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Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers #2
Black Money: A Suspenseful British Crime Thriller
‘Black Money’ - money that is made from illegal trade or criminal activity
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville could not have predicted the challenges he would face when he joined Filchers, a business outsourcing company, as their Head of Ethics.
He and his team are catapulted into helping MI6 thwart the activities of an international terrorist organisation. Initial suspicions centre on money laundering, but when women are abducted and bodies start to turn up it becomes clear there is a lot more at stake.
The risks are high and there is danger at every turn as the tendrils of the organisation reach into the home lives of more than one of Luke’s team.
Black Money is the second in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you’ll love this page-turner. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, David J Gatward and Alex Smith.
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville could not have predicted the challenges he would face when he joined Filchers, a business outsourcing company, as their Head of Ethics.
He and his team are catapulted into helping MI6 thwart the activities of an international terrorist organisation. Initial suspicions centre on money laundering, but when women are abducted and bodies start to turn up it becomes clear there is a lot more at stake.
The risks are high and there is danger at every turn as the tendrils of the organisation reach into the home lives of more than one of Luke’s team.
Black Money is the second in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you’ll love this page-turner. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, David J Gatward and Alex Smith.
- GenresCrime
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
429 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 13, 2023
Investigating a company with possible Al Queda ties? First book was good but this one PULLS you into the story. It looks at international terrorism and how it honestly impacts people’s day to day lives.. just wow.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
January 21, 2024
Wow amazing read
Wow is how I am starting this review. Just like book one this book didn’t disappoint. I have to be honest I was confused with the different POV’s in the beginning. But they started coming together like a puzzle. I love the world and the characters that this author creates. Starts where book one left off same characters. But with a new case to investigate with men scamming women out of money, women being kidnapped for human trafficking and money laundering. Luke and his team are trying to figure out how all these are connected to the case he is working on. Luke has amazing team who works with him. Just like book one. I did end up buying a ebook copy of this book too. I also preordered book three. Which I can’t wait to find out what kind of case Luke and his team get into. I have to honestly say I enjoy these books and the world this author created. This book is packed with all kinds of action. There isn’t a boring moment while reading. Now yes this book took my a bit longer to finish. Not because I didn’t like. Life gets in the way and I honestly didn’t want this book to end. I highly recommend this book.
I have to say thank you the author and lovebooktours the opportunity for allowing me to read another amazing book.
Wow is how I am starting this review. Just like book one this book didn’t disappoint. I have to be honest I was confused with the different POV’s in the beginning. But they started coming together like a puzzle. I love the world and the characters that this author creates. Starts where book one left off same characters. But with a new case to investigate with men scamming women out of money, women being kidnapped for human trafficking and money laundering. Luke and his team are trying to figure out how all these are connected to the case he is working on. Luke has amazing team who works with him. Just like book one. I did end up buying a ebook copy of this book too. I also preordered book three. Which I can’t wait to find out what kind of case Luke and his team get into. I have to honestly say I enjoy these books and the world this author created. This book is packed with all kinds of action. There isn’t a boring moment while reading. Now yes this book took my a bit longer to finish. Not because I didn’t like. Life gets in the way and I honestly didn’t want this book to end. I highly recommend this book.
I have to say thank you the author and lovebooktours the opportunity for allowing me to read another amazing book.
December 10, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book.
It was really clever how it moved from the commercial arena to being included and involved in people smuggling and such violent offenders.
Excellent characters who are growing with each book.
I’m enjoying this series immensely and look forward to the next book.
It was really clever how it moved from the commercial arena to being included and involved in people smuggling and such violent offenders.
Excellent characters who are growing with each book.
I’m enjoying this series immensely and look forward to the next book.
June 6, 2025
This was slightly better than the first one- but everything is so conveniently solved- still perfect holiday read, and the characters are evolving.
November 28, 2023
Fantastic follow up to the first book of the series. Being reunited with the Ethics Team who feel like old friends. Getting to know characters better and meeting new ones as the story unfolds adds a relatable and realistic aspect to the character, drawing you in further. The different threads of Luke and his team working with MI6 to uncover an international terrorist organisation are seamlessly interwoven to give a twisting, quick paced story that has you wanting to read more while also trying to make it last longer. Excellent second book of the series that had me lose track of time and read it in less than a day. Can't wait for the next one.
January 14, 2024
I love that it started in Krakow with Tania being abducted. Memories of going to krakow myself flooded back. Filchers and the characters from the first book are back and already Luke is getting asked to give a few hours to work as a paid consultant. Josh, Gucci and definito are all back, this made me so happy. I loved the amount of old and new characters including the bad guys in the black money.
You’ll find a variety of Terrorist organisations, sex trafficking, money laundering and so much more to keep you hooked to every page. I loved how there was a few stories taking place at one time but they merged together. There was so much speculation I don’t know how the author created it but it’s an absolute phenomenal read. I didn’t anticipate people conning people out of money, and the emails were a quirky touch.
Everything from Kidnapping to guns firing there was so much thrilling and tense moments. I would highly recommend this read but definitely read the first book. I am loving this series. Bring on book 3.
You’ll find a variety of Terrorist organisations, sex trafficking, money laundering and so much more to keep you hooked to every page. I loved how there was a few stories taking place at one time but they merged together. There was so much speculation I don’t know how the author created it but it’s an absolute phenomenal read. I didn’t anticipate people conning people out of money, and the emails were a quirky touch.
Everything from Kidnapping to guns firing there was so much thrilling and tense moments. I would highly recommend this read but definitely read the first book. I am loving this series. Bring on book 3.
December 18, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads.
The second book in the Luke Sackville crime series, but can be read as a standalone - and it was just as thrilling, if not more so, than the first.
There was tension, camaraderie, and sensible decisions (which is a strong plus point for me). It was great to be back with the team solving crimes but also learning more about their personal lives. I loved how everything was interwoven and that it was a rush against time for the women - without the team realising it.
My only quibble was around the secrecy of the MI6 task; where some of the conversations took place, how they sometimes told other people - it would just never happen at that classification level, or at least not without serious ramifications.
Overall, the pace was spot on again and I sped through it. I can't wait for the next one due in February 2024.
The second book in the Luke Sackville crime series, but can be read as a standalone - and it was just as thrilling, if not more so, than the first.
There was tension, camaraderie, and sensible decisions (which is a strong plus point for me). It was great to be back with the team solving crimes but also learning more about their personal lives. I loved how everything was interwoven and that it was a rush against time for the women - without the team realising it.
My only quibble was around the secrecy of the MI6 task; where some of the conversations took place, how they sometimes told other people - it would just never happen at that classification level, or at least not without serious ramifications.
Overall, the pace was spot on again and I sped through it. I can't wait for the next one due in February 2024.
February 1, 2024
Ohh I loved this one just as much as the first in the series! The cast of characters’ on Luke’s team are endearing and I love them and I honestly can’t wait to keep reading about their exploits. If you were to tell me I would be super entertained and invested in a book about an investigation into accounts and money laundering, I would have laughed and then fallen asleep. But this had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, starting off with a bang and the hits kept coming.
Ex DCI Luke heads up an Ethics Committee for his company. When he gets asked to work as a consult for the police part time, he accepts. They need his “human lie detector” skills to help investigate lower level thugs to get to the higher level. Not long after MI6 comes to his team for help, the company they just acquired is suspected of money laundering for a terrorist organization. You know, just a typical investigation.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Ex DCI Luke heads up an Ethics Committee for his company. When he gets asked to work as a consult for the police part time, he accepts. They need his “human lie detector” skills to help investigate lower level thugs to get to the higher level. Not long after MI6 comes to his team for help, the company they just acquired is suspected of money laundering for a terrorist organization. You know, just a typical investigation.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
December 23, 2024
Book two in the Luke Sackville series and another fast paced rollercoaster ride set near me in the South West.
As Head of Ethics, Sackville and his small team uncover a possibility of money laundering however deeper investigation reveal the possibility of something much larger and much more sinister and shocking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I did the first one, told from multiple viewpoints, with great characters, both ongoing and new and cracking multiple storylines and a few shocks and twists along the way. I even warmed considerably to Josh who I found irritating in the first book but changed to likeably innocent in this one. Highly recommended but read book one first if possible.
As Head of Ethics, Sackville and his small team uncover a possibility of money laundering however deeper investigation reveal the possibility of something much larger and much more sinister and shocking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I did the first one, told from multiple viewpoints, with great characters, both ongoing and new and cracking multiple storylines and a few shocks and twists along the way. I even warmed considerably to Josh who I found irritating in the first book but changed to likeably innocent in this one. Highly recommended but read book one first if possible.
January 24, 2024
I absolutely adore Josh’s character! He’s my favorite. Nothing better ever happen to him!
This was yet another case where the underdog was underestimated. Who would have ever thought the Ethics Department would be comprised of such sleuths? I enjoy the balance in these books— the crimes are intense (in this case trafficking and money laundering)— but there is a level of comedic banter amongst the cast of characters, even the villains. Very Scooby-Doo ish. I have the next book, and I can’t wait to dive in! I really love this gang of characters and can’t wait to see how they tackle their next case.
Thank you Love Book Tours for the copy! All thoughts are my own.
This was yet another case where the underdog was underestimated. Who would have ever thought the Ethics Department would be comprised of such sleuths? I enjoy the balance in these books— the crimes are intense (in this case trafficking and money laundering)— but there is a level of comedic banter amongst the cast of characters, even the villains. Very Scooby-Doo ish. I have the next book, and I can’t wait to dive in! I really love this gang of characters and can’t wait to see how they tackle their next case.
Thank you Love Book Tours for the copy! All thoughts are my own.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the cast of characters and their growing camaraderie in this 2nd Luke Sackville book. Each individual’s job position & personality bring life to the novel. The great narration helped me truly relate to each unique character.
This plot involves a mult-layered set of crimes to solve. Although the civilian company is the initial focus of the mystery, many different angles surface throughout. This makes the intrigue escalate and kept me hooked right up to the end. Luke leads his team through it all with skill but isn’t shown as perfect - resulting in him becoming one of my favorite sleuths. He’s a combination of ex-detective, cool boss & conflicted family man.
If you like the jargon of a UK crime novel/mystery and colorful characters this one is for you. I’m hooked & ready for future adventures in this series. Thanks so much S. J. Richards & Aubrey Parsons for another fantastic work of fiction.
This plot involves a mult-layered set of crimes to solve. Although the civilian company is the initial focus of the mystery, many different angles surface throughout. This makes the intrigue escalate and kept me hooked right up to the end. Luke leads his team through it all with skill but isn’t shown as perfect - resulting in him becoming one of my favorite sleuths. He’s a combination of ex-detective, cool boss & conflicted family man.
If you like the jargon of a UK crime novel/mystery and colorful characters this one is for you. I’m hooked & ready for future adventures in this series. Thanks so much S. J. Richards & Aubrey Parsons for another fantastic work of fiction.
December 6, 2023
What an amazing follow up, was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review.
After binging the first book I was hoping this book would be just as good, but it had me gripped and blew me away.
The way it highlighted a subject that everyone has knowledge on, was fantastic as it really touched on some fantastic points that makes you as a ready think about more than just the story.
Now I only have to wait until February for the third instalment, plenty of time for you to read the first two instillments though if you already haven’t.
After binging the first book I was hoping this book would be just as good, but it had me gripped and blew me away.
The way it highlighted a subject that everyone has knowledge on, was fantastic as it really touched on some fantastic points that makes you as a ready think about more than just the story.
Now I only have to wait until February for the third instalment, plenty of time for you to read the first two instillments though if you already haven’t.
October 28, 2023
I read Black Money as an ARC reader and I’m very grateful to Steve for the opportunity.
This is the second instalment of the Luke Sackville series, and like book 1, the story was very gripping and fast-paced.
Characterisation was very good again and reading about Luke and his team is like being with good friends.
I would certainly recommend SJ Richards’ books to anyone who enjoys crime fiction as this series is very well written.
This is the second instalment of the Luke Sackville series, and like book 1, the story was very gripping and fast-paced.
Characterisation was very good again and reading about Luke and his team is like being with good friends.
I would certainly recommend SJ Richards’ books to anyone who enjoys crime fiction as this series is very well written.
January 21, 2024
Filchers’ Head of Ethics ex-DCI Luke Sackville is back together with his newly formed and very capable team of graduate trainee Josh and much older legal expert Helen plus technical wizard Majid and accountant Sam. Tania arrives in Poland expecting to meet a new boyfriend but instead finds herself trafficked to the UK for the sex trade. Eleanor has formed an online friendship with a man in the US and has been sending him money for medical treatment, whilst her daughter Mandy has made friends with Josh when they are both attending a detective course. Luke has been approached by the Deputy Chief Constable via his old friend and ex-colleague DI Pete Gilmore to work part time as a consultant, something he convinces his pompous boss Edward Filcher will bring prestige to the company since the police have been making slow progress investigating organised crime and need some help. Luke receives a visit from MI6 and learns about their investigation into an international terrorist organisation potentially laundering money through one of Filchers’ new projects. Soon his team are all caught up in the case, meanwhile Josh hears about Mandy’s mother and his girlfriend Leanne’s aunt both being conned out of money online by men and Maj runs into a frightened Tania. When one of Pete’s informants is found dead, they soon realise all these different threads are linked to the OCG and the case is much bigger than they expected. It will take all their combined skills to bring down this ruthless gang.
This is a super follow up to the first brilliant story in this new series, very well written and full of action and suspense with a cracking ending. All the ethics team are lovely, almost like a family now, but I really have a soft spot for Josh, a clever and talented young man but also one who produces so many humorous moments throughout the story. We learn more about Luke and his past in this book. The son of the Duke and Duchess of Dorset, he played professional rugby whilst doing a law degree, only to gain an injury and then become a police officer, working his way up from the bottom to DCI. This and his marriage to struggling artist Jess caused a huge rift with his parents which is now finally starting to heal and we also meet his brother Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to gripping finish and I am definitely looking forward to the return of Luke and the rest of the Ethics Team in book 3, Fog of Silence, out now.
This is a super follow up to the first brilliant story in this new series, very well written and full of action and suspense with a cracking ending. All the ethics team are lovely, almost like a family now, but I really have a soft spot for Josh, a clever and talented young man but also one who produces so many humorous moments throughout the story. We learn more about Luke and his past in this book. The son of the Duke and Duchess of Dorset, he played professional rugby whilst doing a law degree, only to gain an injury and then become a police officer, working his way up from the bottom to DCI. This and his marriage to struggling artist Jess caused a huge rift with his parents which is now finally starting to heal and we also meet his brother Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to gripping finish and I am definitely looking forward to the return of Luke and the rest of the Ethics Team in book 3, Fog of Silence, out now.
January 22, 2024
Anyone who loved the first installment of the Luke Sackville series by S.J. Richards will love this second book revisiting the ex-cop turned ethics enforcer and his ragtag team as they try to save the day.
If you love a good crime thriller with an intriguing twist, Richards will deliver. He has created something unique. We often ex-police sleuths set up as private detectives or security workers. We also see journalists or bakers or similar professionals somehow solving crimes better than the bumbling cops. But Richards has taken these two tropes of related, but different genres, and made something new. Maybe it’s a cozy crossover, but I don’t think that’s what it’s supposed to be.
We have Luke, our broken, brusque, but loveable ex-cop leading the pack of misfit, but equally delightful team of new investigators through this strange corporate world. Not one of them is experienced in investigations, but somehow are all better than the cops. As both a cozy mystery and a thriller fan, it’s the sweet spot in the middle I love! And the sometimes dark humor with which Richards weaves his tale absolutely delights me. Outside of the occasional cozy mystery, I’ve never seen a crime/mystery writer that offered such comedy.
Like so many other reviewers, Josh is probably my favorite. I enjoyed his new friend Mandy this go around. I really hope we’ll see more of her in the future. But I also really loved getting to know some of the other characters more this time around.
The entire storyline this time was absolutely fascinating, and terrifying. How easily either thing could happen to any female presenting person. Especially in the world of rideshares and food delivery, the next generation might be more trusting than previous ones. It’s definitely something we have to consider while raising the world’s children.
I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the group will get up to next.
If you love a good crime book, especially one with great twists and sometimes dark humor. This book does cover some very dark and disturbing topics, so please be very cognizant of the content warnings.
Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Nonconsensual Prostitution, Human Trafficking, Murder, Violence, Torture, Infidelity, Parental Death, Child Death, Spousal Death,
If you love a good crime thriller with an intriguing twist, Richards will deliver. He has created something unique. We often ex-police sleuths set up as private detectives or security workers. We also see journalists or bakers or similar professionals somehow solving crimes better than the bumbling cops. But Richards has taken these two tropes of related, but different genres, and made something new. Maybe it’s a cozy crossover, but I don’t think that’s what it’s supposed to be.
We have Luke, our broken, brusque, but loveable ex-cop leading the pack of misfit, but equally delightful team of new investigators through this strange corporate world. Not one of them is experienced in investigations, but somehow are all better than the cops. As both a cozy mystery and a thriller fan, it’s the sweet spot in the middle I love! And the sometimes dark humor with which Richards weaves his tale absolutely delights me. Outside of the occasional cozy mystery, I’ve never seen a crime/mystery writer that offered such comedy.
Like so many other reviewers, Josh is probably my favorite. I enjoyed his new friend Mandy this go around. I really hope we’ll see more of her in the future. But I also really loved getting to know some of the other characters more this time around.
The entire storyline this time was absolutely fascinating, and terrifying. How easily either thing could happen to any female presenting person. Especially in the world of rideshares and food delivery, the next generation might be more trusting than previous ones. It’s definitely something we have to consider while raising the world’s children.
I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the group will get up to next.
If you love a good crime book, especially one with great twists and sometimes dark humor. This book does cover some very dark and disturbing topics, so please be very cognizant of the content warnings.
Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Nonconsensual Prostitution, Human Trafficking, Murder, Violence, Torture, Infidelity, Parental Death, Child Death, Spousal Death,
January 19, 2024
This is the second book in the Luke Sackville series and I loved the first book so I was very excited to pick this one up. Despite it being part of a series it can very easily be read as a standalone novel, although I do recommend reading the first book! I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint, in fact, I think this one is even better than the first one. Maybe it was the subject matter, as it was a world I was quite familiar with as I used to work in financial services for quite a while.
This outing picks up a few months after the events in the first book and sees the Ethics team at Filchers tasked with looking into the dealings of a new company which they have just acquired. However, when Luke is called into a meeting he is faced with a MI6 officer, Evan, who informs them that the new company maybe be money laundering for a new terrorist outfit. As the team look into this they are drawn into something that is very dangerous!
The team this time round are much more slick with how they are operating and the dynamic is proving to be very interesting. Josh is maturing and developing his detection skills, Sam whilst still recovering from her abduction is determined to find out about the money laundering and how this is being achieved. I particularly liked getting to know more about Maj this time around!
Richards manages to balance dark gritty topics with humour and its very reminiscent to JD Kirk in this way. This time we are entering a more corporate world and how terrorists can still manage to manipulate large companies without people knowing! It's very scary and I found it all to be very authentic - I used to work in a team that use to cover this topic in a national bank.
I flew through this in one day and I'm already looking forward to book three! Let me know if you pick this one up.
This outing picks up a few months after the events in the first book and sees the Ethics team at Filchers tasked with looking into the dealings of a new company which they have just acquired. However, when Luke is called into a meeting he is faced with a MI6 officer, Evan, who informs them that the new company maybe be money laundering for a new terrorist outfit. As the team look into this they are drawn into something that is very dangerous!
The team this time round are much more slick with how they are operating and the dynamic is proving to be very interesting. Josh is maturing and developing his detection skills, Sam whilst still recovering from her abduction is determined to find out about the money laundering and how this is being achieved. I particularly liked getting to know more about Maj this time around!
Richards manages to balance dark gritty topics with humour and its very reminiscent to JD Kirk in this way. This time we are entering a more corporate world and how terrorists can still manage to manipulate large companies without people knowing! It's very scary and I found it all to be very authentic - I used to work in a team that use to cover this topic in a national bank.
I flew through this in one day and I'm already looking forward to book three! Let me know if you pick this one up.
November 7, 2023
Black Money, by SJ Richards, is the second in the ex DCI Luke Sackville series. I had really enjoyed Taken to the Hills, so was eager to read this follow up.
Luke, and his newly formed Ethics Team, are up against it in this book. What starts out as a run of the mill financial investigation into one of Filchers accounts, turns into a dangerous case.
I greatly enjoyed the character development in the book. Learning more of the team’s backstories, really enhanced my reading experience.
I still adore Wilkins, despite his pigeon penchant.
I found the book totally engrossing. The fast moving plot had me caught in the ‘just one more chapter’ cycle. The storyline is very relevant, the crimes being faced are sadly all too common in current times. It made for a gripping read.
There are lovely light touches of humour peppered through the pages. Luke’s description of Glen Baxter’s physical and mental attributes, being one of my favourites.
As with the first book, I loved the tribute that the author paid to a fellow indie author. Luke’s reading taste continues to impress me. His current audiobook is a JD Kirk, Hoon is given a mention. I can’t help but wonder what language would be expressed, if Hoon were to meet Josh.
If you are looking for entertaining books, from a British author, who writes engaging characters and plots, with great ease; the Luke Sackville series is perfect for you. My advice is to start quickly, as the third book, Fog of Silence, is being published in February.
My thanks to the author, for sharing this 5⭐️ ARC with me. It is my pleasure to read and review your books Steve, thank you.
Luke, and his newly formed Ethics Team, are up against it in this book. What starts out as a run of the mill financial investigation into one of Filchers accounts, turns into a dangerous case.
I greatly enjoyed the character development in the book. Learning more of the team’s backstories, really enhanced my reading experience.
I still adore Wilkins, despite his pigeon penchant.
I found the book totally engrossing. The fast moving plot had me caught in the ‘just one more chapter’ cycle. The storyline is very relevant, the crimes being faced are sadly all too common in current times. It made for a gripping read.
There are lovely light touches of humour peppered through the pages. Luke’s description of Glen Baxter’s physical and mental attributes, being one of my favourites.
As with the first book, I loved the tribute that the author paid to a fellow indie author. Luke’s reading taste continues to impress me. His current audiobook is a JD Kirk, Hoon is given a mention. I can’t help but wonder what language would be expressed, if Hoon were to meet Josh.
If you are looking for entertaining books, from a British author, who writes engaging characters and plots, with great ease; the Luke Sackville series is perfect for you. My advice is to start quickly, as the third book, Fog of Silence, is being published in February.
My thanks to the author, for sharing this 5⭐️ ARC with me. It is my pleasure to read and review your books Steve, thank you.
January 26, 2024
Black Money, the second installment in the Luke Sackville crime series, delivers a gripping narrative that had me hooked from the very start. Despite being new to the series, I found it remarkably easy to dive into the story without feeling lost.
Initially, I was wary of the multiple storyline narrative technique, fearing confusion, but Richards masterfully weaves these perspectives together, creating an integrated and engaging storyline. Each character's viewpoint adds depth to the plot, fitting together like pieces in a well-crafted puzzle.
Richards excels with his characterst, drawing readers into the world of Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team with vivid detail. I found myself fully immersed in the action, feeling like a part of the team as they navigated through the intricacies of the investigation. The camaraderie and banter among the characters provided a lighter touch to the darker themes.
The fast-paced nature of Black Money had readers eagerly flipping pages, unable to resist the urge to uncover the next part of the story. The story unfolds seamlessly, with each twist and turn driving the plot forward at breakneck speed. Despite its fast pace, the story remains easy to follow, making it a truly enjoyable read.
Overall, Black Money is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. With its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and fast-paced action, it's a book that's hard to put down. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Luke Sackville series, eager to see where the story goes next.
Initially, I was wary of the multiple storyline narrative technique, fearing confusion, but Richards masterfully weaves these perspectives together, creating an integrated and engaging storyline. Each character's viewpoint adds depth to the plot, fitting together like pieces in a well-crafted puzzle.
Richards excels with his characterst, drawing readers into the world of Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team with vivid detail. I found myself fully immersed in the action, feeling like a part of the team as they navigated through the intricacies of the investigation. The camaraderie and banter among the characters provided a lighter touch to the darker themes.
The fast-paced nature of Black Money had readers eagerly flipping pages, unable to resist the urge to uncover the next part of the story. The story unfolds seamlessly, with each twist and turn driving the plot forward at breakneck speed. Despite its fast pace, the story remains easy to follow, making it a truly enjoyable read.
Overall, Black Money is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. With its well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and fast-paced action, it's a book that's hard to put down. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Luke Sackville series, eager to see where the story goes next.
January 25, 2024
Here is my review for Black Money by S J Richards
Wow, what a book! I got into this book straight away and loved it from the start. It’s so easy to read and the story is just amazing. The plotting is great and the author’s writing is superb. It’s like a roller coaster ride with lots of twists and turns throughout the story but it’s well worth reading. The prose is great with a wonderful eye for detail. I’m looking forward to book three when it comes out to see what that brings us for ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his crew.
Blurb :
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville could not have predicted the challenges he would face when he joined Filchers, a business outsourcing company, as their Head of Ethics.
He and his team are catapulted into helping MI6 thwart the activities of an international terrorist organisation. Initial suspicions centre on money laundering, but when women are abducted and bodies start to turn up it becomes clear there is a lot more at stake.
The risks are high and there is danger at every turn as the tendrils of the organisation reach into the home lives of more than one of Luke’s team.
Black Money is the second in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you’ll love this thriller. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, David J Gatward and Alex Smith.
Wow, what a book! I got into this book straight away and loved it from the start. It’s so easy to read and the story is just amazing. The plotting is great and the author’s writing is superb. It’s like a roller coaster ride with lots of twists and turns throughout the story but it’s well worth reading. The prose is great with a wonderful eye for detail. I’m looking forward to book three when it comes out to see what that brings us for ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his crew.
Blurb :
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville could not have predicted the challenges he would face when he joined Filchers, a business outsourcing company, as their Head of Ethics.
He and his team are catapulted into helping MI6 thwart the activities of an international terrorist organisation. Initial suspicions centre on money laundering, but when women are abducted and bodies start to turn up it becomes clear there is a lot more at stake.
The risks are high and there is danger at every turn as the tendrils of the organisation reach into the home lives of more than one of Luke’s team.
Black Money is the second in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you’ll love this thriller. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish, David J Gatward and Alex Smith.
January 26, 2024
I love a story where the reader can fully engage with the characters in the book and in this regards the writer comes up trumps!! Second book in the Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers series, Luke is a former DCI now Head of Ethics at Filchers a business outsourcing company, based in Bath and if that sounds boring believe you me the work of the team most certainly isn’t! Definitely recommend you read book one first to understand the 5 people on his team more fully but can be read as a stand-alone.
Briefly, Luke is asked by MI6 to look into a possible terrorist link with a company Filchers is buying. At the same time the rather over enthusiastic Josh highlights a financial scam being carried out on elderly people. Their investigations bring to light a shocking trafficking ring with young girls being trafficked across Europe to a brothel in Bath.
As the team digs deeper so the danger deepens as they find themselves up against a ruthless opponent who does not hesitate to kill. The thing I really love about this and the previous book is the great characters the author has created. I’m fully invested in all of them, at work and their private lives. The storylines are great, exciting and fast paced. I do think it’s time Luke and Sam went on a date! Maybe next time. A very entertaining read.
Briefly, Luke is asked by MI6 to look into a possible terrorist link with a company Filchers is buying. At the same time the rather over enthusiastic Josh highlights a financial scam being carried out on elderly people. Their investigations bring to light a shocking trafficking ring with young girls being trafficked across Europe to a brothel in Bath.
As the team digs deeper so the danger deepens as they find themselves up against a ruthless opponent who does not hesitate to kill. The thing I really love about this and the previous book is the great characters the author has created. I’m fully invested in all of them, at work and their private lives. The storylines are great, exciting and fast paced. I do think it’s time Luke and Sam went on a date! Maybe next time. A very entertaining read.
September 1, 2023
Fantastic second book in the Luke Sackville series, it was so much more than I expected.
I love a book that draws you straight in, you just have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen, you connect with the characters, and are living and breathing the story, well, this book is certainly one of those!
Black Money focuses on International Terrorism and how far its reach can impact on peoples lives, as Luke and his team find out. Assisting MI5 by infiltrating a company, Luke and his team get embroiled in a faced paced, emotional, and intriguing plot. There are certainly enough twists to keep you turning those pages to find out what will happen next.
The book is well thought out, I enjoyed the different facets of the story and S J Richards pulls them all together seamlessly.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and finding out about them as this helps bring the book to life. I have got to admit my favourite character apart from Luke is Josh, he’s a quirky one!
This book is a seriously good read, you will not be disappointed, highly recommend.
Happy Reading.
I love a book that draws you straight in, you just have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen, you connect with the characters, and are living and breathing the story, well, this book is certainly one of those!
Black Money focuses on International Terrorism and how far its reach can impact on peoples lives, as Luke and his team find out. Assisting MI5 by infiltrating a company, Luke and his team get embroiled in a faced paced, emotional, and intriguing plot. There are certainly enough twists to keep you turning those pages to find out what will happen next.
The book is well thought out, I enjoyed the different facets of the story and S J Richards pulls them all together seamlessly.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and finding out about them as this helps bring the book to life. I have got to admit my favourite character apart from Luke is Josh, he’s a quirky one!
This book is a seriously good read, you will not be disappointed, highly recommend.
Happy Reading.
November 30, 2023
A gripping crime/thriller that's the second book in the Ex-DCI Luke Sackville series.
Working as the Head of Ethics, Luke and his team are quickly pulled into an investigation. As they work with MI6 to undertake financial investigations, hoping to uncover terrorist links within the company.. they uncover more dangerous, dark activities.
The team uncover a large operation that links to human trafficking and scamming women out of thousands of pounds. What was already a risky operation, has turned into a potentially life threatening one.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Loved this! The story was fast paced and gripping - with different threads of the criminal organisation tied throughout the book - suspected terrorism, human trafficking and romance fraud. All of these threads tied together to make a page turning read!
I loved all of the team and their personality quirks, especially Josh! Both Josh and Luke are my favourites of the team.
I can't wait to read the next one of the series and follow Luke and the team on their next mission.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for this copy. This review is voluntary.
Working as the Head of Ethics, Luke and his team are quickly pulled into an investigation. As they work with MI6 to undertake financial investigations, hoping to uncover terrorist links within the company.. they uncover more dangerous, dark activities.
The team uncover a large operation that links to human trafficking and scamming women out of thousands of pounds. What was already a risky operation, has turned into a potentially life threatening one.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Loved this! The story was fast paced and gripping - with different threads of the criminal organisation tied throughout the book - suspected terrorism, human trafficking and romance fraud. All of these threads tied together to make a page turning read!
I loved all of the team and their personality quirks, especially Josh! Both Josh and Luke are my favourites of the team.
I can't wait to read the next one of the series and follow Luke and the team on their next mission.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for this copy. This review is voluntary.
February 2, 2024
This is the second book in the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series and one I was really looking forward to reading, after loving book 1, Taken To The Hills, at the end of last year.
This book follows almost directly on from book 1 and we find that the team are still reeling from their previous ordeals.
This is written in such a way that would make this book read well as a standalone - but I would still recommend reading these in order just to follow the character development through the series.
Here we see the Filchers ethics team looking into a recent acquisition company and checking out their dealings. When they arrive to find an MI6 officer present, they find themselves in the middle of a money laundering case that leads them on to much more.
I loved the characters from book 1 and it was great to be back with them a few months older and a little bit wiser.
Josh was again hilarious....bjt definitely holding his own with the detective work.
The team dynamics have shifted somewhat, but it was great to see them working well as a team throughout.
Once again, the storyline is gripping and often dark and gritty, but there is a good amount of humour woven through the dialogue and narrative to just release that tension a little.
This was another great read - which I flew through - and I'm so pleased to say that I already have book 3 to go straight onto - can't wait to see what's next for the team.
This book follows almost directly on from book 1 and we find that the team are still reeling from their previous ordeals.
This is written in such a way that would make this book read well as a standalone - but I would still recommend reading these in order just to follow the character development through the series.
Here we see the Filchers ethics team looking into a recent acquisition company and checking out their dealings. When they arrive to find an MI6 officer present, they find themselves in the middle of a money laundering case that leads them on to much more.
I loved the characters from book 1 and it was great to be back with them a few months older and a little bit wiser.
Josh was again hilarious....bjt definitely holding his own with the detective work.
The team dynamics have shifted somewhat, but it was great to see them working well as a team throughout.
Once again, the storyline is gripping and often dark and gritty, but there is a good amount of humour woven through the dialogue and narrative to just release that tension a little.
This was another great read - which I flew through - and I'm so pleased to say that I already have book 3 to go straight onto - can't wait to see what's next for the team.
August 25, 2024
Gripping addition to the Luke Sackville series!
After listening to Black Money, I have to say I’m officially addicted to the Luke Sackville series. Along with stories that are multifaceted the cast of characters in these books are so relatable that they feel like friends and neighbors.
In Black Money Sam gets assigned to a case with a client in Oxford that looks like it could be simple money laundering. As Sam pursues her case the remainder of the team become involved in a series of seemingly unconnected incidents that have them going in different directions. Some of these incidents create very personal costs for the affected team members
Without giving any of the story away, I’ll just say Black Money, like Taken to the Hills is a story built in such a way that there are several separate story lines moving in parallel until some begin to converge in a direction the unfolds into a story where the action moves to a higher level.
Samuel James did an excellent job bringing each of the characters to life while simultaneously delivering the story in such a way that I was reluctant to stop listening for any reason.
After listening to Black Money, I have to say I’m officially addicted to the Luke Sackville series. Along with stories that are multifaceted the cast of characters in these books are so relatable that they feel like friends and neighbors.
In Black Money Sam gets assigned to a case with a client in Oxford that looks like it could be simple money laundering. As Sam pursues her case the remainder of the team become involved in a series of seemingly unconnected incidents that have them going in different directions. Some of these incidents create very personal costs for the affected team members
Without giving any of the story away, I’ll just say Black Money, like Taken to the Hills is a story built in such a way that there are several separate story lines moving in parallel until some begin to converge in a direction the unfolds into a story where the action moves to a higher level.
Samuel James did an excellent job bringing each of the characters to life while simultaneously delivering the story in such a way that I was reluctant to stop listening for any reason.
October 13, 2023
The first book was great and this was another brilliant read to follow it up. This time Luke and the team get involved investigating finances linked to international terrorism. At the same time, someone is running a scam conning women out of money. There's also some human trafficking in play.
Despite the different threads ongoing throughout the story, each one had me gripped and they all connect somehow effortlessly. Even though there's financial aspects involved, I really like how it's not described in a lot of finance-speak and is easy to understand, thereby ensuring you're not losing any interest.
I really enjoyed meeting the team again. I like all the characters there particularly Josh and he stands out again in this. Without wishing to spoil anything, I'll just say Madonna rights! That will have me chuckling for the rest of the week. My only regret is that I read this in a day, despite having to work and now I have to wait for what seems like eternity for the next one to come along.
Despite the different threads ongoing throughout the story, each one had me gripped and they all connect somehow effortlessly. Even though there's financial aspects involved, I really like how it's not described in a lot of finance-speak and is easy to understand, thereby ensuring you're not losing any interest.
I really enjoyed meeting the team again. I like all the characters there particularly Josh and he stands out again in this. Without wishing to spoil anything, I'll just say Madonna rights! That will have me chuckling for the rest of the week. My only regret is that I read this in a day, despite having to work and now I have to wait for what seems like eternity for the next one to come along.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I had high hopes for this one, and, I wasn't disappointed, in fact, I think I would go as far as to say this one was even better. The first one pulled me in but this one was a different beast entirely I was hooked from the first line and I couldn't stop reading. I started it late at night and luckily it was a night I got no sleep anyway as I would have lost sleep just to stay awake and finish this book.
The book is well written with a gripping story line and well developed characters that were totally believable and although some of them weren't particularly likeable, I still couldn't stop thinking about them.
It was also a really thought provoking read in terms of looking at hard hitting topics such as terrorism and the impact it has as well as looking at human trafficking and what that entails. It was disturbing but also really made me think.
A great read
The book is well written with a gripping story line and well developed characters that were totally believable and although some of them weren't particularly likeable, I still couldn't stop thinking about them.
It was also a really thought provoking read in terms of looking at hard hitting topics such as terrorism and the impact it has as well as looking at human trafficking and what that entails. It was disturbing but also really made me think.
A great read
February 16, 2024
I love books where I can be fully invested in the characters let alone the storyline. This is the second in the Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers Series & is just as gripping as the first. Luke is Head of Ethics at Filchers, a business outsourcing company, & works with a small, close knit team. This would read well as a standalone but, as it’s only book two, I would recommend reading book one first to understand the characters & team dynamics more fully.
Filchers are buying a company which MI6 think may have terrorist connections & ask Luke to probe further. One of the team discovers a financial scam targeting the elderly. The joint investigations highlight a trafficking ring involving young girls & a brothel in Bath. Yes, genteel Bath!
Another great read, especially as I have personal connections to the books’ setting. The characters are developing well as are some of their relationships & the pace is just right. I’m ready for book 3.
Filchers are buying a company which MI6 think may have terrorist connections & ask Luke to probe further. One of the team discovers a financial scam targeting the elderly. The joint investigations highlight a trafficking ring involving young girls & a brothel in Bath. Yes, genteel Bath!
Another great read, especially as I have personal connections to the books’ setting. The characters are developing well as are some of their relationships & the pace is just right. I’m ready for book 3.
August 8, 2024
I was given a free copy of this title in exchange for a review. The only thing that I’m unhappy about is the fact that I hadn’t read book 1 first!
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, read by Samuel James.
This is a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable story. Really interesting and hard to put down. A small, underestimated Ethics team are asked to investigate the accounts of a large company, looking for anomalies. Simple, right? Oh no, not by a long way…
Initially, you believe that this will be a straightforward police procedural tale and be pretty pedestrian, but it really isn’t! It’s a kind of white collar spy craft with personality. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and now have to go back and buy book 1 before progressing to books 3 and 4!
Based in Bath and Oxford, this is an enjoyable Whodunnit, although not a straightforward one.
I enjoyed the narrator, even though I’m sure that he may not have nailed all of the dialects. It certainly didn’t distract me from following the story.
I highly recommend this story, but start from book 1! (Different narrator).
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, read by Samuel James.
This is a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable story. Really interesting and hard to put down. A small, underestimated Ethics team are asked to investigate the accounts of a large company, looking for anomalies. Simple, right? Oh no, not by a long way…
Initially, you believe that this will be a straightforward police procedural tale and be pretty pedestrian, but it really isn’t! It’s a kind of white collar spy craft with personality. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and now have to go back and buy book 1 before progressing to books 3 and 4!
Based in Bath and Oxford, this is an enjoyable Whodunnit, although not a straightforward one.
I enjoyed the narrator, even though I’m sure that he may not have nailed all of the dialects. It certainly didn’t distract me from following the story.
I highly recommend this story, but start from book 1! (Different narrator).
January 17, 2024
This is the second book in this British Crime Thriller series with ex-DCI Luck Sackville. I really enjoyed the first one so when I got the chance to read this one, I jumped at the opportunity! Richards is so skillful with pulling multiple story lines together seamlessly. At first, with the the storylines I couldn’t figure out how they were going to merge together, but alas, he is a genius!
The suspense builds throughout the novel. Then it reaches its peak towards the end and kept me turning the pages while I sat on the edge of my seat. There are things that occurred in this novel that I would have never pieced together. Luke and his ethics team outsmart even the smartest and I love each and every one of them. They are each unique, with their own personalities and quirks (especially Josh) – but they make the greatest team. I cannot wait to see what Luke and his team are up to next!
The suspense builds throughout the novel. Then it reaches its peak towards the end and kept me turning the pages while I sat on the edge of my seat. There are things that occurred in this novel that I would have never pieced together. Luke and his ethics team outsmart even the smartest and I love each and every one of them. They are each unique, with their own personalities and quirks (especially Josh) – but they make the greatest team. I cannot wait to see what Luke and his team are up to next!
January 26, 2024
This book throws you into the action straight away, Josh still stands as my favourite character but I also love what Luke brings to the table. This book has a few sub stories as it were, kidnapping, money laundering, lies, romance scams to name some! It has it all! It was a rollercoaster of a book, kept me guessing if and when the stories would join up. I was gripped with this next installment early on and I'm really excited to see where Luke and the team go with book three!
I loved Tania, she's a brave and strong individual who still looks out for others. The Ethics team definitely have their work cut out for them in this book and what a goose chase they go on! Sam is a brilliant addition to the team and I look forward to seeing where the next book goes!
Would recommend this series for a great, easy, gripping read.
I loved Tania, she's a brave and strong individual who still looks out for others. The Ethics team definitely have their work cut out for them in this book and what a goose chase they go on! Sam is a brilliant addition to the team and I look forward to seeing where the next book goes!
Would recommend this series for a great, easy, gripping read.
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