another were sometimes confusing; this may have been cleaned up in the published edition. Peter Helton is a skilled English writer with a great grasp of the turn-of-phrase. This is a police procedural mystery strong on plot with many characters. I didn't have any problem keeping all the detectives straight, but had to work at keeping all the victims and their unique situations in mind since there were so many of them. I kept envisioning Humphrey Bogart playing DI McClusky.
January 18, 2013
Number 2 in the Liam McLusky series. Police procedural set in Bristol UK. I think this must fall into the misery loves company department. Inner city Bristol where quiet is a luxury; over crowding, under employment, and high demand for limited resources is a way of life. And it's cold. The worn out heating system at the police station isn't working. McLusky's flat is not heated - apparently those cost more to rent. One of the biggest hindrances to him doing his job is his boss. And his love life is in the crapper (of course). Despite the uphill battle, McLusky does manage to get the job done in the end. Narrated by David Thorpe.
April 8, 2017
I won this book in a first-reads giveaway. It's kind of a cross between a classic detective novel and a modern thriller. I personally enjoyed it very much.
There was a slight language barrier to overcome as an American reader, but no big deal. This is a first-rate mystery novel. In some ways it seemed to me like this book attempted to follow sort of a classic "Sherlock Holmes" style, which was a bit of a drawback for me.
I have no problem recommending this book to fans of the mystery/thriller genre. Well worth the read in my opinion.
There was a slight language barrier to overcome as an American reader, but no big deal. This is a first-rate mystery novel. In some ways it seemed to me like this book attempted to follow sort of a classic "Sherlock Holmes" style, which was a bit of a drawback for me.
I have no problem recommending this book to fans of the mystery/thriller genre. Well worth the read in my opinion.
February 2, 2012
Although there were a lot of acronyms and British terminology, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though he was considered bumbling by a lot of his peers, DI McLusky was a lot cleverer than he appeared to others, with the exception of his partner Austin. The book was well-written and kept your attention up to the last. The author kept you guessing at the end when he never disclosed the name of the person who was the blackmailer. I look forward to reading more adventures of DI McLusky.
May 26, 2012
This is a great book. I had a little bit of a hard time following it at first until I figured out it was changing back and forth from different characters in the book.
It was a little harder for me to read due to my ignorance of understanding some of the foreign things. The plot was extremely well planned with a twisted sense of irony at the conclusion.
Very nicely done!!
It was a little harder for me to read due to my ignorance of understanding some of the foreign things. The plot was extremely well planned with a twisted sense of irony at the conclusion.
Very nicely done!!
February 12, 2012
This was a gripping story. I loved that it was told from more than one perspective- it really helps bring the story along. Very fast read. It does have a lot of cussing, so if the f words bothers you, don't read this one. But if you can get past that, it's great. (The swearing is why I gave it three instead of five stars.)
February 6, 2016
This was a goodreads giveaway book. It was easy to read and follow. Not confusing. Since it took place in England there was a few things that were different. Like tires are tyres. Also, just not used to, is law enforcement positions are DI, PC, DC, DS and the SOCO team. But without giving anything away, there was one thing I did not care for in the book.
August 30, 2012
Four Below by Peter Helton, I enjoy this book. I've carried it w/me for months & when I was waiting on an appointment I would always start by rereading the last three pgs. I enjoyed McLusky. He reminded me of an old friend. A good story. I recommend highly. Thank you for this book. Almost forgot, I really was surprised by the ending.
March 3, 2012
I'm sure Peter Helton is a wonderful writer,but I read an unedited copy and it didn't really hold my attention like I hoped it would. I had trouble following the story and it had too many characters for me. Maybe the completed edited version was better.
January 30, 2012
Grumpy, single English detective solving the murders and deaths of people who seem to be drug addicts. The only thing really different is that the heroin that they have used is laced with anthrax. The writing is good, the puzzle was solved a little too tidy for me.
February 2, 2012
I won this book on a goodreads.com giveaway. It had a lot of added pieces to the story that really did not need to be included. The idea and story was excellent but it could have been written to keep my interest in a different way.
August 1, 2012
I loved Liam McLusky and I loved this book. He's grumpy and his peers don't think he's very bright, but they are wrong. he gets the job done. I have never read any of these books but I am now a fan. A fast read, a must read and a page turner. I won this from Goodreads.
March 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, even though the english setting is usually off-putting to me. For some reason it was not a problem in this book. I thought the characters were well described and storyline believable. I will definitely read anything else by this author.
Read
October 15, 2014BJ #13, Book #1130
First title featuring Detective Inspector McLusky of Bristol, England. Office rival is Detective Inspector Kat Fairfield with mighty aspirations.
Series of linked murders. Heroine supply is contaminated. Strong sense of gloomy, grey place.
First title featuring Detective Inspector McLusky of Bristol, England. Office rival is Detective Inspector Kat Fairfield with mighty aspirations.
Series of linked murders. Heroine supply is contaminated. Strong sense of gloomy, grey place.
December 6, 2015
Too many characters: good guys, bad guys, ancillary guys.
Ellen should not have died.
Guy who sent photos needed more substance
Well written. Mccluxky si relate able. Fairfield seems rather peripheral as does Louise.
Ellen should not have died.
Guy who sent photos needed more substance
Well written. Mccluxky si relate able. Fairfield seems rather peripheral as does Louise.
March 30, 2012
Just say no!
February 21, 2013
A really gritty, dour British detective novel. I really enjoyed it and want more of Peter Helton books
October 4, 2013
This damaged detective (all the best seem to be) is nonetheless a sympathetic character, and Helton delivers a fairly thrilling denouement.
March 2, 2015
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.
Well-developed characters and a believable storyline help make this a real page turner.
Well-developed characters and a believable storyline help make this a real page turner.
June 21, 2015
Second in the consistently satisfying Inspector Liam McLuskey police procedural
series: the complex plot is enhanced by swift pacing and intriguing characters.
series: the complex plot is enhanced by swift pacing and intriguing characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews