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The Dead Trilogy #3
No More Tears
Third book in The Dead Trilogy. There are bad people on both sides of the law; those so hungry for victory that they will trample on anyone to achieve it. SOCO, Roger Conniston, always believed in the law. Not now though. Now he believes only in himself. He has business with people who have no right being alive, and if success costs him everything they left him with, he'll happily pay. For him, this is a journey into places he didn't know existed, encountering people so violent and determined that he almost weakens. The question facing Roger is: how far dare you go? Old enemies - and new ones - backstab and double-cross each other to get to Roger. But among them are those too greedy to realise that gaining their goal will ultimately kill them. Deceit, friendship, greed, and honour, are all played out in the concluding episode of The Dead Trilogy.
576 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2011
About the author
Andrew Barrett
37 books282 followersHi everyone,
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 28, 2020
No More Tears is the culmination of the “Dead” trilogy about SOCO (nowadays they’re called CSIs but this was written and set in the very late 90s) Roger Conniston, who battles evil gangsters and corrupt colleagues in Leeds, England. I’d read all of Barrett’s later books - including the brilliant Eddie Collins series - so wanted to try his earlier work. From memory I got the first one - A Long Time Deadpan - free, and liked but didn’t love it, but bought the next two to find out what happens next.
I struggled with Stealing Elgar, finding it too bleak and overly long, so was in no hurry to get to this, until Andrew asked his Advanced Review Team, of which I’m a member, to read the boxed set, which is republished tomorrow in a new format with bonus material. This was the prompt I needed to finish the series and I’m glad I did as it’s definitely the best of the three - but you definitely need to read them in order. The following will contain spoilers for the earlier books, which I will avoid in my separate review of the whole trilogy.
Set immediately after the end of Stealing Elgar, Roger is injured, grieving and contemplating suicide after the sudden death of his wife, Yvonne. Only his best (only) friend, Detective Graham Shelby, seems to care, while his horrible bullying new boss, the odious Liz Archer, is determined to keep him down so he doesn’t threaten her quest for promotion, and Superintendent Thomas Chaimberlain, also wants to demonise Roger to prevent him from suing for Chamberpot’s negligence which led to Yvonne’s death. Gang leader Hades is dead, but his protege Jess sets about fulfilling his final wishes, including taking out Roger, his nemesis, but the other villains have their own agenda, and there’s certainly no honour amongst these failed thieves.
My main problem with this series is I just didn’t like Roger, and didn’t believe in his love for Yvonne, which seemed based only on a kind of Stockholm syndrome of mutual dependency and guilt. Unlike Eddie, who is sharp, witty and belligerently driven to do his job, no matter what, Roger tries hard but makes endless mistakes, wallows in his own self-pity and provokes contempt in most of his colleagues. His loyal mate Shelby is more admirable but not any brighter and the two of them survive more through dumb luck and blind pigheadedness than true courage or ingenuity. Having said that, I did enjoy this the most of the three books as it has the tightest plot and I was genuinely gripped trying to find out how it would all turn out.
There’s plenty of violence, gory fights and gruesome forensic scenes, some truly stomach-churning, and there was very little humour to lighten the tone. The various baddies are grotesquely brutal and the only relief is finding out the various sticky ends they come too - literally in some cases. I don’t really enjoy fiction as dark as this and will be looking for something more life-affirming for my next read. If this is your thing though, then I recommend grabbing the trilogy while it’s on special, as Barrett is a gifted writer whose professional insights into the world of forensics add a gritty if depressing realism.
I struggled with Stealing Elgar, finding it too bleak and overly long, so was in no hurry to get to this, until Andrew asked his Advanced Review Team, of which I’m a member, to read the boxed set, which is republished tomorrow in a new format with bonus material. This was the prompt I needed to finish the series and I’m glad I did as it’s definitely the best of the three - but you definitely need to read them in order. The following will contain spoilers for the earlier books, which I will avoid in my separate review of the whole trilogy.
Set immediately after the end of Stealing Elgar, Roger is injured, grieving and contemplating suicide after the sudden death of his wife, Yvonne. Only his best (only) friend, Detective Graham Shelby, seems to care, while his horrible bullying new boss, the odious Liz Archer, is determined to keep him down so he doesn’t threaten her quest for promotion, and Superintendent Thomas Chaimberlain, also wants to demonise Roger to prevent him from suing for Chamberpot’s negligence which led to Yvonne’s death. Gang leader Hades is dead, but his protege Jess sets about fulfilling his final wishes, including taking out Roger, his nemesis, but the other villains have their own agenda, and there’s certainly no honour amongst these failed thieves.
My main problem with this series is I just didn’t like Roger, and didn’t believe in his love for Yvonne, which seemed based only on a kind of Stockholm syndrome of mutual dependency and guilt. Unlike Eddie, who is sharp, witty and belligerently driven to do his job, no matter what, Roger tries hard but makes endless mistakes, wallows in his own self-pity and provokes contempt in most of his colleagues. His loyal mate Shelby is more admirable but not any brighter and the two of them survive more through dumb luck and blind pigheadedness than true courage or ingenuity. Having said that, I did enjoy this the most of the three books as it has the tightest plot and I was genuinely gripped trying to find out how it would all turn out.
There’s plenty of violence, gory fights and gruesome forensic scenes, some truly stomach-churning, and there was very little humour to lighten the tone. The various baddies are grotesquely brutal and the only relief is finding out the various sticky ends they come too - literally in some cases. I don’t really enjoy fiction as dark as this and will be looking for something more life-affirming for my next read. If this is your thing though, then I recommend grabbing the trilogy while it’s on special, as Barrett is a gifted writer whose professional insights into the world of forensics add a gritty if depressing realism.
June 27, 2012
This fantastic book is the third in Andrew Barrett's 'Dead' trilogy. Not for the squeamish, it includes corpses, maimings, bent coppers and murderous ambition but also love, loyalty and steadfast friendship. The author brilliantly describes the raging hollowness of bereavement and the surging anger of the longing for revenge. The leading character in the series is a Scene of Crime Officer, the author's own profession, so the work carries conviction and authenticity. There's dark humour here and a deep understanding of human nature.
The writing is powerful, the dialogue gritty and uncompromising. This book has everything you could want from the crime/thriller genre and is a fitting climax to an unforgettable trilogy. I am very impressed with Andrew Barrett's work and will make sure I read more of it. Excellent!
The writing is powerful, the dialogue gritty and uncompromising. This book has everything you could want from the crime/thriller genre and is a fitting climax to an unforgettable trilogy. I am very impressed with Andrew Barrett's work and will make sure I read more of it. Excellent!
February 23, 2020
After the murder of his wife, Roger is in a very bad state. There’s a moment when Shelby catches him playing with a revolver, obviously contemplating either suicide or murder. He can think of little else than revenge. With Hades also already dead, Roger’s hate concentrates on Jess who knew about the bomb but did nothing about it. Things get even worse when he discovers that Yvonne had a secret. Roger has found a loyal friend in Shelby who’s been kicked out by his wife that’s fed up with the job-pressure and hours. So for the time being, he’s staying at Conniston’s who ‘s in dire emotional and psychological need. It’s extremely touching, even heartbreaking to see how they each react to and deal with their loss. The comfort of talking to someone who doesn’t judge and can relate to your situation and feelings is priceless and may be just what saves both men. While Graham still hopes that he and Lucy can resolve their differences, there’s a very beautiful part where he tells how they met and how life and perception changed as they grew older and he made a career. Of course, Roger can’t hope for such a happy ending and is riddled with guilt and regret for everything he didn’t do or see when his wife was still alive. He’s consumed by hatred and revenge. Deep down he knows that his plan is wrong and he tries to deceive his friend by saying that he’ll give Jess up to the cops.
But apart from the police and Roger’s own crusade, there’s also a mysterious ‘someone else’ looking for Jess.
Since Roger resigned as head of the department, there’s a new boss assigned to the crime scene team, Liz Archer. She goes out of her way to visit Roger during his sick leave and can’t help herself but gloat and make it clear that she’s going to make his job ‘unpleasant’ if/when he returns. After her very rude home visit to Roger where she showed some serious claws, Liz Archer, the new crime scene supervisor makes herself most unpopular on her first day at work. She insults and screams at two members of her team and she makes some serious procedural mistakes on her first crime scene. On top of that, she puts the investigation immediately on one single track, that it’s a domestic violence case and closes her eyes for all other possibilities. She is a real career woman but not in the right way, she’ll step on anyone to get what she wants, use and abuse her colleagues or other people, suck up to superiors and above all exploit every weakness or flaw from anyone. Not a nice person to have as your boss, I’d say.
Liz isn’t the only one who’s afraid of Roger (who she thinks will be after his old job as supervisor) though, DCI Chamberlain is dead scared that Roger might sue him over his wife’s death even after Roger told him that he won't go to court.
When Jess finds his way back to Tartarus, Hades’ headquarters (he can’t go back home because the police were watching that even before “the job” took off), Troff also arrives there and forces him to split in half whatever Hades may have left behind. Hades left them indeed some money but also a parcel for his wife Rosie. Troff double-crosses Jeff (not for the first time, see the previous story!) and, thinking it must be money in the parcel, sends someone to take back the parcel after Jess delivers it. Unfortunately, Rosie just went outside to make a phone call (this are the 1990ies when home landlines still went out of order and public phone-boots were a common sight) when the bully comes to the house and her friend who answers the door and who knows nothing about Jess’ visit is beaten to death by the intruder.
At the start of this books, Jess looks a lot more humane and even slightly sympathetic compared to the previous story. His deep love for Charlotte, Hades’ daughter and his ex-girlfriend shines through and he genuinely mourns Hades and almost hates Troff when he shows nothing but disrespect for the gang leader. Well, Troff is the lowest of the lowlife and everything in his actions and speech makes me loathe him a bit more. Even criminals can be humans, but I doubt that Troff qualifies.
And then there’s a job that Hades set up before he went on the disastrous previous ‘last’ one. If Jess manages to execute it, there’s a nice retirement-fund waiting for him. Again what this job is, is kept a secret till it is time to act. But I had a good guess at what this might be and was right as well. A detrimental clue: the ‘contact’ will pay out when the newspapers will report about the execution of this job.
Barrett shows excellent penmanship, even the most tedious moments and actions he can describe in heart-warming prose. His has such a great way with words that involuntary, I have to smile in the midst of an argument, conversation or fight for the manner in which he tells us these things. The only reason he may hang on to his daytime job as a SOCO is for the inspiration he may find there and maybe a way to stay up-to-date and accurate in a quickly evolving field. That first-hand experience is something that very few can attribute to their stories. But I have a faint suspicion that he’s much alike Roger Conniston in this matter, that he just likes what he does.
It’s moving how meticulously and detailed Barrett describes the emotions of his characters, mainly Shelby and Conniston in this last story but also that of the other actors in this drama.
At the end of the book, there’s an extensive bonus part with very interesting items as the very first character outlays and biographies, the author’s own thoughts on the themes and main focus points of the individual stories and on top of that the very detailed synopsis’s of the stories as he wrote them down originally in 1997.
This book wraps up all the loose ends left over from the previous 2 volumes as well as bringing another sleepless nights thriller with edge of your seat tension. This last story is a bit more reflective than the earlier ones. They’re all 3 different subgenres, the first book is in the first place a police procedural, where the second one is full of action and the last one more of a psychological thriller but still full of action and unexpected twists. Together they stand as a complete and perfect blend of genres into something that’s better than the mere sum of its parts.
But apart from the police and Roger’s own crusade, there’s also a mysterious ‘someone else’ looking for Jess.
Since Roger resigned as head of the department, there’s a new boss assigned to the crime scene team, Liz Archer. She goes out of her way to visit Roger during his sick leave and can’t help herself but gloat and make it clear that she’s going to make his job ‘unpleasant’ if/when he returns. After her very rude home visit to Roger where she showed some serious claws, Liz Archer, the new crime scene supervisor makes herself most unpopular on her first day at work. She insults and screams at two members of her team and she makes some serious procedural mistakes on her first crime scene. On top of that, she puts the investigation immediately on one single track, that it’s a domestic violence case and closes her eyes for all other possibilities. She is a real career woman but not in the right way, she’ll step on anyone to get what she wants, use and abuse her colleagues or other people, suck up to superiors and above all exploit every weakness or flaw from anyone. Not a nice person to have as your boss, I’d say.
Liz isn’t the only one who’s afraid of Roger (who she thinks will be after his old job as supervisor) though, DCI Chamberlain is dead scared that Roger might sue him over his wife’s death even after Roger told him that he won't go to court.
When Jess finds his way back to Tartarus, Hades’ headquarters (he can’t go back home because the police were watching that even before “the job” took off), Troff also arrives there and forces him to split in half whatever Hades may have left behind. Hades left them indeed some money but also a parcel for his wife Rosie. Troff double-crosses Jeff (not for the first time, see the previous story!) and, thinking it must be money in the parcel, sends someone to take back the parcel after Jess delivers it. Unfortunately, Rosie just went outside to make a phone call (this are the 1990ies when home landlines still went out of order and public phone-boots were a common sight) when the bully comes to the house and her friend who answers the door and who knows nothing about Jess’ visit is beaten to death by the intruder.
At the start of this books, Jess looks a lot more humane and even slightly sympathetic compared to the previous story. His deep love for Charlotte, Hades’ daughter and his ex-girlfriend shines through and he genuinely mourns Hades and almost hates Troff when he shows nothing but disrespect for the gang leader. Well, Troff is the lowest of the lowlife and everything in his actions and speech makes me loathe him a bit more. Even criminals can be humans, but I doubt that Troff qualifies.
And then there’s a job that Hades set up before he went on the disastrous previous ‘last’ one. If Jess manages to execute it, there’s a nice retirement-fund waiting for him. Again what this job is, is kept a secret till it is time to act. But I had a good guess at what this might be and was right as well. A detrimental clue: the ‘contact’ will pay out when the newspapers will report about the execution of this job.
Barrett shows excellent penmanship, even the most tedious moments and actions he can describe in heart-warming prose. His has such a great way with words that involuntary, I have to smile in the midst of an argument, conversation or fight for the manner in which he tells us these things. The only reason he may hang on to his daytime job as a SOCO is for the inspiration he may find there and maybe a way to stay up-to-date and accurate in a quickly evolving field. That first-hand experience is something that very few can attribute to their stories. But I have a faint suspicion that he’s much alike Roger Conniston in this matter, that he just likes what he does.
It’s moving how meticulously and detailed Barrett describes the emotions of his characters, mainly Shelby and Conniston in this last story but also that of the other actors in this drama.
At the end of the book, there’s an extensive bonus part with very interesting items as the very first character outlays and biographies, the author’s own thoughts on the themes and main focus points of the individual stories and on top of that the very detailed synopsis’s of the stories as he wrote them down originally in 1997.
This book wraps up all the loose ends left over from the previous 2 volumes as well as bringing another sleepless nights thriller with edge of your seat tension. This last story is a bit more reflective than the earlier ones. They’re all 3 different subgenres, the first book is in the first place a police procedural, where the second one is full of action and the last one more of a psychological thriller but still full of action and unexpected twists. Together they stand as a complete and perfect blend of genres into something that’s better than the mere sum of its parts.
July 8, 2019
Another great book in a series that may or may not be over.
Poor Roger just has one thing going on after another.
Andrew Barrett never lets me down. It's always a good read.
Poor Roger just has one thing going on after another.
Andrew Barrett never lets me down. It's always a good read.
January 4, 2020
What a compelling, addictive and captivating read. After reading the first two books in this trilogy I was eager to read on. Roger Conniston is a heart broken man. He has been physically and emotionally broken and wonders if he has the strength to carry on. He never would have believed in his early years as a SOCO that his life would turn out the way it has. He loved his job. Loved his wife. But since his promotion his life has been turned upside down and inside out by a sequence of events out of his hands. This final book is as gritty and breath taking as the first two...and quite emotional. Andrew Barrett is a fantastic writer with an exceptional talent for drawing you into the book immediately and keeping you hooked until the very last page. Not read anything less than a five start rating from him yet. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2020
Stealing Elgar (#2 in Death Trilogy)
Holy smokes, this story will knock your socks off with its beginning pages. It is a wham-bang opening. Left me exhausted with its energy. Read the beginning, and you won't be able to put this book down.
Andrew Barrett is a marvelous writer, and as a Crime Scene Investigator himself, he knows that of which he speaks.
This, the Second of the Death Trilogy, manages to bring together Russian and Irish thugs plus an assortment of home grown gangsters.
We continue, in this novel, with Roger Conniston who was featured with the first of this series in the book, A Long Time Dead; Stealing Elgar is the second in this 3 part series. In this novel, Roger's wife is kidnapped and taken to a very rural area. The story revolves around the attempts to rescue her with the help of his good friend, Graham Shelby.
While Roger is grappling with how to rescue his wife, he is also plagued with the constant interference and criticism with his job of scene work. He is confident about his scene work, but is continually undermined by the very people who should be supporting him. Additionally, he has doubts about his own abilities as a supervisor, even though he enjoys mentoring the younger investigators who show promise.
If I said that this is a multifaceted book that keeps you turning the pages, I would be understating its impact. I am looking forward to reading the third book, No More Tears.
No More Tears (#3 in Death Trilogy)
It is of great credit to Andrew Barrett that this series could contain 3 amazing, breath taking, dramatic, sequential stories without missing a beat.
No More Tears is a story of Roger Conniston living alone, without the woman he adores. He is joined in his misery by Officer Graham Shelby who declares that he can no longer live with his wife as she makes his life miserable. These two men continue in an orgy of self pity, until events change force them to emerge from self-pity into action.
Roger finds some evidence that he believes indicates that his wife had been having an affair when he was not at home. This belief changes his self pity to anger, which escalates in spite of Graham's attempts to calm him down.
Through out this story, there emerges strong evidence that Roger has been betrayed by fellow officers, at least one of whom is able to take over his supervisory job and wants to use it as a further promotion upwards. Roger finds out bit by bit who has betrayed him and who remains loyal.
The ending in this book (which I shall not tell you here) had me terrified, immobilized with fear and sobbing so hard that it was hard to read the words on the page.
What can I say? Read this trilogy, read this book. Read any thing Andrew Barrett writes.
Holy smokes, this story will knock your socks off with its beginning pages. It is a wham-bang opening. Left me exhausted with its energy. Read the beginning, and you won't be able to put this book down.
Andrew Barrett is a marvelous writer, and as a Crime Scene Investigator himself, he knows that of which he speaks.
This, the Second of the Death Trilogy, manages to bring together Russian and Irish thugs plus an assortment of home grown gangsters.
We continue, in this novel, with Roger Conniston who was featured with the first of this series in the book, A Long Time Dead; Stealing Elgar is the second in this 3 part series. In this novel, Roger's wife is kidnapped and taken to a very rural area. The story revolves around the attempts to rescue her with the help of his good friend, Graham Shelby.
While Roger is grappling with how to rescue his wife, he is also plagued with the constant interference and criticism with his job of scene work. He is confident about his scene work, but is continually undermined by the very people who should be supporting him. Additionally, he has doubts about his own abilities as a supervisor, even though he enjoys mentoring the younger investigators who show promise.
If I said that this is a multifaceted book that keeps you turning the pages, I would be understating its impact. I am looking forward to reading the third book, No More Tears.
No More Tears (#3 in Death Trilogy)
It is of great credit to Andrew Barrett that this series could contain 3 amazing, breath taking, dramatic, sequential stories without missing a beat.
No More Tears is a story of Roger Conniston living alone, without the woman he adores. He is joined in his misery by Officer Graham Shelby who declares that he can no longer live with his wife as she makes his life miserable. These two men continue in an orgy of self pity, until events change force them to emerge from self-pity into action.
Roger finds some evidence that he believes indicates that his wife had been having an affair when he was not at home. This belief changes his self pity to anger, which escalates in spite of Graham's attempts to calm him down.
Through out this story, there emerges strong evidence that Roger has been betrayed by fellow officers, at least one of whom is able to take over his supervisory job and wants to use it as a further promotion upwards. Roger finds out bit by bit who has betrayed him and who remains loyal.
The ending in this book (which I shall not tell you here) had me terrified, immobilized with fear and sobbing so hard that it was hard to read the words on the page.
What can I say? Read this trilogy, read this book. Read any thing Andrew Barrett writes.
March 25, 2013
Third book in the 'Dead Trilogy'. All three books can be read as stand alone books, but I would recommend reading them one straight after the other! I read this book straight after 'Stealing Edgar' and enjoyed it all the more for doing it.
Roger is a Scenes Of Crime Officer, and a supervisor. He has become entangled in a vicious gang, trying to bring them to justice with evidence, but the endeavour has become very personal.
He is hindered by incompetent seniors, both Police Officer and 'Civilian'. I love the characters, good and bad! There is a wry humour and detailed and accurate SOCO descriptions, which I really enjoy having worked for the Police for several years myself.
The final climax is satisfying and I recommend the trilogy for anyone who enjoys Police procedural thrillers.
Roger is a Scenes Of Crime Officer, and a supervisor. He has become entangled in a vicious gang, trying to bring them to justice with evidence, but the endeavour has become very personal.
He is hindered by incompetent seniors, both Police Officer and 'Civilian'. I love the characters, good and bad! There is a wry humour and detailed and accurate SOCO descriptions, which I really enjoy having worked for the Police for several years myself.
The final climax is satisfying and I recommend the trilogy for anyone who enjoys Police procedural thrillers.
December 11, 2019
No More Tears - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Rosie Morgan is the ex-wife of boxer turned criminal mastermind, Mike, better known as Hades. Living alone, she's dismayed when her abused housewife friend, Debbie, comes to see her having had yet another 'domestic'. Refusing to report her husband to police, Rosie resolves to do the 'right thing' on her friend's behalf. Realising her phone line's been cut, she leaves Debbie at the house, while using the nearest phone box.She returns to a scene of carnage - her friend is an almost unrecognisable battered and tortured wreck of a body, amid an abattoir-like amount of blood sprayed around the scene, that will give her nightmares for years to come. Unaware somebody's spying on her, she rushes back to the red box and dials 999. Newly-promoted SOCO Roger Conniston is having a bad time too. Ostensibly 'forgiven' by his wife Yvonne, for a brief fling with his therapist, their marital bliss has yet to be restored to 'normal'. Yvonne is brutally murdered, after being kidnapped by Hades, for Roger's non-compliance in destroying evidence against him.
At work, his superior is unprovably crooked and when Hades too is found dead, Roger's on the suspect list, alienating previously sympathetic colleagues.
Who is Graham Shelby? What part does Jess play in events - and whose side is he on?
Why does he visit Rosie? How did Roger and Yvonne's daughter Charlotte die?
There are so many unexpected twists and turns in this great book, it'll almost make you dizzy.
Grab your copy today and lock all the doors and windows while you read it - just in case you have a dangerous visitor!
Rosie Morgan is the ex-wife of boxer turned criminal mastermind, Mike, better known as Hades. Living alone, she's dismayed when her abused housewife friend, Debbie, comes to see her having had yet another 'domestic'. Refusing to report her husband to police, Rosie resolves to do the 'right thing' on her friend's behalf. Realising her phone line's been cut, she leaves Debbie at the house, while using the nearest phone box.She returns to a scene of carnage - her friend is an almost unrecognisable battered and tortured wreck of a body, amid an abattoir-like amount of blood sprayed around the scene, that will give her nightmares for years to come. Unaware somebody's spying on her, she rushes back to the red box and dials 999. Newly-promoted SOCO Roger Conniston is having a bad time too. Ostensibly 'forgiven' by his wife Yvonne, for a brief fling with his therapist, their marital bliss has yet to be restored to 'normal'. Yvonne is brutally murdered, after being kidnapped by Hades, for Roger's non-compliance in destroying evidence against him.
At work, his superior is unprovably crooked and when Hades too is found dead, Roger's on the suspect list, alienating previously sympathetic colleagues.
Who is Graham Shelby? What part does Jess play in events - and whose side is he on?
Why does he visit Rosie? How did Roger and Yvonne's daughter Charlotte die?
There are so many unexpected twists and turns in this great book, it'll almost make you dizzy.
Grab your copy today and lock all the doors and windows while you read it - just in case you have a dangerous visitor!
June 18, 2017
The final part of the trilogy and you would be well advised to read it as such and not as a standalone. This didn't grab me in quite the same way as the previous two but maybe that was me starting the letting go process. It does its job in tidying up the loose ends and it's good to see some, although not all, characters get what they deserve.
March 19, 2017
This is the third book in Barrett's trilogy beginning with A Long Time Dead. Wow! It's a great read, what a thriller, full of suspense. I like his complex and engaging characters. I look forward to reading more of Barrett's books. Check out the entire series.
July 9, 2023
I had read this one before which is why its taken me ages to finish it...that plus reading others books and being busy as its summer! BUT, its still a good book as AB writes dark, incisive and often funny books and this is no exception. Taking my time 2nd time around filled in a few details too, forgotton or otherwise
June 17, 2015
I have to say this was so dark I nearly stopped a couple of times, but I'm glad I persevered. It's a very satisfying ending, the plot convoluted but rounded, the main character and his friends deeply sympathetic. Full of suspense.
July 28, 2018
The concluding book in the trilogy, in the same style as the first two, though with more of the florid descriptions.
January 22, 2023
A brilliant third part to this exciting, high tension psychological crime series! This is truly brilliant & should be read!
July 21, 2018
This book picks up almost exactly where the previous one in the serious finishes. A man who is virtually out of his mind in grief vows to find and kill the person who created that grief, and is careless enough to repeat it in company he had no business being in, let alone saying those sort of things to. This creates a whole lot of trouble for the man, and draws several other people into all kinds of problems.
This book explores the psychological issues faced by those involved in a fatal incident, even those who are used to dealing with violent death, but not in any clinical manner. It affects different people in differing ways, for some it is coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and with guilt and their inability to keep them safe. For others there is simply the feeling of failure, and yet others are afraid of the consequences of their actions which led directly or indirectly to the outcome. Those who feel guilty seek to take actions to rectify their shortcomings whilst those who should feel guilty seek to justify their actions and shift the blame onto other shoulders. Throw an ambitious and unscrupulous woman into the mix and we have a cracking storyline. That isn't enough of a mix for this author however, we have a few criminals left desperate by the failure of their last venture, forced together by circumstance but unable to trust each other. The numbers gradually diminish as the story progresses and we are ultimately left with the most desperate of them, but there is a stranger looking for two people and you just know that when he finds them it isn't going to be a social occasion. The tension is built gradually through several different scenarios, we don't stay at any one scene for too long. For me that really was not a problem as I found that it worked well to slip from a potentially dangerous situation to an entirely different one, and then when we came back to the first situation it packed more of a punch because it was a sudden reminder of the nature of the peril.
Roger Conniston is something of a superhero - as he is recovering from a serious knee injury (incredibly painful) he takes on a whole new investigation, he gets himself into, and out of, impossible situations. He has to walk into a situation where he knows that in the normal course of events, he cannot come out of it alive, but to refuse to do so will cause another death. He has to fight his way out of more situations than a man in his condition (or any condition) really should. When he faces his nemesis, he finds reserves of courage and strength he obviously didn't know he had. Although part of your head is telling you that Roger is the protagonist and therefore he HAS to survive, part of you is constantly wondering how he can. I can't help but feel sorry for Roger, whatever his failings, he really doesn't deserve the rubbish life has thrown at him. He just wants to get on and do his job, he's not desperately ambitious, he doesn't normally go looking for trouble but it certainly seems to come looking for him and in this book, one of his troubles bears a very familiar name.
Although the scene of crime work isn't quite as prominent in this book as it was in the previous ones, it is still the framework on which the story hangs, and the author neatly points up the differences between good and bad SOCO work without lecturing or giving a Forensics 101. I liked the detail given in this regard, and particularly at a gruesome scene where someone has gone to great trouble to hinder proper identification of the body, not only detailing the difference between a fastidious approach to crime scene management and a desire to make a hasty job of it and then try to make the evidence fit the theory, but then showing how this affected relationships in the team.
This is another well presented story with many facets, which will in turn repel (because of the thoroughly reprehensible characters involved) and enthrall but will never bore the reader.
This book explores the psychological issues faced by those involved in a fatal incident, even those who are used to dealing with violent death, but not in any clinical manner. It affects different people in differing ways, for some it is coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and with guilt and their inability to keep them safe. For others there is simply the feeling of failure, and yet others are afraid of the consequences of their actions which led directly or indirectly to the outcome. Those who feel guilty seek to take actions to rectify their shortcomings whilst those who should feel guilty seek to justify their actions and shift the blame onto other shoulders. Throw an ambitious and unscrupulous woman into the mix and we have a cracking storyline. That isn't enough of a mix for this author however, we have a few criminals left desperate by the failure of their last venture, forced together by circumstance but unable to trust each other. The numbers gradually diminish as the story progresses and we are ultimately left with the most desperate of them, but there is a stranger looking for two people and you just know that when he finds them it isn't going to be a social occasion. The tension is built gradually through several different scenarios, we don't stay at any one scene for too long. For me that really was not a problem as I found that it worked well to slip from a potentially dangerous situation to an entirely different one, and then when we came back to the first situation it packed more of a punch because it was a sudden reminder of the nature of the peril.
Roger Conniston is something of a superhero - as he is recovering from a serious knee injury (incredibly painful) he takes on a whole new investigation, he gets himself into, and out of, impossible situations. He has to walk into a situation where he knows that in the normal course of events, he cannot come out of it alive, but to refuse to do so will cause another death. He has to fight his way out of more situations than a man in his condition (or any condition) really should. When he faces his nemesis, he finds reserves of courage and strength he obviously didn't know he had. Although part of your head is telling you that Roger is the protagonist and therefore he HAS to survive, part of you is constantly wondering how he can. I can't help but feel sorry for Roger, whatever his failings, he really doesn't deserve the rubbish life has thrown at him. He just wants to get on and do his job, he's not desperately ambitious, he doesn't normally go looking for trouble but it certainly seems to come looking for him and in this book, one of his troubles bears a very familiar name.
Although the scene of crime work isn't quite as prominent in this book as it was in the previous ones, it is still the framework on which the story hangs, and the author neatly points up the differences between good and bad SOCO work without lecturing or giving a Forensics 101. I liked the detail given in this regard, and particularly at a gruesome scene where someone has gone to great trouble to hinder proper identification of the body, not only detailing the difference between a fastidious approach to crime scene management and a desire to make a hasty job of it and then try to make the evidence fit the theory, but then showing how this affected relationships in the team.
This is another well presented story with many facets, which will in turn repel (because of the thoroughly reprehensible characters involved) and enthrall but will never bore the reader.
May 5, 2018
kindle unlimited, used to not be, will have to go through his list on goodreads and catch up via ku for any showing not read {some quite a while back were arcs but those started after quite a bit in to his series/different books}
Third book in The Dead Trilogy. There are bad people on both sides of the law; those so hungry for victory that they will trample on anyone to achieve it. SOCO, Roger Conniston, always believed in the law. Not now though. Now he believes only in himself. He has business with people who have no right being alive, and if success costs him everything they left him with, he'll happily pay. For him, this is a journey into places he didn't know existed, encountering people so violent and determined that he almost weakens. The question facing Roger is: how far dare you go? Old enemies - and new ones - backstab and double-cross each other to get to Roger. But among them are those too greedy to realise that gaining their goal will ultimately kill them. Deceit, friendship, greed, and honour, are all played out in the concluding episode of The Dead Trilogy.
The Third Rule (Eddie Collins #1)
Black by Rose (Eddie Collins #2)
The Lift: An Eddie Collins short story (Eddie Collins #2.5)
Sword of Damocles (Eddie Collins #3)
Ledston Luck (Eddie Collins #4)
The Note: A CSI Eddie Collins short story
A Long Time Dead (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 1)
Stealing Elgar (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 2)
No More Tears (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 3)
The End of Lies
Charlotte's Lodge
The Third Rule - Part One: Atrocities
The Third Rule - Part Two: Running Scared
The Third Rule - Part Three: Sacrifices
Third book in The Dead Trilogy. There are bad people on both sides of the law; those so hungry for victory that they will trample on anyone to achieve it. SOCO, Roger Conniston, always believed in the law. Not now though. Now he believes only in himself. He has business with people who have no right being alive, and if success costs him everything they left him with, he'll happily pay. For him, this is a journey into places he didn't know existed, encountering people so violent and determined that he almost weakens. The question facing Roger is: how far dare you go? Old enemies - and new ones - backstab and double-cross each other to get to Roger. But among them are those too greedy to realise that gaining their goal will ultimately kill them. Deceit, friendship, greed, and honour, are all played out in the concluding episode of The Dead Trilogy.
The Third Rule (Eddie Collins #1)
Black by Rose (Eddie Collins #2)
The Lift: An Eddie Collins short story (Eddie Collins #2.5)
Sword of Damocles (Eddie Collins #3)
Ledston Luck (Eddie Collins #4)
The Note: A CSI Eddie Collins short story
A Long Time Dead (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 1)
Stealing Elgar (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 2)
No More Tears (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 3)
The End of Lies
Charlotte's Lodge
The Third Rule - Part One: Atrocities
The Third Rule - Part Two: Running Scared
The Third Rule - Part Three: Sacrifices
December 7, 2017
Reader advisory: A bit like Stieg Larsson’s third millennium novel – “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” – which began a few minutes after the conclusion to “The Girl Who Played With Fire” - “No More Tears” follows a couple of weeks after the previous Roger Conniston novel “Stealing Elgar”. If you have not previously read Stealing Elgar, you will be confronted with flashback scenes, general references to previous events, and several villains still on the loose. This will likely rob you of some of the appreciation for this dark, tension-laced, and action-packed thriller.
Roger Conniston fights for his life, as well as his sanity. Officially denied the chance of being part of the investigation of the Bank of England robbery that cost over 70 lives through explosions and gunfire, (and also factored into the death of his wife) with several of his superiors in his chain-of-command plotting to either see him discredited, or even jailed, Roger has never before been so vulnerable.
The Roger Conniston, (SOCO), and the Eddie Collins (CSI) series have represented the best British crime writing I have encountered in the last ten years.
For other authors who write superior novels in a similar venue, try Andrew Jackson and Will Patching.
Roger Conniston fights for his life, as well as his sanity. Officially denied the chance of being part of the investigation of the Bank of England robbery that cost over 70 lives through explosions and gunfire, (and also factored into the death of his wife) with several of his superiors in his chain-of-command plotting to either see him discredited, or even jailed, Roger has never before been so vulnerable.
The Roger Conniston, (SOCO), and the Eddie Collins (CSI) series have represented the best British crime writing I have encountered in the last ten years.
For other authors who write superior novels in a similar venue, try Andrew Jackson and Will Patching.
January 13, 2020
Roger Conniston, Scene of Crime Officer is still grieving the death of his beloved wife Yvonne. Roger sets out to make the people responsible for her death pay although the main guy is already dead there is still others that had a hand in her killing and he is determined to make them pay as well.
A hit has been put out on Roger’s life from the grave so not only is he now running from the police he is on the run and in hiding from the one person who is trying to kill him. Is Roger innocent? If so can he prove that he is? Will Roger find the ones responsible for his wife’s death? Will he make them pay for what they have done? Will Roger take matters into his own hands or will he turn him over the police?
As with the first two books in The Dead Trilogy No More Tears will grab your attention from the first page and never let up until the last page is turned. The suspense and action alone will keep you glued to the pages. Like its predecessors No More Tears is very descriptively written so much so that you can see everything you are reading in your head like watching a movie.
I highly recommend No More Tears to all thriller, suspense and mystery with lots of non-stop action.
A hit has been put out on Roger’s life from the grave so not only is he now running from the police he is on the run and in hiding from the one person who is trying to kill him. Is Roger innocent? If so can he prove that he is? Will Roger find the ones responsible for his wife’s death? Will he make them pay for what they have done? Will Roger take matters into his own hands or will he turn him over the police?
As with the first two books in The Dead Trilogy No More Tears will grab your attention from the first page and never let up until the last page is turned. The suspense and action alone will keep you glued to the pages. Like its predecessors No More Tears is very descriptively written so much so that you can see everything you are reading in your head like watching a movie.
I highly recommend No More Tears to all thriller, suspense and mystery with lots of non-stop action.
May 31, 2019
This is the third Roger Conniston book and having read and really loved the others I was expecting more of the same. What I got was far far better; this in my opinion is the best of the series! It is a direct sequel to Stealing Elgar but if you haven't read, or aren’t planning to read, that one then this works fine by itself. These books work best as a set though and if you are planning to read book 2 then leave this one until you have as it contains some spoilers for book 2.
This story starts out tough on poor Roger and gradually gets worse as he tries to come to terms with personal tragedy. His outlook grows dark before becoming bitter then somewhat twisted leaving him wanting revenge on those that caused his heartache. Unfortunately for Roger those outside the law might not be the only ones he’s up against. Andrew Barretts writing weaves fiction with elements of reality that make for an immersive read in a world that feels very alive and real. This book, and its wider series, are brilliant and anyone that enjoys crime fiction should give them a go. In fact, I highly recommend any and all of the authors work. Truly top class crime writing that I can highly recommend..
This story starts out tough on poor Roger and gradually gets worse as he tries to come to terms with personal tragedy. His outlook grows dark before becoming bitter then somewhat twisted leaving him wanting revenge on those that caused his heartache. Unfortunately for Roger those outside the law might not be the only ones he’s up against. Andrew Barretts writing weaves fiction with elements of reality that make for an immersive read in a world that feels very alive and real. This book, and its wider series, are brilliant and anyone that enjoys crime fiction should give them a go. In fact, I highly recommend any and all of the authors work. Truly top class crime writing that I can highly recommend..
January 26, 2020
This is the final book in the Dead Trilogy featuring Roger Conniston, following on from A Long Time Dead and Stealing Elgar. So it's pretty important to have read those two (in that order) before embarking on this book.
If you've got this far you'll know what you're letting yourself in for with regard to the author's style and attention to detail. How the focus is very much on the forensic side of things; no surprise there being as the author is a CSI himself. Also his penchant for internal dialogue and witty asides that pepper the narrative throughout, sometimes adding a little spice into the mix and complementing the intricately plotted story being told.
This final instalment completes the story. It ties up all the threads nicely and we learn what the fates have in store for all our main players. It's the endgame and checkmate to the game of chess that the author has taken us through throughout the previous books.
All that's left for me to say now is that, if you enjoyed this trilogy, I would also very much recommend the author's Eddie Collins series of books if you haven't already indulged.
If you've got this far you'll know what you're letting yourself in for with regard to the author's style and attention to detail. How the focus is very much on the forensic side of things; no surprise there being as the author is a CSI himself. Also his penchant for internal dialogue and witty asides that pepper the narrative throughout, sometimes adding a little spice into the mix and complementing the intricately plotted story being told.
This final instalment completes the story. It ties up all the threads nicely and we learn what the fates have in store for all our main players. It's the endgame and checkmate to the game of chess that the author has taken us through throughout the previous books.
All that's left for me to say now is that, if you enjoyed this trilogy, I would also very much recommend the author's Eddie Collins series of books if you haven't already indulged.
January 13, 2020
Revenge can kill you
Following on from his last book this time Roger is all out for revenge, he blamed Hades gang including Jess who could have removed the bomb that killed his wife, Shelby had been captured along with her and Roger saved them both only Shelby wanted Hades so Roger had gone too leaving Yvonne who worried and wandered back to the hut then boom. That was just the start Connison was the one holding the mobile which was the detonator, That was when Roger decided he was going to revenge his wife’s death and kill anyone associated with Hades. A shocking ton of events lots of things going on behind backs blame bandied about here there and everywhere it’s a must read if you have read the other two books in this series. Highly recommend. Hahaha you cunning devil Andrew Barrett the final twist let’s hope Roger never finds out
Following on from his last book this time Roger is all out for revenge, he blamed Hades gang including Jess who could have removed the bomb that killed his wife, Shelby had been captured along with her and Roger saved them both only Shelby wanted Hades so Roger had gone too leaving Yvonne who worried and wandered back to the hut then boom. That was just the start Connison was the one holding the mobile which was the detonator, That was when Roger decided he was going to revenge his wife’s death and kill anyone associated with Hades. A shocking ton of events lots of things going on behind backs blame bandied about here there and everywhere it’s a must read if you have read the other two books in this series. Highly recommend. Hahaha you cunning devil Andrew Barrett the final twist let’s hope Roger never finds out
February 7, 2020
A heart-pounding conclusion
Just when I didn’t think it was possible for Roger to get into any more trouble, he does. He’s on leave but is looking into things on his own. He finds something in his late wife’s drawer that shocks him and he has a violent, unstable individual targeting him and his close friends. Who is this guy and what does he have against Roger? The book begins with Roger in an emotionally dark place but he wants the culprits, so continues to poke around. Many characters are either attempting to hide from, tail, investigate or frame someone which means sneaking around is commonplace. The surprises keep coming right up to the very end. What a great book! Fantastic trilogy from start to finish.
Just when I didn’t think it was possible for Roger to get into any more trouble, he does. He’s on leave but is looking into things on his own. He finds something in his late wife’s drawer that shocks him and he has a violent, unstable individual targeting him and his close friends. Who is this guy and what does he have against Roger? The book begins with Roger in an emotionally dark place but he wants the culprits, so continues to poke around. Many characters are either attempting to hide from, tail, investigate or frame someone which means sneaking around is commonplace. The surprises keep coming right up to the very end. What a great book! Fantastic trilogy from start to finish.
April 30, 2020
This third book in The Dead Trilogy (SOCO Roger Conniston) was another story that shared the horrific heartache and desperation that became Roger's life as he unofficially sought the people he held responsible in order to get answers to why and how. Also, the idea of revenge certainly plays a big part in this third book, by Roger as well as many other characters. It also notes a change in personnel at the police headquarters during this time, some good and some not so good. Again, the author puts poor Roger through almost literal hell emotionally as well as physically as obstacles continue to get the way of the truth. This is a voluntary review of this book from Story Origin.
January 8, 2020
No More Tears is the final instalment in the trilogy.
Roger is on leave following the last case and decides to turn detective on chasing up the last members of the gang involved in Hades gang to rob the Bank Of England. I don’t want to say anymore as I don’t want to give much away about any of these books!
I love the relationship between Roger and Shelby, the banter between them often had me laughing out loud. I found it quite emotional when I came to the end of the book, it’s been a fabulous series.
Roger is on leave following the last case and decides to turn detective on chasing up the last members of the gang involved in Hades gang to rob the Bank Of England. I don’t want to say anymore as I don’t want to give much away about any of these books!
I love the relationship between Roger and Shelby, the banter between them often had me laughing out loud. I found it quite emotional when I came to the end of the book, it’s been a fabulous series.
Read
January 7, 2020The last book in the The Dead Trilogy, and again it does not disappoint.
The lead character an SCOC is now on the edge of darkness as he fights really nasty bad guys as well as corrupted good guys, a toss up who is most dangerous.
The SCOC investigative passages are fascinating, the violent passages are bloody, gory and not for the faint of heart, but this is life in the trenches.
A great read for me at the start of 2020
The lead character an SCOC is now on the edge of darkness as he fights really nasty bad guys as well as corrupted good guys, a toss up who is most dangerous.
The SCOC investigative passages are fascinating, the violent passages are bloody, gory and not for the faint of heart, but this is life in the trenches.
A great read for me at the start of 2020
February 12, 2020
Wow! That was something! Mobsters, gangsters, Russians, liars, backstabbers, murderers, power hungry bosses....there is a LOT going on. Lots of red herrings. Just when you think you have it figured out...BAM!!
A satisfying read bringing a series to conclusion. ... or not....it can easily continue...
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
A satisfying read bringing a series to conclusion. ... or not....it can easily continue...
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
July 10, 2021
Wonderful mystery listening 🎧
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me, it is like a movie.
This is the third in the box set and is the best. It is a will written British romantic mystery thriller. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is about violent person killing and planning violence. I would recommend this box set and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021😎🎉✨
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me, it is like a movie.
This is the third in the box set and is the best. It is a will written British romantic mystery thriller. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is about violent person killing and planning violence. I would recommend this box set and series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021😎🎉✨
January 13, 2020
The final installment in the Roger Conniston trilogy doesn't disappoint. Roger is out sick and continues his sleuth work chasing down the remnants of the gang. An interesting twist caught me totally by surprise. Entertaining and interesting read that I couldn't put down. Portrayal is a SOCO officer by a working officer adds interest and authenticity to the book.
January 24, 2020
A great end to this exciting trilogy; I love the relationship between Roger & Shelby in particular. I was hooked from the start.
An ex-gang lord’s ex-wife, Rosie Morgan, walks in on a terrible scene and Roger’s life will never be the same again! They have something in common. He’s after revenge; can Rosie help him?
An ex-gang lord’s ex-wife, Rosie Morgan, walks in on a terrible scene and Roger’s life will never be the same again! They have something in common. He’s after revenge; can Rosie help him?
January 28, 2020
Roger Conniston is on sick leave for a knee injury. He is mourning the death of his wife Yvonne. Roger wants the people responsible for her death punished. He is seeking revenge while there is a contract hit out for him. This is another page turning thriller. There is a lot of action that keeps you guessing what will be next.
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