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DCI Sophie Allen #12
Vicious Crimes
The body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbour, washed up with the incoming tide. A middle-aged man. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. And strangely his lungs are filled with fresh water.
That’s when Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in. She and her team end up with the tricky cases, the ones no one else can handle.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in woodland high up on Exmoor.
Then a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction — and a very personal one for Sophie. It takes her back to a family tragedy fifteen years before, and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
That’s when Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in. She and her team end up with the tricky cases, the ones no one else can handle.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in woodland high up on Exmoor.
Then a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction — and a very personal one for Sophie. It takes her back to a family tragedy fifteen years before, and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 24, 2023
Vicious Crimes by Michael Hambling is Book 12 in the Detective Sophie Allen series. The book is a good police procedural with a storyline that unraveled well and held my interest.
Vicious Crimes is a brand-new British crime mystery set on the Somerset coast and packed full of twists.
Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in when a body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbor, washed up with the incoming tide. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. And strangely, his lungs are filled with fresh water. A few days later, a second body is discovered.
Then, a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction. It takes Sophie back to a family tragedy fifteen years before and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
Watchet sounds like such a pretty coastal town, and the book describes it as steeped in maritime history and packed with craft and gift shops. Sounds like a beautiful place to visit, except for the murders, of course!
Vicious Crimes is a solid story with good characters, an interesting plot, and a twisty ending.
#VICIOUSCRIMES #NetGalley @joffebooks
Vicious Crimes is a brand-new British crime mystery set on the Somerset coast and packed full of twists.
Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in when a body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbor, washed up with the incoming tide. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. And strangely, his lungs are filled with fresh water. A few days later, a second body is discovered.
Then, a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction. It takes Sophie back to a family tragedy fifteen years before and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
Watchet sounds like such a pretty coastal town, and the book describes it as steeped in maritime history and packed with craft and gift shops. Sounds like a beautiful place to visit, except for the murders, of course!
Vicious Crimes is a solid story with good characters, an interesting plot, and a twisty ending.
#VICIOUSCRIMES #NetGalley @joffebooks
December 31, 2023
I found my love of Michael Hambling’s books after reading the first one in this series which was based in my hometown. Normally I find fiction books set around where I live to be frustrating as authors create their visions of the area and quite rightly so, portray it how they wish. However, Hambling did this while keeping local places accurate and therefore great for those of us that know the area well!
This book is the twelfth in the series and just as good as the rest of them. Enough action and intrigue to keep you wanting to read and get to the conclusion to see if it matches your own from the snippets you pick up. The character development continues across the whole series and each time you learn a little more about the regular characters and meet some new ones that will possibly pop up again!
Certainly a favourite author of mine and definitely books I will return to time and again. I hope this isn’t the end of the Sophie Allen books. Thank you Mr Hambling.
This book is the twelfth in the series and just as good as the rest of them. Enough action and intrigue to keep you wanting to read and get to the conclusion to see if it matches your own from the snippets you pick up. The character development continues across the whole series and each time you learn a little more about the regular characters and meet some new ones that will possibly pop up again!
Certainly a favourite author of mine and definitely books I will return to time and again. I hope this isn’t the end of the Sophie Allen books. Thank you Mr Hambling.
February 14, 2024
The body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbour, washed up with the incoming tide. A middle-aged man. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. And strangely his lungs are filled with fresh water.
That’s when Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in. She and her team end up with the tricky cases, the ones no one else can handle.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in woodland high up on Exmoor.
Then a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction — and a very personal one for Sophie. It takes her back to a family tragedy fifteen years before, and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
Loved it.
That’s when Detective Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit is called in. She and her team end up with the tricky cases, the ones no one else can handle.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in woodland high up on Exmoor.
Then a new lead takes the case in an unexpected direction — and a very personal one for Sophie. It takes her back to a family tragedy fifteen years before, and memories she’d prefer to leave buried forever.
Loved it.
March 23, 2024
If you enjoy a good police procedural you need to read this series, each book can be read as a standalone but I predict that as soon as you finish one you'll be searching for the others. Sophie is such a great boss, her team both like and respect her especially Rae which is great to see. So many books have the maverick cop who fights with his superiors. They start out here trying to solve one case which leads them to another crime altogether. There is a great feeling of pathos in this book but not so much that it becomes sentimental. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
February 10, 2025
This was another good British crime thriller where the team must untangle a web of lies and mysteries after a body is washed up with the tide.
A great cast of well-developed characters delves into a disturbing plot...
Well-written and engaging.
A great cast of well-developed characters delves into a disturbing plot...
Well-written and engaging.
November 29, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Vicious Crimes, the twelfth novel to feature Chief Superintendent Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crime Unit (Wescu).
Sophie and the team are in Somerset after the body of an unidentified man is pulled from the harbour in Watchet and it becomes clear that his death is suspicious. A few days later a second body is found in nearby woods and a perhaps unrelated clue brings back some memories for Sophie.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vicious Crimes, which has a bit of everything including more crimes, family secrets, tragedy, tension and some heart stopping moments. Sophie takes a more background role for most of the novel until she is the show stopping finale. Most of the narrative centres on DS Rae Gregson and the work she puts in.
The novel starts with two deaths, but it swiftly moves beyond that with a historical crime playing its part and further modern crimes to be discovered. There is a lot going on and the team settle on a group of suspects, but who did what? The crimes are all about the web of relationships between these people and the team are all about finding the evidence to convict them. It’s not that difficult to follow as the team follow a logical path, albeit a cunning one at times, but it’s a lot to pull together and can be overwhelming for the team. I found it an immersive and compulsive read.
The novel is all about the plot so the characters don’t have much depth. The team, a new initiative, has members from both the Dorset and Somerset forces, so they are still feeling their way to a close knit bond.
Vicious Crimes is a good read that I can recommend.
Sophie and the team are in Somerset after the body of an unidentified man is pulled from the harbour in Watchet and it becomes clear that his death is suspicious. A few days later a second body is found in nearby woods and a perhaps unrelated clue brings back some memories for Sophie.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vicious Crimes, which has a bit of everything including more crimes, family secrets, tragedy, tension and some heart stopping moments. Sophie takes a more background role for most of the novel until she is the show stopping finale. Most of the narrative centres on DS Rae Gregson and the work she puts in.
The novel starts with two deaths, but it swiftly moves beyond that with a historical crime playing its part and further modern crimes to be discovered. There is a lot going on and the team settle on a group of suspects, but who did what? The crimes are all about the web of relationships between these people and the team are all about finding the evidence to convict them. It’s not that difficult to follow as the team follow a logical path, albeit a cunning one at times, but it’s a lot to pull together and can be overwhelming for the team. I found it an immersive and compulsive read.
The novel is all about the plot so the characters don’t have much depth. The team, a new initiative, has members from both the Dorset and Somerset forces, so they are still feeling their way to a close knit bond.
Vicious Crimes is a good read that I can recommend.
December 14, 2023
It’s been a while since the last book in the series, so I was looking forward to reading this latest instalment. The team are back, led by DCS Sophie Allen, who’s more of a manager than an officer out in the field. Not that she misses a chance to get out there and lead from the front.
The investigation begins with a body found in the harbour by a Special Constable. The victim was beaten before being dumped in the tidal river. It looks like he was dumped upstream, but where? The second victim, an artist, lived a life of solitude in a remote house in Exmoor. The team struggle to find a motive for his murder, or a firm connection between the two.
Meanwhile, the secretive tenants of a nearby farm have a rather aggressive way of dealing with visitors.
It’s a slow investigation to start with, due to a lack of leads and motive. However, it provides an opportunity to spend more time with the main characters and their growing relationships. But once the team make some links between the victims, the investigation shifts through the gears for an exciting climax and resolution.
Like all the previous novels in the series, it’s the mix of crimes and characters that make the stories intriguing and entertaining. Sophie Allen has always been a standout character, but in this book, the supporting cast have a chance to shine.
Pitched at the cosy end of the crime fiction market, this is a perfect story and series if you’re not keen on gritty police procedurals with graphic details.
The investigation begins with a body found in the harbour by a Special Constable. The victim was beaten before being dumped in the tidal river. It looks like he was dumped upstream, but where? The second victim, an artist, lived a life of solitude in a remote house in Exmoor. The team struggle to find a motive for his murder, or a firm connection between the two.
Meanwhile, the secretive tenants of a nearby farm have a rather aggressive way of dealing with visitors.
It’s a slow investigation to start with, due to a lack of leads and motive. However, it provides an opportunity to spend more time with the main characters and their growing relationships. But once the team make some links between the victims, the investigation shifts through the gears for an exciting climax and resolution.
Like all the previous novels in the series, it’s the mix of crimes and characters that make the stories intriguing and entertaining. Sophie Allen has always been a standout character, but in this book, the supporting cast have a chance to shine.
Pitched at the cosy end of the crime fiction market, this is a perfect story and series if you’re not keen on gritty police procedurals with graphic details.
November 27, 2023
Two farms and one estate linked by theft and murder.
Donald Lomax copper theft draws him out on a night of torrential rains. The downpour washes a body into the Bristol Channel thereby causing Jackie Springer to investigate.
The mysterious murder draws investigators from WeSCu to investigate. Jackie is asked to join the team due her involvement in the community as a part-time librarian and volunteer police officer. Her inquires leads to two farms and estate being connected to a murder.
Michael Hamblings' twelfth installment o the Sophie Allen series keeps you intrigued with wanting to know how two farms and an estate are connected in a murder. The author develops strong female characters who lead the investigation. Sophie shares the investigation with Jackie as she can utilize her as being local.
The story connects the farmhouse and estate very well. I enjoy UK mysteries and enjoyed reading this book. The author adds side notes which are a bonus.
A recommended read.
Donald Lomax copper theft draws him out on a night of torrential rains. The downpour washes a body into the Bristol Channel thereby causing Jackie Springer to investigate.
The mysterious murder draws investigators from WeSCu to investigate. Jackie is asked to join the team due her involvement in the community as a part-time librarian and volunteer police officer. Her inquires leads to two farms and estate being connected to a murder.
Michael Hamblings' twelfth installment o the Sophie Allen series keeps you intrigued with wanting to know how two farms and an estate are connected in a murder. The author develops strong female characters who lead the investigation. Sophie shares the investigation with Jackie as she can utilize her as being local.
The story connects the farmhouse and estate very well. I enjoy UK mysteries and enjoyed reading this book. The author adds side notes which are a bonus.
A recommended read.
December 7, 2023
This is #12 in the Detective Sophie Allen series but can be read as a standalone.
I love the Sophie Allen series so I was eager to read this one, and it didn’t disappoint.
Chief Superintendent Sophie and her Wessex Serious Crimes Unit team are called in when a body is found in Watchet, Somerset. It’s a man who has been washed onto the mudflats with the tide, but it appears that he was subjected to a nasty assault before he went into the water. A new character, Special Constable Jackie Spring, is involved with this case, having been first on the scene when the body was discovered.
While they’re investigating this incident, another body is found, this time in nearby woods. Are the two murders linked?
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
I love the Sophie Allen series so I was eager to read this one, and it didn’t disappoint.
Chief Superintendent Sophie and her Wessex Serious Crimes Unit team are called in when a body is found in Watchet, Somerset. It’s a man who has been washed onto the mudflats with the tide, but it appears that he was subjected to a nasty assault before he went into the water. A new character, Special Constable Jackie Spring, is involved with this case, having been first on the scene when the body was discovered.
While they’re investigating this incident, another body is found, this time in nearby woods. Are the two murders linked?
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
November 30, 2023
The first body had been in the water for a time, had no form of ID, turned out to be that of a loner/artist. Time to call in more experienced law enforcement.
Chief Superintendent Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crime Unit (Wescu) has a law degree and a master's in psychology but is dedicated to police work. She is less prominent and more the organizer in this investigation with local librarian/ Special Constable (Volunteer) Jackie Spring as the unobtrusive one who reports to DS Rae Gregson for the probe into the situations.
This one is more plot driven than the others I've read in series. It's always a pleasure to read a good procedural!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Chief Superintendent Sophie Allen of the Wessex Serious Crime Unit (Wescu) has a law degree and a master's in psychology but is dedicated to police work. She is less prominent and more the organizer in this investigation with local librarian/ Special Constable (Volunteer) Jackie Spring as the unobtrusive one who reports to DS Rae Gregson for the probe into the situations.
This one is more plot driven than the others I've read in series. It's always a pleasure to read a good procedural!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my copy of Vicious Crimes by Michael Hamblng
This is the 12th book in the Detective Sophie Allen Series but it works fine as a standalone with just enough background given.
When a man is found wedged in the mud of Watchet harbour it is the quick thinking of Special Constable Jackie Spring that secures the body before it can be dragged out to sea. But who is he, there’s no one been reported missing, he’s been badly beaten before entering the water and his lungs are full of water. The team start to sift the evidence and build up a timeline, then another body turns up.
Fast moving and interesting.
This is the 12th book in the Detective Sophie Allen Series but it works fine as a standalone with just enough background given.
When a man is found wedged in the mud of Watchet harbour it is the quick thinking of Special Constable Jackie Spring that secures the body before it can be dragged out to sea. But who is he, there’s no one been reported missing, he’s been badly beaten before entering the water and his lungs are full of water. The team start to sift the evidence and build up a timeline, then another body turns up.
Fast moving and interesting.
November 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for eARC.
No. 12 in the Sophie Allen series is another good book - I really like this series.
This time the body of a man is found in the ocean and hauled in with difficulty thanks to Jackie, a civil police woman before Sophie and some of the others from her team arrive to take over the case.
I like the team a lot and really liked Jackie as well, she's a smart cookie.
There are some nefarious characters, slavery and another murder in this read, I quite enjoyed it, it's a worthy addition to the previous ones.
No. 12 in the Sophie Allen series is another good book - I really like this series.
This time the body of a man is found in the ocean and hauled in with difficulty thanks to Jackie, a civil police woman before Sophie and some of the others from her team arrive to take over the case.
I like the team a lot and really liked Jackie as well, she's a smart cookie.
There are some nefarious characters, slavery and another murder in this read, I quite enjoyed it, it's a worthy addition to the previous ones.
December 4, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffee books for this eARC.
A well written solid mystery and police procedural involving numerous interesting characters, including a young woman with Downes syndrome (who has over protective almost stifling parents) and an interesting fellow who has basically decided to "check out" from society. Add a thief who may or may not have hit someone with his vehicle while stealing $3,000 worth of copper, and an entertaining crew of characters on the police force as well as a potential murder.
Engaging police procedural of sorts...
A well written solid mystery and police procedural involving numerous interesting characters, including a young woman with Downes syndrome (who has over protective almost stifling parents) and an interesting fellow who has basically decided to "check out" from society. Add a thief who may or may not have hit someone with his vehicle while stealing $3,000 worth of copper, and an entertaining crew of characters on the police force as well as a potential murder.
Engaging police procedural of sorts...
December 9, 2023
Worth More Than 5 Stars
DCI Sophie Allen and her team are usually based in Dorset, in and around Wareham, but since the Wessex Serious Crime Unit was formed, they can be sent wherever necessary to head up serious crime cases, so when a body is found in Watchet in Somerset they are soon on their way to Exmoor. It is not long before another body turns up, but are they connected? I really enjoyed this book, as much as I have the whole series, and am already looking forward to the next in the series. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
DCI Sophie Allen and her team are usually based in Dorset, in and around Wareham, but since the Wessex Serious Crime Unit was formed, they can be sent wherever necessary to head up serious crime cases, so when a body is found in Watchet in Somerset they are soon on their way to Exmoor. It is not long before another body turns up, but are they connected? I really enjoyed this book, as much as I have the whole series, and am already looking forward to the next in the series. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
December 4, 2023
Vicious crimes by Michael Hambling.
Detective Sophie Allen book 12.
The body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbour, washed up with the incoming tide. A middle-aged man. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. But strangely his lungs are filled with fresh water.
A really good read. I did like Jackie Sophie Rae and Barry. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
Detective Sophie Allen book 12.
The body is found slumped on a mudbank in Watchet harbour, washed up with the incoming tide. A middle-aged man. The post-mortem reveals he was viciously beaten before ending up in the sea. But strangely his lungs are filled with fresh water.
A really good read. I did like Jackie Sophie Rae and Barry. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
December 21, 2023
DCI Sophie Allen is more a manager than a detective in this book. Her lofty title is now more about admin than solving crime but she has a great team around her who eventually solve a couple of disturbing murders and a modern slavery ring! A very well thought out story with a welcome conclusion. The other beauty of this book is that we do not have corrupt and lazy senior cops. Everyone pulls their weight.
December 14, 2023
Another good story involving Sophie Allen. This time, however, she takes something of a backseat and new members of the team appear. Some very nasty criminals, not always the ones you expect, and with roots that go back over 20 years. If you haven't read the Sophie Allen books you have a treat in store - start at no. 1 and follow her cases.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
December 7, 2024
Most Complex Mystery He’s Written
Just when I thought this crime was near resolution I looked down and saw I was little over 40% of the way through. It really kept this reader reading every line to ensure I didn’t miss a clue. Really enjoyable right to the last Chapter. Ready for book 13. Great twists and turns.
Just when I thought this crime was near resolution I looked down and saw I was little over 40% of the way through. It really kept this reader reading every line to ensure I didn’t miss a clue. Really enjoyable right to the last Chapter. Ready for book 13. Great twists and turns.
December 5, 2025
Im a big Michael Hambling fan and this is another great book in the Sophie Allen series. I have read all of them and they just keep on getting better. The book can be read as a standalone alone but I recommend starting at book 1 so that you can get the background on the characters. Highly recommend this was a great story full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
December 5, 2023
Great!
Unusual investigation for this team! Lots of team members, new and old, and a very strange situation , with lots of ancillary problems. It is difficult to know who did what, why, and how! Very exciting finale!
Unusual investigation for this team! Lots of team members, new and old, and a very strange situation , with lots of ancillary problems. It is difficult to know who did what, why, and how! Very exciting finale!
December 18, 2023
Love the cast of characters!
And, Mr. Hambling does a great job with a very complex storyline in this book. I never got bogged down with too many subplots, details etc. He kept the story going. I really loved this one.
And, Mr. Hambling does a great job with a very complex storyline in this book. I never got bogged down with too many subplots, details etc. He kept the story going. I really loved this one.
December 22, 2023
Well written British Crime Mystery
The story was quite complex which made it very interesting for the reader. I had to pay attention to the many characters and events while the police pieced the murders and crimes together and solved them in the end.
The story was quite complex which made it very interesting for the reader. I had to pay attention to the many characters and events while the police pieced the murders and crimes together and solved them in the end.
December 24, 2023
I enjoyed the book, but not nearly as much as the previous one Hidden Crimes. The story seemed ‘bitty’ and didn’t really ‘flow’, also I found the ending a bit abrupt.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
January 1, 2024
Love this series
Another excellent read, this one is my favourite so far. Love the character's, hoping Maggie will join the team. It feels like there could be more to come from this story, so fingers crossed.
Another excellent read, this one is my favourite so far. Love the character's, hoping Maggie will join the team. It feels like there could be more to come from this story, so fingers crossed.
December 8, 2023
Another winner
The usual excellent story and great new characters particularly Jackie String. She has the makings of being a valuable member of the team
The usual excellent story and great new characters particularly Jackie String. She has the makings of being a valuable member of the team
December 17, 2023
A real page turner and I loved the interaction between the characters. Each well developed with the introduction of a special pc.
I look forward to the next in the series.
I look forward to the next in the series.
December 23, 2023
Very good read
May 28, 2024
On the whole a good story. Lots of twists and turns. Well resolved.
I just could not stomach the feminist and LGBTQA++ politics. I won't be reading any more from this author.
I just could not stomach the feminist and LGBTQA++ politics. I won't be reading any more from this author.
June 6, 2024
Another great dead
Yet again a gripping story from Michael Hambling. Never knowing when the next twists and turns will lead. Not stop even till the page.
Yet again a gripping story from Michael Hambling. Never knowing when the next twists and turns will lead. Not stop even till the page.
May 20, 2025
Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews