The Backs

DC Gary Goodhew Mystery #5

by Alison Bruce

A fresh start in a place you hate. Even tougher with a killer watching... Jane Osborne left Cambridge and vowed she'd never return. An unexpected twist of fortune results in DC Goodhew bringing her back to the remnants of her old life and a confrontation with the man who killed her sister. Meanwhile a burning car on the outskirts of Cambridge leads to the discovery of the body of its owner, Paul Marshall. There seems nothing to connect it to either a recent assault, or to Jane Osborne, until a shocking discovery rips Goodhew's investigation apart.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, British Literature

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Alison Bruce was born in Surrey, United Kingdom, and now lives in Cambridge.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I've read all the Gary Goodhew series and this is definitely my favourite. As ever, I loved the accuracy of the description of Cambridge, and this time there was the added bonus that my side of the city was involved in aspects of the story. As ever Goodhew is an enigma, but I was pleased that this time he managed to keep on Marks's good side for the most part. The story itself was very clever as always, with lots of twists and turns. I had guessed aspects of the conclusion, but there were still plenty of surprises. I look forward to book 6, and to the resolution of some of the loose ends that were tantalisingly left at the end of this installment.

[Suzy Dominey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like the main character's personality, too clever for his own good

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

A random pick up from the library - meaning starting at #5 of a series.
Goodhew I like and am intrigued to know more. Writing style easy to read but not quite a page turner. Plot OK - slightly different, a few twists but nothing spectacular. Enjoyed the local setting.
Not a regretful read, but not one I would rush to recommend either. Maybe if I had started at #1 it would be better.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifth in the Gary Goodhew Mystery series. This was available in the US on Audible before it was published in paper or on Kindle.

The narrator is excellent. The book is intriguing and just a bit WTF.

[ReadandRated · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5 stars from me!

Alison Bruce has excelled herself with The Backs, it knocks its predecessors into a cocked hat as far as I'm concerned.

As a fan of the Cambridge Blue series I have always tried to view each one with impartial eyes and review it honestly on its own merits and not because I think Alison is a cool lady; I think my previous reviews have been critical when needed which hopefully reflects that opinion in unbiased.
The Backs focuses less on building the reader's relationship with Goodhew (which is fine as we know and love him enough already) and more on building a really engrossing story with excellent characterisation of the main protagonist and all 'bit players'.

I really enjoyed the scene setting and descriptive writing which also seemed to have upped its game in this book, so as well as getting a really good detective story you also get a beautifully written and engaging tale that leads you through the streets of Cambridge in glorious detail.

As I live near Cambridge and visit often, this was an added delight for me and I really enjoyed spotting Gary's row of houses view it's view across Parker's Piece to the Police Station and catching a glimpse of CB2 which is now on my list of must visit places.

All in all an absolute success and genuine pleasure to read. I love that it ends with a big fat question mark over something and particularly enjoyed the italic line on page 243 although maybe not quite so much as I enjoyed and appreciated the name check I got on the acknowledgements page :)

[Beris Cumming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I don't want to put any spoilers in this review so it will have to be short, but if you don't shout out NO at least twice in this book I will be amazed. Alison has written an amazing story that had my head spinning. There are some situations that make you feel uncomfortable, some characters who make you ooze hate and an ending..... For all the Gary Goodhew fans it delivers and then some. For anyone who just fancies reading this book and doesn't want to read the other four it is written in such a way that you will still have a wonderful journey through some dark minds and will probably then read the other four books anyway. Hope there will be a DC Goodhew 6 and eventually karma will even things out.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd really like to give 4 1/2 stars but again Goodreads won't let me.


I loved this new book a lot esp. the characters DI Kincaide and PC Gully.
This case is a real page turner. The story is twisted and clever built. I puzzled about the killer during the whole book - this time it was bloody tricky. Also loved the mention of Wallander and Fifty Shades of Crap.
At the end I was like "what? Goodhew no!" Sometimes I really don't get what's going on on his mind. Perhaps Alison needs to explain more of his past - we know almost nothing of what drives him!
We'd really love to read some more Goodhew cases! (...and maybe a stand-alone story about PC Gully? :D)

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compulsive page turner. Another Gary Goodhew winner. Alison Bruce just gets better and better with every book she writes

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Backs is the fifth book in the DC Gary Goodhew Mystery series written by Alison Bruce and centered on Gary Goodhew, a Detective Constable in Cambridge Parkside Station.

A paramedic comes across a young woman, unconscious and bleeding, in a Cambridge garden. As she attempts to help and phones for assistance, she, too, is stabbed. Meanwhile, Goodhew has stopped at roadblock diverting traffic from a burning and extremely expensive car. The fire looks like arson and its positioning seems deliberate. A horrifyingly logical thought process leads him to the badly beaten body of a man lashed to a tree with wire. Finally, the unrelated arrest of a shoplifter in Leeds reveals that she is wanted by Cambridge police in connection with a seven-year-old murder. These three apparently unrelated events convergences into a mystery that DC Gary Goodhew have to manage.

The Backs is written rather well. The narrative is an intricate and darkly absorbing tale, covering obsession, murder, drugs, some very kinky sex, and student prostitution, which made the book rather difficult to put down. The writing is intelligent and crisp with superb descriptions of Cambridge providing a sense of reality.

As a former Cantabrigian, it is wonderful to read about the city the series is based on. It brought back many happy memories about my undergraduate years and brought a bought of nostalgia when reading about certain places that I have visited.

All in all, The Backs is written rather well and is a strong continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to read in the very near future.

[Philip Cumberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison has become one of my favourite authors and I am gradually reading her Gary Goodhew series. I say gradually with good reason. I enjoy her writing and read the books one at a time with an interval in between each one, so I enjoy each one as a fresh read.

“The Backs” is number five in the series and number six “The Promise” is sitting on the shelf ready for my next special occasion.

The Backs, as is all of Alison’s books, the ones I have read so far, set in and around Cambridge. I am familiar with the city and the surrounding area. For me, this familiarity is a bonus.

Following a violent scene-setting prologue the action moves what was for the story the present day, the Gog Magog hills at night, a burning car and the discovery of a gruesome murder.

Jane Osborne’s return to Cambridge sets the story off in another direction and the plot weaves around several different strands. DC Gary Goodhew and the team he belongs to gradually, start to untangle the events leading up to the murder and hitherto undiscovered crimes of the past. In the process darker, secrets emerge from their hiding places.

As with all Alison’s novels (the ones I have read so far), the characters are well-drawn and the plot multilayered, as each layer is lifted more is revealed underneath. Each time the reader thinks they may have an inkling of who the villain may be or the possible outcome the ground shifts underneath.

All in all a damn good read.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

DC Gary Goodhew's quick mind is at work again, as he looks for the killer of Paul Marshall, who was brutally tortured and tied to a tree as his fancy Lotus burns. As it turns out he was a violent rapist of his wife and student prostitutes. At the same time a convicted murdered is paroled and begins to look for the person who really committed the crime with the eye on revenge. Greg Jackson was convicted to killing his wife, Rebecca, sister of Jane Osborne, who was estranged from her family and upon hearing of the killing of Marshall prepares to return to Cambridge, only to be arrested for shoplifting and returned to the police there. Gerry Osborne, a sculptor, and their father is reluctant to let Jane stay in their old house, which is for sale, but gives in. When she finds a body in the basement they begin a trace on her mother who went to France, years before. But the person that is in France is Lesley Bough, who was the mother's business partner. The cases circle around when a connection with the "Student Services" business of escorts is revealed to be that of the mother's.

The killer of Becca and the mother is a twist, however. Convoluted and a dangerous and sad ending.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn with this series. I really enjoy Brit mysteries and the writing in these is excellent. My problem is that I find the characters a little confusing. To me, it feels like people pop up out of nowhere and I have no idea who they are. I read a lot of books that have huge casts of characters and usually have no problem keeping them straight. Maybe there’s something about this author’s writing style that just doesn’t jive with my brain! LOL

[Babs Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another page turner. I love the central character Gary Goodhew he’s my idea of a great detective. He’s not a middle aged, jaundiced drinker. He does have some problems but they only serve to increase the reader’s empathy. He stands out but there’s also room for his colleagues to shine or on occasion otherwise 😉 I did guess who dunnit but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment.

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another investigation involving DC Goodhew.
Hold on for a roller coaster ride when an old case is revisited after the arrest of someone for shoplifting involves a runaway from the earlier case.
The case is eventually solved after a lot of twists and turns
The ending leaves you guessing and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Margaret B · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this mostly for the Cambridge setting, and enjoyed it very much. Not 100 % sure if I'd have given it 4 stars if it was set somewhere else, but the main detective is likeable enough and I'd be interested in seeing how he develops in future books in the cseries.

[Janice Colebrook]

I have enjoyed all the Gary Goodhew books so far and this one in particular. it’s immaculately plotted and the characterisations are excellent. I plan to go straight on to the next in the series in the hope that Kincaid finally gets his comeuppance

[Corinne Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters in these books DC Goodhew the awkward policeman with a sixth sense. Set in Cambridge they are a series of books that keep your attention. Fast moving each chapter keeps you guessing Looking forward to the next one 😀

[Ronald Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

British mystery. Not very interesting.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary is a great hero and I am enjoying this series.

[Sue Corbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two separate investigations running. Best one so far.

[PAUL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Alison Bruce at the top of her game. A fantastic novelist with excellent plots, characters and credible denouements.

[Bernita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Bruce has outdone herself with this book...fabulous read!!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I liked this story it’s probably the best story so far in the series - probably not as much Cambridge as the other and I’d have liked more.

[Nicki]

I enjoyed a previous in this series, but I just didn’t care about the story in this one. DNF.

[Bethany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get into it

[Garry]

shelved

[Sharon Uberoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoyed this series but was somewhat underwhelmed by this book. I have the rest so hope its not as disappointing

[John Holder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but unsatisfying and confusing end for me

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Backs represents the fifth book in a wonderful series featuring Cambridge’s own DC Gary Goodhew, there’s very little that I can add to my previous reviews of Alison’s work but I will try! Yet another slick performance this book is over in a flash, read in two sittings and measuring 300 pages it simply moves along at a rapid and well thought out pace and before you know it it’s over.

Direction is good, as is the storyline and I enjoyed how it all came together in the end, well-paced and well thought out. Having said that, I think it could have been a little more drawn out in the closing chapters, I felt it was a tiny bit rushed. Maybe that’s simply a case of I didn’t want it to finish or that the crimes had been solved quicker than I had anticipated I don’t know. It certainly doesn’t detract from a terrific read, this is purely personal.

It’s clear that Alison Bruce has found her home in Cambridge both in real life and on the pages of her Goodhew series. She knows her way around, what she wants to achieve and I, after reading all five of her books, know exactly where she’s coming from. Despite being a crime novel I feel at home too. Whenever I pick up a new title in the series I immediately feel comfortable, content even. It’s hard to put into words but I really do enjoy discovering Cambridge through the eyes of Bruce, Goodhew and his grandmother – arguably the best character in the series for me!

Talking of characters, everyone you’d expect is back including Marks and Kincaide. However, we see a different side to both characters this time around. We see a softer side to Kincaide. He’s pleasant to people, accommodating and he shares information with Goodhew, something he has been reluctant to do in the past. This isn’t the Kincaide we’ve come to love, hate and enjoy. The rivalry between the two detectives is still there although this time it’s mute. It’s great to see a more reserved Kincaide but it’s not the same and I want him back fighting with Goodhew and creating havoc! I also wanted to see more from Goodhew’s eccentric grandmother – but then I’m never satisfied with that!

Another important player in this title is Jane Osborne. A strange and colourful character I couldn’t quite work her out, she takes a little getting used to but she’s a powerful character, one who appears to know where she’s going, what she wants and how to achieve it. Once back in Cambridge she begins to lay down roots and change. I really enjoyed the role she played in the book.

So there we have it, not wishing to give the game away The Backs represents another stellar performance from Bruce, the series just seems to get better and better, roll on the next title. I know I can’t wait to walk in the shoes of Goodhew as he tackles Cambridge’s next case.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to in audio format.

This is the 5th D.C. Gary Goodhew mysteries and I am still enjoying the series. Gary is a younger version of Inspector Morse, a bit of a loner whose closest friends are Bryn and his grandma. I think its about time Ms Bruce lets Gary do his sergeants exam, I think he deserves it.

The Backs starts with a paramedic called Genevieve who is walking through the back streets of Cambridge to meet her husband. She hears a scream and enters a backyard when she finds a young girl bleeding to death in the ground. Whilst she calls the ambulance she is hit over the head and left for dead. Genevieve recovers and is the star witness when the girls boyfriend is sent to prison.

Years later the girls sister Jane Osbourne is arrested for shop lifting and bought back to Cambridge. Jane left Cambridge after her sister was murdered and vowed near to return, after questioning she decides to stay in Cambridge to find her mother. The sisters boyfriend constantly harrasses her, explaining he did not kill her sister.

Meanwhile a man called Paul Marshall is found tied to a tree dead with horrific injuries. Paul Marshall was a violent man who attacked prostitutes. After the death of her sister Jane's mother sold her share of a business and moved abroad. Jane asks Gary to help her find her mother and finds out she is living in France. When he goes to interview the mother it turns out she swapped her identity with her friend who she was business partners with. Where is Jane's mother and how is it connected to the murder of Paul Marshall and her sister.

Gary's rival D.C. Kincaid is being unusually nice and helpful to both his colleagues and victims. Gary does not believes Kincaid is being genuine but is not sure why his personality has changed.

The Backs has a cliff hanger end for Gary, I look forward to read what happens next.