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Cages
A dark past. A terrifying secret. A deadly game is about to begin . . .
Washed-up author Rufus Orton needs money. It's the main reason he takes the gig teaching creative writing to inmates at HMP Holderness. That, and the flattery of prison officer Annabeth Harris, who contacted him out of the blue and begged him to take the job.
Annabeth loves Rufus' work. Genuinely. She loves being a prison officer too. But Annabeth is keeping a secret. Fifteen years ago she did something bad, and if it ever comes out, her new, perfect life will be destroyed.
HMP resident Griffin Cox has no black marks against his name. He claims he's been wrongly convicted of the sex offence that put him in prison. He's lying. He has a plan - and everything hinges on him securing a place in the classroom with Rufus and Annabeth. It's only then that the game can begin . . .
Dark, twisted and gripping, CAGES is an addictive psychological thriller from a "master" of the genre ( Kirkus Reviews ). If you enjoy disturbing, charismatic criminals like Hannibal Lector and Patrick Bateman, you'll love Griffin Cox.
Washed-up author Rufus Orton needs money. It's the main reason he takes the gig teaching creative writing to inmates at HMP Holderness. That, and the flattery of prison officer Annabeth Harris, who contacted him out of the blue and begged him to take the job.
Annabeth loves Rufus' work. Genuinely. She loves being a prison officer too. But Annabeth is keeping a secret. Fifteen years ago she did something bad, and if it ever comes out, her new, perfect life will be destroyed.
HMP resident Griffin Cox has no black marks against his name. He claims he's been wrongly convicted of the sex offence that put him in prison. He's lying. He has a plan - and everything hinges on him securing a place in the classroom with Rufus and Annabeth. It's only then that the game can begin . . .
Dark, twisted and gripping, CAGES is an addictive psychological thriller from a "master" of the genre ( Kirkus Reviews ). If you enjoy disturbing, charismatic criminals like Hannibal Lector and Patrick Bateman, you'll love Griffin Cox.
- GenresThriller
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 31, 2021
6 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 6, 2021
*4.5 stars *
Annabeth Harris is a Prison Officer, but her past was very different, and it’s a past she intends to keep firmly hidden, because if anyone finds out what she’s done, then she’s finished!
Rufus Orton is an author, something of a has been, he’s had some success in the past, but publication of his latest book has been postponed, and he’s completely skint - bills piling up, court bailiffs are regular visitors, the house he shares with his family is crumbling through neglect, but then a lifeline comes along, in the form of an invitation to pass on his knowledge via a creative writing course, for inmates of HMP Holderness in East Yorkshire. Annabeth specifically asked for Rufus, as she’s one of his few loyal fans.
HMP inmate Griffin Cox, has grabbed himself a place on the creative writing course, even though as a VP (vulnerable prisoner) kept in segregation for his own safety, it shouldn’t be allowed. He’s in prison for a sex offence and abduction, though he claims he’s innocent. One thing’s for sure, he’s going to stir things up for everybody on the course. Cox is hugely intelligent, and he loves playing games, files information about others in his own head, to enable him to get inside theirs. Let the games commence!
‘Cages’ is a stand-alone from talented author David Mark. It simmers with menace throughout, and excellent use of smoke and mirrors ensures a gripping read, in addition, it comes with some neat little twists at the end. Highly Recommended.
* Thank you to Severn House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Annabeth Harris is a Prison Officer, but her past was very different, and it’s a past she intends to keep firmly hidden, because if anyone finds out what she’s done, then she’s finished!
Rufus Orton is an author, something of a has been, he’s had some success in the past, but publication of his latest book has been postponed, and he’s completely skint - bills piling up, court bailiffs are regular visitors, the house he shares with his family is crumbling through neglect, but then a lifeline comes along, in the form of an invitation to pass on his knowledge via a creative writing course, for inmates of HMP Holderness in East Yorkshire. Annabeth specifically asked for Rufus, as she’s one of his few loyal fans.
HMP inmate Griffin Cox, has grabbed himself a place on the creative writing course, even though as a VP (vulnerable prisoner) kept in segregation for his own safety, it shouldn’t be allowed. He’s in prison for a sex offence and abduction, though he claims he’s innocent. One thing’s for sure, he’s going to stir things up for everybody on the course. Cox is hugely intelligent, and he loves playing games, files information about others in his own head, to enable him to get inside theirs. Let the games commence!
‘Cages’ is a stand-alone from talented author David Mark. It simmers with menace throughout, and excellent use of smoke and mirrors ensures a gripping read, in addition, it comes with some neat little twists at the end. Highly Recommended.
* Thank you to Severn House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
May 3, 2021
David Mark once again writes an atmospheric, gripping and disturbing crime read that ventures into horror territory. 48 year old Rufus Orton has let himself go, succumbing to the demon drink, his promising career as an writer fizzled out, leaving him saddled with a mountain of debts, living in a dilapidated and grimy home, a wife Shonagh who views him with contempt, and daughter, Dorcas, exasperated with her father. His financial woes lead him to accept a creative writing gig at HMP Holderness, organised by ambitious and well regarded prison officer, Annabeth Harris, a huge fan of his literary works. Upon meeting Annabeth, Rufus is intrigued and drawn by her, and ends up staying at her home, meeting her son, Ethan.
Surprisingly, Rufus finds himself inspired and excited by the criminal inmates who attend his course, and which include the malignant, manipulative, and the desperate Griffin Cox with his own agenda, a vulnerable convicted sex offender who continues to proclaim his innocence. Annabeth is a woman with a dark buried secret that threatens to destroy her, she begins to suspect Cox is aware of her past as her life begins to unravel. Cox is a suspect in the numerous murders of bright and naive young teen children, crimes being investigated by DC Ben Neilson of Humberside Police, under the command of the NCA, looking for the body of a victim. The unprepossessing Cox comes from a background of public school, privilege and wealth, a narcissist, with contacts in government, and is feeling himself slowly being ground down by life in prison and the threats posed by other prisoners. He is intent on escaping prison, whatever it takes, before evidence emerges of his past as a killer.
Orton wants to help the dispirited Annabeth deal with the nightmare that confronts her, and finds himself targeted by Neilson, wanting him to help find evidence to trap Cox. This is a riveting and unsettling psychological thriller that is underpinned by a growing sense of menace, with unexpected twists and turns, capturing the febrile climate amongst the inmates in a financially strapped prison, run by Governor Hussain facing intense media pressures. This is for readers who seek the darkest of crime reads, with the blackest of humour, where nothing and no-one are as they appear. Many thanks to Severn House for an ARC.
Surprisingly, Rufus finds himself inspired and excited by the criminal inmates who attend his course, and which include the malignant, manipulative, and the desperate Griffin Cox with his own agenda, a vulnerable convicted sex offender who continues to proclaim his innocence. Annabeth is a woman with a dark buried secret that threatens to destroy her, she begins to suspect Cox is aware of her past as her life begins to unravel. Cox is a suspect in the numerous murders of bright and naive young teen children, crimes being investigated by DC Ben Neilson of Humberside Police, under the command of the NCA, looking for the body of a victim. The unprepossessing Cox comes from a background of public school, privilege and wealth, a narcissist, with contacts in government, and is feeling himself slowly being ground down by life in prison and the threats posed by other prisoners. He is intent on escaping prison, whatever it takes, before evidence emerges of his past as a killer.
Orton wants to help the dispirited Annabeth deal with the nightmare that confronts her, and finds himself targeted by Neilson, wanting him to help find evidence to trap Cox. This is a riveting and unsettling psychological thriller that is underpinned by a growing sense of menace, with unexpected twists and turns, capturing the febrile climate amongst the inmates in a financially strapped prison, run by Governor Hussain facing intense media pressures. This is for readers who seek the darkest of crime reads, with the blackest of humour, where nothing and no-one are as they appear. Many thanks to Severn House for an ARC.
March 29, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this gripping psychological thriller and horror story. This is my first book by David Mark. I recently learned about him from highly positive reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and was pleased to learn that he has many previous books to pursue. That is how one writes a terrifying, shudder-inducing horror story. There are injuries and murder, but also intense mind games. The author is a skilled wordsmith. He provides deep insight into the minds, hearts and fears of his characters.
There is heightened interaction and tension at a prison where a class on creative writing is being held. Rufus Orton teaches a classroom of convicts at the urging of the most devoted fan of his books. She is prison officer, Annabeth Harris. Rufus once had a literary book published that critics mostly praised. This book is now on sale for about 99cents, and his subsequent writings have led him down the path to failure, despair and indebtedness. He accepted the six-week teaching job due to Annabeth's flattery and the need for paying work.
He finds himself in front of a classroom of inmates who resent convict Griffin Cox's inclusion in the class. He is in another section of the prison, secluded because he is a convicted sex offender. He somehow managed to join the others in the creative writing class but normally would not be permitted, mainly to ensure his own safety. He claims to be innocent. Police detectives suspect him for the disappearance of several missing exceptional and talented teenagers, but their bodies have never been found.
Annabeth holds some dark secrets that if revealed, would ruin her promising career and the lives of herself and her teenaged son. Griffin Cox begins to strongly hint that he knows all about her grim and damaging past. His knowledge leaves her anxious and distraught. Her state of mind leads to the end of her growing friendship with Rufus Orton, the writer whose books she loves.
What happens next leads to some dark and horrific twists, danger and some ghastly surprises. Highly recommended for readers who would enjoy an unusual and exceptional work of horror and riveting suspense.
There is heightened interaction and tension at a prison where a class on creative writing is being held. Rufus Orton teaches a classroom of convicts at the urging of the most devoted fan of his books. She is prison officer, Annabeth Harris. Rufus once had a literary book published that critics mostly praised. This book is now on sale for about 99cents, and his subsequent writings have led him down the path to failure, despair and indebtedness. He accepted the six-week teaching job due to Annabeth's flattery and the need for paying work.
He finds himself in front of a classroom of inmates who resent convict Griffin Cox's inclusion in the class. He is in another section of the prison, secluded because he is a convicted sex offender. He somehow managed to join the others in the creative writing class but normally would not be permitted, mainly to ensure his own safety. He claims to be innocent. Police detectives suspect him for the disappearance of several missing exceptional and talented teenagers, but their bodies have never been found.
Annabeth holds some dark secrets that if revealed, would ruin her promising career and the lives of herself and her teenaged son. Griffin Cox begins to strongly hint that he knows all about her grim and damaging past. His knowledge leaves her anxious and distraught. Her state of mind leads to the end of her growing friendship with Rufus Orton, the writer whose books she loves.
What happens next leads to some dark and horrific twists, danger and some ghastly surprises. Highly recommended for readers who would enjoy an unusual and exceptional work of horror and riveting suspense.
July 5, 2021
I’m a big fan of David Mark; it’s not just the stories in his books. It’s the way he drags you into the story. Every word really means something. When David Mark describes the weather, you can feel it. When he describes how his main character is sitting in a car, sweating whiskey and wine, you can smell it. When he tells the story of Annabeth… you feel her pain, you understand why she did what she did.
Rufus certainly has a way with words and I enjoyed the part where he is trying to teach the inmates something about words. And I felt for him, having to deal with a wife that doesn’t love him anymore and a daughter that is so typically a teenager-with-an-attitude that sometimes I wanted to cry out to her to stop being so mean.
The story has a bit of a slow start but soon we notice that everything that happens is connected. Everything that happened with Annabeth, Rufus and Griffin, the third character in this compelling story, is interlinked, but not in the way you would think. How it is actually linked comes as a big surprise that left me almost breathless.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
Rufus certainly has a way with words and I enjoyed the part where he is trying to teach the inmates something about words. And I felt for him, having to deal with a wife that doesn’t love him anymore and a daughter that is so typically a teenager-with-an-attitude that sometimes I wanted to cry out to her to stop being so mean.
The story has a bit of a slow start but soon we notice that everything that happens is connected. Everything that happened with Annabeth, Rufus and Griffin, the third character in this compelling story, is interlinked, but not in the way you would think. How it is actually linked comes as a big surprise that left me almost breathless.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
May 7, 2021
Rufus Orton is an author ... needing money. He accepts a position teaching creative writing to inmates at a local prison. Prison Officer Annabeth Harris went to great lengths to get him to accept the position.
Annabeth loves her job .. but she has a secret that she's held for the past 15 years.
Griffin Cox is behind bars. A convicted sex offender, he states over and over again that he is innocent of those crimes he's been accused of. He figures he's been there for 7 years and its time for him to leave. He's made a plan .. but he has to have a place in the classroom with Orton and Harris.
Let the games begin .....
Suspenseful from the very beginning, this is a cleverly written plot with characters that pop. Orton and Harris are interesting is how they relate to each other and each seem to be holding secrets from the other. There's lot of action, some amazing twists that lead to a totally unexpected conclusion. As the author spent 15 years as a journalist including 7 years as a crime reporter, I expected a certain amount of credibility. I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed are unbiased and entirely my own.
Annabeth loves her job .. but she has a secret that she's held for the past 15 years.
Griffin Cox is behind bars. A convicted sex offender, he states over and over again that he is innocent of those crimes he's been accused of. He figures he's been there for 7 years and its time for him to leave. He's made a plan .. but he has to have a place in the classroom with Orton and Harris.
Let the games begin .....
Suspenseful from the very beginning, this is a cleverly written plot with characters that pop. Orton and Harris are interesting is how they relate to each other and each seem to be holding secrets from the other. There's lot of action, some amazing twists that lead to a totally unexpected conclusion. As the author spent 15 years as a journalist including 7 years as a crime reporter, I expected a certain amount of credibility. I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 16, 2024
4⭐️ = Good.
Audio.
Well, my youngest daughter is a prison officer and I’m extremely proud of her compassion and how hard she works. Though after reading this, I do want to say to her “Keep your head down and don’t get involved!”😂
Initially, I had to re-read a few of the first few pages as it hadn’t sunk in. After this though, not a problem and the plot took on an intense ride that dragged me into the prison itself.
If you’re not too keen on anything grisly, the very ending is a bit stomach churning.
A clever tale with depth, that will keep you wondering how it is going to pan out.
Only one minor irritation… I have relatives that used to live in Ely in Cambridgeshire, and it is pronounced e- lee not e- lie .
Audio.
Well, my youngest daughter is a prison officer and I’m extremely proud of her compassion and how hard she works. Though after reading this, I do want to say to her “Keep your head down and don’t get involved!”😂
Initially, I had to re-read a few of the first few pages as it hadn’t sunk in. After this though, not a problem and the plot took on an intense ride that dragged me into the prison itself.
If you’re not too keen on anything grisly, the very ending is a bit stomach churning.
A clever tale with depth, that will keep you wondering how it is going to pan out.
Only one minor irritation… I have relatives that used to live in Ely in Cambridgeshire, and it is pronounced e- lee not e- lie .
May 25, 2021
‘Later, she will remember …’
Rufus Orton needs to earn some money. Money worries and family conflict occupy his mind. He once wrote a highly praised novel, but that was a while ago. And then, he is offered a position teaching creative writing at HMP Holderness. This has been organised by a young prison officer, Annabeth Harris, who is one of his remaining fans. Annabeth is highly regarded by management at HMP Holderness, and she is keen to try to improve the lives of the prisoners. But behind her competent exterior, Annabeth has a dark secret.
The creative writing class is organised, but the last-minute inclusion of Griffin Cox, a sex offender from the Vulnerable Prisoner wing, changes everything. While Cox is suspected of being a child killer, the police have been unable to find any evidence to prove this. But then an old and trusted friend of Cox’s starts talking.
Cox sees the creative writing class as an opportunity to arrange an escape. Will he succeed? Can Annabeth stop him?
And just when I thought I had worked it out, through various dramatic twists, there is a twist which I really did not expect. A satisfying, dark read. Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Rufus Orton needs to earn some money. Money worries and family conflict occupy his mind. He once wrote a highly praised novel, but that was a while ago. And then, he is offered a position teaching creative writing at HMP Holderness. This has been organised by a young prison officer, Annabeth Harris, who is one of his remaining fans. Annabeth is highly regarded by management at HMP Holderness, and she is keen to try to improve the lives of the prisoners. But behind her competent exterior, Annabeth has a dark secret.
The creative writing class is organised, but the last-minute inclusion of Griffin Cox, a sex offender from the Vulnerable Prisoner wing, changes everything. While Cox is suspected of being a child killer, the police have been unable to find any evidence to prove this. But then an old and trusted friend of Cox’s starts talking.
Cox sees the creative writing class as an opportunity to arrange an escape. Will he succeed? Can Annabeth stop him?
And just when I thought I had worked it out, through various dramatic twists, there is a twist which I really did not expect. A satisfying, dark read. Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 9, 2021
This is my first book by David Mark and having met him several times at the annual Harrogate Crime Festival I really have no excuse for not reading his books sooner.
Cages is a standalone psychological thriller being published in May 2021 and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy, so my thanks to his publishers.
Cages has 3 main characters; firstly there is Rufus Orton, a previously successful author who is now struggling to write another bestseller, mocked by his daughter, overlooked by his wife and ignores the reality of his problems by drinking too much. When he gets a offer of a short-term teaching job on a creative writing course at a prison, he has no option but to accept the role.
Annabeth Harris works in the prison, she is professional and ambitious and determined to improve the lives of the prisoners she looks after. She is also a huge fan of Rufus Orton previous books and invites him to teach at the prison. What the reader realises quite quickly is that Annabeth also has a dark secret and a past that she can’t allow to be made public ever.
Griffin Cox is the third character in Cages. He is serving his sentence as a VP (Vulnerable Prisoner) due to his horrific crimes and conviction as a sex offender. He is also currently being interviewed about a spate of missing children from years ago as a witness has come forward with connections to Cox. When he manages to get onto the creative writing course these 3 characters head towards a catastrophic collision course.
Cages is a very well written, cleverly crafted story with enough twists, turns, red herrings and surprises to keep fans of this genre riveted and eager to find out what happened. I’m off to download David Mark’s back catalogue now.
Cages is a standalone psychological thriller being published in May 2021 and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy, so my thanks to his publishers.
Cages has 3 main characters; firstly there is Rufus Orton, a previously successful author who is now struggling to write another bestseller, mocked by his daughter, overlooked by his wife and ignores the reality of his problems by drinking too much. When he gets a offer of a short-term teaching job on a creative writing course at a prison, he has no option but to accept the role.
Annabeth Harris works in the prison, she is professional and ambitious and determined to improve the lives of the prisoners she looks after. She is also a huge fan of Rufus Orton previous books and invites him to teach at the prison. What the reader realises quite quickly is that Annabeth also has a dark secret and a past that she can’t allow to be made public ever.
Griffin Cox is the third character in Cages. He is serving his sentence as a VP (Vulnerable Prisoner) due to his horrific crimes and conviction as a sex offender. He is also currently being interviewed about a spate of missing children from years ago as a witness has come forward with connections to Cox. When he manages to get onto the creative writing course these 3 characters head towards a catastrophic collision course.
Cages is a very well written, cleverly crafted story with enough twists, turns, red herrings and surprises to keep fans of this genre riveted and eager to find out what happened. I’m off to download David Mark’s back catalogue now.
June 1, 2021
I have read quite a few of this author's stand alone books and still have his McAvoy series firmly in my sights - oh for more reading time...! So I pretty much knew what I am letting myself in for when I turned the first page, and this book, like all I have already read, did not disappoint.
Rufus Orton is an author who has, well, pretty much become washed up - both personally and professionally. Basically, he's skint. So, against his better judgement, and only because he is desperate for money he responds to the offer made by prison officer Annabeth Harris to teach creative writing to the inmates at the prison where she works. Annabeth has her own demons and a big secret she has to keep quiet. To complete our main cast, we also have one Griffin Cox, inmate and, if you believe the conviction, very very nasty person, although he still protests his innocence. Our story really begins when these three individuals are brought together in the classroom and, once all met, it's a case of wind them up and sit back and watch the sparks fly...
I am being deliberately oblique in my description and that's not just for spoiler reasons. I believe that in this book specifically, it is best to witness the layers being built up as the author intends and for the reader to learn things at exactly the right time for maximum impact. There are twists and turns aplenty as we meander around until all finally becomes clear as we approach the end. Which, as I might add, was wholly satisfying. It's as atmospheric as it is disturbing and there are parts that are hard to read but that is the nature of the beast with this genre book and nothing over the top. As an aside from the action we also see the relationships between parent and child with Annabeth and her son, and Orton and his daughter. These parts complemented the main story very well, adding colour and background without being distracting.
All in all, another winner which I have no hesitation to recommend. My guilt at not starting the series is now getting embarrassing so I am really going to try and at least start before he releases his next stand alone - wish me luck! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Rufus Orton is an author who has, well, pretty much become washed up - both personally and professionally. Basically, he's skint. So, against his better judgement, and only because he is desperate for money he responds to the offer made by prison officer Annabeth Harris to teach creative writing to the inmates at the prison where she works. Annabeth has her own demons and a big secret she has to keep quiet. To complete our main cast, we also have one Griffin Cox, inmate and, if you believe the conviction, very very nasty person, although he still protests his innocence. Our story really begins when these three individuals are brought together in the classroom and, once all met, it's a case of wind them up and sit back and watch the sparks fly...
I am being deliberately oblique in my description and that's not just for spoiler reasons. I believe that in this book specifically, it is best to witness the layers being built up as the author intends and for the reader to learn things at exactly the right time for maximum impact. There are twists and turns aplenty as we meander around until all finally becomes clear as we approach the end. Which, as I might add, was wholly satisfying. It's as atmospheric as it is disturbing and there are parts that are hard to read but that is the nature of the beast with this genre book and nothing over the top. As an aside from the action we also see the relationships between parent and child with Annabeth and her son, and Orton and his daughter. These parts complemented the main story very well, adding colour and background without being distracting.
All in all, another winner which I have no hesitation to recommend. My guilt at not starting the series is now getting embarrassing so I am really going to try and at least start before he releases his next stand alone - wish me luck! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 8, 2021
4.5 stars.
Cages by David Mark is a riveting psychological thriller.
Prison Officer Annabeth Harris has worked hard to get where she is today. HMP Holderness has a dreadful reputation but she has high hopes for a successful creative writing class for the prisoners. Annabeth’s favorite author is Rufus Orton and she is thrilled when he agrees to teach the class. With a mix of prisoners attending, the first day of class is occasionally tense, but Orton and Annabeth manage to keep control. The most disruptive resident is Griffin Cox who is suspected of murdering several teens. As Rufus reads through the day’s assignments, he is surprised to find a paper written by Annabeth. She denies she is the author which raises a horrible thought. Who knows Annabeth’s darkest secret?
Annabeth’s life has not been easy but she and her teenage son Ethan are now happy in their small seaside town. She is a single mum who is quite close with her son. She enjoys her new career and while her future looks bright, Annabelle would rather avoid too much attention.
Rufus was at one time a hugely successful author with a bright future ahead of him. But in recent years, his books sales are down and his critics’ assessments are harsh. Now, his current novel is late and bills are overdue so he welcomes the opportunity to earn money on the side.
Griffin knows time is running out for him. So far, the police have no proof he has committed any crime except the one is in prison for. He has created an elaborate plan to ensure his freedom. Griffin is playing a serious game that could result in terrible consequences for Annabelle and Rufus.
Cages is an intricately plotted, edge of the seat thriller. The characters are deeply flawed but, with a few exceptions, they also have redeeming qualities. The storyline is clever and unfolds at a brisk pace. With a shocking plot twist, David Mark brings this suspense-laden thriller to a stunning conclusion.
Cages by David Mark is a riveting psychological thriller.
Prison Officer Annabeth Harris has worked hard to get where she is today. HMP Holderness has a dreadful reputation but she has high hopes for a successful creative writing class for the prisoners. Annabeth’s favorite author is Rufus Orton and she is thrilled when he agrees to teach the class. With a mix of prisoners attending, the first day of class is occasionally tense, but Orton and Annabeth manage to keep control. The most disruptive resident is Griffin Cox who is suspected of murdering several teens. As Rufus reads through the day’s assignments, he is surprised to find a paper written by Annabeth. She denies she is the author which raises a horrible thought. Who knows Annabeth’s darkest secret?
Annabeth’s life has not been easy but she and her teenage son Ethan are now happy in their small seaside town. She is a single mum who is quite close with her son. She enjoys her new career and while her future looks bright, Annabelle would rather avoid too much attention.
Rufus was at one time a hugely successful author with a bright future ahead of him. But in recent years, his books sales are down and his critics’ assessments are harsh. Now, his current novel is late and bills are overdue so he welcomes the opportunity to earn money on the side.
Griffin knows time is running out for him. So far, the police have no proof he has committed any crime except the one is in prison for. He has created an elaborate plan to ensure his freedom. Griffin is playing a serious game that could result in terrible consequences for Annabelle and Rufus.
Cages is an intricately plotted, edge of the seat thriller. The characters are deeply flawed but, with a few exceptions, they also have redeeming qualities. The storyline is clever and unfolds at a brisk pace. With a shocking plot twist, David Mark brings this suspense-laden thriller to a stunning conclusion.
January 9, 2022
I have never read anything by this author before, and i got declined on netgalley but it sounded so good that I brought it!
What a great read.... Has 2 storylines that intermingle, with lots of twists along the way.
I was so proud of myself thinking I had guessed the twist, but then I was hit with a couple more that I did not see coming at all.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend - I finished it in bed last night with my reading light literally on its last dregs of battery so had it practically on my nose but there was no way I couldn't finish it 😂
What a great read.... Has 2 storylines that intermingle, with lots of twists along the way.
I was so proud of myself thinking I had guessed the twist, but then I was hit with a couple more that I did not see coming at all.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend - I finished it in bed last night with my reading light literally on its last dregs of battery so had it practically on my nose but there was no way I couldn't finish it 😂
May 28, 2021
I've said in previous reviews that David Mark is one of the best crime authors writing today and he continues to get better and better. His latest novel is dark and gritty and so much better than anything coming from the pens of his contemporaries.
Three characters dominate the plot: Annabeth Harris, a prison officer with a closet full of secrets; Griffin Cox, an aristocrat already in prison and under investigation for further charges; and Rufus Orton an acclaimed author whose career has taken a downturn. All three are written with a compelling brilliance. At HMP Holderness they will each face their demons.
This is a master-class in thriller writing.
Three characters dominate the plot: Annabeth Harris, a prison officer with a closet full of secrets; Griffin Cox, an aristocrat already in prison and under investigation for further charges; and Rufus Orton an acclaimed author whose career has taken a downturn. All three are written with a compelling brilliance. At HMP Holderness they will each face their demons.
This is a master-class in thriller writing.
May 16, 2021
I miss McAvoy, and didn´t much like Mark´s last stand alones, but this one is superb
April 26, 2021
David Mark is probably best known for his DS McAvoy series of police novels, but he has branched out over recent books into the realm of quirky, stand-alone chillers and has produced a couple of gems in the form of The Mausoleum and A Rush Of Blood.
Cages is his latest stand alone novel and is a very tense tale that goes down some dark alleys. Rufus Orton once wrote a highly praised literary novel, but his writing career has been downhill ever since and he is forced to accept a job teaching creative writing at a prison to earn some money. The teaching role was organised by one of his few remaining fans, prison officer Annabeth Harris. Annabeth is keen to improve the lives of the prisoners that she is responsible for, but she also has a dark secret that threatens to destroy her life. Joining the writing class is sex offender Griffin Cox who is suspected of being a child killer, although no remains have ever been found. Cox is a master manipulator who sees the class as an opportunity to escape and sets about conniving his way to freedom.
This dark tale takes a little time to get underway, but the pace picks up as the story unfolds and the final third of the book is very suspenseful. Mark is an adroit plotter and he carefully slots the various elements of his story into place and skillfully draws the strands together as it moves to an unexpected and shocking conclusion.
The writing is literate and witty and there are nice flashes of dark humour, and some clever lines that bring a smile. Mark is also very good at creating interesting, nuanced characters that develop and change with the story. The central trio are well crafted, but so are the minor characters, especially the detective who is trying to bring Cox to justice. Mark is also skilled at writing scenes that not only entertain, but reveal depth in the protagonists.
Overall Cages is another grim, but quietly entertaining tale by David Mark.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early copy of the book.
See the full review at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/a...
Cages is his latest stand alone novel and is a very tense tale that goes down some dark alleys. Rufus Orton once wrote a highly praised literary novel, but his writing career has been downhill ever since and he is forced to accept a job teaching creative writing at a prison to earn some money. The teaching role was organised by one of his few remaining fans, prison officer Annabeth Harris. Annabeth is keen to improve the lives of the prisoners that she is responsible for, but she also has a dark secret that threatens to destroy her life. Joining the writing class is sex offender Griffin Cox who is suspected of being a child killer, although no remains have ever been found. Cox is a master manipulator who sees the class as an opportunity to escape and sets about conniving his way to freedom.
This dark tale takes a little time to get underway, but the pace picks up as the story unfolds and the final third of the book is very suspenseful. Mark is an adroit plotter and he carefully slots the various elements of his story into place and skillfully draws the strands together as it moves to an unexpected and shocking conclusion.
The writing is literate and witty and there are nice flashes of dark humour, and some clever lines that bring a smile. Mark is also very good at creating interesting, nuanced characters that develop and change with the story. The central trio are well crafted, but so are the minor characters, especially the detective who is trying to bring Cox to justice. Mark is also skilled at writing scenes that not only entertain, but reveal depth in the protagonists.
Overall Cages is another grim, but quietly entertaining tale by David Mark.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early copy of the book.
See the full review at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/a...
March 9, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Canongate Books for the eARC.
Annabeth Harris, a prison officer and rising star at HMP Holderness, manages to secure a teaching stint for creative writing to interested inmates, by her favorite author Rufus Orton. Rufus, no longer that relevant and in need of money, reluctantly takes the job.
Annabeth has been living under the radar, hiding a terrible secret, but she and her son have finally settled down and she rather likes her job, hoping to rise up the ranks.
Griffin Cox, a suspected child killer, manages to be part of the class and plots and schemes to escape.
The three characters clash and form a deadly triangle that uproots all their lives.
Mr. Mark has created a stunning standalone that is riveting, creepy and amazing. I have loved every standalone of his, they are outstanding. Each of them is so different, they're brilliant... how does he come up with these stories!?
The ending is a mindbender and left me with the hope I would meet Annabeth again. And with regret I realized it would probably be at least a year before I could sink into a book of his again.
Highly recommended, 5+++ stars!
Annabeth Harris, a prison officer and rising star at HMP Holderness, manages to secure a teaching stint for creative writing to interested inmates, by her favorite author Rufus Orton. Rufus, no longer that relevant and in need of money, reluctantly takes the job.
Annabeth has been living under the radar, hiding a terrible secret, but she and her son have finally settled down and she rather likes her job, hoping to rise up the ranks.
Griffin Cox, a suspected child killer, manages to be part of the class and plots and schemes to escape.
The three characters clash and form a deadly triangle that uproots all their lives.
Mr. Mark has created a stunning standalone that is riveting, creepy and amazing. I have loved every standalone of his, they are outstanding. Each of them is so different, they're brilliant... how does he come up with these stories!?
The ending is a mindbender and left me with the hope I would meet Annabeth again. And with regret I realized it would probably be at least a year before I could sink into a book of his again.
Highly recommended, 5+++ stars!
August 9, 2021
An amazing dark thriller
I have read some David Mark books before; I have always enjoyed them but usually mark them with 4 stars as they are not quite a 5 for me. However, I had no hesitation in giving ‘Cages’ 5 stars, it was atmospheric, graphic and disturbing with an amazing plot and an ending that I just did not see coming. So many books in this genre, although good to read, can disappoint in the ending but not this one!
Right at the start, we are introduced to Annabeth Harris and her sad story. As a teenager, she had been sexually abused, got into drinks and drugs and eventually meets an older man who keeps her prisoner and uses her for sex. When Annabeth finds out she is pregnant her only thought is for her unborn child so to escape, she resorts to extreme measures and kills her abuser with a snow globe, managing to cover up her tracks and dispose of the body.
Fast forward 15 years and Annabeth and her son Ethan have made a new life for herself, Annabeth is doing very well as a prison officer at HMP Holderness in Yorkshire and her future is looking good. One of her innovations at the prison is to ask an author, Rufus Orton, to do a course on creative writing. Rufus is a 49-year-old, near alcoholic, who is desperate for cash and is happy to do anything to help his dire financial state.
He is surprised however when he finds that he is enjoying the course and getting really absorbed in helping the prisoners to understand the delights of creative writing. However, the course is ruined by the presence of Griffin Cox, a man suspected of the abduction of teenage children over several years. The Humberside police are trying to find conclusive evidence of his crimes, but Griffin is very clever and has his own agenda.
The plot really starts to thicken when Griffin reveals to Annabelle that he knows about her previous life by passing her a snow globe, and together with Rufus, the three of them are drawn into a deadly trap.
As stated earlier the ending was totally unexpected in more ways than one and I do not want to give away anything that happens, but it was such a good read that I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller.
Dexter
Elite Book Group received a copy of the book to review
I have read some David Mark books before; I have always enjoyed them but usually mark them with 4 stars as they are not quite a 5 for me. However, I had no hesitation in giving ‘Cages’ 5 stars, it was atmospheric, graphic and disturbing with an amazing plot and an ending that I just did not see coming. So many books in this genre, although good to read, can disappoint in the ending but not this one!
Right at the start, we are introduced to Annabeth Harris and her sad story. As a teenager, she had been sexually abused, got into drinks and drugs and eventually meets an older man who keeps her prisoner and uses her for sex. When Annabeth finds out she is pregnant her only thought is for her unborn child so to escape, she resorts to extreme measures and kills her abuser with a snow globe, managing to cover up her tracks and dispose of the body.
Fast forward 15 years and Annabeth and her son Ethan have made a new life for herself, Annabeth is doing very well as a prison officer at HMP Holderness in Yorkshire and her future is looking good. One of her innovations at the prison is to ask an author, Rufus Orton, to do a course on creative writing. Rufus is a 49-year-old, near alcoholic, who is desperate for cash and is happy to do anything to help his dire financial state.
He is surprised however when he finds that he is enjoying the course and getting really absorbed in helping the prisoners to understand the delights of creative writing. However, the course is ruined by the presence of Griffin Cox, a man suspected of the abduction of teenage children over several years. The Humberside police are trying to find conclusive evidence of his crimes, but Griffin is very clever and has his own agenda.
The plot really starts to thicken when Griffin reveals to Annabelle that he knows about her previous life by passing her a snow globe, and together with Rufus, the three of them are drawn into a deadly trap.
As stated earlier the ending was totally unexpected in more ways than one and I do not want to give away anything that happens, but it was such a good read that I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller.
Dexter
Elite Book Group received a copy of the book to review
April 10, 2021
Annabeth Harris, a single parent, lives with her only son Josh with whom she has a close relationship. He is into his computers and has a good sense of humour and is aware of how hard her life can be. On her part she works as a prison officer and is highly regarded as a rising star at HMP Holderness. She always goes the extra mile – hence the long hours. She tends to be a bit of a loner, but she is hiding a secret.
Into the mix we are introduced to Rufus Orton, an author who was once deemed brilliant, and co-incidentally is Annabeth’s favourite author. She has persuaded him to hold a creative writing course at the prison and is excited to actually meet him. On his part, he has desperate to earn some money to facilitate his favourite pastime – drinking and propping up the bar.
Then we have Griffin Cox who is a suspected child killer who will not disclose where the body of a girl is hidden. He is manipulative and segregated from the general population for his own safety. However, he is wiley and manages to join the Creative Writing class with a view to escaping from prison.
I really enjoyed the interplay between these characters – the dialogue was good, and the premise of the plot rang true. The combination of the three personalities provides the tension that enthrals and scares with the result that I can heartily recommend this as a really satisfying read.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Into the mix we are introduced to Rufus Orton, an author who was once deemed brilliant, and co-incidentally is Annabeth’s favourite author. She has persuaded him to hold a creative writing course at the prison and is excited to actually meet him. On his part, he has desperate to earn some money to facilitate his favourite pastime – drinking and propping up the bar.
Then we have Griffin Cox who is a suspected child killer who will not disclose where the body of a girl is hidden. He is manipulative and segregated from the general population for his own safety. However, he is wiley and manages to join the Creative Writing class with a view to escaping from prison.
I really enjoyed the interplay between these characters – the dialogue was good, and the premise of the plot rang true. The combination of the three personalities provides the tension that enthrals and scares with the result that I can heartily recommend this as a really satisfying read.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
June 14, 2023
I love a good serial killer book and 'Cages', though the serial killing takes place prior to the action in the book, is a good one.
Annabeth is an administrator at one of Britain's toughest prisons. She has quite a hidden background as the survivor of a sexual assault who ended up killing her attacker and getting away with it. Rufus is a writer, successful by reputation but living hand-to-mouth with a wife who's on her way out and a couple mouthy teens. Annabeth is a fan of Rufus' writing and hires him to teach a class attended by a few cons, one of which, Griffin Cox, is a Hannibal Lecter-esque killer who was suspected of killing multiple teens whose bodies were never found. Cox wants to make a break for it before the police, acting on a tip, dig up one of his victims. He manipulates events to ensure he can bust out, but after that he learns what 'karma' means. I won't get into any more detail, but suffice to say there are subplots involved that create more tension and color to the story and the conclusion is unexpected and a bit shocking.
David Mark does a great job developing the key characters in Cages. Annabeth, Cox and Rufus are very richly drawn and even the secondary folks (the other convicts, cops, Annabeth's son) are as well. The story is a strong one and the ending is quite something. I'm a fan of Mark's and I think this is his best yet.
Annabeth is an administrator at one of Britain's toughest prisons. She has quite a hidden background as the survivor of a sexual assault who ended up killing her attacker and getting away with it. Rufus is a writer, successful by reputation but living hand-to-mouth with a wife who's on her way out and a couple mouthy teens. Annabeth is a fan of Rufus' writing and hires him to teach a class attended by a few cons, one of which, Griffin Cox, is a Hannibal Lecter-esque killer who was suspected of killing multiple teens whose bodies were never found. Cox wants to make a break for it before the police, acting on a tip, dig up one of his victims. He manipulates events to ensure he can bust out, but after that he learns what 'karma' means. I won't get into any more detail, but suffice to say there are subplots involved that create more tension and color to the story and the conclusion is unexpected and a bit shocking.
David Mark does a great job developing the key characters in Cages. Annabeth, Cox and Rufus are very richly drawn and even the secondary folks (the other convicts, cops, Annabeth's son) are as well. The story is a strong one and the ending is quite something. I'm a fan of Mark's and I think this is his best yet.
July 2, 2024
David Mark does it again in this dark psychological thriller. With all the twist and turns of this story I just had to keep turning the pages to the end.
Annabeth loves her job as a prison officer but she has a secret. Griffin Cox has been convicted of a sex offence of which he says he is innocent. Rufus Orton is Annabeth’s favourite author and when he agrees to run a creative writing course at HMP Holderness their worlds errupt.
I am a lover of David’s books and have reread them many times. I have to humbly apologise to him as, for reasons I can’t fathom, this has sat on my bookshelf for some time but it was well worth the wait. Imagine how I felt when I saw he had included me (well my name anyway), for which I thank you David, and hope you will forgive me for waiting so long to read Cages.
For all of you who like on the edge of your seat reads you won’t be disappointed in this. 5*
Annabeth loves her job as a prison officer but she has a secret. Griffin Cox has been convicted of a sex offence of which he says he is innocent. Rufus Orton is Annabeth’s favourite author and when he agrees to run a creative writing course at HMP Holderness their worlds errupt.
I am a lover of David’s books and have reread them many times. I have to humbly apologise to him as, for reasons I can’t fathom, this has sat on my bookshelf for some time but it was well worth the wait. Imagine how I felt when I saw he had included me (well my name anyway), for which I thank you David, and hope you will forgive me for waiting so long to read Cages.
For all of you who like on the edge of your seat reads you won’t be disappointed in this. 5*
June 1, 2021
This is a solid psychological thriller that maintains interest throughout.
It's a tense novel about 3 key characters; Rufus - a character who was highly acclaimed as a writer, but, who is going through hard times and so when the offer of a job teaching creative writing in a prison, he accepts.
Annabeth - A prison warden, who is behind the job offer and who has her own dark secrets.
Cox - a manipulative sex offender who joins the writing class as a way of seeking freedom.
It takes a while to get going and is, at times, a difficult read, but it's really well written and skilfully brings things to a satisfactory conclusion, with twists and turns along the way.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview.
It's a tense novel about 3 key characters; Rufus - a character who was highly acclaimed as a writer, but, who is going through hard times and so when the offer of a job teaching creative writing in a prison, he accepts.
Annabeth - A prison warden, who is behind the job offer and who has her own dark secrets.
Cox - a manipulative sex offender who joins the writing class as a way of seeking freedom.
It takes a while to get going and is, at times, a difficult read, but it's really well written and skilfully brings things to a satisfactory conclusion, with twists and turns along the way.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview.
November 26, 2021
A horrifying psychological thriller. Prison officer Annabeth Harris invites her favourite author Rufus Orton to run a writing class. But it takes a turn for the worst when vulnerable prisoner Griffin Cox manipulates his place onto the course, threatening to expose her dark past. A clever tale with enough twists and surprises for a riveting read.
April 12, 2022
The guy can write, what can I say. The writing itself is always worth at least 3 stars. This had a storyline that kept going from one character to the next and my only quibble was with the ending, which I thought was a bit off, but it still was a good read. I think I've read just about every book the author ever wrote that is available in the US and I enjoyed reading all of them.
May 20, 2022
Get Ready For Evil
Not as good as the Aector novels, but also no annoying, troublesome wife taking up too much of the plot.
Annabeth is a worthy protagonist, and there is the usual (sometimes unsettling) gore, along with a villain whose derangement brings into question whether anyone is truly "born evil." Well-done.
Not as good as the Aector novels, but also no annoying, troublesome wife taking up too much of the plot.
Annabeth is a worthy protagonist, and there is the usual (sometimes unsettling) gore, along with a villain whose derangement brings into question whether anyone is truly "born evil." Well-done.
June 16, 2021
The writing is excellent and so is the first perhaps two thirds of the book. Unfortunately after that point I was disappointed. It seemed like the initial really good idea didn’t hold through to the ending which seemed a bit contrived and not up to the standard the story set for itself early on.
May 17, 2021
Good book
This was one of DM’s easier to follow novels; not quite as heavy as some of the previous I’ve read. I enjoyed the storyline but found the ending a bit of a let down.
This was one of DM’s easier to follow novels; not quite as heavy as some of the previous I’ve read. I enjoyed the storyline but found the ending a bit of a let down.
June 1, 2021
Cages By David Mark.
A good read. I liked Annabeths character. I liked the story and cover. I was surprised in some places. Hope to read more from this author. 4*.
A good read. I liked Annabeths character. I liked the story and cover. I was surprised in some places. Hope to read more from this author. 4*.
June 14, 2021
Beautifully written.
February 9, 2022
Not for me. DNF
July 11, 2025
Another great read.
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