What do you think?
Rate this book
Juge Lombard Mystery #2
Dead Behind the Eyes
The next in a thrilling new crime series from The Times-bestselling author of Death and Croissants
A decapitated body washes up on the banks of the River Loire, in the ancient city centre of Tours.
With no-one else available, a reluctant Lombard is brought in to lead the investigation, as the victim - friendless and unclaimed - is given more attention in death than in life
When Lombard’s young niece appears, he is drawn also into another world, of eco-terrorism, bio-medical research, French aristocracy and the violent, forgotten underbelly of society.
Now it's no longer a question of just his own future, it's everyone else's too.
Can the brutal murder of a lonely man, revealing uncomfortable truths about Lombard's own life, really be part of a plan to save the planet? Or are seemingly good intentions hiding darker motives, far more cynical and more deadly?
**PRAISE FOR THE JUGE LOMBARD SERIES**
'Like a French inspector Morse, a gallic delight reminiscent of Fred Vargas and Donna Leon' C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times
'An engrossing, slickly plotted policier that will leave you wanting more' Tom Benjamin, author of the Daniel Leicester mysteries
‘A cracking good read’ Mark Billingham, author of the Tom Thorne thrillers
'Charming, clever and expertly crafted… wickedly fabulous' Rachel Lynch, author of the Detective Kelly Porter thrillers
'Full of twists and turns, I couldn't put this down. Great stuff' Simon McCleave, author of the D.I. Ruth Hunter thrillers
A decapitated body washes up on the banks of the River Loire, in the ancient city centre of Tours.
With no-one else available, a reluctant Lombard is brought in to lead the investigation, as the victim - friendless and unclaimed - is given more attention in death than in life
When Lombard’s young niece appears, he is drawn also into another world, of eco-terrorism, bio-medical research, French aristocracy and the violent, forgotten underbelly of society.
Now it's no longer a question of just his own future, it's everyone else's too.
Can the brutal murder of a lonely man, revealing uncomfortable truths about Lombard's own life, really be part of a plan to save the planet? Or are seemingly good intentions hiding darker motives, far more cynical and more deadly?
**PRAISE FOR THE JUGE LOMBARD SERIES**
'Like a French inspector Morse, a gallic delight reminiscent of Fred Vargas and Donna Leon' C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times
'An engrossing, slickly plotted policier that will leave you wanting more' Tom Benjamin, author of the Daniel Leicester mysteries
‘A cracking good read’ Mark Billingham, author of the Tom Thorne thrillers
'Charming, clever and expertly crafted… wickedly fabulous' Rachel Lynch, author of the Detective Kelly Porter thrillers
'Full of twists and turns, I couldn't put this down. Great stuff' Simon McCleave, author of the D.I. Ruth Hunter thrillers
Hardcover
26 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ian Moore
13 books335 followersBest-Selling author Ian Moore is also a stand-up comedian and conference host in the UK, and husband, father of three boys, farmhand, chutney-maker and Basil Fawlty impersonator in France. Since doing less stand-up, he's stopped taking himself so seriously.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 27, 2025
When a headless body is found in the River Loire, Juge Mattieu Lombard has to take the case as no-one else is available. The victim is identified but little information can be found about him. Meanwhile Lombard is being pressurised to find the missing daughter of a local family of billionaires. When his niece turns up unexpectedly, full of animal rights politics, the cases suddenly start to make links.
This is a rather well-plotted novel with a lot of twists and turns. What makes it particularly good is the characterisation of Lombard, a widow with an idiosyncratic approach, and the setting in Tours, a city that reflects the old and the new sides of French cities. It is a complex story and a little crazy in hte end but I enjoyed the ride.
This is a rather well-plotted novel with a lot of twists and turns. What makes it particularly good is the characterisation of Lombard, a widow with an idiosyncratic approach, and the setting in Tours, a city that reflects the old and the new sides of French cities. It is a complex story and a little crazy in hte end but I enjoyed the ride.
September 14, 2025
This is the second book about juge Lombard, and it's even better than the first. It was hard to put down, and there were new surprises on every other page. It's a really great crime fiction, and in typical Ian Moore style, you find yourself chuckling a lot as well.
I made a lot of guesses while reading this book, and I was wrong every time. Loved it!
