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Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers #7
Beacon of Blight: An All-consuming British Crime Thriller
The Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series continues…Only the truth can save them
Luke Sackville is asked to investigate after a whistleblower contacts his Chief Executive claiming that a company director is involved in an unsavoury overseas business.
Luke puts his Ethics Team to work. They discover that the board member is making money through several illegal organisations, each exploiting people when they are at the lowest point in their lives. Their quarry is ruthless and prepared to do anything to avoid detection and the team has to act quickly to prevent their reign of terror from being brought to a murderous conclusion.
Beacon of Blight is the seventh book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
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."
Luke Sackville is asked to investigate after a whistleblower contacts his Chief Executive claiming that a company director is involved in an unsavoury overseas business.
Luke puts his Ethics Team to work. They discover that the board member is making money through several illegal organisations, each exploiting people when they are at the lowest point in their lives. Their quarry is ruthless and prepared to do anything to avoid detection and the team has to act quickly to prevent their reign of terror from being brought to a murderous conclusion.
Beacon of Blight is the seventh book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
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."
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
98 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 19, 2025
We are already onto the seventh book in the series and it's as good as all the others. It starts off with a young woman escaping a cult which had me already wondering how Luke and the team would get involved in any investigation involving this. However when Luke is shown a letter from a whistleblower pertaining to activities at board level, it isn't long before a connection is made especially when the cult escapee is someone Josh has met previously.
Josh and Leanne also take a trip to Cambodia as part of the investigation which provides a lot of funny moments. As ever, this was a complex story involving several moving parts all of which are skilfully woven together in the end. Throw in some people smuggling and some personal anxious moments for Sam and it ensured that I had to read this in two sittings. It's a cracking read and one you will not want to put down.
Josh and Leanne also take a trip to Cambodia as part of the investigation which provides a lot of funny moments. As ever, this was a complex story involving several moving parts all of which are skilfully woven together in the end. Throw in some people smuggling and some personal anxious moments for Sam and it ensured that I had to read this in two sittings. It's a cracking read and one you will not want to put down.
January 27, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the 7th installment of Luke and his team.
So pleased to see him and Sam FINALLY together too, it's been a long time coming to say the least.
It all starts with a young girl who's struggling to leave a cult, but finally manages to escape with the help of her parents.
From there, 2 others go missing, which then involves Ambrose's team to find out what originally happened. Investigating directors, looking for a crooked murderer, and a child labouring, human trafficking money laundering poodle lover.
With Josh and Leanne going to Cambodia to help the investigation, they also find further information to dig into the directors. And only when they leave, does she, the cult leader realise who's been looking into her (shouldn't have named you're offshore after your dogs!) 😂
So pleased to see him and Sam FINALLY together too, it's been a long time coming to say the least.
It all starts with a young girl who's struggling to leave a cult, but finally manages to escape with the help of her parents.
From there, 2 others go missing, which then involves Ambrose's team to find out what originally happened. Investigating directors, looking for a crooked murderer, and a child labouring, human trafficking money laundering poodle lover.
With Josh and Leanne going to Cambodia to help the investigation, they also find further information to dig into the directors. And only when they leave, does she, the cult leader realise who's been looking into her (shouldn't have named you're offshore after your dogs!) 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
An excellent story as always by Richards. I love Luke and the gang as well as the mystery, humour and romance. The clues had me jumping from character to character as I tried to determine the villain. If you have not read the Luke Sackville Crime Series, I highly recommend that you do.
This book was received from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was received from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
Luke Sackville and the Filchers Ethics Team have come up trumps again. There’s a rogue member on the board of directors and it’s up to Luke and the team to flush them out.
This is another great book in a series that just gets better and better. 5* from me and can’t wait for the next book in the series
This is another great book in a series that just gets better and better. 5* from me and can’t wait for the next book in the series
August 30, 2025
excellent
Always a good story. Love the characters. On to the next in the series… cannot wait. Highly recommend. Thank you
Always a good story. Love the characters. On to the next in the series… cannot wait. Highly recommend. Thank you
January 26, 2025
Beacon of Blight by S J Richards is book 7 in the Luke Sackville series. Shannon’s Mum and Dad get the shock of their lives when they pay her a surprise visit to her flat in Bath, only to find out she had moved out 4 months before. Her parents are under the impression she is having counselling, has a job and is studying. Meanwhile in Filcher’s, Luke needs to investigate unethical behaviour in the ranks of the Directors as advised by anonymous email. One of the Directors is involved in illegal businesses. These businesses are worth murdering for. I thoroughly enjoy this series for many reasons. The characters are down-to-earth and likeable, the stories are intriguing and gripping, and there is also humour, particularly when Josh is involved. Josh is very naïve and, in some ways, innocent. I also like how the reader becomes caught up in the personal lives of the team. This book drew me in from the beginning. It was also fabulous to see a mention of another favourite author of mine, TG Reid.
February 6, 2025
Book 7 in the Luke Sackville crime series is another brilliant story of crime and intrigue and the wonderful team who track down the perpetrators. S J Richards is a master storyteller and, if you haven't read this series, start with book 1. You're in for a treat. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2025
More shenanigans for Luke Sackville’s Ethics Team to deal with at Filchers, this time at the very top of the organisation. Can a board member really be corrupt, exploiting suppliers and taking a cut of the profits?
There is plenty of action and incident packed into the story and it all moves along at a pleasingly brisk pace. Naturally with the Ethics Team involved, corruption and bad practice are central to the plot, but there are also several other threads that are neatly tied up at the end. There is Beacon a wellness retreat that specialises in counselling, which is a front for other activities, add people smuggling and mysterious apparent suicides and there is plenty for the reader to contend with. There are some good scenes with danger and jeopardy which are nicely done, but the style is never going to be too dark.
Working in Ethics probably less popular than internal audit and somewhere on a par with the Internal Affairs department of the police. Luke and his team get plenty of pushback from the board, who believe by their very nature are above reproach. The reader cannot fail to recognise this as the kind of thinking that has been apparent in some public enquiries. Luke and the team find themselves having to justify the expense of their department and their very existence. Fortunately, by this point his group of misfits and staff unwanted by others have developed into a cohesive and efficient department.
The activities of Beacon are unusual, more in keeping with the US, essentially using the brainwashing of a cult who prey upon the vulnerable. This is rather insightful and persuasive, whether it comes from experience or research, there can be little doubt organisations like this do exist. A Beacon of Blight indeed.
The ensemble of characters is well established, nicely drawn and mostly engaging to the reader. As with any series adding a little with each story, brings interest and rounds characters without sidelining the story. Here Luke’s daughter is having problems needing his help and Luke’s blossoming relationship with colleague Samantha pique the interest and have important tie ins to the story.
As usual there is a nice injection of humour of various types. Josh and his antics are, of course, the foil for much of this, but its good natured and we laugh with him as much as at what he does. Here he is sent to Cambodia (along with girlfriend Leanne) to infiltrate a supplier’s factory to gather evidence. The events are perhaps a little unlikely, but the inexperienced/idiot Englishman abroad is so entertainingly written is doesn’t matter. What does is Josh’s winning personality that shines through and he proves he is much more capable than he appears. The pompous Edward Filcher’s interactions with his Uncle Ambrose are a delightful and hilarious sideshow, such that I was almost feeling sorry for him.
A thoughtful and entertaining dive into the corruption of the modern world.
There is plenty of action and incident packed into the story and it all moves along at a pleasingly brisk pace. Naturally with the Ethics Team involved, corruption and bad practice are central to the plot, but there are also several other threads that are neatly tied up at the end. There is Beacon a wellness retreat that specialises in counselling, which is a front for other activities, add people smuggling and mysterious apparent suicides and there is plenty for the reader to contend with. There are some good scenes with danger and jeopardy which are nicely done, but the style is never going to be too dark.
Working in Ethics probably less popular than internal audit and somewhere on a par with the Internal Affairs department of the police. Luke and his team get plenty of pushback from the board, who believe by their very nature are above reproach. The reader cannot fail to recognise this as the kind of thinking that has been apparent in some public enquiries. Luke and the team find themselves having to justify the expense of their department and their very existence. Fortunately, by this point his group of misfits and staff unwanted by others have developed into a cohesive and efficient department.
The activities of Beacon are unusual, more in keeping with the US, essentially using the brainwashing of a cult who prey upon the vulnerable. This is rather insightful and persuasive, whether it comes from experience or research, there can be little doubt organisations like this do exist. A Beacon of Blight indeed.
The ensemble of characters is well established, nicely drawn and mostly engaging to the reader. As with any series adding a little with each story, brings interest and rounds characters without sidelining the story. Here Luke’s daughter is having problems needing his help and Luke’s blossoming relationship with colleague Samantha pique the interest and have important tie ins to the story.
As usual there is a nice injection of humour of various types. Josh and his antics are, of course, the foil for much of this, but its good natured and we laugh with him as much as at what he does. Here he is sent to Cambodia (along with girlfriend Leanne) to infiltrate a supplier’s factory to gather evidence. The events are perhaps a little unlikely, but the inexperienced/idiot Englishman abroad is so entertainingly written is doesn’t matter. What does is Josh’s winning personality that shines through and he proves he is much more capable than he appears. The pompous Edward Filcher’s interactions with his Uncle Ambrose are a delightful and hilarious sideshow, such that I was almost feeling sorry for him.
A thoughtful and entertaining dive into the corruption of the modern world.
January 26, 2025
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. He and Sam have now been in a relationship for a month and Helen is also very happily dating Bob. Luke is called in to see CEO Ambrose Filcher when an email arrives from an anonymous whistle-blower accusing an unnamed Board member of overseas dealings which are both illegal and immoral, and it is decided that Josh and his receptionist girlfriend Leanne will travel to Cambodia posing as holiday makers to get a look at the business under suspicion. Soon the team have whittled their suspects down to four although still none the wiser as to their identity, but then a face from a previous case alerts them to a therapy cult promising enlightenment but instead draining the funds of vulnerable brainwashed people, and there is an alarming link to their own investigation which cannot be coincidental. Sam battles to be free from an obsessive ex and Chloe’s new boyfriend also needs a helping hand from Luke. Meanwhile DI Pete Gilmore requires Luke’s assistance with a dead body found in left luggage at a train station. Eventually the Ethics team find themselves looking into multiple crimes involving exploitation in all manner of despicable forms as these twisty and seemingly unrelated threads are pulled together into one huge case with the elusive Erebus at its black heart.
Edward Filcher and Head of Security Glen Baxter are incompetently hilarious again, whilst Luke, Sam, Josh, Leanne, Maj and Helen are all as excellent as ever in this latest story which has a great twisty plot, absolutely loads going on and some very topical themes. It was great to see more of the highly astute Ambrose and some invaluable help from Bob as well as an old face returning to a new story but I think Wilkins stole the show in this one! I love this series and would definitely recommend reading the stories in order to see just how much this very special cast of characters have grown together as a team. I am definitely looking forward to book 8, Tiger Bait, due out in May 2025.
Edward Filcher and Head of Security Glen Baxter are incompetently hilarious again, whilst Luke, Sam, Josh, Leanne, Maj and Helen are all as excellent as ever in this latest story which has a great twisty plot, absolutely loads going on and some very topical themes. It was great to see more of the highly astute Ambrose and some invaluable help from Bob as well as an old face returning to a new story but I think Wilkins stole the show in this one! I love this series and would definitely recommend reading the stories in order to see just how much this very special cast of characters have grown together as a team. I am definitely looking forward to book 8, Tiger Bait, due out in May 2025.
February 4, 2025
Here we are again with the Ethics Team at Filchers, headed up by ex-DCI Luke Sackville. I love these books, technically you could read this one as a standalone but don’t; go from the beginning & see how & why the team gel. Not forgetting learning a whole new vocabulary courtesy of Josh!
The first few chapters are almost a prologue, introducing the reader to a seemingly innocuous setting & then we jump forward to now (18 months later). The Ethics Team are tasked with investigating an anonymous whistleblowing email which has been sent to Ambrose Filcher, head honcho at Filchers. It alleges that a member of the board is involved in wrongdoings at a women’s clothing manufacturer in Cambodia. Plans are put in place for Josh & his girlfriend, Leanne, to visit there posing as superfans. Josh is preparing himself for the trip, when he is approached at work by Shannon (from the last book). She asks him to help with looking in to a counselling centre which she said she had ‘escaped’ from. It is then that the two plot strands collide.
Well written & fast paced with just the right amount of humour & personal background of the characters. Glen is hilarious; full of his own self importance & getting his words wrong - he gives Josh a run for his money in the latter department. The characters are great with some stepping forward more than others, but that is how it should be. The setting descriptions bring Bath & the surrounding areas to life & a great shoutout to another Bath based author too (T G Reid). Where are we travelling to next I wonder?
The first few chapters are almost a prologue, introducing the reader to a seemingly innocuous setting & then we jump forward to now (18 months later). The Ethics Team are tasked with investigating an anonymous whistleblowing email which has been sent to Ambrose Filcher, head honcho at Filchers. It alleges that a member of the board is involved in wrongdoings at a women’s clothing manufacturer in Cambodia. Plans are put in place for Josh & his girlfriend, Leanne, to visit there posing as superfans. Josh is preparing himself for the trip, when he is approached at work by Shannon (from the last book). She asks him to help with looking in to a counselling centre which she said she had ‘escaped’ from. It is then that the two plot strands collide.
Well written & fast paced with just the right amount of humour & personal background of the characters. Glen is hilarious; full of his own self importance & getting his words wrong - he gives Josh a run for his money in the latter department. The characters are great with some stepping forward more than others, but that is how it should be. The setting descriptions bring Bath & the surrounding areas to life & a great shoutout to another Bath based author too (T G Reid). Where are we travelling to next I wonder?
February 20, 2025
Action-packed thriller!
Beacon of Blight, the seventh book in the Luke Sackville crime thrillers series, is without a doubt the best book of the series. This book starts with Josh providing the Ethics Team with one of his Joshisms, and he keeps his unintentional humor up throughout the story. This story has several things going on throughout the story with various members of the Ethics Team working to figure out their piece of the puzzle.
If you’ve read or listened to the first six books, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Beacon of Blight and go on another thrilling adventure with the Ethics team. If by some chance you’re new to this series, do yourself a favor and start your reading or listening with Taken to the Hills, book 1 of the series. While each book could be read as a stand-alone, without going from the first to the seventh book would deprive you of all the interpersonal back story that is so essential in fully enjoying this series.
If you want to kick up the entertainment, get the audiobook and let Samuel James thrill you as he performs the story with his excellent narration skills. Samuel has created individual voices for each of the characters that are distinct enough to be able to get a mental image of each character.
Beacon of Blight, the seventh book in the Luke Sackville crime thrillers series, is without a doubt the best book of the series. This book starts with Josh providing the Ethics Team with one of his Joshisms, and he keeps his unintentional humor up throughout the story. This story has several things going on throughout the story with various members of the Ethics Team working to figure out their piece of the puzzle.
If you’ve read or listened to the first six books, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Beacon of Blight and go on another thrilling adventure with the Ethics team. If by some chance you’re new to this series, do yourself a favor and start your reading or listening with Taken to the Hills, book 1 of the series. While each book could be read as a stand-alone, without going from the first to the seventh book would deprive you of all the interpersonal back story that is so essential in fully enjoying this series.
If you want to kick up the entertainment, get the audiobook and let Samuel James thrill you as he performs the story with his excellent narration skills. Samuel has created individual voices for each of the characters that are distinct enough to be able to get a mental image of each character.
January 30, 2025
Book 7 of the Luke Sackville series and the Ethics team at Filchers find themselves in a dangerous and mysterious situation, or two. The CEO has received an anonymous tip that one of the Directors of Filchers is up to some shady business so he asks Luke to investigate.
Briefly, with a number of potential suspects Luke divides the team up to look into each person. Nothing comes up but digging deeper there is a lead to a cheap clothes manufacturing company based in Cambodia. Josh and Leanne are sent to look into this with hilarious results as well as some clues. Meanwhile in Glastonbury there is a place called Blight which is run by a cult but clearly for money making purposes.
With bodies turning up and threats to all becoming menacing the team have their work cut out. I love the characters in this series and each in their own way make the read so enjoyable. Luke and Sam are the best and their personal relationship happily continues to grow. Ideally I recommend reading the books in order but each on its own is just as enjoyable. Fast paced with plenty of action, a very entertaining read.
Briefly, with a number of potential suspects Luke divides the team up to look into each person. Nothing comes up but digging deeper there is a lead to a cheap clothes manufacturing company based in Cambodia. Josh and Leanne are sent to look into this with hilarious results as well as some clues. Meanwhile in Glastonbury there is a place called Blight which is run by a cult but clearly for money making purposes.
With bodies turning up and threats to all becoming menacing the team have their work cut out. I love the characters in this series and each in their own way make the read so enjoyable. Luke and Sam are the best and their personal relationship happily continues to grow. Ideally I recommend reading the books in order but each on its own is just as enjoyable. Fast paced with plenty of action, a very entertaining read.
January 4, 2025
WOWSERS!
What an absolute delight it was to read the Beacon of Blight.
Luke Sackville and the Ethics Team at Flichers have a humdinger of a case to solve.
When the CEO Ambrose Flicher asks Luke to investigate a very serious allegation regarding one of his board members, little did the team release how much was at stake.
The board member is exploiting the very people that should be kept safe from harm but all they are interested in is making money from people who are at the lowest points in their lives.
The team not only unearth what is going on with the company Beacon but also discover that the owner is also involved with human trafficking and child slave labour.
The book is hard hitting and fast-paced throughout. It does deal with the subject matter with integrity and honesty.
Please do read the author notes at the end of the book.
I can't rate this British crime series highly enough. Another superb read with fantastic characters with that all important British humour thrown in!
What an absolute delight it was to read the Beacon of Blight.
Luke Sackville and the Ethics Team at Flichers have a humdinger of a case to solve.
When the CEO Ambrose Flicher asks Luke to investigate a very serious allegation regarding one of his board members, little did the team release how much was at stake.
The board member is exploiting the very people that should be kept safe from harm but all they are interested in is making money from people who are at the lowest points in their lives.
The team not only unearth what is going on with the company Beacon but also discover that the owner is also involved with human trafficking and child slave labour.
The book is hard hitting and fast-paced throughout. It does deal with the subject matter with integrity and honesty.
Please do read the author notes at the end of the book.
I can't rate this British crime series highly enough. Another superb read with fantastic characters with that all important British humour thrown in!
January 15, 2025
Beacon of Blight is book 7 in the Luck Sackville series. This time Luck and the Ethics team are asked by the CEO of Filchers Ambrose Filcher that they might be something going amiss with one of his directors of the board. They are illegally making money from a company and exporting there workers overseas in Cambodia.
At the same time the story branches out that some of the directors are involved in a cult and human trafficking.
This is another great instalment in the Luke Sackville series, grittier than the previous episodes in the series. But also, more personal regarding each of their personal lives. These are all likable characters that make you want to read on especially Josh which gives humour to the story. This is a must read to continue the fabulous series. 4 stars from me,
At the same time the story branches out that some of the directors are involved in a cult and human trafficking.
This is another great instalment in the Luke Sackville series, grittier than the previous episodes in the series. But also, more personal regarding each of their personal lives. These are all likable characters that make you want to read on especially Josh which gives humour to the story. This is a must read to continue the fabulous series. 4 stars from me,
January 16, 2025
Another excellent, well plotted, skilfully written read from the author and definitely the best so far in the ever improving Luke Sackville series. I am secretly in love with Luke! The plotting is fast paced and touches on cults, illegal immigration and human exploitation, very topical at the moment and handled with sensitivity. I was totally drawn in right from the start and immersed in the lives of the characters, especially Josh who adds a touch of humour. The developing characterisation is spot on and I struggled to put the book down, especially when there was a mention of another brilliant series by TG Reid, one of my favourite authors. This can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend the series, one of the best in the genre today. I am so sad that I now have to wait for more Luke!
January 16, 2025
I’ve been lucky to receive an ARC of Beacon of Blight by SJ Richards. It’s the seventh book in the Luke Sackville series and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new series to read.
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville, head of the ethics team, is given an email by his Chief Executive which is from an anonymous whistleblower in the company he works for. It accuses an unnamed company director of being involved in unethical business dealings abroad. His team begin to investigate and discover that the person is also involved in other illegal activities, but they need to urgently find out who they are.
It’s a fast paced book full of unexpected twists and turns and has the usual humour we have come to expect from Josh and Glen Baxter. It’s a great series, but it’s best to read the books in order for the back story and developing characterisation.
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville, head of the ethics team, is given an email by his Chief Executive which is from an anonymous whistleblower in the company he works for. It accuses an unnamed company director of being involved in unethical business dealings abroad. His team begin to investigate and discover that the person is also involved in other illegal activities, but they need to urgently find out who they are.
It’s a fast paced book full of unexpected twists and turns and has the usual humour we have come to expect from Josh and Glen Baxter. It’s a great series, but it’s best to read the books in order for the back story and developing characterisation.
January 15, 2025
This is book 7 in the ex DCI Luke Sackville series. Again, an exceptional read by SJ Richards who is very quickly becoming my favourite author. I was hooked from page one and I was definitely kept guessing who the villain of the story actually was.
To begin with I couldn’t see how the two main story arcs would interweave together, and this is down to the amazing gift the author has of writing brilliant crime fiction novels. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but if you enjoy well-written, fast paced crime fiction you really cannot go wrong with this series.
There’s lots of humour along the way too with genuine laugh out loud moments.
Thank you for the ARC of Beacon of Blight. I’m really looking forward to reading book 8.
To begin with I couldn’t see how the two main story arcs would interweave together, and this is down to the amazing gift the author has of writing brilliant crime fiction novels. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but if you enjoy well-written, fast paced crime fiction you really cannot go wrong with this series.
There’s lots of humour along the way too with genuine laugh out loud moments.
Thank you for the ARC of Beacon of Blight. I’m really looking forward to reading book 8.
January 15, 2025
This is another cracking instalment in the Luke Sackville series, and I might add one of my favourites. I couldn’t wait to be immersed in the ethics team assignments to see what exciting developments occur.
I found this book to be a real all-rounder, with gritty real-life issues, a fantastic bunch of characters and some pure gold humour which makes it an altogether engaging read.
Catching up with the regular “cast” is also always a treat as you can see how they are growing each book and I find this great character portrayal a real draw when reading a series, it makes me feel involved!
S J Richards is a brilliant writer, drawing you in from the first page and capturing you until the end.
With such compelling storylines, this series is a definite must read.
I found this book to be a real all-rounder, with gritty real-life issues, a fantastic bunch of characters and some pure gold humour which makes it an altogether engaging read.
Catching up with the regular “cast” is also always a treat as you can see how they are growing each book and I find this great character portrayal a real draw when reading a series, it makes me feel involved!
S J Richards is a brilliant writer, drawing you in from the first page and capturing you until the end.
With such compelling storylines, this series is a definite must read.
January 26, 2025
Beacon of Blight is the 7th book of the Luke Sackville series and yet again another brilliant read from it's author SJ Richards. Luke is Head of Ethics at Filchers with an excellent team who all pull together to investigate and solve all manner of deeds from workplace bullying to international corruption and child slave labour. A whistle-blower emails the Head of Filchers and claims a senior member of staff is involved in something dodgy abroad. When Luke is asked to investigate, what he and his team uncover is both shocking and unbelievable. The book has intrigue and grittiness with just the right amount of humour to make it un-put
downable. Another brilliant read, can't wait for book eight.
downable. Another brilliant read, can't wait for book eight.
January 12, 2025
I loved this book. I think it may be the best one in the series. There were several subplots that initially seemed unrelated but were in fact very much related to the major plot line of the book. These subplots were woven into the main plot very skillfully.
These characters are well drawn, likeable and interesting. The plotting of the book is perfect. The story moves along at a perfect pace.
If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, that won’t be a problem as the book stands on its own very well. If you have read the previous books, you are in for a treat as you once again get to spend time with “old friends” and watch as their lives continue on.
These characters are well drawn, likeable and interesting. The plotting of the book is perfect. The story moves along at a perfect pace.
If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, that won’t be a problem as the book stands on its own very well. If you have read the previous books, you are in for a treat as you once again get to spend time with “old friends” and watch as their lives continue on.
January 14, 2025
Well this book is a brilliant addition to this series, this time featuring illegally trafficked immigrants/workers into the UK, grooming young vulnerable women under the guise of helping them only to con them and child garment workers in Cambodia - all under the control of a director at Filchers. The story flows well throughout taking you to each of the possible guilty persons, sowing seeds of doubt each time. And of course, we have Josh doing what he does best : he must be one of the only book characters that you want to shake and cuddle at the same time !!. Good strong story to match the great strong characters.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
January 16, 2025
Well another great page turner by S J Richards.
Luke Sackville and his team from the ethics department at filchers are asked to discreetly look into board members activities. There is a possibility of illegal activities and Luke’s team go to great lengths to find out the truth.
There is also an issue of a cult, could that be connected in some way.
Some team members are at grave risk and the pressure is on.
Although this book can be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend the previous 6 in the series being read in order, this way you can build up a picture of all the team and get to know them and their backgrounds.
You will not be disappointed.
Luke Sackville and his team from the ethics department at filchers are asked to discreetly look into board members activities. There is a possibility of illegal activities and Luke’s team go to great lengths to find out the truth.
There is also an issue of a cult, could that be connected in some way.
Some team members are at grave risk and the pressure is on.
Although this book can be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend the previous 6 in the series being read in order, this way you can build up a picture of all the team and get to know them and their backgrounds.
You will not be disappointed.
January 17, 2025
Possibly my favourite of the series so far, although I tend to think that at the end of each of S J Richard’s books. He’s definitely my favourite author at the moment. I love the way he has so many stories in each book and connects them seamlessly by the end. The tension he creates has me wanting to read more and I read this book in one sitting. The team, as ever is great and I always look forward to finding out how their lives and relationships are developing. I always enjoy humour in a book, no matter how serious the subject, and this does not disappoint with a few laugh out loud moments. Yet another five star rating.
January 13, 2025
This is a terrific series and Beacon of Blight is no exception. There are several threads that the Ethics team is following. The pace is fast and exciting as we see how the evidence is gradually uncovered while encountering some risky situations. As always there is development in the personal lives of the team members and that means it’s best to read the books in order. In this book we learn about some current and disturbing real life issues. That said, the characters are warm and a pleasure to spend time with and laugh with. Highly recommend.
January 25, 2025
Book7 of the Luke Sackville series is just as good as the first. The Ethics team are faced with another investigation, this time a whistleblower suggests a member of the Filchers Board is up to no good. The team are faced with discovering who this member is and bring an end to their illegal activities. The intricately woven strands of the Ethics team investigation brings twists, turns and risks to the team members along with the hilarious Josh-isms, and a sprinkle of romance . Another complete gift from SJ Richards. Roll on May for book 8!
January 27, 2025
This is the seventh installment of the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series. In it, Luke and the gang pursue claims of unethical behavior by one of the directors as leaked by a whistleblower. In addition, they run into a cult that had popped up in a previous book. This is an engaging, crime thriller with plenty of intrigue, suspense and action to keep the reader occupied, as well as a dose of romance and humor thrown into the mix. Next. . .
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
January 30, 2025
Another roller coaster of a read with twists and turns and I never guess the bad ‘guy’ until the very end.
Very clever sub stories that all come together seamlessly. I am always reading so fast at the end I just want to know what happens next.
A great read with really interesting subjects and so current.
Love catching up with Luke and his team. The characters are growing so much and it’s like catching up with family when each book comes out.
Who would have thought Ethics would be so diverse and dangerous?!
Love it !
Very clever sub stories that all come together seamlessly. I am always reading so fast at the end I just want to know what happens next.
A great read with really interesting subjects and so current.
Love catching up with Luke and his team. The characters are growing so much and it’s like catching up with family when each book comes out.
Who would have thought Ethics would be so diverse and dangerous?!
Love it !
February 24, 2025
This 7th book in the Luke Sackville series has Steve Richards at his very best. Luke's team are called in to investigate a corrupt member of the board but first they must find out who it is. Children working in sweat shops and human trafficking are just 2 of the sensitive subjects covered very well. Humour and edge of the seat listening abound to make this another must listen. Sam James once again nails the narration despite his accents and voices being tested to the limits in this one! ☺ Very highly recommended.
January 22, 2025
Another fascinating tale of Luke and the gang. I love these characters more with each book. There are always plenty of things going on, twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Luke is a former DCI working as the head of an ethics team in a large corporation and the investigations they get involved with are often intertwined with the police who Luke still works with in an advisory capacity. I highly recommend all 7 of these Luke Sackville books. Thoroughly looking forward to book 8.
January 26, 2025
Another great book in this superb series. I love the characters and the way they develop and interact with each other. This story starts off with so many different strands that you can’t work out how they’re ever going to intersect but obviously they do! Cults and whistleblowers form the backbone of the story with Luke Sackville and his capable team shying away from none of it in their quest to uncover the truth.
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