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DI Harry Evans #1
Snatched from Home
A middle-class couple turn to crime to pay the ransom for their children—can they evade the cops and save their children's lives?
Middle-class parents Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas’s gambling debts. Penniless and desperate, the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom. Hot on their heels is recently bereaved DI Harry Evans and his Major Crimes team. Evans is fighting against enforced retirement, and his replacement, DI John Campbell, is foisted upon him along with other cases. If he must leave the police then he wants one last big case before he goes. In a race against time Victoria and Nicholas must evade the police while continuing to add to the ransom fund. Can they save their children before time runs out?
Middle-class parents Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas’s gambling debts. Penniless and desperate, the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom. Hot on their heels is recently bereaved DI Harry Evans and his Major Crimes team. Evans is fighting against enforced retirement, and his replacement, DI John Campbell, is foisted upon him along with other cases. If he must leave the police then he wants one last big case before he goes. In a race against time Victoria and Nicholas must evade the police while continuing to add to the ransom fund. Can they save their children before time runs out?
- GenresFiction
307 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 1, 2017
All my reviews can be found on my blog http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Snatched From Home is like a breath of fresh air, as anyone who follows my blog will know I’m a huge crime fan, everything about this book is highly original, the plot, characters and dialogue all made for an exciting read. Parents Victoria and Nicholas have to face their worse fears when their two children are kidnapped, if they want them back they will have to pay Nicholas’s gambling debt. With little chance of raising the money, Victoria will do anything to get them back even if it means breaking the law. What follows is a hell of a read, fast paced with bucketfuls of suspense.
What I loved about this book were the eclectic bunch of characters, especially DI Harry Evans although I started out disliking him he grew on me as the story progressed. He’s certainly an original character, larger than life, better known for his insubordination and disregard for following procedures, his extremely unpolitical views and so much more, but he’s a character that will make you laugh, make you cringe, but will also have you rooting for him. As he’s about to retire DI John Campbell Is brought into replace him, as different as chalk and cheese the dialogue between the pair makes for a humorous read at times. Harry’s way of working may be far from perfect but he gets results, but in his last case before more retirement has he bit off more than he can chew?
The story is told in short snappy chapters which add a sense of urgency to the plot, there are subplots within this novel which can sometimes hamper rather than add to a story, but Graham Smith very cleverly intertwined the plots making for a fast paced read. The plot is fast paced, nail-biting with fascinating characters. I also loved the fact this book has a large dose of humour thrown highlighted through its characters and dialogue, despite the serious crimes taking place I found myself chuckling away, which I never expect when reading a crime thriller. So if you are a lover of a highly original crime thriller I would suggest you add this book to your TBR pile, but PLEASE make sure you put it to the top of the pile, you won’t be disappointed I promise.
Snatched From Home is like a breath of fresh air, as anyone who follows my blog will know I’m a huge crime fan, everything about this book is highly original, the plot, characters and dialogue all made for an exciting read. Parents Victoria and Nicholas have to face their worse fears when their two children are kidnapped, if they want them back they will have to pay Nicholas’s gambling debt. With little chance of raising the money, Victoria will do anything to get them back even if it means breaking the law. What follows is a hell of a read, fast paced with bucketfuls of suspense.
What I loved about this book were the eclectic bunch of characters, especially DI Harry Evans although I started out disliking him he grew on me as the story progressed. He’s certainly an original character, larger than life, better known for his insubordination and disregard for following procedures, his extremely unpolitical views and so much more, but he’s a character that will make you laugh, make you cringe, but will also have you rooting for him. As he’s about to retire DI John Campbell Is brought into replace him, as different as chalk and cheese the dialogue between the pair makes for a humorous read at times. Harry’s way of working may be far from perfect but he gets results, but in his last case before more retirement has he bit off more than he can chew?
The story is told in short snappy chapters which add a sense of urgency to the plot, there are subplots within this novel which can sometimes hamper rather than add to a story, but Graham Smith very cleverly intertwined the plots making for a fast paced read. The plot is fast paced, nail-biting with fascinating characters. I also loved the fact this book has a large dose of humour thrown highlighted through its characters and dialogue, despite the serious crimes taking place I found myself chuckling away, which I never expect when reading a crime thriller. So if you are a lover of a highly original crime thriller I would suggest you add this book to your TBR pile, but PLEASE make sure you put it to the top of the pile, you won’t be disappointed I promise.
April 29, 2015
Well what can I say!? This book absolutely blew me away. I had just finished The Major Crimes Team and wondered if the author could deliver another fabulous book...he could and did!
The main storyline was about a couple who have to turn to criminal activities to save their children. It was a roller-coaster of a ride indeed...however, the other sub-plots for me, were just as --if not more--interesting to follow.
Graham Smith has a way of making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey. The writing style is what captured my interest--the word choice and voices of the characters, for me, stood out and made each one unique in their own right. The tortured soul of DI Evans, the promiscuity of DC Lauren Phillips and the alleged 'innocence' of the new team member DI John Campbell, to name a few...had me captivated from the first page.
The very pages of this book got under my skin...I actually cannot wait to find out what happens next and loved the way this book ended. Graham Smith is another author I will be keeping a close eye one for sure. I cannot express in words how great this book was. I would, however, suggest that you read The Major Crimes Team first to get yourself familiar with the characters.
The main storyline was about a couple who have to turn to criminal activities to save their children. It was a roller-coaster of a ride indeed...however, the other sub-plots for me, were just as --if not more--interesting to follow.
Graham Smith has a way of making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey. The writing style is what captured my interest--the word choice and voices of the characters, for me, stood out and made each one unique in their own right. The tortured soul of DI Evans, the promiscuity of DC Lauren Phillips and the alleged 'innocence' of the new team member DI John Campbell, to name a few...had me captivated from the first page.
The very pages of this book got under my skin...I actually cannot wait to find out what happens next and loved the way this book ended. Graham Smith is another author I will be keeping a close eye one for sure. I cannot express in words how great this book was. I would, however, suggest that you read The Major Crimes Team first to get yourself familiar with the characters.
August 26, 2016
Reading an ARC of Graham Smith's new upcoming novella 'Matching the Evidence', I noticed that there are references to certain facts and cases that take place in the author's first novel, so I've decided to read 'Snatched from Home' to have the whole story.
What happens in this novel is every parent's worst nightmare. Nicholas Foulkes has amassed a huge debt thanks to his gambling habit. One night masked intruders kidnap his two children, Samantha and Kyle from under his and his wife Victoria's noses. If they want to see their children again, the debt must be paid in full by the given deadline, or else...
"I'll do whatever it takes to get them back."
This book shows just how far a mother is prepared to go to save her children. But I couldn't have guessed what this desperate woman's maternal instinct would drive her to do. In the Foulkes family, Victoria is the one with the balls not her husband and I really admired this woman.
But the star of this book and series is without doubt DI Harry Evans, the boss of the Major Crimes team. He's quite an unforgettable character! To tell the truth I'm not sure whether I liked him or not. There were times when I admired him, others when he made me laugh but there were others when I would have gladly given him a good kick up his backside. To say Evans is a strong character is an understatement. I think he's one of the harshest DIs I've ever encountered to date in police procedural novels. An old-school copper in his fifties, he's arrogant, obnoxious and confident but fair and goes about as if he owns the place. He knows almost everyone and everyone knows him on his patch in Cumbria. But now after thirty years of service his time is almost up. His superiors can't wait to get rid of his insubordination and renegade ways. In fact his replacement, in the form of DI John Campbell has already joined his team "to bring order to the chaos of Evan's reign". Harry does not want to leave the force, but if he isn't given an opportunity to stay, he wishes to go out with a bang. Little does he know that soon his wish will come true...
The author has weaved a suspenseful, fast-paced plot with twists and turns throughout around some very interesting characters. The Major Crimes team is made up of a well-balanced mix of individuals and I'm sure that in the future we'll see this great team solving many more complex cases. The kidnappers (especially Blair) were just nasty and I felt terrible for the two kidnapped kids. I admired Samantha's courage and perseverance throughout the ordeal (must have got that from her mother!).
Well, this book is a hell of a roller-coaster ride that increases speed the further it goes. By the end it's a desperate race against time. I couldn't believe this was the author's debut novel. There isn't a moment without some action going on. Short chapters made this read an even more enjoyable experience and I felt like I was flying through the book. I liked the clever way the author has intertwined one case with another. The ending is simply spectacular and I really liked it. By the end I could understand better DI Evans' results-driven, no nonsense way of carrying out his job. The man is not as bad as he gave the impression at the beginning.
'Snatched from Home' is a brilliant, nail-biting crime thriller, the start of an exciting series and I highly recommend it. Now I can't wait to read the author's next full-length novel to be published soon after 'Matching the Evidence'. And yes, it will feature DI Evans with his bossy character too!
What happens in this novel is every parent's worst nightmare. Nicholas Foulkes has amassed a huge debt thanks to his gambling habit. One night masked intruders kidnap his two children, Samantha and Kyle from under his and his wife Victoria's noses. If they want to see their children again, the debt must be paid in full by the given deadline, or else...
"I'll do whatever it takes to get them back."
This book shows just how far a mother is prepared to go to save her children. But I couldn't have guessed what this desperate woman's maternal instinct would drive her to do. In the Foulkes family, Victoria is the one with the balls not her husband and I really admired this woman.
But the star of this book and series is without doubt DI Harry Evans, the boss of the Major Crimes team. He's quite an unforgettable character! To tell the truth I'm not sure whether I liked him or not. There were times when I admired him, others when he made me laugh but there were others when I would have gladly given him a good kick up his backside. To say Evans is a strong character is an understatement. I think he's one of the harshest DIs I've ever encountered to date in police procedural novels. An old-school copper in his fifties, he's arrogant, obnoxious and confident but fair and goes about as if he owns the place. He knows almost everyone and everyone knows him on his patch in Cumbria. But now after thirty years of service his time is almost up. His superiors can't wait to get rid of his insubordination and renegade ways. In fact his replacement, in the form of DI John Campbell has already joined his team "to bring order to the chaos of Evan's reign". Harry does not want to leave the force, but if he isn't given an opportunity to stay, he wishes to go out with a bang. Little does he know that soon his wish will come true...
The author has weaved a suspenseful, fast-paced plot with twists and turns throughout around some very interesting characters. The Major Crimes team is made up of a well-balanced mix of individuals and I'm sure that in the future we'll see this great team solving many more complex cases. The kidnappers (especially Blair) were just nasty and I felt terrible for the two kidnapped kids. I admired Samantha's courage and perseverance throughout the ordeal (must have got that from her mother!).
Well, this book is a hell of a roller-coaster ride that increases speed the further it goes. By the end it's a desperate race against time. I couldn't believe this was the author's debut novel. There isn't a moment without some action going on. Short chapters made this read an even more enjoyable experience and I felt like I was flying through the book. I liked the clever way the author has intertwined one case with another. The ending is simply spectacular and I really liked it. By the end I could understand better DI Evans' results-driven, no nonsense way of carrying out his job. The man is not as bad as he gave the impression at the beginning.
'Snatched from Home' is a brilliant, nail-biting crime thriller, the start of an exciting series and I highly recommend it. Now I can't wait to read the author's next full-length novel to be published soon after 'Matching the Evidence'. And yes, it will feature DI Evans with his bossy character too!
June 18, 2015
Calling all crime fans. If there is one book that I would recommend this month, SNATCHED FROM HOME would be it.
This is the type of novel that will keep you up all night reading or taking to work with you.
Graham Smith knows how to keep the crime moving, keeping all of his readers glued to every page.
The central character has a secret one that he can’t share or won’t share with his wife. Until some men turn up unexpected at the family home. The husband and wife are left with a quick choice they have to face as their children are taken away and need urgently to raise money to get their children back.
This is a brilliant novel not to be missed by a very talented writer. Graham Smith has become one of my favourite authors after reading this moving crime novel.
November 9, 2015
This is a fab debut, well written, superbly paced with short chapters which kept me turning the pages.
Snatched from home has some great characters and whilst I was uncertain of Evan's brash non pc 'old school' style I found that his intrinsic honesty won me over. The parents, their reaction to the kidnapping and the dynamics of the relationships were superbly observed and I loved the spunk and determination of their daughter Sam. The baddie 'Blair' was chillingly, flesh creepingly scary and the scenes with the camera were amongst the most horrifying I've read to date.
My only criticisms are that I felt at times that Evan's maverick actions and local knowledge were sometimes laid on a bit too thick as were the detailed descriptions of the car journeys - These however are minor gripes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm already impatient for the next installment - so hurry up and get writing Graham Smith!!
Snatched from home has some great characters and whilst I was uncertain of Evan's brash non pc 'old school' style I found that his intrinsic honesty won me over. The parents, their reaction to the kidnapping and the dynamics of the relationships were superbly observed and I loved the spunk and determination of their daughter Sam. The baddie 'Blair' was chillingly, flesh creepingly scary and the scenes with the camera were amongst the most horrifying I've read to date.
My only criticisms are that I felt at times that Evan's maverick actions and local knowledge were sometimes laid on a bit too thick as were the detailed descriptions of the car journeys - These however are minor gripes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm already impatient for the next installment - so hurry up and get writing Graham Smith!!
March 24, 2019
I think the title and cover are misleading. They put me off the book as I thought "oh, I have read this sort of thing before". But actually it was much better than I thought. I had never heard of Graham Smith as an author but came across one of his books on my tbr list, saw that it had excellent reviews, so here we are. Wow, that packed a punch. Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are horrified when four strange men burst into their home and kidnap their two children Sam (Samantha) and Kyle. They have one week to pay up Nicholas's gambling debt or the kids would each have one limb removed with an oxy-acetylene torch. Yikes. That little detail just turns your stomach.
Clearly the parents don't have the money and Nicholas has already mortgaged the house. They sell what they can, raid their savings and decide to steal the rest of the necessary money. Meanwhile DI Harry Evans, an old school non PC copper who is well known for bending the rules, is about to retire. He's done his 30 years and the force wants him gone despite his outstanding arrest record. His replacement, DI Campbell from Glasgow, partners with Evans for a week to learn the ropes. It seems Campbell is a bit of a ladies man. Probably more on that in book 2.
They are on the trail of thieves who break into pub safes after hours, thieves who steal huge quantities of farm equipment and a gang ripping off car dealerships. Things are ticking along nicely until they question Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes about one of the pub thefts and the whole kidnapping drama comes out. Evans has a cunning plan to rescue the children which doesn't involve informing his superiors. You can see that this has huge potential to go tits up. But, oh man, will this plan succeed? Its a daring and risky strategy and as the clock ticks down it gets very nail biting and nerve shredding. It doesn't help that Sam has already had two botched escape attempts and really pissed off her captors. Of course I'm not going to tell you how it pans out!
Well, I suppose I'd better add the rest of Smith's books to my tbr.
Clearly the parents don't have the money and Nicholas has already mortgaged the house. They sell what they can, raid their savings and decide to steal the rest of the necessary money. Meanwhile DI Harry Evans, an old school non PC copper who is well known for bending the rules, is about to retire. He's done his 30 years and the force wants him gone despite his outstanding arrest record. His replacement, DI Campbell from Glasgow, partners with Evans for a week to learn the ropes. It seems Campbell is a bit of a ladies man. Probably more on that in book 2.
They are on the trail of thieves who break into pub safes after hours, thieves who steal huge quantities of farm equipment and a gang ripping off car dealerships. Things are ticking along nicely until they question Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes about one of the pub thefts and the whole kidnapping drama comes out. Evans has a cunning plan to rescue the children which doesn't involve informing his superiors. You can see that this has huge potential to go tits up. But, oh man, will this plan succeed? Its a daring and risky strategy and as the clock ticks down it gets very nail biting and nerve shredding. It doesn't help that Sam has already had two botched escape attempts and really pissed off her captors. Of course I'm not going to tell you how it pans out!
Well, I suppose I'd better add the rest of Smith's books to my tbr.
May 14, 2015
You know when a book is going to be good when by the end of the first chapter your already gripped, well Graham Smith managed to grab me by the end of the first paragraph. I don't think I have ever been grabbed so quick that early on in a book before, ever!
Snatched From Home is the authors first full length novel, he has previously released a novella which is an introduction to the characters in this book, the novella is called The Major Crimes Team, I wouldn't say it is imperative to read the novella first but as it's a great read I certainly recommend it.
This story finds the team trying to catch the criminals behind a protection scam that threatens a shop owners, while solving various other crimes, DI Harry Evans stumbles across a kidnapping of 2 children. The chapters with the two children I found especially chilling.
I have to say I absolutely loved the girl character, Samantha. To say the situation she is in she is such a strong character and the author did a wonderful job in the way he has written this story as the relationship between the brother and sister really tugs at the readers heart strings.
Graham Smith has delivered a brilliant crime thriller that has the reader hooked from beginning to end. Towards the end of the story it is quite fast paced and even though some of the content made for uncomfortable reading I couldn't devour it quick enough.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Snatched From Home is the authors first full length novel, he has previously released a novella which is an introduction to the characters in this book, the novella is called The Major Crimes Team, I wouldn't say it is imperative to read the novella first but as it's a great read I certainly recommend it.
This story finds the team trying to catch the criminals behind a protection scam that threatens a shop owners, while solving various other crimes, DI Harry Evans stumbles across a kidnapping of 2 children. The chapters with the two children I found especially chilling.
I have to say I absolutely loved the girl character, Samantha. To say the situation she is in she is such a strong character and the author did a wonderful job in the way he has written this story as the relationship between the brother and sister really tugs at the readers heart strings.
Graham Smith has delivered a brilliant crime thriller that has the reader hooked from beginning to end. Towards the end of the story it is quite fast paced and even though some of the content made for uncomfortable reading I couldn't devour it quick enough.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 12, 2016
This book certainly packs a punch - and then some! I was gripped (and horrified) from the start when children are abducted in order to secure payment on their father's gambling debt. We also have an organised gang stealing farm equipment/vehicles and local pubs being burgled.
The story is fast paced and the leader of the Major Crimes team, DI Evans keeps the humour and humanity close to the surface. Although his style is a little old school and reminiscent of Gene Hunt, he gets the job done!!
This is the first book of Graham Smith's that I have read and I can't wait for more. I was also left with a craving for a pint of Jennings!
The story is fast paced and the leader of the Major Crimes team, DI Evans keeps the humour and humanity close to the surface. Although his style is a little old school and reminiscent of Gene Hunt, he gets the job done!!
This is the first book of Graham Smith's that I have read and I can't wait for more. I was also left with a craving for a pint of Jennings!
June 22, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller with some brilliant characters. I particularly loved Evans with his extremely unpolitical views and approach to policing his county. Looking forward to reading more from this author
June 28, 2016
What a great read. OK I have to say I was forced at gun point by my buddy Noelle over at #CrimebookJunkie to read this book. Well maybe she just recommended it and I trust her recommendations that much I had to go and buy it and read it right away. Well I'm glad I did. And guess what? My Mum was glad I did too as she really enjoyed it also.
Nicholas Foulkes is in Debt from Gambling. Only problem is, his wife Victoria knows nothing about it until masked men raid their home and Kidnap her 2 children. Every parents worst nightmare. But somehow, some way they have got to find 95 Grand to get them back. How the Hell are they supposed to do that. Beg, steel and borrow is the only way. Or is it? It seems like turning to crime might just get them the rest of the money they need.
I really couldn't decide if I liked DI Harry Evans to start with. At one point he really got on my nerves, but you soon realise it's just who he is, and all he wants is to get the job done, and get results. I did start to grow to like him.
working along side him is DI John Campbell, who is set to be Harry Evans replacement when he takes retirement. I Liked John a little more to start with than I did Evans, although at times he seemed a little to goody goody. Once you start getting through the book, you learn a little more of these two characters, and I did begin to like both of them.
This i'm told is Graham's Debut Novel. Well if that is the case it is a great debut, well written, brilliantly paced and once I got around 30% in I did not want to put my kindle down, I needed to try and keep going.
Certainly an author I will be watching out for in the future.
Nicholas Foulkes is in Debt from Gambling. Only problem is, his wife Victoria knows nothing about it until masked men raid their home and Kidnap her 2 children. Every parents worst nightmare. But somehow, some way they have got to find 95 Grand to get them back. How the Hell are they supposed to do that. Beg, steel and borrow is the only way. Or is it? It seems like turning to crime might just get them the rest of the money they need.
I really couldn't decide if I liked DI Harry Evans to start with. At one point he really got on my nerves, but you soon realise it's just who he is, and all he wants is to get the job done, and get results. I did start to grow to like him.
working along side him is DI John Campbell, who is set to be Harry Evans replacement when he takes retirement. I Liked John a little more to start with than I did Evans, although at times he seemed a little to goody goody. Once you start getting through the book, you learn a little more of these two characters, and I did begin to like both of them.
This i'm told is Graham's Debut Novel. Well if that is the case it is a great debut, well written, brilliantly paced and once I got around 30% in I did not want to put my kindle down, I needed to try and keep going.
Certainly an author I will be watching out for in the future.
October 5, 2016
With a great lead character and a couple of interesting and original crimes to be solved; what's not to like about the antics of DI Harry Evans. Oh he really takes the phrase "maverick cop" to a whole new other level but, honestly, I personally think that we should have more of these sorts around today. Firm but fair even if a little - well, ok very - not politically correct in the slightest.
So, Sam and Kyle have been taken from their parents as father Nicholas has a rather large outstanding debt. With his wife Victoria, together they have a week to pay it back and are completely desperate so I guess you could say that lines become rather blurred for them. Then there's also the matter of stolen farm machinery and tools, oh and just in case that wasn't enough, someone is also diddling the motor trade. All in a day's work for Evans as he counts down to his "enforced" retirement.
Although I really got onside Harry Evans and his way of doing things, I didn't so much like the way he treated his own team and that did grate on me a little as the book went on. I do love banter between colleagues but, and this is just my personal feelings, I did think it went a little over the top for my comfort whilst reading. He also, and this I do like, has a good attitude to justice. I won't say more here (spoilers) but you'll know what I mean if/when you read the book. The rest of the team were also a little on the caricature side of things and sometimes I did feel that the characters overshadowed the storyline a little which, in my opinion, was not necessary as the story was totally able to stand up on it's own without the need for characters propping it up.
I found the narrative to be actually quite novel for a police procedural. We kinda know who has done what and for the most part why but as with all good crime books, even though you think you know what is happening, sometimes you actually don't. I found that as the book went on, there was still plenty to still uncover and a few of my original assumptions were blown out.
Pacing was excellent throughout and there was a good balance between narrative and description too which I do love in a crime book. It gets on with itself nicely.
I did have a couple of reservations about some of the motor trade dealings but that's probably only because it is the field in which I work and so I am a bit sensitive to that stuff. I am willing to let them go as at least they are integral to the plot and, as such, can be accepted as poetic license.
All in all, a substantial but quick and very satisfying read. I already have the next book to read and am looking forward to devouring that one too.
So, Sam and Kyle have been taken from their parents as father Nicholas has a rather large outstanding debt. With his wife Victoria, together they have a week to pay it back and are completely desperate so I guess you could say that lines become rather blurred for them. Then there's also the matter of stolen farm machinery and tools, oh and just in case that wasn't enough, someone is also diddling the motor trade. All in a day's work for Evans as he counts down to his "enforced" retirement.
Although I really got onside Harry Evans and his way of doing things, I didn't so much like the way he treated his own team and that did grate on me a little as the book went on. I do love banter between colleagues but, and this is just my personal feelings, I did think it went a little over the top for my comfort whilst reading. He also, and this I do like, has a good attitude to justice. I won't say more here (spoilers) but you'll know what I mean if/when you read the book. The rest of the team were also a little on the caricature side of things and sometimes I did feel that the characters overshadowed the storyline a little which, in my opinion, was not necessary as the story was totally able to stand up on it's own without the need for characters propping it up.
I found the narrative to be actually quite novel for a police procedural. We kinda know who has done what and for the most part why but as with all good crime books, even though you think you know what is happening, sometimes you actually don't. I found that as the book went on, there was still plenty to still uncover and a few of my original assumptions were blown out.
Pacing was excellent throughout and there was a good balance between narrative and description too which I do love in a crime book. It gets on with itself nicely.
I did have a couple of reservations about some of the motor trade dealings but that's probably only because it is the field in which I work and so I am a bit sensitive to that stuff. I am willing to let them go as at least they are integral to the plot and, as such, can be accepted as poetic license.
All in all, a substantial but quick and very satisfying read. I already have the next book to read and am looking forward to devouring that one too.
April 14, 2015
I started this book not knowing what to expect but after reading the first few pages I realised that I was in for a rollercoaster of a ride.
Without giving too much away DI Harry Evans has completed his 30 years service in Cumbria Police and is fast approaching retirement. He is finishing off his case load and is desperate for one, last big case before he retires. In fact he doesn't want to retire as it appears that his career is what is keeping him going. If he has no career then he has nothing to live for.
At the same time as a result of their father's gambling debts, two children are kidnapped from their parents and held to ransom. If the kidnappers' demands are not met then something terrible will happen to them. Eventually DI Evans happens to come across the case and there is a race against time to find the children pay the kidnappers and arrest the villains. Along the way there are also other crimes which link into the kidnapping case.
I loved most of the characters in the book but I didn't warm to DC Lauren Phillips one little bit, perhaps because she is a tart and acts like one. My favourite character was DI Harry Evans himself. He is a bit of a tortured soul in that he has suffered immense personal tragedy but as is typical with northern men from a certain generation, Harry won't talk about the tragedy and he keeps his emotions bottled up. Harry is also a dinosaur in that he doesn't like change. He trained for the job in the 1970s/ 1980s when methods and tactics used were a world apart from what is expected of police officers and what is deemed acceptable nowadays. Harry can't seem to see that the way he goes about things is wrong and as he points out he gets results & knows all the villains so what's the problem? He also dislikes authority figures and has been in hot water with his bosses on more than one occasion. It's like water off a duck's back to him.
This book was very well written and flowed really well. I have a vivid imagination so at times I felt that I was right there with DI Evans and the team. Towards the end of the book my stomach kept churning and somersaulting each time something happened with the case- would DI Harry Evans be able to ride to the rescue so to speak?
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and I would award it 5 stars out of 5. It's an impressive book. I look forward to reading further books by this author. In fact I CAN'T WAIT to read the next instalment in the lives of DI Harry Evans & the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team.
Without giving too much away DI Harry Evans has completed his 30 years service in Cumbria Police and is fast approaching retirement. He is finishing off his case load and is desperate for one, last big case before he retires. In fact he doesn't want to retire as it appears that his career is what is keeping him going. If he has no career then he has nothing to live for.
At the same time as a result of their father's gambling debts, two children are kidnapped from their parents and held to ransom. If the kidnappers' demands are not met then something terrible will happen to them. Eventually DI Evans happens to come across the case and there is a race against time to find the children pay the kidnappers and arrest the villains. Along the way there are also other crimes which link into the kidnapping case.
I loved most of the characters in the book but I didn't warm to DC Lauren Phillips one little bit, perhaps because she is a tart and acts like one. My favourite character was DI Harry Evans himself. He is a bit of a tortured soul in that he has suffered immense personal tragedy but as is typical with northern men from a certain generation, Harry won't talk about the tragedy and he keeps his emotions bottled up. Harry is also a dinosaur in that he doesn't like change. He trained for the job in the 1970s/ 1980s when methods and tactics used were a world apart from what is expected of police officers and what is deemed acceptable nowadays. Harry can't seem to see that the way he goes about things is wrong and as he points out he gets results & knows all the villains so what's the problem? He also dislikes authority figures and has been in hot water with his bosses on more than one occasion. It's like water off a duck's back to him.
This book was very well written and flowed really well. I have a vivid imagination so at times I felt that I was right there with DI Evans and the team. Towards the end of the book my stomach kept churning and somersaulting each time something happened with the case- would DI Harry Evans be able to ride to the rescue so to speak?
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and I would award it 5 stars out of 5. It's an impressive book. I look forward to reading further books by this author. In fact I CAN'T WAIT to read the next instalment in the lives of DI Harry Evans & the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team.
June 14, 2020
Splendid crime fiction. Gritty, humour and very realistic. This is the second book that I've read, by Graham Smith and I'm very impressed. Solid 4*
April 24, 2015
This debut novel shows huge potential for an author who will undoubtedly become a shining light and permanent fixture in the UK's highly competitive crime genre. I also thoroughly enjoyed the adaption to stage at Salford Arts Theatre, which was a tremendous fillip for any writer, never mind a new one.
Being honest, it took me a while to warm to DI Harry Evans, but in the end he won me over and some. The plot has been covered comprehensively in the other reviews, but I have to say that the characters and setting stole the show and dragged me along. The relationship between DIs Evans and Campbell offered stark contrast in their policing styles, the latter being more textbook than the often unconventional and sometimes brash Evans. However, Evans' approach grows on you, and some of his one-liners are hilarious. DC Lauren Phillips also adds a touch of class, playing an interesting and integral role in proceedings.
This enjoyable read lost half a star from me due to a handful of slightly questionable police procedures - nothing major, one or two things just niggled a tad - with me having worked closely with the police in the past. Even so, it's still a strong 4-star.
SNATCHED FROM HOME is a welcome addition to bookshelves and is a credit to an author with unique ideas, witty turns of phrase, gritty characters who stay with you, and one who has a bright future ahead of him.
It will be interesting to see what Harry Evans tackles next. I'll be reading. You should too.
Being honest, it took me a while to warm to DI Harry Evans, but in the end he won me over and some. The plot has been covered comprehensively in the other reviews, but I have to say that the characters and setting stole the show and dragged me along. The relationship between DIs Evans and Campbell offered stark contrast in their policing styles, the latter being more textbook than the often unconventional and sometimes brash Evans. However, Evans' approach grows on you, and some of his one-liners are hilarious. DC Lauren Phillips also adds a touch of class, playing an interesting and integral role in proceedings.
This enjoyable read lost half a star from me due to a handful of slightly questionable police procedures - nothing major, one or two things just niggled a tad - with me having worked closely with the police in the past. Even so, it's still a strong 4-star.
SNATCHED FROM HOME is a welcome addition to bookshelves and is a credit to an author with unique ideas, witty turns of phrase, gritty characters who stay with you, and one who has a bright future ahead of him.
It will be interesting to see what Harry Evans tackles next. I'll be reading. You should too.
April 27, 2016
If you need to imagine what sort of detective DI Harry Evans is, his colleague DI John Campbell sums it perfectly "That's no reason to go running round like you're Gene Hunt" I love Gene Hunt, rough, tough, likes a pint or two(!) and catches the criminals...though Harry does drive a slightly more up to date car than a Quattro! At one point I was feeling a lot of love for the rogue in his tenacity to police the streets of Cumbria but also showing a personal interest in those he's protecting.
Having met the team in the Major Crimes Team: Volume 1 Lines of Enquiry, I got to meet them all again and in particular Lauren flaunting "her femininity as a weapon of mass distraction". She uses her womanly wiles and physique to distract and confuse those naughty men to get the answers the team need to get the investigations one step closer to being solved.
All the characters are a little larger than you'd expect in life but it works. Campbell's straight-laced procedure-following ethics contrasts Evans' anything goes to get the job done attitude; Lauren over-egging her sexuality; even Chisholm's IT geekiness! The personalities fit and make the book an excellent read!
The story has plenty of pace with the team investigating robberies and cons with the effects of the kidnapping rumbling along without their knowledge. Will the kidnappers be caught? Will the children make it out unharmed? Only time will tell!
A big thank you to Noelle at CrimeBookJunkie for bullying...I mean encouraging me to read Snatched from Home. Can't wait to read Matching The Evidence!!
Having met the team in the Major Crimes Team: Volume 1 Lines of Enquiry, I got to meet them all again and in particular Lauren flaunting "her femininity as a weapon of mass distraction". She uses her womanly wiles and physique to distract and confuse those naughty men to get the answers the team need to get the investigations one step closer to being solved.
All the characters are a little larger than you'd expect in life but it works. Campbell's straight-laced procedure-following ethics contrasts Evans' anything goes to get the job done attitude; Lauren over-egging her sexuality; even Chisholm's IT geekiness! The personalities fit and make the book an excellent read!
The story has plenty of pace with the team investigating robberies and cons with the effects of the kidnapping rumbling along without their knowledge. Will the kidnappers be caught? Will the children make it out unharmed? Only time will tell!
A big thank you to Noelle at CrimeBookJunkie for bullying...I mean encouraging me to read Snatched from Home. Can't wait to read Matching The Evidence!!
June 23, 2016
Well I took my time to bump this up my TBR pile and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long! Graham Smith - I loved Snatched from Home!
At the beginning I wasn't sure that I was going to like Harry Evans, his rudeness, brashness and unique ways of dealing with crime seemed off putting to me - but God by the end I am so rooting for him #TeamEvans for me all the way!
A parents worst nightmare - your children have been kidnapped and you have no way of raising the money demanded and you are haunted by the kidnappers taunts of what they will do to your kids if you don't come up with the money! I loved Victoria as the mother - she was strong and determined to save her kids but God her husband Nicholas - no wonder his wife despised him!
Meanwhile Harry is approaching retirement and his new replacement John Campbell takes a more traditional approach to the job, a few feathers are bound to be ruffled as these two very different characters work together. By the end of the book Campbell was making my blood boil and I much preferred Harry's unorthodox but definitely more honest approach to his work. The team is full of strong characters and I can definitely see this being a cracking series as the reader gets to know them all. I loved the hints to Harry's background and what makes him tick and the things that keep him awake at night.
I thought this novel was a great combination of breath-holding moments combined with laughter as Harry provides some ace one-liners. Snatched from home has hooked me and I am dying for more!
At the beginning I wasn't sure that I was going to like Harry Evans, his rudeness, brashness and unique ways of dealing with crime seemed off putting to me - but God by the end I am so rooting for him #TeamEvans for me all the way!
A parents worst nightmare - your children have been kidnapped and you have no way of raising the money demanded and you are haunted by the kidnappers taunts of what they will do to your kids if you don't come up with the money! I loved Victoria as the mother - she was strong and determined to save her kids but God her husband Nicholas - no wonder his wife despised him!
Meanwhile Harry is approaching retirement and his new replacement John Campbell takes a more traditional approach to the job, a few feathers are bound to be ruffled as these two very different characters work together. By the end of the book Campbell was making my blood boil and I much preferred Harry's unorthodox but definitely more honest approach to his work. The team is full of strong characters and I can definitely see this being a cracking series as the reader gets to know them all. I loved the hints to Harry's background and what makes him tick and the things that keep him awake at night.
I thought this novel was a great combination of breath-holding moments combined with laughter as Harry provides some ace one-liners. Snatched from home has hooked me and I am dying for more!
April 6, 2015
So, I bought this book back in March 2015 and it has sat on my ever growing tbr list until now, when recently I was invited to read an ARC of Matching the Evidence by my friend Noelle and decided that I wanted to read them in order. OMG why hadn't I read this earlier???
I devoured this book in a matter of hours, from page one the action begins and it doesn't stop until the very last page. It tells the story of Victoria and Nicholas, who's lives are turned upside down when their children Samantha and Kyle are kidnapped because Nicholas is up to his eyes in gambling debts, and the lengths a mother will go to in order to bring them home safely.
Enter DI Harry Evans, a modern day Gene Hunt in every sense of the word, who follows very immoral work ethics to get what he wants, but he gets the job done and gets results. Will it work this time? Only time will tell, and the clock is ticking!!
I absolutely loved this rollercoaster ride and can't wait to get back on and scream to go faster. 5 easy stars from me.
I devoured this book in a matter of hours, from page one the action begins and it doesn't stop until the very last page. It tells the story of Victoria and Nicholas, who's lives are turned upside down when their children Samantha and Kyle are kidnapped because Nicholas is up to his eyes in gambling debts, and the lengths a mother will go to in order to bring them home safely.
Enter DI Harry Evans, a modern day Gene Hunt in every sense of the word, who follows very immoral work ethics to get what he wants, but he gets the job done and gets results. Will it work this time? Only time will tell, and the clock is ticking!!
I absolutely loved this rollercoaster ride and can't wait to get back on and scream to go faster. 5 easy stars from me.
March 19, 2015
It started out a little slow until we meet Detective Inspector Harry Evans. Harry has the highest closure rate in the department, but Harry doesn't color within the lines. He makes Harry Bosch seem like a straight arrow. Facing retirement and training his replacement, who is a straight arrow, it looks like his last cases will be a couple bank and farm robberies and a con game. But a couple kids have been kidnapped and Harry puts his pension and his team's careers on the line to save them.
July 15, 2016
A great crime story that held my interest. Although there's quite a few voices, I throughly enjoyed DI Evans' character with his unpolitical views and old school policing. He felt real and endearing. Graham Smith has a smooth and genuine style of writing; I giggled, held my breath in suspense and enjoyed the snappy chapters. Look forward to reading more from this author.
April 13, 2015
This book was a great roller coaster of a ride it was well written and easy to keep pace to . I especially like inspector Evans as the Bolshie cop who couldn't give a fig for protocol . 5 stars for me
August 26, 2015
I have really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more from the author. A story set in Cumbria with a DI coming to the end of his 30 year service.
The Di is something of an old type copper. I do recommend that people give this guy a try.
The Di is something of an old type copper. I do recommend that people give this guy a try.
July 13, 2020
My thoughts about this well written hardhiting police procedural,Graham Smith's Snatched From Home was outstanding,what I loved about the story was,what would you do, if your children gets taken away from you, and you have to pay a debt that's not even yours, was fantastic. A race against time, to save the one you love,you would do anything to bring them home, was just remarkable. A fast tensed story, with amazing characters. The characters in this powerful story, I loved the most, were Victoria and Nicolas, a married couple who's children get taken away from them. A dept what Nicolas owes to the kidnappers is truly unbelievable. Another main character I loved was Detective Inspector Harry Evan's character,who is a fearless detective,he is looking for one last case,that he wants solve,before he retires was one of my favourites. Author Graham Smith's writing style is truly remarkable, I loved how he's managed to write a brilliant unique story, that not only its marvellous but he brings the characters to life. A fantastic crime thriller, that will take your breath away. A race against time,to save your children,do what ever it takes to bring them back. Highly recommended. I would like to say thank you,to author Graham Smith,and Anna Cater,for sending me a copy to read and review this outstanding thriller,one my blog.💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 16, 2015
Crime is one of my favourite genres of books, and Graham Smith does not fail to disappoint. From the outset there is something gritty and real about the plots and the characters he creates. It sent my imagination into overdrive because they leap of the page as they are so life-like.
I must admit to really liking the character of DCI Harry Evans, he is a rogue and a renegade. He ruffles feathers and will not stop until the job is done. Come hell or high water, it is his way or the highway. Looking at some criminal type characters from television for example and for me he comes across as a hybrid of DI Frost and Dr Fitz from Cracker. He is entertaining and his heart is in the right place, even if some of actions are a bit questionable.
We meet DCI Harry Evans as he is about to retire after 30yrs on the police force and he has to team up with his replacement. My only disappointment about this is whether DCI Harry Evans has many more tales to tell. He is such a character of depth, it would be a shame not to here from him some more.
The plot of the story was great, with it all tying up nicely at the end. I also thought that the pace was excellent.
I also recommend reading Lines of Enquiry, which is a short novella first. It does an excellent job of introducing the characters and getting the setting ready for Snatched From Home.
I must admit to really liking the character of DCI Harry Evans, he is a rogue and a renegade. He ruffles feathers and will not stop until the job is done. Come hell or high water, it is his way or the highway. Looking at some criminal type characters from television for example and for me he comes across as a hybrid of DI Frost and Dr Fitz from Cracker. He is entertaining and his heart is in the right place, even if some of actions are a bit questionable.
We meet DCI Harry Evans as he is about to retire after 30yrs on the police force and he has to team up with his replacement. My only disappointment about this is whether DCI Harry Evans has many more tales to tell. He is such a character of depth, it would be a shame not to here from him some more.
The plot of the story was great, with it all tying up nicely at the end. I also thought that the pace was excellent.
I also recommend reading Lines of Enquiry, which is a short novella first. It does an excellent job of introducing the characters and getting the setting ready for Snatched From Home.
November 10, 2015
I have not read the novella The Major Crimes Team - Vol 1 by the same author, so Snatched From Home can definitely be read as a stand-alone, although I am now going to buy Vol 1 so I can catch up on the background history of the main characters.
The story starts with the kidnapping of Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes two children, they are held for ransom until their fathers gambling debts are paid off with the promise of disastrous consequences if not done within a week. Victoria was a very strong and likeable character, while I found Nicholas to be snivelling and pathetic and well deserved the scorn from his unforgiving wife.
At the start of this book I really did not warm to DI Harry Evans and found him obnoxious and rude, but as the book progressed I found him quite likeable once realising that all that mattered to him was getting the job done and putting the despicable kidnappers behind bars, whatever it took. My intense dislike then switched to DI John Campbell who is to replace Harry after his forced retirement.
My only gripe is that after the gripping first chapter, I found the storyline dragged a bit until halfway through, and then it raced along at a super fast pace
An absolute fantastic 5* read which I highly recommend. and I am looking forward to more by this talented author.
Thank you Graham Smith and THE Book Club (TBC)
The story starts with the kidnapping of Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes two children, they are held for ransom until their fathers gambling debts are paid off with the promise of disastrous consequences if not done within a week. Victoria was a very strong and likeable character, while I found Nicholas to be snivelling and pathetic and well deserved the scorn from his unforgiving wife.
At the start of this book I really did not warm to DI Harry Evans and found him obnoxious and rude, but as the book progressed I found him quite likeable once realising that all that mattered to him was getting the job done and putting the despicable kidnappers behind bars, whatever it took. My intense dislike then switched to DI John Campbell who is to replace Harry after his forced retirement.
My only gripe is that after the gripping first chapter, I found the storyline dragged a bit until halfway through, and then it raced along at a super fast pace
An absolute fantastic 5* read which I highly recommend. and I am looking forward to more by this talented author.
Thank you Graham Smith and THE Book Club (TBC)
November 17, 2015
I want to give this 4.5 stars!
First thing I have to say is that I just love Harry Evans, Cumbria’s superhero and perhaps the most politically incorrect but at the same time the most honourable character I have read in a long time, a true maverick.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the main plot was thrilling and the sub-plots just as exciting. The characters were excellent – Victoria was likeable and strong and Samantha was admirable. Nicholas was weak and pathetic – great stuff. The main police force characters are an interesting bunch and getting to know more about them as the book went on was a definite plus point.
I will certainly be looking out for more from this author. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Graham Smith (author) and THE Book Club for allowing me to read a copy in exchange for an honest review.
First thing I have to say is that I just love Harry Evans, Cumbria’s superhero and perhaps the most politically incorrect but at the same time the most honourable character I have read in a long time, a true maverick.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the main plot was thrilling and the sub-plots just as exciting. The characters were excellent – Victoria was likeable and strong and Samantha was admirable. Nicholas was weak and pathetic – great stuff. The main police force characters are an interesting bunch and getting to know more about them as the book went on was a definite plus point.
I will certainly be looking out for more from this author. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Graham Smith (author) and THE Book Club for allowing me to read a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2015
In Graham Smith‘s debut crime novel, Snatched From Home, Nicholas Foulkes’ gambling debts lead to the kidnapping of his children. Meanwhile, unorthodox DI Harry Evans is due to retire and is showing the ropes to his priggish replacement. The two strands then cleverly intertwine.
Smith smartly leads us into the book through the point of view of the victims before introducing Harry Evans, who is a great creation. Smith balances tension and humour perfectly in this fast-paced and frequently hilarious novel.
Gripping and gritty but never grim, Graham Smith’s Snatched From Home is an immensely enjoyable crime thriller that is highly recommended.
Smith smartly leads us into the book through the point of view of the victims before introducing Harry Evans, who is a great creation. Smith balances tension and humour perfectly in this fast-paced and frequently hilarious novel.
Gripping and gritty but never grim, Graham Smith’s Snatched From Home is an immensely enjoyable crime thriller that is highly recommended.
April 23, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book club(tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
Middle - class parents Victoria and Nicholas Folkestone are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas' gambling debts penniless and desperate the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
CNPID.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Warning: you will not be able to put it down.
Fantastic read.
5 * although I would give more if I could.
Middle - class parents Victoria and Nicholas Folkestone are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas' gambling debts penniless and desperate the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
CNPID.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Warning: you will not be able to put it down.
Fantastic read.
5 * although I would give more if I could.
November 18, 2015
Snatched from home is a good book with an interesting storyline. DI Evans, the antihero main character reminded me of Dirty Harry: he has his own version of how an investigation should be carried out and how criminals should be brought to justice. On the negative side, he has bad driving (and drinking) habits that I didn't particularly care for.
I do recommend this book and am looking forward to the sequel!
I do recommend this book and am looking forward to the sequel!
January 11, 2017
A relentlessly-paced but intricately-plotted tale told in a refreshingly individual voice. Characters and places are vividly drawn (so much so that I was awake and picturing the scene involving reluctant dancing in a red lace dress at 3 a.m.) with an enviable strength I've come to identify as Scottish.
And best of all there's another one just bought and to be read.
And the computer shenanigans! So impressive.
And best of all there's another one just bought and to be read.
And the computer shenanigans! So impressive.
January 12, 2016
A good paced thriller, crime book. Kept me wanting to read more. Possibly liked Evans more than I was supposed to...he's just on the right side of being on the wrong side of the law.
Great setting, cracking team...would like to read more....
Great setting, cracking team...would like to read more....
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