Sow the Wind: An Edge-Of-Your-Seat British Crime Thriller

Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers #6

by S J Richards

The Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series continues…

Sow the wind and reap the hurricane

Ex-DCI Luke Sackville is asked by Globo Energy to investigate two environmental movements. Both groups promote protests and nonviolent civil disobedience, but when members of his Ethics Team go undercover they discover this is a facade.

Beneath the surface sinister forces are at work. Luke becomes embroiled in a race to find and stop a murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Sow the Wind is the sixth book in the series of crime thrillers featuring Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team.

What people are saying about the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m really enjoying this series and it gets better with each book. The characters are terrific. Well paced and some laugh out loud moments."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So glad I came across SJ Richards, he's definitely rising up there as one of my favourite authors."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written, fast plot and extremely likeable characters. I would 100% recommend this series and author to any fan of the crime fiction genre."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels. I’m loving this series."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a brilliant crime suspense series and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm absolutely loving this series - the writing is brilliant - the characters a joy and the storylines full of suspense and intrigue."

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sackville team wins again! From bodies found in a tip, to bodies turning up randomly, Luke and his team solve an environmentally twisted case

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head of Ethics ex-DCI Luke Sackville is now formally seconded to Avon and Somerset police part time, and has made Sam up to be his deputy at Filchers. The outsourcing company has a large new contract with Globo Energy who are worried about two environmental groups. They need infiltration by staff from the Ethics Team. It’s decided that Helen will join Sow The Wind, run by Andrea Mason. Four months ago an MP was badly injured by one of their members despite the group’s policy of peaceful protests. Earth Conflict is a new group run by Andrea’s ex-partner Finn who has no such qualms about direct action, and Josh will join them. Despite Sow The Wind’s pledge to remain non-violent, key member Jackie seems to have other ideas. Meanwhile Luke’s friend and colleague DI Pete Gilmore is investigating the murder of an unidentified man discovered in a bag of building materials. Events turn darker when an anti-environmentalist is murdered at a televised debate and Helen meets a nice man but is he all he seems to be? The incompetent DCI “Applejack” Bramley is put in charge of the case but soon finds his case linked to Pete’s. They have to consider the possibility that one of the two groups being investigated by the Ethics team could contain a killer. All these strands are skilfully woven together by the author as more lives are put in danger but the big question is who is the mysterious and dangerous Taylor and will he be stopped before he achieves his plan?
Edward Filcher and Head of Security Glen Baxter are at their awful hilarious best in this story. I’m sure I’m not the only reader hoping for a romance between Luke and Sam, and Josh, Maj and Helen are all as excellent as ever in this latest story which has a great twisty plot, a very topical theme and plenty of surprises for the reader along the way. I’d definitely recommend reading the whole series in order to see just how much this very engaging cast of characters have grown together as a team, and I am looking forward to book 7.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Luke Sackville series & I think it’s the best yet. It felt different, meatier somehow, I don’t know why, it just did. Like meeting up with old friends, the usual crew are present with Applejack & Josh providing the laughs where needed; the latter really gets himself into some wordy pickles. It was also great to read a book set in & around Bath, a city I know well, as I could walk/drive the routes written & drink in the various hostelries.

The Ethics team are asked to investigate two environmental movements by Globo Energy; in order to do so two members go undercover. Both groups publicly promote peaceful protest & non-violent action to get their points across but it becomes evident that this is not the case & that an unseen hand is at play in both camps. Then the bodies start to pile up. Why are these individuals being targeted & who is the puppet master?

Well paced & plotted, I didn’t want to put this book down. I needed to know who was pulling the strings but I was also racing to see what situations Josh was going to get himself into next. The Leanne conversations had me snorting! Add in some of the creations he has to wear & the absurd arrogance of Applejack & they are the counterpoint to the seriousness of the main plot line. An unknown assassin, a power crazed but distant operator, twists, red herrings, humour & romance all rolled into a cracking thriller. Waiting on book 7 Mr Richards!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 of the Luke Sackville Crime series which gets better and better with each read. Luke is seconded to Avon and Somerset police so Sam is acting as his number 2 at Filchers. The Ethics team are this time faced with a group of environmentalists; two small groups, seemingly opposed to each other, trying to find ways to attract attention to their cause and violence is brewing. Reads well as a stand-alone but it’s a great series so worth reading the earlier books.

Briefly, Helen and Josh are sent undercover separately, to investigate the two groups and Helen meets a man who attracts her interest. Meanwhile Luke and Sam continue their own investigations and when an anti environmentalist is murdered matters take a serious turn. None of this is helped by the bumbling DCI Applejack who makes Inspector Clouseau look competent.

As always this is a well written and well plotted story with the usual cast of excellent characters; great humour and romance amongst the dead bodies and investigations. A very good fast paced thriller, very entertaining read.

[A. Winder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sow The Wind


5* Review


Sow The Wind is the sixth book in the Luke Sackville crime thriller series.

Ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team are charged with investigating two environmental groups for their new Global Energy clients.They are to be infiltrated by Helen who will go undercover with Sow The Wind & Josh with Earth Conflict.

Four months previously , a local MP was badly injured by a protestor from Sow The Wind , despite it's claim to be a non-violent organisation and events soon take a darker turn when an anti-environmentalist is murder televised debate & Luke has to consider the possibility that one of the two groups being investigated could be harbouring a killer.

Luke , Sam, Josh, Maj and Helen are all characters whose storylines are developing further still as we learn more about thrm in each book.

I’d definitely recommend reading the whole series , but each can be read as stand alones & I’m thoroughly looking forward to book 7 “ Beacon Of Blight “ which is due out 4th February 2025.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ethics Team at Filcher's have another intriguing and somewhat baffling case to look into, they have been asked by the head of Globo Energy to investigate two environmental groups which on the surface act as a non violent protest groups, but when two members of the Ethnics Team go undercover, they discover a more dangerous and sinister side to their campaigning against climate change.

When bodies start to pile up, who is responsible for the body count? Are the lives of two of the team in danger?

A fantastic fast paced book that literally kept me on the edge of my seat to guessing who the murderer was (which I didn't have a scooby doo to who it was).

Some brilliant one-liners and full on laugh out loud moments within the book which makes the original characters even more interesting and believable.

Another fantastic British Crime Thriller from one of the best authors out there.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sow the Wind by S.J. Richards is book 6 in the Luke Sackville series. Luke heads the Ethics Department of Filchers but is also a Consultant with the Avon and Somerset Police, having previously been a DCI. Filchers have won an outsourcing contract for Globo Energy. Both Sow the Wind and Earth Conflict are a couple of environmental groups causing havoc with protests and eventually murders. As each book comes out, I look forward to reading more about the characters. They are like friends now with this 6th book and I’m keen to see what they get up to. Luke is a natural leader and you can see his team are keen to work for him. Josh is such a great character too and there are plenty of laughs whenever he is around. Loved the mention of J.D. Kirk and Hoon. There are a couple of great storylines. I find with this series, the books start off slowly but soon there is tension and pages turning as you delve into the book and racing to the end. A fabulous read and series.

[Karen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-DCI Luke Sackville is asked by Globo Energy to investigate two environmental movements. Both groups promote protests and nonviolent civil disobedience, but when members of his Ethics Team go undercover they discover this is a facade.
Beneath the surface sinister forces are at work. Luke becomes embroiled in a race to find and stop a murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Another exciting read with Luke and his team. I did find the reasoning behind the murders a tad unbelievable but still enjoyed the story. Sam's karate skills are used in full force and Josh is his usual silly self. Gucci! Also DCI Bramley and Head of Security Glen Baxter are as awful and hilarious as ever!
Helen and Josh go undercover as environmentalists to try to unearth the murderer.
I've totally enjoyed this series and now will have to wait for book 7 in February.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the Luke Sackville series.

Sow the Wind, the latest in the Luke Sackville thriller series, is an excellent addition to the series. Like its predecessors it is filled with action, intrigue, humor, and likeable characters with plenty of unresolved interpersonal tension.

This story, created around the green movement, has every member of the Ethics team involved in investigating a murder, which multiplies over the course of the story. Once this story got its hooks into me, I couldn’t put it down. As the story progresses each of the Ethics Team members brings their personal strengths to the table to find the person responsible for the murder(s).

listened to the audiobook version of Sow the Wind expertly narrated by Samuel James. Samuel takes an excellent story and “kicks it up a few notches” with his character voices and delivery.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sow The Wind - SJ Richards

SO happy to be back with Luke Sackville’s gang for their latest outing which is fast becoming one of my go-to reads when in need of a great book!

NO SPOILERS HERE - but once again Steve has managed to create a thrilling plot line from the contentious, sometimes hot potato of a topic of Climate Change.

Luke’s workforce are what pins this series together - seeing them grow and develop from novel to novel - and the way that they are written draws you in and what happens to them really matters to you as a reader.

I hear a 7th book is on the horizon….and without giving anything away, I can’t wait to see where the next one takes us!

Thanks Steve - another triumph!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great read in this brilliant series. Luke and the team are asked to investigate two different environmental groups which involves some of the team going undercover. As usual, Josh provides many laugh out loud moments in his undercover role. Things get more serious when several murders occur with links to the groups. At the same time, Luke is now a civilian consultant with the police so his time is split between both roles, leaving Sam to come more to the forefront which I loved.

I defy anyone reading this to try to put this down. It's another gripping read that had me reading one more chapter and the ending was very very satisfying. Glad to see there's not too long a wait for the next book. I can't wait.

[Sylvia Bland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sow the Wind is book 6 in the Luke Sackville series and another great read from author SJ Richards. Luke is an ex DI who now works as Head of Ethics at Filchers. This time two of his team go undercover to investigate two environmental groups who they think are involved in a suspicious death. As dead bodies start to mount up his team works hard to discover who is responsible and why. The book has got grit, tension and humour with a "will they or won't they" element between two of the characters. It's a must have if you've already started on the series. If you haven't, then give them a try, you won't be disappointed. I'm eagerly awaiting book 7.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sow the wind is book 6 in the fabulous Luke Sackville series by S J Richards.
In this episode, Luke and the ethics team are asked to investigate two environmental groups that are linked to a suspicious death. Helen and Josh go undercover to see if they can infiltrate the killer, before more bodies turn up.
There is also inkling that there is more than being just friends between Luke and Sarah. The Ethics team already think so even if they don’t.
This is another fast-paced thriller, with lots of twists and turns and some humour in it too, especially involving Josh. This is another very enjoyable read. 5 stars from me

[Dee (readaholic_dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Luke Sackville is an absolute cracker of a read. SJ Richards certainly knows how to keep us entertained with another exciting and on point story.

The characters are like old friends now and each has grown on me over the series in different ways. There is so much thought put into these characters by the author and I, as a reader, really appreciate that aspect of the book. For me it helps the story flow and draws you in straight away.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Each book has such a strong storyline that keeps you hooked and guessing throughout.

This is a series you seriously need to read. Highly recommend.

[Wendy S Mottart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant.

I get excited when the new Luke Sackville book lands on my kindle. This one 'Sow the Wind' was, in my opinion a great addition to the previous 5. I read this in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story flowed incredibly well and as a reader, I just needed to see how it all came together. And, my goodness how it did! I'm not going to give any spoilers but if you have been following this simply brilliant series, you will want to read this book pronto. Now it's a long wait for book 7 but I'm sure it will be worth it. Bravo Steve, a job very well done.

[Kaz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just get better and better I could not put it down. Book 6 in the Luke Sackville series.
Luke and the ethics team are asked to look into a couple of environmental groups. 2 of his team go undercover and things turn nasty.
Whilst trying to find a possible link in 3 murders Luke himself is soon at risk. Can the team put the jigsaw together and can more murders be stopped.
Although these books can be read stand alone I would highly recommend reading them in order to learn more about the team and how and why the ethics team were started.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 with Luke Sackville and his ethics team. What a cracker! Back with the team and the twists and turns a plenty. The team members who we know and love being at serious risk of harm kept me reading and wanting more. Told at the usual great pace the reader is quickly swept along as the tension and body count builds. No spoilers here but I let out a deafening YES!!! That I had been holding onto for a while!! Roll on February and book 7. What on earth do you have planned Mr Richards? I can't wait.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased to have read another book in the Luke Sackville series, they never disappoint. I love the characters and reading about their development, especially young Josh as he brings such humour into the story. The plotting is very topical at the moment, climate change and environmental issues. The pacing is fast and there are plenty of twists and enough suspense to keep my blood pressure going high! I really hope we have plenty more books in this series, it is one of the best around and one which I thoroughly enjoy.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have listened to the audio version of this book.
Sow the Wind.
I didn't think this sixth book in the Luke Sackville series was quite as good as previous ones but it was still a jolly good listen. Dealing with environmental groups, Helen and Josh go undercover and find more going on than they bargained for. Nice to see Sam taking more responsibility and I wonder what we'll be kicking Luke's butt about in the next instalment, can't wait to find out! ☺ Sam James outdid even himself in the narration which was second to none. Can't recommend highly enough but be sure to read the whole series.

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Luke Sackville thriller series. Ex DCI Luke Sackville and his ethics team are asked to investigate two environmental groups and their protests. So two of the team, Helen and Josh, go undercover to infiltrate these groups. As bodies begin to appear, it’s a race against time to find the murderer.
The novel is fast paced with lots of twists and turns and contains some great humour from Josh and other characters.
It’s an excellent series, highly recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific installment in this unique series. The members of the Ethics team at Filchers are a diverse and likable bunch led by ex DCI Luke Sackville. The cases they work are interesting and timely; this time investigating a couple of fringe environmental groups. When two of the team members go undercover it creates some tense as well as laugh out loud moments. Very much looking forward to the next one.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great thriller from S J Richards.

Luke's ethics team is once again embroiled in intrigue and murder as the go about their daily jobs. Tasked with investigating some environmental protest organisations, the team finds themselves dealing with a ruthless murderer.

Wonderful characters in this series as we see their personal development along with their working relationships in the team grow.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to like about this book and this series. The characters go from strength to strength and what is best about the stories are that with Luke being an ex detective, he is given more freedom to choose what he does and how to achieve the best from the team. Each of the team is developing well too especially Josh who is so equally annoying but lovable. Roll on book 7!!

Thanks to the author for the ARC to review

[Paul Ceaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Luke Sackville series and yet again a fantastic story by the brilliant SJ Richards. Another fast paced storyline, excellent character development and as expected, very well written. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers.
Thank you to Steve for sending me an advanced readers copy of Sow the Wind.

[Cheryl Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Luke Sackville story by Steve (SJ) Richards. This story is fast-paced and exciting with environmental issues as the main theme. I love the evolution of the main characters' personalities and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series to any lover of crime fiction. Well done, Mr. Richards!

[Caroline Lawman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 stars for the latest in the Luke Sackville series. I am really enjoying the series. The book is pacy, edge of the seat adventure /murder, with good dollops of humour to lighten the load. No I couldn’t guess ‘whodunnit’ but I never can with these books. That’s what makes me enjoy them so much!

[Debra Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book following Luke and his team.
Who would think working in Ethics could be so dangerous.
Loved the theme and the continuing development of the characters.
Love Josh … poor lad. But such fun.

No spoiler but at the end …… Awh so sweet …. About time !

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the continuing themes and exploits.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the narration of Samuel James, who brings the drama and action to your ears.

Ex-DCI Luke and his Ethics Team are investigating two environmental groups for their new Global Energy clients. Helen is to infiltrated and go undercover with Sow The Wind and Josh with Earth Conflict.

We have murder, drama and action. Brilliant characters.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a terrific read from S J Richards. He deals with current issues in a sensitive and intriguing way. His character development is brilliant and I now feel I know how each member of the team will react in any given situation. It is great to continue their personal journeys with them and, as always, the humour adds relief to the intensity of the plot. A definite five star rating again.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another truly great read. I love all these characters and the storylines are so diverse, always enough cop stuff mixed in with the ethics crew. So well done. Oh, and the ending made me very happy. I look forward to many more tales of Luke, Sam, Josh, Helen and Maj!!