Book Two in the DS Regan Carter series. A fast-paced crime thriller in which Regan Carter screamed. There comes a time when everyone knows if they’re in over their head. This is DS Regan Carter’s time. Bradshaw, high up in the OCG, is planning something that’ll net him £4M, but will cost a lot of lives. When it happens, everyone is numbed and shocked. Regan Carter and DC Gypsy Storm are determined to bring Bradshaw and his men down. One man stands in their way. Eric Clements is a psychotic murderer who isn’t as dumb as they’d hoped. Eric narrowly avoids becoming one of Bradshaw’s victims, and in his haste to prove his loyalty, vows to kill Regan, and Regan still doesn’t know when to walk away. Regan and Gypsy outwit Bradshaw and think they’ve struck gold in finding him. But instead, they find themselves trapped in a corner, and waiting for them is Eric Clements.
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
The Dark Arches is another fabulous instalment in the Regan Carter series, this is book two and it is as good as the first book, if not better. Once I started reading it, I found it extremely hard to put down, you know those books that stay in your head all day and you cannot wait to get home to start reading again, well this is one of them. It constantly kept me on the edge and that is exactly what a quality thriller should do.
The author has created such great multifaceted characters that feel so real I can picture them, at least in my head anyway. Regan Carter is just superb, such a force to be reckoned with. She is gutsy and determined and I love the way she tackles any obstacle that comes her way and believe me there are quite a few occurring right in front of her. Together with Gypsy Storm they are a couple of wonder women, capes on and ready to take on any situation that may prevent them from gaining justice. It was so good to see their relationship building, as we all know that Regan can be a hard person to get close to, but there is something about Gypsy that Reagan identifies with and respects, and this brings them closer together. There is also a brilliant cast of support characters who really strengthen the story and are extremely well thought out.
A fabulous plot that sees Regan up against the almighty Bradshaw again, the only was to describe him is that he is an absolute beast with not a piece of empathy in his body. He is an exceptionally hard and menacing man, and Regan faces an ongoing challenge with him as she tries to navigate through his criminal world. There is nonstop action from the first page and the suspense carries on all the way through the book to the very last page. Bradshaw is after $4 million dollars he feels he is owed, but we know from the onset that others will suffer as he tries to get his hands on it.
Now I can’t wait for book three, I am dying to see what the author has in store for us in the next book. A huge thanks to Andrew Barrett for an advanced copy of the book.
Andrew Barrett’s new novel further develops the story of his new lead character DS Regan Carter - a Detective Sergeant working within West Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit. Her drive and determination leads her to recklessly follow up a number of developments relating to a series of drug related murders and other related crimes, which are creating mayhem across the city of Leeds and it’s outlying villages and towns. Some characters from Andrew’s earlier series – CSI Eddie Collins and DI Benson – do appear in this episode in the series but play relatively minor roles. The core elements of the story focus on Regan’s efforts to deal with a local organised crime group (OCG) and it’s various tentacles – which include corrupt police colleagues. Regan’s life is once again under threat from a determined killer (and potential rapist), whose animosity towards Regan is probably only exceeded by her animosity to him. This mutual hatred seems to grow ever higher and more personal, as the death toll continues to grow higher - then much higher!! The story packs in a lot - including poisonings, blackmail, criminal fall outs and executions, as well as various side-stories, such as Regan’s strained relationship with her mother and issues relating to her ex-husband. The events build to a dramatic climax but, we are clearly not at the end of the saga yet and Regan’s fight against the OCG clearly has a way to go. Once again, I am really looking forward to the sequel(s) and hope that Andrew can get the next instalment out soon.
"On the Edge: Andrew Barrett’s Raw Take on Life’s Chaos"
DS Regan Carter is the type of person who’d see a warning sign and take it as a challenge. She’s kind of the human equivalent of saying “hold my beer” to life’s worst ideas—and yet, you can’t help but cheer her on. Watching her handle high-stakes situations without a gun is like watching someone defuse a bomb with a butter knife: it’s stressful, occasionally ridiculous, and somehow works out (mostly).
In Book 2, it feels like the universe woke up and decided, “Let’s really mess with Regan today.” Her quick wit and refusal to back down keep the story barreling forward, even when her choices make you groan like a parent watching their kid stick a fork in a toaster. You know it’s going to go badly, but you also kind of want to see what happens. And when the bad guys outmaneuver her, it’s both frustrating and, let’s be honest, a little impressive.
Andrew Barrett’s writing nails the chaos and unpredictability of Carter’s world, where the line between success and disaster is practically non-existent—kind of like life’s way of reminding you who’s really in charge (hint: not you). Barrett creates a story that feels real and honest, and hits home in a way that’s both uncomfortable and totally relatable.
But it’s Carter herself that makes the story a winner. She’s human in all the best and worst ways, and whether you’re rooting for her or rolling your eyes at her, you will probably end up pulling an all- nighter to finish this one.
Immensely addictive. This book has everything a good crime thriller book should have and the leading role is a feisty red head...DS Regan Carter. It's a superb follow on from the aftermath of book one. Carter and her best friend and colleague DC Gypsy Storm are inseparable. Little do they know that they have unthinkable challenges ahead of them. Mass murder is on the cards and as the body count rises the city of Leeds is in a state of panic. Why is this happening and who will be next? The notorious gang leader Bradshaw is top of the list of suspects, but what's his end game? Full of suspense, and the investigation leads Carter and Storm down a very dark and dangerous path. With Carter having a few scores to settle with a psychopath killer named Eric Clements you know there is going to be a blood bath...but who's blood! There are relentless inside plots creativity woven into the storyline, all relative, which add intrigue and menace into a utterly nail biting read. Twists you won't see coming and shocks that will leave you cold....dead cold! Book three can't come soon enough. A big shiny five star from me with bells on!
Barrett's second installment in the DS Regan Carter series delivers a punchy, adrenaline-fueled narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The Dark Arches picks up seamlessly from its predecessor being set in the rain-soaked streets of Leeds where corruption runs as deep as the city's historic foundations.
DS Carter, is a fascinating contradiction - a loose cannon who acts first and thinks later, yet possesses an underlying vulnerability that only surfaces at critical moments. Her pursuit of the calculating crime boss Bradshaw and the psychotic Eric Clements, alongside DC Gypsy Storm, drives the narrative forward at breakneck speed.
The author's unflinching portrayal of both heroes and villains is particularly noteworthy, with no purely sympathetic characters in sight. The dialogue crackles with authentic British vernacular, while the exploration of police corruption weaves throughout the narrative like a poisonous thread. The story essentially becomes a psychological duel between Carter and the unhinged Clements, building to a climax that showcases Barrett's willingness to dispose of major characters.
The ending left me hanging, eager for the next installment. The Dark Arches proves that Barrett isn't just writing crime fiction; he's crafting a compelling exploration of determination, corruption, and the price of justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred.
A big thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Batten down the hatches—it's going to be a bumpy ride!! Let me tell you, this is one more excellent thriller. It has everything you could want: action, heart-pounding suspense, and multi-dimensional characters that you either find yourself pulling for or wanting to do bodily harm to. Mr. Barrett ties his readers into knots and pulls those knots tighter with every page. Every detail rings true, no hyperbole is found here. And, as usual, when I think I have figured out what Mr. Barrett has in mind and where the story is going he pulls the rug out from under me, beats me over the head with it, and leaves me standing there with my mouth open. I SO didn't see that coming.
However, if I had to come up with one little bitty criticism, it would be that I only got to see one short scene with Eddie. I realize this is Regan's series, but I enjoy having Eddie around. I'd like to see them develop into a couple but I'm not getting my hopes up. They are so much alike the battles would be monumental, but what fun it would be to go along for the ride!
I highly recommend anything by Mr. Barrett and hope you will check out his work. He hasn't disappointed me yet. Well, maybe a couple of times in the roads he's taken telling the story, but never in the quality of his work. In my opinion, he is one of the best.
The Dark Arches by Andrew Barrett is book 2 in the DS Regan Carter series. This series starts with A Random Kill, which was equally brilliant. The fallout from the last case is still ongoing, with threats made to DC Gypsy Storm, Regan’s partner and friend. Another terrific storyline and fabulous characters. Regan is so feisty. Great to see Eddie Collins as the CSI. He and Regan are so much alike, but also so different. Regan’s ex-husband, DI Richard Parker, has found himself in a position he now regrets. How will he get himself out of this. The aura of menace surrounding Bradshaw and his men is thick. There are murders, crooked cops, abduction and then there is Eric, who really enjoys killing people, especially cops. This was a brilliant read with action aplenty as the plot thickens and the danger and the murders escalate. This is a progressive series - you need to start at book 1, no point in starting at book 2 because you won't have the faintest idea what's going on. Can’t recommend this highly enough.
The Dark Arches is the second book in the DS Regan Carter series set in Leeds, England, about a feisty Major Crimes detective battling villains from locals gangs and from within the police itself. Don’t even think about starting this if you haven’t read the first one, A Random Kill, as there’s not much recap, and you need to know the background to follow what’s going on. This was an excellent police procedural from a practising CSI, with a heroine who is definitely growing on me as she and her loyal friend and colleague Gypsy go after fiendish gang boss Bradshaw and his psychotic foot soldier Eric Clements.
Regan is determined to bring down Bradshaw, but when a key witness in the case against him dies in prison, she knows it’s going to be tough. Somehow he is always one step ahead of them, and she now suspects he’s getting insider information from her nemesis at work, Freya. What she doesn’t know is that Bradshaw is plotting mass indiscriminate murder for his own ends, and her own specific murder at the hands of the vile Clements.
I’ve read pretty much everything Andrew Barrett has written and love how he keeps coming up with ever more twisted plots with which to torment his lead characters. You don’t need to have read the Eddie Collins books to enjoy this series - although trust me if you like gritty British crime stories you should definitely read them. Eddie does appear here but in only a fairly minor role. The traits that annoyed me about Regan in the first book have receded, and we get to understand her motivations better as we meet her difficult mother and learn more about her past. I like her loyalty and fearless determination to get the job done, but the price is high - no spoilers - and I now can’t wait for book 3.
Thanks to Andy for the ARC. The Dark Arches is published on December 8th.
The Dark Arches is the second book in the Regan Carter trilogy.
The story grabs you from page 1 and never lets go, continuing the events from the end of the first Regan Carter instalment.
Quoting from the book, Regan is determined to make injustice go away by whatever means or methods possible. However, Bradshaw is just as determined to make Ragan go away permanently. Eric Clements is back and focused on fulfilling his promise to kill Regan. Poor Regan has a traumatic time and suffers badly at his hands.
I really enjoy reading Andrew Barrett’s books. The characters, whether the good guys or the bad guys are always real, well-crafted and jump out of the page at you.
I’m looking forward to the third book in the series
The Dark Arches, DS Regan Carter's Second Outing, is an outstanding read. DS Carter faces both personal and professional challenges, as well as danger. Lots of danger. She has some very rough moments, but she perseveres and wins in the end.
We learn more about her personal life and history as Barrett continues to flesh out the character and story of DS Carter.
There are bad guys, and really bad guys. There are good cops and not so good cops. DS Carter loses someone close to her, and gets in one hell of a fight.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and can't wait till the next one! However, I may never drink another bottle of wine.
Regan Carter, book # 2 is another stunning read. Just when you think things can not get worse or more complicated for her, they do.
The corrupt officers cause her, and others, more grief and put their lives in danger.
The evil men in the community up their game to cause even more damage to innocent people and their moral standards do not, apparently exist and have no boundaries.
The entire book makes it difficult to put down and I zipped through it more quickly than usual.
I can not speak highly enough of this author except to say if you don't read this series, and indeed his others, you are doing yourself a major disfavour.
There’s an awful lot going on around Leeds. The gripping second book in the series about DS Regan Carter continues the major story from the first book, with a harsh confrontation, pulling me in from the start. Meanwhile, Regan is due another meeting with the recently captured serial killer Drake Sullivan, currently on remand, and eager to cut a deal; her life is about to get even more challenging.
As well as following the ups and downs of the complicated work of Regan and her colleagues, I also gained insight into Regan’s challenging private life. I held my breath for much of the time I was reading, due to the unimaginable treatment being meted out. I’m now ready for what is to come next……
This was the second book in what is becoming an excellent series. U must read book 1. This book picks up where book one left off! The heart pounding action continues. This book is darker than the first. Nonstop action will stop u from putting it down. This book has challenges and sadness in it. It does have a cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It definitely leaves u wanting more! I highly recommend this book and this series!
Regan Carter can take a verbal and physical beating and keep on ticking. This lady has a focous and attacks like a dog who just had his food taken away from it. Regan and Eric meet again and again. Emotions run wild and they need to come to an end. I need book three to understand how Regan's mind survives this tragic run of events. A great story. A must read.
Regan Carter is back and still in it deep. She still rushes in without thought of consequences. This time she is sure she has a notorious killer but will she catch him in time? Bottles of wine are poisoned and people start dying. She and Gypsy are putting the clues together but is it enough? And the psycho that almost killed her before is still stalking her. Can she avoid him or better yet, stop him? Plenty of action throughout to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Dark Arches by Andrew Barrett. DS Regan Carter Book 2. I really am enjoying this series. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is one of my favourite authors. This is a dark and fast-paced book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Definitely recommend.
Wow! What a fantastic continuation of the Regan Carter story. The pages are non-stop action with, obviously, a lot more to come. This book is so well written, and I really couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series by a very talented author.
Book 2 in this series certainly has not disappointed. It has kept me on the edge of my seat as DS Regan Carter continues to pursue a cop killer and the leader of a criminal organisation who kills indiscriminately to get his own way. Along the way, she is betrayed, physically attacked, and loses a friend, but she has not, and will not, give up the chase.
This book just didn’t stop. From start to end. Eric is just evil & Reagan is tormented by everything about him. Absolutely fab story and just made me want even more! Great characters, the bad guys are rotten through & through, but you can’t put it down & just excellent
I enjoyed reading this book so much I found it difficult to put it down. There was plenty of action which I like. The characters were believable and the storyline very good. I think Andrew Barrett will find it hard to make his next book better than this one.
You've heard the saying "not for the faint of heart" this book blows it away. Graphic violence is need to accent the hell that sometimes befalls our first responders. A stunning scene at the end of the book adds to the shock and darkness that permeates this story. Breath-taking, pulse pounding, dark, frightening and thoroughly action packed. One heck of a grisly yet fantastic novel. Highly Recommended.
Another thrilling read. She's a loose cannon who doesn't follow the rules which gets her into all sorts of scrapes. Graphically depicted resulting in a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Already waiting for book three.
Yet again Regan Carter had me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns in the story take you to many unexpected places and incidents but none as unexpected as the dark arches. Regan Carter is a maverick cop and a real human being who the more you get to know the more you admire and as the people around her reveal themselves you realise they feel the same. More please, much much more from this feisty detective sergeant.
Wow wow wow that ending was not for the faint hearted!!! Work got in the way for me reading this but I have just finjshed. From start to finish this was amazing. Regan Carter is one of the best female characters there is and just doesn’t give up. I am hooked on this series and love the fact Eddie pops up now and again. I really need more from Regan please Andy. Highly recommended but beware this book does not hold back and is certainly not cozy crime. Thank you so much for the ARC I can’t wait for book 3 (or 4, 5 etc)
What a great read and interesting at that. Another book in what will be a fascinating series. Andrew certainly has some interesting story lines and I hope he keeps them coming. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series.
Wow - what a read that was! Regan Carter is quite something: determined, feisty, damaged, brave, tireless - I could go on...
This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. This is gritty police procedural writing that is as good as it gets.
Another great story by Andrew Barrett! There are lots of actions, twists, and turns in this story. The scenes and characters are very well described, and the novel just flows smoothly. Regan Carter is very feisty, courageous and committed to go after the gang. She takes initiative and big risks, which seems to always pay off. I can’t wait for the next story! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller.