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DCI Miller #1
One Man Crusade
A HEART-POUNDING BRITISH CRIME THRILLER
The police have a pretty big problem.
Somebody has started shooting unsuspecting citizens dead as they go about their daily business in the north west of England.
But it is a very specific type of person that the gun man is targeting. Paedophiles.
In order to keep the public calm, the police have no alternative but to explain the killer's motive.
And that's when things start to get really tricky for the investigating officers.
PLEASE NOTE: This book contains swearing throughout.
The police have a pretty big problem.
Somebody has started shooting unsuspecting citizens dead as they go about their daily business in the north west of England.
But it is a very specific type of person that the gun man is targeting. Paedophiles.
In order to keep the public calm, the police have no alternative but to explain the killer's motive.
And that's when things start to get really tricky for the investigating officers.
PLEASE NOTE: This book contains swearing throughout.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2014
352 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 20, 2014
I suppose excited would be wrong word but I was certainly intrigued by the sound of this book. There are some pretty brutal crime fiction books out there but with the advent of self-publishing it seems self-published authors are pushing the boundaries more, and writing books that perhaps bigger publishers might ask to be toned down. I picked up this book then expecting that, unfortunately it was a bit long winded, not very well edited but otherwise a really enjoyable read that I had read in less than a day. For the most part, it's a really good book but it is let down by the editing. That said the Kindle store is absolutely littered with crap, but often among the detritus you find something worth reading, and One Man Crusade definitely is.
The premise might not be for everybody, and Steven Suttie's advertising campaign didn't go down too well in Tameside, but it still asks a question that I would say most people have asked or alluded to when watching the news. What is the reaction of most people when the latest paedophile is on the news? Outrage, calling for them to be hung, drawn and quartered. In this book somebody takes it upon themselves to start murdering paedophiles across Manchester by gunning them down, the killer has been on a bit of a spree over a fortnight and is showing no signs of slowing down. The killer shoots the convicted paedophiles with an amount of bullets representative of the amount of convictions they have. It's a bit of a Dexter situation. These men have been convicted of one of the worst crimes, yet have now been released. How is this fair? But, is death, is murder the answer? The public don't want to live among them after all. Characters in the book, even within the police have varying opinions on the matter.
A serial killer is always a frightening prospect for any city, and in order to keep citizens calm the police, or rather DCI Miller has no option but to reveal the full truth. This is where politics come into play. Miller is a high ranking officer but still those above him are making him do their dirty work. He certainly has a job on his hands trying to apprehend this killer. Does he even want to catch or stop the killer? With no idea when the killer will strike next, it is an unpredictable, and exciting read at times. It's hard to talk further about the plot, in fiction boundaries are pushed, it's perhaps not the most realistic book I've read recently but it's certainly one of the more addictive. In terms of the ending, again not the most realistic and some might find it silly whilst others might think it's brilliant. I did like it, but just think others might find it a bit too unrealistic to completely get on board with. I think it's the ending you would want in real life, but it's an ending you just wouldn't get if it was real.
I also felt that the book was a lot longer than it needed to be, and I found myself rereading parts because some of it just made no sense. That said though given that I read it in just over 24 hours it's a clear sign that I did enjoy it. But it did remind me why I tend to stick to traditionally published authors, they have their books edited, taking out the unnecessary parts and just giving it that overall polished look and feel. Again though, for an author to write a book and get it out there, and then sell it is very difficult with all the have a go authors cluttering up the Kindle chart. I do recommend this book, Suttie has potential as an author and I'd definitely be interested in reading any books he writes in the future.
Thanks to Steven Suttie for the review copy.
The premise might not be for everybody, and Steven Suttie's advertising campaign didn't go down too well in Tameside, but it still asks a question that I would say most people have asked or alluded to when watching the news. What is the reaction of most people when the latest paedophile is on the news? Outrage, calling for them to be hung, drawn and quartered. In this book somebody takes it upon themselves to start murdering paedophiles across Manchester by gunning them down, the killer has been on a bit of a spree over a fortnight and is showing no signs of slowing down. The killer shoots the convicted paedophiles with an amount of bullets representative of the amount of convictions they have. It's a bit of a Dexter situation. These men have been convicted of one of the worst crimes, yet have now been released. How is this fair? But, is death, is murder the answer? The public don't want to live among them after all. Characters in the book, even within the police have varying opinions on the matter.
A serial killer is always a frightening prospect for any city, and in order to keep citizens calm the police, or rather DCI Miller has no option but to reveal the full truth. This is where politics come into play. Miller is a high ranking officer but still those above him are making him do their dirty work. He certainly has a job on his hands trying to apprehend this killer. Does he even want to catch or stop the killer? With no idea when the killer will strike next, it is an unpredictable, and exciting read at times. It's hard to talk further about the plot, in fiction boundaries are pushed, it's perhaps not the most realistic book I've read recently but it's certainly one of the more addictive. In terms of the ending, again not the most realistic and some might find it silly whilst others might think it's brilliant. I did like it, but just think others might find it a bit too unrealistic to completely get on board with. I think it's the ending you would want in real life, but it's an ending you just wouldn't get if it was real.
I also felt that the book was a lot longer than it needed to be, and I found myself rereading parts because some of it just made no sense. That said though given that I read it in just over 24 hours it's a clear sign that I did enjoy it. But it did remind me why I tend to stick to traditionally published authors, they have their books edited, taking out the unnecessary parts and just giving it that overall polished look and feel. Again though, for an author to write a book and get it out there, and then sell it is very difficult with all the have a go authors cluttering up the Kindle chart. I do recommend this book, Suttie has potential as an author and I'd definitely be interested in reading any books he writes in the future.
Thanks to Steven Suttie for the review copy.
June 3, 2015
Difficult . . .
I have read a lot of indie work over the last couple of years, some good, some bad. Mostly not quite up to scratch because the writing, the grammar, the spellchecking, the basic editing - various things can go wrong, and often do. Much indie publishing is amateur, but that does not excuse blatant amateurism!
This is an odd one. It is not absolutely wonderful, but the writing is grammatical, without glaring errors, and the author can write pretty well - and I mean that, this guy has storytelling skills.
But there are problems.
The story is police-based, set in Manchester and surrounding towns. We have a juicy murder near the start, which we then find is part of a much larger pattern. The motive is explained - but then the problems start. The police reaction - particularly among senior officers - is not entirely credible; at least, not to me. Individual officers are well-drawn characters but some of their reactions to particular crimes did not feel right - and much of the plot depends on a form of conspiracy theory that I could not accept.
There are more plot holes - the criminal has access to information that is not easily available, and this access was not explained, and he has firearms skills that imply truly exceptional talent or a lot more training opportunities than are specified.
The criticisms above are regrettable, because this author shows quite a lot of promise. The descriptions, the conversations, the action scenes - all held my interest. Basically what I am saying is that this author is a pretty good storyteller, with a good command of written English - both rare skills in indie work.
But he needs to work on plots and either plug those plot holes or spend a lot more time drawing the wool over the readers eyes so they won't be noticed.
Just a suggestion - crime may be the wrong genre. Perhaps if the author tried near-future SF (which could still be crime) or Fantasy, then his storytelling skills would be less undermined by that credibility gap. Go for it!
With regret, three stars - and I even thought about cutting down to two. Even so, I will look out for other work by this author - there is promise there.
I have read a lot of indie work over the last couple of years, some good, some bad. Mostly not quite up to scratch because the writing, the grammar, the spellchecking, the basic editing - various things can go wrong, and often do. Much indie publishing is amateur, but that does not excuse blatant amateurism!
This is an odd one. It is not absolutely wonderful, but the writing is grammatical, without glaring errors, and the author can write pretty well - and I mean that, this guy has storytelling skills.
But there are problems.
The story is police-based, set in Manchester and surrounding towns. We have a juicy murder near the start, which we then find is part of a much larger pattern. The motive is explained - but then the problems start. The police reaction - particularly among senior officers - is not entirely credible; at least, not to me. Individual officers are well-drawn characters but some of their reactions to particular crimes did not feel right - and much of the plot depends on a form of conspiracy theory that I could not accept.
There are more plot holes - the criminal has access to information that is not easily available, and this access was not explained, and he has firearms skills that imply truly exceptional talent or a lot more training opportunities than are specified.
The criticisms above are regrettable, because this author shows quite a lot of promise. The descriptions, the conversations, the action scenes - all held my interest. Basically what I am saying is that this author is a pretty good storyteller, with a good command of written English - both rare skills in indie work.
But he needs to work on plots and either plug those plot holes or spend a lot more time drawing the wool over the readers eyes so they won't be noticed.
Just a suggestion - crime may be the wrong genre. Perhaps if the author tried near-future SF (which could still be crime) or Fantasy, then his storytelling skills would be less undermined by that credibility gap. Go for it!
With regret, three stars - and I even thought about cutting down to two. Even so, I will look out for other work by this author - there is promise there.
March 3, 2015
Absorbing and shocking in equal measure, One Man Crusade is the very definition of a Can't Put It Down crime thriller, with a plot that doesn't let up and characters drawn with a detail and affection it's rare to see in this genre. This is unquestionably an author to look out for.
March 6, 2015
This book was marvellous. I fully understood pop.s dilemma and I wonder what would happen if this was to occur here in England. 5 stars all the wY
August 21, 2017
The blurb for this book got me very intrigued, and the story quite literally starts with a bang in the form of gun shots. The shots are being fired by someone who is taking it upon themselves to rid society of paedophiles. This is how the story gets you thinking about the rights and wrongs of our justice system, and apparent lack of police powers. I enjoyed this book and liked the mix of character personalities. DCI Miller and his team, and the problems they encountered during the investigation, made for interesting reading. This is the first book in a series, and the first book I’ve read by Suttie. I’ll be reading more soon.
Read
August 3, 2016What an excellent read. The author really has set out a brilliant plot. The reader first encounters the murder of a young boy, enough to enrage any normal adult. This is followed by the murder of a man at work and you think what the hell, poor bloke until you find out he is a paedophile.
This book is very thought provoking. If the law has it's hands tied is it right for a person to dish out justice to protect society's children? Pop decides after trying all the ways he possible can to lobby for justice he has no choice but to do the job himself. It was strange but understandable that the British public loved this 'hero' of justice. I haven't read a book before where no one wants the murderer caught, a brilliant concept of writing.
The frustration of DCI Andrew Miller is commendable, a true solid bloke after justice as the law says. A killer is a killer, but he has obstacle after obstacle put in his way with his seniors. Karen Ellis is again a brilliant DI, on leave after having a baby only weeks before she returns to work determined to solve this case along side Miller. These two are personal friends outside work too, so we get to know their families. Nice touch as both have children of their own.
Very well written book, it seems to have every angle covered, the police, the murderer and his reasons, the tv and press and the general public. Totally engrossing read. Would recommend this book to detective and thriller readers. I will be reading more of this author's books
This book is very thought provoking. If the law has it's hands tied is it right for a person to dish out justice to protect society's children? Pop decides after trying all the ways he possible can to lobby for justice he has no choice but to do the job himself. It was strange but understandable that the British public loved this 'hero' of justice. I haven't read a book before where no one wants the murderer caught, a brilliant concept of writing.
The frustration of DCI Andrew Miller is commendable, a true solid bloke after justice as the law says. A killer is a killer, but he has obstacle after obstacle put in his way with his seniors. Karen Ellis is again a brilliant DI, on leave after having a baby only weeks before she returns to work determined to solve this case along side Miller. These two are personal friends outside work too, so we get to know their families. Nice touch as both have children of their own.
Very well written book, it seems to have every angle covered, the police, the murderer and his reasons, the tv and press and the general public. Totally engrossing read. Would recommend this book to detective and thriller readers. I will be reading more of this author's books
September 10, 2016
I loved this book and it hits the ground running with two men sharing a cigarette break at work, and one of them is shot dead by the time DCI Andy Miller arrived at the crime scene it seemed that all the newspaper reporters and TV crews had beaten him to it. The victim was a known sex offender and this was not the first one to have been killed. The killer announces that he wants to rid the streets of sex offenders which makes the public reluctant to help capture him.It seems Miller and his team are on their own and as the killings escalate the team get more frustrated. Will he ever be caught you will have to read the book to find out.I really do not want to spoil it for you. The book was well written and I do hope that there will be another DCI Andy miller book.
March 23, 2015
I found this book slightly slow to start with but as you get further into the book it really starts to grab you. Its a very clever storyline, a vigilante killer taking the law into his own hands going around killing Pedophiles. As the story unfolds and you find out the back ground of the killer you start to be behind what he is doing like the community in the book. Obviously someone taking the law into their own hands puts the police into a predicament as they try to capture the killer. This is a good book that has a shocking turn of events at the end. look forward to reading more by this author.
February 23, 2015
A very good debut detective thriller. Set in Manchester it focuses on a serial killer killing convicted paedophiles- as most people don't see this as a problem Detective Miller has his work cut out. The writing is a bit "blokey" and in the Kindle version the layout is sometimes disrupted and there are no chapter markers at the bottom. The absent chapter markers are irksome and should be easy enough to put in- that's not the fault of the author though. A very good read and recommended
December 22, 2015
Liked the idea of this book - how would the public, the media and the nation's leading child protection charity react if someone started killing convicted paedophiles in a campaign to secure mandatory life sentences? Not entirely believable but a racy read with plenty of twists and a book you want to talk to others about. Well worth a read if you like a good thriller that's not too demanding.
June 19, 2016
Best Hard Core Detective Novel
This author looks at the lives of Detectives given a tough job of arresting a likeable serial killer that has the support of the community and some higher ups Police officials. The officers are blocked consistently from doing their jobs. Brilliant ending with a very sad twist.
This author looks at the lives of Detectives given a tough job of arresting a likeable serial killer that has the support of the community and some higher ups Police officials. The officers are blocked consistently from doing their jobs. Brilliant ending with a very sad twist.
April 26, 2017
Interesting premise but ...
The premise of the book was interesting but the number of victims was highly unlikely .The book needed some heavier editing . It was disjointed and didn't flow well . I liked the banter within the police but the political interferences and corruption with that volume of bodies ,no way .The twists in the end were ridiculous and totally laughable .
The premise of the book was interesting but the number of victims was highly unlikely .The book needed some heavier editing . It was disjointed and didn't flow well . I liked the banter within the police but the political interferences and corruption with that volume of bodies ,no way .The twists in the end were ridiculous and totally laughable .
December 12, 2018
if the evidence of Brexit is anything to go by the idea that a government department can run a secret and successful operation for seven years is laughable, however if it was the South Yorkshire police the idea of a cover up is completely believable. look no further than the miners strike and the Hillsborough disaster.
August 19, 2014
A really easy read with lots of twists and turns.
October 12, 2014
an interesting and thought provoking concept for the book. as a whole I really enjoyed it but I did think the ending was just a bit far fetched.
but overall a worthy read.
but overall a worthy read.
February 6, 2015
I've just finished it, powerful, emotive and the concept is so very believable. A cracking good read.
March 17, 2015
What a great book, it certainly makes you feel for the character & want him to succeed, but the ending really let it down.
December 8, 2015
For a writer from the wrong side of the pennines it is a really thought provoking book. Very sad in places with some hope in others. This book deserves the 90%+ 4/5 star reviews.
January 2, 2020
Gripping, suspenseful, thought provoking
4.75 stars...This is a new to me author and I am thrilled to have found him! In this British police procedural DCI Andy Miller is in charge of an investigation into a serial killer who is shooting convicted and released pedophiles. He doesn’t have enough resources, it appears the brass don’t want an arrest made and the killer has become a media sensation and folk hero.
The writing is taught and suspenseful. There are all kinds of twists and turns and surprises. The case itself and people’s reaction to it are thought provoking. The indictment of the media is scathing. The ending is gripping and shocking.
There is one pretty significant hole in the storyline...a question raised during the investigation but never answered (not saying what to avoid interfering with anyone’s enjoyment of the book.) That and one significant research error that really annoyed me as it was careless and could have been confirmed in less than five seconds on google. I’ll just say Florida vs California, world vs. land. Annoying! Both of these things are irritating but not enough to deduct a full star...so just a partial deduction because they took my head out of the story and that’s a no-no!
4.75 stars...This is a new to me author and I am thrilled to have found him! In this British police procedural DCI Andy Miller is in charge of an investigation into a serial killer who is shooting convicted and released pedophiles. He doesn’t have enough resources, it appears the brass don’t want an arrest made and the killer has become a media sensation and folk hero.
The writing is taught and suspenseful. There are all kinds of twists and turns and surprises. The case itself and people’s reaction to it are thought provoking. The indictment of the media is scathing. The ending is gripping and shocking.
There is one pretty significant hole in the storyline...a question raised during the investigation but never answered (not saying what to avoid interfering with anyone’s enjoyment of the book.) That and one significant research error that really annoyed me as it was careless and could have been confirmed in less than five seconds on google. I’ll just say Florida vs California, world vs. land. Annoying! Both of these things are irritating but not enough to deduct a full star...so just a partial deduction because they took my head out of the story and that’s a no-no!
October 17, 2019
I was recommended this book by an acquaintance. It took me a couple of chapters to get used to his style of writing but once I’d done that I absolutely loved this book. I had read a couple of reviews in which they had said it was badly written and too unrealistic? On the contrary I would say it is well written but in a different style, I also didn’t think it was unrealistic, quite the opposite. I loved this book so much that I have now ordered 3 more by Steven Suttie. I found the story captivating with a real insight into people’s feelings. Also a strange twist at the end that I was definitely not expecting. Can’t wait to pass it on to my sister, who loves crime novels.
August 17, 2023
The first in the DCI Miller series. A serial killer is on the loose in the Greater Manchester area. His mission, so he tells the country via a news outlet, is to rid the area of paedophiles. The Government he says, will not impose a mandatory life sentence, so this is the only option until the law changes. The novel cleverly shows the moral dilemma, there is huge support from the public, but at what cost, is the answer vigilante style law? Having read a fair amount of indie books, this was quite a riveting read, though, for me,the unlikely ending spoiled it slightly. Editing needs a bit of work. More research too. But fair play he’s published not only this but others in the same series.
October 23, 2016
Disappointing
The theory is right the moral dilemma of the end justifying the means a classic problem and well conceived and portrayed. The let down for me is the really weak conclusion which I found literally unbelievable. The ending simply stretched all credibility too far. Other than that I enjoyed the book liked the authors intimate knowledge on Manchester and district. The characters did get a bit thin at times especially Dixon who would have been real cynic in life.
The theory is right the moral dilemma of the end justifying the means a classic problem and well conceived and portrayed. The let down for me is the really weak conclusion which I found literally unbelievable. The ending simply stretched all credibility too far. Other than that I enjoyed the book liked the authors intimate knowledge on Manchester and district. The characters did get a bit thin at times especially Dixon who would have been real cynic in life.
October 24, 2017
A great North West England story, I was born in Manchester, know pretty much all the locations this story was set in. Good plot though I fail to believe the ending, there is to much governance within the police for it to happen. Shame its fiction though, think we would all crowdfund a "Pop" to take these vile creatures out. Pretty close to home in more than one way, would need a bigger clip to take out the person I have in mind, may he rot in his cell till he dies
August 4, 2018
So who are the bad guys?
You feel the frustration of the Miller from the onset. What makes the novel stand out is that it makes the public, and those in the higher echelons of power, complicit in a series of murders. I found myself asking, "If I cheer him on, am I not condoning his actions? So what does that make me?".
Very readable and prompting me to read the second in the series.
You feel the frustration of the Miller from the onset. What makes the novel stand out is that it makes the public, and those in the higher echelons of power, complicit in a series of murders. I found myself asking, "If I cheer him on, am I not condoning his actions? So what does that make me?".
Very readable and prompting me to read the second in the series.
June 18, 2020
A great book
This had so many twists and turns and I actually felt quite emotional towards the end, which is unusual for me! It’s not the normal detective plot and the storyline subject is a fascinating one. How would I feel if this had been a true story I keep asking myself and I am not sure I have come to a definitive answer. I would recommend you reading this book and ask yourself the question - would you have supported Pop? Read it and enjoy.
This had so many twists and turns and I actually felt quite emotional towards the end, which is unusual for me! It’s not the normal detective plot and the storyline subject is a fascinating one. How would I feel if this had been a true story I keep asking myself and I am not sure I have come to a definitive answer. I would recommend you reading this book and ask yourself the question - would you have supported Pop? Read it and enjoy.
January 12, 2018
Mmmm, not sure how I feel about this book. For certain it made me want to read more by this author as I have a feeling he will grow on me. I was a tad confused by the characters and the ending - I know it’s fiction but some things just didn’t quite add up.
It’s difficult to say more without giving away the storyline.
Yes it’s worth a read and i did enjoy it - I just did not believe it.
It’s difficult to say more without giving away the storyline.
Yes it’s worth a read and i did enjoy it - I just did not believe it.
April 15, 2018
Really interesting story
Considering this book deals with paedophiles it is handled extremely well. The vigilante killer has everyone behind him it is only when you learn his true story do you realize why. Story is captivating and gripping. The characters are well thought out and the pace of the book is really good. Would recommend.
Considering this book deals with paedophiles it is handled extremely well. The vigilante killer has everyone behind him it is only when you learn his true story do you realize why. Story is captivating and gripping. The characters are well thought out and the pace of the book is really good. Would recommend.
July 23, 2018
Awesome
This book has to be the best account of what should happen in England and rid our country of child abusers. I know it is only a story but wouldn't it be grand if the law did really change. I could not put this book down and I recommend this book to fantasy/law fans.Thanks Steven Suttie for writing this book with such intricate detail.
This book has to be the best account of what should happen in England and rid our country of child abusers. I know it is only a story but wouldn't it be grand if the law did really change. I could not put this book down and I recommend this book to fantasy/law fans.Thanks Steven Suttie for writing this book with such intricate detail.
October 24, 2019
First Class Read
Fiction yes but I know every road and highway that is mentioned in this can't put down thriller that is really brought to life by my knowledge of the area .
I can honestly say even if you don't know the area that the author is writing about, you will know similar places and find it very hard to put this book down.
Fiction yes but I know every road and highway that is mentioned in this can't put down thriller that is really brought to life by my knowledge of the area .
I can honestly say even if you don't know the area that the author is writing about, you will know similar places and find it very hard to put this book down.
May 24, 2017
Interesting premise
Well written, interesting social commentary, but the basic premise was a step to far, and the anger and over the top reaction of the main character early in the story did not really work for me.
Well written, interesting social commentary, but the basic premise was a step to far, and the anger and over the top reaction of the main character early in the story did not really work for me.
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