A seaside town on its knees. A group hell bent on making it a better place, by KILLING. Can DCI Walker stop whoever it is before things get completely out of hand?
When the Head Clown at Blackpool Tower Circus turns up dead in suspicious circumstances, a criminal investigation ensues, headed by DCI Walker. But when another body turns up just days later, with the same modus operandi, the double homicide becomes the talk of the town. The murderer, calling himself The Defender, wants people to be kinder to each other, and he’s prepared to kill to make it happen.
Sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind.
What starts as a cat and mouse chase soon transforms into a stampede—the Kindness Matters Movement emerges via an online forum, and things start to get complicated. It comes to a head on Bonfire Night, when a small army of copycats and followers do the bidding of their Defender, leading to a night of death and destruction. With the town on red alert, the so-called mastermind of these acts surprises everyone again; only this time, no-one is complaining, except for Walker and his team, that is.
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Fans of Ian Rankin, JD Kirk, Matt Brolly, Patricia Gibney, and LJ Ross will love this!
The Tower is the third book in the stunning debut police procedural crime thriller from JJ Richards (although it can be read as a stand-alone).
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jonathan Walker and Detective Constable (DC) Shelly Briggs are on special assignment with Blackpool Police, Blackpool, England. Superintendent Lucy Stone requested their assistance on a local case after the discovery of Anthony Singelmann at the base of Blackpool Tower. Tourists and locals initially believed it was part of the Tower Dungeon Act as the man was in his clown outfit. Police later verified that he was the lead clown at Tower Circus. This death, however, with a message spray painted on the deceased trousers, would lead to a much more complicated investigation in the days ahead.
This was a page-turning police procedural that began with the loss of one Blackpool resident and continued spiraling. The police investigation team was in constant motion with DCI Walker, ensuring that every web thread was followed, from crime scenes to direct inquiries to forensic evidence to social media posts. It was gripping reading, and with each lead, I constantly changed my course of the perpetrator or if multiple perpetrators committed the crimes. The author's skill in weaving the plot added to the mystique of the writing and how the threads are pulled taunt by investigators. It is not to be missed!
The title of Book 1 immediately caught my attention. After reading the book and delving into the author's website, I was even more drawn to the series, especially the fact that each book would spotlight a well-known landmark in Lancashire. This unique focus adds a layer of familiarity and connection to the setting, making the novels even more engaging. The cover art by Tom Sanderson further enhances the presentation of the novels.
One of the most appealing aspects of the series is the character development. Each novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone but reading them in order reveals the subtle evolution of the DCI Walker and DC Briggs partnership. Their growth as they tackle various investigations adds depth to the story and keeps the readers engaged. What's more, this development is not rehashed in multiple opening chapters, ensuring that the characters are always moving forward in their lives.
The next featured landmark will be the Windmill at Lytham St. Annes in "The Dunes" (Book 4).
Thank you to J.J. Richards for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
I don't have a lot of thoughts about this book, to be honest. It was OK, but nothing stood out in any particular way to a seasoned police procedural listener like me. It was neither bad, nor great. It was adequate, let's put it that way.
Walker is still as interesting as a walking wall of drying, beige paint, but... Ah, well... He's OK. Briggs was my favourite in the previous two books, but I felt like she had been reduced to a minor character in this one - and that is part of why the book lost my attention a bit.
I suspect I won't return to this series unless I completely run out of other options.
I bought book 1 on Kindle as it was set near where I live. Didn't read book 2. The Tower was offered as a free download, thank you very much, on condition I reviewed it.
I read it for the local interest of Blackpool, and kept googling places and facts that cropped up. (I never knew a certain singer was born in Blackpool!) Some interesting characters (person of small stature, and a gay prisoner) and plot development, if somewhat far-fetched and rather disturbing.
Grammarly was mentioned in the story, and I suspect the author now uses it, because the spelling and punctuation were much improved from the first book. The Americanism "disorienting" instead of "disorientating" sneaked in, though. I was irritated by "he was sat/stood" instead of "was sitting/standing", and all the instances of "gonna, wanna, gotta, fella", even in the narrative once or twice. The story seemed very padded because of saying one thing, then immediately expressing it slightly differently twice more in the same sentence or paragraph. DC Briggs seems quite a drip, constantly asking Walker "what are you thinking?" etc. I hope the DCs in my local nick (Skelmersdale) have a bit more go about them.
The worst crime was TWO spoilers for book 2, so there's no point me reading that now. (OK - if I get a free Kindle Unlimited offer, I might read the rest...)
WOW I really enjoyed The Tower a DCI Walker book 3 by J. J. Richards. This was my first book by J. J. Richards I have read it as a standalone debut exciting Lancashire Detective Mystery Crime Thriller. I have also purchased book 1 The Icehouse and book 2 The Pike.
Blackpool is about to become notorious not only because of it's famous tower. The Head Clown at Blackpool Circus has ended up dead beneath it and the words 'Be Kined' painted in red paint beside him. DC Briggs informs them that kine means a herd of cows which was entirely out of context in which it was intended. DCI Walker deduces the correct word should be 'kind.' and the culprit was not good at spelling.
DCI Walker and his team have to investigate as to whether this was suicide or murder. The perpetrator makes himself known as 'The Defender.' His tenet is for people to be kinder to each other or be prepared to accept their fate at his hands.
The perpetrator has gleaned a following and has named it KMM which means Kindness Matter Movement and DCI Walker and his team have to assess whether some of the killings are copy cat or not and bring the real perpetrator to justice.
I found parts of this book reminded me of the following movies:- Fight Club, The Purge and The Crow.
I reside in Skelmersdale and loved the references to both Preston, Skelmersdale both Lancashire towns.
This is the third book in this series, and I must say that they are getting better. The characters are now starting to take shape and work their way into the imagination of the reader. This story was complex and extremely intense. The author took us down so many passages and different scenarios that it was initially hard to keep up, and a few times I found myself having to turn back a few pages to remind myself of where it was leading me. I believe that this author has an extremely deep and profound imagination, and his plots never fail to keep me interested no matter how challenging the book is. This story was focused on a message that is both positive and compelling – the mantra to “be kind to others” was forced on us constantly, sometimes with quite scary consequences. There is rather a lot of killing taking place and DCI Walker is put under a great deal of pressure to solve this case. By the end we get the feeling that he has done his very best, but he still has niggling doubts which won’t go away. Just maybe it’s too complicated? The epilogue is intriguing and most definitely leads us into the next book at a fast pace. I look forward to finding out if Walker will be just as successful at solving this one.
I've read all three in the series so far and I always look forward to the next installment. The Tower is no different; I'm already looking forward to The Dunes. Although a series, you technically could read them piecemeal, however, starting from book one allows the reader to build a relationship with the main, recurring characters.
I would categorize this series as more than cozy, but not horror or scary. There's definitely some edge to the crime(s) and there are always some good twists and surprises. My favorite comes pretty late in the story in this book...gotcha type!
Each book begins with a pretty startling crime and then our main team of DCI Walker and DC Briggs and team are called to the case. The same happens here except they travel out of their regular jurisdiction to Blackpool. The story felt like it has a little bit of art imitating life during this present time in the world and focuses on an online, anonymous group that supposedly wants people to be more kind. However, the way they go about it is anything but kind with all sorts of assault, beating and even murder.
J.J. Richards is in top form with his newest DCI Walker story. I didn't want to put this book down. It is captivating and charged with energy, and will keep the reader guessing to the last page.
DCI Walker and his team are called in to work an interesting case. A clown is found dead near the Blackpool Tower Circus. At first glance, it is thought to be suicide, but there is a curious message spray painted beside the body. It’s not long before another body is added to the mix, and someone identifying himself as The Defender is broadcasting far and wide that he has an agenda: Kindness matter. Walker finds himself thrust into a murder investigation with violent undertones. It doesn’t take long for the Kindness Matters movement to take on a life of its own. And that life soon turns menacing.
I find myself rooting for Walker, who’s dealing with his own health situation, consumed with his sister’s murder decades earlier, and the recent ending of his own marriage. He’s a man determined to dig up the truth.
Book 3, all have been pretty good, not great, worth the time. What I am growing ever so tired of, especially in the British Crime books are the female Chief Constables. These women are often portrayed as tall, 6-1 even, they are always quick to over-react, cast aspersion on the men in the field, especially the DCI in charge of the investigation taking place in the book. It is getting tiresome. I don't know how true it is, but I have heard that authors, if they want their books to get published, have to have X amount of "strong female" characters, a certain number of homosexual characters, enlightened and flawless characters of color, etc etc. If this is true, I think the writers are fighting back a little; they make the females shrill, and a bit incompetent, the homosexual characters always get killed first, and no one thinks anyone, white or black, or purple is flawless. Hmmm, maybe that's what I appreciate about Crime noire of the 30's thru the 60's.
This latest outing of the Lancashire Detective is set in Blackpool after the death of a clown at Blackpool Tower. It's up to DCI Walker and Dc Briggs to find and stop the killer. Another well written story from JJ Richards featuring his Lancashire Detective who has been sent to Blackpool due to his reputation for solving mysteries. The dynamic between the DCI and his DC is tangible. You can feel the weariness of Walker after his many decades of police service and ill health and the brightness of Briggs lifting him or holding him back when needed. We all need someone like that who we only need to look at to understand us. I enjoyed this book immensely even though the bodies start piling up. I would recommend it to people who enjoy police procedurals. With thanks to the author.
Definitely of an interest to me because everything takes place in and around my home country of Lancashire. It seems to have it's fair share of murders. An interesting British thriller/crime series. Can be read as a standalone, but this is book 3 in a well written series, interesting characters and developing plots. Good for those who know the town and the iconic Blackpool Tower, with no doubt things you may not have known about them. The Tower used to have an aquarium, a zoo and a circus with lions, elephants and other animals...no doubt it keeps a few secrets within its walls.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blackpool. While a depressed Anthony Singelmann, a clown, is pushed to his death he is told to be kinder. Online forums indicate there may be a vigilante in the town. DCI Jonathan Walker and DC Briggs are brought in to investigate. Then another death is linked to kindness and a new movement is born, ready to conflict retribution during Bonfire Night. But who started this and why. An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its interesting and likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series. I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kindness should be a good thing. But not necessarily in Blackpool, where it's become the poster word covering vigilante behaviour.
When more than one body is found with the words "Be Kind"beside them, DCI Walker and the team really have their work cut out - why are these people dead? Is this the work of one person? Or has the Be Kind banner spawned copycats?
Complicated and compelling, this is the best so far in an excellent series. The Tower will genuinely keep you guessing until the very last page. Brilliant, just brilliant.
The Tower by J.J. Richards is the third book in the DCI Jonathan Walker series. However, it works very well as a standalone book. No additional information was required to appreciate the main characters or the story, which was very well told and engaging.
The characters were interesting, the crimes and the circumstances in which they occurred were unique. The twists near the end of the book brought in an unexpected element. The plot moved at a very good pace, keeping the reader involved and eager to learn what would happen.
This is a good book for anyone looking for a British crime novel.
I was given an advanced copy for a fair and honest review. I have read the first two DCI books, and this book is a great continuation of the series. This is the story of a serial killer who has the complete sympathy and support of the public. Finding the killer is a real test of DCI Walker and his team's skill as puzzle solver. I suggest you do some stretching and loosing up exercises before reading this book. The plot twists and turns will spin you around. I strongly recommend this book to all police procedural fans. I give it a solid 9 out of 10 stars.
What a story. So much intrigue and such going on. I really enjoy this series. I like Walker's character so much. I think with this one though, it was kind of.....all over the place. It's a great book, don't get me wrong. There was just a lot to pack in. Especially the ending. I had a feeling it was going to kind of turn out the way it did. At least people wise. Not the reasoning, per se. Just a lot to take in. Overall, though, a great story. And I'm curious to see how the next one is going to go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well written crime thriller that had me drawn into the story and did not want to put it down til the end. Set in Blackpool, England, with the central character, DCI Walker, facing his own ghosts, but concentrating on the case at hand with his team of detectives. He goes through a few murders associated with the villian, but eventually gets his man, who is set on everyone being kind!
I thoroughly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more about DCI Walker in other books by this author.
I received an ARC copy and I voluntarily leave a review.
Somehow I managed to miss book 2 in this series, however that did not detract from this one. What was a bit disconcerting, was the fact that I was reading this during the time that we had outbreaks of race riots in the UK, That being said, the story, set in Blackpool, will resonate with many readers who have visited there and been up the tower and you can easily imagine some of the scenes. It is a good page turner with plenty going on to keep the reader guessing.
I've read all the books in this series, this being book 3. It can be read as a standalone. I was captured from beginning to end in this well written gripping storyline and plot with strong characters. There are revelations and many a twist and turn leading to that final twisted conclusion. I very much look forward to reading book 4. This is a book I would definitely recommend. My thanks to the author.
Definitely a page turner. After two deaths with Be Kind spray painted next to them and a Be Kind movement telling people to help people be kind anyway you can, Blackpool is on the rampage and DCI Johnathan Walker and DC Shelly Briggs are trying their best to stop the murders. Loved the characters especially Walker. This keeps you guessing till the end. Thanks to the author for the ARC and I give my honest review.
Simulacrum Press Publishers audiobook December 4, 2024
The book’s strengths are its likable characters and original plots. In both books 2 and 3 in the series, Richards’ plots are complex and unexpected. In this book, book 3 in the series, I’m not sure Richards did the best possible job explaining the confusion between the two men, but that may have been because my attention wandered listening to the audiobook?
Third in the series, DCI Walker works through the mysteries involved in a new 'be kind' movement that starts off a series of self-justified murders. something I don't understand and what is reflected about the British criminal justice system is how somebody doing their job and doing a good job can be continuously held responsible for things far beyond their control. Is there always a need for a superior person to take out their own feelings of inadequacy on those underneath them?
This is an excellent book! There is a lot going on. The characters are entertaining as well as some being odd. The story begins straight away. No lead up to the event. There are a lot of events. The author knows how to write and has no trouble keeping the reader interested and entertained. Definitely a great entertaining read.
This one will keep you turning the pages late into the night. A very imaginative story line with well developed characters. Plenty of suspense and plot twists to keep you guessing. Well worth reading. I received this book by email Book Funnel in exchange for a review, which I am happy to have given without being influenced by the gift.
I really enjoyed this book. DI Walker is quickly becoming one of my favourite detectives, and I look forward to a new book featuring him being released. This book had a number of twists and turns, and was a real page turner. Would thoroughly recommend this book, and series, and am looking forward to the next book
The third in the series of Lancashire Detective Chief Inspector Walker and set this time in the heart of Blackpool. The story is well written with a storyline that grips one right to the very end. Highly recommend.
A n excellent crime thriller with a well written storyline and outstanding realistic characters. A complicated police procedural with plenty of action, lots of suspense, and some twists/turns. keeps the reader guessing to the very end. A page turning read that I highly recommend.
DCI Walker and DC Briggs are back solving crimes., this time in Blackpool. This is an entertaining story that keeps you guessing. A nice addition to this great series. I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Interesting case for DCI Walker. The author gave the reader an interesting storyline. I liked the uniqueness of the characters. It was an easy story to get immersed in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have just finished reading The Tower. Once again it was a brilliant book by J.J. Richards. Being from Blackpool the book was even more entertaining as I recognised all the areas. I cant wait to read more books by this author.