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DI Barney Mains #6
Deadly Border
A poor immigrant who rose to become a multi-billionaire is found brutally slain.
Was he really seeking the lover he was forced to leave behind?
Or was he masterminding an evil trade in people and drugs?
Barney Mains is no longer a cop. But he's been hired to uncover the truth, a quest which suddenly puts the people he loves in mortal danger.
Now, between the horrors of desperate migrants drowning at sea and the luxury lifestyle of those who profit from death, he must go it alone.
And track down the most ruthless killer he's ever known...
Was he really seeking the lover he was forced to leave behind?
Or was he masterminding an evil trade in people and drugs?
Barney Mains is no longer a cop. But he's been hired to uncover the truth, a quest which suddenly puts the people he loves in mortal danger.
Now, between the horrors of desperate migrants drowning at sea and the luxury lifestyle of those who profit from death, he must go it alone.
And track down the most ruthless killer he's ever known...
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
About the author
Jim McGhee
8 books14 followersJim McGhee is a former award-winning environmental journalist.
Based in East Lothian, near Edinburgh, Scotland, he spends much of each year (in normal times) in the South of France, the main setting for the DI Barney Mains series, with tolerant wife Jean and rampant Irish Terrier, Jack.
After a full-on career as a campaigning newspaper reporter, he and Jean launched their own recruitment company in central Edinburgh and for twelve fun-packed years worked closely together alongside their brilliant team - without spilling a single drop of blood.
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments, on the other hand, have provided a host of dramatic locations just perfect as inspiration for the odd spot of fictional gore.
Locals, blessed with scenery ranging from unspoilt mountain villages to the classic palms-and-marinas coast, claim that they can be swimming one moment and ski-ing a little over an hour later. It's a claim not yet put to the test!
Besides, when not writing or travelling en famille, Jim's more likely to be off on a hike in the hills with his ever-ready buddy, Jack.
The website's at jimmcghee.net and on social media Jim masquerades as @bigbarneymains.
Based in East Lothian, near Edinburgh, Scotland, he spends much of each year (in normal times) in the South of France, the main setting for the DI Barney Mains series, with tolerant wife Jean and rampant Irish Terrier, Jack.
After a full-on career as a campaigning newspaper reporter, he and Jean launched their own recruitment company in central Edinburgh and for twelve fun-packed years worked closely together alongside their brilliant team - without spilling a single drop of blood.
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments, on the other hand, have provided a host of dramatic locations just perfect as inspiration for the odd spot of fictional gore.
Locals, blessed with scenery ranging from unspoilt mountain villages to the classic palms-and-marinas coast, claim that they can be swimming one moment and ski-ing a little over an hour later. It's a claim not yet put to the test!
Besides, when not writing or travelling en famille, Jim's more likely to be off on a hike in the hills with his ever-ready buddy, Jack.
The website's at jimmcghee.net and on social media Jim masquerades as @bigbarneymains.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 18, 2024
Good to see Barney back even though he’s not a detective, definitely the most humerus of the books you won’t be disappointed
November 2, 2024
This is Book 6 in the DI Barney Mains series and Barney is now a PI, no longer on the police force. He’s still living in France and he has a new office and his first case. His landlady wants him to find out what he can about the death of one of her clients, a billionaire. As Barney digs more and more into the man’s background, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and subterfuge. He relies on his friendship with his former (sort of) partner on the French force, Captain Jean-Luc Verten, to help him sort things out and also keep him from being arrested on obstruction. The tale takes a few twists but ultimately our man Barney Mains sorts everything out, albeit not without more tragedy.
While the story in this book is complete, you might want to read at least a couple of the earlier books just to familiarize yourself with Barney and Jean-Luc and how Scottish DI Barney found himself attached to the French constabulary. For me, I found it a bit jarring for Barney to now be a PI but he had been a cop for 20 years so this is a logical progression. It’s just an adjustment as a reader I’ll have to make even though I liked Barney better as a DI working alongside Jean-Luc. (In case you don’t know, DI stands for Detective Inspector.) I found some parts of the story a bit far fetched but I can’t say which without giving away too much of the plot. It is a quick read, especially if you’re already familiar with the series. There’s enough action to keep the reader interested. For those who are concerned about such things, there is some adult language but not overwhelmingly so, just a few here and there and they worked within the context.
All in all, it’s another mostly successful saga in the Barney Mains series.
I received an advance review copy of Deadly Border for free. I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
While the story in this book is complete, you might want to read at least a couple of the earlier books just to familiarize yourself with Barney and Jean-Luc and how Scottish DI Barney found himself attached to the French constabulary. For me, I found it a bit jarring for Barney to now be a PI but he had been a cop for 20 years so this is a logical progression. It’s just an adjustment as a reader I’ll have to make even though I liked Barney better as a DI working alongside Jean-Luc. (In case you don’t know, DI stands for Detective Inspector.) I found some parts of the story a bit far fetched but I can’t say which without giving away too much of the plot. It is a quick read, especially if you’re already familiar with the series. There’s enough action to keep the reader interested. For those who are concerned about such things, there is some adult language but not overwhelmingly so, just a few here and there and they worked within the context.
All in all, it’s another mostly successful saga in the Barney Mains series.
I received an advance review copy of Deadly Border for free. I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
November 2, 2024
I have read (and loved) all the DI Barney Mains books and I did a double take when I started reading this one. The author had the brilliant idea to make a switch from third person to first person narrative now that Barney goes out on his own as a PI. I love it!
It made it feel fresh and new, a Barney 2.0 emerging to start out new. Character wise I don’t think it makes any difference, he’s the same Barney, we just get to go inside his skin.
Barney’s PI persona is much like his police persona, with the difference that he’s on his own. His french police counterpart JL tries to keep a professional distance now that Barney’s no longer a police. Bridget may be his employer in this case but she’s no side kick and his girlfriend Shona is hurt (happened in the last book). His friend Jack is probably the closest thing to a side kick to Barney, but he falls in love… Still, Barney is secure in himself and manouvers them all as they come, as well as the mystery.
The shift in the relationship between Barney and Jean-Luc is made clear in a subtle way that feels genuine. Even though it’s told through Barney I can feel Jean-Luc’s unease with the situation. Over all I really like the character developements, where Jack is the one I feel evolves most and it’s well written. Barney is an empathic observer of his friend.
Another new thing to the Barneyverse is that this book includes a love scene. I was startled (again!) when it appeared but I must say it fits right in. It made a kind of statement of the progression of Barney’s and Shona’s relationship and was a sweet interlude.
Now, the story line.
I’ve always liked how Jim McGhee picks up the hard questions from our present time in his books, I guess it’s his journalist background.
The refugee situation as a focal point in a murder mystery is a great way to raise awareness. It’s all too easy to look away, because it’s so aweful. We get several views through in the story and it gripped me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It made it feel fresh and new, a Barney 2.0 emerging to start out new. Character wise I don’t think it makes any difference, he’s the same Barney, we just get to go inside his skin.
Barney’s PI persona is much like his police persona, with the difference that he’s on his own. His french police counterpart JL tries to keep a professional distance now that Barney’s no longer a police. Bridget may be his employer in this case but she’s no side kick and his girlfriend Shona is hurt (happened in the last book). His friend Jack is probably the closest thing to a side kick to Barney, but he falls in love… Still, Barney is secure in himself and manouvers them all as they come, as well as the mystery.
The shift in the relationship between Barney and Jean-Luc is made clear in a subtle way that feels genuine. Even though it’s told through Barney I can feel Jean-Luc’s unease with the situation. Over all I really like the character developements, where Jack is the one I feel evolves most and it’s well written. Barney is an empathic observer of his friend.
Another new thing to the Barneyverse is that this book includes a love scene. I was startled (again!) when it appeared but I must say it fits right in. It made a kind of statement of the progression of Barney’s and Shona’s relationship and was a sweet interlude.
Now, the story line.
I’ve always liked how Jim McGhee picks up the hard questions from our present time in his books, I guess it’s his journalist background.
The refugee situation as a focal point in a murder mystery is a great way to raise awareness. It’s all too easy to look away, because it’s so aweful. We get several views through in the story and it gripped me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2024
It is no longer DI Barney Mains, it is PI Barney Mains. Barney has left the police force and it was interesting to watch him adjust to solving a crime without any police authority. I wondered how this change would impact his relationship with Captain Jean-Luc Verten. I found it interesting to see how the two dealt with the change in their professional relationship. And hoped they would remain friends.
The story seemed to have more complications and twists than most books in the series. And I think Barney showed more emotions regarding his girlfriend Shona and his friend Jack.
Having the European refugee situation as a focal point in the story added a social level to the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story seemed to have more complications and twists than most books in the series. And I think Barney showed more emotions regarding his girlfriend Shona and his friend Jack.
Having the European refugee situation as a focal point in the story added a social level to the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2025
Big Barney Mains is back and since the fallout of the last story, he has quit both Police Scotland and his secondment to the French Police Nationale to become a Private Investigator. Renting an office from top criminal lawyer Maître Bridget O’Brien, his first job is for the lady herself, looking to find evidence to exonerate her client Leo Degrange, a wealthy shipping businessman who stands accused of smuggling drugs and people. However, before he can really start, Degrange is found murdered with what looks like a very nasty traditional knife. Although not strictly in his remit, Barney just can’t help digging deeper into the murder of the man who it turns out was originally from Afghanistan and who seemed to be searching for his first love and lost child at the migrant camps at the border with Italy. The trail soon leads him into danger, protecting a witness, hiding evidence from both Bridget and his old police friend Captain Jean-Luc Verten and hunting the man known as The Ferryman who is responsible for the deaths of many innocent people. But he knows that finding the truth about the illegal trade and exposing Degrange’s killer will also give Bridget her evidence and assist the police. And Barney has a plan. A very dangerous one as it turns out.
I would definitely say read at least one of the previous stories if not the whole series to know some of the history behind Barney’s life and adventures so far. It was great to see the reappearance of several familiar faces, such as Barney’s long-suffering partner and fellow Scot internet billionaire and one-time hacker Shona Gladstone, little Charlie Chaplin impersonator Jack Thomson, Shona’s super-maid Hermione, Jean-Luc and Juliette in a warm and clever highly engrossing story with plenty of action and thrills and a very topical theme. I love this brilliant series featuring an incredibly likeable lead character with some superb loyal friends, and can highly recommend every single story!
I would definitely say read at least one of the previous stories if not the whole series to know some of the history behind Barney’s life and adventures so far. It was great to see the reappearance of several familiar faces, such as Barney’s long-suffering partner and fellow Scot internet billionaire and one-time hacker Shona Gladstone, little Charlie Chaplin impersonator Jack Thomson, Shona’s super-maid Hermione, Jean-Luc and Juliette in a warm and clever highly engrossing story with plenty of action and thrills and a very topical theme. I love this brilliant series featuring an incredibly likeable lead character with some superb loyal friends, and can highly recommend every single story!
December 15, 2024
Two things keep me coming back to this series: first the incomparable French Riviera, second the protagonist is ever-changing at new stages in his life. Barney Mains is one of my favorite characters, I’ve read all of the series. He has had many adventures with his Scottish heritage and experience as a Detective there. Then he spent some time in the Riviera, found a wonderful girlfriend, Shona, and consulted with the French Captain Jean-Luc. They’ve worked well together and are friends when Barney plays within the rules. There’s been a brutal murder of a wealthy man. Barney has an office now and this is his first case investigating privately. The author was adept at working current affairs into the murder investigation. People living near the border at a migrant camp are integral to the plot. There were many varied characters from diverse economic classes. I sped through the story, guessed many errant perpetrators and was blown away by the outcome. The author continues to broaden my world with exciting mysteries. I hope there’ll be many more to come.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Deadly Border” DI Barney Mains Series #6, by Jim Mcghee, Published by Jackamos, expected publication 01/24/2025. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Deadly Border” DI Barney Mains Series #6, by Jim Mcghee, Published by Jackamos, expected publication 01/24/2025. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
May 5, 2025
This is the 6th in the Barney Mains series and Barney is no working with the French National Police. This is truly fortunate as it opens up more plot potentials and expands Berney’s role in crime solving. He’s doing PI work for his landlord Brigette who is also a lawyer.
The basis of the book is the social and political upheaval brought by the influx of migrants from Northern Africa into Italy and France. If you know much about French politics over the past few years, you will know this has been and continues to be a hot potato issue with conservatives seeking to blame all the country’s problems on the migrants. The early part of the book presents the situation fairly well and with empathy, but that thread fades when the focus switches to the murder of a possible trafficker.
There are many characters, three with multiple names, which made things a bit confusing. There’s lots of action and character twists making for a very fluid work. Overall it was enjoyable, and with the switch to the trafficking side of the equation it did provide a balanced view of the problems of massive population shifts. However I felt less of a connection to Barney, Shona and Jean-Luc than in previous books.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
The basis of the book is the social and political upheaval brought by the influx of migrants from Northern Africa into Italy and France. If you know much about French politics over the past few years, you will know this has been and continues to be a hot potato issue with conservatives seeking to blame all the country’s problems on the migrants. The early part of the book presents the situation fairly well and with empathy, but that thread fades when the focus switches to the murder of a possible trafficker.
There are many characters, three with multiple names, which made things a bit confusing. There’s lots of action and character twists making for a very fluid work. Overall it was enjoyable, and with the switch to the trafficking side of the equation it did provide a balanced view of the problems of massive population shifts. However I felt less of a connection to Barney, Shona and Jean-Luc than in previous books.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
January 3, 2025
Is Barney on his own whilst embroiled in people smuggling case?
This is the sixth outing for our hero, Barney Mains, Scottish Detective Inspector, aspirant artist, Francophile, collaborator with silver fox French detective inspector, socialite including some very shady characters and live in lover of billionaire IT genius, Shona. My attempt is poor in comparison to the rich background and understanding if you do yourself the favour of reading all the previous in order. I can see it could work as a starting point, especially as Barney is divested of much of his previous local support and has to abide by new rules.
Despite being a PI now and not a DI, Barney has several adventures and gets into serious peril, as do those he cares about. There are several twists and Barney is in the dark as much as the reader for a good portion of the book. There is a dramatic climax and good resolution of the story. Some of the connections seemed tenuous and sometimes too much luck was involved, However it was a gripping and entertaining read. I will certainly look out for Barney's next exploits.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the sixth outing for our hero, Barney Mains, Scottish Detective Inspector, aspirant artist, Francophile, collaborator with silver fox French detective inspector, socialite including some very shady characters and live in lover of billionaire IT genius, Shona. My attempt is poor in comparison to the rich background and understanding if you do yourself the favour of reading all the previous in order. I can see it could work as a starting point, especially as Barney is divested of much of his previous local support and has to abide by new rules.
Despite being a PI now and not a DI, Barney has several adventures and gets into serious peril, as do those he cares about. There are several twists and Barney is in the dark as much as the reader for a good portion of the book. There is a dramatic climax and good resolution of the story. Some of the connections seemed tenuous and sometimes too much luck was involved, However it was a gripping and entertaining read. I will certainly look out for Barney's next exploits.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
Barney, a Scottish ex police officer now PI with emotional intelligence and admirable morals when they matter is working for Bridget to investigate the murder of client Leo Degranges.
Can a street artist help him solve this crime when his ex colleagues are reluctant to assist, or does the answer lie in a migrant camp? Does it lie elsewhere? This clever, unique plot kept me guessing.
I enjoyed this book and was rooting for Barney, who is a likeable character determined to get to the truth while protecting those around him.
I appreciated the odd injection of Scottish humour and the story bounced along with twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night. We gain valuable insight into the horrific world of migration and people trafficking, not to mention corruption.
Although part of a series this was my first book by the author and it works well as a standalone.
The ending is well concluded with no loose ends and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Can a street artist help him solve this crime when his ex colleagues are reluctant to assist, or does the answer lie in a migrant camp? Does it lie elsewhere? This clever, unique plot kept me guessing.
I enjoyed this book and was rooting for Barney, who is a likeable character determined to get to the truth while protecting those around him.
I appreciated the odd injection of Scottish humour and the story bounced along with twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night. We gain valuable insight into the horrific world of migration and people trafficking, not to mention corruption.
Although part of a series this was my first book by the author and it works well as a standalone.
The ending is well concluded with no loose ends and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
December 10, 2024
The book is about a DI(Detective Inspector) turned PI (Private Investigator) who is assigned by a lawyer to find any vulnerabilities that would hurt her client’s divorce settlement case. The same person Leopold is murdered soon after and the case is investigated informally as a PI. The case turns out to be more complicated and you are taken deep into the affairs of illegal immigrants crossing over on boats into France and how they are exploited. There is a sub-story of Leopold searching for his long-lost love with a son who tried to escape into France and was feared drowned. The pace is sedate, moving along very slowly and it takes enormous effort to stay with the book. The underlying story is interesting, no doubt, but it could have been made more engrossing. It requires a lot of patience to complete the book.
Thank you for providing this book for review via BookSirens All opinions are my own.
Thank you for providing this book for review via BookSirens All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2025
Barney lives in France still but has a slight career change . He’s a P.I. as opposed to being a D.I. He’s been hired to uncover a deadly truth . Is it just a case of border crossing or illicit commodities too.A poor immigrant turned multi-billionaire found brutally slain. Sounds insane but it’s true. This sleuth has his work cut out ,no doubt ,but he knows just what to do. He must go it alone and that’s no mean feat. There’s lives on the line and act fast he must. To save his own ass and who he holds dear ,he’s on a quest into fear itself for answers. There’s profiteers aplenty ,just who is ensuing who? Barney will find the truth or die trying. A gritty true to life with a tentative romance with Shona thrown into the mix. Barney’s had his Weetabix! Great writing , I liked how this book was styled and the angst came through too.
November 9, 2024
Barney Mains, a former cop from Scotland living in the French Riviera, has become a PI. His relationship with former colleague Jean-Luc is one of many interesting parts of this story. It has well-paced suspense and includes the issue of migrants, so it’s also topical.
Jim McGhee is a former journalist and his writing style reflects it, as he is very good at explaining complex topics.
Barney and Shona make a great couple, and I learned a lot about Jack. I also enjoyed Spike, who wasn’t in the earlier Mains books.This can be read as a standalone, but It’s somewhat helpful to have read other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jim McGhee is a former journalist and his writing style reflects it, as he is very good at explaining complex topics.
Barney and Shona make a great couple, and I learned a lot about Jack. I also enjoyed Spike, who wasn’t in the earlier Mains books.This can be read as a standalone, but It’s somewhat helpful to have read other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
P I Barney Mains is asked to help with a high profile priority case involving trafficking drugs and humans. I love how Barney evades Jean Luc and skirts around the lawman to get things done. He thinks he has it all figured out, and then he sees clues that lead him in another direction. Barney is off again to chase more clues down. He's like a one man band. He's ahead of all the coppers as usual, and has things well in hand. This guy is a super sleuth. I enjoyed all the cloak and dagger mystery and cover ups that were revealed. It's an action packed, suspenseful,
and gripping read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
and gripping read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
December 27, 2024
I'm so happy to see Barney back. After recent events, Barney is now a PI and working with the lawyer Bridget O'Brien on her defence of a businessman who is murdered. In his new role, we still get to see him dealing with Jean-Luc although in more of a peripheral way.
The book could be read as a standalone but I think you'd need to have read the earlier books to understand the background of the characters. The story involves migrants, and some complicated family history and there's several twists throughout. I raced through it. It's easy to read and the banter is great in the middle of the violent scenes. Looking forward to seeing how his new role progresses now.
The book could be read as a standalone but I think you'd need to have read the earlier books to understand the background of the characters. The story involves migrants, and some complicated family history and there's several twists throughout. I raced through it. It's easy to read and the banter is great in the middle of the violent scenes. Looking forward to seeing how his new role progresses now.
January 25, 2025
Barney Maines, a former Scottish DI with the French police, is now self-employed as a private detective. Still on the French Riviera, he is now his own boss and is hired by the notorious Bridget. A lawyer who is interested in clearing the name of her murdered client. But what's a murder case if you're not allowed to solve it? Barney wouldn't be Barney if he didn't get involved and so he stumbles across one or two interesting pieces of the puzzle to solve the crime. As always, Jim McGhee's storytelling is captivating and you won't be able to put it down until you've seen through all the twists and unpredictable turns to the end. Have fun! Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
January 13, 2025
Deadly Border (DI Barney Mains Book 6), my second captivating read from author Jim McGhee. A 230-page thriller well-written with an intriguing, original plot. After reading two books I have to get more from this author. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
November 18, 2024
This one is so different from the previous Barney Mains novels. Now a PI rather than a DI. Lots of engaging twists most of which I didn’t expect. The main characters remain the same which anchors the story firmly in the south of France. Barney remains on his mission to expose the corrupt police officers but unlike before it is now a secondary issue. Jim has done it again another excellent read.
November 21, 2024
This was the first I read in the series but it worked well as a standalone.
I enjoyed the international tale and the topical (albeit sad) storyline around refugees and the politics around borders.
Quite a twisty tale and I didn't guess till almost the end "whodunnit"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the international tale and the topical (albeit sad) storyline around refugees and the politics around borders.
Quite a twisty tale and I didn't guess till almost the end "whodunnit"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2025
An interesting story with lots of twists and turns handled in the usual Barney way. I recommend the book.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2025
Scottish detective goes freelance to figure out a murder on the boarder of France and Italy - 3.5 stars
Private Investigator Barney Mains, talked to himself for the majority of the story. The murderer got some time (also talking to himself) in foreshadowing his involvement. You don't find out who did what until the very end. Part of the story involves customs from North Africa and Turkey that are not part of European values. The main character is an ex-cop (Barney) who mostly listens to his own council. Private investigator Barney Mains used to be Police Detective investigator Mains. Barney recently separated from the police under strained relations -- he accused some of the leaders of illegal conduct.
The slow opening story gradually picks up as hired thugs come a calling with the intent of murdering one man. In this story, violence was performed in extreme prejudice -- death. Calm and pleasant people suddenly became agitated and aggressive. One young artist was described as a Banksy-style street-artist painted a detailed scene on a garage door with sufficient clarity that a passer by could identify both the victim and the perpetrator of a crime
A memorable home invasion occurred after a shopkeeper explained that two people had entered a small shop asking for information, just as Barney had. This tidbit was a clear warning that Barney was in mortal danger. Barney managed to attract both criminals and police officials who were trying to ask questions. Barney was usually able to see through false stories.
Private Investigator Barney Mains, talked to himself for the majority of the story. The murderer got some time (also talking to himself) in foreshadowing his involvement. You don't find out who did what until the very end. Part of the story involves customs from North Africa and Turkey that are not part of European values. The main character is an ex-cop (Barney) who mostly listens to his own council. Private investigator Barney Mains used to be Police Detective investigator Mains. Barney recently separated from the police under strained relations -- he accused some of the leaders of illegal conduct.
The slow opening story gradually picks up as hired thugs come a calling with the intent of murdering one man. In this story, violence was performed in extreme prejudice -- death. Calm and pleasant people suddenly became agitated and aggressive. One young artist was described as a Banksy-style street-artist painted a detailed scene on a garage door with sufficient clarity that a passer by could identify both the victim and the perpetrator of a crime
A memorable home invasion occurred after a shopkeeper explained that two people had entered a small shop asking for information, just as Barney had. This tidbit was a clear warning that Barney was in mortal danger. Barney managed to attract both criminals and police officials who were trying to ask questions. Barney was usually able to see through false stories.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews