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Detective Alec Ramsay #5
Desolate Sands
The ultimate serial killer thriller When well known community activist, Lacey Taylor goes missing whilst walking her dog, the police are at a loss to find any evidence as to where she is. A local man finds the collar, which belonged to her dog near Crosby Beach, home of the eerie Iron Men statues (Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place') and DI Annie Jones calls in the canine units to aid the search. What they find shocks even the most hardened detectives on her Major Investigation Team.★★★★★ "An Amazon top 10 novel. This is his best serial killer thriller. It charted at No1 in three genres. The fifth book in the Ramsay series. This is a gripping novel, has been translated into four languages. It should be made into a television drama series. This author is up there with the UK's best offerings.★★★★★ "Couldn't put this down. Fast-paced from the beginning.★★★★★ "An impressive series. This author has 29 best selling novels. This shows the flexibility of his storytelling.One of the best books you will read!A powerful and emotional read. Without a doubt his best so far; Amazon Reviewer.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2014
112 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
128 books399 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 23, 2022
Violent, dark and disturbing!
A serial killer is loose on the streets of Liverpool, women are going missing and a major organised crime family is undergoing a collective nervous breakdown. Press, politicians and the general public alike are in uproar and the Murder Investigation Team is at breaking point. A complicated story of false leads, treachery, double dealing and sickening violence, perpetuated by the most unexpected of characters. A dark and disturbing thriller that is hard to put down. Well done Conrad Jones.
A serial killer is loose on the streets of Liverpool, women are going missing and a major organised crime family is undergoing a collective nervous breakdown. Press, politicians and the general public alike are in uproar and the Murder Investigation Team is at breaking point. A complicated story of false leads, treachery, double dealing and sickening violence, perpetuated by the most unexpected of characters. A dark and disturbing thriller that is hard to put down. Well done Conrad Jones.
February 3, 2021
Wow. What a read. This is the second Conrad Jones I’ve read and I think I’ve discovered a new favourite author. Dark, twisted, but not gratuitous - really well written, lots of unexpected twists, a coherent narrative with likeable characters. Although this is fifth (I think) in a series I didn’t have any issue reading it as a stand-alone book. I loved the narration. Highly recommend.
April 5, 2019
DI Annie Jones is leading a major manhunt for a killer who has a unique and particularly disturbing way of dispatching his victims. The problem is, he’s not the only killer using the desolate backdrop of Crosby Beach in Merseyside to dispose of the evidence. To complicate things, just when it seems that Annie is thrown a lifeline, when a witness reports seeing someone they recognise discreetly dumping important evidence at the site, things take a turn for the worse when she discovers her witness isn’t all he seems.
If you like slow starts, weak characters and twists that tie you, as the reader, up in knots, then this book is NOT for you. It’s a fast-paced, rollicking read, that will have you on the edge of your seat, heart in your mouth, rooting for Annie and her colleagues. The dialogue is exceptionally good, the characters utterly believable and enough red-herrings to keep you guessing throughout.
A five-star read? Hell, yes.
If you like slow starts, weak characters and twists that tie you, as the reader, up in knots, then this book is NOT for you. It’s a fast-paced, rollicking read, that will have you on the edge of your seat, heart in your mouth, rooting for Annie and her colleagues. The dialogue is exceptionally good, the characters utterly believable and enough red-herrings to keep you guessing throughout.
A five-star read? Hell, yes.
December 7, 2019
Oh my! Conrad Jones has excelled himself this time! I've read several of his books and loved them all, but this is definitely one of the best. What a twisted mind Mr Jones has. The way the poor victims died gave me the creeps!
The storyline is so cleverly constructed, and the characterisation is brilliant. I loved the setting of Crosby beach and the Iron Men. I haven't visited this area (even though I lived in Liverpool for a few months several years ago) but now I really want to visit.
If you like well crafted thrillers with plenty of gore then this is a must read!
I listened to the book on Audible, and was slightly disappointed by the narrator who mis-pronounced some words, but that didn't spoil an excellent book.
The storyline is so cleverly constructed, and the characterisation is brilliant. I loved the setting of Crosby beach and the Iron Men. I haven't visited this area (even though I lived in Liverpool for a few months several years ago) but now I really want to visit.
If you like well crafted thrillers with plenty of gore then this is a must read!
I listened to the book on Audible, and was slightly disappointed by the narrator who mis-pronounced some words, but that didn't spoil an excellent book.
May 12, 2023
Conrad is always good for a gruesome story! This is no exception.
For me, the only challenge was the narrator. The accents were thick on some of the characters and there were quite a few characters to follow. Being from the US I struggled a little but by no means think this is a negative against the story but just a hurdle for me personally.
You can never go wrong with a Conrad Jones book.
For me, the only challenge was the narrator. The accents were thick on some of the characters and there were quite a few characters to follow. Being from the US I struggled a little but by no means think this is a negative against the story but just a hurdle for me personally.
You can never go wrong with a Conrad Jones book.
November 9, 2016
I thought this started a bit slow but when it got going it really had a lot thrown into it. There was a particular scene that had me shouting aloud at the Kindle and will stay in my head for a while yet. Part of the plot really tested my credulity, but it is fiction after all. I do like this series and I plan to read the rest of it.
April 15, 2016
Book 5 in the Alec Ramsay series.
First the 'against' the Kindle format on this book needs attention there is no separator for the chapters so I didnt get the 'time in chapter' estimate, maybe not a major problem but if reading in my break at work and not liking to put a book down mid chapter not knowing if I had time to read to the end of the chapter spoiled my enjoyment a little. Plus still a fair amount of typo's although this is getting better book by book.
'For': this is a fast paced action packed thriller with the usual gory injury description I have come to expect from Conor. Many twists and turns and although there was always a niggling idea of the unsub I was still slightly suprised at the end. Excellent character building this series is definitely getting better book by book.
Book 6 is already downloaded
First the 'against' the Kindle format on this book needs attention there is no separator for the chapters so I didnt get the 'time in chapter' estimate, maybe not a major problem but if reading in my break at work and not liking to put a book down mid chapter not knowing if I had time to read to the end of the chapter spoiled my enjoyment a little. Plus still a fair amount of typo's although this is getting better book by book.
'For': this is a fast paced action packed thriller with the usual gory injury description I have come to expect from Conor. Many twists and turns and although there was always a niggling idea of the unsub I was still slightly suprised at the end. Excellent character building this series is definitely getting better book by book.
Book 6 is already downloaded
November 27, 2015
What a read
This book is amazing. A brilliant story line. Action right through the book. I just couldn't put it down. If you want excitement ,brilliant story a little humour read this book.
This book is amazing. A brilliant story line. Action right through the book. I just couldn't put it down. If you want excitement ,brilliant story a little humour read this book.
May 3, 2016
This is a series that just get better and better . A tough gritty story that never let's you catch your breath . It will keep you guessing right until the end
May 9, 2016
Brilliant ......started reading it after breakfast this morning and have just finished it.
couldnt put it down
highly recommended
couldnt put it down
highly recommended
November 8, 2020
I have to start this review by saying that the gore of the injuries in this book is off the scale!!! I love dark books and the gorier the better, but wow, a couple of times I had to pause this book as the description of the injuries actually put me off my food! The imagination from Conrad for the type of torture the victims endured is absolutely brilliant, I seriously don’t know how he comes up with them! I’ve read quite a few of his books now and each time I think I’ve heard the worst, he comes up with something else even more gruesome. Totally brilliant!
I really enjoyed the story line to this and after googling images for The Iron Men that are featured in the book, I was able to visualise the scenes of where it was set.
The narrator initially, I found I struggled with as she seemed to read it quite “matter of factly”, but once I got used to her narration I realised how well it fitted with the book, and during the dramatic and tense scenes she really brings the book to life! The end scene with Janice and Brendan had my heart in my mouth with not just the brilliance of the storyline and how it was written, but also because of how she portrayed it!! I had so many emotions running through me, I literally couldn’t sit still!
I really enjoyed the story line to this and after googling images for The Iron Men that are featured in the book, I was able to visualise the scenes of where it was set.
The narrator initially, I found I struggled with as she seemed to read it quite “matter of factly”, but once I got used to her narration I realised how well it fitted with the book, and during the dramatic and tense scenes she really brings the book to life! The end scene with Janice and Brendan had my heart in my mouth with not just the brilliance of the storyline and how it was written, but also because of how she portrayed it!! I had so many emotions running through me, I literally couldn’t sit still!
February 1, 2021
Conrad Jones is one of my favourite writers but keeping that aside this book kept me listening far into the night and most of the day!
The book starts of ,as usual, with an explosive plot. A girl goes missing while walking her dog near the Iron Men statues on Crosby Beach. A local man finds her dog’s collar and comes forward. Detective Alec Ramsay is in charge of the case and when other bodies are found buried the layers of this very cleverly thought out plot start to unfold.
It is not often that I just surrender to the twists and turns of plots without trying to guess but this author allows me to listen without thought and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.
Yes it is a gritty and sometimes an uncomfortable read but it really is a great plot.
Definitely one I would recommend
The book starts of ,as usual, with an explosive plot. A girl goes missing while walking her dog near the Iron Men statues on Crosby Beach. A local man finds her dog’s collar and comes forward. Detective Alec Ramsay is in charge of the case and when other bodies are found buried the layers of this very cleverly thought out plot start to unfold.
It is not often that I just surrender to the twists and turns of plots without trying to guess but this author allows me to listen without thought and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.
Yes it is a gritty and sometimes an uncomfortable read but it really is a great plot.
Definitely one I would recommend
July 16, 2018
Desolate sands
Normally I'm a huge fan of Mr Conrad Jones but either I'm reading too many of his books but was slightly disappointed with this, Firstly some annoying grammar and type errors along with some phases from previous books took the enjoyment away. Petty I guess, but needed to mention it ad hadn't experienced in previous books
Even though the storyline itself was good it was at a slower pace and i felt beefed up to make a longer book.
Some expansion of previous characters with the addition of new prevented me from not continuing and I will also add nor my faith of purchasing further books by Mr Jones
Normally I'm a huge fan of Mr Conrad Jones but either I'm reading too many of his books but was slightly disappointed with this, Firstly some annoying grammar and type errors along with some phases from previous books took the enjoyment away. Petty I guess, but needed to mention it ad hadn't experienced in previous books
Even though the storyline itself was good it was at a slower pace and i felt beefed up to make a longer book.
Some expansion of previous characters with the addition of new prevented me from not continuing and I will also add nor my faith of purchasing further books by Mr Jones
June 5, 2018
A little slow to start and the number of different characters made it quite difficult to keep track of the plot,however once the storyline developed then the pace quickened and made for a good read.....despite having to come to terms with jumping 12 months in order to reach a near conclusion.On the downside I was really disappointed with the number of grammatical mistakes and missing words in the text,far more than is really acceptable today.The worst was the use of a wrong surname in the the closing scene.Conrad needs to have a serious word with his script editors because this shows a lack of professionalism.
Overall I would thoroughly recommend this episode and the series to date.
Overall I would thoroughly recommend this episode and the series to date.
January 10, 2022
I knew it was him!!!!!!
What a fantastic book! Holy moly, this book keeps you guessing throughout the whole thing. From the first chapter you get sucked in and its hard to get out! I didn't want to move, and the descriptions were so on point that I could see it in my head, I could feel the emotions in my gut! I felt fear for these ppl! But things aren't always as they seem! Everything points to one person, but in the end, was it really them? I guess you'll have to read it and find out! I recommend it highly!
What a fantastic book! Holy moly, this book keeps you guessing throughout the whole thing. From the first chapter you get sucked in and its hard to get out! I didn't want to move, and the descriptions were so on point that I could see it in my head, I could feel the emotions in my gut! I felt fear for these ppl! But things aren't always as they seem! Everything points to one person, but in the end, was it really them? I guess you'll have to read it and find out! I recommend it highly!
January 17, 2023
Slightly disappointing!
Book 5 Desolate Sands didn't thrill me as much as the others in this series. The story started out with a different team of detectives following the gruesome discovery of women's bodies buried in sand. It was a few chapters in before Alec and his team became involved. I noticed quite a few grammatical errors quite early on and a character using the same line "I like your style" too often quite unnecessary. I won't give out spoilers but I did suss out the suspect quite early, however I thought the ending was particularly good. BP Sheffield x
Book 5 Desolate Sands didn't thrill me as much as the others in this series. The story started out with a different team of detectives following the gruesome discovery of women's bodies buried in sand. It was a few chapters in before Alec and his team became involved. I noticed quite a few grammatical errors quite early on and a character using the same line "I like your style" too often quite unnecessary. I won't give out spoilers but I did suss out the suspect quite early, however I thought the ending was particularly good. BP Sheffield x
October 31, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable return to form for the latest outing in this Liverpool set series. Once again the Major Investigation Team are called in to investigate a series of brutal murders of local prostitutes all of whom have, at one time, worked in a brothel owned by the head of a local criminal gang. Containing its usual quotient of gory violence, there is a return to a focus on police procedure with less time spent on their personal life. An interesting twist right at the end begs the question have we seen the last of this story or will it rear its ugly head again in the future.
May 15, 2023
Unputdownable
I have gotten this far into the Alac Ramsay series and have enjoyed the lot- however, this thrilling story had me on tenterhooks! Shocking twists throughout, atmospheric and articulated cleverly. My family have gone without dinner, the washing has been forgotten, and I have potential frostbite from being glued to the chair in the garden, too enthralled to move! You will not regret choosing this title.....
I have gotten this far into the Alac Ramsay series and have enjoyed the lot- however, this thrilling story had me on tenterhooks! Shocking twists throughout, atmospheric and articulated cleverly. My family have gone without dinner, the washing has been forgotten, and I have potential frostbite from being glued to the chair in the garden, too enthralled to move! You will not regret choosing this title.....
January 27, 2018
Very interesting plot with great attention to detail. I hit 77% and was disappointed there was a time jump right at the build up. But it all played out well and kept the story going to another bigger build up. I love this author as he keeps you involved and you end up feeling like you are part of the MIT.
July 8, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! I listened on Audible and really enjoyed listening to the narrator. It’s a really good story with such different characters.
I was not expecting the twist that happened! I love how Conrad Jones intertwines different parts of the story and then brings them all together. He builds depth to the characters really well.
I was not expecting the twist that happened! I love how Conrad Jones intertwines different parts of the story and then brings them all together. He builds depth to the characters really well.
May 12, 2018
Gruesome but gripping
Totally gripping from start to finish.
A must for Conrad Jones fans.
Thoroughly enjoyable and easily a book that can be read in just a few sittings. Short chapters make a quick pick up possible also.
Totally gripping from start to finish.
A must for Conrad Jones fans.
Thoroughly enjoyable and easily a book that can be read in just a few sittings. Short chapters make a quick pick up possible also.
July 1, 2020
Once i start reading one of Conrad Jones's book i cannot put it down , the story just flows along building up to an excting finale .I have read almost all of his books and each one is fantastic reading .
September 21, 2020
A stunning thriller, and that is exactly what it is, I just couldn't believe how much action was in it, and so gritty that I had to put it down at times, the word I'm looking for is brilliant, like every other book I've read by Conrad Jones.
January 14, 2021
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Conrad Jones does it again but be prepared this is a particularly gruesome one (which I love not sure what that says about me). It’s an exciting audio with great narration and full of twists and turns at all times. This does not disappoint
Conrad Jones does it again but be prepared this is a particularly gruesome one (which I love not sure what that says about me). It’s an exciting audio with great narration and full of twists and turns at all times. This does not disappoint
September 9, 2018
Such an amazing book I really wanted to give it 5 stars I just think Brendon Ryder had it easy he should have had gone to prison and suffered a lot.
But any way... just the way I see it.
But any way... just the way I see it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2018
Brilliantly gripping
This series has kept me on edge and turning pages, I think they are fantastically written and easy to follow
This series has kept me on edge and turning pages, I think they are fantastically written and easy to follow
September 17, 2019
Gripping
Another Book from Conrad that has you on the edge of your seat.
The Iron men hold thousands of secrets, the latest one that could reveal who is the butcher....
Another Book from Conrad that has you on the edge of your seat.
The Iron men hold thousands of secrets, the latest one that could reveal who is the butcher....
April 22, 2020
Great read - loses a star for spelling lager as larger! My pet hate...
March 26, 2021
Started slow, but ended up throwing a punch!
January 5, 2025
Every time time I read one of Conrad's books, I think it can never be better 😅 Such brilliant writing it hooks you in from the first paragraph.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews