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Seat 97
A man who had it coming, or mistaken identity?
People are finding their seats for a soul concert when a shot rings out. David Barron crumples to the floor. Next to him, journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta, step in to help.
The assassin quickly escapes from the building. Realising this might be the scoop of his life, Nick rushes after him.
Although the man evades him – perhaps a good thing, seeing as he is holding a gun – Nick is determined to find the killer. Despite the misgivings of the police.
So who was David Barron and why was he shot? Why was he holding the lethal ticket for Seat 97?
Can you work out the mystery?
This is a totally gripping standalone crime mystery set in London that will keep you guessing.
Tony Bassett is the author of the Detectives Roy and Roscoe crime fiction series set in the Midlands. His books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback from Amazon.
People are finding their seats for a soul concert when a shot rings out. David Barron crumples to the floor. Next to him, journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta, step in to help.
The assassin quickly escapes from the building. Realising this might be the scoop of his life, Nick rushes after him.
Although the man evades him – perhaps a good thing, seeing as he is holding a gun – Nick is determined to find the killer. Despite the misgivings of the police.
So who was David Barron and why was he shot? Why was he holding the lethal ticket for Seat 97?
Can you work out the mystery?
This is a totally gripping standalone crime mystery set in London that will keep you guessing.
Tony Bassett is the author of the Detectives Roy and Roscoe crime fiction series set in the Midlands. His books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback from Amazon.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2023
86 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bassett
13 books33 followersTONY BASSETT is a former journalist who worked on regional and national newspapers in Britain for more than 40 years. He mainly reported on crime, show business, human interest and consumer topics. Now retired, he writes crime fiction.
Tony is best known for his series of novels set in the West Midlands featuring Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Roscoe, an experienced detective and family man, and his sergeant, law graduate and resourceful problem-solver Sunita Roy.
THE LATEST novel (Book 8) begins with a retired nurse escaping to her hotel room looking for peace after a rowdy birthday party in a Warwickshire town. But to her horror, through a window, she witnesses a brutal crime — a young woman being strangled in another part of the building.
Detective Sergeant Sunita Roy — visiting the hotel while attending a wedding — is first on the scene, and quickly realises this isn’t a random attack. The victim, glamorous social media star Candy Goodhope, was living a double life — and everyone close to her has something to hide.
When events take a further sinister turn, she and her boss, DCI Gavin Roscoe, are obliged to look back at past lives to find a motive for murder.
THE FIFTH book in the series, Heir To Murder, was judged first in the Mystery and Suspense (Police Procedurals) category in the American Fiction Awards in June 2024.
The other titles in the collection (all published by The Book Folks) are: Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor, Out for Revenge and It Never Rains.
Tony has in addition written a stand-alone thriller Seat 97, about a man shot dead at a London concert hall, which was published by The Book Folks, while two further works (the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway and the spy novel The Lazarus Charter) were published by The Conrad Press.
Tony first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he produced a junior school magazine. A few years later, his local vicar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent staged his play about the Biblical story of Naboth's Vineyard.
At Hull University, Tony was judged Time-Life Magazine student journalist of the year in 1971.
Tony, who has five grown-up children, is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
*** A great value Kindle boxset collection of the first SEVEN books is now available under the title DETECTIVES ROY & ROSCOE MYSTERIES BOOKS 1 - 7.
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
Tony is best known for his series of novels set in the West Midlands featuring Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Roscoe, an experienced detective and family man, and his sergeant, law graduate and resourceful problem-solver Sunita Roy.
THE LATEST novel (Book 8) begins with a retired nurse escaping to her hotel room looking for peace after a rowdy birthday party in a Warwickshire town. But to her horror, through a window, she witnesses a brutal crime — a young woman being strangled in another part of the building.
Detective Sergeant Sunita Roy — visiting the hotel while attending a wedding — is first on the scene, and quickly realises this isn’t a random attack. The victim, glamorous social media star Candy Goodhope, was living a double life — and everyone close to her has something to hide.
When events take a further sinister turn, she and her boss, DCI Gavin Roscoe, are obliged to look back at past lives to find a motive for murder.
THE FIFTH book in the series, Heir To Murder, was judged first in the Mystery and Suspense (Police Procedurals) category in the American Fiction Awards in June 2024.
The other titles in the collection (all published by The Book Folks) are: Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor, Out for Revenge and It Never Rains.
Tony has in addition written a stand-alone thriller Seat 97, about a man shot dead at a London concert hall, which was published by The Book Folks, while two further works (the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway and the spy novel The Lazarus Charter) were published by The Conrad Press.
Tony first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he produced a junior school magazine. A few years later, his local vicar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent staged his play about the Biblical story of Naboth's Vineyard.
At Hull University, Tony was judged Time-Life Magazine student journalist of the year in 1971.
Tony, who has five grown-up children, is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
*** A great value Kindle boxset collection of the first SEVEN books is now available under the title DETECTIVES ROY & ROSCOE MYSTERIES BOOKS 1 - 7.
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 27, 2023
Established writer, Tony Bassett, not only knows that suspects are the lifeblood of his mysteries but also that he needs to create these characters with rich backgrounds and plenty of secrets to challenge his sleuth. His compelling mystery will have readers following the police and the investigative journalist as they track down, examine and work towards eliminating suspects to come to a final solution.
I was impressed by my first introduction to this author! Not only was this a fast-paced thriller, but it kept me guessing right to the end.
As the novel opens, an assassin strikes at London’s Albert Hall just as ticketholders begin taking their seats for a concert. Eager to see the note-perfect ‘Sovereign of Soul’, Loretta Kay, perform, concertgoers had arrived early and had begun chatting to fellow fans in the venue. It wasn’t long until the fellow in seat 97 slumped over dead; he’d been shot by a mystery man who had appeared from behind the stage.
Was it targeted? A case of mistaken identity? What type of assassin shoots in a public place? Surrounded by potential witnesses? And with no guarantee of a quick escape? A trained one or a foolish one? You’ll have to read to find out.
As is always the case, there’s more than meets the eye and those seeking anonymity walk a thin line. I appreciated the different points of view because they afforded a wider look at the suspects and increased my doubt. The juxtaposition within the London-based setting was fantastic; the dark, seedy, underground and the luxurious concert venue in an upscale neighbourhood.
I’ll be looking for another one of this author’s books to read again soon!
I was gifted this copy by The Book Folks and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was impressed by my first introduction to this author! Not only was this a fast-paced thriller, but it kept me guessing right to the end.
As the novel opens, an assassin strikes at London’s Albert Hall just as ticketholders begin taking their seats for a concert. Eager to see the note-perfect ‘Sovereign of Soul’, Loretta Kay, perform, concertgoers had arrived early and had begun chatting to fellow fans in the venue. It wasn’t long until the fellow in seat 97 slumped over dead; he’d been shot by a mystery man who had appeared from behind the stage.
Was it targeted? A case of mistaken identity? What type of assassin shoots in a public place? Surrounded by potential witnesses? And with no guarantee of a quick escape? A trained one or a foolish one? You’ll have to read to find out.
As is always the case, there’s more than meets the eye and those seeking anonymity walk a thin line. I appreciated the different points of view because they afforded a wider look at the suspects and increased my doubt. The juxtaposition within the London-based setting was fantastic; the dark, seedy, underground and the luxurious concert venue in an upscale neighbourhood.
I’ll be looking for another one of this author’s books to read again soon!
I was gifted this copy by The Book Folks and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 5, 2023
I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I was intrigued by the hook here, that the victim might not have been the one intended to die, and also that the investigating main character is a journalist instead of a police officer, P.I. or nosy amateur.
And the fact that the author used to be a journalist himself really showed throughout, as Nick pursues the investigation he inadvertently sat next to but does so very much as a reporter – co-operating with the police and his Fleet Street colleagues to advance and not hinder the official investigation while still getting his scoops.
Often journalists in fiction are depicted as being hard, immoral sharks, ruthlessly doorstepping grieving families and withholding evidence to suit their stories, but Tony Bassett shows us a moral and hardworking reporter (and team) who are passionate about getting the news, but getting it right. It was a refreshing change and I hung on every word, thoroughly enjoying getting a new insider’s insight into a career I only knew through outside perspectives previously and thoroughly enjoying the way he stayed in his journalistic ‘lane’ at all times (never committing the cardinal sin of amateur investigators of meddling in police investigations and muddying the waters with well-meaning ignorance!), yet still got the job done and the murder solved!
With all sorts of motives – gang violence, money, drugs, love – and even the victim something of an unknown, there is plenty of action and intrigue packed into the story, but it remains fast-paced and easy to follow, making it an ideal, quick beach read for thriller fans. And while it is currently a stand-alone story, I would certainly read more of Nick Colton if future books were to emerge!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
I was intrigued by the hook here, that the victim might not have been the one intended to die, and also that the investigating main character is a journalist instead of a police officer, P.I. or nosy amateur.
And the fact that the author used to be a journalist himself really showed throughout, as Nick pursues the investigation he inadvertently sat next to but does so very much as a reporter – co-operating with the police and his Fleet Street colleagues to advance and not hinder the official investigation while still getting his scoops.
Often journalists in fiction are depicted as being hard, immoral sharks, ruthlessly doorstepping grieving families and withholding evidence to suit their stories, but Tony Bassett shows us a moral and hardworking reporter (and team) who are passionate about getting the news, but getting it right. It was a refreshing change and I hung on every word, thoroughly enjoying getting a new insider’s insight into a career I only knew through outside perspectives previously and thoroughly enjoying the way he stayed in his journalistic ‘lane’ at all times (never committing the cardinal sin of amateur investigators of meddling in police investigations and muddying the waters with well-meaning ignorance!), yet still got the job done and the murder solved!
With all sorts of motives – gang violence, money, drugs, love – and even the victim something of an unknown, there is plenty of action and intrigue packed into the story, but it remains fast-paced and easy to follow, making it an ideal, quick beach read for thriller fans. And while it is currently a stand-alone story, I would certainly read more of Nick Colton if future books were to emerge!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 11, 2023
I loved ‘Out For Revenge’ so I jumped at the chance to be on the blog tour.
I was hooked from the begining, the case of ‘mistaken identity’ always intrigues me, but this is a story that offers so much more.
The plot brings together snipers, drugs, mafia and one hell of a determined reporter 😂.
Add this and the authors other books to your TBR!
I was hooked from the begining, the case of ‘mistaken identity’ always intrigues me, but this is a story that offers so much more.
The plot brings together snipers, drugs, mafia and one hell of a determined reporter 😂.
Add this and the authors other books to your TBR!
August 20, 2023
When a fatal gunshot afflicts David Barron during a concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, Nick Colton and his wife are seated beside him. They watch in horror as he pleads for help and then slumps over dead while terrified concertgoers look on. As a reporter for The Post, Colton knows this could be the story of his career, and so he begins digging. Still, the investigation is perplexing because all the facts don’t add up. Colton learns that the victim had switched seats with someone else, but was the assassin aware of this, or was the bullet intended for someone else? More questions arise when the man who switched seats with Barron is murdered two days later. Colton frantically interviews witnesses and next of kin, but will he avenge the killer before it’s too late?
“Seat 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” by Tony Bassett is an immersive crime thriller that will leave readers guessing until the last page. The story follows revered journalist Nick Colton, who follows every lead to unearth the truth about David Barron’s murderer. This means brushing shoulders with London’s elite and getting up close and personal with the city’s most prominent gangsters. Throughout the brimming-with-intrigue novel, Bassett uses his knowledge and experience as a journalist to build an exciting and convincing story.
This is definitely a book that required my full attention. Bassett’s writing is detail oriented and rife with dialogue between primary and secondary characters. Still, to glean all the information and uncover the clues, I recommend readers take their time to savor every page so they can catch all the essential pieces of the mysterious puzzle. I loved the diversity in characters and personalities, adding another layer of interest. Tough-as-nails gangsters, competitive journalists, and deceptive individuals with ulterior motives, Bassett ensured the action-packed storyline was buttressed by multidimensional characters.
Despite the motley crew of entertaining personalities, I must caution the reader of the sheer volume of characters. I recommend taking notes or making a list of names so that when the author flip-flops between people or changes perspective, confusion can be avoided. This really helped me when Nick Colton was enmeshed in the investigation.
Overall, I enjoyed “Seat 97” and would enthusiastically recommend it to lovers of mystery and British crime novels. Bassett skillfully drops breadcrumbs of information, leading the reader to shocking revelations and a satisfying ending. Combing all of this with a plot that unravels at a steady pace, it is obvious “Seat 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” by Tony Bassett deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
“Seat 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” by Tony Bassett is an immersive crime thriller that will leave readers guessing until the last page. The story follows revered journalist Nick Colton, who follows every lead to unearth the truth about David Barron’s murderer. This means brushing shoulders with London’s elite and getting up close and personal with the city’s most prominent gangsters. Throughout the brimming-with-intrigue novel, Bassett uses his knowledge and experience as a journalist to build an exciting and convincing story.
This is definitely a book that required my full attention. Bassett’s writing is detail oriented and rife with dialogue between primary and secondary characters. Still, to glean all the information and uncover the clues, I recommend readers take their time to savor every page so they can catch all the essential pieces of the mysterious puzzle. I loved the diversity in characters and personalities, adding another layer of interest. Tough-as-nails gangsters, competitive journalists, and deceptive individuals with ulterior motives, Bassett ensured the action-packed storyline was buttressed by multidimensional characters.
Despite the motley crew of entertaining personalities, I must caution the reader of the sheer volume of characters. I recommend taking notes or making a list of names so that when the author flip-flops between people or changes perspective, confusion can be avoided. This really helped me when Nick Colton was enmeshed in the investigation.
Overall, I enjoyed “Seat 97” and would enthusiastically recommend it to lovers of mystery and British crime novels. Bassett skillfully drops breadcrumbs of information, leading the reader to shocking revelations and a satisfying ending. Combing all of this with a plot that unravels at a steady pace, it is obvious “Seat 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” by Tony Bassett deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
June 8, 2023
3.3 out of 5 stars
Seat 97 by Tony Bassett is an action-packed book that really kept me guessing.
I really loved how it started. It had such great potential and the plot sounded really interesting and unique. The story was full of twists and turns that unravelled at a great pace.
I found it really interesting that we could see the investigation and what was happening behind the scenes with the police as well as seeing how Nick (the journalist) was discovering things too.
I really liked how it shared a different side of journalism. Stereotypically, journalists in crime books are presented as nuisances who don’t care what they have to do to get a good story, whether it’s the truth or not or what harm it will do. This book tipped it on its head and it showed that in reality, journalists are people too and can care about the truth and the effects of their stories. I thought it was really refreshing to read.
I found it really hard to connect with any of the characters. I would’ve perhaps liked to have got to know the characters more and got to know more of their little quirks as they fell a little flat for me and were a little forgettable if I’m completely honest.
It was fast-paced and really kept me guessing, although I would’ve perhaps liked to have seen the ending a little clearer and straight to the point instead of dragging on certain parts and not enough detail in other parts. I wasn’t expecting it, but I would’ve perhaps liked to have seen better motive personally.
I’m not quite sure on the writing style. For me, there was just something off about it and it didn’t quite work for me. There were several parts that had me questioning things and a few inconsistencies that just made me a little uneasy if I’m honest. It felt a little forced and a bit all over the place.
Overall, it really kept me guessing and was a quick, fast-paced read full of action.
Thank you, Rachel (Rachel’s Random Resources), for my copy.
Seat 97 by Tony Bassett is an action-packed book that really kept me guessing.
I really loved how it started. It had such great potential and the plot sounded really interesting and unique. The story was full of twists and turns that unravelled at a great pace.
I found it really interesting that we could see the investigation and what was happening behind the scenes with the police as well as seeing how Nick (the journalist) was discovering things too.
I really liked how it shared a different side of journalism. Stereotypically, journalists in crime books are presented as nuisances who don’t care what they have to do to get a good story, whether it’s the truth or not or what harm it will do. This book tipped it on its head and it showed that in reality, journalists are people too and can care about the truth and the effects of their stories. I thought it was really refreshing to read.
I found it really hard to connect with any of the characters. I would’ve perhaps liked to have got to know the characters more and got to know more of their little quirks as they fell a little flat for me and were a little forgettable if I’m completely honest.
It was fast-paced and really kept me guessing, although I would’ve perhaps liked to have seen the ending a little clearer and straight to the point instead of dragging on certain parts and not enough detail in other parts. I wasn’t expecting it, but I would’ve perhaps liked to have seen better motive personally.
I’m not quite sure on the writing style. For me, there was just something off about it and it didn’t quite work for me. There were several parts that had me questioning things and a few inconsistencies that just made me a little uneasy if I’m honest. It felt a little forced and a bit all over the place.
Overall, it really kept me guessing and was a quick, fast-paced read full of action.
Thank you, Rachel (Rachel’s Random Resources), for my copy.
April 29, 2023
This wasn't what I expected lol. For some reason to me the writing felt stilted or there was just something slightly off about the way the story is told? I can't put my finger on it but I struggled to get lost in it unfortunately. It felt like it was just a bit old school and back in the day, even though I'm sure it's set in modern times?! Like an old story about a mob hit but transported to 2023.... and still told in the way stories were told back in the 60s? Does any of this make sense lol. Maybe because in my eyes newspaper's just aren't really a thing anymore so the reporter running around summoned a different world
I did love the premise and I couldnt even categorise this book because it touches on so many aspects like a bit of a murder mystery, a bit police procedural, a bit thriller etc etc.
As the book progressed then it turns out there's a lot more going on that you might have originally assumed and I did love getting to the bottom of it all.
I didn't like the writing style as already mentioned. It just felt awkward and forced right from the start. The whole book happens because of this change of seats but I just couldn't see that the guy who swapped would even start this super dull chat to his neighbour about how the seats had been switched and it felt very forced and unnatural, purely to talk down to the read so they understand the seats were swapped. I feel there are more subtle and cleverer ways that could have been made known than a super boring conversation to really spell it out to us. Likewise, would an assassin just base it on seat no? Really? Would the police be so dismissive of the wife's statement when she actually saw the guy?! I just had a lot of questions and that continued throughout the book
I did love the premise and I couldnt even categorise this book because it touches on so many aspects like a bit of a murder mystery, a bit police procedural, a bit thriller etc etc.
As the book progressed then it turns out there's a lot more going on that you might have originally assumed and I did love getting to the bottom of it all.
I didn't like the writing style as already mentioned. It just felt awkward and forced right from the start. The whole book happens because of this change of seats but I just couldn't see that the guy who swapped would even start this super dull chat to his neighbour about how the seats had been switched and it felt very forced and unnatural, purely to talk down to the read so they understand the seats were swapped. I feel there are more subtle and cleverer ways that could have been made known than a super boring conversation to really spell it out to us. Likewise, would an assassin just base it on seat no? Really? Would the police be so dismissive of the wife's statement when she actually saw the guy?! I just had a lot of questions and that continued throughout the book
May 10, 2023
Synopsis: Nick Colton is the lead character who works as a journalist at "The Post". He went for a concert with his wife, Greta, and was having a wonderful conversation with his neighbor on Seat 97. The neighbor, David Barron, told him that he had to swap seats, he had agreed since he came alone and is very excited for the concert. Even before the show starts, David is shot dead. While the Police are trying to solve this mystery, Nick, having known and spoken with David, feels the need to investigate this murder himself. Greta seemed to notice someone who vanished right after the shot, Nick followed him but could not catch him. So, Nick is trying to follow that lead. Meanwhile, coming out of shock, the other audience members have provided other leads to the Police too. Who would murder David in such a public forum? Why not kill him when he was on the way? David seemed very likeable, who are his enemies? Was he shot for being at the wrong place, at the wrong time? Who is the killer? But first, who is the real victim?
My thoughts: This is easily a page turner. The story develops from multiple perspectives of, Nick, David's family, the Police, and a big man with a bad reputation. It was interesting to read 2 investigations working simultaneously. One from the perspective of the Police, and the other from the perspective of a journalist. There are rules that a journalist can bend, but the Police can't. It was interesting to find out who will crack the case first. The writing is clever, as it keeps multiple perspectives and yet is an easy read. Like a lot of detective novels, this follows singular timeline. It was a very interesting plot though. I would recommend this for crime, mystery lovers such as myself!
My thoughts: This is easily a page turner. The story develops from multiple perspectives of, Nick, David's family, the Police, and a big man with a bad reputation. It was interesting to read 2 investigations working simultaneously. One from the perspective of the Police, and the other from the perspective of a journalist. There are rules that a journalist can bend, but the Police can't. It was interesting to find out who will crack the case first. The writing is clever, as it keeps multiple perspectives and yet is an easy read. Like a lot of detective novels, this follows singular timeline. It was a very interesting plot though. I would recommend this for crime, mystery lovers such as myself!
May 18, 2023
A well-crafted mystery crime thriller...
SEAT 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time: The Mystery of a Very Public Murder by Tony Bassett is a thrilling standalone crime mystery set in London. The story begins when a man named David Barron is shot at a concert hall after swapping tickets with another concertgoer, taking the seat next to journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta. Colton, knowing the victim, begins investigating and soon finds himself clashing with detectives and delving into the competitive world of British journalism and London gang crime. The central question that drives the story is whether the victim was the intended target, or if the assassin shot the wrong man.
Exploring the life of a journalist, the world of crime, and the workings of London gangs, the author has woven a well-crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. Colton is an engaging protagonist, and his dedication to uncovering the truth is admirable. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. The author's previous experience as a Fleet Street journalist adds to the authenticity of the story and adds an extra layer of depth to the characters and plot.
If you are looking for a well-written suspenseful crime thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then “SEAT 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” will not leave you disappointed. Recommended to all fans of mystery, thriller, and suspense. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
SEAT 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time: The Mystery of a Very Public Murder by Tony Bassett is a thrilling standalone crime mystery set in London. The story begins when a man named David Barron is shot at a concert hall after swapping tickets with another concertgoer, taking the seat next to journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta. Colton, knowing the victim, begins investigating and soon finds himself clashing with detectives and delving into the competitive world of British journalism and London gang crime. The central question that drives the story is whether the victim was the intended target, or if the assassin shot the wrong man.
Exploring the life of a journalist, the world of crime, and the workings of London gangs, the author has woven a well-crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. Colton is an engaging protagonist, and his dedication to uncovering the truth is admirable. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. The author's previous experience as a Fleet Street journalist adds to the authenticity of the story and adds an extra layer of depth to the characters and plot.
If you are looking for a well-written suspenseful crime thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then “SEAT 97: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” will not leave you disappointed. Recommended to all fans of mystery, thriller, and suspense. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
June 6, 2023
When I first saw the title Seat 97, I thought it was going to be a novel on an airplane, but that was not the case. Seat 97 by Tony Bassett is a novel about Nick Colton and his wife Greta. They decide to have a night out and go to a concert.
A man, David Barron, sits next to Nick, and soon after they have a bit of a conversation, David is shot in the head, and Nick tries to help him but is unsuccessful and the man dies. David had tried to be a good guy and he switched seats with a man who wanted to be next to his significant other. So now, was that man the target or David.
Nick is a journalist and wants nothing more than to figure out who shot David and why. Greta had seen a man wearing a hoodie run out of the theatre so Nick kind of has a description of the culprit.
Nick works alongside the police to assist them in finding out who wanted an unassuming man killed.
As the investigation goes on the reader is introduced to a myriad of characters, each playing a bit in the mystery. Was David in the wrong place at the wrong time or was he the intended victim?
Only reading the book will tell you that.
I enjoy a good who dun it, especially by a British author, they just have the knack for how to tell a suspenseful good story! This one only took a couple of sittings and had me trying to figure out who the bad guy was until the end. That is the mark of telling a good mystery when the reader has not figured out the ending. I like most of the characters and the writing style was appealing.
I give the story 5 stars!
A man, David Barron, sits next to Nick, and soon after they have a bit of a conversation, David is shot in the head, and Nick tries to help him but is unsuccessful and the man dies. David had tried to be a good guy and he switched seats with a man who wanted to be next to his significant other. So now, was that man the target or David.
Nick is a journalist and wants nothing more than to figure out who shot David and why. Greta had seen a man wearing a hoodie run out of the theatre so Nick kind of has a description of the culprit.
Nick works alongside the police to assist them in finding out who wanted an unassuming man killed.
As the investigation goes on the reader is introduced to a myriad of characters, each playing a bit in the mystery. Was David in the wrong place at the wrong time or was he the intended victim?
Only reading the book will tell you that.
I enjoy a good who dun it, especially by a British author, they just have the knack for how to tell a suspenseful good story! This one only took a couple of sittings and had me trying to figure out who the bad guy was until the end. That is the mark of telling a good mystery when the reader has not figured out the ending. I like most of the characters and the writing style was appealing.
I give the story 5 stars!
June 2, 2024
A date night starts innocently enough but, within minutes of the couple finding their seats and sitting back to wait for the appearance of the main act to begin, a series of shots ring out and they find themselves witnessing a murder right before their eyes. David Barron a friendly middle-aged man who had only moments before changed seats with another couple, who couldn’t get seats together, is gunned down in front of Nick Colton, a journalist from The Post, and his wife Greta. Despite running after the gunman, Nick is unable to apprehend him and he escapes into the night leaving Nick and his wife Greta shaken and in disbelief of what they have just witnessed.
A book featuring two main police characters DS Nadia Khan and DCI Harry Haynes. They find themselves investigating not one but two unprovoked and mysterious murders of two innocent men that somehow appear to be linked with help, wanted or not, from a very determined Nick Colton!! This book is based around Greenwich and Hackney and even pops over to Ireland towards the end of the book. It had me on the edge of my seat many times mainly because I know all of the streets and some of the venues from the book so became very real to me. Tony has a way of writing his books that draws his reader into his stories, so it almost makes you like you are part of the investigation. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it if you love a really good whodunit mystery.
A book featuring two main police characters DS Nadia Khan and DCI Harry Haynes. They find themselves investigating not one but two unprovoked and mysterious murders of two innocent men that somehow appear to be linked with help, wanted or not, from a very determined Nick Colton!! This book is based around Greenwich and Hackney and even pops over to Ireland towards the end of the book. It had me on the edge of my seat many times mainly because I know all of the streets and some of the venues from the book so became very real to me. Tony has a way of writing his books that draws his reader into his stories, so it almost makes you like you are part of the investigation. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it if you love a really good whodunit mystery.
May 31, 2023
Seat 97 by Tony Bassett is a marvellous contemporary murder thriller that captured my attention from the start.
Tony Bassett has cleverly constructed and well executed a complex plotline that intrigues the reader from the start.
All the characters are well drawn with likable leading ones and some very menacing criminals.
The story is set in London. The reader travels from posh mansions to the seedy, violent underworld of the belly of London criminals. We witness ruthless gangland bosses, grieving widows and the relentless search for the truth.
A newspaper reported teams up with the local police as he gains access and knowledge in places they fail to. Between them, they are determined to crack the case, solve the murders and see justice served.
Seat 97 is a fast paced, complex and exciting thriller that totally engaged me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think Seat 97 would make a marvellous movie – any producers out there, please take note.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Tony Bassett has cleverly constructed and well executed a complex plotline that intrigues the reader from the start.
All the characters are well drawn with likable leading ones and some very menacing criminals.
The story is set in London. The reader travels from posh mansions to the seedy, violent underworld of the belly of London criminals. We witness ruthless gangland bosses, grieving widows and the relentless search for the truth.
A newspaper reported teams up with the local police as he gains access and knowledge in places they fail to. Between them, they are determined to crack the case, solve the murders and see justice served.
Seat 97 is a fast paced, complex and exciting thriller that totally engaged me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think Seat 97 would make a marvellous movie – any producers out there, please take note.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2023
I was curious about the premise of the story. To think that someone was killed for being at the wrong place at the wrong time baffled me. After the shooting at the concert hall, the story moves forward at a comfortable pace, and slowly more details come to light. It gets interesting as the number of people involved and subsequent incidents come to light. I’m not giving any spoilers here so if you want to find out what happens you have to read the book.
The book focuses on the plot itself, the who-dun-it, and I don’t mind that at all. The characters that matter to the story are given enough the right amount of attention and that makes the read very pleasurable. I just wish the pace of the story would be made a little racier.
The book is a perfect fit for Agatha Christie lovers, I thought. The London setting and the chase to find the killer and all. Superb!
All in all, it was a good thriller and I enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.
The book focuses on the plot itself, the who-dun-it, and I don’t mind that at all. The characters that matter to the story are given enough the right amount of attention and that makes the read very pleasurable. I just wish the pace of the story would be made a little racier.
The book is a perfect fit for Agatha Christie lovers, I thought. The London setting and the chase to find the killer and all. Superb!
All in all, it was a good thriller and I enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2023
Wow! I didn't expect Bassett's "Seat 97" to be such a good and engaging thriller. I couldn't stop reading. I was captivated by the whole story. The action is sensational. It's impossible to get bored with this as your presented with great twists. If you like good thrillers, be sure to read "Seat 97". I met several heroes, but I will tell you about only one of them. The rest you will know by reading this book. Nick Colton is a crime reporter for The Post. He witnessed a murder in a concert hall. He was following the murderer. He saw his real face. Why would someone murder an innocent man? Will our Nick discover the truth before the police do? This character is worth getting to know. When I got to know the ending, I was a bit shocked. I didn't expect this turn of events. I don't regret reading this novel. I am looking forward to reading other works by this author.
There will be more corpses. Read carefully.
There will be more corpses. Read carefully.
April 20, 2023
A man is shot at the Royal Albert Hall by an assassin hidden behind curtains at the back. The victim had earlier exchanged seats with another music fan.
Crime reporter Nick Colton was talking to the victim before he was shot and wondered if the man was the intended victim or whether it was the person with whom he changed seats. He decided to investigate.
Nick speaks to the dead man's family and the man who exchanged seats to try to find a motive for the killing. This leads him to a criminal underworld where life is cheap and people are eliminated for just the suspicion that they have stepped out of line.
This is a fast-paced thriller that follows how the police and a journalist investigate the same crimes from different angles - the police under strict guidelines and the reporter using unorthodox methods. It keeps the reader guessing right up until the end
Crime reporter Nick Colton was talking to the victim before he was shot and wondered if the man was the intended victim or whether it was the person with whom he changed seats. He decided to investigate.
Nick speaks to the dead man's family and the man who exchanged seats to try to find a motive for the killing. This leads him to a criminal underworld where life is cheap and people are eliminated for just the suspicion that they have stepped out of line.
This is a fast-paced thriller that follows how the police and a journalist investigate the same crimes from different angles - the police under strict guidelines and the reporter using unorthodox methods. It keeps the reader guessing right up until the end
June 2, 2023
This one was an absolute blast right from the start! Lesson to be learned here, don’t ever swap your tickets with someone else no matter how good the deal seems to be, you could end up with a bullet in your head!
Our story begins with the audience taking their seats for a concert, one fan agrees to swap tickets with another man. But after sitting down beside journalist Nick Colton and his wife, the man is shot dead. The plot line is pretty complex but written very well, so therefore very easy to follow, there is no confusion about what is going on - which can sometimes happen when crime writers try to be too clever! - None of that here!
You're going to struggle putting this one down, there is something questionable in almost every chapter and plenty of red herrings! In short, I loved it!
5 stars
Our story begins with the audience taking their seats for a concert, one fan agrees to swap tickets with another man. But after sitting down beside journalist Nick Colton and his wife, the man is shot dead. The plot line is pretty complex but written very well, so therefore very easy to follow, there is no confusion about what is going on - which can sometimes happen when crime writers try to be too clever! - None of that here!
You're going to struggle putting this one down, there is something questionable in almost every chapter and plenty of red herrings! In short, I loved it!
5 stars
June 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I must say, I'm not a fan of chapters that start halfway down the page... And whilst this book started off strong for me, I soon found myself losing interest, but I never enjoy books with gang storylines and I didn't know that was what this book was about. I wanted to stop reading but it's so short at just over 260 pages that I thought I might as well carry on.
What I did really enjoy in this, and probably the reason I kept reading, was the journalist angle. We read so many crime novels from the point of view of the police that this made a refreshing change. And I've always been interested in journalism.
The Author's writing was also very good and I didn't expect the twist of the whodunnit, but then again, I didn't really have any suspect in mind as I just didn't know. I'd definitely be interested in reading other books by this Author (if they're not gang related!)
I must say, I'm not a fan of chapters that start halfway down the page... And whilst this book started off strong for me, I soon found myself losing interest, but I never enjoy books with gang storylines and I didn't know that was what this book was about. I wanted to stop reading but it's so short at just over 260 pages that I thought I might as well carry on.
What I did really enjoy in this, and probably the reason I kept reading, was the journalist angle. We read so many crime novels from the point of view of the police that this made a refreshing change. And I've always been interested in journalism.
The Author's writing was also very good and I didn't expect the twist of the whodunnit, but then again, I didn't really have any suspect in mind as I just didn't know. I'd definitely be interested in reading other books by this Author (if they're not gang related!)
May 3, 2023
SEAT 97 by Tony Bassett is an exciting crime mystery set to surprise, amaze, and keep the reading guessing till the end. David Barron holds the ticket to seat 97 for a concert, but just as it’s about to begin, shots are fired, and he is killed. Near him are journalist Nick Colton and his wife Greta, they move in to help David, but seeing the assassin escape, Nick chases after him. Nick is determined to help catch the killer to solve the mystery of why the death happened. I love mysteries, and this is one of the best ones I have read. The characters are well developed, and the storyline is superb. I enjoyed the twist and turns, and it kept me thinking till the end. A brilliant author with an amazing mystery, I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2023
SEAT 97: wrong place, wrong time: the mystery of a very public murder" is an action and suspense novel. It is a story that begins with an unexpected murder in a highly public place, continues with a relentless search and ends in an original and surprising way.
A journalist automatically feels involved in the pursuit of the murderer who unexpectedly killed a man in front of his eyes.
It is a compelling story from the beginning and very entertaining. I liked reading it calmly so as not to lose even the smallest detail of this story. I found it highly original and well written.
The characters are very well defined by the author. I recommend it!
A journalist automatically feels involved in the pursuit of the murderer who unexpectedly killed a man in front of his eyes.
It is a compelling story from the beginning and very entertaining. I liked reading it calmly so as not to lose even the smallest detail of this story. I found it highly original and well written.
The characters are very well defined by the author. I recommend it!
April 29, 2023
"SEAT 97: wrong place, wrong time" is a mystery book with a super original and fresh plot. The story begins when people are settling in to enjoy a concert; a man is shot and killed. David Barron falls to the ground. Right in that same place, the journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta, are present and are witnesses to this murder, and undoubtedly want to find out who the murderer was.
Tony Bassett is an author who undoubtedly surprised me. I really liked his proposal and I hope to read more books by him. Its originality made me give it 5 out of 5 stars, also the characters are super well described and the scenes are super detailed.
Tony Bassett is an author who undoubtedly surprised me. I really liked his proposal and I hope to read more books by him. Its originality made me give it 5 out of 5 stars, also the characters are super well described and the scenes are super detailed.
May 20, 2023
Seat (7 by Tony Bassett is a crime mystery with a very original plot which was originally attracted me to read it.
Readers are able to follow two stories on which our MC, who is a journalist is working on. We also have a chance to see a very realistic portrayal of police work and procedures, without the usual clichés.
We also get to learn a lot about journalist's work and realistic people's lives.
The story is steady paced, the dialogue is well done and interesting.
I had to say that at times, even though each story and perspective was intriguing there was too much going on and the story was unnecessary all over the place.
Readers are able to follow two stories on which our MC, who is a journalist is working on. We also have a chance to see a very realistic portrayal of police work and procedures, without the usual clichés.
We also get to learn a lot about journalist's work and realistic people's lives.
The story is steady paced, the dialogue is well done and interesting.
I had to say that at times, even though each story and perspective was intriguing there was too much going on and the story was unnecessary all over the place.
June 10, 2023
Thank you @rararesources and @tonybassett1 for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Seat 97 is a murder mystery and it is about Nick who is a journalist and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nick goes out on a date and it's not what he expexcted and then starts investigating what happened that night at the theatre. I did enjoy the character NIck and it was a good plot. I had no clue who the murderer was going to be. Seat 97 is entertaining read and only took me half the day to read it. Anyone that likes muder mystery will enjoy this book. There is a good amount of suspense in the book. Tony Bassett writes with great detail and hooks you straight away. 5 stars.
April 27, 2023
SEAT 97: wrong place, wrong time: the mystery of a very public murder by Tony Bassett is one of those books that captures your attention from the very beginning because suspense has been built so well that the reader cannot guess what’s going on next.
This crime mystery story is totally gripping and I liked that the book is a stand alone one. I would love to read more books by this author because of his very immersive narrative style. I was hooked from the very beginning and I must admit that I was surprised at the very end.
This crime mystery story is totally gripping and I liked that the book is a stand alone one. I would love to read more books by this author because of his very immersive narrative style. I was hooked from the very beginning and I must admit that I was surprised at the very end.
June 5, 2023
This starts off as a case of possible mistaken identity, and descends into drug running, mafia style murders and all kinds of mayhem.
I really enjoyed this, certainly kept me guessing and rushed along at a fair old pace but seemed to end quite abruptly in my opinion. The main character, Nick, is a reporter and was right next to David when he got shot and this made him feel responsible for bringing the shooter to justice. It seemed that at every turn another part of the puzzle was solved but 2 more replaced it. There did seem to be quite a few stories blending together at one point but they all seemed to be relevant.
A great murder mystery with plenty of other crimes and twists thrown in.
I really enjoyed this, certainly kept me guessing and rushed along at a fair old pace but seemed to end quite abruptly in my opinion. The main character, Nick, is a reporter and was right next to David when he got shot and this made him feel responsible for bringing the shooter to justice. It seemed that at every turn another part of the puzzle was solved but 2 more replaced it. There did seem to be quite a few stories blending together at one point but they all seemed to be relevant.
A great murder mystery with plenty of other crimes and twists thrown in.
June 4, 2023
The beginning of Seat 97 starts out at a concert that journalist Colton and his wife Greta are attending. Nearby in seat 97 is David Barron who is shot by a mystery assassin. Who is David Barron and why was he assassinated? More importantly who is the assassin? The plot is well thought out and cleverly crafted to be complex and gripping. I loved every minute of this book and was desperately trying to solve the mystery. I think all the characters are superbly presented from the criminals to the detectives and even the journalists. A action packed mystery that I am highly recommending.
May 1, 2023
Thank you to author, publisher and NetGalley for my arc copy. If you enjoy police procedurals you will enjoy this book. It adds an extra voice to the usual narrative with the main character being a journalist who was personally witness in the crime. This was a solid book with plenty of twists and possible culprits, the characters were engaging and I overall enjoyed reading it, I did find it quite abrupt in ending however this didn’t effect my overall enjoyment.
May 8, 2023
All over the place!
I had read some great reviews about this book and was looking forward to reading it. What a disappointment. The writing was all over the place and whilst the story was original some parts were hard to follow. I won’t be in a rush to read another one by the author sadly.
I had read some great reviews about this book and was looking forward to reading it. What a disappointment. The writing was all over the place and whilst the story was original some parts were hard to follow. I won’t be in a rush to read another one by the author sadly.
May 30, 2023
Absolutely loved the premise - you switch seats with someone and the person is killed in a very James Bond style. Lots of mystery and intrigue. However, the execution of the storyline leaves me wanting. The style is very stilted and feels forced. Rather than telling the story I felt like I was being lead somewhere and it was very choppy. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.
May 22, 2023
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It was an enjoyable and easy read I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 4, 2023
Great Story
Another great story by Tony Bassett this time relating to a killing at a concert. Great characters and an excellent story line with a good ending.Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Another great story by Tony Bassett this time relating to a killing at a concert. Great characters and an excellent story line with a good ending.Looking forward to reading more by this author.
April 24, 2023
A good mystery that kept me guessing, and an interesting journey through the darker side of London. Highly recommend.
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