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Joseph Stark #1
If I Should Die
If I Should Die is the astounding debut from British author Matthew Frank.It begins with vicious, apparently motiveless attacks on down and outs in South London. But when one of the homeless victims dies from his wounds, it's murder . . .For the investigation team's youngest member, Trainee Detective Joseph Stark, death is already all too familiar. Injured in an attack that killed his colleagues, Afghan veteran Stark has enough on his hands just trying to recover without enduring the scrutiny and sideways glances of his new colleagues. The drink and painkillers he's leaning on to keep him going aren't helping. And there's only so long he can ignore the efforts of the military police to speak to him.When one of the victims fights back it soon becomes clear that there's much more at stake than gangs preying randomly on society's weakest members. But as he edges closer to the truth - and to the rotten heart of the crimes - Stark's own strength is fading. It seems that the ex-soldier's formidable determination to see justice done may not, this time, be enough to carry him through.If I Should Die is the first title in a new crime series, and outstanding characterization, pitch perfect dialogue and a powerful twist mark out Matthew Frank as a debut writer to watch. With the introduction of series character and ex-soldier police detective Joseph Stark, fans of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels will be hooked from the word go.Matthew Frank lives in Kent with his wife and three young sons. Between family life and work as an architect he tries to squeeze in a bit of mountain biking, scuba diving and midnight writing. If I Should Die is his first novel.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2014
15 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Frank
10 books46 followersMatthew Frank lives in Kent with his wife and three young sons. Between family life and work as an architect he tries to squeeze in a bit of mountain biking, scuba diving and midnight writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 1, 2015
Somewhat belatedly I finally managed to squeeze this debut from Matthew Frank into my reading schedule. As the old adage runs, all good things come to those who wait, as this was truly one of the most well-plotted and compelling crime thrillers I have encountered this year…
What struck me most was how this book could so easily be all things to all men (and women) due to the complexity of the book as a whole. First, it is a socially aware thriller with the story focusing on the random attacks on the homeless community in a corner of London by a group of disaffected and vicious youths from a local sink estate. Frank taps in perfectly to the moral degradation of said youths, drawing a contrasting depiction of those on whom they vent their misguided and sadistic violence. This is particularly emotionally affecting after their attack on an aged homeless war veteran, a man of integrity and honour fallen on hard times, and the casual sadism that their ringleaders exhibit. Set against the isolation of their homeless victim, Frank also really gets to the crux of the manipulation and fearful isolation that certain members of the young gang feel, as their sense of morality begins to kick in, putting them at odds with their manipulative gang leader. There is a huge sense of emotional damage running as a motif through the book generally, and in the experiences and dialogue of the youths, Frank captures this perfectly.
Secondly, it’s a well plotted, linear, police procedural with an assured and likeable cast of characters, which could easily establish this as a series. Frank sets up a team of detectives, that you immediately feel comfortable and emotionally engaged with, and the petty rivalries and jealousies that affect any workplace. With the team being mostly overseen by headstrong and outspoken DS Fran Millhaven, Frank immediately gets a gold star for constructing a female character who is both believable and normal, without the usual emotional baggage that tends to follow these characters around. Her interactions with TDC Joseph Stark in particular are a mixture of spikiness, an almost sisterly affection and then pure exasperation, which gives shades of light and dark to their relationship, providing a strong central base for the plot to pivot around. There is also an extremely strong group of bit players, from those linked to the central investigation, through to the characters we see outside of Stark’s police role, reflecting his former career, and the therapy he is undergoing, giving ballast to this being the first of a series. Frank uses some of these exceptionally well, as a mirror to his main character Stark, and how they and we should perceive him and his emotional and physical vulnerability. It’s very well accomplished.
But more than a socially aware thriller, and police procedural, and this is what impressed me the most, was the depth and characterisation of ex-soldier and TDC Joseph Stark ,which gives Frank an enormous amount of opportunity to give us an insight into the mental and physical turmoil experienced by returning soldiers in the wake of conflict. As the representation of war in fiction is a particular interest of mine (and the subject of my MA) I have read widely in the genre, detailing the experiences that Frank explores here. The depth and clarity with which Frank narrates Stark’s experiences in combat, the journey to recovery and the particular difficulties he experiences in adjusting to civilian life and his return to the police force, is truly compelling. Every nuance of his emotional state, and the frustrations caused by his psychological and physical therapy is captured perfectly, along with the intermittent flashbacks to the harrowing events that he experienced as a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. This gives a real emotional third wheel to the overall solidity of the book, and the structure of this within the realm of what could be labelled ostensibly as a police procedural, is powerfully done, and perfectly realised.
As you can no doubt tell, I was incredibly impressed with If I Should Die for many reasons, not least because it avoid well-worn cliches within the genre, was powerfully characterised, and addressed some weighty issues in a believable and engaging way. Highly recommended.
What struck me most was how this book could so easily be all things to all men (and women) due to the complexity of the book as a whole. First, it is a socially aware thriller with the story focusing on the random attacks on the homeless community in a corner of London by a group of disaffected and vicious youths from a local sink estate. Frank taps in perfectly to the moral degradation of said youths, drawing a contrasting depiction of those on whom they vent their misguided and sadistic violence. This is particularly emotionally affecting after their attack on an aged homeless war veteran, a man of integrity and honour fallen on hard times, and the casual sadism that their ringleaders exhibit. Set against the isolation of their homeless victim, Frank also really gets to the crux of the manipulation and fearful isolation that certain members of the young gang feel, as their sense of morality begins to kick in, putting them at odds with their manipulative gang leader. There is a huge sense of emotional damage running as a motif through the book generally, and in the experiences and dialogue of the youths, Frank captures this perfectly.
Secondly, it’s a well plotted, linear, police procedural with an assured and likeable cast of characters, which could easily establish this as a series. Frank sets up a team of detectives, that you immediately feel comfortable and emotionally engaged with, and the petty rivalries and jealousies that affect any workplace. With the team being mostly overseen by headstrong and outspoken DS Fran Millhaven, Frank immediately gets a gold star for constructing a female character who is both believable and normal, without the usual emotional baggage that tends to follow these characters around. Her interactions with TDC Joseph Stark in particular are a mixture of spikiness, an almost sisterly affection and then pure exasperation, which gives shades of light and dark to their relationship, providing a strong central base for the plot to pivot around. There is also an extremely strong group of bit players, from those linked to the central investigation, through to the characters we see outside of Stark’s police role, reflecting his former career, and the therapy he is undergoing, giving ballast to this being the first of a series. Frank uses some of these exceptionally well, as a mirror to his main character Stark, and how they and we should perceive him and his emotional and physical vulnerability. It’s very well accomplished.
But more than a socially aware thriller, and police procedural, and this is what impressed me the most, was the depth and characterisation of ex-soldier and TDC Joseph Stark ,which gives Frank an enormous amount of opportunity to give us an insight into the mental and physical turmoil experienced by returning soldiers in the wake of conflict. As the representation of war in fiction is a particular interest of mine (and the subject of my MA) I have read widely in the genre, detailing the experiences that Frank explores here. The depth and clarity with which Frank narrates Stark’s experiences in combat, the journey to recovery and the particular difficulties he experiences in adjusting to civilian life and his return to the police force, is truly compelling. Every nuance of his emotional state, and the frustrations caused by his psychological and physical therapy is captured perfectly, along with the intermittent flashbacks to the harrowing events that he experienced as a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. This gives a real emotional third wheel to the overall solidity of the book, and the structure of this within the realm of what could be labelled ostensibly as a police procedural, is powerfully done, and perfectly realised.
As you can no doubt tell, I was incredibly impressed with If I Should Die for many reasons, not least because it avoid well-worn cliches within the genre, was powerfully characterised, and addressed some weighty issues in a believable and engaging way. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2015
Really REALLY excellent debut. Poignant and full of depth with great characters. Full review to follow.
October 1, 2014
This is one of those books where you dread the ending - not because it's a bad ending for the characters you have come to care about so much; not at all, but because you know that at the end you, the reader, will be a cast out of this world, back into cold reality and will have to wait however long for another episode--another glimpse back in.
Not that the world described is a nice one--the intriguing thing is that the world described is painfully realistic. In fact it's most likely worse than anything most readers will ever personally encounter, but it is so vivid; the characters, the protagonist Joe Stark among them, so real, the storytelling so engrossing that you can't help but be drawn in.
This book made me laugh out loud as much as it made me cry. It's about people who care and people who don't. It's a mirror of society's best and worst and amongst it all Joe Stark--not quite sure how to fit in.
I for one, am certainly looking forward to the next book!
Not that the world described is a nice one--the intriguing thing is that the world described is painfully realistic. In fact it's most likely worse than anything most readers will ever personally encounter, but it is so vivid; the characters, the protagonist Joe Stark among them, so real, the storytelling so engrossing that you can't help but be drawn in.
This book made me laugh out loud as much as it made me cry. It's about people who care and people who don't. It's a mirror of society's best and worst and amongst it all Joe Stark--not quite sure how to fit in.
I for one, am certainly looking forward to the next book!
September 4, 2014
Review from Declan Madden
“If I Should Die" is an accomplished debut novel by Matthew Frank . It introduces the character of Joseph Stark , now a Trainee Detective but recently injured on active duty as a Territorial Army soldier in Afghanistan .
The story revolves around a recent spate of apparently random attacks on the homeless and down-and-outs in South London . Recent recruit Trainee Detective Joseph Stark is assigned to the team investigating these events as part of his training . As well as dealing with his new career ,Stark is also recovering from the physical and mental injuries suffered during an attack whilst on patrol in Afghanistan,an attack which left some of his comrades dead . When one of the victims in South London dies the investigation is upgraded to murder ,Stark begins to struggle with the work load as it becomes clear that there are more issues than random attacks on the homeless . The fall out from the ambush in Afghanistan is also constantly on his mind and the army Captain assigned to investigate Stark is pushing hard for answers .
This British crime novel is well paced and typical of its location . Slightly less frenetic than it’s American counterpart it nevertheless rattles along at a good pace and the main character Stark is well presented . There is scope for this character to develop in a similar manner to the DI Thorne character of Mark Billingham and I look forward to the follow up by this talented writer .
“If I Should Die" is an accomplished debut novel by Matthew Frank . It introduces the character of Joseph Stark , now a Trainee Detective but recently injured on active duty as a Territorial Army soldier in Afghanistan .
The story revolves around a recent spate of apparently random attacks on the homeless and down-and-outs in South London . Recent recruit Trainee Detective Joseph Stark is assigned to the team investigating these events as part of his training . As well as dealing with his new career ,Stark is also recovering from the physical and mental injuries suffered during an attack whilst on patrol in Afghanistan,an attack which left some of his comrades dead . When one of the victims in South London dies the investigation is upgraded to murder ,Stark begins to struggle with the work load as it becomes clear that there are more issues than random attacks on the homeless . The fall out from the ambush in Afghanistan is also constantly on his mind and the army Captain assigned to investigate Stark is pushing hard for answers .
This British crime novel is well paced and typical of its location . Slightly less frenetic than it’s American counterpart it nevertheless rattles along at a good pace and the main character Stark is well presented . There is scope for this character to develop in a similar manner to the DI Thorne character of Mark Billingham and I look forward to the follow up by this talented writer .
February 13, 2015
Not 100% terrible, but the plot is tedious, the characters are flat and Joseph Stark is a bit of a tit. I'll give the next one a miss.
May 27, 2014
Joe Stark is a trainee detective constable. Based in Greenwich, he has recently transfered from his Hampshire home. But he’s no ordinary copper – Stark is a wounded war veteran, recently returned from several tours, most recently Afghanistan, where he sustained the physical and mental damage that still afflicts him.
Almost immediately Stark and his mentor, DS Fran Millhaven, are called to a crime. A tramp has been viciously beaten. A local gang of known troublemakers led by Nikki Cockcroft and Kyle Gibbs are the prime suspects. However the gang are old hands at evading the law and there’s insufficient evidence to pin the crime on them. Even though the tramp eventually dies the police seem powerless.
Soon there’s another attack on a homeless man, but this time the victim fights back and one of the assailants dies in the process. Stark investigates and feels a personal pull because the vagrant is an ex-soldier called Maggs and he’s hiding something as well. He admits to murdering his attacker but, although the evidence seems to point to the ex-soldier, Stark isn’t convinced. It’s not the action of a military man. So Stark carries on digging, attempting to build a case against the gang.
In parallel Joe Stark is battling with his injuries and an MOD investigation into how he gained them. He’s having counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder and physiotherapy. This means time out of the office, much to Millhaven’s displeasure, particularly when Stark won’t confide in her. It turns out Maggs isn’t the only one with a secret. Who is the army colonel who keeps on demanding Stark cooperate with the MOD investigation and why is he so keen to keep it hidden? Millhaven is determined to find out.
This is a highly assured debut and one this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed delving into. The writing is of a high quality and Frank more than manages to take what seems to be a mundane crime into something much more significant with multiple layers that steadily build.
Perhaps the author’s main strength is characterisation. There is an immediate empathy with Stark, but also a significant question mark regarding his character. He’s clearly tough, intelligent and out of the ordinary. Stark wasn’t your typical soldier, he was a Territorial, a volunteer, and undertook several tours. Throughout the novel he is conflicted, you will steadily learn about his past.
Then there’s Millhaven. A detective through and through, she’s not sure what to make of Stark. She’s fiery and direct, but is mediated by her boss, Groombridge. Then there’s the criminals. Gibbs and Cockcroft are nasty pieces of work, but eventually we come across Dawson, the local crime boss.
The action is often slow and steady, as the author peels back the layers. It’s a long book that took quite a few sittings to get through but there’s plenty to be revealed, such as the section on how Stark gained his injuries – a full blown battle scene which is excellent and moving – and whether Maggs is guilty or not, and who he’s protecting.
It appears that this is the first in a series of novels regarding Joe Stark. We’ll look forward to the next.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
Almost immediately Stark and his mentor, DS Fran Millhaven, are called to a crime. A tramp has been viciously beaten. A local gang of known troublemakers led by Nikki Cockcroft and Kyle Gibbs are the prime suspects. However the gang are old hands at evading the law and there’s insufficient evidence to pin the crime on them. Even though the tramp eventually dies the police seem powerless.
Soon there’s another attack on a homeless man, but this time the victim fights back and one of the assailants dies in the process. Stark investigates and feels a personal pull because the vagrant is an ex-soldier called Maggs and he’s hiding something as well. He admits to murdering his attacker but, although the evidence seems to point to the ex-soldier, Stark isn’t convinced. It’s not the action of a military man. So Stark carries on digging, attempting to build a case against the gang.
In parallel Joe Stark is battling with his injuries and an MOD investigation into how he gained them. He’s having counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder and physiotherapy. This means time out of the office, much to Millhaven’s displeasure, particularly when Stark won’t confide in her. It turns out Maggs isn’t the only one with a secret. Who is the army colonel who keeps on demanding Stark cooperate with the MOD investigation and why is he so keen to keep it hidden? Millhaven is determined to find out.
This is a highly assured debut and one this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed delving into. The writing is of a high quality and Frank more than manages to take what seems to be a mundane crime into something much more significant with multiple layers that steadily build.
Perhaps the author’s main strength is characterisation. There is an immediate empathy with Stark, but also a significant question mark regarding his character. He’s clearly tough, intelligent and out of the ordinary. Stark wasn’t your typical soldier, he was a Territorial, a volunteer, and undertook several tours. Throughout the novel he is conflicted, you will steadily learn about his past.
Then there’s Millhaven. A detective through and through, she’s not sure what to make of Stark. She’s fiery and direct, but is mediated by her boss, Groombridge. Then there’s the criminals. Gibbs and Cockcroft are nasty pieces of work, but eventually we come across Dawson, the local crime boss.
The action is often slow and steady, as the author peels back the layers. It’s a long book that took quite a few sittings to get through but there’s plenty to be revealed, such as the section on how Stark gained his injuries – a full blown battle scene which is excellent and moving – and whether Maggs is guilty or not, and who he’s protecting.
It appears that this is the first in a series of novels regarding Joe Stark. We’ll look forward to the next.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
July 19, 2020
Re-read, and more impressed than ever at its ability to keep me glued, non-stop, except for necessities of sleep. And even though I remembered one twist it, was very satisfying to rediscover the myriad others.
I'm very grateful to the assistant in Glasgow's Argyle Street Waterstones who recommended Matthew Frank to me then gently insisted I begin with this rather than 'Between Crosses', which he had on the shelf. More than lived up to its promise, for characters - physically flawed, war-damaged trainee detective, anti-bullshit female Caribbean DS, plus more - plot, setting and 100% enjoyment. An extremely satisfying read and book 2 already on order.
I'm very grateful to the assistant in Glasgow's Argyle Street Waterstones who recommended Matthew Frank to me then gently insisted I begin with this rather than 'Between Crosses', which he had on the shelf. More than lived up to its promise, for characters - physically flawed, war-damaged trainee detective, anti-bullshit female Caribbean DS, plus more - plot, setting and 100% enjoyment. An extremely satisfying read and book 2 already on order.
August 31, 2016
Great book! If you haven't read this, you should. The next one comes out next week, 9/6/16 - can't wait to read it.
January 24, 2023
Joe Stark returned from Afghanistan a wounded war hero. His injuries are too severe to stay in the army, so he decides to become a police officer to continue to serve. As a Trainee Constable, he and his Sargent are assigned to investigate assaults on the local homeless population – including one death. One of their prime suspects winds up dead and a homeless veteran confesses to the murder, but Stark thinks there’s more going on here.
This seems to be a good setup for a novel, but the writing is dull, most of the banter feels forced, and the characters are flat. Everyone not named Stark don’t have a motivation of their own; they are defined only by their relationship to the main character. This is his first posting after being accepted into the force, yet he comes up with avenues of investigation that his colleagues with 20 years of experience don’t think of. Stark himself shows some character growth over the novel, but his stakes are too low. His primary actions are self-medicating to get over his war wounds and keeping everyone from his Sargent to his therapist at arm’s length. The fact that he has to solve the case is ancillary to his existence in the book.
The plot itself is a bit of a muddle. The people behind the beatings are apprehended and put on trial with 100 pages left in the book, which then spins off into another tale involving an armored car robbery perpetrated by the lover of one of the assailants. No reason was given to tie the two stories together or why certain characters were murdered. One of the author’s tricks for building suspense is to keep information from the reader, making the reveals seem like cheap twists instead of having you realize how tightly all the pieces fit together.
It’s not a terrible book, but it’s also not worthy of the praise it received.
This seems to be a good setup for a novel, but the writing is dull, most of the banter feels forced, and the characters are flat. Everyone not named Stark don’t have a motivation of their own; they are defined only by their relationship to the main character. This is his first posting after being accepted into the force, yet he comes up with avenues of investigation that his colleagues with 20 years of experience don’t think of. Stark himself shows some character growth over the novel, but his stakes are too low. His primary actions are self-medicating to get over his war wounds and keeping everyone from his Sargent to his therapist at arm’s length. The fact that he has to solve the case is ancillary to his existence in the book.
The plot itself is a bit of a muddle. The people behind the beatings are apprehended and put on trial with 100 pages left in the book, which then spins off into another tale involving an armored car robbery perpetrated by the lover of one of the assailants. No reason was given to tie the two stories together or why certain characters were murdered. One of the author’s tricks for building suspense is to keep information from the reader, making the reveals seem like cheap twists instead of having you realize how tightly all the pieces fit together.
It’s not a terrible book, but it’s also not worthy of the praise it received.
November 18, 2017
I was going to pass this book over. Glad I didn't. The reason being that the main character is ex-military. I'm a liberal snowflake, so nothing military appeals. Psychological effects of warfare are interesting, and this book has plenty of that, without it dominating the story and rendering it a paint-by-numbers war is bad and hurts people book. The psychologist is good and the recovery is no inspiration porn.
Joseph Stark fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning home wounded ( nature of wound is a plot reveal) he trains as a CID officer. DS Fran Millhaven is on Joseph's case most of the time. She's not a fan of mavericks, which includes injured ex-military personnel taking on physical elements when in no condition to. The military police keep calling Stark. He doesn't want to talk to them. He fancies his hydrotherapist.
Someone is killing homeless people. The police have a good idea of whodunnit, but they have to have it all sewn up. Thus the social commentary begins. One of the homeless people targeted is a war veteran. The youths ( You know you are old when you start saying youths. Might as well go for it with young scoundrels. Reprehensible rapscallions) targeting homeless people are from a local sink estate. The characterization is impressive, with the youths starkly expressing keenly felt emotional damage.
Believable, complex characters and a good police procedural plot. Didn't give it four stars cos too heavy on military for my snowflake tastes.
Joseph Stark fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning home wounded ( nature of wound is a plot reveal) he trains as a CID officer. DS Fran Millhaven is on Joseph's case most of the time. She's not a fan of mavericks, which includes injured ex-military personnel taking on physical elements when in no condition to. The military police keep calling Stark. He doesn't want to talk to them. He fancies his hydrotherapist.
Someone is killing homeless people. The police have a good idea of whodunnit, but they have to have it all sewn up. Thus the social commentary begins. One of the homeless people targeted is a war veteran. The youths ( You know you are old when you start saying youths. Might as well go for it with young scoundrels. Reprehensible rapscallions) targeting homeless people are from a local sink estate. The characterization is impressive, with the youths starkly expressing keenly felt emotional damage.
Believable, complex characters and a good police procedural plot. Didn't give it four stars cos too heavy on military for my snowflake tastes.
October 15, 2017
Books in which the main character has astonishing capabilities walk a fine line, it requires a talented author for the exploits to be engaging but not ridiculous. Matthew Frank has achieved "engaging" and then some in this novel featuring Joseph Stark. With some books, you are sucked in completely in a very short while and this is such a book. Great writing, interesting and clearly well researched back story, a variety of fine ancillary characters and a gripping main story gets you involved early and never lets up. Thoroughly enjoyable, looking forward to reading more of Joe Stark. Five stars easily.
October 15, 2021
Really enjoyed this book although took me a while to get used to the format. Change of scene/time/place was just the next paragraph. Look forward to reading the next book.
Ex soldier and trainee detective Joseph Stark is trying to find those responsible for beating homeless people. But injuries received in Afghanistan which are causing pain do not help and the pills and booze are not helping much either and on top of that he needs to prove himself to the team he is in especially his bosses
Ex soldier and trainee detective Joseph Stark is trying to find those responsible for beating homeless people. But injuries received in Afghanistan which are causing pain do not help and the pills and booze are not helping much either and on top of that he needs to prove himself to the team he is in especially his bosses
October 12, 2018
Love Jo Stark & DS Milhaven, what a great team. Matthew Frank writes a gripping novel of crime & intrigue. I read If I should Die after Between the Crosses which didn't make a bit of difference. You can easily read these independent of each other & follow nicely.
Really looking forward to more Jo Stark books - bring it on Matthew Frank
Really looking forward to more Jo Stark books - bring it on Matthew Frank
October 6, 2018
Frank's Stark #1 is smashing: complex, well-drawn characters with grit, dubious life choices, and human frailty? Check. A narrative engine that won't quit? Check. Pacy and atmospheric, it doesn't let you breathe til the last page. Worth every minute I didn't sleep.
February 9, 2022
Very nice police thriller. I very much like the characters and hope to read them all again. By the way, a question for English readers: Do English coppers really drink all that much? They are all alcoholics!
December 20, 2024
This is a new author for me and getting to know who the characters were in his first book you could turn the pages and when you think it might be this person it spins around in a whole new direction. Love the writing and have read the next two books as well.
January 10, 2025
Would never have picked this up, but it was an enjoyable palette cleanser. Left on my doorstep with a few others by my old neighbour John after the street Christmas Wetherspoons breakfast 😂 cheers John.
Also, went down a Wikipedia rabbit hole mid this book reading Victoria Cross citations 🤯
Also, went down a Wikipedia rabbit hole mid this book reading Victoria Cross citations 🤯
May 10, 2017
8/52: debut novel of a famous writer
tedious. too english. crime story hidden somewhere in stiff upper lip and self-deprecation and duty before desire.
tedious. too english. crime story hidden somewhere in stiff upper lip and self-deprecation and duty before desire.
May 30, 2017
Excellent book. Started slowly and suffered a bit from "first of a series trying to set the scene so putting too much in" but I'm now looking forward to the next one.
August 12, 2017
Cracking debut - social issues plaguing South East London highlighted in a complex tale of crime amidst the protagonist's own recovery from military service.
February 2, 2018
I have recommended this book to everyone I really really enjoyed it. Well done Matthew
March 26, 2018
A mystery with a twist. First book. New author. Waiting for for follow up books
December 17, 2018
This was one of the best books I have read - I loved the character of Joe and Fran. They work so well together. The story was amazing.
I so enjoyed this book the min I finished reading it I bought the second book and am nearly finished it - and I can't wait for book three.
I so enjoyed this book the min I finished reading it I bought the second book and am nearly finished it - and I can't wait for book three.
November 21, 2019
I don't usually like this genre of book, but this is a brilliant read. Totally enthralling, it turned and twisted to the denouement. I am definitely going to look out other books by this author!
February 25, 2021
a most exhilarating read, with complex character and story development, and yet scintillating pacing. Cannot wait to read the next book!
March 2, 2021
Wonderful, multifaceted debut. Not just strong as a police procedural but also in terms of characterisation.
November 2, 2022
I enjoyed this police procedural quite a bit, primarily because of the characters
December 9, 2023
4.5 🌟
Review to be updated.
Review to be updated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
TI Stark
Loved it. Excellent first novel, really enjoyed it. Get a snif of Rankins & Rebus , but why not and all the better for it.
Loved it. Excellent first novel, really enjoyed it. Get a snif of Rankins & Rebus , but why not and all the better for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews