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DCI Andrew Fenwick #3
Grave Doubts: The compelling crime series
Sergeant Louise Nightingale is the model police officer: calm, composed and always in control. When her colleagues discover a connection between a series of sexual attacks and an online contest called 'The Game', Nightingale becomes involved in tracking down the perpetrator.
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Corley
13 books27 followersElizabeth Corley was born and brought up in West Sussex. Married with a stepdaughter, she manages to balance her crime-writing with a position as Chief Executive, Europe for a global investment company. A one-time committee member and vice-chairperson of the Crime Writers' Association, she is still an active member, while finding time to pursue her outside interests of travel, gardening and music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 7, 2015
Serial killers are heinous by definition. It's a good thing there are more of them in books then there are in real life! One of the creepiest I've read about in a while is in Elizabeth Corley's book, Grave Doubts. Not only has he literally been getting away with murder for years, but he has a disciple (thankfully in prison for the duration of the novel).
Louise Nightingale, a police officer, was deployed to entrap the disciple, and almost pays for it with her life. The serial killer decides she has to die, too...and his progress towards doing so continues over the course of the story.
Nightingale is a very interesting character. Aside from suffering PTSD as a result of the entrapment, there is a mystery in her own life regarding her family, and she slowly manages to piece it together.
Nightingale's superior officer is Andrew Fenwick, also a man with a complicated story.
To see how all of these peoples' narratives entwine and resolve, you'll just have to read the book.
There are more books with Andrew Fenwick in them, although I have yet to read them. Based on what I've read in this one, I'll be back for more.
Louise Nightingale, a police officer, was deployed to entrap the disciple, and almost pays for it with her life. The serial killer decides she has to die, too...and his progress towards doing so continues over the course of the story.
Nightingale is a very interesting character. Aside from suffering PTSD as a result of the entrapment, there is a mystery in her own life regarding her family, and she slowly manages to piece it together.
Nightingale's superior officer is Andrew Fenwick, also a man with a complicated story.
To see how all of these peoples' narratives entwine and resolve, you'll just have to read the book.
There are more books with Andrew Fenwick in them, although I have yet to read them. Based on what I've read in this one, I'll be back for more.
June 29, 2017
Grave Doubts by Elizabeth Corley
4.5★'s
What's It About?
Andrew Fenwick must stop a serial killer. Viciously attacked by a serial rapist, intent on murder, Sergeant Louise Nightingale is recovering from her ordeal, relieved that the psychopath has been put behind bars for a very long time. Escaping to a remote family home for a well-earned rest, she is unaware that her nightmare has only just begun. When a nameless, faceless terror starts stalking the country, her colleague, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Fenwick, questions whether or not they have the right man. Leaving a trail of bodies in his wake, the killer soon makes clear his ultimate goal—Nightingale--and he will not rest until he can exact his cruel and calculated revenge. Desperately trying to reach her before the killer does, DCI Andrew Fenwick wonders if her continued silence means he is already too late.
What Did I Think?
It's going to be hard to say much about this book without giving away some real spoilers...but I can tell you that Elizabeth Corley has created a compelling, enticing story with a cast of characters that are believable...perhaps maybe too much so. I did think that at times that Nightingale's actions and reactions were very foolish for a trained and dedicated police woman. This and the fact that the book is a bit long, lost it a half star. It is terrifyingly suspenseful and will make you think twice or even three times about playing on-line games.
4.5★'s
What's It About?
Andrew Fenwick must stop a serial killer. Viciously attacked by a serial rapist, intent on murder, Sergeant Louise Nightingale is recovering from her ordeal, relieved that the psychopath has been put behind bars for a very long time. Escaping to a remote family home for a well-earned rest, she is unaware that her nightmare has only just begun. When a nameless, faceless terror starts stalking the country, her colleague, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Fenwick, questions whether or not they have the right man. Leaving a trail of bodies in his wake, the killer soon makes clear his ultimate goal—Nightingale--and he will not rest until he can exact his cruel and calculated revenge. Desperately trying to reach her before the killer does, DCI Andrew Fenwick wonders if her continued silence means he is already too late.
What Did I Think?
It's going to be hard to say much about this book without giving away some real spoilers...but I can tell you that Elizabeth Corley has created a compelling, enticing story with a cast of characters that are believable...perhaps maybe too much so. I did think that at times that Nightingale's actions and reactions were very foolish for a trained and dedicated police woman. This and the fact that the book is a bit long, lost it a half star. It is terrifyingly suspenseful and will make you think twice or even three times about playing on-line games.
October 8, 2018
Another overly violent, utterly predictable serial killer story. And again with the cop as the prey, which just strikes me as SOOOO unrealistic.
February 8, 2014
Amazing book. When I started reading it I didn't realise it was the third in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Could not put it down. Wonderful writing, brilliant characters. I especially liked it because the killer didn't have superhuman powers. Things did go wrong for him, which made a refreshing change. Also, even though it was a police procedural, the police officers' private lives were just as interesting as the crimes. Excellent storyline that built to a cliffhanger climax. Will definitely be reading the rest in this series.
March 19, 2024
nicht erwartet aber war richtig gut. manchmal auf ernst bisschen eierflattern gehabt. auch geil aus der sicht des mörders zu lesen. hätte gerne bisschen mehr romance zwischen nightingale und fenwick 😔
January 9, 2016
This book kept me up late into the night reading. I also had to read with a lot of lights on in my apartment. It wasn't a scary book, it was a creepy book. It was rather long, 692 pages, and it probably could've cut out about a hundred pages in the middle without impacting the general story of the book too much. Louise Nightingale's character made at some times want to drive me to drink. She was almost too independent, refusing to ask for help. The writing was clear and compact. Although dealing with serial murder, it wasn't an overly violent book – it didn't describe in much detail the killings, which I liked. I enjoyed this book very much!
January 14, 2009
Most books about serial killers are not great literature, but even by the lowest standards of the genre, this is formulaic rubbish. The writing is poor and the editing even worse. If even the book's editor couldn't be bothered to correct the basic punctuation mistakes, you wonder why they bothered to publish it at all. Ah yes, because it ticked all the boxes of the "serial killer formula."
Don't waste your time.
PS I only gave it one star because I don't know how to give it zero and still have it included in the average star rating.
Don't waste your time.
PS I only gave it one star because I don't know how to give it zero and still have it included in the average star rating.
September 29, 2014
A real meh. Another charming, attractive, overly-intelligent psychopath. Another beautiful but damaged young female detective. A really dorky love infatuation.
Wish it could have dropped three of the four descriptions above, it might have been less skimmable. When my eyes start rolling I know that I should find something better to read.
Wish it could have dropped three of the four descriptions above, it might have been less skimmable. When my eyes start rolling I know that I should find something better to read.
July 25, 2013
I found this way too violent and graphic and dreaded picking it up again each time. There were also too many characters in it with the result that I lost track of the plot at times. Definitely my least favourite of the four Corley novels in this series.
October 27, 2017
Inhalt:
Der Thriller „Crescendo“ von Elizabeth Corley beginnt damit, dass sich die Polizistin Louise Nightingale als Lockvogel für einen Vergewaltiger ausgibt, der seine Opfer ein Online Spiel ,,The Game'' ausfindig macht und schon seit langem sein Unwesen treibt. Die Aktion gelingt in letzter Sekunde, nachdem Nightingale sich persönlich mit dem Vergewaltiger (Wayne Griffiths) getroffen hat und dieser sie hinterrücks überfällt und Wayne Griffiths anschließend verhaftet und verurteilt wird.
Nun allerdings beginnt die Leidensgeschichte von Nightingale von der sie nicht das geringste ahnt, da Wayne Griffiths lediglich die eine Hälfte des Mörder Duos ist und sein ,,Meister'' noch in Freiheit ist. Dabei ist das Stalking via E-Mail, das er bei Louise Nightingale betreibt noch das harmloseste. Als hochintelligenter Softwareentwickler ist er in der Lage, Louises Rechner zu manipulieren und seiner weiteren Taten per Internet vorzubereiten.
Erst als Detective Chief Inpector Andrew Fenwick - der eigentliche Serienheld von Elizabeth Corleys Romanen - wieder zurückkommt, entdeckt er die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Taten von Wayne Griffiths und denen seines Meisters und setzt alles daran, über den inhaftierten Täter an dessen Hintermann und "Meister" heranzukommen.
Schreibstil und Fazit:
Elizabeth Corley schildert ihre Charakter in dem Thriller ,,Crescendo'' überaus realistisch und der Leser ist von der ersten Seite an voll bei der Handlung. Es kommt zu keinem Moment Langeweile auf, da man sich ständig fragt, was als nächstes passieren wird.
Der Thriller ist so geschrieben, dass man förmlich das Leid beziehungsweise die Furcht und Angst von Louise Nightingale selber verspürt.
Dazu ist die gesamte Ermittlungsarbeit, die im Buch vor sich geht, sehr ausführlich und auch einleuchtend erklärt, wobei alles realitätsnah geschrieben ist und der Leser sich nicht denkt, dass es sich hierbei um ein schlechtes Drehbuch handelt oder sonstiges.
Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite sehr fesselnd und durch den Aufbau, das Buch beginnt wie viele Krimis enden (der Böse wird überführt und verhaftet) sehr gelungen, da es eine sehr gelungen Abwechslung darstellt.
Der Thriller „Crescendo“ von Elizabeth Corley beginnt damit, dass sich die Polizistin Louise Nightingale als Lockvogel für einen Vergewaltiger ausgibt, der seine Opfer ein Online Spiel ,,The Game'' ausfindig macht und schon seit langem sein Unwesen treibt. Die Aktion gelingt in letzter Sekunde, nachdem Nightingale sich persönlich mit dem Vergewaltiger (Wayne Griffiths) getroffen hat und dieser sie hinterrücks überfällt und Wayne Griffiths anschließend verhaftet und verurteilt wird.
Nun allerdings beginnt die Leidensgeschichte von Nightingale von der sie nicht das geringste ahnt, da Wayne Griffiths lediglich die eine Hälfte des Mörder Duos ist und sein ,,Meister'' noch in Freiheit ist. Dabei ist das Stalking via E-Mail, das er bei Louise Nightingale betreibt noch das harmloseste. Als hochintelligenter Softwareentwickler ist er in der Lage, Louises Rechner zu manipulieren und seiner weiteren Taten per Internet vorzubereiten.
Erst als Detective Chief Inpector Andrew Fenwick - der eigentliche Serienheld von Elizabeth Corleys Romanen - wieder zurückkommt, entdeckt er die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Taten von Wayne Griffiths und denen seines Meisters und setzt alles daran, über den inhaftierten Täter an dessen Hintermann und "Meister" heranzukommen.
Schreibstil und Fazit:
Elizabeth Corley schildert ihre Charakter in dem Thriller ,,Crescendo'' überaus realistisch und der Leser ist von der ersten Seite an voll bei der Handlung. Es kommt zu keinem Moment Langeweile auf, da man sich ständig fragt, was als nächstes passieren wird.
Der Thriller ist so geschrieben, dass man förmlich das Leid beziehungsweise die Furcht und Angst von Louise Nightingale selber verspürt.
Dazu ist die gesamte Ermittlungsarbeit, die im Buch vor sich geht, sehr ausführlich und auch einleuchtend erklärt, wobei alles realitätsnah geschrieben ist und der Leser sich nicht denkt, dass es sich hierbei um ein schlechtes Drehbuch handelt oder sonstiges.
Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite sehr fesselnd und durch den Aufbau, das Buch beginnt wie viele Krimis enden (der Böse wird überführt und verhaftet) sehr gelungen, da es eine sehr gelungen Abwechslung darstellt.
August 27, 2024
Brigadier Louise Nightingale is bij haar laatste opdracht bijna om het leven gekomen. Ze weet niet dat de man die ze heeft helpen gevangennemen slechts een leerling is van een nog veel gevaarlijker tegenstander: een seriemoordenaar van het kaliber Hannibal Lecter.
Deze meesterkiller trekt een spoor van verminkte lijken en de politie concludeert al snel dat Louise zijn ultieme doel is. Inspecteur Andrew Fenwick - Louises baas, op wie ze in stilte verliefd is - moet haar zien te vinden en haar redden...
Het boek was lekker geschreven waardoor hij makkelijk weg las. Sommige dingen worden in detail beschreven, wat misschien niet voor iedereen is weggelegd, ikzelf vond dat niet zo'n probleem, dat maakte de thriller meer spannend om te lezen.
Hoewel het dus goed klinkt moet ik wel zeggen dat het mij tegen viel dat de achterflap en het begin een hele heisa wordt gemaakt dat de meesterkiller achter Brigadier Louise Nightingale aan zit als wraak, maar ik vond dat deze verhaallijn snel naar de achterzijde ging en er veel verhaal omheen zat. Toen we aan het einde eindelijk op hét punt aankwamen vond ik de wijze waarop deze wraakactie werd geschreven in tegenstelling tot de andere moorden erg tegenvallen, erg magertjes en een soort van afgeraffeld? Wel jammer, want het is echt een hele goede thriller verder. Ook de verhaallijn rondom Brigadier Louise Nightingale vond ik erg interessant, dus vandaar toch 4 sterren.
Deze meesterkiller trekt een spoor van verminkte lijken en de politie concludeert al snel dat Louise zijn ultieme doel is. Inspecteur Andrew Fenwick - Louises baas, op wie ze in stilte verliefd is - moet haar zien te vinden en haar redden...
Het boek was lekker geschreven waardoor hij makkelijk weg las. Sommige dingen worden in detail beschreven, wat misschien niet voor iedereen is weggelegd, ikzelf vond dat niet zo'n probleem, dat maakte de thriller meer spannend om te lezen.
Hoewel het dus goed klinkt moet ik wel zeggen dat het mij tegen viel dat de achterflap en het begin een hele heisa wordt gemaakt dat de meesterkiller achter Brigadier Louise Nightingale aan zit als wraak, maar ik vond dat deze verhaallijn snel naar de achterzijde ging en er veel verhaal omheen zat. Toen we aan het einde eindelijk op hét punt aankwamen vond ik de wijze waarop deze wraakactie werd geschreven in tegenstelling tot de andere moorden erg tegenvallen, erg magertjes en een soort van afgeraffeld? Wel jammer, want het is echt een hele goede thriller verder. Ook de verhaallijn rondom Brigadier Louise Nightingale vond ik erg interessant, dus vandaar toch 4 sterren.
November 25, 2023
This is an intriguing and fast paced thriller that follows Sergeant Louise Nightingale as she deals with the aftermath of an intense investigation to hunt down a sexual predator and the increasing evidence that he may not have been as guilty as he seemed. Fenwick, as her boss, does what he can to try to help while hunting down his own predator that is making their way all over the country. But as things become more and more complicated and Nightingale becomes at greater and greater risk she drops off the map completely. Corley weaves a great story pulling together multiple strings and sub strings without forgetting her characters and their backstories, keeping the reader gripped from start to finish.
February 24, 2018
Sehr spannend erzählt, überzeugende Figuren, authentisches Umfeld. Aber die hautnahe, detailreiche Beschreibung der Sexualmorde fand ich einfach nur abstoßend. Ist diese Ausführlichkeit nötig? Nicht wirklich. Ich denke, die Leserschaft hätte sicherlich auch so verstanden, dass hier ein Monster von Serientäter am Werke ist - bzw. gleich zwei davon. Es hätte gereicht, die Details der Fantasie zu überlassen. So haben die Vergewaltigungsszenen etwas ziemlich ekelhaft Voyeuristisches.
May 5, 2020
Good story but very long and drawn out. I liked the character development but it went on a bit too long. It was very tough to get into in the beginning. I had a very slow start with the book - barely getting through the GAME plot of it but then it picked up. I thought there were a few plot lines that just died off with no explanation as well. Overall, after the first 200 pages, I didn't want to put it down. I had to know how they were going to tie all the lose ends.
May 27, 2020
In many ways a shabby exploitationer, and at 692 pages more than double the length of any of Corley’s other novels, but her unpretentious prose style and concentration on pace and narrative above anything else make for a brisk read despite the length. The level of violence against women would be concerning from a male writer; Corley turns into a howl of protest against misogyny - a howl that rises to a battle cry as her heroine fights back in the tense finale.
December 30, 2017
A really good gripping read - one to really get your teeth into at nearly 700 pages! For such a thick book I got through it quicker than expected (I couldn't put it down) though the concluding sequence maybe went on a tad too long. I liked all the characters & will certainly look out for more both in this series & by this author.
November 8, 2021
Only one regret..
In a moment of inattention I started the Series with a sample of Book 5, was so so hooked I bought and read it before understanding how the series really reads best as a developing theme from Book 1 onwards. Nonetheless as excellent and interesting book - only Book 4 left for me! I hope EC writes more.
In a moment of inattention I started the Series with a sample of Book 5, was so so hooked I bought and read it before understanding how the series really reads best as a developing theme from Book 1 onwards. Nonetheless as excellent and interesting book - only Book 4 left for me! I hope EC writes more.
August 25, 2018
When I started it I was gripped, but about half way I got bored...not really sure why...the back story about nightingale just seemed ‘forced’.... to be honest a good holiday read...but nothing really to tax you.
October 9, 2024
And that was the last book by Elizabeth Corley that I will ever read. There is nothing positive with this book, no matter how hard you look for it. It's simply awful. Bad story that you've probably read about a dozen times before, only better.
I have to say: avoid at all costs.
I have to say: avoid at all costs.
May 16, 2017
Again, not especially my favorite genre - but still - pretty good. Bad guy very interesting.
November 17, 2025
Eine Mischung aus Krimi und privater Familiengeschichte. Es war zwar nicht so besonders spannend, aber die Geschichte war dafür trotzdem gut.
June 19, 2012
Elizabeth Corley wrote Requiem Mass (1998) as her first novel. This was followed by Fatal Legacy (2000), this book Grave Doubts (2006) and finally Innocent Blood (2008).
In her first and second novels we meet DCI Andrew Fenwick along with WDC Louise Nightingale. The third is no different and the story opens with Nightingale putting herself in the firing line, all in the name of her job. Nightingale is being used as bait to lure out a dangerous killer. When it all goes wrong and the killer attacks Louise leaving her for dead, her life changes. She is no longer the confident woman she once was and finds herself trapped in the world where fear is the leading factor in your life. Luckily for Nightingale they catch the killer and he is imprisoned for quite some time. Not being able to deal with the comments from colleagues and press alike she decides to retreat down to an old family cottage that nobody knows about. It is completely isolated and she feels that this is the best place to gain back her confidence and self belief.
Andrew Fenwick is also on the case and as always is following his strange but insightful `gut feelings' on this case. Yes the man is locked up but Fenwick has a nagging doubt that this man wasn't working alone and that there is still a potential danger not only to women in general but in particular Louise Nightingale. As far as Fenwick is concerned she is unfinished business in the eyes of the killer. However trying to prove that theory to his senior colleagues is a whole other matter.
When Nightingale made the move she didn't tell anybody where she was. With a leave of absence from work the safest thing was to tell and trust nobody. With no parents, just a twin brother she makes work of renovating this old family cottage. However what she isn't prepared for is the history surrounding her family that gets dug up in the process. It throws her into a complete spin and her life feels like it's getting out of control all over again.
With Fenwick worrying about Nightingale and not knowing where she is, Louise trying to piece her life together with her attacker locked up, the attacks continue. Is the right man in prison or is this an accomplice. Whatever the answer, the killer continues on a rampage which sees young girls being butchered. Fenwick knows that he is the only one who can really see and understand the danger from this man and fights to save Nightingale from being this killer's final victim.
This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Corley and I have to say I enjoyed this one even more than the first. The story is very detailed and you follow more than one plot line which can be confusing but when you have established each character it is truly gripping. The murder scenes are described vividly as are the thoughts and emotions of all of the lead characters. I am eagerly anticipating her third book (I have some catching up to do). This is a brilliantly written book with a feeling of fear as we follow this killer. The characters that I loved Fenwick and Nightingale are back again and with more issues than before. The ending of the book is a great opening for the follow up and I only hope that I enjoy that as much as I have this.
In her first and second novels we meet DCI Andrew Fenwick along with WDC Louise Nightingale. The third is no different and the story opens with Nightingale putting herself in the firing line, all in the name of her job. Nightingale is being used as bait to lure out a dangerous killer. When it all goes wrong and the killer attacks Louise leaving her for dead, her life changes. She is no longer the confident woman she once was and finds herself trapped in the world where fear is the leading factor in your life. Luckily for Nightingale they catch the killer and he is imprisoned for quite some time. Not being able to deal with the comments from colleagues and press alike she decides to retreat down to an old family cottage that nobody knows about. It is completely isolated and she feels that this is the best place to gain back her confidence and self belief.
Andrew Fenwick is also on the case and as always is following his strange but insightful `gut feelings' on this case. Yes the man is locked up but Fenwick has a nagging doubt that this man wasn't working alone and that there is still a potential danger not only to women in general but in particular Louise Nightingale. As far as Fenwick is concerned she is unfinished business in the eyes of the killer. However trying to prove that theory to his senior colleagues is a whole other matter.
When Nightingale made the move she didn't tell anybody where she was. With a leave of absence from work the safest thing was to tell and trust nobody. With no parents, just a twin brother she makes work of renovating this old family cottage. However what she isn't prepared for is the history surrounding her family that gets dug up in the process. It throws her into a complete spin and her life feels like it's getting out of control all over again.
With Fenwick worrying about Nightingale and not knowing where she is, Louise trying to piece her life together with her attacker locked up, the attacks continue. Is the right man in prison or is this an accomplice. Whatever the answer, the killer continues on a rampage which sees young girls being butchered. Fenwick knows that he is the only one who can really see and understand the danger from this man and fights to save Nightingale from being this killer's final victim.
This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Corley and I have to say I enjoyed this one even more than the first. The story is very detailed and you follow more than one plot line which can be confusing but when you have established each character it is truly gripping. The murder scenes are described vividly as are the thoughts and emotions of all of the lead characters. I am eagerly anticipating her third book (I have some catching up to do). This is a brilliantly written book with a feeling of fear as we follow this killer. The characters that I loved Fenwick and Nightingale are back again and with more issues than before. The ending of the book is a great opening for the follow up and I only hope that I enjoy that as much as I have this.
July 28, 2020
Ein brutaler Vergewaltiger und Mörder versetzt die Gegend in Angst und Schrecken. Anscheinend lernt er seine Opfer durch die Teilnahme an einem Online-Rollenspiel kennen. Beim Versuch, ihn zu stellen, fungiert Inspector Fenwicks Kollegin Louise Nightingale als Lockvogel und wird von dem Täter brutal attackiert, bevor das Einsatzkommando eingreifen kann. Dieses Schockerlebnis muss sie erst einmal verdauen, doch immerhin hat sich der Einsatz gelohnt, Wayne Griffith wird gestellt und verhaftet.
Einige Zeit später häufen sich erneut Fälle von brutalen sexuellen Übergriffen auf junge Frauen, die nach ähnlichem Muster ablaufen – aber Griffith sitzt noch in Haft. Und Nightingale erhält immer bedrohlichere E-Mails, obwohl Griffith keinen Computerzugang hat.
Fenwick ermittelt in Zusammenarbeit mit der Londoner Polizei, denn jetzt beschränkt sich der „Wirkungskreis“ des Mörders nicht mehr auf die nähere Umgebung. Zu Fenwicks Leidwesen wollen sich die auswärtigen Kollegen nur ungerne auf seine teils unorthodoxen Ermittlungsmethoden und Schlussfolgerungen einlassen, es kommt wieder einmal zu Kompetenzstreitigkeiten und Ärger mit seinem ungeliebten Vorgesetzten, dem selbstgefälligen Harper-Brown.
Währenddessen muss Nightingale eine zweite traurige Wahrheit verkraften: ihre Eltern sind bei einem Autounfall in Italien ums Leben gekommen. Völlig aus der Bahn geworfen, nimmt sie sich eine Auszeit und beschließt, in das abgelegene Landhaus zurückzukehren, in dem ihre Lieblingstante früher gewohnt hatte und das sie jetzt nach dem Tod der Eltern unerwartet geerbt hat.
Dieses Buch ist nach dem schwächeren zweiten Band der Fenwick-Reihe wieder eine Glanzleistung der britischen Autorin, ein Krimi vom Feinsten, den man kaum aus der Hand legen kann. Durch die Perspektivenwechsel zwischen Opfern, Ermittlern und dem Täter weiß der Leser immer etwas mehr als die handelnden Personen, so dass man eine Seite nach der anderen verschlingt, weil man unbedingt wissen möchte, wie es weitergeht. Der Titel „Crescendo“ passt hervorragend zum Verlauf der Handlung, die wie anschwellende Musik auf einen Spannungshöhepunkt zusteuert, der erst auf den allerletzten Seiten seine Auflösung findet.
Sehr gut gefallen haben mir auch die Exkurse in Nightingales Familiengeschichte, in der nichts das ist, was es zu sein schien (auch wenn die Ideen nicht wirklich neu waren).
Die Schilderungen der Gewalttaten und der Leichen am Fundort sind allerdings nichts für schwache Nerven.
Insgesamt tritt Elizabeth Corley hier wieder sehr erfolgreich in die Fußstapfen ihrer Namensvetterin Elizabeth George.
Einige Zeit später häufen sich erneut Fälle von brutalen sexuellen Übergriffen auf junge Frauen, die nach ähnlichem Muster ablaufen – aber Griffith sitzt noch in Haft. Und Nightingale erhält immer bedrohlichere E-Mails, obwohl Griffith keinen Computerzugang hat.
Fenwick ermittelt in Zusammenarbeit mit der Londoner Polizei, denn jetzt beschränkt sich der „Wirkungskreis“ des Mörders nicht mehr auf die nähere Umgebung. Zu Fenwicks Leidwesen wollen sich die auswärtigen Kollegen nur ungerne auf seine teils unorthodoxen Ermittlungsmethoden und Schlussfolgerungen einlassen, es kommt wieder einmal zu Kompetenzstreitigkeiten und Ärger mit seinem ungeliebten Vorgesetzten, dem selbstgefälligen Harper-Brown.
Währenddessen muss Nightingale eine zweite traurige Wahrheit verkraften: ihre Eltern sind bei einem Autounfall in Italien ums Leben gekommen. Völlig aus der Bahn geworfen, nimmt sie sich eine Auszeit und beschließt, in das abgelegene Landhaus zurückzukehren, in dem ihre Lieblingstante früher gewohnt hatte und das sie jetzt nach dem Tod der Eltern unerwartet geerbt hat.
Dieses Buch ist nach dem schwächeren zweiten Band der Fenwick-Reihe wieder eine Glanzleistung der britischen Autorin, ein Krimi vom Feinsten, den man kaum aus der Hand legen kann. Durch die Perspektivenwechsel zwischen Opfern, Ermittlern und dem Täter weiß der Leser immer etwas mehr als die handelnden Personen, so dass man eine Seite nach der anderen verschlingt, weil man unbedingt wissen möchte, wie es weitergeht. Der Titel „Crescendo“ passt hervorragend zum Verlauf der Handlung, die wie anschwellende Musik auf einen Spannungshöhepunkt zusteuert, der erst auf den allerletzten Seiten seine Auflösung findet.
Sehr gut gefallen haben mir auch die Exkurse in Nightingales Familiengeschichte, in der nichts das ist, was es zu sein schien (auch wenn die Ideen nicht wirklich neu waren).
Die Schilderungen der Gewalttaten und der Leichen am Fundort sind allerdings nichts für schwache Nerven.
Insgesamt tritt Elizabeth Corley hier wieder sehr erfolgreich in die Fußstapfen ihrer Namensvetterin Elizabeth George.
December 20, 2008
This is the first book I ever read by Elizabeth Corley and by page 10 I was already captivated completely. She writes spine-chilling! I loved it. It’s exciting, fast-paced and doesn’t bore you at all.
The combination of a sadistic, evil killer with great detectives and intriguing plots, a hint of love… it’s all there! It’s the second book by this author and I’m sure gonna try and read the other ones she has written too. It’s a novel filled with suspense and darkness with psychological twists.
I don’t want to tell you about the plot, ’cause it would be a shame to reveal details you just have to find out for yourselves. If you’re into thrillers with serial killers, this is the book to read!
The combination of a sadistic, evil killer with great detectives and intriguing plots, a hint of love… it’s all there! It’s the second book by this author and I’m sure gonna try and read the other ones she has written too. It’s a novel filled with suspense and darkness with psychological twists.
I don’t want to tell you about the plot, ’cause it would be a shame to reveal details you just have to find out for yourselves. If you’re into thrillers with serial killers, this is the book to read!
January 31, 2015
It took me quite a while to finish reading this one.
It was difficult to understand who was narrating at the time. It kept switching back and forth between character voices, which made it confusing.
I didn't think her family history was necessary to include - it was too hard to follow anyways.
I found some parts funny, though they probably weren't meant to be.
Page 333 - 'Her eyes, lips, her dark hair so shiny it looked wet' - Did you mean oily?
The end scene was brutal and I loved it, though it was a tad unrealistic. Especially this -
'A dressing fell from his face and blood spurted from his cheek.' All I can imagine in my mind right now is his cheek overflowing with blood like a hose - which is pretty funny.
It was difficult to understand who was narrating at the time. It kept switching back and forth between character voices, which made it confusing.
I didn't think her family history was necessary to include - it was too hard to follow anyways.
I found some parts funny, though they probably weren't meant to be.
Page 333 - 'Her eyes, lips, her dark hair so shiny it looked wet' - Did you mean oily?
The end scene was brutal and I loved it, though it was a tad unrealistic. Especially this -
'A dressing fell from his face and blood spurted from his cheek.' All I can imagine in my mind right now is his cheek overflowing with blood like a hose - which is pretty funny.
September 29, 2014
EINFACH GROßARTIG!!!
ich bin so froh, dass ich in der bibliothek auf dieses buch gestoßen bin. 'nichts für schwache nerven' kommentierte das magazin 'freundin' - das hat mich natürlich sofort angesprochen und es stimmt - der thriller nimmt einen ganz schön mit und lässt einen in sehr düstere abgründe der menschlichen seele schauen. zwischendurch habe ich richtig gemerkt, wie ich einmal tief durchatmen musste, bevor ich weitergelesen habe. das buch hält die spannung auf jeder einzelnen seite aufrecht und beinhaltet sehr interessant konstruierte charaktere.
top und ein muss für alle thriller-fans!
ich bin so froh, dass ich in der bibliothek auf dieses buch gestoßen bin. 'nichts für schwache nerven' kommentierte das magazin 'freundin' - das hat mich natürlich sofort angesprochen und es stimmt - der thriller nimmt einen ganz schön mit und lässt einen in sehr düstere abgründe der menschlichen seele schauen. zwischendurch habe ich richtig gemerkt, wie ich einmal tief durchatmen musste, bevor ich weitergelesen habe. das buch hält die spannung auf jeder einzelnen seite aufrecht und beinhaltet sehr interessant konstruierte charaktere.
top und ein muss für alle thriller-fans!
June 20, 2015
Great novel by Elzabeth Corley.
Louise and Andrew are searching for an especially vicious and vindictive serial killer.
The killer's accomplice is caught in a sting operation where Loiuse goes undercover as bait. She successfully testifies against him in court and he is sent to prison. The killer sets out to track her down and killer her for revenge, whilst at the same time, commits several atrocious rapes and murders to throw doubt on the conviction of his friend.
Louise also deals with the discovery of family secrets that cause her to wonder just who she really is.
Louise and Andrew are searching for an especially vicious and vindictive serial killer.
The killer's accomplice is caught in a sting operation where Loiuse goes undercover as bait. She successfully testifies against him in court and he is sent to prison. The killer sets out to track her down and killer her for revenge, whilst at the same time, commits several atrocious rapes and murders to throw doubt on the conviction of his friend.
Louise also deals with the discovery of family secrets that cause her to wonder just who she really is.
February 2, 2008
It seems from lack of reviews that this author is not that well known. Well they should be as this is one of the most exciting crime novels I have read for some time.
Almost 700 pages in paperback I was gripped from the first page and could hardly put down. The leading characters are well drawn and it is easy to care about them. The murderer is vile and yet it is easy to see how he manages to charm his victims as he can assume a mask of normality.
Almost 700 pages in paperback I was gripped from the first page and could hardly put down. The leading characters are well drawn and it is easy to care about them. The murderer is vile and yet it is easy to see how he manages to charm his victims as he can assume a mask of normality.
May 15, 2015
I finished this book last week & I'm still thinking about it. The serial killer was one of the creepiest, nastiest characters I've read of for quite a while & for a good portion of the book he's getting away with it & Andrew Fenwick is the only police officer who can see a connection. I figured out the twist about Nightingale's family fairly easily, but all in another top book from Elizabeth Corley, I'm so glad I found this author.
August 24, 2014
I had a hard time getting into the first 1/3 of this book. I kept pushing myself to get through and finally the pace picked up and I read through the last 2/3rds quickly. Not sure I would read another one by her, but not ruling it out either. The killer annoyed me quite a bit but other than that, not a bad read.
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