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DI Fenchurch #3
What Doesn't Kill You
A missing child. A dead lawyer. Long-awaited answers.
While helping to police a heated discussion on City of London territory, DI Simon Fenchurch is called out to an East London building site.
A young City lawyer has been assaulted and brutally murdered.
Initial inquiries lead Fenchurch to a driver employed by Travis, a controversial new app-based cab company.
Within days another woman is murdered. A Travis driver.
As the body count rises, Fenchurch delves into the crimes and unveils a murky conspiracy that some will do anything to keep hidden.
When familiar faces begin to emerge from the shadows, Fenchurch realizes this case is more personal than he’d thought.
Could he finally be on the brink of solving the mystery that has dogged him for more than a Who abducted his daughter, Chloe—and where is she now?
Or did she die?
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, JD Kirk, and Alex Smith, What Doesn't Kill You continues the best-selling Detective Simon Fenchurch series of gritty police procedurals.
While helping to police a heated discussion on City of London territory, DI Simon Fenchurch is called out to an East London building site.
A young City lawyer has been assaulted and brutally murdered.
Initial inquiries lead Fenchurch to a driver employed by Travis, a controversial new app-based cab company.
Within days another woman is murdered. A Travis driver.
As the body count rises, Fenchurch delves into the crimes and unveils a murky conspiracy that some will do anything to keep hidden.
When familiar faces begin to emerge from the shadows, Fenchurch realizes this case is more personal than he’d thought.
Could he finally be on the brink of solving the mystery that has dogged him for more than a Who abducted his daughter, Chloe—and where is she now?
Or did she die?
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, JD Kirk, and Alex Smith, What Doesn't Kill You continues the best-selling Detective Simon Fenchurch series of gritty police procedurals.
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First published April 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 26, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the DI Fenchurch series by Ed James and another solid read. As previously said on here, 5 stars does not give you chance to fully identify how good a book is and to me 3 stars can be a good read.
In this 3rd book a body of a young City lawyer is discovered on a London building site, assaulted and brutally murdered. DI Simon Fenchurch suspicions are drawn to a driver employed by a new cab company called Travis. Shortly after another woman who is herself a Travis driver is found murdered.
When DI Fenchurch investigate the crimes they unveil a conspiracy that some people will do anything to keep hidden.
Another solid book in a series I am enjoying and will continue to read.
In this 3rd book a body of a young City lawyer is discovered on a London building site, assaulted and brutally murdered. DI Simon Fenchurch suspicions are drawn to a driver employed by a new cab company called Travis. Shortly after another woman who is herself a Travis driver is found murdered.
When DI Fenchurch investigate the crimes they unveil a conspiracy that some people will do anything to keep hidden.
Another solid book in a series I am enjoying and will continue to read.
February 23, 2018
What Doesn't Kill You was an enjoyable crime thriller with an intriguing plot and some great development on a thread that runs through all the books in the series.
When a young lawyer is found assaulted and murdered, DI Simon Fenchurch and his team are assigned to the case. Shortly after the case leads them to a ride-sharing company called Travis, a driver for Travis is found dead. The more Simon and his team look into this case, the more it becomes clear a conspiracy is at the heart of things that someone is willing to do anything to keep hidden. When a lead sends Simon down a path toward information about his missing daughter Chloe, Simon will have to decide just how far he's willing to go to find out what happened to her.
Simon continues to be a man who struggles with following the rules. When Simon finds a lead on a case he wants to follow it, consequences be damned. In a world where office politics play a key role, his approach is one that definitely doesn't endear him to others. I admire Simon's dedication even if I think he goes a bit far at times. If anyone close to him becomes involved, Simon loses his head and acts without thinking. At times it surprises me that he still has a job or is in charge of a team, but I suppose it wouldn't do if he was sidelined although he comes close several times.
We see the return of several side characters from previous books including most of Simon's colleagues. I still had issues with Simon's boss and the way he handled Simon's behavior, but at this point I'm becoming used to his rough attitude. My favorite of Simon's colleagues is definitely DS Kay Reed and I think she's one of the best assets on his team. Members of Simon's family return and play key roles in a few of the plot lines in this book.
There are three major cases that Simon works on in What Doesn't Kill You and all three were very well done and quite interesting. The author does an amazing job tying characters from different cases together and everything was so well connected. I was constantly on the look out to see how a new case would end up relating to the previous crimes and I was never disappointed. I was happy to see development on Chloe's case and was quite pleased to have some answers after several books.
What Doesn't Kill You ended up being my favorite book in the DI Fenchurch series so far and I'm looking forward to the next book coming out soon. I'd definitely recommend these books if you're a fan of British police procedurals.
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
When a young lawyer is found assaulted and murdered, DI Simon Fenchurch and his team are assigned to the case. Shortly after the case leads them to a ride-sharing company called Travis, a driver for Travis is found dead. The more Simon and his team look into this case, the more it becomes clear a conspiracy is at the heart of things that someone is willing to do anything to keep hidden. When a lead sends Simon down a path toward information about his missing daughter Chloe, Simon will have to decide just how far he's willing to go to find out what happened to her.
Simon continues to be a man who struggles with following the rules. When Simon finds a lead on a case he wants to follow it, consequences be damned. In a world where office politics play a key role, his approach is one that definitely doesn't endear him to others. I admire Simon's dedication even if I think he goes a bit far at times. If anyone close to him becomes involved, Simon loses his head and acts without thinking. At times it surprises me that he still has a job or is in charge of a team, but I suppose it wouldn't do if he was sidelined although he comes close several times.
We see the return of several side characters from previous books including most of Simon's colleagues. I still had issues with Simon's boss and the way he handled Simon's behavior, but at this point I'm becoming used to his rough attitude. My favorite of Simon's colleagues is definitely DS Kay Reed and I think she's one of the best assets on his team. Members of Simon's family return and play key roles in a few of the plot lines in this book.
There are three major cases that Simon works on in What Doesn't Kill You and all three were very well done and quite interesting. The author does an amazing job tying characters from different cases together and everything was so well connected. I was constantly on the look out to see how a new case would end up relating to the previous crimes and I was never disappointed. I was happy to see development on Chloe's case and was quite pleased to have some answers after several books.
What Doesn't Kill You ended up being my favorite book in the DI Fenchurch series so far and I'm looking forward to the next book coming out soon. I'd definitely recommend these books if you're a fan of British police procedurals.
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
April 23, 2017
I love this series. With out giving away too much; I am glad to see some conclusions & lots of possibilities. Please sir May we have another. Looking forward to the next one.
May 8, 2017
DI Simon Fenchurch is called to the scene of an assaulted & brutally murdered young lawyer. While Fenchurch & his team investigate the murder they are lead to Travis an app based cab company. There is a lot of controversy surrounding Travis with the regular cabbies of London. The body count keeps going up & Fenchurch receive personal threats telling him to back off his investigation. While Fenchurch questions people of interest regarding the case, he starts to see a familiar pattern immerge that closes resembles what happened to his kidnapped daughter. What he uncovers is answers to what may have happened to his daughter & that she could still be alive. When all the evidence leads them to what motivated the killings, an ugly truth it brought to light & many powerful important men fall in the process.
This third installment of the DI Simon Fenchurch series is both suspenseful & thrilling. While Fenchurch is working to move beyond his daughter’s kidnapping & start a new chapter in his life with his wife, his current case drags him back into the past with full force. He struggles to maintain the promises he has made to his wife & the lure of being given answers to questions that have haunted him for years. So far I’ve truly enjoyed this series & look forward to more stories in DI Fenchurch & his team.
I voluntarily reviewed a Net Galley Copy of the book.
This third installment of the DI Simon Fenchurch series is both suspenseful & thrilling. While Fenchurch is working to move beyond his daughter’s kidnapping & start a new chapter in his life with his wife, his current case drags him back into the past with full force. He struggles to maintain the promises he has made to his wife & the lure of being given answers to questions that have haunted him for years. So far I’ve truly enjoyed this series & look forward to more stories in DI Fenchurch & his team.
I voluntarily reviewed a Net Galley Copy of the book.
April 15, 2017
Finished reading: April 12th 2017
"Remind me why I do this job again?" "Because when you stop hitting your head against the brick wall, there's a surge of relief."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 5, 2017
DI Simon Fenchurch and his partner DS Kay Hooper are on night shift and assigned to attend a debate about a new "Uber" type cab company. London cabbies are not at all pleased and massed outside the debate site. No wonder, as London cabbies have to undergo rigorous education and certification on "the Knowledge"; encyclopedic knowledge of London and all its highways and byways. So why should this upstart company with drivers who are not required to have licenses be allowed to operate? The appearance of Lord Ingham, a longtime Conservative Party operative with some very right-wing views ratchets up the potential for violence. When the situation devolves into a riot, Simon is the one who saves his life. From the debate Fenchurch and Hooper are called to the scene of the brutal murder of a young City lawyer at a construction site, the worlds of the new "Travis" company, Lord Ingham, and a pedophile sex trafficking ring collide with multiplying bodies and a brutal betrayal.
Just as in the previous two Fenchurch novels, the abduction of Fenchurch's young daughter, Chloe, a decade before underlies the story. Simon and his wife, Abi, have managed to make some accommodation for the loss of Chloe, and are even expecting another child. But Simon will never give up on finding out what happened to Chloe, and neither will his retired policeman father, Liam. The present case seems to have a connection to Chloe. So will Simon and Abi finally get answers, and will they be the answers they want?
What Doesn't Kill You is another high-action ride through the mean, traffic and construction clogged streets of East London. Simon Fenchurch is one of the most driven police officers in today's crime fiction, and he has little regard for rules and regulations when he is on the case. Once you start a Fenchurch novel, it is very hard to put down.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING-4 Stars
Just as in the previous two Fenchurch novels, the abduction of Fenchurch's young daughter, Chloe, a decade before underlies the story. Simon and his wife, Abi, have managed to make some accommodation for the loss of Chloe, and are even expecting another child. But Simon will never give up on finding out what happened to Chloe, and neither will his retired policeman father, Liam. The present case seems to have a connection to Chloe. So will Simon and Abi finally get answers, and will they be the answers they want?
What Doesn't Kill You is another high-action ride through the mean, traffic and construction clogged streets of East London. Simon Fenchurch is one of the most driven police officers in today's crime fiction, and he has little regard for rules and regulations when he is on the case. Once you start a Fenchurch novel, it is very hard to put down.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING-4 Stars
August 6, 2017
This book really needs you to have read the previous 2 books. I enjoyed it much less - the plot is chaotic and not well developed as the eleven year search for their daughter intertwines with the two murders linked with an Uber style taxi firm
March 22, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of What Doesn't Kill You, the third novel in the DI Simon Fenchurch.
The novel opens with Fenchurch and his sidekick DS Kay Reed attending, in an advisory capacity, a debate about a new web based taxi service called Travis and saving one of the debaters, Lord Gilbert Ingham, from a knife attack. They do not have time to hang about as they have to go and investigate a murder where a young professional woman has been stabbed and dumped on a building site. That's the first two chapters and the action and intrigue don't let up until the last page.
What a read. I started and couldn't put it down until I'd finished and now I'm in withdrawal. It is difficult to discuss the plot without spoilers but Fenchurch takes a major step forward in his hunt for his daughter Chloe who was kidnapped 11 years previously and along the way there is a high body count, plenty of action and a storyline filled with twists and turns. If you are looking for a high octane read this is the book for you.
Simon Fenchurch is a driven man. He is desperate to find Chloe but he no longer broods over it as he did in previous novels. I think he is well drawn because Mr James does a sterling job of conveying his desperation, panic and sense of helplessness when things don't go his way and his determination to get the information he needs. He is a bit unhinged and violent in this novel but it makes him all the more human.
What Doesn't Kill You is an excellent thriller - I won't say procedural because Fenchurch has ripped up the rule book - and I have no hesitation in recommending it as such.
The novel opens with Fenchurch and his sidekick DS Kay Reed attending, in an advisory capacity, a debate about a new web based taxi service called Travis and saving one of the debaters, Lord Gilbert Ingham, from a knife attack. They do not have time to hang about as they have to go and investigate a murder where a young professional woman has been stabbed and dumped on a building site. That's the first two chapters and the action and intrigue don't let up until the last page.
What a read. I started and couldn't put it down until I'd finished and now I'm in withdrawal. It is difficult to discuss the plot without spoilers but Fenchurch takes a major step forward in his hunt for his daughter Chloe who was kidnapped 11 years previously and along the way there is a high body count, plenty of action and a storyline filled with twists and turns. If you are looking for a high octane read this is the book for you.
Simon Fenchurch is a driven man. He is desperate to find Chloe but he no longer broods over it as he did in previous novels. I think he is well drawn because Mr James does a sterling job of conveying his desperation, panic and sense of helplessness when things don't go his way and his determination to get the information he needs. He is a bit unhinged and violent in this novel but it makes him all the more human.
What Doesn't Kill You is an excellent thriller - I won't say procedural because Fenchurch has ripped up the rule book - and I have no hesitation in recommending it as such.
October 16, 2017
D.I. Simon Fennchurch returns in master story teller Ed James' stunning suspense thriller, "What Doesn't Kill You". This third extraordinary Fennchurch tale is a non stop action packed, emotional and hard hitting story that twists/ turns without mercy. As the story evolves it very difficult to imagine the situations Fennchurch ends up having to endure. Working out of the London Met Fennchurch is investigating the murder of lawyer Victoria Brooklehurst. She seems to have been murdered after getting a ride in a "Travis" cab on her way home. Her body left with no ID was found strangled and dumped away from where her murder must have taken place. Victoria works for the law offices of Ogden & Makepiece, known to be ambulance chasing lawyers Managing partner Gerald Ogden is also Victoria's godfather. Travis is the new app that's winning the taxi cab wars in London. However Fennchurch a bit of a loose cannon and is very rarely backed up by his superiors. DCI Jason Bell is no fan of Fennchurch and his outside the lines approach. Even Abigail "Abi" Fennchurch, Simon's long suffering wife gets exacerbated with Simon and his job. Married then separated for a time before getting back together with Simon, Abi is usually at her wits end. The Fennchurch's daughter Chloe now missing for eleven years is the emotional wall keeping them at odds. When Cassie McBride is shot and killed by a gunman who walks up to her sitting in a car will then turn Fennchurch's case on a dime. Meanwhile the prime suspect in Victoria's murder is arrested but murdered in his jail cell. Fennchurch and his team now realize one or more cops are dirty in this whole Travis scheme. The story twists again when local crime boss Frank "Flick-Knife" Blunden is dying of cancer but ends up murdered. Fennchurch is floored when finding his father Ian drunk out his mind knife in hand at Blunden's house. Ian is fitted with a very tight frame on the Blunden killing and Simon is his only hope. This faced paced heart palpitating story seems to twist and turn with each new chapter. At almost 400 sizzling pages this one is beyond difficult to put down. I read the last 150 pages overnight in the wee hours determined to see how conclusion would come together. Author Ed James' Simon Fennchurch is not nearly as captivating as his Scott Cullen series but that's not a bad thing. Author Ed James has a unique ability to create some really unusual characters in his books. The bad guys always seem to come off bigger than life as the protagonist must rise up to battle the evil that lurks. I've learned a lot with regard at how the police are classified in their ranks. (DS, DC, DCI, DI ect.) I must say I marval at author Ed James unparalleled ability to allow his protagonists to mock and maintain a certain disdain for the chain of command. Ed James proves book after book to be a master story teller. "What Doesn't Kill You", gets five stars out of a possible five stars. Too bad I couldn't rate it higher. This third Simon Fennchurch is a mesmerizing tale far superior to the first two book of series. Highly recommended as do not miss Ed James Simon Fennchurch series. (We need a new Scott Cullen book soon !)
January 29, 2018
Very good book
I have really enjoyed this book, although at times I think the author used in my opinion one to many descriptive words. Overall I enjoyed this book and the continuation of the story.
I have really enjoyed this book, although at times I think the author used in my opinion one to many descriptive words. Overall I enjoyed this book and the continuation of the story.
November 29, 2018
I generally like the writing and the characters in this series, but this entry was just too chaotic and over the top, lacking credibility.
March 21, 2017
3 stars
This is Ed James’ third DI Simon Fenchurch and DS Kay Reed novel.
When the body of a young barrister is found it is discovered that he used a new cab company called “Travis” that is app-based. Soon another murder is committed. This time it is a driver for the aforementioned company Travis.
As Fenchurch and his colleagues follow the clues, a conspiracy is discovered; some people will do anything to keep their involvement hidden.
For my taste, this novel delves into DI Fenchurch and his problems too much. For three books I’ve listened to his obsessing about his missing daughter. I realize that it is a tragedy, but I for one am more than a little tired of hearing about it.
In this novel DI Fenchurch gets clues as to what might have really happened when his daughter Chloe disappeared years earlier. And more importantly, where she is now.
I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me this book to read.
This is Ed James’ third DI Simon Fenchurch and DS Kay Reed novel.
When the body of a young barrister is found it is discovered that he used a new cab company called “Travis” that is app-based. Soon another murder is committed. This time it is a driver for the aforementioned company Travis.
As Fenchurch and his colleagues follow the clues, a conspiracy is discovered; some people will do anything to keep their involvement hidden.
For my taste, this novel delves into DI Fenchurch and his problems too much. For three books I’ve listened to his obsessing about his missing daughter. I realize that it is a tragedy, but I for one am more than a little tired of hearing about it.
In this novel DI Fenchurch gets clues as to what might have really happened when his daughter Chloe disappeared years earlier. And more importantly, where she is now.
I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me this book to read.
October 13, 2017
This follows almost directly from the first of the series. It makes the second seem out of place. You would want to read the first before this one.
The author’s dramatisation of the Met is showing them to be a bunch of idiots. Repeating identical mistakes that were improbable in the first place. Heavy handed interviewing and detective work almost completely reliant on someone new turning over and informing.
It’s a complex plot that has so many unexpected twists they become expected. It reads easily but it misses strong character development. The ending has missed potential and feels rushed.
All that said it’s an entertaining and easy read. I’d like to see much more gritty interpersonal stuff if the series continues.
The author’s dramatisation of the Met is showing them to be a bunch of idiots. Repeating identical mistakes that were improbable in the first place. Heavy handed interviewing and detective work almost completely reliant on someone new turning over and informing.
It’s a complex plot that has so many unexpected twists they become expected. It reads easily but it misses strong character development. The ending has missed potential and feels rushed.
All that said it’s an entertaining and easy read. I’d like to see much more gritty interpersonal stuff if the series continues.
November 14, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: What Doesn't Kill You
Subtitle: (DI Fenchurch #3)
Author: Ed James
Genre: Crime Fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 3
Best read after earlier books in series? Yes, but can be read as stand-alone.
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
DI Fenchurch again needs to find the murderer of a young woman. This time, a young lawyer is murdered and he discovers a web of deceit and racketeering. He also comes close to finding out what happened to his daughter.
What I liked about the book:
The book is suspenseful with many twists and turns. A real page-turner.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I really loved the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where DI Fenchurch gets closer to the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third in a series and I would love to grab the next in the series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a great crime novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like murder mysteries full of suspense, this may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The body of a young City lawyer is discovered on an East London building site, assaulted and brutally murdered. Initial enquiries lead DI Simon Fenchurch to a driver employed by Travis, a controversial new app-based cab company. Within days another woman - a Travis driver - is found murdered.
As the body count goes up, DI Fenchurch and his colleagues on the East London Major Investigation Team delve into the crimes and unveil a murky conspiracy that some will do anything to keep hidden.
When familiar faces begin to emerge from the shadows, Fenchurch realises this case is more personal than he’d thought. Could he finally be on the brink of solving the mystery that has dogged him for over a decade: who abducted his daughter, Chloe - and where is she now?.
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: What Doesn't Kill You
Subtitle: (DI Fenchurch #3)
Author: Ed James
Genre: Crime Fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 3
Best read after earlier books in series? Yes, but can be read as stand-alone.
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
DI Fenchurch again needs to find the murderer of a young woman. This time, a young lawyer is murdered and he discovers a web of deceit and racketeering. He also comes close to finding out what happened to his daughter.
What I liked about the book:
The book is suspenseful with many twists and turns. A real page-turner.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I really loved the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where DI Fenchurch gets closer to the truth.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third in a series and I would love to grab the next in the series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a great crime novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like murder mysteries full of suspense, this may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The body of a young City lawyer is discovered on an East London building site, assaulted and brutally murdered. Initial enquiries lead DI Simon Fenchurch to a driver employed by Travis, a controversial new app-based cab company. Within days another woman - a Travis driver - is found murdered.
As the body count goes up, DI Fenchurch and his colleagues on the East London Major Investigation Team delve into the crimes and unveil a murky conspiracy that some will do anything to keep hidden.
When familiar faces begin to emerge from the shadows, Fenchurch realises this case is more personal than he’d thought. Could he finally be on the brink of solving the mystery that has dogged him for over a decade: who abducted his daughter, Chloe - and where is she now?.
About the Author:
May 31, 2018
This is the third Fenchurch book I’ve read and they’ve all been fine. Pretty good stories with a few clever twists and turns. There were a few things that I found off putting while reading them though, things such as nearly every character having to wink when saying something to one another or having to push their hands into their eye sockets when they’re feeling stressed/upset. There’s one chapter where nearly half of it is describing someone scratching their moustache between questioning. I’m all for describing the finer details but it just goes on a bit sometimes.
The main thing I found off putting was the man himself, Fenchurch... he comes across as a right moron, I don’t know the ins and outs of police procedures but I suspect he would have been sacked long before reaching his current rank. It seems he’s unable to walk anywhere, he prefers to storm or march... that’s when his knees aren’t popping and cracking of course. He always seems to be complaining about acid reflux - maybe because he only eats burritos, which has been a theme in the three books I’ve read so far, but it makes him sound like a toddler or something. My niece had a similar stage when she’d only eat chicken nuggets, but then she was only about 4.
He’s got a massive grudge against the character Mulholland, seemingly because she’s good at her job and efficient, but again it just makes him seem a bit of a tosser.
Then it comes to the drums that he hears in his head... I’ve never been able to work out what this is trying to convey but it just makes him sound mentally ill.
Despite all that, it’s not such a terrible book.
The main thing I found off putting was the man himself, Fenchurch... he comes across as a right moron, I don’t know the ins and outs of police procedures but I suspect he would have been sacked long before reaching his current rank. It seems he’s unable to walk anywhere, he prefers to storm or march... that’s when his knees aren’t popping and cracking of course. He always seems to be complaining about acid reflux - maybe because he only eats burritos, which has been a theme in the three books I’ve read so far, but it makes him sound like a toddler or something. My niece had a similar stage when she’d only eat chicken nuggets, but then she was only about 4.
He’s got a massive grudge against the character Mulholland, seemingly because she’s good at her job and efficient, but again it just makes him seem a bit of a tosser.
Then it comes to the drums that he hears in his head... I’ve never been able to work out what this is trying to convey but it just makes him sound mentally ill.
Despite all that, it’s not such a terrible book.
May 17, 2017
When I was sent an advanced copy of this book, my heart sank when I realised it was the third in a series. I haven't read the previous two. I put it aside, thinking I should read them first but I just never got around to it. A few friend told me the books can stand alone as you get snippets or summaries, when required, of what's happened before in the previous books so, although preferable, it's not essential that you've read the previous two. So I read it and I'm so glad I did.
I have been looking for ages for a thriller author to match up to my favourite (Peter James's DI Roy Grace series) and I think I've just found him!! Now I understand why my friend said she'd like a different Ed James book for every birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas etc.
Very fast paced but with an easy writing style. You're right there in the action. Lots of twists and turns, double crosses, betrayals and the final conclusion to the mystery of Fenchurch's missing daughter. So, quite a lot going on, which I loved. I will, of course, now have to go get the previous two and read them in order and then all the other books by Mr James.
.
I'm really excited to have found another fairly prolific author who can keep me equally engaged in between books by my other Mr. James!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
I have been looking for ages for a thriller author to match up to my favourite (Peter James's DI Roy Grace series) and I think I've just found him!! Now I understand why my friend said she'd like a different Ed James book for every birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas etc.
Very fast paced but with an easy writing style. You're right there in the action. Lots of twists and turns, double crosses, betrayals and the final conclusion to the mystery of Fenchurch's missing daughter. So, quite a lot going on, which I loved. I will, of course, now have to go get the previous two and read them in order and then all the other books by Mr James.
.
I'm really excited to have found another fairly prolific author who can keep me equally engaged in between books by my other Mr. James!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
March 25, 2019
Enjoyed this suspense-thriller of a police procedural
This, my second DI Fenchurch book, featured a deliciously convoluted storyline with several, seemingly unrelated murder plots/subplots with victims from different social classes—a barrister, a murder suspect in custody, an Uber-type driver, a police officer, etc. This book is as much a suspense-thriller as it is a mystery, and the pace takes off during the last third of the book.
That said, there was too much melodrama—not to mention odd flashbacks and dream sequences—about Fenchurch and his family. There were several illogical and/or implausible events—which were included to drive the plot and provide another twist. For example, ranking police officials knew of threats against Fenchurch’s family, but his wife was not guarded, provided with an escort, or secured in a safe house. Furthermore, a murder cop’s home lacked a security system.
I highly recommend the Audible version, because I enjoyed the narrator’s voice-acting, which included the different dialects.
This, my second DI Fenchurch book, featured a deliciously convoluted storyline with several, seemingly unrelated murder plots/subplots with victims from different social classes—a barrister, a murder suspect in custody, an Uber-type driver, a police officer, etc. This book is as much a suspense-thriller as it is a mystery, and the pace takes off during the last third of the book.
That said, there was too much melodrama—not to mention odd flashbacks and dream sequences—about Fenchurch and his family. There were several illogical and/or implausible events—which were included to drive the plot and provide another twist. For example, ranking police officials knew of threats against Fenchurch’s family, but his wife was not guarded, provided with an escort, or secured in a safe house. Furthermore, a murder cop’s home lacked a security system.
I highly recommend the Audible version, because I enjoyed the narrator’s voice-acting, which included the different dialects.
January 16, 2022
Very disappointed. The third in the series and I had read the first two which were ok.
Unfortunately ended up very frustrated with What doesn't Kill You. Unless Ed is a megalomaniac and not willing to listen to his editor I thought a lot of the issues were editorial. If I heard one more time, about hipsters, running your tongue over your teeth or blowing air up your face or acid reflux. Stop eating spicy food then we wouldn't have to hear about your digestion issues. Added nothing and just a source of irritation. And Docherty. No Fenchurch you can't kill a suspect, walk away. Two seconds later OK then just this one last time. Repeat ad nauseum. I haven't so often in a book had to go back and read the preceding pages as characters seemed to appear and disappear from scenes. Just found it lacking in credibility on various levels within various storylines. As I said disappointing conclusion to the story.
Unfortunately ended up very frustrated with What doesn't Kill You. Unless Ed is a megalomaniac and not willing to listen to his editor I thought a lot of the issues were editorial. If I heard one more time, about hipsters, running your tongue over your teeth or blowing air up your face or acid reflux. Stop eating spicy food then we wouldn't have to hear about your digestion issues. Added nothing and just a source of irritation. And Docherty. No Fenchurch you can't kill a suspect, walk away. Two seconds later OK then just this one last time. Repeat ad nauseum. I haven't so often in a book had to go back and read the preceding pages as characters seemed to appear and disappear from scenes. Just found it lacking in credibility on various levels within various storylines. As I said disappointing conclusion to the story.
June 1, 2017
Roller coaster
Ed James, you are a cruel man but I don't mean that in a nasty way. This tale of paedophilia and police corruption had more twists and turns than a bent corkscrew and kept my interest and suspense factor right to the end. The cruel part is what you put our hero through, giving Fenchurch his daughter "back" before cruelly "taking her away" from him again, all within a few heart breaking pages. Man, you don't treat your heroes well!!!. The final resolution was an agonising wait to see if Chloe was back in the bosom of her real family and if she potentially had a sibling.. but now we see a definite follow up novel to answer this cliff hanger. Well done, sir, on another great piece of work. That's me read every single novel now and can't wait to see the next one....
Ed James, you are a cruel man but I don't mean that in a nasty way. This tale of paedophilia and police corruption had more twists and turns than a bent corkscrew and kept my interest and suspense factor right to the end. The cruel part is what you put our hero through, giving Fenchurch his daughter "back" before cruelly "taking her away" from him again, all within a few heart breaking pages. Man, you don't treat your heroes well!!!. The final resolution was an agonising wait to see if Chloe was back in the bosom of her real family and if she potentially had a sibling.. but now we see a definite follow up novel to answer this cliff hanger. Well done, sir, on another great piece of work. That's me read every single novel now and can't wait to see the next one....
August 26, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and the author Ed James for the opportunity to read this book.
I hadn't read the previous 2 books and I think that maybe I should have done as I may have got into the flow of this easier and earlier. There's lots of dialogue, action, suspense and intrigue. I had guessed quite early into the book who the main bad guys were, but that is because I am suspicious. I felt disgusted at the storyline and it could have ended there but the author gave it an extra depth of a twist which was fascinating and I was awake in the early hours finishing the book!
I liked the main character Fenchurch, I wasn't too keen on his wife, but I did like his partner Kay.
All in all a good crime novel, but I would recommend reading them from the beginning of the series.
I enjoy crime novels set in London as I am familiar with the city.
I hadn't read the previous 2 books and I think that maybe I should have done as I may have got into the flow of this easier and earlier. There's lots of dialogue, action, suspense and intrigue. I had guessed quite early into the book who the main bad guys were, but that is because I am suspicious. I felt disgusted at the storyline and it could have ended there but the author gave it an extra depth of a twist which was fascinating and I was awake in the early hours finishing the book!
I liked the main character Fenchurch, I wasn't too keen on his wife, but I did like his partner Kay.
All in all a good crime novel, but I would recommend reading them from the beginning of the series.
I enjoy crime novels set in London as I am familiar with the city.
April 12, 2025
This is one of those instances where it really makes sense to read a series in order, or at least read the first in the series prior to this instalment. A decade ago DI Simon Fenchurch's daughter was abducted from outside their house, leaving him searching for clues ever since. The brutal murder of a young lawyer followed by the daylight shooting of a young, female taxi driver has Fenchurch's team fully occupied chasing down leads across east London. In the midst of which his father, an ex-cop himself, is trying to tell Simon about missing persons' cases he has been investigating as part of a cold case team. The resolution felt a bit drawn out, but overall a solid contribution to the series. I highly recommend Ed James as an author who reliably delivers interesting plots, complex characters and fast pace in settings which contribute to the overall story.
July 5, 2019
The murder of a young lawyer kicks of an investigation that might finally shed some light on the case that's been haunting DI Fenchurch for over a decade: That of his own daughter Chloe, who was abducted from in from of Fenchurch's house eleven years ago and whose disappearance has never been solved.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Gotta say, I'm glad Chloe's kidnapping has finally been solved - maybe now Fenchurch might get to investigate something that isn't yet another case involving the brutal murder of a young woman that will inevitably have someone (or everyone) asking "Is this about Chloe??", which got really rather annoying after a while.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Gotta say, I'm glad Chloe's kidnapping has finally been solved - maybe now Fenchurch might get to investigate something that isn't yet another case involving the brutal murder of a young woman that will inevitably have someone (or everyone) asking "Is this about Chloe??", which got really rather annoying after a while.
Read
February 22, 2025Continuing the saga of the organised paedophile ring that seems to have penetrated every organisation on both sides of the law. While investigating this, Fenchurch had agreed to stop looking for his daughter Chloe. It's 11 years since her kidnapping and he can only stay reconciled with his wife Abi if he agrees to try to move on. They are now expecting another child. But Fenchurch's dad is still working on the cold cases unit and still finding files on missing children that he thinks are linked to what happened to Chloe.
Fenchurch continues to break all the rules and somehow is allowed to get away with it.
But a good read.
Fenchurch continues to break all the rules and somehow is allowed to get away with it.
But a good read.
March 24, 2018
This is the 3rd in series that I have read. I have enjoyed all three and will continue with the next.
This one had plenty of twists and turns, plenty of detail but much less over-description of burrito eating and "foil peeling" that occurred in No. 2! (I imagine it is difficult to write a book without some repetitive description.)
Considering how the character's location varies widely and changes frequently, the author does very well to conjure the image and keep the reader up-to-date.
I look forward to discovering what will be the main theme of investigation in the next book.
This one had plenty of twists and turns, plenty of detail but much less over-description of burrito eating and "foil peeling" that occurred in No. 2! (I imagine it is difficult to write a book without some repetitive description.)
Considering how the character's location varies widely and changes frequently, the author does very well to conjure the image and keep the reader up-to-date.
I look forward to discovering what will be the main theme of investigation in the next book.
March 31, 2018
3.5 Stars
DI Fenchurch returns this time tracking a criminal enterprise using cab drivers to commit various crimes including murder and kidnapping. Where the trails leads him is much more sinister then he could have ever imagined but it also leads to new information about his daughter who was kidnapped 11 years before. This may be the break he needed to solve her case. I like the Fenchurch series its a good crime thriller occasionally there are too many characters to keep track of who is who.
DI Fenchurch returns this time tracking a criminal enterprise using cab drivers to commit various crimes including murder and kidnapping. Where the trails leads him is much more sinister then he could have ever imagined but it also leads to new information about his daughter who was kidnapped 11 years before. This may be the break he needed to solve her case. I like the Fenchurch series its a good crime thriller occasionally there are too many characters to keep track of who is who.
August 21, 2018
Ed James and his DI Fenchurch series make great reading. Continuing from the first two in the series DI Fenchurch and DS Reed continue to uncover more of the individuals that may be involved in a child kidnapping and paedophile ring which also involves Fenchurch in the personal tragedy of his daughter being kidnapped. Fenchurch and Reed uncover a well hidden clic within the Police and Justice system that play a big part in the culmination of this story. Well written and tense enough to keep you turning pages right to the end
May 1, 2021
Having read books 1 and 2 (although a couple of years back) I can honestly say that this book rounds off the three, with a tale that continues the sub-plot of the previous books but also finishes it. It is hard to say anything about it without giving too much away, so I won't. I don't want to spoil it for you. By the time you get to the last page you will want to get book 4 to find out what happens to Fenchurch and co.
On the flip side, why hasn't Fenchurch been suspended for overstepping the mark so many times is beyond me.
On the flip side, why hasn't Fenchurch been suspended for overstepping the mark so many times is beyond me.
May 13, 2023
fabulous but flawed
I love the work of ed James always has me on the edge of my seat, but I just can’t relate to abi Fenchurch ,no mother would ever give up looking for her missing child and would do anything she could to find out what happened to her.instead we have abi demanding Fenchurch gives up on the child and forgets about her. I will stick with the series and carry on as the rest of the characters are brilliantly written and the stories are so good. I hope Abi improves because I am really starting to dislike the character.
I love the work of ed James always has me on the edge of my seat, but I just can’t relate to abi Fenchurch ,no mother would ever give up looking for her missing child and would do anything she could to find out what happened to her.instead we have abi demanding Fenchurch gives up on the child and forgets about her. I will stick with the series and carry on as the rest of the characters are brilliantly written and the stories are so good. I hope Abi improves because I am really starting to dislike the character.
June 25, 2017
Wow, what a read!
I've read the previous books in the Fenchurch series, love them, and this one certainly didn't disappoint! Well written, fast paced story that tied up loose ends, I really couldn't put it down. My heart was racing towards the end and with all the surprises/ plot twists I just couldn't stop reading! Once again, hooked from the start and I'll look forward to any more books about Fenchurch and co.
I've read the previous books in the Fenchurch series, love them, and this one certainly didn't disappoint! Well written, fast paced story that tied up loose ends, I really couldn't put it down. My heart was racing towards the end and with all the surprises/ plot twists I just couldn't stop reading! Once again, hooked from the start and I'll look forward to any more books about Fenchurch and co.
July 22, 2017
This is by far and away my favourite in the Fenchurch series so far, would even go so far as to say this is my favourite out of all Ed James's police procedural series (he has three characters currently on the go). The storyline is extremely upsetting and grisly, but I could not put this book down. You become extremely invested in the characters and the underlying storyline that has been running throughout the three books. I eagerly await the next in the series.
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