I made a lot of guesses while reading this book, and I was wrong every time. Loved it!
November 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Ian Moore’s Dead Behind the Eyes is a captivating addition to the Juge Lombard Mystery series, blending intricate plotting with rich character development. Set in the picturesque yet shadowy city of Tours, France, this novel delves into the complexities of eco-terrorism, biomedical research, and the hidden facets of French aristocracy.
The story begins with the gruesome discovery of a decapitated body on the banks of the River Loire. The victim, a lonely and unclaimed man, becomes the focal point of an investigation led by the reluctant yet determined Juge Lombard. As Lombard digs deeper, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy that not only threatens his career but also his personal life.
Moore’s portrayal of Juge Lombard is both nuanced and compelling. Lombard, a character with a foot in both English and French cultures, navigates the bureaucratic intricacies of the French legal system with a blend of skepticism and dedication. His relationship with his young niece, who unexpectedly appears in his life, adds a touching and humanizing element to the narrative.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave together multiple threads of intrigue. From the murky world of eco-terrorism to the ethical dilemmas of biomedical research, Moore keeps the reader guessing with each twist and turn. This story is meticulously crafted, ensuring that every revelation feels surprising and inevitable.
Moore’s writing is evocative, capturing the essence of the Loire Valley with its historical charm and underlying menace. The setting serves as almost a character in its own right, influencing the mood and direction of the story.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with characters that are memorable and integral to the plot. From the enigmatic eco-terrorists to the morally ambiguous scientists, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Dead Behind the Eyes is a masterfully written thriller that will appeal to fans of classic and contemporary crime fiction. Ian Moore has crafted a story as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-plotted mystery with rich character development.
This novel cements Moore’s place in the crime fiction genre and also leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Juge Lombard series.
Ian Moore’s Dead Behind the Eyes is a captivating addition to the Juge Lombard Mystery series, blending intricate plotting with rich character development. Set in the picturesque yet shadowy city of Tours, France, this novel delves into the complexities of eco-terrorism, biomedical research, and the hidden facets of French aristocracy.
The story begins with the gruesome discovery of a decapitated body on the banks of the River Loire. The victim, a lonely and unclaimed man, becomes the focal point of an investigation led by the reluctant yet determined Juge Lombard. As Lombard digs deeper, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy that not only threatens his career but also his personal life.
Moore’s portrayal of Juge Lombard is both nuanced and compelling. Lombard, a character with a foot in both English and French cultures, navigates the bureaucratic intricacies of the French legal system with a blend of skepticism and dedication. His relationship with his young niece, who unexpectedly appears in his life, adds a touching and humanizing element to the narrative.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave together multiple threads of intrigue. From the murky world of eco-terrorism to the ethical dilemmas of biomedical research, Moore keeps the reader guessing with each twist and turn. This story is meticulously crafted, ensuring that every revelation feels surprising and inevitable.
Moore’s writing is evocative, capturing the essence of the Loire Valley with its historical charm and underlying menace. The setting serves as almost a character in its own right, influencing the mood and direction of the story.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with characters that are memorable and integral to the plot. From the enigmatic eco-terrorists to the morally ambiguous scientists, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Dead Behind the Eyes is a masterfully written thriller that will appeal to fans of classic and contemporary crime fiction. Ian Moore has crafted a story as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-plotted mystery with rich character development.
This novel cements Moore’s place in the crime fiction genre and also leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Juge Lombard series.
November 22, 2024
The story:
When a headless body is found in the River Loire, with no one else available to take the case and with his less-than-supportive boss Procureur D’Archambeau out of town, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard takes it on.
Working with long-time colleague Commissaire Guy Aubret and his team, the pair begin to unearth the background of the victim – a loner with no apparent friends or family. Finding this a disturbing echo of his own life, Lombard is determined to get justice for the man, even when a more high-profile missing person’s case threatens to take precedence.
But when the cases show signs of intersecting, and Lombard himself is attacked, he must do all he can to hold onto the case and see it through to the end…
My thoughts:
I was excited to get the chance to read “Dead Behind the Eyes”, the second novel in Ian Moore’s Juge Lombard series.
Readers may be familiar with Moore’s more comedic series, the Follet Valley Mysteries, but with Juge Lombard he has taken a more serious tone. I enjoyed getting to know Matthieu Lombard in the first book, “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”, and as this book starts, he is still leading a lonely existence following the death of his wife Madeleine, although he seems to have reached some level of acceptance of his circumstances through therapy.
This is disrupted somewhat by the circumstances of the murdered man, whose untidy home and almost invisible existence gives Matthieu pause for thought about his own isolation from the world.
The case is a difficult one, because with a man that seems to have gone through life making almost no impression, what could possibly the motive for his murder?
This is proving to be a very enjoyable series, and I’m growing fond of Lombard and the cast of characters that surround him; from the by-the-book Aubret to Lombard’s eccentric and good-cause loving mother. This book was pleasingly complex and with a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up all the pieces nicely. Hopefully we’ll see more from the team in Tours in the future!
When a headless body is found in the River Loire, with no one else available to take the case and with his less-than-supportive boss Procureur D’Archambeau out of town, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard takes it on.
Working with long-time colleague Commissaire Guy Aubret and his team, the pair begin to unearth the background of the victim – a loner with no apparent friends or family. Finding this a disturbing echo of his own life, Lombard is determined to get justice for the man, even when a more high-profile missing person’s case threatens to take precedence.
But when the cases show signs of intersecting, and Lombard himself is attacked, he must do all he can to hold onto the case and see it through to the end…
My thoughts:
I was excited to get the chance to read “Dead Behind the Eyes”, the second novel in Ian Moore’s Juge Lombard series.
Readers may be familiar with Moore’s more comedic series, the Follet Valley Mysteries, but with Juge Lombard he has taken a more serious tone. I enjoyed getting to know Matthieu Lombard in the first book, “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”, and as this book starts, he is still leading a lonely existence following the death of his wife Madeleine, although he seems to have reached some level of acceptance of his circumstances through therapy.
This is disrupted somewhat by the circumstances of the murdered man, whose untidy home and almost invisible existence gives Matthieu pause for thought about his own isolation from the world.
The case is a difficult one, because with a man that seems to have gone through life making almost no impression, what could possibly the motive for his murder?
This is proving to be a very enjoyable series, and I’m growing fond of Lombard and the cast of characters that surround him; from the by-the-book Aubret to Lombard’s eccentric and good-cause loving mother. This book was pleasingly complex and with a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up all the pieces nicely. Hopefully we’ll see more from the team in Tours in the future!
November 5, 2024
This is the second book in the Judge Lombard series, and it follows on seamlessly. Matthieu Lombard is a magnificent, thorough, pain in the derrière investigating judge, and in this book is starting to realise that his period of mourning for his late wife Madeleine must come to an end. His colleagues want his expertise and radical views on police work, although he still has to prove himself as honest and reliable. He enjoys annoying people.
A dead body has been fished out of the River Loire, headless, but has identification in the form of a driving licence in his pocket. Lombard wonders why the head was removed but documents left behind?
The dead man appears to have been a loner, not missed by his work mates, and Lombard has this dread of ending up alone , unless he makes a greater effort to get back into society and make friends.
This story is set in Tours and introduces themes of illegal bio medical research and the power of the French Aristocracy. There are plenty of red herrings , complexities and characters to contend with. This is a well imagined piece of murder and deception, that flows like good French wine. Each step leads to another clue, the armchair detectives will be delighted with this chaotic, overly involved, foot- in- the- mouth, impetuous, comedic, accident prone and very stubborn judge.
Even though the English and French law is so different, and the French Gendarmes do not enjoy a good reputation for hard work, there is much to delight and enjoy in this read. I have also learnt a new word, Thanatological, but haven’t managed to work it into any conversations yet!!
Love and highly recommend this book, it’s a real treat. A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Duckworth Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
A dead body has been fished out of the River Loire, headless, but has identification in the form of a driving licence in his pocket. Lombard wonders why the head was removed but documents left behind?
The dead man appears to have been a loner, not missed by his work mates, and Lombard has this dread of ending up alone , unless he makes a greater effort to get back into society and make friends.
This story is set in Tours and introduces themes of illegal bio medical research and the power of the French Aristocracy. There are plenty of red herrings , complexities and characters to contend with. This is a well imagined piece of murder and deception, that flows like good French wine. Each step leads to another clue, the armchair detectives will be delighted with this chaotic, overly involved, foot- in- the- mouth, impetuous, comedic, accident prone and very stubborn judge.
Even though the English and French law is so different, and the French Gendarmes do not enjoy a good reputation for hard work, there is much to delight and enjoy in this read. I have also learnt a new word, Thanatological, but haven’t managed to work it into any conversations yet!!
Love and highly recommend this book, it’s a real treat. A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Duckworth Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
July 18, 2025
Another great murder mystery from Ian Moore; fresh for me having also recently read “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”.
There are a number of factors that enable this series to stand out and ooze quality in the cramped field of crime fiction.
These books are set in France, centred on Tours.
Secondly, their legal system is slightly different to many other police services in the U.K. The role of the detectives investigating a case is subservient to the presiding judicial authorities who appoint an overseeing magistrate figure. Here, it is Judge Lombard who takes centre stage. Not one to stay in the background and sign search warrants from his desk he is like an additional investigator, getting up close and personal with witnesses and suspects.
It is this tension and Lombard’s personal background that make these such interesting reads.
The author writes convincing plots full of intricate details and packed with interesting characters. Indeed it is the writer’s ear for dialogue; and understanding of the being both French and English as in the Judge’s family history couple all together with a span of language to pick out detail even from among the familiar and the everyday.
His writing style is broad and inviting, building tension both in action and among the characters themselves.
I particularly enjoyed the growth in character development among the police team and that the second case back Lombard seems to be enjoying himself. There is so much scope for this journey to continue and relationships to develop I trust this series has a long future with several books planned.
There are a number of factors that enable this series to stand out and ooze quality in the cramped field of crime fiction.
These books are set in France, centred on Tours.
Secondly, their legal system is slightly different to many other police services in the U.K. The role of the detectives investigating a case is subservient to the presiding judicial authorities who appoint an overseeing magistrate figure. Here, it is Judge Lombard who takes centre stage. Not one to stay in the background and sign search warrants from his desk he is like an additional investigator, getting up close and personal with witnesses and suspects.
It is this tension and Lombard’s personal background that make these such interesting reads.
The author writes convincing plots full of intricate details and packed with interesting characters. Indeed it is the writer’s ear for dialogue; and understanding of the being both French and English as in the Judge’s family history couple all together with a span of language to pick out detail even from among the familiar and the everyday.
His writing style is broad and inviting, building tension both in action and among the characters themselves.
I particularly enjoyed the growth in character development among the police team and that the second case back Lombard seems to be enjoying himself. There is so much scope for this journey to continue and relationships to develop I trust this series has a long future with several books planned.
November 4, 2024
3.5⭐️ When a decapitated body washes up on the banks of the River Loire in the ancient city of Tours, the reluctant juge d’instruction Mattiew Lombard is brought in to lead the investigation. But when Lombard’s young niece appears, the inquiry changes course and, suddenly immersed in another world – one of eco-terrorism, bio-medical research, French aristocracy and the violent forgotten underbelly of society – Lombard begins to make unexpected connections. Can the brutal murder of a lonely man really be justified by a noble cause? Or are good intentions hiding darker motives, more cynical and more deadly?
Firstly, the author’s writing style is captivating, a mix of comical lines inserted into the character dialogue, creating a stronger connection with the characters, and providing an element of relief from the darker approach of the title. Lombard’s relationship with his niece also provides an emotional, human element aside from the in-depth descriptive prose forming the bureaucratic details of this thriller.
This was the first book in the series I have read and it does works well as a standalone, I didn’t feel I missed any elements from not having read prior to this title, a major element of what I presume had happened in the first book being alluded to right at the start of this one to avoid any potential confusion.
It’s hard to say too much more without giving away any spoilers but this is an interesting thriller that will definitely get you thinking. It was slightly slow in pace for my preference, feeling my attention dipping a little in the middle section, but the revealing conclusion did make up for this!
Firstly, the author’s writing style is captivating, a mix of comical lines inserted into the character dialogue, creating a stronger connection with the characters, and providing an element of relief from the darker approach of the title. Lombard’s relationship with his niece also provides an emotional, human element aside from the in-depth descriptive prose forming the bureaucratic details of this thriller.
This was the first book in the series I have read and it does works well as a standalone, I didn’t feel I missed any elements from not having read prior to this title, a major element of what I presume had happened in the first book being alluded to right at the start of this one to avoid any potential confusion.
It’s hard to say too much more without giving away any spoilers but this is an interesting thriller that will definitely get you thinking. It was slightly slow in pace for my preference, feeling my attention dipping a little in the middle section, but the revealing conclusion did make up for this!
August 9, 2025
Set in the gorgeous city of Tours, France, this mystery pulls you into a world of biomedical research, eco-terrorism, and the hidden secrets of French aristocracy.
Juge Matthieu Lombard has been under constant pressure from Procureur D’Archambeau to leave his post—but he’s not the type to give up easily. When a headless body turns up on the banks of the Loire, Lombard is pulled back into real police work. Teaming up again with Commissaire Guy Aubret, he starts digging into the victim’s lonely past and finds unexpected echoes of his own grief after losing his wife.
When a high-profile missing persons case threatens to overshadow the murder investigation, the two cases start to intertwine in dangerous ways—and Lombard himself becomes a target.
I really liked Lombard as a lead character. He’s still grieving, but his determination to find justice gives the story a lot of heart. The mystery is well paced, full of red herrings, and supported by a solid cast of characters. Each clue naturally builds to the next, and while I had my suspicions, the final reveal still kept me hooked.
A smart, engaging read for anyone who enjoys French-set mysteries with layered plots and characters you want to follow into the next book.
Juge Matthieu Lombard has been under constant pressure from Procureur D’Archambeau to leave his post—but he’s not the type to give up easily. When a headless body turns up on the banks of the Loire, Lombard is pulled back into real police work. Teaming up again with Commissaire Guy Aubret, he starts digging into the victim’s lonely past and finds unexpected echoes of his own grief after losing his wife.
When a high-profile missing persons case threatens to overshadow the murder investigation, the two cases start to intertwine in dangerous ways—and Lombard himself becomes a target.
I really liked Lombard as a lead character. He’s still grieving, but his determination to find justice gives the story a lot of heart. The mystery is well paced, full of red herrings, and supported by a solid cast of characters. Each clue naturally builds to the next, and while I had my suspicions, the final reveal still kept me hooked.
A smart, engaging read for anyone who enjoys French-set mysteries with layered plots and characters you want to follow into the next book.
November 5, 2024
I think I need to go for a lie down after this! I really enjoyed this mystery – Matthieu Lombard is one hell of a main character and probably one of the strongest I’ve read in a book like this. It’s a complex read with many characters to follow, but once you become acquainted with everyone, it really is quite addictive.
Dead Behind the Eyes is a deeply explored mystery set in Tours, France, with an engaging plot and a brilliant cast of characters to love and to suspect. It’s the second book in the Juge Lombard mystery series, but it makes a great standalone book too. It blends the complexities of a brutal murder investigation with eco-terrorism, bio-medical research and French aristocracy, and although it may seem a lot on the surface, the author effortlessly makes it work. The author has a unique entertaining and humourous edge to his writing which is one of the huge reasons why I loved picking this book back up every day. A new author on my radar! A truly thrilling, unpredictable ride, one I’d hugely recommend for crime/mystery lovers.
Dead Behind the Eyes is a deeply explored mystery set in Tours, France, with an engaging plot and a brilliant cast of characters to love and to suspect. It’s the second book in the Juge Lombard mystery series, but it makes a great standalone book too. It blends the complexities of a brutal murder investigation with eco-terrorism, bio-medical research and French aristocracy, and although it may seem a lot on the surface, the author effortlessly makes it work. The author has a unique entertaining and humourous edge to his writing which is one of the huge reasons why I loved picking this book back up every day. A new author on my radar! A truly thrilling, unpredictable ride, one I’d hugely recommend for crime/mystery lovers.
October 20, 2024
This is a very enjoyable second entry in the Judge Lombard series. While Lombard is still trying to regain good standing in his department, he assumes the case of a headless body found in the river. Aside from a complicated case with very few clues, he is also hampered by the political realities of the community when he is tasked with finding the missing daughter of the wealthiest family in town. I couldn't put this book down, the writing is wonderful and the characters are complex and fascinating. I admit I got lost in the plot a bit about three-quarters of the way through, but it all comes together in the end. I anxiously await the next in the series. Thanks for NetGalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2025
This is the second in the Loire Valley Mystery Series featuring Juge D’Instruction Matthieu Lombard, but could easily be read as a standalone.
Lombard is mourning the loss of his wife & is drifting along in a haze of grief. He is brought in to lead the investigation into the death of a headless corpse which was found afloat in the river flowing through the city of Tours. The appearance of his niece, Elise, changes the direction of his inquiries & leads to the uncovering of the culprits.
The story unfolds in an expertly crafted way, keeping the reader’s interest with characters full of human frailty. It will leave you wanting the next instalment. As C K McDonnell says, ‘Like a French Morse’ - need I say more? (No pun intended)
Lombard is mourning the loss of his wife & is drifting along in a haze of grief. He is brought in to lead the investigation into the death of a headless corpse which was found afloat in the river flowing through the city of Tours. The appearance of his niece, Elise, changes the direction of his inquiries & leads to the uncovering of the culprits.
The story unfolds in an expertly crafted way, keeping the reader’s interest with characters full of human frailty. It will leave you wanting the next instalment. As C K McDonnell says, ‘Like a French Morse’ - need I say more? (No pun intended)
November 7, 2024
This is the second book in the Juge Matthieu Lombard (half English and half French) series set in historic Tours, France! The story begins with the discover of a headless body in the river Loire. Meanwhile, a young lady from a rich family has disappeared from her home! Juge Lombard has to investigate both crimes whilst navigating relationships with his colleagues, especially his boss. Juge Lombard is a complex character still coming to terms with the loss of his wife, Marianne. I was glued to the book and it was unputdownable. It was a gripping and riveting book, full of twists and turns with an explosive conclusion.
November 7, 2024
I love these Juge Lombard books, and this story was great!
I like the setting, and the research is obviously done carefully. Having the main protagonist half-English makes for an interesting spin. But best of all, is his character, grumpy, idiosyncratic and bolshie! Excellent.
I also like action, a good plot, and twists, and there was plenty to keep me happy. Some of the twists were great! And not all unexpected answers were kept for the end, so it was a satisfying read throughout.
I’ve read the previous books, but I think it would be easy to read this one without having read the others, as characters are explained and background is given, yet without detracting from the story.
I like the setting, and the research is obviously done carefully. Having the main protagonist half-English makes for an interesting spin. But best of all, is his character, grumpy, idiosyncratic and bolshie! Excellent.
I also like action, a good plot, and twists, and there was plenty to keep me happy. Some of the twists were great! And not all unexpected answers were kept for the end, so it was a satisfying read throughout.
I’ve read the previous books, but I think it would be easy to read this one without having read the others, as characters are explained and background is given, yet without detracting from the story.
October 26, 2024
This is the first Juge Lombard book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in Tours where Lombard is a Juge d’Instruction, but one who like to get involved in the investigations.
A headless body is found in the river Loire, luckily he has a drivers licence in his pocket which gives his identity, this does not help though as he seems to have been a loner.
A young woman, a member of a powerful family is reported missing and although she is 18 Lombard is tasked to investigate. Are the two cases linked?
Well written and a very good read.
A headless body is found in the river Loire, luckily he has a drivers licence in his pocket which gives his identity, this does not help though as he seems to have been a loner.
A young woman, a member of a powerful family is reported missing and although she is 18 Lombard is tasked to investigate. Are the two cases linked?
Well written and a very good read.
December 12, 2024
Dead Behind The Eyes by Ian Moore is an interesting detective story. Set in France, we find the Judge Matthieu Lombard investigating the finding of a decapitated body of a lonely man in the River Loire.
A fairly laid back story that gets quite complicated. Lots of interesting characters and twisty developments.
Recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Duckworth Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DeadBehindTheEyes #NetGalley
A fairly laid back story that gets quite complicated. Lots of interesting characters and twisty developments.
Recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Duckworth Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DeadBehindTheEyes #NetGalley
October 22, 2024
This is the second book in the Judge Lombard series. I have not read the first book but have really enjoyed Dead behind the Eyes. That being said I did not feel that I needed to read the first one to enjoy this but will definitely be picking myself up a copy. I did not want to put this book down, it is a real page-turner. I felt all of the characters kept you gripped and the plot is so fast paced. I look forward to reading more in this series.
April 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this novel, the first I have read byIan Moore
The wonderful locations in France as well as the brilliant protagonist Juge Lombard whose knowledge of minutiae is quite entertaining as well as informative.
The whole cast of characters were quite easy to imagine, however, the twists throughout the novel were not.
I have already ordered the other books in this series and look forward to meeting Lombard once more👍🏻
The wonderful locations in France as well as the brilliant protagonist Juge Lombard whose knowledge of minutiae is quite entertaining as well as informative.
The whole cast of characters were quite easy to imagine, however, the twists throughout the novel were not.
I have already ordered the other books in this series and look forward to meeting Lombard once more👍🏻
October 31, 2024
When a headless body is found in the Loire, reported by an anonymous caller, Juge Lombard's antenna are twitching. When he literally stumbles over another body, his spidey senses are really working themselves into a frenzy. Several red herrings and dead ends later, with a bit of blackmail, he is on the right track and able to work out the who and why.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
June 1, 2025
Excellent twisty plot! Exquisitely drawn characters!
Yet another fine detective novel from Ian Moore. I’ve read all the cozy mysteries and decided to try his noir detective works, et voilà! Ils sont très biens!
I know a book is well written when I forget that I am reading and lose myself inside the story, living it alongside the protagonist.
Enjoy!
Yet another fine detective novel from Ian Moore. I’ve read all the cozy mysteries and decided to try his noir detective works, et voilà! Ils sont très biens!
I know a book is well written when I forget that I am reading and lose myself inside the story, living it alongside the protagonist.
Enjoy!
October 27, 2024
DEAD BEHIND THE EYES - Interesting story lines and good characters but sometimes it was too easy to put the book down. I laughed when I read chapter 48, I saw a movie the night before with similar crimes. Source: Netgallet. 4*
April 10, 2025
I love this series. There is always an unexpected plot and excitement within every chapter. It's the type of book you put down and ponder on the plot so far and "who did it".
The characters are very real and believable
The characters are very real and believable
May 19, 2025
Ian Moore will always be an author that any book of his I will always read. Did not see that ending coming, love the way these books are written, couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series
November 23, 2024
An excellent page turning crime thriller. Strong characters, including one very dysfunctional family and the plot fizzes with twists and action. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2025
An excellent detective story. Set in France with Gallic indifference all the way through!
February 2, 2025
Dead Behind the Eyes
I enjoyed the dimension of the characters. I do like Juge Lombard's ways As he investigates and gets to know the figures in the story
I enjoyed the dimension of the characters. I do like Juge Lombard's ways As he investigates and gets to know the figures in the story
August 23, 2025
Interesting twists and turns written in a Dickensian style
September 17, 2025
Excellent read. Best book by Ian Moore so far (and I have read all the others). Looking forward to more Lombard.
August 9, 2024
Not for me. Too slow moving and convoluted.
November 20, 2024
I’ve read Ian’s other series featuring Richard, the french movie buff who ends up solving murders, but didn’t know about this series until I got the invite for this tour and knew I just had to read it. I’m glad I did, it was like a serious version of the other character with some of the same traits - I loved it.
Lombard gets involved in a murder enquiry when a headless body washes up on the banks of the river, this then leads to all sorts of twists and turns that you definitely don’t see coming. I think that even though he has a cat, he must be part cat himself with all that transpires.
A really good, well written trip around France with an inspiring and incredibly intelligent juge d’instruction that I want to read more about now!
Lombard gets involved in a murder enquiry when a headless body washes up on the banks of the river, this then leads to all sorts of twists and turns that you definitely don’t see coming. I think that even though he has a cat, he must be part cat himself with all that transpires.
A really good, well written trip around France with an inspiring and incredibly intelligent juge d’instruction that I want to read more about now!
June 5, 2025
Really enjoyed this. Quite stylish. I found yourself quietly on the side of the slightly broken Lombard as he trailed through the mess and corruption.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews