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The Rutland Connection
Lincoln 1997. Veteran customs investigator Frank McBride has been targeting gangs of drugs smugglers for decades. Taking out John Pyke’s team of Lincoln-based criminals is just another operation until suddenly things become interesting. Why has Pyke’s team suddenly become so professional? How has it become so adept at evading surveillance? And who is the mysterious figure who is pulling the strings? McBride relishes having found a worthy opponent. But who is he? And what game is he playing? Michael Butcher wants to know why his grandfather, a retired brigadier living in a tiny Rutland village, has decided to become an international trafficker in narcotics. Involving him in an elaborate game where the price of losing is life in prison. McBride and the Brigadier become enmeshed in a private duel, but only one of them knows the rules of the game.
328 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2023
37 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 29, 2023
“The Rutland Connection” by Michael Dean is a superb book, intricately written and plotted with a smooth execution, likeable characters and an exciting and unexpected denouement.
This is the first in a series featuring Frank McBride, a veteran customs and excise officer running a team of investigators, to snare and arrest criminals breaking customs law. The author has used his own incredibly vast knowledge of this area of expertise from his own career and the details in the story show just how much experience he could draw on. Translating this knowledge into a readable and engaging story also takes talent and if this is a first book in a series, then I for one can’t wait for more to come.
There’s plenty of twist and turns, live tactical surveillance, humorous dialogue from an intriguing, quirky septuagenarian and his amicable grandson and some really dumb criminals, you just have to shake your head at!
I like Frank and his pipe smoke signals, I truly believe this series will be really popular, not just due to the theme but also the characters, it’s a cracking crime thriller that will have you thinking about it, well after you’ve finished.
#TheRutlandConnection - 4.5 stars
This is the first in a series featuring Frank McBride, a veteran customs and excise officer running a team of investigators, to snare and arrest criminals breaking customs law. The author has used his own incredibly vast knowledge of this area of expertise from his own career and the details in the story show just how much experience he could draw on. Translating this knowledge into a readable and engaging story also takes talent and if this is a first book in a series, then I for one can’t wait for more to come.
There’s plenty of twist and turns, live tactical surveillance, humorous dialogue from an intriguing, quirky septuagenarian and his amicable grandson and some really dumb criminals, you just have to shake your head at!
I like Frank and his pipe smoke signals, I truly believe this series will be really popular, not just due to the theme but also the characters, it’s a cracking crime thriller that will have you thinking about it, well after you’ve finished.
#TheRutlandConnection - 4.5 stars
March 20, 2024
‘The Rutland Connection’ by Michael Dane stands out as an exceptional crime thriller. Marking the debut of The Frank McBride series, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating future installments.
Set against the backdrop of Lincolnshire in 1997, the narrative thrusts us into the midst of customs and excise teams on a relentless pursuit to dismantle the burgeoning empire of a notorious local narcotics dealer.
The writing skills of the author are flawless and I was engaged throughout the book without getting bored. This novel captivates with its ingeniously devised and flawlessly realized intricate narrative. It’s a cerebral journey that I found deeply satisfying. The intensity of the plot parallels the quickening of one’s pulse, making for a truly thrilling experience.
I will highly recommend this book to thriller fans. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Set against the backdrop of Lincolnshire in 1997, the narrative thrusts us into the midst of customs and excise teams on a relentless pursuit to dismantle the burgeoning empire of a notorious local narcotics dealer.
The writing skills of the author are flawless and I was engaged throughout the book without getting bored. This novel captivates with its ingeniously devised and flawlessly realized intricate narrative. It’s a cerebral journey that I found deeply satisfying. The intensity of the plot parallels the quickening of one’s pulse, making for a truly thrilling experience.
I will highly recommend this book to thriller fans. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did.
November 17, 2023
The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane is book one in a brand new series that features Frank McBride.
It's 1997, Frank McBride and his team are Customs and Excise investigators sent to Lincolnshire on a drug smuggling case. I loved how I knew most of the places mentioned and could visualise everywhere around Lincoln! Looking forward to the next books in the series.
It's 1997, Frank McBride and his team are Customs and Excise investigators sent to Lincolnshire on a drug smuggling case. I loved how I knew most of the places mentioned and could visualise everywhere around Lincoln! Looking forward to the next books in the series.
March 22, 2024
Wow! Michael Dane created a perfect work in which he combined my two favourite literary genres: thriller and crime. His "The Rutland Connection" captivates the reader from the very beginning. I met several unique characters here, including:
-Joe Lake, 30 years old; an investigator for 6 years, was assigned to the drugs unit in Nottingham
- Frank McBride OBE, he is a legend. It is worth knowing he's history. His work does not impress everyone. Why?
- Michael Butcher and his grandfather are characters that really annoyed me. His grandfather's combinations will shock many readers.
In the book "The Rutland Connection" I met other uniformed and stupid criminals. The fast-paced action and its twists and turns didn't let me leave this book. The ending made me have to read the next part. I forgot to mention that "The Rutland Connection" is the first book in the "Frank McBride" series. We have perfect crime plots here. We track down smugglers. We also meet the smugglers themselves and their bosses. Will they outsmart customs services and introduce illegal products to the market? Will smugglers fall into ambushes set by customs services? I am impressed by the actions carried out on both sides. The author refined each scene in detail. They are literally perfect. His work as an officer of the National Customs and Excise Investigation Service for over a decade had a significant impact on this story. It's worth getting to know it. Thriller plots kept me in suspense. If, like me, you love crime thrillers, go ahead and read this story. I refer you to "The Rutland Connection" and I am already looking forward to the second volume. I'm very curious to see what happens to Frank McBride in the next story. I secretly hope that soon there will be a lot of talk about this book.
Michael Dane's novels are worth reading.
-Joe Lake, 30 years old; an investigator for 6 years, was assigned to the drugs unit in Nottingham
- Frank McBride OBE, he is a legend. It is worth knowing he's history. His work does not impress everyone. Why?
- Michael Butcher and his grandfather are characters that really annoyed me. His grandfather's combinations will shock many readers.
In the book "The Rutland Connection" I met other uniformed and stupid criminals. The fast-paced action and its twists and turns didn't let me leave this book. The ending made me have to read the next part. I forgot to mention that "The Rutland Connection" is the first book in the "Frank McBride" series. We have perfect crime plots here. We track down smugglers. We also meet the smugglers themselves and their bosses. Will they outsmart customs services and introduce illegal products to the market? Will smugglers fall into ambushes set by customs services? I am impressed by the actions carried out on both sides. The author refined each scene in detail. They are literally perfect. His work as an officer of the National Customs and Excise Investigation Service for over a decade had a significant impact on this story. It's worth getting to know it. Thriller plots kept me in suspense. If, like me, you love crime thrillers, go ahead and read this story. I refer you to "The Rutland Connection" and I am already looking forward to the second volume. I'm very curious to see what happens to Frank McBride in the next story. I secretly hope that soon there will be a lot of talk about this book.
Michael Dane's novels are worth reading.
November 3, 2023
I recently read "The Rutland Connection" by Michael Dane, and it's an outstanding crime thriller that I highly recommend. This book is the first in The Frank McBride series, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next one.
The story is in Lincolnshire in 1997 and follows customs and excise teams working to take down a local drug supplier's empire. The action is intense and engaging, making it a page-turner from start to finish.
I recently read an exciting novel with a cleverly constructed, complex plotline that was exceptionally well-executed. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was a thinking person's novel. As the story progressed, I found my heart rate increasing with the action.
The novel highlights the complexity of following criminals without being detected, which is more challenging than one might think. In addition, we witness an intelligent World War II veteran who can give the younger generation a run for their money. Growing old doesn't mean a life of just lounging around with a pipe and slippers!
All the characters in the novel are well-drawn and realistic. Many of them are likeable, except for the criminals, whom you are not supposed to like. The characters are an eclectic mix, ranging from not-terribly-bright petty criminals to masterminds within and outside the law.
I found The Rutland Connection a captivating read that I couldn't put down. I read the book in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!
The Rutland Connection has the potential to be adapted into a marvellous movie or television series. In my mind, I pictured the late and great Michael Gambon as a World War II veteran.
Overall, this is an exciting read, so clear your schedules for a few hours and settle down for a cracking read.
The story is in Lincolnshire in 1997 and follows customs and excise teams working to take down a local drug supplier's empire. The action is intense and engaging, making it a page-turner from start to finish.
I recently read an exciting novel with a cleverly constructed, complex plotline that was exceptionally well-executed. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was a thinking person's novel. As the story progressed, I found my heart rate increasing with the action.
The novel highlights the complexity of following criminals without being detected, which is more challenging than one might think. In addition, we witness an intelligent World War II veteran who can give the younger generation a run for their money. Growing old doesn't mean a life of just lounging around with a pipe and slippers!
All the characters in the novel are well-drawn and realistic. Many of them are likeable, except for the criminals, whom you are not supposed to like. The characters are an eclectic mix, ranging from not-terribly-bright petty criminals to masterminds within and outside the law.
I found The Rutland Connection a captivating read that I couldn't put down. I read the book in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!
The Rutland Connection has the potential to be adapted into a marvellous movie or television series. In my mind, I pictured the late and great Michael Gambon as a World War II veteran.
Overall, this is an exciting read, so clear your schedules for a few hours and settle down for a cracking read.
October 22, 2023
The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane is an absolutely top notch crime thriller. It is the first book in The Frank McBride series and I cannot wait for subsequent books.
The action is set in Lincolnshire in 1997 as we follow customs and excise teams trying to catch, and bring down, the small empire of a local drug supplier.
This is an exciting novel with a cleverly constructed and extremely well executed complex plotline. It is a thinking mans novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. As the action ramps up, so did my heart rate.
We learn about the complexity of following criminals without being spotted. It is harder than you would think. We also witness a very clever World War II veteran who can certainly give the young of the day a run-around. Getting older does not mean a pipe and slippers existence!
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Many were likable – the ones who weren’t, were the criminals, but you are not supposed to like them! The characters are an eclectic mix from the not terribly bright petty criminals to the masterminds that are functioning both within and outside the law.
I just could not put The Rutland Connection down. I read the book in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!
I think The Rutland Connection would make a marvellous movie or television series. In my head, I pictured the late, great Michael Gambon as the World War II veteran.
This is an exciting read, so clear your schedules for a few hours, and settle down for a cracking read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in Lincolnshire in 1997 as we follow customs and excise teams trying to catch, and bring down, the small empire of a local drug supplier.
This is an exciting novel with a cleverly constructed and extremely well executed complex plotline. It is a thinking mans novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. As the action ramps up, so did my heart rate.
We learn about the complexity of following criminals without being spotted. It is harder than you would think. We also witness a very clever World War II veteran who can certainly give the young of the day a run-around. Getting older does not mean a pipe and slippers existence!
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Many were likable – the ones who weren’t, were the criminals, but you are not supposed to like them! The characters are an eclectic mix from the not terribly bright petty criminals to the masterminds that are functioning both within and outside the law.
I just could not put The Rutland Connection down. I read the book in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!
I think The Rutland Connection would make a marvellous movie or television series. In my head, I pictured the late, great Michael Gambon as the World War II veteran.
This is an exciting read, so clear your schedules for a few hours, and settle down for a cracking read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2024
Here is my review for The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane
This was an intriguing read and I soon got into it. It was well plotted and well written with a list of the characters before you read the book but it didn’t matter as you didn’t need to memorise them which was a relief! The story involved some undercover officers tailing targets who they suspected were up to something they shouldn’t be. They would be known by a name, they would know their address and their car. They would act on tip offs or just sheer luck some times. Some of the time, it was just sitting around watching for the targets to move. It gave insight into the drug world and how things can go wrong. A very interesting tale, can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Blurb :
Lincoln 1997. Veteran customs investigator Frank McBride has been targeting gangs of drugs smugglers for decades. Taking out John Pyke’s team of Lincoln-based criminals is just another operation until suddenly things become interesting.
Why has Pyke’s team suddenly become so professional? How has it become so adept at evading surveillance? And who is the mysterious figure who is pulling the strings? McBride relishes having found a worthy opponent. But who is he? And what game is he playing?
Michael Butcher wants to know why his grandfather, a retired brigadier living in a tiny Rutland village, has decided to become an international trafficker in narcotics. Involving him in an elaborate game where the price of losing is life in prison.
McBride and the Brigadier become enmeshed in a private duel, but only one of them knows the rules of the game.
This was an intriguing read and I soon got into it. It was well plotted and well written with a list of the characters before you read the book but it didn’t matter as you didn’t need to memorise them which was a relief! The story involved some undercover officers tailing targets who they suspected were up to something they shouldn’t be. They would be known by a name, they would know their address and their car. They would act on tip offs or just sheer luck some times. Some of the time, it was just sitting around watching for the targets to move. It gave insight into the drug world and how things can go wrong. A very interesting tale, can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Blurb :
Lincoln 1997. Veteran customs investigator Frank McBride has been targeting gangs of drugs smugglers for decades. Taking out John Pyke’s team of Lincoln-based criminals is just another operation until suddenly things become interesting.
Why has Pyke’s team suddenly become so professional? How has it become so adept at evading surveillance? And who is the mysterious figure who is pulling the strings? McBride relishes having found a worthy opponent. But who is he? And what game is he playing?
Michael Butcher wants to know why his grandfather, a retired brigadier living in a tiny Rutland village, has decided to become an international trafficker in narcotics. Involving him in an elaborate game where the price of losing is life in prison.
McBride and the Brigadier become enmeshed in a private duel, but only one of them knows the rules of the game.
November 7, 2023
1997. The legend that is Frank McBride manages a team in the tiny office of Nottingham’s Customs’ National Investigation Service. Michael Butcher refuses to follow in his father’s footsteps into the legal profession and winds up staying with his grandfather Bernard, a retired brigadier, in the small Rutland village of Leighton Parva. Meanwhile John Pyke has evolved from football fan thug to drug smuggler and now runs a small operation in Lincoln, aided by three incompetent employees, Maxi, Shane and Gazza. Two of them display the limits of their intelligence when they decide to hide a consignment of drugs and everything starts to go wrong for Pyke and he needs help…fast. McBride can’t understand how Pyke has suddenly become so much savvier but of course he doesn’t know that Bernard and Michael have teamed up to give him some much needed undercover help. And so the game is on, a brilliantly told story where McBride and The Brigadier go head to head in a game with high stakes for all concerned.
There are lots of moments of humour in this fast paced and thrilling story with a superb ending from an author who very clearly demonstrates his own past history and expertise as an investigator. It put me in mind of the old tv series, The Knock, which I loved. Frank the Tartan Terror in particular is a brilliantly crafted character with his smoke signals, as is the Brigadier, a wily old goat who takes a delicious delight in his skulduggery. I thoroughly enjoyed making the acquaintance of Big Bad Frankie and Brigadier Bernard and hope to do so again very soon in the next story.
There are lots of moments of humour in this fast paced and thrilling story with a superb ending from an author who very clearly demonstrates his own past history and expertise as an investigator. It put me in mind of the old tv series, The Knock, which I loved. Frank the Tartan Terror in particular is a brilliantly crafted character with his smoke signals, as is the Brigadier, a wily old goat who takes a delicious delight in his skulduggery. I thoroughly enjoyed making the acquaintance of Big Bad Frankie and Brigadier Bernard and hope to do so again very soon in the next story.
March 12, 2024
The Ruthland Connection is an electrifying crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Penned by the brilliant mind of Michael Dane, this novel is the first in the series and is a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
Michael masterfully sets the stage for the chilling narrative with vivid descriptions that bring the story's backdrop to life. The author's keen eye for creating suspenseful scenarios kept me guessing at every turn. The supporting characters are equally compelling, heightening the tension. The pacing is impeccable; each chapter unravels new layers of mystery, making it impossible to put the book down.
Furthermore, Dane's writing style is fluid, engaging, and accessible. The attention to detail which is brought from his personal experience and knowledge in the various aspects of the investigation is commendable. The author's meticulous research shines through in the accuracy and believability of the crime scenes, that made me feel as though I was right alongside the investigators.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first part and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book of the series. I am a huge fan of crime thrillers and Micheal Dane is my new favourite author of the genre!
Michael masterfully sets the stage for the chilling narrative with vivid descriptions that bring the story's backdrop to life. The author's keen eye for creating suspenseful scenarios kept me guessing at every turn. The supporting characters are equally compelling, heightening the tension. The pacing is impeccable; each chapter unravels new layers of mystery, making it impossible to put the book down.
Furthermore, Dane's writing style is fluid, engaging, and accessible. The attention to detail which is brought from his personal experience and knowledge in the various aspects of the investigation is commendable. The author's meticulous research shines through in the accuracy and believability of the crime scenes, that made me feel as though I was right alongside the investigators.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first part and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book of the series. I am a huge fan of crime thrillers and Micheal Dane is my new favourite author of the genre!
November 2, 2023
What an amazing read this was! The Rutland Connection was absolutely brilliant and so cleverly written. I loved it from start to finish. It is predominantly told from three viewpoints, that of John Pyke - the dodgy drug dealer, and Bernard and Michael, grandfather and grandson.
A Customs and Excise team are in the throes of investigating John Pyke as a drug runner, along with his two idiot sidekicks who haven’t got a clue, and Pyke isn’t that much more savvy himself! Bernard and Michael decide that Pyke needs a bit of undercover help, but Frank McBride, head of the Customs and Excise team, is now flummoxed as to just how and why Pyke has suddenly become so professional.
Once the scene was set, I was hooked. I know they were essentially part of a drugs team, but I loved Michael and Bernard from the beginning. Bernard was clever and wily, and I definitely wanted to be a part of his gang! Dane wrote about his characters with passion and clarity and I was left in no doubt who was actually in charge!
I can’t tell you too much about the ending, but I guarantee that you won’t see it coming and that it will make you smile and want Bernard as your grandfather!
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime-type thriller with lots going on. I can’t wait for the next book in the Frank McBride series.
Thank you to The Book Guild Ltd and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane.
A Customs and Excise team are in the throes of investigating John Pyke as a drug runner, along with his two idiot sidekicks who haven’t got a clue, and Pyke isn’t that much more savvy himself! Bernard and Michael decide that Pyke needs a bit of undercover help, but Frank McBride, head of the Customs and Excise team, is now flummoxed as to just how and why Pyke has suddenly become so professional.
Once the scene was set, I was hooked. I know they were essentially part of a drugs team, but I loved Michael and Bernard from the beginning. Bernard was clever and wily, and I definitely wanted to be a part of his gang! Dane wrote about his characters with passion and clarity and I was left in no doubt who was actually in charge!
I can’t tell you too much about the ending, but I guarantee that you won’t see it coming and that it will make you smile and want Bernard as your grandfather!
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime-type thriller with lots going on. I can’t wait for the next book in the Frank McBride series.
Thank you to The Book Guild Ltd and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane.
March 18, 2024
I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one! It has everything I love in a crime novel, an interesting group of characters that are engaging and have a group dynamic that pulls the reader to them and a crime that they are trying to solve that isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Frank McBride, a soon to retire Customs investigator, and his group of customs agents have interesting personalities and a working dynamic that I enjoyed. The relationship between the Brigadier and his grandson Michael was fun to watch as they learned more about each other and built a relationship that wasn’t there before. The crime, find all the players in a local drug ring, seems simple until the ring suddenly becomes more professional. What has changed? Will McBride and his group figure it out before he retires? How are the Brigadier and his grandson Michael involved? The twists kept me trying to figure out how all the parts were related.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
March 27, 2024
The Rutland Connection is the first book in The Frank McBride series, I absolutely love a good crime series and this is a cracking one. Frank is a Customs investigator close to retirement with years of experience investigating drug smugglers and is determined to take out one last smuggling gang before heading off for a quiet life.
I loved the smuggling aspect of this book and really enjoyed the fact that one of the bad guys was a pensioner who could give the younger ones a serious run for their money.
This was a fast-paced, action filled read with a brilliant plot line and well written likeable & unlikeable when warranted characters. I really enjoyed reading about the lengths criminals go to cover up their crimes and stay undetected & loved the cat and mouse between the good and bad side of this world.
This is a really page turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat & take you on a wild ride. I am so looking forward to reading book two in the series.
I loved the smuggling aspect of this book and really enjoyed the fact that one of the bad guys was a pensioner who could give the younger ones a serious run for their money.
This was a fast-paced, action filled read with a brilliant plot line and well written likeable & unlikeable when warranted characters. I really enjoyed reading about the lengths criminals go to cover up their crimes and stay undetected & loved the cat and mouse between the good and bad side of this world.
This is a really page turner that will keep you at the edge of your seat & take you on a wild ride. I am so looking forward to reading book two in the series.
March 3, 2024
‘The Rutland Connection’ got off to a bit of a slow start and it took me a while to really get into it but once I did it was a real page turner. I love the idea of this 76 year old man suddenly becoming a narcotics trafficker and confounding both the criminals and the police. I actually found myself really rooting for him at times rather than Frank McBride.
McBride is a fascinating, intriguing and well developed character. I like his backstory and how he really just wants a quiet life with his family now that he is getting closer to retirement. I enjoyed the battle of wits between the main characters. This novel also made me feel all nostalgic for the 90’s and I loved all the references.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
McBride is a fascinating, intriguing and well developed character. I like his backstory and how he really just wants a quiet life with his family now that he is getting closer to retirement. I enjoyed the battle of wits between the main characters. This novel also made me feel all nostalgic for the 90’s and I loved all the references.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
March 20, 2024
This is the 1st book in the Frank McBride series, and I can't wait for book 2! I must say I loved it!! You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into this.. from the list of code names at the start for us to refer back to if needed, the prologue giving us the back story we needed to understand what was going on. It was slightly slow to start with, but once I got about a third of the way in, I couldn't put this down!
Michael Danes' history from working as an officer and a lawyer shows in his writing, the story line keeps you enthralled with a twist that i wasn't expecting towards the end. The characters are well rounded. I I loved Frank McBrides' character throughout this. It was such an enjoyable read and exactly what you would expect from a Crime/Thriller book!
Michael Danes' history from working as an officer and a lawyer shows in his writing, the story line keeps you enthralled with a twist that i wasn't expecting towards the end. The characters are well rounded. I I loved Frank McBrides' character throughout this. It was such an enjoyable read and exactly what you would expect from a Crime/Thriller book!
March 19, 2024
I finished this book last night and this may sound weird but i dreamt about it and the things that go on in the story. I think that is a good thing for a book as it shows that it has made a significant impression on me. I think it help that I know the areas in the England that are featured in it. I loved how this had a triple narrative with everything inter connecting at the end. I like learning about the Customs and Excise department and how the do their investigations. I am so ready to read the next book in this series and find out how the characters develop and see what the new investigation they take on.
March 20, 2024
I was gripped by this book and read it in two sittings! It’s great when you can get hooked on a storyline and lose yourself in the world of the characters and I really felt that The Rutland Connection delivered. It feels down to earth, realistic and different to the usual “crime thriller”.
What I really loved was the fact it’s set in my local area - there’s something about being able to imagine those real-life locations that takes a book to another level, especially as I grew up on Lincoln’s Ermine estate.
If you like an edgy and thrilling read then definitely give this a go. Book number two is coming soon (not soon enough for me!)
What I really loved was the fact it’s set in my local area - there’s something about being able to imagine those real-life locations that takes a book to another level, especially as I grew up on Lincoln’s Ermine estate.
If you like an edgy and thrilling read then definitely give this a go. Book number two is coming soon (not soon enough for me!)
May 5, 2024
An enjoyable start to the series, with a complex, yet easy to follow story which I felt have real insight into how the customs investigations might really work.
Being set in the 1990s made the story interesting, I wonder how the story would play out in the modern day with more mobile phone usage and less phone boxes to place anonymous calls from!
I liked all the characters, they were realistic, diverse and believable. I especially liked 'the Brigadier'. He couldn't be further removed from my Grandfather if he tried!
Being set in the 1990s made the story interesting, I wonder how the story would play out in the modern day with more mobile phone usage and less phone boxes to place anonymous calls from!
I liked all the characters, they were realistic, diverse and believable. I especially liked 'the Brigadier'. He couldn't be further removed from my Grandfather if he tried!
October 13, 2025
To be honest I didn’t expect much from this; it was on special on Amazon and I am familiar with Rutland, especially Rutland in the 90s, so I thought I’d give it a try. And I’m pleased that I did. It has a pretty standard crime/spy plot, but with Custom investigators for a change, and it develops nicely and has a twist in the tail, as all good procedurals should. Frank is a bit of an enigma, deliberately so, I’m sure, but the result is that he comes across as a bit one-dimensional, but perhaps we’ll learn more in the other books in the series, which I will certainly be seeking out.
October 24, 2025
The Rutland Connection is a sharp, clever crime thriller with just the right mix of grit and dark humor. Frank McBride is a wonderfully grumpy and compelling lead, and the mystery behind the suddenly “smarter” criminals kept me hooked. Smart, tense, and surprisingly fun to read.
April 30, 2025
Excellent read!
Quick paced with characters easy to follow. I will be reading all books in this series. Hope author continues the series.
Quick paced with characters easy to follow. I will be reading all books in this series. Hope author continues the series.
March 14, 2024
This was such a brilliant novel which was suspenseful from start to finish. Michael Dane manages to intricately weave together an incredible underworld of drug smuggling. Pyke is the head of his criminal team, determined to make a career and money from bringing illicit pills into the UK.
The majority of this story is told in Lincolnshire, well Lincoln and RAF Scampton. I used to drive past this place weekly and knew a lot of the areas and places mentioned which made it all the more realistic for me.
McBride is determined to bring down this drug ring. He’s so close to retirement and wants to go out with this case finished. Cue the retired Brigadier. I really didn’t get this element of the story but all becomes very clear when it’s all tied up at the end in a twist I never anticipated. What a high stakes game of cat and mouse this is, I was hooked! Absolutely would recommend. Already looking forward to the next book in this series!
The majority of this story is told in Lincolnshire, well Lincoln and RAF Scampton. I used to drive past this place weekly and knew a lot of the areas and places mentioned which made it all the more realistic for me.
McBride is determined to bring down this drug ring. He’s so close to retirement and wants to go out with this case finished. Cue the retired Brigadier. I really didn’t get this element of the story but all becomes very clear when it’s all tied up at the end in a twist I never anticipated. What a high stakes game of cat and mouse this is, I was hooked! Absolutely would recommend. Already looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 12, 2024
Crime thrillers are my go to book genre, when I had the opportunity to read this one I snapped it up. I was not disappointed, the book is the first in the series following Frank McBride, a customs officer.
Following the story of a grandfather/grandson duo who end up calling the shots over a small time drug dealer I found my loyalties divided between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ guys. There was plenty of suspense as the customs team tasked with surveillance of the suspects get ever closer to catching them. I won’t spoil the ending but there’s a few twists in it!
The book is written with real detail and the plot was solid with no questions left unanswered. I’m really looking forward the second book in the series to see how the characters faire in a different storyline.
Following the story of a grandfather/grandson duo who end up calling the shots over a small time drug dealer I found my loyalties divided between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ guys. There was plenty of suspense as the customs team tasked with surveillance of the suspects get ever closer to catching them. I won’t spoil the ending but there’s a few twists in it!
The book is written with real detail and the plot was solid with no questions left unanswered. I’m really looking forward the second book in the series to see how the characters faire in a different storyline.
March 17, 2024
This is the first book in a new (to me) series, The Frank McBride Series.
Customs Investigator Frank is nearing retirement and is looking forward to a nice, quiet life with his family.
But before this, he is determined to work out who the latest smugglers are and how they are managing to fool him.
This took me a little while to really get into - it just felt a little slow to begin, rather then grabbing me from page 1 - but once I'd got to grips with the characters and what was going on, the pace really picked up and I was gripped from thereon in!
I loved the idea of our "baddie" being a 76 year old retired man from a small village - it really does show that you dont know what anyone is capable of - I even found myself on his side at times!
Frank, however, was a really intriguing character and it was great to cover some of his back story and his hopes for his future retirement - but I can just feel that there's more to come on that later in the series?
The writing was filled with humour, which I think is what made this for me. Whilst dealing with such a brutal topic, it was great to have some release in this way and it helped us connect more with the characters too.
After grabbing you into the storyline and letting you think you have a Handel on what's happening, there's a shocking twist leading to a great final few pages.
I already have book 2 ready to go...which makes me so happy that I don't have to be left hanging ...can't wait to see where this story takes us next....
Customs Investigator Frank is nearing retirement and is looking forward to a nice, quiet life with his family.
But before this, he is determined to work out who the latest smugglers are and how they are managing to fool him.
This took me a little while to really get into - it just felt a little slow to begin, rather then grabbing me from page 1 - but once I'd got to grips with the characters and what was going on, the pace really picked up and I was gripped from thereon in!
I loved the idea of our "baddie" being a 76 year old retired man from a small village - it really does show that you dont know what anyone is capable of - I even found myself on his side at times!
Frank, however, was a really intriguing character and it was great to cover some of his back story and his hopes for his future retirement - but I can just feel that there's more to come on that later in the series?
The writing was filled with humour, which I think is what made this for me. Whilst dealing with such a brutal topic, it was great to have some release in this way and it helped us connect more with the characters too.
After grabbing you into the storyline and letting you think you have a Handel on what's happening, there's a shocking twist leading to a great final few pages.
I already have book 2 ready to go...which makes me so happy that I don't have to be left hanging ...can't wait to see where this story takes us next....
May 3, 2024
This was a very interesting read. I was intrigued from just reading the blurb. The main character Frank McBride was a very intriguing character from the start of the book. As the story developed McBride character had challenges to get through which developed him as a character. I loved the plot and storyline of the book alongside the authors writing style helped grip me into the story to a point I didn’t want to put it down. With the way the book ended it was intriguing to how the investigation seemed to be complete. I am definitely curious to see where the series will go and see what the investigation will be in the next one.
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