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Detectives India Kane & AJ Colt #1
Stealing Power
STEALING POWER is easy, restoring it is hard.
Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt has lived his life in the limelight. The charismatic star of New Scotland Yard is public relations gold. Everyone loves him. Well, almost everyone. For three years, a serial rapist has been taunting and tormenting him, sending him DVD copies of every drug facilitated rape he commits. It's been one year since he received the last DVD and the trail is stone cold dead. When a new DVD arrives out of the blue, a familiar landmark takes him away from the job and life he loves and back to his home town. The last place on earth he wants to be.
Detective India Kane does not suffer fools gladly, unfortunately she's surrounded by them. Obsessively private, she keeps her head down, gets on with her job, and doesn't bother anybody. She likes life that way. When people bother her, things have a tendency to get messy. She's just landed her first lead case - a drug facilitated rape investigation - and doesn't take kindly to the arrogant newcomer parachuted in to snatch it from her.
The hunt is on.
But the rapist is just warming up. As he escalates, so does his power. And he won't stop until he's stolen it all . . . even if it means bringing his own brand of terror directly to those who hunt him.
When their lives collide - it won't just be the victims' worlds that are torn apart.
Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt has lived his life in the limelight. The charismatic star of New Scotland Yard is public relations gold. Everyone loves him. Well, almost everyone. For three years, a serial rapist has been taunting and tormenting him, sending him DVD copies of every drug facilitated rape he commits. It's been one year since he received the last DVD and the trail is stone cold dead. When a new DVD arrives out of the blue, a familiar landmark takes him away from the job and life he loves and back to his home town. The last place on earth he wants to be.
Detective India Kane does not suffer fools gladly, unfortunately she's surrounded by them. Obsessively private, she keeps her head down, gets on with her job, and doesn't bother anybody. She likes life that way. When people bother her, things have a tendency to get messy. She's just landed her first lead case - a drug facilitated rape investigation - and doesn't take kindly to the arrogant newcomer parachuted in to snatch it from her.
The hunt is on.
But the rapist is just warming up. As he escalates, so does his power. And he won't stop until he's stolen it all . . . even if it means bringing his own brand of terror directly to those who hunt him.
When their lives collide - it won't just be the victims' worlds that are torn apart.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2013
2646 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Bo Brennan
3 books105 followersBo Brennan is a ‘Crime Thriller’ writer who has lived and worked in various locations. None were exotic.
Bo's favourite past times are reading, writing, and eating. Unfortunately, the three combined do nothing for the waistline, so moving about occasionally is a must.
Bo's debut novel, STEALING POWER, featuring British Detectives India Kane and AJ Colt, is the first of a trilogy to be published.
BABY SNATCHERS is the second.
THE WAGES OF SIN is the third.
Bo's favourite past times are reading, writing, and eating. Unfortunately, the three combined do nothing for the waistline, so moving about occasionally is a must.
Bo's debut novel, STEALING POWER, featuring British Detectives India Kane and AJ Colt, is the first of a trilogy to be published.
BABY SNATCHERS is the second.
THE WAGES OF SIN is the third.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
May 12, 2016
I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I considered quitting early on, but I stuck with it to the end. The book became more enjoyable the further I got into it.
I've read a fair number of British authors in the last couple of years, but there were some words and phrases in this book that I didn't understand. I basically ignored the terms and don't think it affected my understanding of the story.
One thing that irritated me was the overuse of Colt dragging his hands over his face or through his hair. There must be other ways for a character to show frustration, exasperation, or tiredness.
The author made some oblique references to things that weren't explained until later on in the book. For instance, people were referring to someone as "the hulk" but it wasn't until Chapter 5 where the reader was shown just who that character was. This happened quite a lot in the first 15-20% of the book, and I was totally confused. I kept having to re-read pages trying to figure things out. I was happy to find the entire book was not like that.
The book has a lot going on, and there were quite a few characters to keep track of, both in the police and in personal lives. The police have been looking for an extremely experienced (37 cases) rapist for three years, and their investigation includes two new cases. This puts AJ Colt and India Kane at odds but romantic sparks start to fly. Kane's history is a mystery for most of the book. Colt's relationships with his immediate family play a part. All these personal relationships are a major part of the book.
I think a good editor could have worked this book into better shape, but I enjoyed it for the most part. I have the second book in the series and would like to know what's in the future for Colt and Kane.
I've read a fair number of British authors in the last couple of years, but there were some words and phrases in this book that I didn't understand. I basically ignored the terms and don't think it affected my understanding of the story.
One thing that irritated me was the overuse of Colt dragging his hands over his face or through his hair. There must be other ways for a character to show frustration, exasperation, or tiredness.
The author made some oblique references to things that weren't explained until later on in the book. For instance, people were referring to someone as "the hulk" but it wasn't until Chapter 5 where the reader was shown just who that character was. This happened quite a lot in the first 15-20% of the book, and I was totally confused. I kept having to re-read pages trying to figure things out. I was happy to find the entire book was not like that.
The book has a lot going on, and there were quite a few characters to keep track of, both in the police and in personal lives. The police have been looking for an extremely experienced (37 cases) rapist for three years, and their investigation includes two new cases. This puts AJ Colt and India Kane at odds but romantic sparks start to fly. Kane's history is a mystery for most of the book. Colt's relationships with his immediate family play a part. All these personal relationships are a major part of the book.
I think a good editor could have worked this book into better shape, but I enjoyed it for the most part. I have the second book in the series and would like to know what's in the future for Colt and Kane.
June 17, 2013
I received a free download of "Stealing Power" by Bo Brennan, in exchange for an honest review. This is a mystery suspense thriller at it's best. I sat up late into the night to finish it...but it was well worth it.
There is a serial killer on the rampage. To date one individual has committed thirty seven rapes, but only nineteen victims. They believe he drugs his victims unconscious before he rapes them. He records the rapes, and sometimes after the attack, he mails two copies. One is addressed to the victim, who never knew this happened, and the other one personally addressed to DCI Colt, leading the investigation. Colt has currently received thirty seven DVD's over a three year period. Sixteen have come forward after receiving their copy and three have been brought to their attention by others. There are a further eighteen victims that haven't been located.
Now these selected few law enforcements will work for Colt on this investigation, to catch the rapist. They include detective constable India Kane(DC Kane),and her partner DC Tom Dwyer and Lee Sangrim. Also assisting in the investigation are Veronica Laing, specialist rape advocate, and criminal psychologist Dr. Lacey Fox. But India resents that Colt, on secondment from the Metropolitan Police Service, has taken over her files for which she was first lead and now heads up this investigation. There is always friction between the two of them.
The initial profile identifies that all the attacks were conducted at night, the victims had not been aware they had been raped until they received the DVD in the post, there is no DNA evidence, and all victims had been drugged prior to rape. The rapist was obsessed with order and organization, coming from a dysfunctional family, where power and control ruled.
But India was determined to catch this culprit. What was the pattern? This was like trying to figure out a jigsaw puzzle...but with each piece of the puzzle the picture became clearer and the list of potential suspects in the pool was reduced.
Reading this book was like watching a lengthy show of "The Mentalist" or CSI.I was gripped with the story from page one to the end. I had to know.
If you enjoy reading mystery, suspense thrillers,don't miss out on this one.
There is a serial killer on the rampage. To date one individual has committed thirty seven rapes, but only nineteen victims. They believe he drugs his victims unconscious before he rapes them. He records the rapes, and sometimes after the attack, he mails two copies. One is addressed to the victim, who never knew this happened, and the other one personally addressed to DCI Colt, leading the investigation. Colt has currently received thirty seven DVD's over a three year period. Sixteen have come forward after receiving their copy and three have been brought to their attention by others. There are a further eighteen victims that haven't been located.
Now these selected few law enforcements will work for Colt on this investigation, to catch the rapist. They include detective constable India Kane(DC Kane),and her partner DC Tom Dwyer and Lee Sangrim. Also assisting in the investigation are Veronica Laing, specialist rape advocate, and criminal psychologist Dr. Lacey Fox. But India resents that Colt, on secondment from the Metropolitan Police Service, has taken over her files for which she was first lead and now heads up this investigation. There is always friction between the two of them.
The initial profile identifies that all the attacks were conducted at night, the victims had not been aware they had been raped until they received the DVD in the post, there is no DNA evidence, and all victims had been drugged prior to rape. The rapist was obsessed with order and organization, coming from a dysfunctional family, where power and control ruled.
But India was determined to catch this culprit. What was the pattern? This was like trying to figure out a jigsaw puzzle...but with each piece of the puzzle the picture became clearer and the list of potential suspects in the pool was reduced.
Reading this book was like watching a lengthy show of "The Mentalist" or CSI.I was gripped with the story from page one to the end. I had to know.
If you enjoy reading mystery, suspense thrillers,don't miss out on this one.
June 13, 2013
4/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from Bo Brennan through the Making Connections group, here on Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was certainly an easy read, I finished it in two days. The first chapter was very captivating, and once you begin, it's hard to put it down. I classify this book as one that keeps you guessing up until the very last page, you may think you have solved it, but you will never really be sure.
Stealing Power tells a story about two detectives. Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt is the popular, loved, and charismatic detective. Over the past three years, he has been receiving DVD copies of drug facilitated rapes. These DVDs have been haunting and tormenting him, except he hasn't received one in over a year... until he steps into his office one morning, and sees the dreaded, familiar envelope lying on his desk. He watches this particular video very closely, and recognizes a landmark in the background, taking him to Winchester to further investigate. Detective India Kane on the other hand, is witty, strong-willed, and certainly NOT a people person. She's ecstatic because she has just landed her first lead case, that is until Colt enters, and snatches it away from her. And the hunt is on for a serial rapist...
The dialogue among the police officers felt very cliché and I didn't really care for that. There was also many times in the story, where Brennan could have clarified more, I got confused many times, and I was forced to go back and re-read a passage. But other than those minor flaws, I thought the story was great. I would certainly go to a local Barnes & Noble and spend my money purchasing this novel. I'm eager for more Colt/Kane, and I hope that Brennan continues writing more. The storyline was absolutely fascinating, I've always been a fan of the really creepy. The characters all had distinctive personalities, I really love when authors are able to create characters with such strong characteristics. I especially loved India Kane, I'm a sucker when it comes to kick ass female roles. & the plot really kept me guessing until the end.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone, who's a fan of a good Crime/Mystery/Thriller.
I received a free copy of this book from Bo Brennan through the Making Connections group, here on Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was certainly an easy read, I finished it in two days. The first chapter was very captivating, and once you begin, it's hard to put it down. I classify this book as one that keeps you guessing up until the very last page, you may think you have solved it, but you will never really be sure.
Stealing Power tells a story about two detectives. Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt is the popular, loved, and charismatic detective. Over the past three years, he has been receiving DVD copies of drug facilitated rapes. These DVDs have been haunting and tormenting him, except he hasn't received one in over a year... until he steps into his office one morning, and sees the dreaded, familiar envelope lying on his desk. He watches this particular video very closely, and recognizes a landmark in the background, taking him to Winchester to further investigate. Detective India Kane on the other hand, is witty, strong-willed, and certainly NOT a people person. She's ecstatic because she has just landed her first lead case, that is until Colt enters, and snatches it away from her. And the hunt is on for a serial rapist...
The dialogue among the police officers felt very cliché and I didn't really care for that. There was also many times in the story, where Brennan could have clarified more, I got confused many times, and I was forced to go back and re-read a passage. But other than those minor flaws, I thought the story was great. I would certainly go to a local Barnes & Noble and spend my money purchasing this novel. I'm eager for more Colt/Kane, and I hope that Brennan continues writing more. The storyline was absolutely fascinating, I've always been a fan of the really creepy. The characters all had distinctive personalities, I really love when authors are able to create characters with such strong characteristics. I especially loved India Kane, I'm a sucker when it comes to kick ass female roles. & the plot really kept me guessing until the end.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone, who's a fan of a good Crime/Mystery/Thriller.
March 3, 2018
Outstanding mystery suspense story that has you gripped and doesn’t let go until the end. India and Colt are superb as the main characters. The ending was a total surprise. Happy that I had the chance to be introduced to this talented writer.
July 25, 2013
This is a fantastic first novel which is intended as the first of a trilogy. DCI Colt and Detective India Kane are on the trail of a serial rapist. The man obviously has some issued with Colt, as he sends him videos of the incidents as they happen. He also sends them to the drugged women, many of whom don’t know they’ve been violated until they receive a tape. The story here is unusual, in that it involves not only individuals but families. The two detectives involved find themselves facing their own pasts and their own darkest fears.
This is a gripping story and nicely told. I found myself twice deducing the identity of the villain and being wrong on both occasions! Lovers of crime stories, especially dark psychological thrillers, are in for a good read with this one. I particularly found the opening sequence a real hook. I couldn’t stop reading after that! Excellent stuff, and I’m glad there’s more to come.
This is a gripping story and nicely told. I found myself twice deducing the identity of the villain and being wrong on both occasions! Lovers of crime stories, especially dark psychological thrillers, are in for a good read with this one. I particularly found the opening sequence a real hook. I couldn’t stop reading after that! Excellent stuff, and I’m glad there’s more to come.
August 23, 2013
A serial rapist is taunting DCI Colt by sending him DVDs of his crimes. But this book deals with more than just the investigation that brings him to justice, it is about the relationship between the two main characters and the mysteries surrounding their family histories. There is layer upon layer of intrigue involving each key character cleverly interlaced with the main case, the interest of which also builds throughout the book. India Kane, the feisty, kick-arse detective, is particularly captivating. She is damaged goods but you can't help but hope that she opens up and lets Colt into her life. Action packed with plenty of interesting plot layers, this is a mystery thriller with characters you can invest in.
See my full review as well as some exclusive banter with the main characters and the author here: http://simonjenner.com/stealing-power/
See my full review as well as some exclusive banter with the main characters and the author here: http://simonjenner.com/stealing-power/
June 22, 2020
Not a bad book, not a great book. Kind of keeps the reader engaged, but there are a lot of characters and you’re never too sure who anyone is.
There were boring parts; one protagonist, India, visited the hairdressers, and we had about six pages of that, then directly afterwards Colt visited his family, so we had a few pages of that, then he went fishing with his dad and his brothers, and it was at this stage I gave up. I decided I'd had enough. I couldn't read any more, so I gave up and started reading another book. However, I didn't delete it and after finishing a different book I forced myself to go back and finish it. I still had to go through several pages of Colt and his dad and brothers playing pool in the pub, but eventually the author decided to get back to the story.
I wish authors wouldn’t do this. I wish they’d stay on track. Nobody cares about hair stylist appointments or family liaisons, the reader just wants to get back to the story.
What's really frustrating about the book is that the author doesn't give a description of certain characters until we're about 70% into the book, and it's only then that we learn that Lacey is black, and India isn't Indian at all, which is the natural assumption. A golden rule for an author is to either supply descriptions of their characters …. or don't, allowing the reader to form his/her own. But never wait until 70% into the book before describing them, thus distorting the reader's picture
And I won't even go into the ridiculous situation of the tattoo. A successful tattoo shop that just happens to have a free six hours with no customers and no appointment for Colt to get inked. Or question why the tattoo is still leaking ink two days later
All in all, even though the story is dragged out, it’s an okay read, although baffling at times as the reader loses track of who's who and their relationships to each other. I can't really recommend it
There were boring parts; one protagonist, India, visited the hairdressers, and we had about six pages of that, then directly afterwards Colt visited his family, so we had a few pages of that, then he went fishing with his dad and his brothers, and it was at this stage I gave up. I decided I'd had enough. I couldn't read any more, so I gave up and started reading another book. However, I didn't delete it and after finishing a different book I forced myself to go back and finish it. I still had to go through several pages of Colt and his dad and brothers playing pool in the pub, but eventually the author decided to get back to the story.
I wish authors wouldn’t do this. I wish they’d stay on track. Nobody cares about hair stylist appointments or family liaisons, the reader just wants to get back to the story.
What's really frustrating about the book is that the author doesn't give a description of certain characters until we're about 70% into the book, and it's only then that we learn that Lacey is black, and India isn't Indian at all, which is the natural assumption. A golden rule for an author is to either supply descriptions of their characters …. or don't, allowing the reader to form his/her own. But never wait until 70% into the book before describing them, thus distorting the reader's picture
And I won't even go into the ridiculous situation of the tattoo. A successful tattoo shop that just happens to have a free six hours with no customers and no appointment for Colt to get inked. Or question why the tattoo is still leaking ink two days later
All in all, even though the story is dragged out, it’s an okay read, although baffling at times as the reader loses track of who's who and their relationships to each other. I can't really recommend it
November 12, 2018
India Kane and AJ Colt are British Detectives, both part of a team investigating serial rapes in various parts of England where videos are made of the rapes and copies are mailed to Colt of each one. The plot is twisted in a multitude of ways and the interrelationship between the two major protagonists is a large part of that. It is very well written and the characters are gripping enough to grab the reader’s interest for more of the series. This is one of the better procedurals I have come across in a long time. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
What we have here is - in my humble opinion as an occasional reader of this genre - a solid and suspenseful crime thriller. Whodunit is the question and a series of drug induced rapes is the crime, and later on ███████ ██ ████ ██ ███ █████.
The perpetrator is sending DVDs of his hideous crimes to the victims as well as to DCI Colt, who moves from London to the county of Hampshire on the southern coast of England, to finally solve the mystery. You don't know what a DCI is? Neither did I, it's Detective Chief Inspector, a police rank in England. There's many more where that comes from, so you better get used to it. Colt meets DC (Detective Constable) India Kane, a mysterious and somewhat gruff woman, albeit intelligent and full of ideas of how to capture the rapist. The criminal chase and the ███████ ███ ██████'█ relationship between Colt and Kane are the two main threads to keep the reader reading.
For the most part the novel worked for me. At the beginning I've had little problems, to figure out what's the what and who's the who, because of the many names and places and things. The two main characters are well developed, with Kane being the more interesting one to me. Her back story is really ████ ████ ████, and especially her ████ ███ █████ is ███████████. Both of them lack a certain range of facial expressions though. For Colt it's mostly frowning, and Kane obviously has a knack for rolling her eyes. A repetition that, while reading, made me do the same, and became some kind of a private joke between me and myself. Especially the work of the police staff seems well researched to me.
I find that novels dealing with these sort of crimes should be entitled to describe them in all their ugliness. That's what the novel at hand does. Some sections are written from the POV of the rapist, which works, but the transition seems a bit too abrupt to me, especially within a single chapter.
Speaking of the bad guy: I knew who he was at about 2/3 of the novel! It was █████ ████████. Actually I didn't knew it, I just had a strong hunch. This never happened before. This fact didn't make the rest of the novel boring to me. It actually added to the tension. What's missing though is ███ ███████ ██ ███ ██████, but it doesn't really matter because in the end ████ ███ ███████ ██ ███ █████ ███.
As you can see, I self censored parts of this review. I don't want to spoil the party.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The perpetrator is sending DVDs of his hideous crimes to the victims as well as to DCI Colt, who moves from London to the county of Hampshire on the southern coast of England, to finally solve the mystery. You don't know what a DCI is? Neither did I, it's Detective Chief Inspector, a police rank in England. There's many more where that comes from, so you better get used to it. Colt meets DC (Detective Constable) India Kane, a mysterious and somewhat gruff woman, albeit intelligent and full of ideas of how to capture the rapist. The criminal chase and the ███████ ███ ██████'█ relationship between Colt and Kane are the two main threads to keep the reader reading.
For the most part the novel worked for me. At the beginning I've had little problems, to figure out what's the what and who's the who, because of the many names and places and things. The two main characters are well developed, with Kane being the more interesting one to me. Her back story is really ████ ████ ████, and especially her ████ ███ █████ is ███████████. Both of them lack a certain range of facial expressions though. For Colt it's mostly frowning, and Kane obviously has a knack for rolling her eyes. A repetition that, while reading, made me do the same, and became some kind of a private joke between me and myself. Especially the work of the police staff seems well researched to me.
I find that novels dealing with these sort of crimes should be entitled to describe them in all their ugliness. That's what the novel at hand does. Some sections are written from the POV of the rapist, which works, but the transition seems a bit too abrupt to me, especially within a single chapter.
Speaking of the bad guy: I knew who he was at about 2/3 of the novel! It was █████ ████████. Actually I didn't knew it, I just had a strong hunch. This never happened before. This fact didn't make the rest of the novel boring to me. It actually added to the tension. What's missing though is ███ ███████ ██ ███ ██████, but it doesn't really matter because in the end ████ ███ ███████ ██ ███ █████ ███.
As you can see, I self censored parts of this review. I don't want to spoil the party.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
February 27, 2014
If you're looking for sunshine and rainbows you picked the wrong book. Put it this way, if I were to put a movie rating on this book it would be R for strong language, nudity, and intense violence. Apparently I'm a fan of those things, don't get me wrong I abhor violence and degradation to women, but taking chances at Stealing Power from certain women only empowers them more. Good luck bad guys.
My favorite thing about the whole story was all the different twists it took. It was all so well thought out. Of course some things had to happen, but events as a result of those things...WOW!
Another thing I enjoyed about it was it is a sort of police procedural that takes place in an area of London. Maybe that's just because I'm an American with a fascination with London, but hey that drew me into the story.
The characters were great also. I would love to just hang out with these people, they have lots of fun, but they can go ahead and do all the police and detective work by themselves. I'm sure I would be a mess on those investigations with dead bodies. It's fascinating, sure, but I'm ok with not actually being there. And then there's the bad guy. We get just enough of his thoughts and actions to hate him just a little more each time we join him.
My favorite thing about the whole story was all the different twists it took. It was all so well thought out. Of course some things had to happen, but events as a result of those things...WOW!
Another thing I enjoyed about it was it is a sort of police procedural that takes place in an area of London. Maybe that's just because I'm an American with a fascination with London, but hey that drew me into the story.
The characters were great also. I would love to just hang out with these people, they have lots of fun, but they can go ahead and do all the police and detective work by themselves. I'm sure I would be a mess on those investigations with dead bodies. It's fascinating, sure, but I'm ok with not actually being there. And then there's the bad guy. We get just enough of his thoughts and actions to hate him just a little more each time we join him.
July 29, 2013
Detectives Colt and Kane are on the trail of a serial rapist. Under these unusual circumstances, romance also blossoms.
There were a number of paragraph and page spacing issues, but this could be due to the fact that I was reading an Advanced Reading Copy.
The ending felt a little rushed or perhaps it's just because the explanations of the deranged/deluded/others (whatever) are never entirely clear to those of different mindsets.
Understandings aside, the level of detail was just right. Details were vivid without being gross or graphic, especially when the subject matter is taken into consideration. The characters were authentic and interesting.
Overall, an intriguing action packed read!
There were a number of paragraph and page spacing issues, but this could be due to the fact that I was reading an Advanced Reading Copy.
The ending felt a little rushed or perhaps it's just because the explanations of the deranged/deluded/others (whatever) are never entirely clear to those of different mindsets.
Understandings aside, the level of detail was just right. Details were vivid without being gross or graphic, especially when the subject matter is taken into consideration. The characters were authentic and interesting.
Overall, an intriguing action packed read!
July 4, 2013
This is an admirable first offering from this author, written in an easy style but also in a way that holds the readers interest right up to the end, I have read many first offerings from authors hoping to have a series on their hands, some good, some fairly poor, but this author, has delivered an excellent start to a series of which I will most certainly be buying the next when it is released, I have given the story 4 stars rather than 5 because I found myself unable to warm to the two central characters as much as I would have liked, they have too many personal issues that make them, DCI Colt in particular, act unprofessionally at times, as I have already said, I shall look forward to the next in which I hope will be a long and successful series.
August 23, 2015
A very satisfying and rather dark book. The characterisations were excellent. India Kane, despite her prickly demeanour was a very likeable character and, as you learn her back story, the prickliness and reckless behaviour become more understandable. In the end her compassion shines through.
For a debut novel this is very well done. Well rounded characters and a complex plot that gives nothing away until close to the end. The story is one in which a narcissist is taking revenge on a police Chief Inspector and hurting people he may have known. India Kane becomes caught up in his revenge fantasy. A tightly plotted page-turner that was very entertaining. The only comment I would make is that there were a number of loose ends not quite tidied away at the end - well, life is a bit like that.
For a debut novel this is very well done. Well rounded characters and a complex plot that gives nothing away until close to the end. The story is one in which a narcissist is taking revenge on a police Chief Inspector and hurting people he may have known. India Kane becomes caught up in his revenge fantasy. A tightly plotted page-turner that was very entertaining. The only comment I would make is that there were a number of loose ends not quite tidied away at the end - well, life is a bit like that.
February 28, 2014
Stunning début novel by Bo Brennan. Loved the cover. Perfect pacing and excellent plotline make this one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a while. Brennan’s characters are well developed and compelling from the start and you are pulling for them to catch the bad guy and fall in love at the same time. Great hook and follow through. Don’t want to give any spoilers for this one...read it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. The quirky Brit-speak fun. You will want more of India Kane and AJ Colt. I am looking forward to ‘Baby Snatchers’ his next coming novel.
Chilling villain. Really good read.
Chilling villain. Really good read.
November 8, 2013
I don't usually read books in this genre - so it was only because this book was getting such good reviews, that I picked it up and started. Given the subject matter of the book - "enjoyed" probably isn't the right word to use,but I did get totally immersed in the story and kept tapping my Kindle to turn the pages over at a rate of knots!!! The characters are believable and you feel like you know them all by the end of the book. As this was Bo Brennan's debut novel - all I can say is "let's have more please"!
September 23, 2015
Complex characters great storyline
Enjoyed the complex characters and their stories. Great job addressing the issues brought about when children are raised by people who never should have been parents. Power bought by a wealth that gives them privileged they don't deserve. Excellent storytelling. Couldn't put either of the books down.
Enjoyed the complex characters and their stories. Great job addressing the issues brought about when children are raised by people who never should have been parents. Power bought by a wealth that gives them privileged they don't deserve. Excellent storytelling. Couldn't put either of the books down.
August 29, 2017
AJ Colt was once a star Rugby player, however after a hit-and-run busts up his leg he can no longer play and joins the police force. He is on their fast track program to DCI.
He gets sent DVD's of women being raped, always for his attention. The rapes lead him back to his home town and India Kane who is a copper on the local force - and she is a force to be reckoned with.
This serial rapist likes to steal the power from the women he attacks and also at the same time stealing the power from AJ Colt - after all with the women having no idea the rape has taken place as they are roofied - there is no evidence and AJ is powerless to stop him.
What is the connection and how does it all tie back to him? An enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next two books.
He gets sent DVD's of women being raped, always for his attention. The rapes lead him back to his home town and India Kane who is a copper on the local force - and she is a force to be reckoned with.
This serial rapist likes to steal the power from the women he attacks and also at the same time stealing the power from AJ Colt - after all with the women having no idea the rape has taken place as they are roofied - there is no evidence and AJ is powerless to stop him.
What is the connection and how does it all tie back to him? An enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next two books.
June 11, 2018
"Powerful stuff"
I haven't quite finished it yet, but it's already the best thriller I've read in 2018. Excellent lead characters, great villains, and a supporting cast that are so much more than the usual cardboard cut-outs. Whatever the ending of this well-crafted story turns out to be, it can't spoil the knowledge that the rest of the series will be at the top of my reading list. I'm hooked.
I haven't quite finished it yet, but it's already the best thriller I've read in 2018. Excellent lead characters, great villains, and a supporting cast that are so much more than the usual cardboard cut-outs. Whatever the ending of this well-crafted story turns out to be, it can't spoil the knowledge that the rest of the series will be at the top of my reading list. I'm hooked.
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November 10, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2017)!
April 8, 2017
Great book. I'm already started on #3!!
March 17, 2019
A Paedophile Curate's Egg...
Thanks due to author Bo Brennan for giving away this full-size novel (as opposed to the novellas and short stories that many freebies tend to be)... the inevitable downside perhaps is that the story dragged on in places due to frequent meetings which (as in real life) resolved little and repeatedly exposed the incredible inefficiency of the investigating team. On the whole, though, I felt as if I actually wanted to know what happened, even though some of the punches were rather telegraphed. I would have given 3.5 stars if it was possible, as 3 seemed harsh but 4 too generous for a story that strayed too often into attempts to convey emotional hyperbole and revealed the police team as a sexually obsessed and emotionally immature each in their own way... I began to feel concerned about the author's own insight and experience to sex and love given the lack of "normal" amongst the main characters and protagonists... we can all only hope that the world is not really like the one created by Brennan and that our police forces are not populated by such emotionally crippled characters! Although the Colt and Kane characters were morbidly fascinating (and it's not the first time I have come across a key female lead as having such a challenging abusive background yet still somehow managing to perform as 'excellent' hard nosed young cop... not sure who borrowed who's ideas or if this was another case of 'inventing the lightbulb') ultimately I found their lack of emotional maturity frustratingly unconvincing and frequently bordering on ludicrous... Hence the overall view that 'Stealing Power' was good in parts, but jumped around and felt rather rather disjointed in places... would have benefited from a critical editors input to tightening up and curb the all too frequent moments of over-egged emotional turmoil!
Thanks due to author Bo Brennan for giving away this full-size novel (as opposed to the novellas and short stories that many freebies tend to be)... the inevitable downside perhaps is that the story dragged on in places due to frequent meetings which (as in real life) resolved little and repeatedly exposed the incredible inefficiency of the investigating team. On the whole, though, I felt as if I actually wanted to know what happened, even though some of the punches were rather telegraphed. I would have given 3.5 stars if it was possible, as 3 seemed harsh but 4 too generous for a story that strayed too often into attempts to convey emotional hyperbole and revealed the police team as a sexually obsessed and emotionally immature each in their own way... I began to feel concerned about the author's own insight and experience to sex and love given the lack of "normal" amongst the main characters and protagonists... we can all only hope that the world is not really like the one created by Brennan and that our police forces are not populated by such emotionally crippled characters! Although the Colt and Kane characters were morbidly fascinating (and it's not the first time I have come across a key female lead as having such a challenging abusive background yet still somehow managing to perform as 'excellent' hard nosed young cop... not sure who borrowed who's ideas or if this was another case of 'inventing the lightbulb') ultimately I found their lack of emotional maturity frustratingly unconvincing and frequently bordering on ludicrous... Hence the overall view that 'Stealing Power' was good in parts, but jumped around and felt rather rather disjointed in places... would have benefited from a critical editors input to tightening up and curb the all too frequent moments of over-egged emotional turmoil!
June 1, 2015
Stealing Power – Bo Brennan
Excellent start to a trilogy
Read as part of monthly online bookclub I’m a member of.
5*
Stealing Power tells a story about two detectives. Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt and Detective India Kane. This is the first in a trilogy
Detective Kane is based in Hampshire and DCI Colt is based in London. Colt moves from London to Hampshire to assist with a case of a serial rapist who drugs his victims and then videos the attack and rapes that happen to his victims whilst they are under the influence of the drug. Most of his victims are not even aware that they have been violated and videoed until well after the event when DNA evidence has been washed away and the drugs are out of their system.
The rapist has major issues with DCI Colt and thrives off sending copies of the videos to him and he also mails a copy to his victim. The DVD’s have tormented Colt for the last three years and he is determined to bring this serial rapist to justice.
Colt and Kane do not get on once partnered together, Kane is a strong-willed female character, feisty and is not a people person. Does not like being partnered with Kane as this was her first real lead case which was then snatched from her by Colt arriving on the scene.
I particularly liked the camaraderie between the two characters and wanted things to move along between them, and this kept me entertained at the way they were dealing with each other. The story was enjoyable and had me guessing who the perpetrator was, only for me to be wrong and then being cross with myself for thinking it was that person on reading more.
Cannot pinpoint any particularly dislikes about the book and look forward to reading more by this author and have placed the next one in my wish list ready to buy.
This is the first book in the trilogy and having not read the second yet cannot advise whether you would need to read this one first – but if you are looking for a book and like this review then pop along and grab yourself a copy.
Excellent start to a trilogy
Read as part of monthly online bookclub I’m a member of.
5*
Stealing Power tells a story about two detectives. Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt and Detective India Kane. This is the first in a trilogy
Detective Kane is based in Hampshire and DCI Colt is based in London. Colt moves from London to Hampshire to assist with a case of a serial rapist who drugs his victims and then videos the attack and rapes that happen to his victims whilst they are under the influence of the drug. Most of his victims are not even aware that they have been violated and videoed until well after the event when DNA evidence has been washed away and the drugs are out of their system.
The rapist has major issues with DCI Colt and thrives off sending copies of the videos to him and he also mails a copy to his victim. The DVD’s have tormented Colt for the last three years and he is determined to bring this serial rapist to justice.
Colt and Kane do not get on once partnered together, Kane is a strong-willed female character, feisty and is not a people person. Does not like being partnered with Kane as this was her first real lead case which was then snatched from her by Colt arriving on the scene.
I particularly liked the camaraderie between the two characters and wanted things to move along between them, and this kept me entertained at the way they were dealing with each other. The story was enjoyable and had me guessing who the perpetrator was, only for me to be wrong and then being cross with myself for thinking it was that person on reading more.
Cannot pinpoint any particularly dislikes about the book and look forward to reading more by this author and have placed the next one in my wish list ready to buy.
This is the first book in the trilogy and having not read the second yet cannot advise whether you would need to read this one first – but if you are looking for a book and like this review then pop along and grab yourself a copy.
June 1, 2015
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I read this book as part of an online book club – it was selected as the most popular book to read in May 2015. This book is the first installment in a trilogy. The story centres around two main characters – Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt and Detective India Kane. Detective Kane is based in Hampshire and DCI Colt is based in London. Colt moves from London to Hampshire to lead the case of catching a serial rapist who drugs his victims and then videos the attack and rapes that happen to his victims whilst they are under the influence of the drug. Most of his victims are not even aware that they have been violated and filmes until well after the event when a DVD of he attack is sent to them, at this point DNA evidence has been washed away and the drugs are out of their system. The rapist has major issues with DCI Colt and thrives off sending copies of the videos to him at the same time as the victims. The DVD’s have been tormenting Colt for the last three years now… Colt and Kane do not get on at all once partnered together but you can tell that there is a spark which builds through the book. Kane is a strong-willed female character, feisty and is not a people person having a secret hidden past which makes her reluctant to trust, for me she was the main character and focus of the book. The case was initially hers until the link was made to the DVDs being received by Colt and he arrived and took over from her, initially creating some rather bitter resentment. The author has built upon this excellently and really plays on the relationship that they have, sometimes funny, sometimes sexy, but mostly work. I did guess quite a few times who was responsible for the crimes, only to be wrong time and time again!! No hesitation to give the book 5 stars and I have added the follow-up to my wish list.
I read this book as part of an online book club – it was selected as the most popular book to read in May 2015. This book is the first installment in a trilogy. The story centres around two main characters – Detective Chief Inspector AJ Colt and Detective India Kane. Detective Kane is based in Hampshire and DCI Colt is based in London. Colt moves from London to Hampshire to lead the case of catching a serial rapist who drugs his victims and then videos the attack and rapes that happen to his victims whilst they are under the influence of the drug. Most of his victims are not even aware that they have been violated and filmes until well after the event when a DVD of he attack is sent to them, at this point DNA evidence has been washed away and the drugs are out of their system. The rapist has major issues with DCI Colt and thrives off sending copies of the videos to him at the same time as the victims. The DVD’s have been tormenting Colt for the last three years now… Colt and Kane do not get on at all once partnered together but you can tell that there is a spark which builds through the book. Kane is a strong-willed female character, feisty and is not a people person having a secret hidden past which makes her reluctant to trust, for me she was the main character and focus of the book. The case was initially hers until the link was made to the DVDs being received by Colt and he arrived and took over from her, initially creating some rather bitter resentment. The author has built upon this excellently and really plays on the relationship that they have, sometimes funny, sometimes sexy, but mostly work. I did guess quite a few times who was responsible for the crimes, only to be wrong time and time again!! No hesitation to give the book 5 stars and I have added the follow-up to my wish list.
June 30, 2017
Brilliant
I have had this book in my kindle library now for a good few months for some unknown reason I kept by passing it. I know it's probably dart ever time I looked at TiVo just didn't think I would read it. I have this thing about the cover of a book and if it doesn't impress me I do tend to by pass the book, but last night I thought I would just open it and read t he first couple of chapters. Oh my God I could have kicked myself this book is brilliant, that saying never judge a book by its cover well that was me, but definitely no more. This is still fast paced interesting storyline right up my street. So much so as of yet I haven't had any sleep I have just read the book in one sitting I just couldn't put the book down, it's a rollercoaster of a novel one t hat I highly recommend and do suggest you read. You will be missing out if you do not read this book. My only regret is it took me far too long to give it a go. I know intend to download the next Kane and colt book but I assure you it will not be sat in my library long. In fact I intend to start it once I have lurched and its downloaded which will be in about two minutes do not miss out you must read this book you will not be disappointed. A definite recommendation shame I couldn't give it more than five stars
I have had this book in my kindle library now for a good few months for some unknown reason I kept by passing it. I know it's probably dart ever time I looked at TiVo just didn't think I would read it. I have this thing about the cover of a book and if it doesn't impress me I do tend to by pass the book, but last night I thought I would just open it and read t he first couple of chapters. Oh my God I could have kicked myself this book is brilliant, that saying never judge a book by its cover well that was me, but definitely no more. This is still fast paced interesting storyline right up my street. So much so as of yet I haven't had any sleep I have just read the book in one sitting I just couldn't put the book down, it's a rollercoaster of a novel one t hat I highly recommend and do suggest you read. You will be missing out if you do not read this book. My only regret is it took me far too long to give it a go. I know intend to download the next Kane and colt book but I assure you it will not be sat in my library long. In fact I intend to start it once I have lurched and its downloaded which will be in about two minutes do not miss out you must read this book you will not be disappointed. A definite recommendation shame I couldn't give it more than five stars
October 29, 2013
I read Stealing Power while on holidays. It is a bit dark, especially the scenes where the rapist has drugged his victims and is filming himself with them. I am not a crime reader, but this book was recommended by my sister (actually, she doesn't recommend, she says 'you have to read this'!!!). It is a detective story, but it is also a case of ''opposites attract''. Joe Colt is a famous CID, good looking guy not short of conquests and India Kane, DI, is beautiful but a recluse, making herself a near social pariah. But she has her reasons.
They are thrown together on a case. There are a lot of sparks but not all of them happy fireworks, They hate each other guts and they are attracted to each other at the same time. Add the serial rapist who has been playing with Joe Colt for years, goading him, daring him to catch him. Joe is not near to catch him, until the time the rapist zero in on India.
The hunt in on, a race against the time to save her.
I thought it was rather well written for a first book (so people says it is) but it is also dark and a bit difficult to understand people's reactions at times.
If you like crime/mystery/psychology thrillers, then you will like Stealing Power .
They are thrown together on a case. There are a lot of sparks but not all of them happy fireworks, They hate each other guts and they are attracted to each other at the same time. Add the serial rapist who has been playing with Joe Colt for years, goading him, daring him to catch him. Joe is not near to catch him, until the time the rapist zero in on India.
The hunt in on, a race against the time to save her.
I thought it was rather well written for a first book (so people says it is) but it is also dark and a bit difficult to understand people's reactions at times.
If you like crime/mystery/psychology thrillers, then you will like Stealing Power .
May 21, 2015
Brilliant
I really enjoyed this book. I should of read this one first. I think Amazon are very bad they should number books so you know which order to read them. It did not spoil my enjoyment. But you need to read the books in order. This book has a bit of humour and a lot of excitement. I would recommend it if you like a good story. So let see book three.
I really enjoyed this book. I should of read this one first. I think Amazon are very bad they should number books so you know which order to read them. It did not spoil my enjoyment. But you need to read the books in order. This book has a bit of humour and a lot of excitement. I would recommend it if you like a good story. So let see book three.
April 4, 2015
A great read but has many characters and sometimes i found it difficult to keep up.
Very deep and sometimes a little uncomfortable its a very good psychological rollercoaster.
Very deep and sometimes a little uncomfortable its a very good psychological rollercoaster.
November 22, 2015
a must read couldn't put it down
July 22, 2022
DCI Colt has been receiving dvds from a man who turned out to be a serial rapist, and the dvds are records of his raping the women. He works with a team and one of the members is India Kane, I forget what rank she had. It turns out to be a rather predictable story, he is supposed to be some kind of sex god and she is some kind of cold job mad woman. Sigh. The original story was okay but these added on bits with Colt and Kane really left me cold. As cold as Kane in fact.
I was also extremely perplexed about the setting of this story. I had assumed it was set in America as they just use the word "detective" and do not add the ranking of the detective after it. In Britain we do. I had also assumed that the place settings were in America as they have a lot of towns there named after British towns. Part way through I became confused as it occurred to me that perhaps this book was meant to be actually set in Britain??? But then right from the beginning so many words were american words and not british words, we just simply don't use those sort of phrases in Britain, they are the phrases you hear in american programmes, "sure do" I think was the first bewildering phrase.
So was this book meant to be set in Britain but actually written by an American?
I have no idea whether the writer was a man or woman, as some of the rape descriptions could have been written by a woman but the sex scenes by a man. I spent most of my time reading this book a very puzzled person. So all in all as I wasted most of my time trying to work out the setting, the language, the scenes between the "officers", I found I had stopped paying attention to the plot, my mind was on solving where this was supposed to be set, UK or USA? I found I had, literally, lost the plot.
Not an author I want to read again. Sorry. I love puzzles but not as a massive distraction away from the main story.
I was also extremely perplexed about the setting of this story. I had assumed it was set in America as they just use the word "detective" and do not add the ranking of the detective after it. In Britain we do. I had also assumed that the place settings were in America as they have a lot of towns there named after British towns. Part way through I became confused as it occurred to me that perhaps this book was meant to be actually set in Britain??? But then right from the beginning so many words were american words and not british words, we just simply don't use those sort of phrases in Britain, they are the phrases you hear in american programmes, "sure do" I think was the first bewildering phrase.
So was this book meant to be set in Britain but actually written by an American?
I have no idea whether the writer was a man or woman, as some of the rape descriptions could have been written by a woman but the sex scenes by a man. I spent most of my time reading this book a very puzzled person. So all in all as I wasted most of my time trying to work out the setting, the language, the scenes between the "officers", I found I had stopped paying attention to the plot, my mind was on solving where this was supposed to be set, UK or USA? I found I had, literally, lost the plot.
Not an author I want to read again. Sorry. I love puzzles but not as a massive distraction away from the main story.
March 22, 2021
I loved this book! I had already read Baby Snatchers so I was completely out of sync with the AJ & India stuff, but that did not detract anything at all, if anything it was a full on gratification fest.
I like how Bo can write such a gritty, thrilling crime saga AND a full on hot, intense, relationship development at the same time. It's all very intense.
The characters are great, both interesting and realistic. The banter and relationships of all the police and intertwining families/histories is very clever. There is depth to the characters, a wicked comedy element in regards to the thoughts that run through people's heads, especially India's.
I felt that there were quite a lot of holes to be picked at in the plot. Surely, in reality, AJ would have noticed the links to the victims himself early on? There were other elements I could mention but *spoilers*. If you are a stickler for such details then you may not enjoy this book as much as I did. But it is a solid 5 stars from me.
I like how Bo can write such a gritty, thrilling crime saga AND a full on hot, intense, relationship development at the same time. It's all very intense.
The characters are great, both interesting and realistic. The banter and relationships of all the police and intertwining families/histories is very clever. There is depth to the characters, a wicked comedy element in regards to the thoughts that run through people's heads, especially India's.
I felt that there were quite a lot of holes to be picked at in the plot. Surely, in reality, AJ would have noticed the links to the victims himself early on? There were other elements I could mention but *spoilers*. If you are a stickler for such details then you may not enjoy this book as much as I did. But it is a solid 5 stars from me.
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