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Detective Alec Ramsay #3
Criminally Insane
Conrad Jones, nominated for a 'Gold Dagger' award 2014
An intense suspense thriller that draws the reader into the dark underworld alongside the police who attempt to do battle with it.
The discovery of a brutally murdered young woman in an abandoned factory unit draws Detective Alec Ramsay and his Major Investigation team into a complex web of crime in Liverpool’s underworld in this gripping thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Conrad Jones.
An intense suspense thriller that draws the reader into the dark underworld alongside the police who attempt to do battle with it.
The discovery of a brutally murdered young woman in an abandoned factory unit draws Detective Alec Ramsay and his Major Investigation team into a complex web of crime in Liverpool’s underworld in this gripping thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Conrad Jones.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
248 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
125 books396 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 29, 2012
DS Alec Ramsay and the Major Investigation team are based in Liverpool. It’s a city I’ve only visited once but Conrad Jones’ adept writing skills and attention to detail mean I can just imagine what it might be like in its murkier depths.
In Criminally Insane, we are introduced to quite an assortment of seedy characters living a life of crime.
Frequently in crime thrillers the central character is the detective or the investigation team. However, I found the characters who most stood out for me in this story were actually Gecko and Patrick - as with all of Jones’ books, it’s very difficult to go into too much of a synopsis without giving away pertinent details, so I can’t really explain further.
I enjoy Jones’ writing style, particularly the way he rounds out characters by cleverly weaving in details of their past.
I find his books are easy to read and you can fly through the short chapters as the story develops into an enthralling tale.
My main complaint is I get through his riveting thrillers too quickly!
If you haven't read any of his books yet, and enjoy great crime thriller writing, I would definitely suggest giving them a try.
In Criminally Insane, we are introduced to quite an assortment of seedy characters living a life of crime.
Frequently in crime thrillers the central character is the detective or the investigation team. However, I found the characters who most stood out for me in this story were actually Gecko and Patrick - as with all of Jones’ books, it’s very difficult to go into too much of a synopsis without giving away pertinent details, so I can’t really explain further.
I enjoy Jones’ writing style, particularly the way he rounds out characters by cleverly weaving in details of their past.
I find his books are easy to read and you can fly through the short chapters as the story develops into an enthralling tale.
My main complaint is I get through his riveting thrillers too quickly!
If you haven't read any of his books yet, and enjoy great crime thriller writing, I would definitely suggest giving them a try.
February 14, 2016
This is the sequel to The Child Taker and also the 3rd book in the Alec Ramsay series. It builds on the Drugs war in London. One of my slight gripes in The Child Taker was that there wasnt a lot of depth to the characters. This book makes up for that as I found myself getting to know Alec and his teapm.
As was the case with The Child Taker and Slow Burn there is a lot going on in this book and there are different people trying to take out the drug lords each with different reasons for doing so. Again very graphic descriptions of the injuries so the reader is really living the horror and pain. Jinx and Nate /Gecko figure a lot in this book and I am sure we will see them appearing in future books.
Its not all happy endings which adds to the realism definitely worth the 5 stars I will be reading the other books in the Alec Ramsay series and also the Soft Target books as I love Tank.
As was the case with The Child Taker and Slow Burn there is a lot going on in this book and there are different people trying to take out the drug lords each with different reasons for doing so. Again very graphic descriptions of the injuries so the reader is really living the horror and pain. Jinx and Nate /Gecko figure a lot in this book and I am sure we will see them appearing in future books.
Its not all happy endings which adds to the realism definitely worth the 5 stars I will be reading the other books in the Alec Ramsay series and also the Soft Target books as I love Tank.
November 24, 2019
Having read several other books by the excellent Conrad Jones I knew what to expect, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is another action packed, unnerving, very violent thriller set in Liverpool’s murky underworld. For anyone who has also read the Child Taker, well he’s back in this book and so is Tank!
The action is absolutely none stop and almost left me breathless. As the book goes on the blood and guts and gore pile up so this is most definitely not a book for the squeamish! There are several plot lines which all come together very cleverly, and towards the end there was a surprise/shock I definitely never saw coming.
I loved The Child Taker and Slow Burn but this one is the best yet and I can’t wait to read book 4 in the series!
The action is absolutely none stop and almost left me breathless. As the book goes on the blood and guts and gore pile up so this is most definitely not a book for the squeamish! There are several plot lines which all come together very cleverly, and towards the end there was a surprise/shock I definitely never saw coming.
I loved The Child Taker and Slow Burn but this one is the best yet and I can’t wait to read book 4 in the series!
January 23, 2022
A compulsive read!
If the lurid descriptions of violence and torture hadn't been so graphic I would have awarded this story a full five stars. That said, this was a first rate thriller that had me hooked from the first chapter. Just who were the good guys and who were the bad? Of course, some were pure evil and got their just desserts. Other characters were bad but their actions were understandable. My moral compass was all over the place as I progressed through the story. Even the evil psycho at the heart of the book had a tragic history. The evil that men do, most certainly, lives after them. Well recommended!
If the lurid descriptions of violence and torture hadn't been so graphic I would have awarded this story a full five stars. That said, this was a first rate thriller that had me hooked from the first chapter. Just who were the good guys and who were the bad? Of course, some were pure evil and got their just desserts. Other characters were bad but their actions were understandable. My moral compass was all over the place as I progressed through the story. Even the evil psycho at the heart of the book had a tragic history. The evil that men do, most certainly, lives after them. Well recommended!
August 8, 2016
Another great book from Conrad Jones.
Fast paced, twists and turns to keep you guessing, chapters told from different perspectives (the good guys and the bad guys)
Lots of unlikeable characters and some written so well you want them to end up ok (and alive) despite them being a bad guy.
Not for the faint hearted though, some graphic details of injuries and pain, be warned!
Onto the next instalment.
Fast paced, twists and turns to keep you guessing, chapters told from different perspectives (the good guys and the bad guys)
Lots of unlikeable characters and some written so well you want them to end up ok (and alive) despite them being a bad guy.
Not for the faint hearted though, some graphic details of injuries and pain, be warned!
Onto the next instalment.
July 4, 2016
Brutal
Easily the best book I've read. If you're a fan of graphic violence and abuse (I mean that in the best possible way) in your books then look no further. This pulls no punches and is all the better for it.
Utterly fantastic!!!
Easily the best book I've read. If you're a fan of graphic violence and abuse (I mean that in the best possible way) in your books then look no further. This pulls no punches and is all the better for it.
Utterly fantastic!!!
August 23, 2015
The third in the series and what a book. A great storyline that had me hooked all the way through. Bit gory in parts but a brilliant read.
April 14, 2019
Criminally Insane (Detective Alec Ramsay Series Book 3)
Conrad Jones
375 pages
Description:
Detective Alec Ramsay Crime Mystery Suspense Series
An intense suspense thriller that draws the reader into the dark mind of a serial killer. The discovery of a brutally murdered young woman in an abandoned factory unit draws Detective Alec Ramsay and his Major Investigation team into a complex web of crime in Liverpool’s underworld in this gripping thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Conrad Jones.
📚📔📘📙My Review : 📚✅📕📗📙
Masterful writing with intriguing situations and captivating characters.
The plot is excellent and keeps the reader involved throughout the book. Like the other 2 books in this series it is very graphic and there is alot of violence told in graphic detail. Conrad Jones is an amazing author that is just as good as Lee Child and Peter James. Just be warned he is not for the faint of heart .All of the characters are well developed,
I was glued to the pages turning as fast as I could. I love books like this. The more gore the better. Conrad has made me a huge fan and I'm looking foward to reading all of his books. Whenever i open one it is hard for me to put it down to get anything else done.
If you haven't read any of his books yet, and enjoy gorey graffic scenes in great crime thrillers, I would definitely suggest giving them a try.
This series is well worth your time and money. It's packed with suspense and action.I'm already reading the next book in this series and loving it .
If you would like to read this intriguing read you can read it for free on kindle unlimited. Not sure how much longer it will be on there. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
Conrad Jones
375 pages
Description:
Detective Alec Ramsay Crime Mystery Suspense Series
An intense suspense thriller that draws the reader into the dark mind of a serial killer. The discovery of a brutally murdered young woman in an abandoned factory unit draws Detective Alec Ramsay and his Major Investigation team into a complex web of crime in Liverpool’s underworld in this gripping thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Conrad Jones.
📚📔📘📙My Review : 📚✅📕📗📙
Masterful writing with intriguing situations and captivating characters.
The plot is excellent and keeps the reader involved throughout the book. Like the other 2 books in this series it is very graphic and there is alot of violence told in graphic detail. Conrad Jones is an amazing author that is just as good as Lee Child and Peter James. Just be warned he is not for the faint of heart .All of the characters are well developed,
I was glued to the pages turning as fast as I could. I love books like this. The more gore the better. Conrad has made me a huge fan and I'm looking foward to reading all of his books. Whenever i open one it is hard for me to put it down to get anything else done.
If you haven't read any of his books yet, and enjoy gorey graffic scenes in great crime thrillers, I would definitely suggest giving them a try.
This series is well worth your time and money. It's packed with suspense and action.I'm already reading the next book in this series and loving it .
If you would like to read this intriguing read you can read it for free on kindle unlimited. Not sure how much longer it will be on there. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
August 8, 2017
If I tell you how much I love the innovative and horrific violence Conrad Jones dreams up, are you going to judge me? Well, apologies, but I'm thrilled that Mr Jones put his extensive talents to writing and didn't decide to become a serial killer, because he's got some outrageous ideas! Needless to say, I haven't been reading the series in any kind of order, but that doesn't detract from its brilliance. I know, if I pick up a book by Conrad Jones, I'm going to get a brilliant and fast paced action story, filled with repulsive baddies and plenty of gore and guts. He gets the balance right every single time. Criminally Insane had so many different threads, and, with his usual aplomb, Mr Jones weaved them together to a fabulous and satisfying climax. I don't know how he does it, but please don't stop. Another thoroughly deserved 5 stars from me.
July 30, 2017
After the police find a dead woman with mutilated injuries they believe there's a psychopath at large and they need to find him...fast.
A gang of criminals get robbed at gunpoint while playing a high staked game of poker, each believe one of the others is responsible and set out to get to the bottom of it.
Meanwhile Nate Bradley also known as the Gecko is on a mission to find out who supplied his wife and son with drugs which killed them and destroy them one by one.
There's an awful lot going on in this book and as you read on they all connect in one way or another. I really enjoyed this thriller but be warned, it's not for the faint hearted.
A full five stars from me
A gang of criminals get robbed at gunpoint while playing a high staked game of poker, each believe one of the others is responsible and set out to get to the bottom of it.
Meanwhile Nate Bradley also known as the Gecko is on a mission to find out who supplied his wife and son with drugs which killed them and destroy them one by one.
There's an awful lot going on in this book and as you read on they all connect in one way or another. I really enjoyed this thriller but be warned, it's not for the faint hearted.
A full five stars from me
February 11, 2024
Most definitely not for the faint hearted, this Liverpool set thriller has innumerable deaths - nearly all of them extremely brutal, including torture and dismemberment. Mixing a bereaved vigilante systematically seeking revenge, Turkish drug smugglers, and nearly all the City’s organised crime bosses, the Major Investigation Team of Merseyside Police also unwittingly stumble upon The Child Taker from the first book in the Alex Ramsey series. Gripping throughout, but be warned the violence is extreme and frequent to the point where an accurate film adaptation would potentially struggle even to get an 18 certificate.
January 8, 2022
The best one yet!
This book was an insane ride. It was fast paced, descriptive and full of blood and guts. Twists and turns galore, and emotions abound. We learn a.little bit more of what makes Alex tick ,which had been lacking. Its going to be interesting to see now he deals with the deception and loss in his life. Will he turn to the other side of the law, or will he be even more committed to law and order? Or, will he simply walk away? I giess.if you're going to find out, you're going to have to read the books, just like I am!
This book was an insane ride. It was fast paced, descriptive and full of blood and guts. Twists and turns galore, and emotions abound. We learn a.little bit more of what makes Alex tick ,which had been lacking. Its going to be interesting to see now he deals with the deception and loss in his life. Will he turn to the other side of the law, or will he be even more committed to law and order? Or, will he simply walk away? I giess.if you're going to find out, you're going to have to read the books, just like I am!
May 21, 2017
I read the set and really wanted to enjoy it, but it was very difficult for me to stay engaged and follow each of the characters. The language difference might have contributed, but I've ready many books written by European authors without this much difficulty. The in-depth details of the death scenes was seriously over the top and unnecessary. I'd give the first book a 3-1/2 star, the second book a 3 star and the third book a 2 star. Glad I'm done reading it.
March 27, 2020
Absolutely brilliant!
Wow! Yet another fantastic novel by Conrad Jones. This is a brilliant follow up to the first two books in the series and you really need to read these first to fully appreciate it. It is definitely not for the squeamish but if you enjoy a well written thriller where the tension builds from beginning to end and there is action on every page then you will LOVE this!
Wow! Yet another fantastic novel by Conrad Jones. This is a brilliant follow up to the first two books in the series and you really need to read these first to fully appreciate it. It is definitely not for the squeamish but if you enjoy a well written thriller where the tension builds from beginning to end and there is action on every page then you will LOVE this!
January 13, 2023
WARNING! Not for the squeamish.
Wow that was certainty extremely violent thank goodness it's only fiction! An interesting story featuring possibly the most depraved and violent criminals you would have the misfortune to meet. Alex and his team were up against it with the gruesome discovery of a tortured young woman in a disused warehouse. No spoilers from me; if you're not easily shocked well worth reading. BP Sheffield x
Wow that was certainty extremely violent thank goodness it's only fiction! An interesting story featuring possibly the most depraved and violent criminals you would have the misfortune to meet. Alex and his team were up against it with the gruesome discovery of a tortured young woman in a disused warehouse. No spoilers from me; if you're not easily shocked well worth reading. BP Sheffield x
December 14, 2017
CONRAD JONES
Criminally Insane
This is book 3 in this series.
Not for the faint hearted but a great read. The war on drugs is forever getting harder, but more so now the Turks are involved .this book is a fast action thriller that you will really enjoy.
5* 14 December 2017
Criminally Insane
This is book 3 in this series.
Not for the faint hearted but a great read. The war on drugs is forever getting harder, but more so now the Turks are involved .this book is a fast action thriller that you will really enjoy.
5* 14 December 2017
February 21, 2018
Really a good story and thrilling from start to finish
Great story and great characters and very graphic terror and torture. I have read several of the books in this series and have enjoyed all of them. I will continue my efforts to read more of these books.
Great story and great characters and very graphic terror and torture. I have read several of the books in this series and have enjoyed all of them. I will continue my efforts to read more of these books.
March 5, 2018
A brilliant book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, as you follow Detective Alec Ramsey and his team, as they hunt down a serial killer who really enjoys his work, and doesn't mind if its man, woman or child.
March 30, 2018
An excellent thriller
This book was well written and very graphic at times. It did not read like fiction. I felt that I was reading a police report. Although there is a lot of violence in the book because it is so well-written it is believable.
This book was well written and very graphic at times. It did not read like fiction. I felt that I was reading a police report. Although there is a lot of violence in the book because it is so well-written it is believable.
Read
April 10, 2021Well written
I really enjoyed this book. It showed the cold, realistic side of drug dealing and human trafficking. Not for those with a weak stomach! There is a lot of very graphic violence, but I all reality, it shows the genuine danger of getting involved in hard drug use.
I really enjoyed this book. It showed the cold, realistic side of drug dealing and human trafficking. Not for those with a weak stomach! There is a lot of very graphic violence, but I all reality, it shows the genuine danger of getting involved in hard drug use.
June 10, 2022
The Criminally Insane & starring Alec Ramsey
I an so glad I have never gotten in with the kind of people who deal in tgose drugs and that life Life is too short anyway! Get rid of both side and then wrap the murder weapon in a bag and throw it in after What a Story!! Jack fire
I an so glad I have never gotten in with the kind of people who deal in tgose drugs and that life Life is too short anyway! Get rid of both side and then wrap the murder weapon in a bag and throw it in after What a Story!! Jack fire
November 21, 2022
Riveting
This author has got it going on! This book was full of action, Suspense, and some surprising characters that we've already met. You enjoy the underworld Definitely Read this one
This author has got it going on! This book was full of action, Suspense, and some surprising characters that we've already met. You enjoy the underworld Definitely Read this one
August 16, 2024
Great read
Alex Ramsey and his team are dealt a devastating blow with the loss of two of their best detectives and Alex's wife but they got justice as the dealer's were dealt with by another source. Can't wait to see how Alex copes with his next case.
Alex Ramsey and his team are dealt a devastating blow with the loss of two of their best detectives and Alex's wife but they got justice as the dealer's were dealt with by another source. Can't wait to see how Alex copes with his next case.
June 1, 2025
loved this book set in my home city, characters were great too. liked the idea of the Jack howarth character and this was the second book of comrads with jack in 'the Child taker' definitely worth a read 💯💯
May 12, 2017
Gripping read!
Great book, lots of twists and turns but quite disturbing in parts too.. first book for me by this author but would definitely read more now.
Great book, lots of twists and turns but quite disturbing in parts too.. first book for me by this author but would definitely read more now.
April 5, 2018
What a great book!!!
This book had me enthralled from the beginning.. I could not put this book down. This book is intense and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!!!
This book had me enthralled from the beginning.. I could not put this book down. This book is intense and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!!!
April 27, 2018
A real page turner but warning extremely violent. Not for the faint-hearted
October 19, 2018
Gripping
This is a very well thought out book with all the twists and turns that you really don't see coming. I'm really enjoying this series.....on to the next
This is a very well thought out book with all the twists and turns that you really don't see coming. I'm really enjoying this series.....on to the next
August 31, 2021
Page Turner
Loved this book very hard to put down.Absolutely love this author every one of his books so far have been excellent
Loved this book very hard to put down.Absolutely love this author every one of his books so far have been excellent
December 22, 2022
Another page turner
Enjoyed it though and though. Lots of characters to keep up with but it all comes together at the end. Waiting to read the next one. Sure it will be just as good
Enjoyed it though and though. Lots of characters to keep up with but it all comes together at the end. Waiting to read the next one. Sure it will be just as good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews