An Ill Wind

Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire Crime Thriller #6

by A.L. Fraine

A sadistic killer, vigilante justice, and a disturbing calling card… When a young woman is found tortured and murdered, Detective Rob Loxley attends the scene and finds an unusual calling card beside the innocent victim. A Poppet. This small handmade doll is out of place in the scene but suggests certain things about the killer. Naturally, the press latch onto this detail and sensationalise it. Digging deeper, Rob and his team discover a history of abuse and a miscarriage of justice in the victim's past. But when her abuser becomes a victim himself, things suddenly get complicated. Meanwhile, against this grim backdrop, Scarlett prepares for her big day while Loxley deals with the recent revelations concerning his neighbour and the latest meddling by his family. Rob must navigate a murky world of serial murder and vigilante justice as he hunts for the Poppet Killer before he strikes again and more innocent blood is spilt. AN ILL WIND is a gripping and compelling new British crime thriller, perfect for fans of TG Reid, Jack Gatland and Ian Rankin.

447 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire Crime Thriller Series, & what a cracker of a book it is. We are now at a point in the series where these cannot be read as standalones, Rob & the team have too much past to keep recounting, so start at the beginning.

Someone is targeting women & brutally murdering them; leaving behind a personalised wax poppet. A seemingly ordinary man goes on an axe rampage. The fallout from the red room in the previous book is having serious repercussions. One of the team is getting married & Rob’s love life is on the up. Oh, & his family are still lurking. All in a days work for our illustrious officers.

A brilliant read with some fascinating loose threads tugging you towards the next book. Rob is going to be pulled in all directions judging by how this one ends. Can’t wait.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another terrific read in a great series. Someone is murdering women and leaving behind a poppet. At the same time, Bill gets himself into a sticky situation, Erika has left and Scarlett is about to get married so there's a lot going on.

I really enjoyed this and it was good to see things improving on the romantic front for Rob. Needless to say though, his new girlfriend's journalistic instincts are aroused which leads to an interesting conclusion. A shocking situation late on at the station proves eye-opening and also bodes well for the next book. This was yet another riveting read and leaves me on tenterhooks for the next book.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series and I certainly would implore any reader to catch up with the other books as the give a solid insight into Loxley and his team along with his "family". There are times/stories, when reading one which is part of a series, that I personally call "a consolidation story". What I mean is that many loose threads from other books are drawn together in order that the author may proceed with the next one - and this is that one for me. It is a great story with plenty to keep the reader guessing and an even greater climax for those of us who have read the others. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book, I just totally devoured, this is book 6 in the series featuring Detective Rob Loxley and it's a cracker of a read! Great characters, fast paced and interesting plotting, which just sucks you right in. If you haven't read any of the previous books, you are really missing out and I can highly recommend the series. It has everything you need from a crime thriller and more and is up there with the best in the genre. My only complaint is I have finished it and now have to wait for book 7!

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was jam packed with suspense and excitement. I'm so pleased certain people got found out and I hope they get what's coming to them. It's great to see that Rob is having a personal life (finally) and that Scarlett is happy as well. As for the missing threads to this last case I can hardly wait to see where that goes and MOST OF ALL the cliffhanger, I'm thrilled that I had some of it figured out a couple of books ago and am excited for further developments there. I hope it won't be too long for the next book.....please!!

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

With his right-hand woman about to get married, Loxley sets about trying to solve the brutal murder of a young nursery teacher. She is violently killed by someone who leaves a poppet - a crude doll - by the victim. This is a well- plotted story, gripping and compelling, with an appearance from Loxley's old nemesis, Bill. Looking forward to more!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ill-Wind by A.L. Fraine is book 6 in the Detective Rob Loxley series. There is so much happening in this book, the action is constant. The pace of the story is spot-on. There are a few shocks along the way. I was kept on my toes and my interest never waned. The Mason’s are always present. They are Rob’s estranged criminal family. The effects of their last case are still being felt by many of the characters. The story, and the characters, draw you in and I found it hard to put the book down. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest in Rob Loxley's saga with his former family gets quite complicated, but mostly resolved by the end. Some serious relationships are challenged head-on, which make the ongoing story very interesting. Can't wait for the next one.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Loxley and the popits murders.

Several cases going on at the same time, Rob and his team are stretch thinly. A lot going on and not a lot of time for sleeping. Excellent book 6 by A.L Fraine

[Tracy Maltby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read.

This is a brilliant series. I have become invested in the characters and find myself trying to guess what is really happening. Love the subtle hints and Robin Hood characters that have taken me far too long to realise. But again, such a great storyline

[Linda Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof reading!!!

I loved the plot and characters but the mistakes in the proof reading were tiresome throughout the whole series. Such a pity.

[Pete Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Another cracking fast paced adventure, love all the mentions of Nottinghamshire, and the subtle references too Robin Hood.
Can't wait for the next one.

[Gary Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

Absolutely loving this series and cannot wait for the next release, great characters and storylines that have kept me gripped throughout.
.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a story. Just ordered the next one.