The Dead

David Blake #3

by Howard Linskey

David Blake is back in Newcastle, running three cities. Life is sweet until his bent accountant is arrested for murder. The money man is nailed on for a life sentence until he puts five million pounds out of Blake's reach. Now Blake faces an agonising choice; fix the acquittal of a child killer or run out of the cash he needs to bankroll his empire. Meanwhile, Serbian gangsters are taking over his territory and a crazed Russian oligarch wants to use Blake's drug supply line for his own ends. Back at home, the Police are closing in and his girlfriend is asking awkward questions.
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Genres: Crime, Fiction, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2013

About the author

ABOUT ME
A bit about me and my books. I am an author with Canelo, currently writing a series of William Shakespeare mysteries. The first is 'A Serpent In The Garden' which sees Will forced to look into the mysterious death of a lady in Elizabethan London. .

I am also the author of a series of books set in the north east of England, featuring journalists Tom Carney & Helen Norton with detective Ian Bradshaw, who all appear in ‘The Chosen Ones’, ‘The Search’, 'Behind Dead Eyes’ and ‘No Name Lane' and the standalones, 'Alice Teale Is Missing', 'Don't Let Him In' and The Inheritance'.

My WW2 historical novels include ‘Hunting the Hangman’, which tells the true story of the assassination of Nazi General, Reinhard Heydrich, and ‘Ungentlemanly Warfare’. The latter features SOE agents, Harry Walsh and Emma Stirling and OSS agent, Sam Cooper.

My earlier novels, the David Blake books, have been optioned for TV by Harry Potter producer, David Barron. The Times newspaper voted 'The Drop' one of its Top Five Thrillers of the Year and 'The Damage' one of its Top Summer Reads. Both books broke into the top five Amazon Kindle chart.

I’m honoured to be the ghost writer of ‘Surviving Hell’ which tells the true story of former Para, Nick Dunn, one of the Chennai Six, who were wrongfully imprisoned in India for years, having committed no crime, and 'Surviving Hell', the autobiography of Princess Diana's former bodyguard, Lee Sansum.

On a far lighter note, I am also the writer behind ‘The Little Book Of Pintfulness’ a mindfulness spoof, which comprehensively proves that life is just better with beer. Please read responsibly.

Prior to becoming a full-time author, I led a series of different lives with a number of jobs, including barman, journalist, catering manager and marketing manager for a celebrity chef, as well as in a variety of sales and account management roles. I can confirm that writing books definitely beats working for a living.

I started writing many moons ago and was first published in the Newcastle United football fanzine, 'The Mag'. I then became a journalist and wrote for regional newspapers. I have also written for magazines and web sites and was once the English Premier League football correspondent for a Malaysian magazine. I've stopped all of that nonsense now, preferring to make up stuff instead and call myself an author.

I'm originally from Ferryhill in County Durham but, like most of the people I grew up with, I left the north east in search of work and never quite made it back. I am now settled in Hertfordshire with my lovely wife Alison and wonderful daughter Erin.

I'm still a long-suffering Newcastle United fan and can only assume that Mike Ashley is a punishment inflicted upon us for all of the crimes we committed in our past lives.

I am represented by the best Literary Agent in the UK, Phil Patterson at Marjacq. Catherine Pellegrino looks after my foreign rights there. If you are Brad Pitt and you wish to play David Blake in a movie then Leah Middleton takes care of Film and TV rights:

Marjacq Scripts Ltd
The Space
235 High Holborn
London WC1V 7LE

+44 (0) 20 7935 9499
F +44 (0) 20 7935 9115
enquiries@marjacq.com

Reviews

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was VERY excited to get the new Howard Linskey and thankfully I was not disappointed. This latest instalment did however leave me with a new sensation...fearful! I shall explain later. For those that haven't read the first two in the series stop right now, read no further and read the first two books. Inevitably this review will otherwise contain spoilers that I cannot help because you need the history with the characters. Linskey's third book brings back David Blake, a fantastic lead character which I have grown to love. David Blake is not your typical Gangster. He is a smart bloke with a girlfriend and child in his life. He is the head honcho in Newcastle and seems to have his legal and illegal businesses wrapped up nicely. Sadly his accountant manages to turn that idea on its head when he is arrested for drink driving, and then charged with murder. With his accountant knowing so much about the business, and the fact he has sewn up £5 million of Blake's money he has to make a decision. Does he help him and retrieve his money? Or leave him to rot and risk his whole organisation crumbling.

It took me only a few chapters to re-acquaint myself with members of Blake's firm such as Palmer and Kinnane. There is a lot going on and before long things unravel and very quickly that snowballs. It seemed like one disaster was cropping up after another and I wondered whether Blake would make it out of this current situation. At the end of book two there were certain elements of the story that left the reader with question, and this book certainly addresses all of them. The nice thing though, was that the story gave you the answers slowly and unravelled all of the history surrounding Blake and his family. In addition to the problems with his accountant, Blake has additional threats to his business from Serbian Gangsters, and then to top it all off some crazy Russian joins the party making for a pretty explosive read.

Towards the end of the book I actually had to stop walking and take a pew on a bench to finish the last few chapters. This was where the fear set in, I was shocked. I totally didn't see the end coming and when I finished the book I realised I didn't know how I felt. Was the ending a good thing or a bad thing? I still don't know, and without dropping major spoilers I just HAVE to read the next book to see where Mr Linskey goes. I can only assume that it will be upwards as he has shown with the last three books he is an absolutely brilliant author. I think people will love this book, and it certainly leaves a question mark as to what next. For that reason, and that reason alone I gave it 4 out of 5 (and his previous two were 5 star reads, no doubt). I for one will be waiting with baited breath for his next book and would highly recommend that you read this series from book 1. Thanks Howard for a fantastic read.

[Warren Stalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dead is the third book in the successful crime series written by talented author Howard Linskey. The series follows the saga of a Newcastle crime empire run by David Blake. Blake’s empire now extends to three major cities but he’s still haunted by events from his turbulent past. As he tries to find out the mystery of his father’s disappearance when he was young, he suddenly finds himself the chief suspect in the brutal murder of a senior policeman’s daughter. The only way out is for Blake to track down the real killer himself. As the threats to his empire begin to grow then cracks start appear in the once invincible Northern Godfather. When you’re swimming with sharks sooner or later they’re going to bite. The Dead is a gripping story right from the first page, fans of previous novels in the series The Drop and The Damage won’t be disappointed. The Dead delivers a satisfying conclusion to the powerful crime trilogy.

[Gerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always liked British gangster books and films and this one started at a fine pace and engaged me from the start. However, the further I read, it seemed to become more and more of a cliche. It felt that it was written to be made into a film or TV drama.

It is fast moving but fundamentally predictable. Teenage girl raped and murdered, Eastern Europeans moving in on the local drug trade, bent coppers, bent local authorities, the obligatory nonce who predictably gets his comeuppance despite doubts as to whether he would or not, lots of violence, lock ups, Uncle Tom Cobley and all - it just all felt a bit old hat. Maybe if I'd read it twenty years ago I'd have rated it higher but not these days.

[Michael Boreham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dead is the (at time of writing) last entry in the David Blake series. It builds on the foundations of The Drop and The Damage brilliantly and elevates the story of Newcastle's underworld overlords to greater heights as the established order faces new and greater threats. if ever there is a series of books that needs to become a film franchise this is it. As long as the grit and the tension and the North Eastern backdrop go undiluted.

[Andy Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final (for now) David Blake novel is excellent. It sees our anti-hero trying to outrun the combined forces of the law, his chequered history and Russian-assisted Serbian gangsters out to take over his criminal empire. The end of the book seems to indicate that this series is at an end but I hope not.

[Diogenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gangland story from the the boss's point of view. Police corruption and ruthless violence, but the story is fascinating . Copious Geordie slang is often puzzling to many across the pond, but page-turner action and plot keeps it moving briskly.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow in places. A tad boring and too many story lines happening.

[The Bookish Wombat · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Blake has come back to his native city, and though he still rules Newcastle his proprietary grasp on the underworld is difficult to maintain and is being challenged by rivals both domestic and foreign. His family life is no less complicated, with secrets from the past just waiting to burst out. The police ask him for help with a murder case and this starts a chain of events which it would seem can only end badly for everyone involved.

When I picked up this book I hadn’t heard of the author before and on reading some of the cover quotes and the blurb on the back of the book I had a bit of a heart-sink moment. Comparing the book to Martina Cole’s work was the first problem as I’ve read a couple of her books (the first as an experiment, the second to check that the first wasn’t just an anomaly – it wasn’t, it was just as dreadful as the first) and hated everything about them. The second problem was the mention of Serbian gangsters and a Russian oligarch – I feel like this theme has been done to death (no pun intended!) recently in novels, film and TV, and usually as a way to get lots of extreme violence into the particular work. So having noted all this I didn’t have any great expectation of enjoying the book.

But I was wrong – I liked it (though I could still have done without the Serbians and the Russians). The first person narration really drew me in and is a clever way to get the reader to sympathise with David Blake, a man who does unspeakable things, but who is still an attractive, complex character. The author makes him so attractive that at times I had to take a breath and remind myself that Blake is far from being a saint, but then I’d get caught up in the narrative again and find myself completely rooting for him.

The supporting characters, who show varying degrees of unpleasantness, are also well-drawn and seem realistic. Something I didn’t really notice while I was caught up in reading the book, but which has occurred to me since is that the novel’s portrayal of women is a little problematic. There aren’t many women in the book at all, and those that are there tend to be someone’s victim, rather than individuals in their own right. There also seems to be a bit of a polarisation in how women are portrayed – the usual Madonna or whore territory. I realise that the gangster milieu is a man’s world, but this portrayal of the female characters dates the book and make it seems like a period piece rather than contemporary.

The Newcastle setting is more unusual than that of most crime novels and the writing is very cinematic, both of which make the book feel very vivid.

So despite its problems – which for me were the Serbians, the Russians and the outdated portrayal of women – this is a solid and enjoyable crime novel which will keep you turning the pages until the whole story is revealed.

[Ian Ayris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Howard Linskey's THE DAMAGE - review here, I was more than excited to have the opportunity of reviewing the follow up - THE DEAD

THE DAMAGE is the third book in the David Blake series, featuring Tyneside's numero uno gangster, David Blake. Having returned to Newcastle to take control of his empire, Blake's days are spent taking care of business, unencumbered by the law, and doting on his wife and his daughter.

But when the startling identity of the dead girl lying on the river bank is confirmed, it looks like David Blake's comfortable existence will come crashing down around him. It's going to take all his nouse to keep his head above water on this one. It's the dead, see. They might not be able to talk, but they whisper - they whisper into the ears of the bereaved and they create images of desperate suffering, and they cry out for resolution. But it's not only the recently deceased Blake has to contend with. Blake's whole life has been filled with the dead and the dying and the missing. And when you've had a life like that, it's bound to catch up with you some time.

As in the previous two books in the serious, Linskey's prose crackles and burns and pops off the page. Blake is brilliantly written, as are his cohorts - Kinane and Palmer. There are sub-plots and side characters galore - deviant accountants, old time gangster associates, gun-wielding Serbians, and even a nutty Russian billionaire straight out of a Bond film. Indeed, the sub-plots are so strong each almost deserves a novel all to itself. THE DAMAGE stands defiantly in the gangster/crime genre with its gang turf and tangled webs of violent retribution, but something deeper lies beneath. There is a moral compass to David Blake, a notion that he was not born to do this work. And that's not a good thing for a man where one sign of vulnerability could spell the end of it all.

Blake might have a chance to deal with the dead of present - after all, that's his business - but it's the dead of the past, the ghosts that haunt his every waking moment that could be his undoing.

THE DAMAGE proves Linskey to be at the forefront of British crime writing. The quote from The Times on the front of the book reads: 'A Tyneside Dashiell Hammett to put Martina Cole firmly in her place'. Not sure I agree with the Dashiell Hammett bit - more Ed McBain. And as for the Martina Cole reference, Howard Linskey is in a whole different league.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. The series just seem to be getting better by the book.
Life as a gangster has been going well for David Blake. Years have passed and his daughter is almost two, he has settled easily into domestic life with Sarah Mahoney, business is doing well, and no one has died... Until he gets arrested for the murder of a police officer's daughter. Not long after, his bent accountant is arrested for the brutal rape and murder of a child. Amongst all the events taking place, Davey is summoned to the UK home of an über rich Russian oligarch and pressure is put on him to use his narcotics supply route via Amsterdam to smuggle a "Joe" into Russia to kick start his plan to overthrow the Russian government. On two separate occasions, Davey is marched to a secluded spot for imminent execution, only to be saved at the last moment. No longer can he refer to himself as a "plastic" gangster as he has thoroughly immersed himself in his new role. Amongst all the mayhem, Davey desperately searches for the truth around his father's disappearance and subsequent death, only to he confronted with some harsh truths. The only way he can see matters resolving is if he dies, and a lot of thought and planning is put in place to deal with that possible eventuality. Without a doubt, this book is the best of the three. Linskey tackles some very topical issues in the book such as money laundering, terrorism, the life and influence of an exiled oligarch, not to mention the daily problems of a crime boss. The writing is fabulous. The characters are likeable and utterly believable (Palmer is now my hero with his ex-SAS background). And the storyline it magnificently unpredictable and thrilling. Whatever you do, read this book and make sure you read the other two first. It will make it so much more enjoyable. I can't wait for the next one. Well done Howard Linskey!

[Maxine Wetherall · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Dead - Howard Linskey
Howard Linskey was an author that I had not read before (or even heard of). I am always keen to read books by authors new to me. So was pleased to be able to read and review this book.
I was not too happy to find out that it was book three of a series. I am never too keen to pick up a series mid way as I always think that you may loose some of the background stories of the characters which was the case with this book. Maybe if I had read the other two books I would of enjoyed this a bit more.
David Blake is now the top honcho in Newcastle's criminal world and manages to combine his legit and illegal businesses effortlessly with a little help from his accountant Henry Baxter. But his world could come crumbling down when Baxter is arrested for drink driving and later also charged with murder as Baxter knows all the financial ins and outs of Blake's businesses including where his money is hidden in Offshore accounts. So does Blake risk leaving Baxter rotting in jail or does he do everything in his power to get the charges dropped?
I must admit I do not usually read books about the criminal underworld I find them a bit depressing and do not like the violence. It was an ok read, well written and move at a quick pace. I would recommend to fans of this genre, but it has not really made me want to read any of the authors other books.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another easy to read, well written, pacey, North East UK gangster thriller in the David Blake series. I've enjoyed each one of these immensely and hope there are more to come.

I find this author's writing style very easy to follow and the pace at which you the reader are moved from one scene to the next is quick, however, the narrative doesn't seem to suffer because of this. I find it very easy to visualize the imagery the prose suggests and don't feel left wanting more. I also think Mr Linskey is very adept at allowing the reader fill in the gaps in what is unsaid and thus allowing the stories to have a natural flow.

I won't describe the story in too much detail, as it always seems pointless to me to do that. This is the third in the series and set a year or two after "The Damage" we are given the story of David Blake and Co. coming to terms with the cost of their style of business and the impact this might have on their health, wealth and longevity (or perhaps lack-of). It is set within a multi-threaded back story, each of which tie in nicely with the main theme.

I thoroughly recommend any of this series for a quick and memorable Summer read. I always seem to read this sort of novel in the Summer :)

[Gill Chedgey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dead - Howard Linskey

I found this to be a competent piece of writing within its genre. The author was unknown to me so once again I am indebted to Real Readers for the introduction to Mr.Linskey.

Whilst well written, the characters were drawn with economy, their purpose and function clear within the narrative, I constantly felt that I had either read, or seen these situations many times before in books, films or TV dramas. I suppose even organised crime has a finite number of methods of operation!!
That didn’t stop me enjoying the book but I never felt there was any new ground covered. The one surprise that I hadn’t figured out was the paternity issue. I should have seen it coming as Jinky was in complete contrast to David.

I suppose what always gets me is how a criminal such as Blake, guilty of causing death, acquiring large amounts of money dishonestly and perverting the course of justice rides off into the sunset virtually unscathed. It is a morally incompetent message, crime shouldn't pay but here it does seem to. I know it’s just a story but I would have preferred to see him behind bars.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dead is not a book that I would typically buy or check out from the library, and I haven't read Linskey's previous two novels that feature the character of David Blake. Yet I couldn't stop reading and found myself swept away by Linskey's narrative. There's a lot going on plot wise, but each strand is handled well and the momentum just keeps pushing you forward into finding out just how Blake will handle all of his problems.

From the blurb I thought that Linskey would have filled his novel with tons of gratuitous violence. However, even though there are moments that made me flinch, there's no examples of violence just for violence's sake. This coupled with Blake not being your typical mob boss made for a much more interesting read.

David Blake's third outing is a perfect holiday read, and there is no need to have read the first two books to be able to enjoy Howard Linskey's latest tale. Although be warned; you may need to pack another book in your suitcase as you are likely to finish The Dead within a day.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Howard Linskey and this is the third book in the series, so was really excited to read this new crime book set in the North East of England. The author a Durham man, who has had a few jobs before becoming a writer, sets the gritty crime stories well.
This third book brings back David Blake, who is prominent in the Newcastle gangster scene. He has to deal with a new Serbian group who are on his patch, while trying to find the truth from his past. It paints a vivid and realistic picture of Newcastle.

This series will be up with other north crime dramas Wire in the Blood and Anne Cleeve’s Vera – just you wait.

The book refers to Martina Cole, Howard Linskey is not as violent and there are great twists to the story. I found the writing was much better, you are gripped by the plot and you could easily forget time and read this in a day.

Although this is the third in the series, the reader is not compelled to have read the first two, but I guarantee when you have finished The Dead, you will be ordering the first two.

I cannot wait for his next book.

[The_Secret_Book_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would appear to be the third in series of books by David Blake, I had not read the other two when I was sent this book to review. There was no problem in reading this book as a stand alone. The story is based on a guy called David Blake who is prominent in the Newcastle gangster scene. He has to deal with a new Serbian group who are on his patch, while trying to find the truth from his past.

This was a really well presented book that moved at speed, keeping you gripped and excited. I found it hard to put down as each chapter ended you just wanted to read more. I am definitely putting the previous two novels on my list to read. Linskey has been compared to Martina Cole, I can see the similarities but Linskey is nowhere near as violent, there is much more of a story, with twists and turns.

[David Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the previous 2 novels by Howard Linskey, starring his lovable gangster David Blake, I was hoping for a great novel but what I got was a fantastic one. Linskey has really upped his game with this third installment and anyone who has read the previous ones is in for a real treat.

Anyone who hasn't read The Drop and The Damage should do themselves a favour and get reading them.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fast-paced, interesting read but one that didn't quite live up to the poignant first chapter. While violent, I was pleased to see that it doesn't go into sickeningly graphic detail. I could see this being made into a cracking TV series reminiscent of The Sopranos.

full review : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...

[Brandon Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Linskey. David Blake is back and has a lot on the table in this one. A great crime story, but I did like the first two installments a bit more. Linskey is an amazing talent and if you like a gritty British crime story pick it up. I would suggest reading them in order, although it is not a must. Can't wait to see what Linskey writes next. I am a big fan.

[Nichola Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this trilogy as a random present as im from the newcastle area and a local Twitter account advertised them. I literally couldn't put them down! The twists and turns in the Dead made it my favourite of the three by far. Couldn't have anticipated the ending but I was hooked right up until the last word. Definitely some of the best books I've read.

[Maxime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book it had me gripped...Starts with a girls dead body then takes you along a winding story.
Very good Plot. Gritty Gangster read with really good characters was gripped from the first page. Would Recommend this to crime/gangster readers as I was impressed.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of page turning crime. D.S. Fraser finds a body of a dead teenage girl. He calls D.I. Robert who comes to investigate the finding of a dead girl. When D.I. Robert gets near to the body of the young teengirl he starts to scream thats my daughter. Quite an upsetting scene.

[Charles Goodger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like his other Blake books, this was an entertaining and exciting read. Some great characters and tender moments. Though a liar, murderer and criminal it's hard not to like Blakey.

[henrys-axe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The powerful finale of the David Blake trilogy. This was one, for me at least, that was difficult to put down. I would hope it's not the last I've read about Newcastle titan Davie Blake.

[Bookpassion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wie immer konnte Howard Linskey mich mit David Blake und seinen Jungs begeistern. Humorvoll, düster und hart! Ein Gangster-Thriller vom Feinsten!

[Ben L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️