What do you think?
Rate this book
DS Heckenburg #8
Rogue
AN EXPLOSIVE NEW THRILLER FROM THE MILLION COPY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
They shot everyone. His friends, his colleagues, the woman he loved. But they made one critical mistake. They didn’t shoot him.
Detective Sergeant Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg has a reputation for bending the rules, but when a ruthless gun attack on a North London pub leaves 26 of his closest workmates dead, he throws the rulebook away.
Devastated beyond recovery, he goes rogue.
But Heck himself is a suspect. Suspended from duty and watched day and night, it isn’t just a matter of eluding the surveillance net in London. When he makes his move, he becomes a fugitive, an outlaw now infamous across the whole of the UK.
And yet that’s the least of his problems. Because as Heck tracks the killers north through the wintry badlands of industrial England, and from there into the mountainous wilds of Scotland, they too have made plans, and some deadly and deranged individuals are lying in wait …
Another hard-as-nails addition to the hugely popular crime series. Ideal reading for fans of MW Craven, Stuart MacBride and Lee Child .
They shot everyone. His friends, his colleagues, the woman he loved. But they made one critical mistake. They didn’t shoot him.
Detective Sergeant Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg has a reputation for bending the rules, but when a ruthless gun attack on a North London pub leaves 26 of his closest workmates dead, he throws the rulebook away.
Devastated beyond recovery, he goes rogue.
But Heck himself is a suspect. Suspended from duty and watched day and night, it isn’t just a matter of eluding the surveillance net in London. When he makes his move, he becomes a fugitive, an outlaw now infamous across the whole of the UK.
And yet that’s the least of his problems. Because as Heck tracks the killers north through the wintry badlands of industrial England, and from there into the mountainous wilds of Scotland, they too have made plans, and some deadly and deranged individuals are lying in wait …
Another hard-as-nails addition to the hugely popular crime series. Ideal reading for fans of MW Craven, Stuart MacBride and Lee Child .
- GenresCrime
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2024
55 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books470 followersPaul 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 11, 2024
FINALLY! Okay first things first if you haven't read the previous 7 books then stop reading the review. Take yourself back and start from the beginning. Just thank your luck start you didn't have as long a wait as the fans. Book 7 was released around 2018 so its been a very long wait to see what was next for Mark Heckenburg.
First off it took a few chapters to reacquaint myself with one of my favourite characters but before long you could just feel the turmoil this character was in. Following the harrowing scenes in book 7 where Heck is left the only one alive following the slaughter of all his colleagues you just know that somebody, somewhere is going to pay for their sins. The only problem is that Heck becomes the main suspect and as such his solution is to go rogue to try and track down the real culprits.
The journey takes him up to the Scottish Highlands and chasing some typically nasty individuals. Thankfully they have no idea that they are up against Heck who is in no mood to abide by any rules and is absolutely determined people will pay. This was a fabulous read and the ending made me equally annoyed because I can't read the next one yet....what can I say? Bravo Mr Finch....I look forward to Book 9!!!
First off it took a few chapters to reacquaint myself with one of my favourite characters but before long you could just feel the turmoil this character was in. Following the harrowing scenes in book 7 where Heck is left the only one alive following the slaughter of all his colleagues you just know that somebody, somewhere is going to pay for their sins. The only problem is that Heck becomes the main suspect and as such his solution is to go rogue to try and track down the real culprits.
The journey takes him up to the Scottish Highlands and chasing some typically nasty individuals. Thankfully they have no idea that they are up against Heck who is in no mood to abide by any rules and is absolutely determined people will pay. This was a fabulous read and the ending made me equally annoyed because I can't read the next one yet....what can I say? Bravo Mr Finch....I look forward to Book 9!!!
November 7, 2024
Paul Finch's previous DS Mark Heckenburg novel, KISS OF DEATH ended on the most brutal cliff-hanger imaginable, with most of Heck's long-term colleagues mown down in a hail of gunfire and even his long-term love-interest, DSU Gemma Piper, apparently lifeless in his arms.
That was almost six years ago - a LONG time to wait for the next instalment! - but ROGUE picks only a couple of months after the 'Ace of Diamonds' massacre, with Heck suspended and now under investigation himself, suspected of having a role in the slaughter. Heck's alone, but he has two things the rest of the police don't: a clue to the killers' true identity, and a burning desire for revenge.
Eluding police surveillance, Heck sets off on the trail of the killers, knowing he's going down a road of no return. It leads up back up North... and beyond it, into the Scottish Highlands and a rivetting conclusion.
Paul Finch is a first-class storyteller, and in ROGUE he's lost none of his touch. As you'd hope for Heck's long-awaited return, this one has the volume dialled up to eleven, with all the unflinching eye for human cruelty, relentless pace and pulse-pounding action you'd expect from Finch - and a little bit more. After all, Heck's hell on wheels even when he's a police officer, but now he's on a personal mission of revenge. I was almost afraid to find out how far he'd actually go to make the killers pay for what they'd done, and of what would be left for him afterwards.
Almost, but not quite. Paul Finch is far too good a storyteller for that.
Five stars, and I can't wait for the next Heck book. I understand the delays that held further instalments of the series up are now resolved, and so here's hoping there's a new one very soon.
That was almost six years ago - a LONG time to wait for the next instalment! - but ROGUE picks only a couple of months after the 'Ace of Diamonds' massacre, with Heck suspended and now under investigation himself, suspected of having a role in the slaughter. Heck's alone, but he has two things the rest of the police don't: a clue to the killers' true identity, and a burning desire for revenge.
Eluding police surveillance, Heck sets off on the trail of the killers, knowing he's going down a road of no return. It leads up back up North... and beyond it, into the Scottish Highlands and a rivetting conclusion.
Paul Finch is a first-class storyteller, and in ROGUE he's lost none of his touch. As you'd hope for Heck's long-awaited return, this one has the volume dialled up to eleven, with all the unflinching eye for human cruelty, relentless pace and pulse-pounding action you'd expect from Finch - and a little bit more. After all, Heck's hell on wheels even when he's a police officer, but now he's on a personal mission of revenge. I was almost afraid to find out how far he'd actually go to make the killers pay for what they'd done, and of what would be left for him afterwards.
Almost, but not quite. Paul Finch is far too good a storyteller for that.
Five stars, and I can't wait for the next Heck book. I understand the delays that held further instalments of the series up are now resolved, and so here's hoping there's a new one very soon.
October 31, 2024
I'm both elated and disappointed to have read this book. Elated because I have waited so long to find out the repercussions from Book 7, and disappointed because the wait is over and I've now finished the book (evening though I purposely read it slower to savour it), therefore I have to wait again for Book 9 (which this one alludes to).
Let me be clear - I'm NOT disappointed in the writing or the story itself. It's an absolute blast that I thoroughly enjoyed! Written well, great characters, and big action set pieces that Paul describes superbly. It follows Heck as he once again goes "lone wolf" but this time the stakes are so much higher. With enemies on all sides, he bravely (stupidly?) searches for the truth behind the travesty that cost his colleagues their lives.
If you've been following this series then I don't need to explain how much you'll love this book. If you haven't read this series, why not? It's absolutely brilliant..
Let me be clear - I'm NOT disappointed in the writing or the story itself. It's an absolute blast that I thoroughly enjoyed! Written well, great characters, and big action set pieces that Paul describes superbly. It follows Heck as he once again goes "lone wolf" but this time the stakes are so much higher. With enemies on all sides, he bravely (stupidly?) searches for the truth behind the travesty that cost his colleagues their lives.
If you've been following this series then I don't need to explain how much you'll love this book. If you haven't read this series, why not? It's absolutely brilliant..
November 22, 2024
Sheesh, what a ride!
This book follows one where 26 of Hecks colleagues were brutally gunned down. I've not read that book (although I will!), but it was clear what had happened.
Heck is a suspect as he survived. This gives him the opportunity to break away from surveillance and go on the hunt.
What follows in a truly intense and fast-paced journey all the way up to the Scottish Highlands. It concludes with one of the most thrilling action-packed endings to a book I think I've ever read.
This has everything you could possibly imagine. From car chases to gun fights, explosions, and a murder or two.
I kinda liked Snake. Although he was pathetic and whiny, he did actually seem to want to help.
All the other characters were fantastic, and there are some jaw-dropping completely left field shockers thrown in, too.
It looks like there may be a future for this series, so I better get reading and catch up properly before the next book is out!
This book follows one where 26 of Hecks colleagues were brutally gunned down. I've not read that book (although I will!), but it was clear what had happened.
Heck is a suspect as he survived. This gives him the opportunity to break away from surveillance and go on the hunt.
What follows in a truly intense and fast-paced journey all the way up to the Scottish Highlands. It concludes with one of the most thrilling action-packed endings to a book I think I've ever read.
This has everything you could possibly imagine. From car chases to gun fights, explosions, and a murder or two.
I kinda liked Snake. Although he was pathetic and whiny, he did actually seem to want to help.
All the other characters were fantastic, and there are some jaw-dropping completely left field shockers thrown in, too.
It looks like there may be a future for this series, so I better get reading and catch up properly before the next book is out!
January 8, 2025
It is not often, at the age of 61, that a books makes me shed a tear, certainly not a crime thriller as great as this one is.
But it did, not because of the deaths and the story in this book but because of a life. I will not spoil it for any of you but safe to say this is a fantastic read that takes us on an unexpected journey.
Get this read as a standalone book it is thoroughly engaging but also go read the series to fully understand how we got here.
Thanks @paulfinch for heck and the continued saga. We all look forward to the next chapter!
But it did, not because of the deaths and the story in this book but because of a life. I will not spoil it for any of you but safe to say this is a fantastic read that takes us on an unexpected journey.
Get this read as a standalone book it is thoroughly engaging but also go read the series to fully understand how we got here.
Thanks @paulfinch for heck and the continued saga. We all look forward to the next chapter!
August 27, 2025
This is a phenomenal return to the series after a seven-year wait since Book 7. The story is gripping, packed with drama, suspense, and non-stop action. Paul Finch delivers another thrilling ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Paul Thornley once again proves himself a master narrator—his performance brings the characters and tension to life brilliantly. I now eagerly await Book 9, No Quarter!
April 16, 2025
Heck is back
After such an unexpected and mind blowing ending in the last book, I have waited and hoped that heck would be back again.
6 years and well worth the wait for another greatly written book. Here's looking for more adventures of heck before he retires.
Such a great series.
After such an unexpected and mind blowing ending in the last book, I have waited and hoped that heck would be back again.
6 years and well worth the wait for another greatly written book. Here's looking for more adventures of heck before he retires.
Such a great series.
January 6, 2025
Waited since 2018 for Book 8.Others have reviewed it honestly and fairly
All I can add is read the Series from start. I envy you cos its a roller coaster ride through the Series and like the rest if us you will yearn for Book 9.
All I can add is read the Series from start. I envy you cos its a roller coaster ride through the Series and like the rest if us you will yearn for Book 9.
November 2, 2024
More a case.than a detective story. Gripping, nevertheless. Will Mecklenburg settle down?
December 7, 2024
Worth the wait
Wow what a rollercoaster of a story. It's been a while but I hope Heck gets another chance to shine. Crime at its best
Wow what a rollercoaster of a story. It's been a while but I hope Heck gets another chance to shine. Crime at its best
December 29, 2024
So good to see Heck back - and a brilliant return! Great plot and characters, a heart-racing final section and a thoroughly satisfying ending. Highly recommended.
March 13, 2025
A great book in the series hope we don't have to wait as long for the next one as we did with this one 😀
April 2, 2025
A total edge of the seat ride from start to finish. A long wait for this book but we'll worth it. Totally love this series.
April 17, 2025
I’ve really missed Heck. The storyline wasn’t the best in this one, but the fight scenes were spectacular as always.
August 8, 2025
Always a good read! Can’t wait for the next instalment 🙃
November 7, 2025
Love Heck
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Heck series love his cavalier no nonsense attitude and the characters that try to keep him in line another great addition to series
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Heck series love his cavalier no nonsense attitude and the characters that try to keep him in line another great addition to series
January 26, 2025
Probably my least favourite of all the DS Heckenburg books. I’d really been looking forward to this after the last book was left on a cliffhanger but found this unnecessarily long winded and dragged out when it really didn’t need to be. I liked the ending but really struggled to finish this!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews