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The Ties That Bind
The smallest decisions can have the deadliest consequences...
His life in tatters, DCI John Drake is struggling to move past the events of The Family Man. But when a brutal new serial killer surfaces, he seizes the opportunity to pull himself back from the brink.
Despite her public commendation, DS Ellie Wilkinson has been sidelined into a support role. Still dealing with what she witnessed at the Whitman's house, she's determined to work with Drake again. But as their new team begins to delve deeper into this latest case, dark secrets are uncovered. And what they reveal raises the stakes for everyone involved...
Can they stop this vicious new killer? And will Drake finally confront his demons - or be consumed by them?
His life in tatters, DCI John Drake is struggling to move past the events of The Family Man. But when a brutal new serial killer surfaces, he seizes the opportunity to pull himself back from the brink.
Despite her public commendation, DS Ellie Wilkinson has been sidelined into a support role. Still dealing with what she witnessed at the Whitman's house, she's determined to work with Drake again. But as their new team begins to delve deeper into this latest case, dark secrets are uncovered. And what they reveal raises the stakes for everyone involved...
Can they stop this vicious new killer? And will Drake finally confront his demons - or be consumed by them?
- GenresThriller
402 pages, ebook
Published January 24, 2024
91 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
M. R. Armitage
3 books41 followersM. R. Armitage is a writer based in Reading, England.
His work includes the first three books in the DCI John Drake dark crime thriller series: The Family Man, The Ties That Bind, and Blood Lines, along with a prequel short story, Drake.
His work includes the first three books in the DCI John Drake dark crime thriller series: The Family Man, The Ties That Bind, and Blood Lines, along with a prequel short story, Drake.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 22, 2024
I was absolutely hooked from the start! The twists and turns in this book had me second guessing everything. I'd settle on a suspect in my own mind for that to be blown out of the water. An absolutely amazing sequel to The Family Man. Can't wait for the next installment!
January 28, 2024
Opinião: Se eu já tinha gostado do primeiro livro “The Family Man” este deixou-me completamente rendida à escrita e a esta futura série de livros do autor M.R Armitage, ao qual agradeço desde já toda a amabilidade com que me trata. Sem mais demoras, este livro é o segundo da série cujo protagonista é o Detetive John Drake e vem no rescaldo dos eventos relacionados com o assassino em série The Family Man. Drake tenta sobreviver a toda a situação e impacto que esse caso deixou na sua vida mas existem sentimentos que não são propriamente controláveis. Mas a vida continua ( e a morte) e Drake é chamado novamente para um duplo homicídio com requintes de malvadez, ao qual se junta a sua colega Ellie, e mais uma equipa de novos colegas, todos eles ávidos de ajudar, mas com “motivos” escondidos. À chegada ao capítulo treze temos a primeira reviravolta das muitas que temos ao longo deste livro, induzindo o leitor sempre em erro e a querer ler mais para ver as suas questões respondidas. Eu conforme fui lendo e sendo enganada pelo autor, mesmo assim consegui atar algumas pontas, mas confesso que não fazia ideia o motivo, nem tão pouco todos os implicados nos horríveis homicídios que Drake e Ellie têm que investigar. Mais uma vez a vida dos mesmos é posta em risco, assim como das suas famílias, e terão que escolher entre apanhar um assassino ou protegerem os que mais amam. Com um final que eu própria disse ao autor que preciso do terceiro livro RÁPIDO, estou completamente rendida a esta estória, com personagens super bem construídos e promovendo a inclusão e diversidade nas forças policiais. É um livro que além de ser bastante gráfico, pode ferir algumas suscetibilidades, pelo que se já estão habituados a um pouco mais de “sadismo” não terão qualquer problema na leitura.
Podemos ler este segundo livro sem ter lido o primeiro mas eu não aconselho, porque há todo um fio condutor necessário para compreender muitas das atitudes das personagens envolvidas.
Muito obrigado pela oportunidade de ler este livro e recomendo sem qualquer tipo de dúvida a todos os amantes de género.
ENG Review: If I had absolutely loved the first book “The Family Man”, this one left me completely surrendered to the writing and to this future series of books by author M.R Armitage, to whom I thank you in advance for all the kindness with which you treat my person. Without further ado, this book is the second in the series whose protagonist is Detective John Drake and comes in the aftermath of the events related to the serial killer The Family Man. Drake tries to survive the entire situation and impact that this case left on his life but there are feelings that are not exactly controllable. But life goes on (and death) and Drake is called back to solve out a double homicide with traces of pure evil and gore, which he is joined by his colleague Ellie, and another team of new colleagues, all of them eager to help, but with a hidden agenda. Upon arrival at Chapter thirteen we have the first twist of the many that we have throughout this book, always misleading the reader and wanting to read more to see our questions answered. As I read and was deceived by the author, I still managed to tie up some loose ends, but I confess that I had no idea why, nor all those involved in the horrible homicides that Drake and Ellie have to investigate. Once again their lives are put at risk, as well as their families, and they will have to choose between catching a killer or protecting the ones they love most. With an ending that I myself told the author that I need the third book FAST, I am completely surrendered to this story, with super well-built characters and promoting inclusion and diversity in police forces. It is a book that, in addition to being quite graphic, can offend some sensibilities, so if you are already used to a little more “sadism” you will not have any problems reading it.
We can read this second book without having read the first but I don't recommend it, because there is a whole thread necessary to understand many of the attitudes of the characters involved.Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book and I recommend it without any doubt to all psychological Thriller lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@bibliotecamil_insta
Podemos ler este segundo livro sem ter lido o primeiro mas eu não aconselho, porque há todo um fio condutor necessário para compreender muitas das atitudes das personagens envolvidas.
Muito obrigado pela oportunidade de ler este livro e recomendo sem qualquer tipo de dúvida a todos os amantes de género.
ENG Review: If I had absolutely loved the first book “The Family Man”, this one left me completely surrendered to the writing and to this future series of books by author M.R Armitage, to whom I thank you in advance for all the kindness with which you treat my person. Without further ado, this book is the second in the series whose protagonist is Detective John Drake and comes in the aftermath of the events related to the serial killer The Family Man. Drake tries to survive the entire situation and impact that this case left on his life but there are feelings that are not exactly controllable. But life goes on (and death) and Drake is called back to solve out a double homicide with traces of pure evil and gore, which he is joined by his colleague Ellie, and another team of new colleagues, all of them eager to help, but with a hidden agenda. Upon arrival at Chapter thirteen we have the first twist of the many that we have throughout this book, always misleading the reader and wanting to read more to see our questions answered. As I read and was deceived by the author, I still managed to tie up some loose ends, but I confess that I had no idea why, nor all those involved in the horrible homicides that Drake and Ellie have to investigate. Once again their lives are put at risk, as well as their families, and they will have to choose between catching a killer or protecting the ones they love most. With an ending that I myself told the author that I need the third book FAST, I am completely surrendered to this story, with super well-built characters and promoting inclusion and diversity in police forces. It is a book that, in addition to being quite graphic, can offend some sensibilities, so if you are already used to a little more “sadism” you will not have any problems reading it.
We can read this second book without having read the first but I don't recommend it, because there is a whole thread necessary to understand many of the attitudes of the characters involved.Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book and I recommend it without any doubt to all psychological Thriller lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@bibliotecamil_insta
January 27, 2024
Quite often you'll pick up book #2 in a new series, hoping it will be just as good as the first book but end up a tad disappointed or underwhelmed... well not with this one!
After absolutely LOVING the first book, The family Man, I was elated to receive The Ties That Bind and dove straight in!
Firstly, I massively recommend reading the first book as you really need to know the backstory, this isn't a standalone, you need the detail to fully immersive yourself into it.
DCI Drake is a seriously troubled man. After losing his wife and contact with his teenage daughter, hes left wondering 'is life worth living?'.
His partner on The Family man case, Ellie, is once again brought in to help on a new case. Two people have been found murdered in an extreme way. Who are they and what connects them? Leads are not forthcoming and with little to go on they have to dig deep.
Ellie adores her job, especially working alongside Drake but then it gets personal when her family are put under threat. Can she overcome the fear and catch the killer before time runs out?
This was one hell of a story that twists and turns so much you're left feeling dizzy. I absolutely love Mark's writing style and the dark and gruesome murder scenes are detailed so exquisitely you can picture them perfectly. The atmosphere and pace are built up brilliantly so you never want to put it down, that promised 'one more chapter' just keeps going and going.
The characters are executed so skillfully that you really start to understand what makes them tick. I really enjoyed reading about the newer team members and getting small snippets of information on them (I love Strausa), Drake & Ellie are a perfect team combo and definitely one to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see where book #3 takes them.
With plentiful characters, twists and turns and drama from start to finish, this fast paced story will leave your stomach rolling and your spine tingling!
I've got to say, I think this actually rivalled book #1, and that's saying something!
The biggest thanks to M.R Armitage and Booksirens for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
After absolutely LOVING the first book, The family Man, I was elated to receive The Ties That Bind and dove straight in!
Firstly, I massively recommend reading the first book as you really need to know the backstory, this isn't a standalone, you need the detail to fully immersive yourself into it.
DCI Drake is a seriously troubled man. After losing his wife and contact with his teenage daughter, hes left wondering 'is life worth living?'.
His partner on The Family man case, Ellie, is once again brought in to help on a new case. Two people have been found murdered in an extreme way. Who are they and what connects them? Leads are not forthcoming and with little to go on they have to dig deep.
Ellie adores her job, especially working alongside Drake but then it gets personal when her family are put under threat. Can she overcome the fear and catch the killer before time runs out?
This was one hell of a story that twists and turns so much you're left feeling dizzy. I absolutely love Mark's writing style and the dark and gruesome murder scenes are detailed so exquisitely you can picture them perfectly. The atmosphere and pace are built up brilliantly so you never want to put it down, that promised 'one more chapter' just keeps going and going.
The characters are executed so skillfully that you really start to understand what makes them tick. I really enjoyed reading about the newer team members and getting small snippets of information on them (I love Strausa), Drake & Ellie are a perfect team combo and definitely one to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see where book #3 takes them.
With plentiful characters, twists and turns and drama from start to finish, this fast paced story will leave your stomach rolling and your spine tingling!
I've got to say, I think this actually rivalled book #1, and that's saying something!
The biggest thanks to M.R Armitage and Booksirens for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 26, 2024
What a start! Even just the first chapter made me bite my nails – like where would you run to if you escape your capturer? Would you take in your surroundings, look back or just keep running? My heartrate was already high because of the introduction and the story hasn’t even started!
Book 2 makes your heart break all over again for DCI Drake – if you remember book 1 ended horribly for him. He is such a great character and it is so hard reading through his pain and anger ( btw Rachel and his daughter are making me soooo ANGRY –I would like to grab them and shake them and slap them, such unlikeable characters ). I guess you know where my loyalty stands – with John Drake!
But with Ellies words “and what better duo to face it than the mighty Drake and Ellie? “ we dive into a story full of gruesome murders, lots of suspects, a new danger for your beloved characters and some really, really great relationships between them.
Once started I couldn’t stop reading and really, Ellie and John are a match made in heaven but as Eva said “beyond stupid “ – I can tell you, these two are keeping you on your toes!
I really enjoyed the second DCI Drake book and really hope there will be more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Book 2 makes your heart break all over again for DCI Drake – if you remember book 1 ended horribly for him. He is such a great character and it is so hard reading through his pain and anger ( btw Rachel and his daughter are making me soooo ANGRY –I would like to grab them and shake them and slap them, such unlikeable characters ). I guess you know where my loyalty stands – with John Drake!
But with Ellies words “and what better duo to face it than the mighty Drake and Ellie? “ we dive into a story full of gruesome murders, lots of suspects, a new danger for your beloved characters and some really, really great relationships between them.
Once started I couldn’t stop reading and really, Ellie and John are a match made in heaven but as Eva said “beyond stupid “ – I can tell you, these two are keeping you on your toes!
I really enjoyed the second DCI Drake book and really hope there will be more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
June 6, 2025
This is book 2 of the DCI John Drake series. Drake is dealing with the aftermath of the Family Man killings. His daughter isn’t living or speaking to him, he can’t pull out of his grief so he is on the precipice of losing his job, and his partner Ellie has been riding out her time doing boring paperwork. But when two bodies are discovered to have been tortured and murdered, Drake is needed. As more bodies pile up and Ellie’s family is threatened, Drake is needed to be at his best, which means he has to confront his past so it doesn’t rule over him anymore. I really love this series. It is a straight up dark British detective series. The relationship between Drake and Ellie is great. She is young and enthusiastic and doesn’t have much of a filter. But, he sees her potential and mentors her. The friendship is unmistakable. Ellie is fierce. I love how she is a strong and smart woman who still has a sense of humor and empathy. Overall, I will continue to read this series as the books come out.
January 25, 2024
When everything you hold dear... is gone...
When you think things can not get any worse... that is when they get much worse!
DCI John Drake has gone thru many things... and his daughter wants nothing to do with him. He got another place to stay, because he cannot go back home. Being ravaged from within himself, going back to work may be the best thing for him. So, he takes the case his boss hands him to work, and he sleeps (sort of) in his car.
This case is strange and makes all who work it mad! Why do they (he/she/ how many?) go to all of the extra torture? !... What the hell? There is no direct line to know where that direction is going, except worse!
This was an Amazing addition to the DCI Drake series! It needs to be read in order with the first book, or much would be lost. It is also not for sensitive people.
Thank you, M.R. Armitage for yet another Wonderful Story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story, and this is my honest review.
When you think things can not get any worse... that is when they get much worse!
DCI John Drake has gone thru many things... and his daughter wants nothing to do with him. He got another place to stay, because he cannot go back home. Being ravaged from within himself, going back to work may be the best thing for him. So, he takes the case his boss hands him to work, and he sleeps (sort of) in his car.
This case is strange and makes all who work it mad! Why do they (he/she/ how many?) go to all of the extra torture? !... What the hell? There is no direct line to know where that direction is going, except worse!
This was an Amazing addition to the DCI Drake series! It needs to be read in order with the first book, or much would be lost. It is also not for sensitive people.
Thank you, M.R. Armitage for yet another Wonderful Story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story, and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2024
The book opens with DS Ellie Wilkinson getting a commendation. She is concerned about DCI John Drake. He should have been at the awards ceremony. She hasn’t been able to reach him even though he is supposed to be back at work. In the previous book, Drake was investigating The Family Man who killed families in front of their mothers. He was still recovering personally from this ordeal when he was given another case. Ellie, who was being sidelined was asked by Drake to assist. Two dead bodies are found close together, half naked and tied up in the outdoors. I love these characters. They work perfectly together. An older experienced Drake and a young, less experienced Ellie. They grow together. They have to work together to go after the serial killer while keeping themselves and their family safe. I love the author’s writing style. Great psychological thrillers. The story keeps your attention all the way through. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
April 23, 2025
Enjoyed this book the second in the John drake series the more I read the better it got .
The first book The family man focuses on John drake who is a dci in the police and married with a teenage daughter . Life is ok until he gets a new case that completely turns his life upsets down and changes it forever . After the devasting loss of his wife he also losses his daughter and very nearly ends it all . Another new case this time affects his partner Ellie more and between the two of them they must track down the killer and bring them to justice whilst making huge sacrifices .
Looking forward to book 3 especially how this book ends . A great series
The first book The family man focuses on John drake who is a dci in the police and married with a teenage daughter . Life is ok until he gets a new case that completely turns his life upsets down and changes it forever . After the devasting loss of his wife he also losses his daughter and very nearly ends it all . Another new case this time affects his partner Ellie more and between the two of them they must track down the killer and bring them to justice whilst making huge sacrifices .
Looking forward to book 3 especially how this book ends . A great series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
Being book two I didn't think it could top the first book, but it did. I think this is because you are now familiar with the characters and this book took you straight into the story.
I've enjoyed carrying on the story with Drake and his family seeing the reality that trauma cannot sometimes divide families rather than bring them together.
The descriptions in the story whilst are not pleasant you can really picture the scene that the characters are seeing.
I normally am trying to play detective and work out who the murderer and looking for twists, but I am so engrossed with Drake and his team that I'm not doing this.
Looking forward to book three, as there are now a few more characters that I would like to see more of.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've enjoyed carrying on the story with Drake and his family seeing the reality that trauma cannot sometimes divide families rather than bring them together.
The descriptions in the story whilst are not pleasant you can really picture the scene that the characters are seeing.
I normally am trying to play detective and work out who the murderer and looking for twists, but I am so engrossed with Drake and his team that I'm not doing this.
Looking forward to book three, as there are now a few more characters that I would like to see more of.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2024
Brilliant follow on from the Family Man
The affects of the trauma from the first book are described really well. Hard to imagine how someone would cope after that ordeal. Then to be thrown into another manhunt, whilst dealing with the pain and memories from before… Love that the story focuses not only on Drake, but Ellie, Len, Eva and other who were involved. The ending also shows the ripple effect, a crime is committed, maybe one person dies, but so many others can be destroyed because of it. Can’t wait for the third book.
The affects of the trauma from the first book are described really well. Hard to imagine how someone would cope after that ordeal. Then to be thrown into another manhunt, whilst dealing with the pain and memories from before… Love that the story focuses not only on Drake, but Ellie, Len, Eva and other who were involved. The ending also shows the ripple effect, a crime is committed, maybe one person dies, but so many others can be destroyed because of it. Can’t wait for the third book.
