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DCI Isaac Cook #5
Murder Is the Only Option
He was thought to be dead, until he returns to exact revenge against those who had blighted his life. His only concern is to protect his wife and daughter. He will stop at nothing to achieve his aim..
‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’
‘I’ve told you enough times.’
‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell down, cracking his head against a concrete kerb.
The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away.
‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’
‘I’ve told you enough times.’
‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell down, cracking his head against a concrete kerb.
The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away.
- GenresMystery
Audio CD
Published August 8, 2023
144 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Strang
146 books82 followersPhillip Strang is a well-travelled writer who has spent considerable time in many remote and exotic parts of the World installing telecommunication networks.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 3, 2021
Mad, bad or dangerous to know ?
A thrilling story that unfolds as a dirty, smelly vagrant commits a murder. It is a complex story that brings up the morality of 'does the punishment fit the crime'? It is a riveting story with vibrant characters who seem all too real.
A thrilling story that unfolds as a dirty, smelly vagrant commits a murder. It is a complex story that brings up the morality of 'does the punishment fit the crime'? It is a riveting story with vibrant characters who seem all too real.
October 31, 2017
‘Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook, woken from his sleep, was on the way.’
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DCI Cook Thriller Series, of which this is Book 5 – the first books are 1- MURDER IS A TRICKY BUSINESS, 2 - MURDER HOUSE, 3 - MURDER IS ONLY A NUMBER, - 4 MURDER IN LITTLE VENICE, 5 - MURDER IS THE ONLY OPTION, and 6 – MURDER WITHOUT REASON.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well form the very first page: ‘Nobody ever doubted that Big Greg was anything other than an educated man. In the homeless shelter where he occasionally bedded down, he had become something of a legend with his reciting poetry as well as occasionally playing an old, out-of-tune piano that sat forlornly in one corner of the main room. He didn’t often grace the premises with his presence, preferring on most nights to find a spot under a bridge not far from Paddington Station, with heat from a fire in an old metal dustbin. Big Greg would not have been in the shelter that night under normal circumstances, but the weather had gone against him. It was the beginning of November, and for London it was cold. Those who knew him would tell you that he was a cheerful man, always ready with a good story and a smile. Not that any of them knew much about him. There were some things that he never spoke about: where he had come from, what his real name was, and why he was on the street. It didn’t concern Big Greg, a title he had been given in part because he was tall, in part because of his commanding voice. Many on the street looked to him for assistance whenever the police came to move them on, or the social services wanted them to get a job. Big Greg, a man who apparently enjoyed living on the street, showed none of the vices that afflicted so many others. There was never a time when he could be found drinking a bottle of cheap alcohol. Those who knew him estimated his age at between fifty-five and sixty, but even that was unreliable as he had an unkempt beard and a closer examination was not possible.’
And from this scene the plot begins – ‘They had thought him to be dead, until he returns to exact revenge against those who had blighted his life. His only concern is to protect his wife and daughter. He will stop at nothing to achieve his aim.. ‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’ ‘I’ve told you enough times.’ ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell down, cracking his head against a concrete kerb. The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away. ‘
DCI Isaac seems o have more stories about his prowess and his unique personality than any other contemporary ongoing crime controller. Strang has him so well define that we’d recognize him were he to walk in the room. And that is fine writing in a fine series. Thriller with all the additives.
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DCI Cook Thriller Series, of which this is Book 5 – the first books are 1- MURDER IS A TRICKY BUSINESS, 2 - MURDER HOUSE, 3 - MURDER IS ONLY A NUMBER, - 4 MURDER IN LITTLE VENICE, 5 - MURDER IS THE ONLY OPTION, and 6 – MURDER WITHOUT REASON.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well form the very first page: ‘Nobody ever doubted that Big Greg was anything other than an educated man. In the homeless shelter where he occasionally bedded down, he had become something of a legend with his reciting poetry as well as occasionally playing an old, out-of-tune piano that sat forlornly in one corner of the main room. He didn’t often grace the premises with his presence, preferring on most nights to find a spot under a bridge not far from Paddington Station, with heat from a fire in an old metal dustbin. Big Greg would not have been in the shelter that night under normal circumstances, but the weather had gone against him. It was the beginning of November, and for London it was cold. Those who knew him would tell you that he was a cheerful man, always ready with a good story and a smile. Not that any of them knew much about him. There were some things that he never spoke about: where he had come from, what his real name was, and why he was on the street. It didn’t concern Big Greg, a title he had been given in part because he was tall, in part because of his commanding voice. Many on the street looked to him for assistance whenever the police came to move them on, or the social services wanted them to get a job. Big Greg, a man who apparently enjoyed living on the street, showed none of the vices that afflicted so many others. There was never a time when he could be found drinking a bottle of cheap alcohol. Those who knew him estimated his age at between fifty-five and sixty, but even that was unreliable as he had an unkempt beard and a closer examination was not possible.’
And from this scene the plot begins – ‘They had thought him to be dead, until he returns to exact revenge against those who had blighted his life. His only concern is to protect his wife and daughter. He will stop at nothing to achieve his aim.. ‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’ ‘I’ve told you enough times.’ ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell down, cracking his head against a concrete kerb. The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away. ‘
DCI Isaac seems o have more stories about his prowess and his unique personality than any other contemporary ongoing crime controller. Strang has him so well define that we’d recognize him were he to walk in the room. And that is fine writing in a fine series. Thriller with all the additives.
May 5, 2024
Murder is the Only Option is book five in the DCI Isaac Cook series by Phillip Strang. DCI Isaac Cook and his team caught a case of a body found in the Regent Canal Little Vince without his head or arms. At first, DCI Isaac Cook and his team learned how to proceed with this case when they found Vicenzo Pinto's lead to help them develop a plan of action. The readers of Murder is the Only Option will continue to follow DCI Isaac Cook to discover what happens.
Murder is the Only Option is an enjoyable book. It is the fifth book in this series, and I am starting to engage more with the characters and the stories. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Murder is the Only Option is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of Murder is the Only Option, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Murder is the Only Option will understand the problems gangs have in problem communities of London. They will also learn about the beautiful Regent Canal walk in Camden, England.
I recommend this book.
Murder is the Only Option is an enjoyable book. It is the fifth book in this series, and I am starting to engage more with the characters and the stories. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Murder is the Only Option is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of Murder is the Only Option, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Murder is the Only Option will understand the problems gangs have in problem communities of London. They will also learn about the beautiful Regent Canal walk in Camden, England.
I recommend this book.
November 12, 2017
"The only option is to finish reading it"
A terrific plot line always helps. Each of the previous Isaac Cook stories had the required amount of procedural detail, and this is no exception. The main characters are more familiar now, and the new protagonists in this one held just the right amount of menace. It was all so believable. Watch out for the ending, it may surprise you.
A terrific plot line always helps. Each of the previous Isaac Cook stories had the required amount of procedural detail, and this is no exception. The main characters are more familiar now, and the new protagonists in this one held just the right amount of menace. It was all so believable. Watch out for the ending, it may surprise you.
November 9, 2017
Murder is the Only Option by Phillip Strang Review
Returning from the dead can cause lots of problems, none of them good for anyone!
He was thought to be dead until he returns to exact revenge against those who had blighted his life. His only concern is to protect his wife and daughter. He will stop at nothing to achieve his aim.. ‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’ ‘I’ve told you enough times.’ ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell, cracking his head against a concrete kerb. The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away.
What did I like? I love the writing style of Phillip and the direct way that he speaks. DCI Cook is so versatile and sometimes quite funny. I admire the love, hate relationship that he has with his boss and the politics that drive him nuts. He is a strong character but each book that I read he just gets better.
What will you like? The storyline is very developed and even gets better as you turn the pages. The characters in this book really are a work of art, just imagine having lived in that squalor for that length of time, would have driven anyone nuts! All of them are strong and unique but strangely familiar. You must give Big Greg credit first for his conviction that he is doing the right thing and for the desire to protect not only his family but the world. Mystery, intrigue, action, murder, and politics round out the interesting things that will take it over the top. DCI Cook really met his match in this book but thankfully for his faithful and loyal team, they get the job done but not without a ton of twists and turns. I received this from the author as an ARC reader for an honest review with no other compensation.
Returning from the dead can cause lots of problems, none of them good for anyone!
He was thought to be dead until he returns to exact revenge against those who had blighted his life. His only concern is to protect his wife and daughter. He will stop at nothing to achieve his aim.. ‘Big Greg, I never expected to see you around here at this time of night.’ ‘I’ve told you enough times.’ ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,’ Robertson replied. He looked up at the man, only to see a metal pole coming down at him. Robertson fell, cracking his head against a concrete kerb. The two vagrants, no more than twenty feet away, did not stir and did not even look in the direction of the noise. If they had, they would have seen a dead body, another man walking away.
What did I like? I love the writing style of Phillip and the direct way that he speaks. DCI Cook is so versatile and sometimes quite funny. I admire the love, hate relationship that he has with his boss and the politics that drive him nuts. He is a strong character but each book that I read he just gets better.
What will you like? The storyline is very developed and even gets better as you turn the pages. The characters in this book really are a work of art, just imagine having lived in that squalor for that length of time, would have driven anyone nuts! All of them are strong and unique but strangely familiar. You must give Big Greg credit first for his conviction that he is doing the right thing and for the desire to protect not only his family but the world. Mystery, intrigue, action, murder, and politics round out the interesting things that will take it over the top. DCI Cook really met his match in this book but thankfully for his faithful and loyal team, they get the job done but not without a ton of twists and turns. I received this from the author as an ARC reader for an honest review with no other compensation.
December 19, 2017
Murder Is the Only Option by Phillip Strang is a thriller/police procedural that provides a look into a murderer's mind while DCI Isaac Cook and his team try to find hime before he kills again. A normally docile homeless man, Big Greg, murders Bob Robertson, operator of a well-respected home less shelter, after Bob has read one of Big Greg's notebooks. Big Greg is not what he appears. DCI Cook is called in to investigate the murder, but there appear to be no reasons for the murder and no one knows the real identity of the killer. The story proceeds mostly through the eyes of Big Greg and his former life, delving into Greg's mental reasoning. DCI Cook is mostly a background character as he and his team try to follow the few leads. As the mystery unfolds, the British government and the military become prominent Big Greg works to save his estranged wife and daughter from being used a collateral to get Big Greg's knowledge. The story is a good read and the conclusion is a bit abrupt. There is one loose end that could have had an impact on the ending that I wish had been tied.
Note that the author provided me a copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
Note that the author provided me a copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 3, 2017
"A Top Notch Investigative Mystery Thriller"
In this 5th book of the series, Big Greg is homeless in London. He was comfortable in his current life. He often told stories to others and occasionally stayed at the homeless shelter, but preferred sleeping under a bridge. He did not drink alcohol or use drugs. Most importantly, he never talked about himself and yet he was always smiling. Most people who remember Big Greg by a different name in his previous life believed he was dead. When Bob Robertson, manager of the homeless center stepped outside late at night, he is approached by Big Greg. Robertson is immediately killed. There is history here that is mysterious and chilling as DCI Isaac Cook investigates this case. This is another winner for author Phillip Strang. It's very thought provoking and a real eye opener. Extremely well written and I highly recommend reading it.
In this 5th book of the series, Big Greg is homeless in London. He was comfortable in his current life. He often told stories to others and occasionally stayed at the homeless shelter, but preferred sleeping under a bridge. He did not drink alcohol or use drugs. Most importantly, he never talked about himself and yet he was always smiling. Most people who remember Big Greg by a different name in his previous life believed he was dead. When Bob Robertson, manager of the homeless center stepped outside late at night, he is approached by Big Greg. Robertson is immediately killed. There is history here that is mysterious and chilling as DCI Isaac Cook investigates this case. This is another winner for author Phillip Strang. It's very thought provoking and a real eye opener. Extremely well written and I highly recommend reading it.
December 7, 2017
When the manager of a homeless shelter is murdered, DCI Isaac Cook and his team are in search of Big Greg, a mysterious homeless man who doesn’t fit the normal pattern of a street person. When more people die, they learn that Big Greg has a secret and a mission, and the intelligence to pull it off right under their noses. To add to Cook’s misery, when a Member of Parliament becomes one of the killer’s victims, the pressure from above threatens to derail his investigation.
Murder is the Only Option by Phillip Strang is another offering in the DCI Cook series. Fascinating characters and convoluted plots, against the backdrop of a modest sized English city, will grab and hold your interest on every page.
Dat Isaac, he one sharp copper, mon! I received a free copy of this book, and I give it four stars.
Murder is the Only Option by Phillip Strang is another offering in the DCI Cook series. Fascinating characters and convoluted plots, against the backdrop of a modest sized English city, will grab and hold your interest on every page.
Dat Isaac, he one sharp copper, mon! I received a free copy of this book, and I give it four stars.
November 16, 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book that I received for free.
This is the first book I have read from Phillip Strang. As we delve into this 5th book in the series the characters are well developed, DCI Isaac Cook has his professional life together while dealing with the political environment of a big city police force. He has a loyal support team, that provides value to the story not just filler and/or fodder, as is the case in some Mystery/Suspense/Thriller books. An interesting take on the peaceful project turned weaponized intent plot, Phillip delivers the right amount of suspense while providing enough information to allow the reader to follow along in DCI Cook's investigation.
A nice suspenseful weekend read.
This is the first book I have read from Phillip Strang. As we delve into this 5th book in the series the characters are well developed, DCI Isaac Cook has his professional life together while dealing with the political environment of a big city police force. He has a loyal support team, that provides value to the story not just filler and/or fodder, as is the case in some Mystery/Suspense/Thriller books. An interesting take on the peaceful project turned weaponized intent plot, Phillip delivers the right amount of suspense while providing enough information to allow the reader to follow along in DCI Cook's investigation.
A nice suspenseful weekend read.
January 10, 2018
My second read from author Phillip Strang was even better than the first book in the series. I know, why skip from book 1 to book 5? Because they're the 2 books I own by this author. Well-written with well-developed characters and a mystery that continually develops throughout the length of the book. A very good read I look forward Strang’s next book.
March 28, 2018
Just dumb
The whole plot is unrealistic and unbelievable. Malcolm goes on the streets, living as an unwashed bum, for 11 years, supposedly to protect his family. Good grief, if that was really the goal, he should have killed himself in the first place and none of the rest would have ever happened.
The whole plot is unrealistic and unbelievable. Malcolm goes on the streets, living as an unwashed bum, for 11 years, supposedly to protect his family. Good grief, if that was really the goal, he should have killed himself in the first place and none of the rest would have ever happened.
March 21, 2018
DCI Cook gets his man. . .at least for a while
A captivating read. I had a difficult time putting it down. However, I found the ending, while it was true to like and believeab!e, was very dissatisfying.
A captivating read. I had a difficult time putting it down. However, I found the ending, while it was true to like and believeab!e, was very dissatisfying.
November 10, 2017
This is another great book in the DCI Cook Thriller Series! I was hooked into the story from the very beginning trying to figure what would happen next. Loved it!
November 21, 2017
Would you be willing to kill for your family, for your country, but mainly for yourself? How did it turn out??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book
February 20, 2019
The thought the premise of the case in this book was completely implausible.
March 11, 2019
an intriguing puzzle
The story plays out in London. A brilliant scientist, an invention/discovery and all who want it. S well written thriller.
The story plays out in London. A brilliant scientist, an invention/discovery and all who want it. S well written thriller.
May 11, 2020
Very interesting book. I liked the plot and the twists in this one.
March 24, 2021
I have read many of the books in this series and not in order and they are all great. Good characters, interesting situations and they keep you guessing to the end. great series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews