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Abduction: An Angel over Rimini
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert has left the Thames Valley Police Authority and is now working for Europol as a front line Europol Liaison Officer at The Hague. He has left England and, because of his recent divorce, now lives permanently in his holiday villa, in the Calvados region of Northern France.
In An Angel over Rimini, his first case for Europol involves the abduction of a little English girl from a camp site in Riccione in Italy. It is a cold case, which has been reopened due to public pressure, the intervention of the British Government and the agitation of leading English newspapers.
DCI Lambert goes to Rimini to help the State Police to reinvestigate the kidnapping of little Penelope Scratchford, only to find that the investigating authorities are quite determined to blame the parents for her disappearance and murder. It becomes clear - as his investigation progresses - that there are too many unanswered questions and that much of the evidence has been ignored, by the original investigating officer, Vice Inspector Daniel Bosola.
Whilst in Italy, DCI Lambert also finds time to catch up with his father’s mysterious past, during his wartime service in Brindisi as an RAF officer in a Pathfinder Squadron. This reveals some interesting, if not spectacular revelations about his father’s secret wartime exploits and his peccadillo’s too! For Michael Lambert it is also an awakening, and romance in the shape of Countess Beatrix d’Aragona finally brings the Europol detective back to life emotionally, somehow blotting out the past and his sterile marriage to Arabella Lambert.
Continuing his pursuit of the missing English girl, his investigations take him to Greece and the established smuggling routes through the Evros River Delta up into Bulgaria. In Greece he discovers the horrors of organized illegal immigration and people trafficking and the gangsters involved. He also finds out, that these established smuggling routes are also Al Qaida’s way into Greece and the EU.
In his travels he comes across corrupt Lawyers and Orphanages in Bulgaria, but in so doing he also manages to pinpoint an established child trafficking trail which ultimately leads him back to Central Europe. The discovery of an illegal child adoption group in Hanover and the criminals who operate it, the information gleaned during his trip through Bulgaria, helps DCI Lambert to learn if little Penny Scratchford is still alive or dead.
In An Angel over Rimini, his first case for Europol involves the abduction of a little English girl from a camp site in Riccione in Italy. It is a cold case, which has been reopened due to public pressure, the intervention of the British Government and the agitation of leading English newspapers.
DCI Lambert goes to Rimini to help the State Police to reinvestigate the kidnapping of little Penelope Scratchford, only to find that the investigating authorities are quite determined to blame the parents for her disappearance and murder. It becomes clear - as his investigation progresses - that there are too many unanswered questions and that much of the evidence has been ignored, by the original investigating officer, Vice Inspector Daniel Bosola.
Whilst in Italy, DCI Lambert also finds time to catch up with his father’s mysterious past, during his wartime service in Brindisi as an RAF officer in a Pathfinder Squadron. This reveals some interesting, if not spectacular revelations about his father’s secret wartime exploits and his peccadillo’s too! For Michael Lambert it is also an awakening, and romance in the shape of Countess Beatrix d’Aragona finally brings the Europol detective back to life emotionally, somehow blotting out the past and his sterile marriage to Arabella Lambert.
Continuing his pursuit of the missing English girl, his investigations take him to Greece and the established smuggling routes through the Evros River Delta up into Bulgaria. In Greece he discovers the horrors of organized illegal immigration and people trafficking and the gangsters involved. He also finds out, that these established smuggling routes are also Al Qaida’s way into Greece and the EU.
In his travels he comes across corrupt Lawyers and Orphanages in Bulgaria, but in so doing he also manages to pinpoint an established child trafficking trail which ultimately leads him back to Central Europe. The discovery of an illegal child adoption group in Hanover and the criminals who operate it, the information gleaned during his trip through Bulgaria, helps DCI Lambert to learn if little Penny Scratchford is still alive or dead.
424 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2014
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Brigham
12 books50 followersPatrick has been a writer and journalist for many years. He has published many short stories, newspaper and magazine articles. Born in the English home counties, he attended Public School and College before moving to London and embarking on his property career.
Having spent the last twenty years in South Eastern Europe, many of his stories are set in this part of the world as well as in Oxford, London, Hampshire and Berkshire. In the last two years he has only written stand alone literary fiction novels, including Goddess of The Rainbow, and The London Property Boy.
Does author Patrick Brigham write good murder mystery books? Author Patrick Brigham writes good mystery books, many of which are set at the very end of the Cold War and Communism. Featuring fictional police detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert, he is often faced with political intrigue, and in order to solve his cases - which frequently take place in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
There are few good books on the subject of international crime, especially mystery stories which delve into the shady side of Balkan politics, neither are there many novelists who are prepared to address the mystery crime fiction, like the author Patrick Brigham.
As a recently seconded officer to Europol, the new EU federal police force, Chief Inspector Michael Lambert brings a new slant to the European crime fiction.
During the last two years I have become more involved with stand alone fiction, with my two books Goddess Of The Rainbow, and The London Property Boy. The first is about Greece, and a great flood, and the second, a semi biographical account of a career in London property.
Also, I have just published a play called Judicial Review, which is now out and in the shops, It is about the absurdities of justice, when it comes to huge financial and corporate crimes, and the way courts deal with the offenders.
Having spent the last twenty years in South Eastern Europe, many of his stories are set in this part of the world as well as in Oxford, London, Hampshire and Berkshire. In the last two years he has only written stand alone literary fiction novels, including Goddess of The Rainbow, and The London Property Boy.
Does author Patrick Brigham write good murder mystery books? Author Patrick Brigham writes good mystery books, many of which are set at the very end of the Cold War and Communism. Featuring fictional police detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert, he is often faced with political intrigue, and in order to solve his cases - which frequently take place in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
There are few good books on the subject of international crime, especially mystery stories which delve into the shady side of Balkan politics, neither are there many novelists who are prepared to address the mystery crime fiction, like the author Patrick Brigham.
As a recently seconded officer to Europol, the new EU federal police force, Chief Inspector Michael Lambert brings a new slant to the European crime fiction.
During the last two years I have become more involved with stand alone fiction, with my two books Goddess Of The Rainbow, and The London Property Boy. The first is about Greece, and a great flood, and the second, a semi biographical account of a career in London property.
Also, I have just published a play called Judicial Review, which is now out and in the shops, It is about the absurdities of justice, when it comes to huge financial and corporate crimes, and the way courts deal with the offenders.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 26, 2014
I believe this is the 3rd book that Patrick Brigham has written featuring Michael Lambert, a Reading police officer now working for Europol. Despite not having read the previous ones, I had no trouble following the story and characters in this one.
There are many things to like in this police thriller that spans many European countries:
First of all, the author spends the first 3 chapters focusing on his main character and his past, his motivations, his problems and hopes, all of which serve to make us understand him, like him and root for him.
Secondly, the main plot about a little English girl's disappearance during her family's holiday in Rimini, Italy is both interesting and frighteningly realistic. Perhaps inspired by the real disappearance of little Madeleine McCann in Portugal a few years ago, it is really something one might see in today's headlines.
Thirdly, Lambert's police work and reasoning are down to earth and make sense, adding to the realism of the story.
Last, but certainly not least, the descriptions of the places, people, and especially the (corrupt) authorities in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria are perfectly accurate and spot on, as is expected since Mr Brigham has lived and worked in the Balkans for many years.
The only thing that i didn't like very much (thus awarding it 4 stars instead of 5) was the role that coincidence/luck played in two points: at one point of the investigation, namely regarding the Australian priest, and in one point of his personal life in Italy.
All in all, I would definitely read more of Mr Brigham's books.
There are many things to like in this police thriller that spans many European countries:
First of all, the author spends the first 3 chapters focusing on his main character and his past, his motivations, his problems and hopes, all of which serve to make us understand him, like him and root for him.
Secondly, the main plot about a little English girl's disappearance during her family's holiday in Rimini, Italy is both interesting and frighteningly realistic. Perhaps inspired by the real disappearance of little Madeleine McCann in Portugal a few years ago, it is really something one might see in today's headlines.
Thirdly, Lambert's police work and reasoning are down to earth and make sense, adding to the realism of the story.
Last, but certainly not least, the descriptions of the places, people, and especially the (corrupt) authorities in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria are perfectly accurate and spot on, as is expected since Mr Brigham has lived and worked in the Balkans for many years.
The only thing that i didn't like very much (thus awarding it 4 stars instead of 5) was the role that coincidence/luck played in two points: at one point of the investigation, namely regarding the Australian priest, and in one point of his personal life in Italy.
All in all, I would definitely read more of Mr Brigham's books.
September 26, 2014
Could be better with an editor I need to find a reason to go on with my life; to like what I do, to like who I am and to quietly pass the days until I can finally accept that I am doing the right thing; both for myself and – he supposed – my immortal soul. – DCI Michael Lambert – Abduction: Angel Over RiminiI truly enjoy European and British novels, especially police procedurals. The turns of phrase, characterizations and procedures are just enough different from American stories that I normally find myself dropping into the story and losing myself. While that is the norm, there are certain books that I simply can’t make myself like, not because the story isn’t good, but because it simply isn’t well written. In this case, though Mr. Brigham may have been a journalist, he is in great need of an editor.Though there are those who seem to admire his writing style, I find that Mr. Brigham’s over-descriptive, ad nauseum style had me wanting to pound my head against a wall. A good third of the book could have been tossed out and tightened down in order to make the book more readable. For example, I really didn’t need to know which rail lines Lambert took from St Lazar to Gare du Nord, then to Charles de Gaulle, and how he bought socks and ties at the airport. Why not just bring them from home, anyway? And knowing that he bought ten eggs, a jar of honey, a packet of spaghetti, etc. – ugh. Instead of giving us your marketing list, as the book does focus on food in places, I would much rather know what he cooked for himself and let it go at that. It would be much more interesting than a market list! The whole book is weighed down with these types of descriptions – filler material at best – which slows the story and allows the mind to wander until you suddenly realize that you have totally lost track of the narrative.That is not to say that the book is totally boring or uninteresting. There are sections of the book, focusing on the countries Lambert visits, which are jewels of writing. And yes, there are some “foodie” scenes that are well done. For example, sitting outside a café in Alexandroupolis, Greece, eating baklava and drinking a little sweet Greek coffee reminds me of my own experiences with the same. Moreover, the descriptions of the countryside Lambert visits are often well done.As for the actual cold case, that Lambert is working for Europol? The story itself is heartrending, pointing out just how “inhuman” humans can actually be. The treatment of migrants, lives lived in squalor, child trafficking, guns, murder and death – all come sharply into focus.As for the secondary story, of Lambert’s father’s extramarital relationship during the war in Europe and the outcome so many years later when Lambert meets the Duchess of Malfi, well, it rather strains credulity – not in the history, but rather in the extreme level of coincidence inherent in the plot line.Overall, this isn’t a bad book in-and-of itself, just not one that makes me want to go back and read the first two in the series.I received this book from Rosie Amber!
July 13, 2014
Abduction: An Angel over Rimini
In this book Patrick Brigham reveals the forms of human trafficking from the poorest to richest countries. The Chief Inspector Lambert is working now for Europol after he gave up his job at Thames Valley Police .Being through a difficult divorce he is living now in France and his first mission is to investigate an abduction case of a little British girl from a campsite in North of Italy-Rimini, a good opportunity for him to think and find out more about his father who was there during the WWII.
The case of abduction leads to some terrifying facts about human trafficking and foreign migrants in North of Greece at the border with Turkey. Not so easy reading at times, these are facts not very often included in statistics and although the book is a work of fiction, the plagues revealed in the book are real in the modern society.
Will Lambert find the little girl alive or not?
In this book Patrick Brigham reveals the forms of human trafficking from the poorest to richest countries. The Chief Inspector Lambert is working now for Europol after he gave up his job at Thames Valley Police .Being through a difficult divorce he is living now in France and his first mission is to investigate an abduction case of a little British girl from a campsite in North of Italy-Rimini, a good opportunity for him to think and find out more about his father who was there during the WWII.
The case of abduction leads to some terrifying facts about human trafficking and foreign migrants in North of Greece at the border with Turkey. Not so easy reading at times, these are facts not very often included in statistics and although the book is a work of fiction, the plagues revealed in the book are real in the modern society.
Will Lambert find the little girl alive or not?
September 12, 2014
It does me great pleasure to review Abduction: An Angel over Rimini by Patrick Brigham a novelist I greatly admire for his wit, seemingly effortless style that brings the nuance of life onto the page creating a very real world. A very visual style! The senses tingle when taken on a journey by Patrick Brigham. I know how hard it is to get descriptions right. No one one does it better than Patrick Brigham.
The subject of the novel a child abduction is handled exceptionally, the police procedurals, the investigation, is all as it seems a constant with Patrick, a joy and expertly done. And like his detective character Detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert, Patrick, is obviously, decisive, methodical and comprehensive, and highly likeable.
I think Detective Lambert is in good hands with this author.
Another thought I had with this book - I am an ex cop - he must of done a lot of research to get so many things right. I felt when reading Abduction that Patrick was relating an investigation he actually carried out.
Exceptional. Please Patrick ... More!
The subject of the novel a child abduction is handled exceptionally, the police procedurals, the investigation, is all as it seems a constant with Patrick, a joy and expertly done. And like his detective character Detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert, Patrick, is obviously, decisive, methodical and comprehensive, and highly likeable.
I think Detective Lambert is in good hands with this author.
Another thought I had with this book - I am an ex cop - he must of done a lot of research to get so many things right. I felt when reading Abduction that Patrick was relating an investigation he actually carried out.
Exceptional. Please Patrick ... More!
September 30, 2014
With Abduction - An Angel Over Rimini, Patrick Brigham has created a compelling story of a Europol DCI utilising his long-time Reading experience to solve a crime, and uncover neglect in local police procedures. Abduction - An Angel Over Rimini is an entertaining, gripping, and also astonishing Europol procedural read, making you want to read more. I was drawn into the story right away. I felt close to Michael Lambert and his way of analysing and detecting. All relevant characters became pretty real. Abduction - An Angel Over Rimini is a good read for mystery fans, readers who like surprises, and apparent coincidences.
This is a book to read again.
This is a book to read again.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews