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Maddie Ives #1
A Rapariga no Abismo
O corpo de uma rapariga foi abandonado num velho celeiro de um terreno rural no sul de Inglaterra. O assassino deixou-a fechada dentro de um contentor metálico cuidadosamente posicionada em frente a uma câmara de vídeo ligada a um smartphone. É um dos seus prazeres secretos, ficar a admirar o resultado da sua obra, a decomposição progressiva do corpo.
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First published November 14, 2018
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About the author
Charlie Gallagher
33 books589 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
November 21, 2018
He Is Watching You, the first novel in a new police procedural series featuring DS Maddie Ives, is as thoroughly gripping as all of Charlie Gallagher's previous books, but what really makes them stand out is the air of authenticity which they carry owing to the authors extensive career as a Detective in the police force. If you are looking for realistic, believable and utterly compelling novels then look no further. As far as I'm concerned Mr Gallagher is at the top of the tree in terms of producing explosive storylines, and this new novel featuring a formidable and unusual male-female investigating duo far surpasses all his previous works.
Well written, fast-paced and brimming with action, and instead of the cookie cutter characters we usually experience each here has a different personality and method of working, just as is the case in the real world. Told from three different perspectives: that of the police, the victim and the killer, adds more intrigue to the whole tale. If you enjoy gritty and twisted crime novels that are reflective of the situation around the UK with regards to criminality, drugs and detectives working their socks off to solve cases then this is a worthwhile way to spend your time. I'm already looking forward to the next book and to watching the recurring characters evolve and grow. If you can put this down then you're a better (wo)man than I am! All the stars for this one! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC
Well written, fast-paced and brimming with action, and instead of the cookie cutter characters we usually experience each here has a different personality and method of working, just as is the case in the real world. Told from three different perspectives: that of the police, the victim and the killer, adds more intrigue to the whole tale. If you enjoy gritty and twisted crime novels that are reflective of the situation around the UK with regards to criminality, drugs and detectives working their socks off to solve cases then this is a worthwhile way to spend your time. I'm already looking forward to the next book and to watching the recurring characters evolve and grow. If you can put this down then you're a better (wo)man than I am! All the stars for this one! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC
November 19, 2018
Meet Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives. Until recently she worked only undercover, bringing in some of the most violent and vicious crime lords. In order to save a man, she broke cover and has now been sent far, far away to mainly work a desk. According to her supervisors this move is to protect her ... but is it really?
In her new position, she is dealing with missing persons. So far she's just barely learned how to use the computer. But then She is handed a missing person report: a young woman with a drink problem who’s been reported missing fifteen times. It looks like a waste of time. But DS Ives has a bad feeling about the woman’s disappearance.
DI Harry Baker is called to investigate a hit and run ... it looks like an accident, but Baker has worked Major Crime for years, and his gut is telling him this is something entirely different.
A young woman’s body is left in a metal container in a remote location. The killer is careful to position her under a camera that links to his smartphone. He likes to look back at his work.
The universe seems to be in perfect alignment as Ives, Baker and a killer come together.
This is the first in what is sure to be an exciting series. Maddie is a fascinating subject, as is Baker. They are like oil and water, yet somehow overcome their differences in order to work together to find a sadistic killer. Maddie has an out-front attitude about everything ... which usually gets her in trouble. Harry is more the silent type .. until he speaks. People take notice when he does that. I love how they relate to each other ... especially the humor that gets Harry to smile ... a little ... and Maddie to get her way.
This is an action-packed page-turner. What the killer does to the woman in the container had my hair standing on end ... I expect nightmares when I turn off the lights tonight. Nevertheless, I will be watching for more of Ives and Baker.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions / JIll Burkenshaw for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
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November 14, 2018This is the first book in a new series to feature Detective Maddie Ives. A young woman's body is found in a metal container in a remote location. The killer is careful to, position her under a camera that links to his smartphone. He's watching her, but she isn't dead. Will he go back and finish the job? DS Maddie Ives has just been transferred from another constabulary. She had worked undercover for ten years and had been told to transfer. There are two cases being investigated in this book, but is there a connection?
This story drew in my attention from the start. The story is told by three people's point of view, the police, the latest victim and the killer. The characters are believable and true to life. The pace is steady until the killer is identified then the pace steps up a gear. The story is tense, gripping and hard to put down. A terrific new series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story drew in my attention from the start. The story is told by three people's point of view, the police, the latest victim and the killer. The characters are believable and true to life. The pace is steady until the killer is identified then the pace steps up a gear. The story is tense, gripping and hard to put down. A terrific new series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2022
This is the first book in Charlie Gallagher's "Maddie Ives" series and it will not be my last.
Riveting, intriguing, and atmospheric, "He Is Watching You" is an over-the-top psychological thriller/police procedural.
Two police protagonists are determined to apprehend a macabre serial killer who leaves victims under a camera linking to a smartphone, enabling the killer to watch victims die a slow death.
Author Charlie Gallagher does a brilliant job of exploring the deranged and horrific world of a psychopathic serial killer, including the lengths killers are willing to go to feed an addiction.
It was the author's superb skills in character development that set this book apart from similar books in its genre.
I felt like I knew Detective Maddie Ives, a police officer who was "demoted" and transferred down south, after disobeying orders in her undercover job in Major Crimes. I loved Maddie Ives' feistiness and her determination to prove that she was capable of much more.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Antonia Beamish did an outstanding job with the narration.
I look forward to listening to more books in this series.
Riveting, intriguing, and atmospheric, "He Is Watching You" is an over-the-top psychological thriller/police procedural.
Two police protagonists are determined to apprehend a macabre serial killer who leaves victims under a camera linking to a smartphone, enabling the killer to watch victims die a slow death.
Author Charlie Gallagher does a brilliant job of exploring the deranged and horrific world of a psychopathic serial killer, including the lengths killers are willing to go to feed an addiction.
It was the author's superb skills in character development that set this book apart from similar books in its genre.
I felt like I knew Detective Maddie Ives, a police officer who was "demoted" and transferred down south, after disobeying orders in her undercover job in Major Crimes. I loved Maddie Ives' feistiness and her determination to prove that she was capable of much more.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Antonia Beamish did an outstanding job with the narration.
I look forward to listening to more books in this series.
November 29, 2018
I thought this was a good start to a new crime series. Maddie I liked, having to start afresh in a new area and role, definitely not easy and even Maddie is struggling as to whether this new job is for her.
Harry seems to compliment Maddie and I can see the great making of a strong working relationship between the two. Harry definitely feels more in the lead in this novel with Maddie finding her feet.
The story grabs the readers attention from the start. The killer is definitely sick and twisted and there seems to be no bound to how low they will stoop. I loved the build up to the killer being identified and as with any good crime thriller, it becomes a race against time, sending the pace of the story to full throttle.
He Is Watching You will grab you and hold you right from the first page. I enjoyed there being a strong male and female lead which we don't always see in a crime detective series. There was definitely a few shocks and chills throughout the story ensuring I wasn't going anywhere and having to read just 'one more chapter'. Looking forward to more in the series.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Harry seems to compliment Maddie and I can see the great making of a strong working relationship between the two. Harry definitely feels more in the lead in this novel with Maddie finding her feet.
The story grabs the readers attention from the start. The killer is definitely sick and twisted and there seems to be no bound to how low they will stoop. I loved the build up to the killer being identified and as with any good crime thriller, it becomes a race against time, sending the pace of the story to full throttle.
He Is Watching You will grab you and hold you right from the first page. I enjoyed there being a strong male and female lead which we don't always see in a crime detective series. There was definitely a few shocks and chills throughout the story ensuring I wasn't going anywhere and having to read just 'one more chapter'. Looking forward to more in the series.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 21, 2022
Gostava que fossem publicados mais livros da série da Maddie Ives, oxalá a editora Alma dos Livros continue a publicar mais livros deste autor.
February 16, 2019
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
OMG SO FREAKING GOOD!
He Is Watching You was such a good thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This book has three point of views, no I wont tell you their names but it's the detective, killer, and victim. The flow from each pov just kept me engaged. I honestly couldn't put this book down and I kind of yelled at my phone sometimes. Like no, don't talk to strangers buddy. If he's acting strange just leave because you will probably end up dead.
The detective was an okay kind of character in my opinion. I don't really understand how they go from learning the basics of a computer to getting on this case. Seemed a bit weird but eventually I got invested. The there's the killer, and boy did they deliver. This character is so smart, or maybe they are only trying to act like it.. but I had no idea they put a camera above the container. Maybe I scanned over it without paying attention.. but this character definitely kept me on my toes.
It also probably doesn't hurt that my guessing game sucks ass. Overall, I loved this book so much that I already can't wait to dive back into. The creepiness of this whole thing took me to a new level. I will probably end up having nightmares about what this killer did but damn, did I enjoy it.
OMG SO FREAKING GOOD!
He Is Watching You was such a good thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This book has three point of views, no I wont tell you their names but it's the detective, killer, and victim. The flow from each pov just kept me engaged. I honestly couldn't put this book down and I kind of yelled at my phone sometimes. Like no, don't talk to strangers buddy. If he's acting strange just leave because you will probably end up dead.
The detective was an okay kind of character in my opinion. I don't really understand how they go from learning the basics of a computer to getting on this case. Seemed a bit weird but eventually I got invested. The there's the killer, and boy did they deliver. This character is so smart, or maybe they are only trying to act like it.. but I had no idea they put a camera above the container. Maybe I scanned over it without paying attention.. but this character definitely kept me on my toes.
It also probably doesn't hurt that my guessing game sucks ass. Overall, I loved this book so much that I already can't wait to dive back into. The creepiness of this whole thing took me to a new level. I will probably end up having nightmares about what this killer did but damn, did I enjoy it.
June 16, 2022
Gostei bastante deste policial. É um óptimo entretenimento para desanuviar de livros mais pesados.
A dupla de detectives e os pontos de vista das várias personagens foram uma mais valia para o livro. Achei também bastante interessantes as motivações do assassino embora considere que podiam ter sido mais exploradas.
Tem um bom ritmo e lê-se bastante rápido. É o primeiro de uma série e espero que a editora continue a sua publicação.
Para quem gosta dos policiais do Bryndza ou do M J Arlidge esta é sem dúvida uma boa aposta.
A dupla de detectives e os pontos de vista das várias personagens foram uma mais valia para o livro. Achei também bastante interessantes as motivações do assassino embora considere que podiam ter sido mais exploradas.
Tem um bom ritmo e lê-se bastante rápido. É o primeiro de uma série e espero que a editora continue a sua publicação.
Para quem gosta dos policiais do Bryndza ou do M J Arlidge esta é sem dúvida uma boa aposta.
April 25, 2019
What a brilliant first instalment of a new detective series featuring Detective Maddie Ives & DI Harry Blaker. Both detectives have a number of issues which make the characters very easy to like and I cannot wait to read more about this dynamic duo. The plot is fast-paced, authentic and the stakes are extremely high for the victims. Highly recommend this series for crime lovers.
September 11, 2023
Não há nada que se destaque nesta obra, é um típico policial.
Gostei da dinâmica entre Maddie Ives e Harry Blaker, embora seja bastante cliché a forma como se relacionam. A história é interessante o suficiente para ir lendo e para ocupar o tempo.
Diria que é entretenimento ligeiro.
#leiturasemtemposdeférias
Gostei da dinâmica entre Maddie Ives e Harry Blaker, embora seja bastante cliché a forma como se relacionam. A história é interessante o suficiente para ir lendo e para ocupar o tempo.
Diria que é entretenimento ligeiro.
#leiturasemtemposdeférias
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November 17, 2018Well-written and action packed police procedural featuring DS Maddie Ives in a new series by this author. It's always such a joy to discover a new author and to get in on the start of something new -- I'm hooked and can't wait to read the next! I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down as it pulled me in immediately.
DS Maddie Ives has recently been sent down to Lennockshire after having been outed in her previous role as an undercover asset with the Greater Manchester Police. She's not pleased at her secondment nor with her new assignment as a missing persons coordinator. Completely dissatisfied with her role, she inserts herself into an investigation being run by DI Harry Blaker out of major crimes as he searches for the person who may have murdered a man with a truck on a remote farm road. It turns out that Maddie does have a missing person case on her hands and that the woman's disappearance might be related to Harry's case. Meanwhile, there's a bad man who likes to kidnap women, put cameras on them, and watch them die...NO SPOIILERS
I found the characterization in this thriller quite well done with the revelation of personal details about them and can't wait to see how the partnership develops between Maddie and Harry who are developing a nice respectful relationship that won't devolve into a sappy romance. No romance at all in a detective novel is just fine with me! I like the gritty details of crime investigation. The killer's identity is known to the reader at a point in the narrative so this isn't a whodunit per se but more the reader following along as the investigation proceeds and information is acquired. I think the authenticity of the book comes from the author actually having a day job as a police detective and I definitely appreciate that.
I appreciated the glossary of terms explaining some of the vocabulary that is particularly British as I live in the USA. Even though it seems that most of the books I read are set there and I've picked up most of the slang, etc., it's always good to have a little backup for reference.
I'm definitely going to look for the other books written by this author and I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
DS Maddie Ives has recently been sent down to Lennockshire after having been outed in her previous role as an undercover asset with the Greater Manchester Police. She's not pleased at her secondment nor with her new assignment as a missing persons coordinator. Completely dissatisfied with her role, she inserts herself into an investigation being run by DI Harry Blaker out of major crimes as he searches for the person who may have murdered a man with a truck on a remote farm road. It turns out that Maddie does have a missing person case on her hands and that the woman's disappearance might be related to Harry's case. Meanwhile, there's a bad man who likes to kidnap women, put cameras on them, and watch them die...NO SPOIILERS
I found the characterization in this thriller quite well done with the revelation of personal details about them and can't wait to see how the partnership develops between Maddie and Harry who are developing a nice respectful relationship that won't devolve into a sappy romance. No romance at all in a detective novel is just fine with me! I like the gritty details of crime investigation. The killer's identity is known to the reader at a point in the narrative so this isn't a whodunit per se but more the reader following along as the investigation proceeds and information is acquired. I think the authenticity of the book comes from the author actually having a day job as a police detective and I definitely appreciate that.
I appreciated the glossary of terms explaining some of the vocabulary that is particularly British as I live in the USA. Even though it seems that most of the books I read are set there and I've picked up most of the slang, etc., it's always good to have a little backup for reference.
I'm definitely going to look for the other books written by this author and I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
August 18, 2023
A premissa de um voyeur, que escolhe as suas vítimas de entre as que são mais vulneráveis, e que gosta de ver, secretamente, a decomposição dos cadáveres, foi um dos motivos que me fez querer ler logo este livro mal saiu. Isso conduziu a que fosse com as expectativas demasiado elevadas e...
Não é um livro mau, atenção, mas a estória contém algumas falhas contextuais. Um ponto que apreciei imenso foi a forma como o autor explora a mente doentia do assassino. Por outro lado, como ponto menos positivo, temos a forma mais ou menos abrupta como acaba o livro, deixando algumas pontas soltas.
De qualquer das formas é autor que pretendo seguir.
2,5 ⭐
Não é um livro mau, atenção, mas a estória contém algumas falhas contextuais. Um ponto que apreciei imenso foi a forma como o autor explora a mente doentia do assassino. Por outro lado, como ponto menos positivo, temos a forma mais ou menos abrupta como acaba o livro, deixando algumas pontas soltas.
De qualquer das formas é autor que pretendo seguir.
2,5 ⭐
December 21, 2018
OMG Charlie Gallagher has smashed it again, addictive read. Look forward to his next book in this new series. Kept me on the edge of my chair from the start. Brilliant, Excellent, a must read for everyone. Got to read the rest of Charlie Gallagher,s books.
February 18, 2019
What a great book! I was very excited to get a chance to read this book. I was so impressed with this author and this book. I loved every minute of it! I will look for more books from this author! *This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
December 17, 2018
Excellent
Hello Maddie Ives - kicked out of a job she loves and transferred to the back of beyond. She doesn't want to be there and they certainly don't want a loose cannon in their midst. Harry, however, can see something others can't in the feisty female and sticks his neck out to stop her packing up and leaving.
The story itself takes over the book rather than the characters it is unusual, fast-paced and I was turning pages unable to put it down. It was engrossing to watch the character of Maddie evolve to become part of a partnership that I am sure will continue for many books to come.
A totally different kettle of fish to the George books so there is no mileage in comparing the two. Maddie and Harry grow on you so keep an open mind and the story takes hold of you and transports you to a world of crime and policework never seen before in a book.
Well done Charlie - another winner I am sure so hurry up with book 2
Hello Maddie Ives - kicked out of a job she loves and transferred to the back of beyond. She doesn't want to be there and they certainly don't want a loose cannon in their midst. Harry, however, can see something others can't in the feisty female and sticks his neck out to stop her packing up and leaving.
The story itself takes over the book rather than the characters it is unusual, fast-paced and I was turning pages unable to put it down. It was engrossing to watch the character of Maddie evolve to become part of a partnership that I am sure will continue for many books to come.
A totally different kettle of fish to the George books so there is no mileage in comparing the two. Maddie and Harry grow on you so keep an open mind and the story takes hold of you and transports you to a world of crime and policework never seen before in a book.
Well done Charlie - another winner I am sure so hurry up with book 2
November 24, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.
I loved this book. I wobbled a bit in the beginning while trying to pull the various threads together, but that wore off pretty quickly for me. I have read a couple of Charlie Gallagher's previous books and while I found them to be nice solid reads, the characters in them didn't really speak to me. But I really enjoyed Harry and Mattie in this one... hopefully the beginning of a long series!. Altogether a good myriad of crimes (with more to follow I hope), well fleshed out characters and a great good mix all together. A fast and furious read for me.
4.5 stars rounded up.
I loved this book. I wobbled a bit in the beginning while trying to pull the various threads together, but that wore off pretty quickly for me. I have read a couple of Charlie Gallagher's previous books and while I found them to be nice solid reads, the characters in them didn't really speak to me. But I really enjoyed Harry and Mattie in this one... hopefully the beginning of a long series!. Altogether a good myriad of crimes (with more to follow I hope), well fleshed out characters and a great good mix all together. A fast and furious read for me.
4.5 stars rounded up.
June 10, 2022
Este é um thriller que se lê num ápice. Repleto de ação, bem escrito, mantém-nos na expetativa até ao fim.
A detetive Maddie Ives, pelo facto de se ter supostamente precipitado num caso que seguia enquanto agente infiltrada contra Grupos de Crime Organizado, colocou-se em risco e viu-se confrontada com a necessidade de ser transferida para um sítio longe de Manchester, um local desterrado no sul, em Lennockshire. Quando chega ao novo posto de trabalho, não teve propriamente uma receção calorosa e foi colocada como coordenadora de pessoas desaparecidas e aconselhada a ajustar as suas expetativas a esta nova realidade. Nunca Maddie previra que, num local decrépito e monótono, fosse deparar-se com o crime que acaba por a absorver totalmente – o desaparecimento de raparigas, que eram mortas, embrulhadas em sacos pretos e colocados num contentor. Mas deixá-la-ão investigar este caso? E estarão todas as raparigas mortas?
Mais não posso dizer. Se gostam de policiais, de emoção, de investigação policial, de mistério, este é o livro ideal para passar umas boas horas.
A detetive Maddie Ives, pelo facto de se ter supostamente precipitado num caso que seguia enquanto agente infiltrada contra Grupos de Crime Organizado, colocou-se em risco e viu-se confrontada com a necessidade de ser transferida para um sítio longe de Manchester, um local desterrado no sul, em Lennockshire. Quando chega ao novo posto de trabalho, não teve propriamente uma receção calorosa e foi colocada como coordenadora de pessoas desaparecidas e aconselhada a ajustar as suas expetativas a esta nova realidade. Nunca Maddie previra que, num local decrépito e monótono, fosse deparar-se com o crime que acaba por a absorver totalmente – o desaparecimento de raparigas, que eram mortas, embrulhadas em sacos pretos e colocados num contentor. Mas deixá-la-ão investigar este caso? E estarão todas as raparigas mortas?
Mais não posso dizer. Se gostam de policiais, de emoção, de investigação policial, de mistério, este é o livro ideal para passar umas boas horas.
April 10, 2019
At times this was a little bit PC Ploddy but overall it was a good read. The storyline was interesting although perhaps a bit over detailed which I suspect might be due to the authors extensive police knowledge. I’m not suggesting that’s a bad thing by any means, far from it! What I especially liked were the two main police characters of DI Harry Blaker and DS Maddie Ives. Maddie was forced to relocate to the Dover area after a UC operation went wrong and the police team she’s assigned to basically don’t want her there. Out of all the officers Harry is the only one to see her potential and help her to adjust to a new police life. What develops is a really lovely relationship based on honesty and dry humour and I can foresee that future books featuring their partnership will be well worth reading. They are both very hard working, committed, straight talking officers who doggedly pursue things to the end. The ending was really good and I liked that things looked brighter for Maddie.
The author is a police officer so he writes with real authority as you would expect but that experience doesn’t always translate to being a good writer. Charlie Gallagher IS a good writer and I’ve now read two of his books both of which I thought were enjoyable reads. I will definitely read more.
The author is a police officer so he writes with real authority as you would expect but that experience doesn’t always translate to being a good writer. Charlie Gallagher IS a good writer and I’ve now read two of his books both of which I thought were enjoyable reads. I will definitely read more.
November 5, 2022
Gostei da escrita e dos personagens... Espero por mais!!
November 12, 2018
5 stars
I read the Kindle edition.
This book is told from three points of view: the police, the latest victim and the killer.
A nefarious evil-do-er is caught by an elderly man while on private property. He acts suspicious, but the elderly man decides to come back later.
DS Maddie Ives is transferred to another constabulary. She worked undercover for ten years and was told to transfer. She says it is because she “saved a man’s life.” She is now in major crimes and is supposed to supervise the missing persons inquiries. She meets her supervisor DI Harry Blaker. So far they are not very impressed with one another.
Harry goes out on a burned vehicle report. He also responds to a hit and run accident, although he is not sure why they called him. It hardly seems like a major crime even though it is a tragedy. Something feels not quite right about the accident however. When Harry discovers that the man’s dog was tied to a tree, he suspects that the man was lured to the road so someone could run him down. At the same time, Maddie goes out to search for a missing woman who has had an alcohol problem and has been reported missing fifteen times. She has a very young daughter that lives with her ex-husband. The other cops think it’s a waste of time to look for this woman.
Maddie and Harry discover that their cases are related. They begin to work together, albeit rather grudgingly. Together they identify a solid suspect. They track him down together. They start to respect one another, and perhaps even like each other a little.
In an exciting, dangerous and action-filled denouement, the story is brought to a close.
Wow, just wow! What a great book! I’ve read Charlie Gallaher’s previous books and this one tops them all! I really like the George Elms character, but I like Maddie and Harry too. I appreciated the way their relationship grew and changed over the time it took to work on these cases. The way Mr. Gallagher writes his police officers is so true to form – warts and all. They tease, they get angry, some are lazy, some can’t sit still; they’re all there. Although I live in the US, these officers are so like the ones I’ve known in my own life. This book is extremely well written and plotted. It moves along seamlessly from event to event. The transitions are well done and smooth. I am very much looking forward to reading more about Maddie and Harry.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I read the Kindle edition.
This book is told from three points of view: the police, the latest victim and the killer.
A nefarious evil-do-er is caught by an elderly man while on private property. He acts suspicious, but the elderly man decides to come back later.
DS Maddie Ives is transferred to another constabulary. She worked undercover for ten years and was told to transfer. She says it is because she “saved a man’s life.” She is now in major crimes and is supposed to supervise the missing persons inquiries. She meets her supervisor DI Harry Blaker. So far they are not very impressed with one another.
Harry goes out on a burned vehicle report. He also responds to a hit and run accident, although he is not sure why they called him. It hardly seems like a major crime even though it is a tragedy. Something feels not quite right about the accident however. When Harry discovers that the man’s dog was tied to a tree, he suspects that the man was lured to the road so someone could run him down. At the same time, Maddie goes out to search for a missing woman who has had an alcohol problem and has been reported missing fifteen times. She has a very young daughter that lives with her ex-husband. The other cops think it’s a waste of time to look for this woman.
Maddie and Harry discover that their cases are related. They begin to work together, albeit rather grudgingly. Together they identify a solid suspect. They track him down together. They start to respect one another, and perhaps even like each other a little.
In an exciting, dangerous and action-filled denouement, the story is brought to a close.
Wow, just wow! What a great book! I’ve read Charlie Gallaher’s previous books and this one tops them all! I really like the George Elms character, but I like Maddie and Harry too. I appreciated the way their relationship grew and changed over the time it took to work on these cases. The way Mr. Gallagher writes his police officers is so true to form – warts and all. They tease, they get angry, some are lazy, some can’t sit still; they’re all there. Although I live in the US, these officers are so like the ones I’ve known in my own life. This book is extremely well written and plotted. It moves along seamlessly from event to event. The transitions are well done and smooth. I am very much looking forward to reading more about Maddie and Harry.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
November 12, 2018
This is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. The tension increases and increases and then you crash back down, change direction and begin the climb all over again.
Harry Blaker is a curmudgeonly older detective who works long hours chasing down those responsible for major crimes in the Canterbury area of Kent. His motivation is clear, and the fact that he works within the rules rather than being the ever popular maverick cop in no way diminishes his character.
Maddie Ives on the other hand isn't as easy to read. Reassigned for her own safety she finds herself moving from a high powered undercover roll to one which could be done by a far less experienced officer. Her first case soon links her to one of the more confusing major crimes and she and Harry Blaker have to work together to foil a serial killer.
This is a well constructed, tightly controlled novel that is very hard to put down. The uncovering of the killer is as gradual in this fiction book as you would imagine it is in the factual world Charlie Gallagher usually inhabits. I was able to read an advanced copy of this excellent novel thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and am delighted to note that this is the first in a new series by this excellent author who in my opinion must qualify as one on Britain's top crime writers.
Harry Blaker is a curmudgeonly older detective who works long hours chasing down those responsible for major crimes in the Canterbury area of Kent. His motivation is clear, and the fact that he works within the rules rather than being the ever popular maverick cop in no way diminishes his character.
Maddie Ives on the other hand isn't as easy to read. Reassigned for her own safety she finds herself moving from a high powered undercover roll to one which could be done by a far less experienced officer. Her first case soon links her to one of the more confusing major crimes and she and Harry Blaker have to work together to foil a serial killer.
This is a well constructed, tightly controlled novel that is very hard to put down. The uncovering of the killer is as gradual in this fiction book as you would imagine it is in the factual world Charlie Gallagher usually inhabits. I was able to read an advanced copy of this excellent novel thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and am delighted to note that this is the first in a new series by this excellent author who in my opinion must qualify as one on Britain's top crime writers.
November 20, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of He is Watching You, the first in a new series of police procedurals to feature DS Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker of the Canterbury police.
After an undercover operation goes wrong Maddie is transferred from Manchester to Canterbury where she is to work as the missing persons co-ordinator. Her curiosity is aroused by Lorraine Humphries, a former alcoholic who has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. In the meantime DI Harry Blaker is investigating a hit and run fatality that he is convinced is deliberate murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed He is Watching You, which is a high octane read with plenty of tension and action, as is to be expected from Mr Gallagher. The novel is told mostly from Maddie and Harry’s point of view with the occasional glimpse into the unnamed killer’s thoughts and actions and a couple of other characters whose roles become apparent as the novel progresses. Sometimes I get annoyed at a novel with a changing point of view as I find it disrupts the continuity but it all flows seamlessly in this novel and adds to the tension. The plot itself is tense and exciting as the detectives try to pinpoint a suspect in the murder and find Lorraine. The pacing is fast and excellent as the novel never flags, in fact I found myself skin reading some of the descriptive passages, such was my desire to know what would be coming next (it doesn’t disappoint). It held my attention from start to finish.
I can’t say that I took to DS Maddie Ives overly much throughout much of the novel although she improves towards the end. I found her too full of herself, her expectations far beyond her circumstances and she’s not backward about moaning about it. Tiresome would be the word. I did, however, enjoy her working relationship with Harry Blaker who is an archetypal grumpy old man. Whatever they have it works and I’ll look forward to reading more about them.
He is Watching You is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
After an undercover operation goes wrong Maddie is transferred from Manchester to Canterbury where she is to work as the missing persons co-ordinator. Her curiosity is aroused by Lorraine Humphries, a former alcoholic who has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. In the meantime DI Harry Blaker is investigating a hit and run fatality that he is convinced is deliberate murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed He is Watching You, which is a high octane read with plenty of tension and action, as is to be expected from Mr Gallagher. The novel is told mostly from Maddie and Harry’s point of view with the occasional glimpse into the unnamed killer’s thoughts and actions and a couple of other characters whose roles become apparent as the novel progresses. Sometimes I get annoyed at a novel with a changing point of view as I find it disrupts the continuity but it all flows seamlessly in this novel and adds to the tension. The plot itself is tense and exciting as the detectives try to pinpoint a suspect in the murder and find Lorraine. The pacing is fast and excellent as the novel never flags, in fact I found myself skin reading some of the descriptive passages, such was my desire to know what would be coming next (it doesn’t disappoint). It held my attention from start to finish.
I can’t say that I took to DS Maddie Ives overly much throughout much of the novel although she improves towards the end. I found her too full of herself, her expectations far beyond her circumstances and she’s not backward about moaning about it. Tiresome would be the word. I did, however, enjoy her working relationship with Harry Blaker who is an archetypal grumpy old man. Whatever they have it works and I’ll look forward to reading more about them.
He is Watching You is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 24, 2022
Maddie Ives é uma agente infiltrado quando a desterram, como forma de proteção, para o sul de Inglaterra, embora quando chega lá verifica-se mais uma espécie de castigo por ter feito “asneira”.
Harry, o inspector rabugento lá do sítio, vê-se a braços com um atropelamento e fuga que mais tarde vem a revelar-se muito mais que isso.
Harry com a ajuda de Maddie, sedente de trabalho e não de ralhetes nas escolas onde os miúdos desaparecem porque sim, começam a investigar o desaparecimento de Lorraine, uma jovem alcoólica, que devido a ser a décima sexta vez que está desaparecida, ninguém leva a sério. Mas a detective Maddie Ives tem um mau pressentimento e decide investigar.
O corpo de uma rapariga é abandonado num velho celeiro. O assassino deixou-a fechada dentro de um contentor metálico cuidadosamente posicionada em frente a uma câmara de vídeo ligada a um smartphone. É um dos seus prazeres secretos, ficar a admirar o resultado da sua obra, a decomposição progressiva do corpo.
Porém, quando chegou a casa e ligou o ecrã, algo lhe chamou a atenção: pareceu-lhe vislumbrar o corpo da rapariga a mexer-se. Primeiro, um pequeno gesto, depois outro mais. Afinal, estava viva. Alguma coisa correu mal. Primeiro, isso começou por irritá-lo, mas depois recompôs-se. Já não conseguia conter o entusiasmo e a ideia de repetir tudo novamente.
Harry e Maddie escarafuncham uma empresa de prospecção imobiliária enquanto tentam descobrir provas do atropelamento. Quanto mais procuram, mais encontram! E tropeçam no verdadeiro culpado de todos os desaparecimentos que se tem verificado por aquela zona, todas elas com problemas de álcool.
Quem será o assassino?
Conseguiram eles salvar Lorraine ou Lisa?
Como este é o primeiro livro da série fica no ar se Maddie e Harry irão fazer par nas suas novas descobertas!
Livro que se lê num ápice, tal não são as ânsias de saber o final.
Harry, o inspector rabugento lá do sítio, vê-se a braços com um atropelamento e fuga que mais tarde vem a revelar-se muito mais que isso.
Harry com a ajuda de Maddie, sedente de trabalho e não de ralhetes nas escolas onde os miúdos desaparecem porque sim, começam a investigar o desaparecimento de Lorraine, uma jovem alcoólica, que devido a ser a décima sexta vez que está desaparecida, ninguém leva a sério. Mas a detective Maddie Ives tem um mau pressentimento e decide investigar.
O corpo de uma rapariga é abandonado num velho celeiro. O assassino deixou-a fechada dentro de um contentor metálico cuidadosamente posicionada em frente a uma câmara de vídeo ligada a um smartphone. É um dos seus prazeres secretos, ficar a admirar o resultado da sua obra, a decomposição progressiva do corpo.
Porém, quando chegou a casa e ligou o ecrã, algo lhe chamou a atenção: pareceu-lhe vislumbrar o corpo da rapariga a mexer-se. Primeiro, um pequeno gesto, depois outro mais. Afinal, estava viva. Alguma coisa correu mal. Primeiro, isso começou por irritá-lo, mas depois recompôs-se. Já não conseguia conter o entusiasmo e a ideia de repetir tudo novamente.
Harry e Maddie escarafuncham uma empresa de prospecção imobiliária enquanto tentam descobrir provas do atropelamento. Quanto mais procuram, mais encontram! E tropeçam no verdadeiro culpado de todos os desaparecimentos que se tem verificado por aquela zona, todas elas com problemas de álcool.
Quem será o assassino?
Conseguiram eles salvar Lorraine ou Lisa?
Como este é o primeiro livro da série fica no ar se Maddie e Harry irão fazer par nas suas novas descobertas!
Livro que se lê num ápice, tal não são as ânsias de saber o final.
August 27, 2022
This is another one of those books that I’ve had on my to-read list for a very long time (since 2019) that I’m just now getting around to read. Don’t know why it’s taken so long to get to it but, I’m glad I finally read it. It was a good story and I like Maddie Ives.
The book summary lays out the premise to the two different storylines as well as introduces the two MC’s so, I’m not going to repeat any of it now. However, what the book summary doesn’t reveal is the weird dynamic between the two MC’s or why they’re both stuck in the small, podunk town of Canterbury with their umpteen years of experience in the big city of Manchester crime cases. The reasons why both of them have been banished to Canterbury is insight into who they are and the kind of cops they are (or were).
I started to suspect who the killer was shortly after he was introduced around the 35% mark. Wow!!! Was I ever wrong! Most of the story was centered on Maddie leading the investigation of the missing woman and Harry leading the investigation of the hit and run. Their investigations were pretty detailed with a lot of leads, which kept Maddie and Harry butting heads over their respective cases. Think a older GenXer who is a codgy, experienced, loner, higher ranked DI (Harry) to a younger Millennial who is a fearless, impulsive, opinionated, savvy newer DS (Maddie) and sit back and enjoy the barbs and sparks😊
It wasn’t until about the 80-85% mark when the killer and abductor were revealed. The ending was explosive, scary and tragic. The ending also solidified Maddie and Harry’s professional partnership and potential friendship. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
The book summary lays out the premise to the two different storylines as well as introduces the two MC’s so, I’m not going to repeat any of it now. However, what the book summary doesn’t reveal is the weird dynamic between the two MC’s or why they’re both stuck in the small, podunk town of Canterbury with their umpteen years of experience in the big city of Manchester crime cases. The reasons why both of them have been banished to Canterbury is insight into who they are and the kind of cops they are (or were).
I started to suspect who the killer was shortly after he was introduced around the 35% mark. Wow!!! Was I ever wrong! Most of the story was centered on Maddie leading the investigation of the missing woman and Harry leading the investigation of the hit and run. Their investigations were pretty detailed with a lot of leads, which kept Maddie and Harry butting heads over their respective cases. Think a older GenXer who is a codgy, experienced, loner, higher ranked DI (Harry) to a younger Millennial who is a fearless, impulsive, opinionated, savvy newer DS (Maddie) and sit back and enjoy the barbs and sparks😊
It wasn’t until about the 80-85% mark when the killer and abductor were revealed. The ending was explosive, scary and tragic. The ending also solidified Maddie and Harry’s professional partnership and potential friendship. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
November 24, 2018
He is watching her. But she isn’t dead.
A young woman’s body is left in a metal container in a remote location. The killer has positioned her carefully under the watchful eye of his camera. But she isn’t dead. So he will have to go back and finish the job.
Detective Maddie Ives is new to the area and has a bad feeling about the woman’s disappearance. DI Harry Blaker is called to a hit and run of an elderly man left to die. It looks like a tragic accident, but he is not quite sure.
These two must work together to save the woman trapped in the container and they must work fast. Because he has already chosen his next victim and he is watching.
Fantastic book! Creepy and terrifying but so well written. The opening of the book is quite confusing as it tells stories from all the different perspectives and it is hard at first to work out who is who, but once you pick it up it’s brilliant. The answers seem right under Harry and Maddie’s nose, yet they are so far out of reach. The ending is action packed and terrifying. Though, I didn’t like when Maddie tells Harry that one of the other policeman will tell him what happened...because that never happens and I like to know everything! But other than that it is brilliant!!
A young woman’s body is left in a metal container in a remote location. The killer has positioned her carefully under the watchful eye of his camera. But she isn’t dead. So he will have to go back and finish the job.
Detective Maddie Ives is new to the area and has a bad feeling about the woman’s disappearance. DI Harry Blaker is called to a hit and run of an elderly man left to die. It looks like a tragic accident, but he is not quite sure.
These two must work together to save the woman trapped in the container and they must work fast. Because he has already chosen his next victim and he is watching.
Fantastic book! Creepy and terrifying but so well written. The opening of the book is quite confusing as it tells stories from all the different perspectives and it is hard at first to work out who is who, but once you pick it up it’s brilliant. The answers seem right under Harry and Maddie’s nose, yet they are so far out of reach. The ending is action packed and terrifying. Though, I didn’t like when Maddie tells Harry that one of the other policeman will tell him what happened...because that never happens and I like to know everything! But other than that it is brilliant!!
November 22, 2018
If you have ever read a Charlie Gallagher book before, you will know that you are going to really enjoy his new book, even with new detectives in it. And I have thoroughly enjoyed reading He is Watching You. I miss George but I love Harry Blaker. He is my kind of detective, sharp-witted, laconic, down-to-earth and straight as a die. He meets detective Maddie Ives when she is transferred from her undercover job when her cover is blown. She isn't happy at being transferred because she feels that she has a lot more to give and she is truculent when she finds out that she will be dealing with missing persons as she considers it beneath her. I eagerly await the next book to find out how these two bond together.
But even a boring missper can leap into a fully-fledged murder enquiry when Maddie and Harry realise that their two cases are linked - Maddie's missing girl, a recovering alcoholic, and Harry's untypical hit and run victim. Add in a dead girl in a locked container out in the wilds, a not-dead girl who is in the same container and a killer who loves to watch his victims after they are dead and you have all the ingredients for a proper humdinger of a story. Just brilliant!
But even a boring missper can leap into a fully-fledged murder enquiry when Maddie and Harry realise that their two cases are linked - Maddie's missing girl, a recovering alcoholic, and Harry's untypical hit and run victim. Add in a dead girl in a locked container out in the wilds, a not-dead girl who is in the same container and a killer who loves to watch his victims after they are dead and you have all the ingredients for a proper humdinger of a story. Just brilliant!
November 25, 2018
What a brilliant book He Is Watching You by Charlie Gallagher was. This is the first novel in a new police procedural series featuring DS Maddie Ives and I just loved it. I was gripped from the first few pages and hooked throughout this brilliant book. I loved the new characters Maddie and Harry, they were so likeable.
Looking forward to the next books in this series.
Well done Charlie for another excellent book.
Big Thank you and 5 fat golden stars to Netgalley, Charlie Gallagher and Joffe Books for a review copy of He is Watching You,
Looking forward to the next books in this series.
Well done Charlie for another excellent book.
Big Thank you and 5 fat golden stars to Netgalley, Charlie Gallagher and Joffe Books for a review copy of He is Watching You,
November 25, 2018
I was totally gripped by this book.
It is the first book featuring DS Maddie Ives and my very first book by Charlie Gallagher.
The story is realistic and believable and the investigating duo is well built.
The story itself is fast paced, filled with action and it is really well written. It simply takes you there through the different perspectives!
A very well spent time this weekend with this book.
It is the first book featuring DS Maddie Ives and my very first book by Charlie Gallagher.
The story is realistic and believable and the investigating duo is well built.
The story itself is fast paced, filled with action and it is really well written. It simply takes you there through the different perspectives!
A very well spent time this weekend with this book.
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