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DI Zigic and DS Ferreira #2
Tell No Tales
Two men are kicked to death in brutal attacks.
Caught on CCTV, the murderer hides his face – but raises a Nazi salute.
In a town riddled with racial tension, Detectives Zigic and Ferreira from the Hate Crimes Unit are under pressure to find the killer.
But when a car ploughs into a bus stop early one morning, the Detectives have another case on their hands, and soon the media are hounding them for answers.
Riots break out, the leader of right-wing party steps into the spotlight, and Zigic and Ferreira must act fast – before more violence erupts.
Caught on CCTV, the murderer hides his face – but raises a Nazi salute.
In a town riddled with racial tension, Detectives Zigic and Ferreira from the Hate Crimes Unit are under pressure to find the killer.
But when a car ploughs into a bus stop early one morning, the Detectives have another case on their hands, and soon the media are hounding them for answers.
Riots break out, the leader of right-wing party steps into the spotlight, and Zigic and Ferreira must act fast – before more violence erupts.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2015
25 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Eva Dolan
8 books355 followersEva Dolan was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger for unpublished authors when only a teenager. The four novels in her Zigic and Ferreira series have been published to widespread critical acclaim: Tell No Tales and After You Die were shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year Award and After You Die was also longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. She lives in Cambridge.
@eva_dolan
@eva_dolan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book which had quite a different set up for a police procedural. It follows DS Mel Ferreira and DI Dushan Zigic, who are based at the Peterborough Hate Crime Unit investigating cases that are racially motivated, which made quite a good change from the usual scenarios.
The story starts when a car ploughs into a bus stop with a queue of local polish workers, leaving a trail of death and destruction behind it. Is this a normal hit and run or is there more to it? In addition the detectives are still trying to get to the bottom of a string of brutal, savage murders, all of which have the stamp of the right wing extremist boots that seem to be gaining in popularity in the area. Watching the investigation from a distance is local MP Richard Shotton. Elected on a “patriotic” ticket he hopes that none of his more extreme party members are involved.
The story does twist and turn with a number of characters to follow, quite a few of whom could have the motive to carry out either the hit and run or the murders, and all for very different reasons.
I changed my mind quite a few times as to who the guilty party was as the author kept me guessing very nearly until the end of the read. It is a read that you get caught up in, one that you think about when you are not reading, trying to piece it all together in your mind. Thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
The story starts when a car ploughs into a bus stop with a queue of local polish workers, leaving a trail of death and destruction behind it. Is this a normal hit and run or is there more to it? In addition the detectives are still trying to get to the bottom of a string of brutal, savage murders, all of which have the stamp of the right wing extremist boots that seem to be gaining in popularity in the area. Watching the investigation from a distance is local MP Richard Shotton. Elected on a “patriotic” ticket he hopes that none of his more extreme party members are involved.
The story does twist and turn with a number of characters to follow, quite a few of whom could have the motive to carry out either the hit and run or the murders, and all for very different reasons.
I changed my mind quite a few times as to who the guilty party was as the author kept me guessing very nearly until the end of the read. It is a read that you get caught up in, one that you think about when you are not reading, trying to piece it all together in your mind. Thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
January 8, 2015
Another gripping read from the pen of Eva Dolan, who’s first novel in this series, Long Way Home, gave a fresh take on Crime fiction and was terrific. The follow up “Tell No Tales” is, if anything, even better as now we know the characters and understand a little of what they are up against.
In this instalment a hit and run causes tensions to rise within the community and Ferreira and Zigic are under pressure to get a result before things explode. It is not that easy however as political shenanigans and extremist tendencies get in the way.
I love how the author paints a picture of a community here – troubled yes, but also rich in history and diversity – I was particularly taken with Sophia, who has a difficult life, often made worse by her own actions. The political landscape is extremely well drawn, echoing the issues we see in our society today and giving them a voice and an authentic background, it is endlessly fascinating and totally addictive.
Beautiful flowing prose and a distinct ability to get to the heart of the matter make this a top notch, brilliant crime read and definitely solidifies the author’s place on the list of those Crime writers who are only going to get better, classics in the making. I, for one, can’t wait to find out what is next for DS Ferreira, DI Zigic, their colleagues and the Peterborough community.
Highly Recommended.
In this instalment a hit and run causes tensions to rise within the community and Ferreira and Zigic are under pressure to get a result before things explode. It is not that easy however as political shenanigans and extremist tendencies get in the way.
I love how the author paints a picture of a community here – troubled yes, but also rich in history and diversity – I was particularly taken with Sophia, who has a difficult life, often made worse by her own actions. The political landscape is extremely well drawn, echoing the issues we see in our society today and giving them a voice and an authentic background, it is endlessly fascinating and totally addictive.
Beautiful flowing prose and a distinct ability to get to the heart of the matter make this a top notch, brilliant crime read and definitely solidifies the author’s place on the list of those Crime writers who are only going to get better, classics in the making. I, for one, can’t wait to find out what is next for DS Ferreira, DI Zigic, their colleagues and the Peterborough community.
Highly Recommended.
March 28, 2016
Eva Dolan's debut Long Way Home launched to acclaim in 2014 and marked her out as a future name in crime fiction and with her cracking follow-up she has more than delivered on that promise. Tell No Tales is once again an insightful and intelligent police procedural told against the backdrop of a Peterborough which has borne witness to drastic levels of immigration. Now home to a sizeable migrant population with many employed in the fields and factories of the surrounding Fenlands, it is increasingly one which is recognisable to many in a modern UK. DI Dushan Zigic and DS Mel Ferreira head up the Hate Crimes Unit; underfunded, overworked and charged with the task of containing the melting pot of ethnic tensions which are festering in the town. Tempers in the town are rising and Zigic and Ferreira need to tread very carefully as the investigation presses on.
Tell No Tales sees Zigic and Ferreira attending what appears to be a hit-and-run incident which leaves two Polish immigrants dead and a third sustaining injuries. A jealous and distraught ex-boyfriend makes an obvious suspect and the initial concern is ensuring this is portrayed as an isolated incident and that the media do not make the connection with a series of brutal murders of migrants across the town. The CCTV which captured the murders and shows the perpetrator giving a Nazi salute to the camera has not yet been released to the public and the Hate Crime Unit are keen to downplay any suggestions of these being racially motivated. The resurgent political tensions in the area and the growing influence of the English Patriot Party with a very media friendly leader are setting alarm bells ringing at the Domestic Terrorism Unit and Zigic and Ferreira are not the only ones asking questions.
The political commentary is delivered with scathing wit and and Tell No Tales is a stunning statement on the future of the UK with an increasingly diverse society and a vocal and disgruntled marginalised element. The parallels with Richard Shotton as the leader of the right-wing English Patriot Party (EPP) hiding under a thin veneer of respectability cannot help but raise comparisons, however fair, to the recent emergence of UKIP on the political spectrum. The EPP are seeking to create distance between themselves and the agitators of the English National League, whilst simultaneously paying the same party off to keep a lid on aggression. The mix of loose cannons and graduate careerists amongst the EPP contingent is depicted well and the differing personalities and tensions behind the smiling leader sustains the tension throughout.
The partnership of third generation Polish DI Dushan Zigic and the acerbic Mel Ferreira is developed wonderfully and the moderate DI really counters well with his feisty DS and Zigic often has to pull his more quick to judge sidekick into line. At the first signs of racism the heckles of Mel are raised and Zigic manages her well as the first signs of any discrimination are like a red rag to a bull. The tensions within the police force are cleverly drawn and the wry commentary on the politicking skills of DCS Riggott works in well with the storyline. The team are stretched to the limit, resources are scarce and two officers from CID are seconded to the investigation. The competing demands upon the technical team are well conveyed and a media liaison department keen to reassure the public are harassing DI Zigic; however, this is far from plain sailing and the team make mistakes as they work to uncover the truth and discover that things are far more complicated than they at first appear.
Eva Dolan continues her trailblazing form with this second novel and pitches herself alongside some of the finest urban noir authors. With her insightful commentary and portrayal of the changes that are affecting so many towns and cities across the country this is a hard hitting read. Dolan also recognises that long held tensions are not limited to simply skin colour alone and tension between cultures and nationalities are long ingrained and even the most experienced investigators can be guilty of being rather too quick to judge a situation. A firm understanding of just what is achievable within the police remit and the lack of immediacy of forensic information adds to the atmosphere throughout the case and makes for a high stakes rush to uncover the perpetrator of the recent atrocities. Tell No Tales also built on the working relationship of Zigic and Ferreira and this is a combination which I expect to see much more of in future novels. Tell No Tales deserves to make people sit up attention and recognise just what Eva Dolan's writing has brought to the crime fiction world.
Tell No Tales sees Zigic and Ferreira attending what appears to be a hit-and-run incident which leaves two Polish immigrants dead and a third sustaining injuries. A jealous and distraught ex-boyfriend makes an obvious suspect and the initial concern is ensuring this is portrayed as an isolated incident and that the media do not make the connection with a series of brutal murders of migrants across the town. The CCTV which captured the murders and shows the perpetrator giving a Nazi salute to the camera has not yet been released to the public and the Hate Crime Unit are keen to downplay any suggestions of these being racially motivated. The resurgent political tensions in the area and the growing influence of the English Patriot Party with a very media friendly leader are setting alarm bells ringing at the Domestic Terrorism Unit and Zigic and Ferreira are not the only ones asking questions.
The political commentary is delivered with scathing wit and and Tell No Tales is a stunning statement on the future of the UK with an increasingly diverse society and a vocal and disgruntled marginalised element. The parallels with Richard Shotton as the leader of the right-wing English Patriot Party (EPP) hiding under a thin veneer of respectability cannot help but raise comparisons, however fair, to the recent emergence of UKIP on the political spectrum. The EPP are seeking to create distance between themselves and the agitators of the English National League, whilst simultaneously paying the same party off to keep a lid on aggression. The mix of loose cannons and graduate careerists amongst the EPP contingent is depicted well and the differing personalities and tensions behind the smiling leader sustains the tension throughout.
The partnership of third generation Polish DI Dushan Zigic and the acerbic Mel Ferreira is developed wonderfully and the moderate DI really counters well with his feisty DS and Zigic often has to pull his more quick to judge sidekick into line. At the first signs of racism the heckles of Mel are raised and Zigic manages her well as the first signs of any discrimination are like a red rag to a bull. The tensions within the police force are cleverly drawn and the wry commentary on the politicking skills of DCS Riggott works in well with the storyline. The team are stretched to the limit, resources are scarce and two officers from CID are seconded to the investigation. The competing demands upon the technical team are well conveyed and a media liaison department keen to reassure the public are harassing DI Zigic; however, this is far from plain sailing and the team make mistakes as they work to uncover the truth and discover that things are far more complicated than they at first appear.
Eva Dolan continues her trailblazing form with this second novel and pitches herself alongside some of the finest urban noir authors. With her insightful commentary and portrayal of the changes that are affecting so many towns and cities across the country this is a hard hitting read. Dolan also recognises that long held tensions are not limited to simply skin colour alone and tension between cultures and nationalities are long ingrained and even the most experienced investigators can be guilty of being rather too quick to judge a situation. A firm understanding of just what is achievable within the police remit and the lack of immediacy of forensic information adds to the atmosphere throughout the case and makes for a high stakes rush to uncover the perpetrator of the recent atrocities. Tell No Tales also built on the working relationship of Zigic and Ferreira and this is a combination which I expect to see much more of in future novels. Tell No Tales deserves to make people sit up attention and recognise just what Eva Dolan's writing has brought to the crime fiction world.
December 14, 2014
To be released on 8 January 2015, the follow up to Long Way Home.
"In the second book from a rising star of crime fiction, Detectives Zigic and Ferreira must investigate a hit-and-run that leaves two migrant workers dead and a series of horrific killings, seemingly with a Neo-Nazi motivation, captured on CCTV."
Anyone who's read Long Way home will agree that this is the most original and engaging crime fighting duo in, well, ever.
We see much less of Zigic's home life this time, which underlines that the Hate Crimes team is overworked and under-resourced. Their exhaustion and dedication form the backdrop to the investigation of some truly distressing crimes that the reader can't help but become emotionally involved with.
I was impressed by the author's depth of research into a topical political scene and events that echo those we see all too regularly on the TV news.
Two books into this series I hesitate to describe this as an enjoyable read, but it is certainly gripping, gritty and satisfying. Book 3 is already on my "unmissable" list.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance reading copy.
"In the second book from a rising star of crime fiction, Detectives Zigic and Ferreira must investigate a hit-and-run that leaves two migrant workers dead and a series of horrific killings, seemingly with a Neo-Nazi motivation, captured on CCTV."
Anyone who's read Long Way home will agree that this is the most original and engaging crime fighting duo in, well, ever.
We see much less of Zigic's home life this time, which underlines that the Hate Crimes team is overworked and under-resourced. Their exhaustion and dedication form the backdrop to the investigation of some truly distressing crimes that the reader can't help but become emotionally involved with.
I was impressed by the author's depth of research into a topical political scene and events that echo those we see all too regularly on the TV news.
Two books into this series I hesitate to describe this as an enjoyable read, but it is certainly gripping, gritty and satisfying. Book 3 is already on my "unmissable" list.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance reading copy.
August 24, 2019
I got this author's books after a crime fest where she was talking about her work and was intrigued. I liked this, the character and plotline. Will read more.
April 14, 2015
Two books in and the Zigic and Ferreira is a new much anticipated, favourite series.
If you've read the first book, then as soon as you start TELL NO TALES, you're straight back with characters that you really know, in a place that you're comfortable in, even though there is nothing comfortable about events, or the social climate. If you haven't read the first, then it won't matter a bit - there is still plenty here for new readers.
Tackling the question of immigration, immigrant workers, tensions with Nationalist groups, and the explosion in Hate Crimes that has occurred in many communities worldwide can't be an easy undertaking - the issues behind everything are complicated and fraught with political and personal implications. Setting events within the purview of the Hate Crimes division, and then never creating an easy situation for them to deal with gives the reader the opportunity to connect, see, even understand many of those issues through the investigator's eyes. Add to that in TELL NO TALES you have the viewpoint of a survivor (and participant), as well as a look at the politics behind many of the tensions, which gives the difficulties more nuance, more complications, more connections.
The other element that contributes much to these books is the way that no-one here is exactly 100% perfect. Zigic is a well-meaning, frequently absent husband and father, who worries about the effect that this will have on his family. There are such nice glimpses into the things that make you go hmmm - the use of very Slavic names for his very English boys and the potential impact that could have. The way that their quiet domestic community is being pressed in upon as the suburbs extend, potentially bringing the problems of his work-beat closer to home. Both of these main characters are the children of immigrant families, so many of the tensions, the problems of acceptance, fitting in are all too obviously understood. Ferreira is the child of Portuguese parents, trying to step away from family control, branch out a little, living the hard partying life of a young woman who is feeling the pressure of family obligations.
This understanding of the experience of many of the victims, and the perpetrators being perused isn't done in a heavy handed manner however. This is a strong police procedural into which these elements are seamlessly introduced, tucked into the narrative in a way that's informative rather than pointed.
All of which is delivered in a flowing, strong style that effortlessly holds the reader's attention, always promising more in the next chapter. TELL NO TALES is great crime fiction. It's a tale being told, it's a look into a particularly dark aspect of society and a very current day problem, and it's an exploration of the things that go wrong (and right) in our world.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
If you've read the first book, then as soon as you start TELL NO TALES, you're straight back with characters that you really know, in a place that you're comfortable in, even though there is nothing comfortable about events, or the social climate. If you haven't read the first, then it won't matter a bit - there is still plenty here for new readers.
Tackling the question of immigration, immigrant workers, tensions with Nationalist groups, and the explosion in Hate Crimes that has occurred in many communities worldwide can't be an easy undertaking - the issues behind everything are complicated and fraught with political and personal implications. Setting events within the purview of the Hate Crimes division, and then never creating an easy situation for them to deal with gives the reader the opportunity to connect, see, even understand many of those issues through the investigator's eyes. Add to that in TELL NO TALES you have the viewpoint of a survivor (and participant), as well as a look at the politics behind many of the tensions, which gives the difficulties more nuance, more complications, more connections.
The other element that contributes much to these books is the way that no-one here is exactly 100% perfect. Zigic is a well-meaning, frequently absent husband and father, who worries about the effect that this will have on his family. There are such nice glimpses into the things that make you go hmmm - the use of very Slavic names for his very English boys and the potential impact that could have. The way that their quiet domestic community is being pressed in upon as the suburbs extend, potentially bringing the problems of his work-beat closer to home. Both of these main characters are the children of immigrant families, so many of the tensions, the problems of acceptance, fitting in are all too obviously understood. Ferreira is the child of Portuguese parents, trying to step away from family control, branch out a little, living the hard partying life of a young woman who is feeling the pressure of family obligations.
This understanding of the experience of many of the victims, and the perpetrators being perused isn't done in a heavy handed manner however. This is a strong police procedural into which these elements are seamlessly introduced, tucked into the narrative in a way that's informative rather than pointed.
All of which is delivered in a flowing, strong style that effortlessly holds the reader's attention, always promising more in the next chapter. TELL NO TALES is great crime fiction. It's a tale being told, it's a look into a particularly dark aspect of society and a very current day problem, and it's an exploration of the things that go wrong (and right) in our world.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
December 27, 2015
I have kept this book for most of the year to read; now I can't wait to read book 3.
Di Ziggic & DS Ferreira work in Peterborough's Hate Crimes Unit and these book are really just brilliant police procedurals with the racial tension adding to the unique approach to policing that gives this series an edge and a sense of freshness.
However, it is the relationship between the two detectives that really mark out these novels for me from the familiar and formulaic books other authors regurgitate. They are not the usual stereotypes, they are quite normal, prone to mistakes and doubts but have a wonderful synergy when working together, asking questions or conducting an interview under caution.
In this complex and in depth account of their latest case we learn that they are trying to contain what appear to be neo-Nazi type murders on the streets of Peterborough; if their workload wasn't already unmanagable a senseless hit and run on their patch overwhelms their resources and re-focuses their work. In the process they find more bodies, learn more questions than answers and the racially motivated violence continues.
I also liked the political questions the author asks and the questions about social cohesion which impact the whole of western europe and not just a city in the UK.
Di Ziggic & DS Ferreira work in Peterborough's Hate Crimes Unit and these book are really just brilliant police procedurals with the racial tension adding to the unique approach to policing that gives this series an edge and a sense of freshness.
However, it is the relationship between the two detectives that really mark out these novels for me from the familiar and formulaic books other authors regurgitate. They are not the usual stereotypes, they are quite normal, prone to mistakes and doubts but have a wonderful synergy when working together, asking questions or conducting an interview under caution.
In this complex and in depth account of their latest case we learn that they are trying to contain what appear to be neo-Nazi type murders on the streets of Peterborough; if their workload wasn't already unmanagable a senseless hit and run on their patch overwhelms their resources and re-focuses their work. In the process they find more bodies, learn more questions than answers and the racially motivated violence continues.
I also liked the political questions the author asks and the questions about social cohesion which impact the whole of western europe and not just a city in the UK.
December 31, 2014
Long Way Home was one of my top ten reads of 2014. I have no doubt that this follow up will be among my top ten of 2015. There are two different investigations taking place throughout this novel. A hit and run and another involving a number of deaths which look racially motivated. Pressure is on the team for both cases to be solved quickly.
I like the way modern life in towns and cities was described. Different cultures living next to each other in difficult times. With politics showing its ugly side it all seemed very true.
The ending was one that left me aching for the third in the series.
With this second novel Eva Dolan is going to be regarded as a top British crime writer.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the advance copy received.
I like the way modern life in towns and cities was described. Different cultures living next to each other in difficult times. With politics showing its ugly side it all seemed very true.
The ending was one that left me aching for the third in the series.
With this second novel Eva Dolan is going to be regarded as a top British crime writer.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the advance copy received.
April 4, 2015
4.5 Really strong characters in the small but mighty hate crimes unit. Dolan sets the story up and keeps you guessing right up to the end. Satisfying ending but you will care enough about the characters to follow them through the series. Timely coverage of our political climate. Well. Done.
provided by publisher
provided by publisher
June 11, 2016
Jag har nog längtat efter den här boken ända sedan jag läste första delen i serien om Zigic och Ferreira, Lång väg hem, för drygt ett och ett halvt år sedan. Det verkar vara något med Eva Dolans berättarstil som passar mig väldigt bra. Läs mer på min blogg
February 14, 2015
Another great entry into what is developing to be a solid body of work by Eva Dolan. Giving voice to migrant workers like few people I know - portraying them neither as hapless victims nor as evil perpetrators, but a whole mix of people and motives.
March 17, 2017
OMG, these books are hysterically funny. I'm so glad I found them. The first in the series was all about East European immigrants to Peterborough and this one is about Muslim ones--and their clashes with the English Defence League (EDL). So far we've had a brutal murder of a young Muslim man by a black-clad man wearing a balaclava (presumably EDL). He was discovered actually doing the evil deed by the local Muslim men coming out of the Mosque and subsequently subjected to a citizen's arrest whilst the upstanding Muslim citizens formed a cordon around the crime scene so the police could find it pristine. Meanwhile they hold the perpetrator in a local house, keeping him safe and well until the police arrive.
I kid you not. This is the plot so far. We have a Nigel Farage-esque character--a slick politician who has risen from the swamp of EDL fanaticism now wanting to distance himself from his key supports, but who possibly wears a black shirt under his crisp white one and has a shrine to Oswald Mosley. We have a local imam, wise, thoughtful, kindly, who is helping the police keep the tensions from boiling over. Phew.
This is great stuff.
I'll update when I'm done.
Finished this one and I'm on to the next in the series. I highly recommend these books as slow-boil crime fiction. These aren't the kind of stories where the police have almost magical moments of clarity and everything falls into place, but more slowly revealed human weakness that finally gives itself away.
I'm ignoring the daft politics and just enjoying the ride. But I'll give you a clue, the EDL don't come out of this one too well.
I kid you not. This is the plot so far. We have a Nigel Farage-esque character--a slick politician who has risen from the swamp of EDL fanaticism now wanting to distance himself from his key supports, but who possibly wears a black shirt under his crisp white one and has a shrine to Oswald Mosley. We have a local imam, wise, thoughtful, kindly, who is helping the police keep the tensions from boiling over. Phew.
This is great stuff.
I'll update when I'm done.
Finished this one and I'm on to the next in the series. I highly recommend these books as slow-boil crime fiction. These aren't the kind of stories where the police have almost magical moments of clarity and everything falls into place, but more slowly revealed human weakness that finally gives itself away.
I'm ignoring the daft politics and just enjoying the ride. But I'll give you a clue, the EDL don't come out of this one too well.
March 6, 2021
Another solid addition to this series. Good complexity to the plot without slowing down the pace. Characters continue to be interesting and enjoyable.
January 5, 2015
Crime fiction is such a crowded genre, yet sometimes there's a gem hidden away amongst the repetitive and unoriginal books that plague the genre. Tell No Tales is that gem, and I urge all crime fiction fans to read it straightaway. It's original, gripping and authentic with two of the most intriguing and interesting detectives I think I've ever read about in DS Ferreira and DI Zigic. Unfortunately I went into this having not read the first book, Long Way Home and whilst this can easily be read as a standalone, I did find myself thinking a few times that I wish I'd read Long Way Home first.
Ferreira and Zigic are called to the scene of a hit-and-run after a car crashes into a bus stop, leaving two migrant workers dead. It soon becomes clear this was no accident. Add into the mix a series of brutal killings, killings which seem to have a Neo-Nazi motivation behind them and there's a lot going on. I say it in nearly all my reviews and I'll say it again here, it's hard to discuss the plot further than that but this book is a mystery in every sense of the word, and I got completely caught up in trying to work it out and was totally wrong and caught off guard numerous times. Eva has created some unsavoury and very untrustworthy characters and has weaved a tale that even the most seasoned crime fiction reader may not be able to unravel. It's what I call 'clever' crime fiction, Eva writes about subjects that might usually go completely over my head, but writes in an accessible way, I came away from the book with a greater understanding of the subjects tackled here.
I really loved Eva's writing and became hooked on the book pretty much straightaway after an opening which gets you right into the action. Eva does not hold back, with the crimes described in this book being particularly nasty, but necessary as the detectives here are part of the Hate Crimes Unit. Most crime fiction is focused on murder and hunting down a killer, but Eva has certainly changed things up here, and this is where the book gets its originality because it is also very much a human story, a story about people, and a story that is relevant in the world we live in today, one that is all too recognisable as it's on our news daily. There's such a sense of realism with this book that it's almost scary in places, and it drew real and genuine emotion from me, this is a fiction book but you know there's fact mixed in here. It's clear Eva knows what she's talking about, and has a vested interest in the points being put across, there's no sensationalism here.
The book not having conventional chapters but rather being split up into days would be something I would ordinarily find annoying, but Tell No Tales was so good I had it read in just two sittings. Unless you have a free schedule I wouldn't advise starting this book, you'll only end up hating the person or thing that makes you stop reading. Having finished this book I'm already looking at my TBR wondering just what I can start next as I'm unsure I have anything that can compete with this! Crime fiction of a very high standard, I honestly can't recommend this book enough.
Ferreira and Zigic are called to the scene of a hit-and-run after a car crashes into a bus stop, leaving two migrant workers dead. It soon becomes clear this was no accident. Add into the mix a series of brutal killings, killings which seem to have a Neo-Nazi motivation behind them and there's a lot going on. I say it in nearly all my reviews and I'll say it again here, it's hard to discuss the plot further than that but this book is a mystery in every sense of the word, and I got completely caught up in trying to work it out and was totally wrong and caught off guard numerous times. Eva has created some unsavoury and very untrustworthy characters and has weaved a tale that even the most seasoned crime fiction reader may not be able to unravel. It's what I call 'clever' crime fiction, Eva writes about subjects that might usually go completely over my head, but writes in an accessible way, I came away from the book with a greater understanding of the subjects tackled here.
I really loved Eva's writing and became hooked on the book pretty much straightaway after an opening which gets you right into the action. Eva does not hold back, with the crimes described in this book being particularly nasty, but necessary as the detectives here are part of the Hate Crimes Unit. Most crime fiction is focused on murder and hunting down a killer, but Eva has certainly changed things up here, and this is where the book gets its originality because it is also very much a human story, a story about people, and a story that is relevant in the world we live in today, one that is all too recognisable as it's on our news daily. There's such a sense of realism with this book that it's almost scary in places, and it drew real and genuine emotion from me, this is a fiction book but you know there's fact mixed in here. It's clear Eva knows what she's talking about, and has a vested interest in the points being put across, there's no sensationalism here.
The book not having conventional chapters but rather being split up into days would be something I would ordinarily find annoying, but Tell No Tales was so good I had it read in just two sittings. Unless you have a free schedule I wouldn't advise starting this book, you'll only end up hating the person or thing that makes you stop reading. Having finished this book I'm already looking at my TBR wondering just what I can start next as I'm unsure I have anything that can compete with this! Crime fiction of a very high standard, I honestly can't recommend this book enough.
July 11, 2015
For the booktrail of the locations in the novel - Booktrail of Peterborough locations in Tell No Tales
Eva Dolan takes you to some dark parts of Peterborough and to some even darker parts of your imagination
Story in a nutshell
One morning in Peterborough a car ploughs into a bus stop, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. The victims? Migrant workers in the area.
DS Ferreira and DI Zigic are called in from the Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit to handle the case. They are up to their necks in another case with Neo-Nazi overtones, and so this hit and run seems like an open and shut case. But things are never as easy as that.
Tensions are rising amongst the locals and the media starts hounding the police for answers. The trail and search for the truth will take them on a journey into the world of local politics, right wing policies and a cover up of some very dark secrets.
Setting
The Peterborough of Eva Dolan is a dark and dangerous place to be. This is seemingly a hotbed of local politics with racist overtones and the possibility that a local politician, head of a recently established right-wing party, must be involved somehow. Has he risen through the ranks with a race card in his hand? Does he have connections to the extremists living in Peterborough?
This Peterborough is the stomping ground for two gritty and raw detectives – Detectives Zigic and Ferreira – their work in Peterborough Police’s `Hate Crimes’ Unit is complicated as it is sensitive and shines a light on the varied and difficult work of race-related crime. Added to this hit and run is a series of murders of black and Asian men. So, no wonder the city and local area is awash with hatred and extreme tension.
Peterborough here is a sad and divided city – extremists on one side and other groups on the other. Divided by political tension and suspicion of race, this place is a difficult one to police and where the police find it hard to get answers.
Every time Ferreira went into the centre of Peterborough there seemed to be more empty shops and as she came out of the car park near the city marketplace heading towards Margate she noticed another window opaque with whitewash..
The plight of the immigrants here is sad and all too real as are the effects on the community at large, the way events can spiral out of control –
Neighbour against neighbour, nobody feeling safe to walk the streets. Then the vigilantes step in…
The novel not only places you in Peterborough but in any town in England where these issues are important and need to be explored.
Grim and gritty but very real.
Eva Dolan takes you to some dark parts of Peterborough and to some even darker parts of your imagination
Story in a nutshell
One morning in Peterborough a car ploughs into a bus stop, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. The victims? Migrant workers in the area.
DS Ferreira and DI Zigic are called in from the Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit to handle the case. They are up to their necks in another case with Neo-Nazi overtones, and so this hit and run seems like an open and shut case. But things are never as easy as that.
Tensions are rising amongst the locals and the media starts hounding the police for answers. The trail and search for the truth will take them on a journey into the world of local politics, right wing policies and a cover up of some very dark secrets.
Setting
The Peterborough of Eva Dolan is a dark and dangerous place to be. This is seemingly a hotbed of local politics with racist overtones and the possibility that a local politician, head of a recently established right-wing party, must be involved somehow. Has he risen through the ranks with a race card in his hand? Does he have connections to the extremists living in Peterborough?
This Peterborough is the stomping ground for two gritty and raw detectives – Detectives Zigic and Ferreira – their work in Peterborough Police’s `Hate Crimes’ Unit is complicated as it is sensitive and shines a light on the varied and difficult work of race-related crime. Added to this hit and run is a series of murders of black and Asian men. So, no wonder the city and local area is awash with hatred and extreme tension.
Peterborough here is a sad and divided city – extremists on one side and other groups on the other. Divided by political tension and suspicion of race, this place is a difficult one to police and where the police find it hard to get answers.
Every time Ferreira went into the centre of Peterborough there seemed to be more empty shops and as she came out of the car park near the city marketplace heading towards Margate she noticed another window opaque with whitewash..
The plight of the immigrants here is sad and all too real as are the effects on the community at large, the way events can spiral out of control –
Neighbour against neighbour, nobody feeling safe to walk the streets. Then the vigilantes step in…
The novel not only places you in Peterborough but in any town in England where these issues are important and need to be explored.
Grim and gritty but very real.
May 17, 2015
Hot in the city again.
Following on from Dolan’s awesome 2014 debut Long Way Home, Tell No Tales returns to DI Ziggic, DS Ferreira and Peterborough’s Hate Crimes division.
Starting with a ferocious bang, Tell No Tales chucks you head first into volatile liaisons, uprisings and the dangerous instability of politically extremist views. With a list of brutally horrific murders that keeps getting longer, it’s for Ziggic and Ferreira to sort out the whos and whys before a race war starts in this culturally diverse Fenland city.
As proved with Long Way Home, Dolan’s writing speaks for itself with plot lines that are deliciously tantalising, subtly combined and always evocative. Protagonists so likeable and convincing, there’s no need for the extra long handled shoe horn to come out and slip you into the story, instead its a natural glide back to two of crime fiction’s most appealing characters. Authenticity is found throughout the second instalment of this addictive series – from the relationship between Sofia and Jelena had which a hard lump forming in my throat to the anus clenching parallel of barbaric Neo-Nazi attacks – it’s exactly that kind of roller-coaster ride from start to finish. No page is wasted in Tell No Tales and every word earns its keep meaning you can easily lose a weekend to this novel, compelled through the pages to its electrifying finale.
If you’re looking for a change from the norm of domestic crime, and/or like your crime adventures to grab balls with a unforgiving and unashamed boldness then this is a novel right up your dark, foreboding alleyway.
Following on from Dolan’s awesome 2014 debut Long Way Home, Tell No Tales returns to DI Ziggic, DS Ferreira and Peterborough’s Hate Crimes division.
Starting with a ferocious bang, Tell No Tales chucks you head first into volatile liaisons, uprisings and the dangerous instability of politically extremist views. With a list of brutally horrific murders that keeps getting longer, it’s for Ziggic and Ferreira to sort out the whos and whys before a race war starts in this culturally diverse Fenland city.
As proved with Long Way Home, Dolan’s writing speaks for itself with plot lines that are deliciously tantalising, subtly combined and always evocative. Protagonists so likeable and convincing, there’s no need for the extra long handled shoe horn to come out and slip you into the story, instead its a natural glide back to two of crime fiction’s most appealing characters. Authenticity is found throughout the second instalment of this addictive series – from the relationship between Sofia and Jelena had which a hard lump forming in my throat to the anus clenching parallel of barbaric Neo-Nazi attacks – it’s exactly that kind of roller-coaster ride from start to finish. No page is wasted in Tell No Tales and every word earns its keep meaning you can easily lose a weekend to this novel, compelled through the pages to its electrifying finale.
If you’re looking for a change from the norm of domestic crime, and/or like your crime adventures to grab balls with a unforgiving and unashamed boldness then this is a novel right up your dark, foreboding alleyway.
March 6, 2016
Like the first book in the Zigic and Ferreira series, Tell No Tales focuses on racial tensions in the town of Peterborough given the recent wave of East European immigration. The tale has all the elements of a compelling police procedural – engaging and well-contextualised cases, gritty realism in the interactions between the police, public and media, a strong cast of characters with the lead pair having interesting personal back stories, internal conflict within the police force and nice subplots, and a good sense of place. In particular, the story has its finger firmly on the pulse of contemporary Britain, its turn towards English nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment, the exploitation of new arrivals, and underlying racial tensions. While the two cases are interesting and nicely told, especially as to how they gradually become entwined, the plotting did feel a little forced at times. Nonetheless, Tell No Tales is a gripping and thought-provoking page turner and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 6, 2015
Detectives Zigic and Ferreira are back, and a welcome return it is, too.
As in Eva Dolan‘s marvelous debut novel,Long Way Home, the prickly duo investigate a murder which leads them to dig deeply into Britain’s immigrant communities.
Tell No Tales is an engrossing, marvelously well-written and perfectly paced police procedural that takes an uncomfortable look at the lives of those at the bottom of British society.
Zigic and Ferreir are strong and very likable protagonists and, like the rest of the characters in Tell No Tales, are completely believable.
Tell No Tales confirms Eva Dolan‘s position as one of the the UK’s most powerful social-realist writers.
As in Eva Dolan‘s marvelous debut novel,Long Way Home, the prickly duo investigate a murder which leads them to dig deeply into Britain’s immigrant communities.
Tell No Tales is an engrossing, marvelously well-written and perfectly paced police procedural that takes an uncomfortable look at the lives of those at the bottom of British society.
Zigic and Ferreir are strong and very likable protagonists and, like the rest of the characters in Tell No Tales, are completely believable.
Tell No Tales confirms Eva Dolan‘s position as one of the the UK’s most powerful social-realist writers.
January 28, 2016
This book starts with the death of a young woman at a bus stop. Then another brutal murder of a young Asian man happens. Is there any connection between the murders, or is there a connection to a previous racially motivated murder that has not been solved? The Hate Crime Unit includes a Spanish woman and a second generation Eastern European. I thought this was slightly better than Eva Dolan's first book (really 3.5). The interracial aspects were thought provoking. Want to read her her next one
June 27, 2017
Read for an upcoming book group discussion. I didn't get into this one at all. Didn't feel drawn to the characters (although Zigic could be interesting with more development), and the plot felt disjointed and clunky. I also came across a few grammatical issues and wondered if these were deliberate to reflect local dialect perhaps, or just poor editing?
July 12, 2015
An excellent sequel, with the fairly bleak story nicely off set by the great central characters.
May 28, 2016
Recension: link: ZellysBokhylla
July 20, 2016
Review in Swedish: https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...
November 9, 2016
Eva Dolan’s second book featuring the Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit… takes the themes of the first novel and cranks the heat up to full. The first book primarily dealt with prejudice between white English and eastern European immigrants; this book is about prejudice between this as well as animosity between the different ethnicities within the UK. Featuring a Nigel Farage type character this deals with the subject matter in a recognisable and believable way. Setting these books in the unglamorous setting of Peterborough really brings it a sense of muted realism. It also feels quite real in its procedural approach… leads are followed up only to go nowhere and clues can be missed even as a reader. This all leads up to a major climatic finale and it will be interesting to see where the series goes next…
March 14, 2021
This is the second book in a series about the Hate Crime Police unit of Cambridgeshire Police based in Peterborough. It follows family man DI Dushan Zigic and the fiery DS Mel Ferreira nad other developing characters in the team who have been investigating a string of racially motivated murders with no clues and get pulled in to invetsigate a hit and run. Three Polish workers hit early morning while waiting to get picked up. Apparantly a right wing murder with an obvious perpetrator the case becomes more complex.
North Cambridgeshire MP Richard Shotton is trying to secure his electoral position and has an array of dubious supporters that he tries to keep in check. Is one of them the real villain?
It's a great second novel; I again liked the setting of Peterborough; the streets and the areas very well described. Now I am ready for the third in the series
North Cambridgeshire MP Richard Shotton is trying to secure his electoral position and has an array of dubious supporters that he tries to keep in check. Is one of them the real villain?
It's a great second novel; I again liked the setting of Peterborough; the streets and the areas very well described. Now I am ready for the third in the series
August 27, 2019
400 sidor
fyra+
De flest skriver vad boken handlar om, men jag gör oftast inte dt, för dt STÅR överallt redan.=)
Lite sen då första o andra boken kom 2014/2015. Har 3 &4a hemma, men 100 andra som står på läskö:=)
Serien är nutid, verklighets relaterade händelser, vardagliga, samtida om motsättningar/våld. t bestående av Fererra, fröken lakritspapper smak rökande permanenta partner, kollega, samt Dushan, Wahlia, m.fl som under 6 dygn, jobbar 24/7*2 för att hitta lösningar på morden
Vi befinner oss i och runt New England, Peterborough, krimommissarie Zigic, aiggy, med hela sit
Huvudkarakrärerna Zigic & Ferreira, gillar jag skarpt, de kör på i "sitt" race - det gör dt hela ännu bättre, straka, ite udda, orädda..
Inte så inne i dt politiska men lärt mig bl.a -English Defence League (EDL)
fyra+
De flest skriver vad boken handlar om, men jag gör oftast inte dt, för dt STÅR överallt redan.=)
Lite sen då första o andra boken kom 2014/2015. Har 3 &4a hemma, men 100 andra som står på läskö:=)
Serien är nutid, verklighets relaterade händelser, vardagliga, samtida om motsättningar/våld. t bestående av Fererra, fröken lakritspapper smak rökande permanenta partner, kollega, samt Dushan, Wahlia, m.fl som under 6 dygn, jobbar 24/7*2 för att hitta lösningar på morden
Vi befinner oss i och runt New England, Peterborough, krimommissarie Zigic, aiggy, med hela sit
Huvudkarakrärerna Zigic & Ferreira, gillar jag skarpt, de kör på i "sitt" race - det gör dt hela ännu bättre, straka, ite udda, orädda..
Inte så inne i dt politiska men lärt mig bl.a -English Defence League (EDL)
April 3, 2025
After reading the first book in the series, few months later picked up book 2 noting I had some trepidation why ? asked myself. Getting to page 100 I felt very melancholic, sad, inward and not my usual self. I wrestled with these feelings, was it due to the theme of the book temp workers and exploitation - no as in previous lines of work these themes were part of support I gave some in the most horrific situations. The answer alluded me, I had to stop reading to release the darkness surrounding myself. And what a change came over me - lightness again.
Is the story worth reading yes, does it feel real yes. Just not me for some reason.
Is the story worth reading yes, does it feel real yes. Just not me for some reason.
November 10, 2019
I loved this book. Zigic and Ferreira are a brilliant team who work really well together. They are two individuals but we don’t have to have the usually will they won’t they crap you get when a book has a male and female lead. It is really nice to see a strong platonic relationship.
The crime was a little complexed for me with the whole thing coming together in a very coincidental but rather unbelievable way.
However I loved the main characters and I will definitely be looking out for the next book featuring them.
The crime was a little complexed for me with the whole thing coming together in a very coincidental but rather unbelievable way.
However I loved the main characters and I will definitely be looking out for the next book featuring them.
January 17, 2019
Very good book. A real page turner. Very interesting to me as I live in the Fens! Could give us Fen people sleepless nites. Clever book and very different from usual thriller books I've read. Intelligent book that understands the stresses and strains of multiculturalism without falling into trap of casual tropes. I will definitely be getting more of Eva's books.
April 13, 2020
The second book in this promising series of police procedurals. The lead characters are well drawn and interesting and even their boss is almost reasonable by such series’ standards. The setting in the depressed and racially divided city of Peterborough is a backdrop for tensions and violence which a Serbian Inspector and a Portuguese sergeant try to quell. Very well worth reading!
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