January 26, 2024
Another winning story! So glad to jump back in with DCI Drake and watch him work through his grief and estrangement from his daughter by going back to work. His first case back is doozy! As always, the writing is spot on and very detailed. I can visualize the gory crime scenes. Not for those with squeamish stomachs! The story twists and turns with situations that you don't see coming. Excellent ending leaving us wanting more.
January 29, 2024
I had already been enchanted by The Family Man, but this one managed to make me like it even more.
I loved the story, it's very well structured, it hooks the reader and won't let you put it down.
The characters are strong and striking.
I look forward to this author's next books. I think he will have a very promising path to follow.
I loved the story, it's very well structured, it hooks the reader and won't let you put it down.
The characters are strong and striking.
I look forward to this author's next books. I think he will have a very promising path to follow.
June 8, 2024
I really enjoyed the first in this series and was excited to read the sequel. It was a brilliant read, a real page turner with plenty of twist and turns and was action packed. You really identify with the characters in the book and are willing them on in the book to try and solve the crimes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 14, 2024
Oh my days!!! I could not put this down!!! Finished in a day and got no work done!
Twists turns and all the adrenaline you want and need in a thriller
Drake is the SIO along with Ellie Wilkinson again try to find another killer, who this time has their sights on Ellie and her family
With the cliff hanger at the end I can not wait for the 3rd instalment
Twists turns and all the adrenaline you want and need in a thriller
Drake is the SIO along with Ellie Wilkinson again try to find another killer, who this time has their sights on Ellie and her family
With the cliff hanger at the end I can not wait for the 3rd instalment
October 29, 2024
better than the 1st!
Really loving Drake and the team. He’s such a likeable character I’m really enjoying learning more about him
Great storyline, wasn’t sure where it was all going but liked how it tied in at the end
And speaking of endings….. wow!!! Roll on book 3 I need to know more!
Really loving Drake and the team. He’s such a likeable character I’m really enjoying learning more about him
Great storyline, wasn’t sure where it was all going but liked how it tied in at the end
And speaking of endings….. wow!!! Roll on book 3 I need to know more!
January 27, 2024
DCI John Drake still suffers from what happened in the past. In this new case he teams up again with Ellie. I just loved the book. Strong characters, a good story, suspense. A recommendation.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
March 4, 2024
This is my second book by this Author and I Absolutely enjoyed reading it congratulations on yet another brilliantly written book which once I started reading it I could not put it down and would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me 😊📖
March 12, 2024
Enjoyed this like i did the first book, couldn't put it down.
I really felt for the murderers which was a surprising and enjoyable read.
Didn't want the book to finish.
Can't wait for the next one!
I really felt for the murderers which was a surprising and enjoyable read.
Didn't want the book to finish.
Can't wait for the next one!
December 29, 2024
What a thriller
I loved every moment of this book and it had my heart racing. Could Di Drake make the right decision could they get to the bottom of what happened
This is the aftermath of the family man what a sequel had me gripped very well written I loved every moment
I loved every moment of this book and it had my heart racing. Could Di Drake make the right decision could they get to the bottom of what happened
This is the aftermath of the family man what a sequel had me gripped very well written I loved every moment
July 22, 2025
Fans of Chris Carter, this is for you. A must for your TBR.
Follow on from the first instalment, once again, this had me hooked from the first chapter. Armitage's never-ending twists really have you guessing who is actually who.
Also, that ending has me moving straight onto book number 3!
Follow on from the first instalment, once again, this had me hooked from the first chapter. Armitage's never-ending twists really have you guessing who is actually who.
Also, that ending has me moving straight onto book number 3!
June 7, 2024
Another great read.
This book like The Family Man was a great read. It was hard to put down once you got into it. Looking forward to the next one.
This book like The Family Man was a great read. It was hard to put down once you got into it. Looking forward to the next one.
July 10, 2024
new author to me
Loved the characters so believable
Lots of twists kept guessing till the final chapter. Looking forward to the next one
Loved the characters so believable
Lots of twists kept guessing till the final chapter. Looking forward to the next one
October 3, 2024
Excellent thriller and follow-up to Family Man. Can't wait for book 3 to be released
October 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I have read the other Drake books and they really hold your attention and make you not want to put the book down! I can’t wait for the next one to come out!!
November 17, 2024
Great story. My only complaint is the woke use of pronouns. Sick to death of it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews