The Killing Club

DS Heckenburg #3

by Paul Finch

Get hooked on the maverick detective who knows no boundaries. The perfect read for fans of Stuart Macbride and Luther. DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg is used to bloodbaths. But nothing can prepare him for this. Heck’s most dangerous case to date is open again. Two years ago, countless victims were found dead - massacred at the hands of Britain’s most terrifying gang. When brutal murders start happening across the country, it’s clear the gang is at work again. Their victims are killed in cold blood, in broad daylight, and by any means necessary. And Heck knows it won’t be long before they come for him. Brace yourself as you turn the pages of a living nightmare. Welcome to The Killing Club.

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Detective, Audiobook, Action

480 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2014

About the author

Paul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.

He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.

Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Kamilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love Heck and Paul Finch's writing style this stroy has lost me somewhere around the middle. I can't even pin point where it lost me, but, I'm sorry to say it did. Maybe it was just a bit too much. Too much mess, too many conspiracies, too many bent people, too many lucky breaks for Heck, too many running and too many chasing. It felt as though I was running all the way through the book. It was exhausting. Heck was still the guy who's gut instincts prove to be right, who catches a lucky break at the very last minute, while his life hangs in the balance and is just a hair width away from hell. He is human, he makes decisions that turn out to be not so smart, he gets hurt, but he fights on like he's Superman.
This book didn't terrify me like the previous ones, as this was more about the chase, more about the inner politics of the British police departments - which quite frankly bored me. The corrupt cops, the manipulative cops, the inner conspiracies, who to trust, who can not be trusted, who is played against the other - as I said, it was just too much.
Hopefully in his next book Mr. Finch will be back to what he does best and terrifies me with some new and original material. I love Heck, but I don't want him to be the AntiChrist, I want him to be himself. A flawed human being who is brilliant at his job.

[kristyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo, je to zase akční smršť. Jo, je to místy trochu přitažený za vlasy. Jo, hlavní hrdina pořád dělá nesnesitelný blbosti. Ale víte co? Já Paula Finche i jeho Marka Heckenburga miluju s každým dílem víc a víc. A tohle bylo jednoduše boží.

Recenze: http://thebooktalkblog.blogspot.cz/20...

[Bernard Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional adrenaline crazy ride! A great thriller!

[Dea꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book but there was too much everything happening here. Overly long chase, too much incompetence and absurd behaviour in various police departments and also among the killers and Heck had too many Superman moments.
When I want to read about unbelievable setting and characters I usually pick a fantasy book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say it every time I read this series. Heck's escapades are like a 21st century Boy's Own adventure. Mr Finch has done an excellent job in this, his best yet, novel. Once again the Nice Guys have reared their ugly heads and instead of keeping a low profile as they did in Stalkers they are murdering their way across the country with Heck on their heels despite his superiors' efforts to keep him off the case. I cannot recommend this book too highly. It has an engaging protagonist, almost continual high octane action and a great writing style which keeps you turning the pages compulsively. Suspend your disbelief (how often can Heck fight and come under serious gunfire without collapsing?) and enjoy.

[Andy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess Who's Back

Wow! That was a quite exhausting read (in the best possible sense).

Heck is back...and so are The Nice Guys (who really, really aren't). Right from the off this bursts into action and never really stops until the end. And as action scenes go these are really well written.

I've said before that Heck is rapidly becoming my favourite fictional copper, The Killing Club cements his place.

[Kara Ayres · Rating 4 out of 5]

If rats make your skin crawl and blood and guts drives you up the wall stay away from this. DS Hekenberg is on the Nice Guys trail and his determination and grit has to be admired. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

So #HookedonHeck

Paul Finch is back with The Killing Club as his follow-up to Stalkers and oh my God what a follow-up. This is fast paced high intensity crime thriller that ticks all the boxes and more as DS Heckenburg tears up and down the country as everyone falls around him. If you are looking for that page turner this is it! As you near the end of the book you want to slow down to make it last but there is that urging that you really need to know what happens and who will make it through to the end. This is not you’re run of the mill police procedural thriller this is high octane and explosive literally at times. DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg is not really a defective detective he just tends to ignore common sense and orders but somehow he gets the job done, personally I would not want to be stood around him while he does as his colleagues have a nasty habit of winding up injured.

The Killing Club has moved on from Stalkers in a time period of two years the leader of the Nice Guys is safely locked up for the next thirty years of his life courtesy of Heck and he is up in Sunderland working a case before heading back down south. The Police are still trying to get information out of Mad Mike Silver and Heck has been sidelined deemed. Even when Mad Mike has been broken out of prison he is still sidelined. The Nice Guys seem to be making a point especially as the body count and the ordinance count rockets.

Heck wants to be part of the investigation but the Police brass still block his attempts, even though he predicted that the Nice Guys were now cleaning house and tries to insert himself in to the investigation he is removed and told to investigate he has been allocated. On his way to that investigation Heck becomes a real target for the Nice Boys as they try to take him out on the busy streets of London. Somehow he manages to escape their attempts not without a thrilling chase on defunct underground stations and lines.

For his own safety he is put in to protective custody but the more he thinks about it the more he knows he needs to take the fight to them before they comeback for him. He needs to escape the clutches of his protective detail and find where the Nice Guys are which means a high octane chase across the country. As Heck tries to find the Nice Guys bodies are still dropping all over the country in totally random places. Has he got it in him for one last hunt and find the Nice Guys while also finding their mole? For Heck it is too late to worry he knows what he should do and what he will do and that gives us the thrill.

An absolute stonking thriller worth every second of time invested in reading The Killing Club. Through the excellent prose and imagery used by Paul Finch you feel as if you are part of the thriller completely absorbed in it. DS ‘Heck’ Heckenburg proves that all us northerner are a tough lot that do not know when we are beaten however many times he gets hit. Stunning and fabulous the only shame is that The Killing Club will leave you begging for more of Heck and the wait will seem like a lifetime.

[Angela Oatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was slightly disappointed as I soon realised this was the third in a series. Never the less I tried it and two hours later I broke off reading long enough to order the first two. What a book this is. It reminded me so much of watching ‘Die Hard’ the first time, dishevelled, maverick cop going up against a team of highly trained and sadistic mercenaries. The action just does not let up.
As I said I hadn’t read the first in the series and this is very much a follow on from that book but it really doesn’t matter. The reader is given the information that Heck (our hero) broke up a gang known as ‘The Nice Guys’ who were kidnapping to order for rich business men. However only one of the gang ended up behind bars and now the rest are back to get him. Please don’t be put off if you are not a fan of gang/action crime stories because this book may well convert you. It really draws you in and then hits you with one amazing scene after another, constantly ratcheting up the tension. My particular favourite was when Heck was being pursued through an abandoned tube station, the description is outstanding and made it so easy to imagine the scene.
The plot does not suffer at the expense of great action scenes however. The twists are excellently worked into the story and not just there for the sake of it and the supporting characters are brilliantly bought to life (if Farthing doesn’t bring a tear to your eye nothing will) and unlike so many books the ending is not a let-down but rather an explosion of action in a setting so wonderfully bought to life I now want to visit it. I would recommend this book unreservedly and I’m off to read the first one.

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in a series about super sergeant of the SCU, Mark Heckenburg. There is action extraordinaire with explosions and big guns and the baddest group of bad guys who graphically commit mayhem in almost Superhero comic proportions. Finch writes with great detail but it works to produce a cinema like extravaganza of action and crime solving on the page. A bit lengthy but fun with a teaser ending. Consider me a fan.

Provided by publisher.

[Melindaaaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Za mě jednoznačně nejslabší ze série. Ani britsky hollywoodský akční závěr, kde si všichni hrají na supermany to nedokázal zachránit. Ale pořád jde o dost slušně našlapanou detektivku, kde ani ten nejkladnější dobrák nerespektuje pravidla. Snad se příště Finch zase vytáhne, tak jak to umí :)
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[Thelma Gabbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up in my local library. I had never read any of this author before. Even though the story has already begun and this is follow on you don't need to have read the previous book the author kindly gives the backstory without going into too much detail. I enjoyed the characters and it was very fast paced storyline its bit like 007 surviving the punches the numerous falls, near death escapes from the bad guys but yet Detective Heck is quite likeable and you feel that he could be a real person. Unlike Bond the author does make mention of his injuries or stratches or just being dog tired being on the run. He does get the your off the case talk from his boss but unlike the movies does actually do what his told. I would definitely go back to the first novel of Det Heck and see where it all begin, the storyline in this is very much action pack on the run from the bad guys and how he manages to escape etc but is definitely worth a read.

[Alma (retirement at last) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just got my breath back after racing all around the country with DS Mark Hekenburg 😁
Although I enjoyed the storyline, I do wish I had read Finch’s previous novels to gain more perspective on what led up to this cat and mouse chase.
Finch gives a general overview of who the ‘New Guys’ are but doesn’t go into too much detail so this novel is more about catching up with their notorious network of deprived individuals and how Hekenburg is determined to put an end to their activities.
I felt, IMO, the chases and shootouts were far too long winded and seemed to go on forever and the many acronyms used was annoying.
However, I did finish the book and wanted to know the outcome and Finch came up with very descriptive ways to die.
I did feel that the situations that Heck found himself in and from which he escaped, a little unbelievable but definitely a rollercoaster of a ride.

[i.s. wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well what can you say? I always thought that a good book needed a really likeable main character and I’m afraid that to me this one wasn’t. DS Heckenburg running around at times like a headless chicken, never obeying orders and throwing his toys out of the pram if he didn’t get his own way. You would think that he can solve everything and everyone else is an idiot but I don’t think the real world is like that. And as for the villains where did they get all of their different arms from? and also later in the book when Heckenburg managed to get hold of the nice guys phone. How did he get into it so easily? No security or password ? I’m sorry but it was all just a little too unbelievable to me.

[Shell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book has hardly any story and is just one long fight from beginning to end. Heck fights in one location after another using various instruments he finds to hand and by the end, when he rounds a corner to find yet one more baddie, I just couldn't care less how the fight went or what tool came along to help him. It was incredibly tedious, unimaginative and felt like it was written by an author pushed for another book who had no plot idea and just thought that describing fight scenes relentlessly would do. Well, it won't and unless the next book has some new characters and a plot, then I'll be finished with it.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also reviewed on my blog: http://bookaddictshaun.blogspot.co.uk...

Wow, this was a rollercoaster of a read and then some! You know all those old cliches, heart stopping, edge of your seat etc, all of them apply here. I thought Stalkers and Sacrifice were good but Paul has surpassed himself with this book. I predict that this will be one of my favourite crime fiction books of 2014. I am still reeling after finishing it and my heart has only just resumed its normal rhythm. The last 150 or so pages are some of the most enjoyable and thrilling pages I've read in a number of years. I was completely lost in the story and there was no question of me stopping reading until I reached the very end. Sometimes I find it hard picturing scenes in my head, but for this book it was almost like a movie was playing in my head it was so vivid.

Fans of Paul Finch will know that this book continues the story of the Nice Guys Club from Stalkers. Having read crime fiction for a number of years I've come across some pretty sick villains, but the people who are a part of and run the club are amongst some of the absolute worst. The idea behind the club, for new readers, is that for £75,000, the Nice Guys Club will abduct a woman of the buyer's choosing and provide a safe place for him to abuse and rape her before the club dispose first of the body and then of all evidence. DS Mark Heckenburg was the officer who brought down the club, nearly losing his life in the process and resulting in the arrest of its leader Mad Mike Silver, aka Peter Rochester. Enough background about this is given to the reader in the book but I can't stress enough that reading the books in order just makes the reading experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

The book opens with Superintendent Gemma Piper and her boss discussing Rochester and agreeing that Heck should play no part in their attempt to further infiltrate the club. Despite the arrest of Rochester and the death of some of its members, it is thought that there are other clubs in operation around the world and Piper and her boss want Rochester to tell them where. Before they can do that however there's the small problem of Rochester being broken out of prison and the scene that follows this was absolutely fantastic. I won't ruin it but if I had to describe it I would say it was like a scene from Breaking Bad, and it was definitely a sign of the book starting as it means to go on. Some of the scenes in this made me forget to breathe or blink I was so hooked on what I was reading. Blood and gore galore it was bloody brilliant. The top brass are of course shell shocked, and Heck is absolutely desperate for a piece of the action. As the book moves on the club become relentless in their clean up operation and the body count is immense and to be honest I found myself wanting more as the scenes themselves were fantastic to read.

Heck has unfinished business with the club but Gemma denies him any role in the investigation. Of course for Heck to roll over and take that would make for a dull read, so he then breaks every rule possible to take down the club and again nearly loses his life in the process, multiple times! The scenes with Gemma and Heck are some of my most favourite in the book, the tension and chemistry between them is ridiculous. There's a scene I loved with Gemma where she storms into an interview room to terminate an interview where Heck is the suspect in question. She's a fantastic character. Both the personal and professional relationships of Heck and Gemma were pushed to their absolute limits and I can't wait for more in the next book. All too often writers pair colleagues together just for the sake of it but here it is just so believable, the atmosphere of the two of them together on the page is electric.

The book does not let up from the word go. Just when your heart settles down something else happens and you can't read quick enough. I was rooting for Heck right from the start and loving it when he just kept involving himself in the case. He is such a multilayered and interesting character and I feel there's so much more to learn about him. The job is basically all he lives for because of his past and because he doesn't really have any family or friends. Gemma worded it as the longest suicide note in history which I felt was a bit harsh! But probably true at the same time. I certainly felt his frustration at being denied a role in the investigation and was absolutely rooting for him throughout the book. As a huge London Underground nerd I loved the parts of the book set in a disused Tube station, so atmospheric and exciting.

Overall I cannot reccommend this book enough. In the crowded world of crime fiction there's a few authors who stand out from the rest and write incredible books, Paul Finch is one such author and is now one of my favourites. If you are a fan of crime fiction you would be an absolute fool not to pick up this book. Heckenburg is also now one of my favourite fictional detectives, up there with Tom Thorne and Roy Grace, both of whom are into double figures with book releases and I hope we are reading about Heck into double figures too as I am well and truly #HookedOnHeck! I think the only problem Paul now faces is bettering this book, however I have every faith that the next book will be brilliant too, and I can't wait for it especially after the cliffhanger in this book!

[Cockneylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first two books, and the first two thirds of this one. However, the last third read like a Die Hard script, with Bruce Willis, aka Heck, taking on a whole raft of highly trained, ex special ops soldiers. It became a little too far fetched for me, but it was still quite enjoyable, if becoming totally implausible. The writing moves along at a decent pace, and there's always something happening, but that's not enough for me to rate it above three stars.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in a highly enjoyable series so far though this had more police politics than nasty crime, more about the chase and procedure than about the atrocities committed by the bad guys.
Heck once again proves to be fallible but indestructible and is always several steps ahead of the rest of the crime fighting forces. Looking forward to the next in the series.

The Narrator, Paul Thornley, gives an excellent performance throughout and brings the characters to life.

[Lynn Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve liked all of his previous books, but this just felt like a repeat of the last one. Heck running around alleyways and tripping over bricks and debris, water in the warehouse, and a really useful tool at hand just when he needs it, but eventually giving the bad guys the slip. Same second half too-Heck on his own as always hiding from multiple killers, but still able to take them out one by one with his fists versus their guns. I’m going to read his next book as I like the way he writes, and just keep my fingers crossed that it’s different as it’s definitely getting somewhat repetitive.

[Christina Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Do you think you should actually arrest me? Make it official?"

DS Heckenburg has stumbled back upon the Nice Guys, and truth be told they aren't nice at all. They're cleaning house, brutally taking out anyone affiliated with them. And only Heck has a chance to stop them.

This was quite a slow starter and it wasn't until about 200 pages in that my attention started to be caught. Maybe that's my fault for beginning in the middle of a series.

Overall though it was fairly good x

[Jelena · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started with A LOT of characters, and it was really hard for me to follow. Then I caught my tempo, enjoyed the book until a little bit more than middle. Then it lost me. Too much violence, too much lucky breaks for Heck, too much police. One moment I realized I'm just dreading reading this book. So I stopped. I've already read the next one from the series before, but this book concludes my interest for detective Heck.

[Tom Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did wonder what had happened to Rambo since his last outing - he must have changed nationality, become younger and joined the UK police service. 'Heck' is uncontrollable, hugely athletic and so enamoured of his own self-worth that he should have joined the double 0 club, not some shadowy police outfit. Entertaining, but not believable in the slightest. The baddies are really bad, though.

[Michelle Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super, fantastic read. Rollercoaster ride of action that never lets up. Heck is invincible, how he survives is really unbelievable but makes the story. Couldn’t put it down. Reminded me of the BBC drama ‘Line of Duty’. This is book 3 and links with the other books so you’d need to read them first. My favorite so far. Will definitely be reading more. Loved it! 😀

[Julie Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Detective Heckenburg and have read the other two books in the series but this one wasn’t for me. I know it’s a work of fiction and you need to ‘let your mind go’ but this was just too far fetched. The numerous chases and fights were so long winded and unbelievable, I knew Heck was good but now he’s turned into Superman. I’ll probably try the next book and see how that goes.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book from Paul Finch. I love the damaged Mark Heckenburg as the main character. The pace is good and the way it's written provides an easy reading thriller that will keep you hooked. This follows on from Stalkers and definitely need to be read in order to get the most from it

[Steve Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has to be one of the best books that we have read this year. The main protagonist, "Heck" , has his strength of character truly tested in this fast paced, gritty thriller. It has all the components of first class crime thriller fiction.

[Debby Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable thriller. The main character manages to be tough but is oddly, almost, charismatic. Twists and turns in the plot draw you along a somewhat bumpy ride to a strangely satisfying conclusion, which has a slight twist that is not exactly what the story suggests it will be.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 3 stars. Seriously you have to suspend belief when reading this book. How can man sustain so many blows and injuries and expend so much energy over the space of 3-4 days and still be standing and carrying on in the same vein each day. Not sure I will read another.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series. Can't wait to start the next one.