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Sheer Fear
What happens when your brother is framed for murder, then dies himself?
Just before he dies, David Hart tells his half brother Jack about the conspiracy to protect a famous public figure from allegations of historic child abuse by killing the accusers and framing him for the murders.
How can Jack find justice for his brother and avoid being killed himself? Simultaneously Jack has an unknown enemy who is playing vicious tricks on him, each one deadlier than the last.
Just before he dies, David Hart tells his half brother Jack about the conspiracy to protect a famous public figure from allegations of historic child abuse by killing the accusers and framing him for the murders.
How can Jack find justice for his brother and avoid being killed himself? Simultaneously Jack has an unknown enemy who is playing vicious tricks on him, each one deadlier than the last.
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Geoffrey David West
6 books42 followersHaving worked as a freelance journalist for past 20 years (magazines, newspapers, mainly about DIY, building and travel), writing novels part-time and getting nowhere with the conventional route to getting published, decided to self publish Rock'n'Roll Suicide on Kindle - probably my 20th novel (I hope I've improved with each one). It's the first of a series featuring Jack Lockwood, a Behavioural Investigative Adviser (modern term for a criminal profiler) who also writes books about crime. He's a troubled man, having had psychiatric problems in the past, but he;s tough enough to take on the bad guys, and he never lets anyone down. He falls in love again and again, but he;s usually unlucky with women, though he always treats them well. Am now rewriting the next Jack Lockwood novel, where he falls in love with a woman he believes may have been a killer, and may still be one . . .
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 17, 2014
I'd like to start by saying that the opening chapter is one of the best I've read for this sort of book - in fact it ought to be used in creative writing classes as an example of how to write the first chapter of a thriller. Suspense, danger, a guy wrongly accused of murder, it's got the lot!
This is one of those fantasy crime thrillers, more of a cross between 24 and Jonathan Creek (if you can imagine such a thing) than a realistic crime story like, for instance, George Gently. Its hero is fazed by nothing and no-one, flits across Europe to uncover mysteries in the way one might pop down to the shops, yet retains a rather naive (occasionally bumbling, even) attitude, especially towards relationships with the opposite sex, which might be part of his charm. He's your typical crime solving maverick, the guy whose methods are not orthodox but no-one can deny that he gets results. It's a good story of its type, well written. There are some well illustrated minor characters, too, namely Stephen Romsey and Veronica Dashwood.
I was interested in this book because of its theme of an historic child abuse cover up at the highest levels - very current, and I wanted to see how it would be handled. For me, there was not quite enough resolution about the conspiracy, but I'd still say that if you like this sort of book you'll enjoy this. And Jack Lockwood lives to fight another day - just!
This is one of those fantasy crime thrillers, more of a cross between 24 and Jonathan Creek (if you can imagine such a thing) than a realistic crime story like, for instance, George Gently. Its hero is fazed by nothing and no-one, flits across Europe to uncover mysteries in the way one might pop down to the shops, yet retains a rather naive (occasionally bumbling, even) attitude, especially towards relationships with the opposite sex, which might be part of his charm. He's your typical crime solving maverick, the guy whose methods are not orthodox but no-one can deny that he gets results. It's a good story of its type, well written. There are some well illustrated minor characters, too, namely Stephen Romsey and Veronica Dashwood.
I was interested in this book because of its theme of an historic child abuse cover up at the highest levels - very current, and I wanted to see how it would be handled. For me, there was not quite enough resolution about the conspiracy, but I'd still say that if you like this sort of book you'll enjoy this. And Jack Lockwood lives to fight another day - just!
January 23, 2015
The opening chapter of this thriller grips like barnacle. Jack Lockwood’s half-brother is accused of rape and murder, but as Jack tries to talk him down from a crane he professes his innocence and states that he thinks there is an agenda among some high profile and influential people to frame him for the rapes and murders.
What follows is a roller-coaster of a ride as Jack looks into the truth of the matter.
Jack Lockwood is one of the unluckiest characters in fiction. It’s not necessarily his fault, but he always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and upsets the wrong people. The women in his life seem to come with baggage that would perhaps be best described as interesting. Although you get the feeling that Jack would like his pipe and slippers in front of a roaring fire as he puts his feet up of an evening, you know that that will never happen.
The story moves like an express train which has had the brakes taken off. There is no stopping it once it gets going, and go it certainly does.
The writing is crisp and allows you to take the journey along with the author. The characters are well rounded and believable. The plot and sub-plot are nicely woven together and leaves you wondering which strand Jack has got hold of as he is thrown unceremoniously from pillar to post.
This is a stand-alone novel, and one that works well, but reading the first two books in the series will help with understanding of Jack and his motives.
Congratulations to Geoffrey West for producing another rip-roaring mystery/suspense novel.
What follows is a roller-coaster of a ride as Jack looks into the truth of the matter.
Jack Lockwood is one of the unluckiest characters in fiction. It’s not necessarily his fault, but he always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and upsets the wrong people. The women in his life seem to come with baggage that would perhaps be best described as interesting. Although you get the feeling that Jack would like his pipe and slippers in front of a roaring fire as he puts his feet up of an evening, you know that that will never happen.
The story moves like an express train which has had the brakes taken off. There is no stopping it once it gets going, and go it certainly does.
The writing is crisp and allows you to take the journey along with the author. The characters are well rounded and believable. The plot and sub-plot are nicely woven together and leaves you wondering which strand Jack has got hold of as he is thrown unceremoniously from pillar to post.
This is a stand-alone novel, and one that works well, but reading the first two books in the series will help with understanding of Jack and his motives.
Congratulations to Geoffrey West for producing another rip-roaring mystery/suspense novel.
December 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this action-packed novel. It's the third in a brilliant crime fiction series, but I think it could probably be read and enjoyed by someone who hasn't read the first two books. I would, however, highly recommend the other two books in the series as must-reads.
Jack Lockwood is an entertaining, enigmatic, and larger than life character. I could really imagine a TV series or even film series with this character's stories being portrayed on screen.
Fans of the Jack Lockwood series will love Sheer Fear. It contains the same mix of quirky characters, conspiracy theories, and corruption, as the other two books. As in the other two books, Jack finds his life is in danger because of information he holds.
The book is fast-paced, full of realistic characters and situations, as well as containing nail biting action scenes.
In Sheer Fear, Jack takes it upon himself to clear the name of David Hart who was accused of a string of rapes and murders. Jack is convinced that a very influential man, of great wealth and stature, is trying to cover up vital evidence relating to crimes that were carried out many years before.
Jack faces many attempts on his own life. Can he even trust the woman he loves?
There are lots of twists and turns in the book. Each chapter brings something new to the story.
If you like detective stories or murder mysteries you should definitely read this series.
Jack Lockwood is an entertaining, enigmatic, and larger than life character. I could really imagine a TV series or even film series with this character's stories being portrayed on screen.
Fans of the Jack Lockwood series will love Sheer Fear. It contains the same mix of quirky characters, conspiracy theories, and corruption, as the other two books. As in the other two books, Jack finds his life is in danger because of information he holds.
The book is fast-paced, full of realistic characters and situations, as well as containing nail biting action scenes.
In Sheer Fear, Jack takes it upon himself to clear the name of David Hart who was accused of a string of rapes and murders. Jack is convinced that a very influential man, of great wealth and stature, is trying to cover up vital evidence relating to crimes that were carried out many years before.
Jack faces many attempts on his own life. Can he even trust the woman he loves?
There are lots of twists and turns in the book. Each chapter brings something new to the story.
If you like detective stories or murder mysteries you should definitely read this series.
November 24, 2014
Geoffrey West is a born storyteller, and Jack Lockwood is one of those faulty heroes you can't help but love. I think he'd be fun to hang out with, though I'm not sure I'd live through the day. His character is so well developed that it's easy to forget he is not a real person.
The opening scene here is one of the best written within the crime/suspense genre. The action is immediate. West effortlessly places us in the midst of a heart-stopping scene. I found myself holding my breath as I read.
The action continues on at a quick pace, pulling us into the chaos that is Jack's life. The one drawback for me was that there is a whole lot going on, involving many characters and various subplots that run parallel and dissect one another throughout. This, at times, detracted from the main plot of child abuse and cover ups. Despite this, West weaves an intricate and tripping tale with unforgettable characters.
While I think any series works best if read from the start, each book is the Jack Lockwood Series is able to be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.
The opening scene here is one of the best written within the crime/suspense genre. The action is immediate. West effortlessly places us in the midst of a heart-stopping scene. I found myself holding my breath as I read.
The action continues on at a quick pace, pulling us into the chaos that is Jack's life. The one drawback for me was that there is a whole lot going on, involving many characters and various subplots that run parallel and dissect one another throughout. This, at times, detracted from the main plot of child abuse and cover ups. Despite this, West weaves an intricate and tripping tale with unforgettable characters.
While I think any series works best if read from the start, each book is the Jack Lockwood Series is able to be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.
June 10, 2015
As an author, there’s a certain fear that sits in my mind, huddled down in a corner, waiting for the moment to strike – the fear that, one day, my ideas might stop generating. I hope, personally, that this never happens to me and I like to think my brain can keep creating stories that people want to read. However, I don’t think I’m the only author who shares this thought. When you write books, every book released and appreciated is another step in the right direction. When using a reoccurring character, I can imagine this is magnified threefold. Some authors can continue to thrive and some stop at a few books, everyone is different. Sheer Fear is the 3rd instalment in the Jack Lockwood series and it’s still chugging along, solid and steady. Any hint that Geoffrey West is slowing down is non existent.
In fact, I think this is the best Jack Lockwood entry to date.
David Hart is a man framed for crimes he did not commit. He is also Jack Lockwood’s half brother. During a climatic, frantic chase, Hart reveals this conspiracy to Lockwood before falling to his death. Realising that the conspiracy holds weight – and risks implicating a famous public figure for a history of child abuse – Lockwood begins to investigate. However, it’s not long before people linked to the conspiracy begin to die in mysterious circumstances…and then Lockwood’s life is placed in the cross-hairs.
First of all, the opening chapter in this book is one of the best scenes I’ve read in recent years. Instantly bringing your heart into your mouth and ramping the tension up to 10, the characters are thrown into the chaos within the first paragraph. It’s an excellent piece of writing, one that sets the pace for the rest of the book. Whereas Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide was an introduction, and Doppelganger was the difficult ‘second album’, Sheer Fear is where Jack Lockwood finds his feet and begins to take adventure and mystery into his stride. Following the opening, Geoffrey wisely slows the story down, introduces the key characters, coils the spring of the controversial material within and releases it. The result is a delicious story of revenge, betrayal, double crosses, greed and media frenzy. This may be the best Lockwood story yet, but it’s also the most risqué, the most likely to offend, depending on your stance.
We’ve all read the newspapers. Millions of people wonder how famous public figures got away with the abuse of children for decades. The investigations were rife, frequent. At one point, it dominated the headlines of your favourite tabloid. West bravely takes this media frenzy and ups the ante, introducing an antagonistic public figure, with a sordid history, who is willing to do anything to protect his image…anything. It’s a brave decision, one that could have backfired in the wrong hands. However, it’s handled immaculately, without a hint of exploitation in sight. The public figure, ironically, remains unidentified for most of the novel, yet is one of the most hated, most despised enemies I can remember in recent literature. For a man who remains faceless, he certainly causes a lot of destruction in his bid to remain anonymous. West creates a brilliant enemy here, one that shatters the lives of everyone involved by getting his lackeys to clear up the mess.
Lockwood is on form, as usual. As well as investigating the conspiracy, he has to handle a new love interest and a dangerous enemy, one not linked to the conspiracy itself. Lockwood certainly seems to get in some scrapes and Sheer Fear is no different. West wisely scopes the book down here, going for a simple two pronged plot. However, the best thing about Sheer Fear is the underlying threat. Early on, its established that something very sinister is going on. From this point, every page and every character brings an element of intrigue to the story, one that casts immediate suspicion on proceedings. A simple mystery thriller is really ramped up when you consider that the shady goings on could actually be happening in our society as we speak. When you think about it, logically, it could have already happened, and this brings the book into murky, thrilling waters. I totally imagined David Fincher recreating this for the big screen, complete with shadowy skylines, devious characters and the occasional, but very explicit, violent encounter. Where I imagined it as a film, I also envisioned it happening between the lines, behind the scenes, on every newspaper in the country. When a writer can generate this sort of thought in a reader, you know he’s doing something right.
Five stars? Absolutely. Sheer Fear is one of those books. Some people might not like it – the topic could easily be cited as being too close to home with the recent media speculation and revelations. However, as experience has taught me, the best thrills and horror comes from real life. Everyone loves a conspiracy theory and Geoffrey West has created a visceral, violent, engaging and exciting mystery thriller from such a relevant plot device. For a third outing, the book feels very accomplished, as if Lockwood is now in his seventh or eight adventure. Based on the evidence here, he has the potential to go beyond that, into double figures, and become a veteran of the mystery genre. He isn’t quite Reacher, Bond or Hunter yet, but if West carries on in this vein, he has the potential to join them in no time. Excellent stuff!
In fact, I think this is the best Jack Lockwood entry to date.
David Hart is a man framed for crimes he did not commit. He is also Jack Lockwood’s half brother. During a climatic, frantic chase, Hart reveals this conspiracy to Lockwood before falling to his death. Realising that the conspiracy holds weight – and risks implicating a famous public figure for a history of child abuse – Lockwood begins to investigate. However, it’s not long before people linked to the conspiracy begin to die in mysterious circumstances…and then Lockwood’s life is placed in the cross-hairs.
First of all, the opening chapter in this book is one of the best scenes I’ve read in recent years. Instantly bringing your heart into your mouth and ramping the tension up to 10, the characters are thrown into the chaos within the first paragraph. It’s an excellent piece of writing, one that sets the pace for the rest of the book. Whereas Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide was an introduction, and Doppelganger was the difficult ‘second album’, Sheer Fear is where Jack Lockwood finds his feet and begins to take adventure and mystery into his stride. Following the opening, Geoffrey wisely slows the story down, introduces the key characters, coils the spring of the controversial material within and releases it. The result is a delicious story of revenge, betrayal, double crosses, greed and media frenzy. This may be the best Lockwood story yet, but it’s also the most risqué, the most likely to offend, depending on your stance.
We’ve all read the newspapers. Millions of people wonder how famous public figures got away with the abuse of children for decades. The investigations were rife, frequent. At one point, it dominated the headlines of your favourite tabloid. West bravely takes this media frenzy and ups the ante, introducing an antagonistic public figure, with a sordid history, who is willing to do anything to protect his image…anything. It’s a brave decision, one that could have backfired in the wrong hands. However, it’s handled immaculately, without a hint of exploitation in sight. The public figure, ironically, remains unidentified for most of the novel, yet is one of the most hated, most despised enemies I can remember in recent literature. For a man who remains faceless, he certainly causes a lot of destruction in his bid to remain anonymous. West creates a brilliant enemy here, one that shatters the lives of everyone involved by getting his lackeys to clear up the mess.
Lockwood is on form, as usual. As well as investigating the conspiracy, he has to handle a new love interest and a dangerous enemy, one not linked to the conspiracy itself. Lockwood certainly seems to get in some scrapes and Sheer Fear is no different. West wisely scopes the book down here, going for a simple two pronged plot. However, the best thing about Sheer Fear is the underlying threat. Early on, its established that something very sinister is going on. From this point, every page and every character brings an element of intrigue to the story, one that casts immediate suspicion on proceedings. A simple mystery thriller is really ramped up when you consider that the shady goings on could actually be happening in our society as we speak. When you think about it, logically, it could have already happened, and this brings the book into murky, thrilling waters. I totally imagined David Fincher recreating this for the big screen, complete with shadowy skylines, devious characters and the occasional, but very explicit, violent encounter. Where I imagined it as a film, I also envisioned it happening between the lines, behind the scenes, on every newspaper in the country. When a writer can generate this sort of thought in a reader, you know he’s doing something right.
Five stars? Absolutely. Sheer Fear is one of those books. Some people might not like it – the topic could easily be cited as being too close to home with the recent media speculation and revelations. However, as experience has taught me, the best thrills and horror comes from real life. Everyone loves a conspiracy theory and Geoffrey West has created a visceral, violent, engaging and exciting mystery thriller from such a relevant plot device. For a third outing, the book feels very accomplished, as if Lockwood is now in his seventh or eight adventure. Based on the evidence here, he has the potential to go beyond that, into double figures, and become a veteran of the mystery genre. He isn’t quite Reacher, Bond or Hunter yet, but if West carries on in this vein, he has the potential to join them in no time. Excellent stuff!
October 18, 2015
Sheer Fear has quite possibly the fastest most exhilarating opening of a book that I’ve ever read and it doesn’t peter out after the first terrifying scenes set high up on a crane, oh no, it just keeps going. Jack Lockwood, our hero, finds himself in trouble over and over again in this action packed novel. At the start Jack is trying to save his friend David Hart, with whom he shares a special bond, from jumping from a crane he’s climbed in his desperate attempt to escape arrest after being accused of a series of rapes and murders of women. David knows he’s been framed and can see no way out but Jack wants to help. Of course he does because he is that type of bloke.
This is a terrific crime novel based on historic child abuse claims being made against a high profile figure, which is all very topical. Only in this case those doing the accusing are being killed and an innocent man is being framed for their murders in a massive cover-up. Because of Jack’s connection he involves himself in getting to the truth, meanwhile, and as if this wasn’t danger enough, someone else is playing games with Jack, but the threats are very real and the dangers to his life come only too frequently.
There is a complex weaving of storylines throughout this page-turner of a book and West handles all this brilliantly. His prose flows with terrific descriptions that give warmth and depth to the characters and bring to life the settings. I think West is very good at writing his cast and even those with smaller parts to play come to life with his words. Through all the books Jack is consistently portrayed as the decent guy who you always root for and although successful in so many areas of his life you will him to find the same in his attempts at having a relationship with any of the women he comes across. But I guess a guy can’t be great at everything. The action sequences are gritty, leaving the reader breathless and I must just mention that I really liked a section where a popular and hot-headed character from another well-known series of books pops up and the interaction between the two of them was very entertaining.
I have read all of West’s work and it keeps getting better and better. This one is a belter and while I recommend you read all the books what is great is that they can be read in any order so approach them in any way you like.
This is a terrific crime novel based on historic child abuse claims being made against a high profile figure, which is all very topical. Only in this case those doing the accusing are being killed and an innocent man is being framed for their murders in a massive cover-up. Because of Jack’s connection he involves himself in getting to the truth, meanwhile, and as if this wasn’t danger enough, someone else is playing games with Jack, but the threats are very real and the dangers to his life come only too frequently.
There is a complex weaving of storylines throughout this page-turner of a book and West handles all this brilliantly. His prose flows with terrific descriptions that give warmth and depth to the characters and bring to life the settings. I think West is very good at writing his cast and even those with smaller parts to play come to life with his words. Through all the books Jack is consistently portrayed as the decent guy who you always root for and although successful in so many areas of his life you will him to find the same in his attempts at having a relationship with any of the women he comes across. But I guess a guy can’t be great at everything. The action sequences are gritty, leaving the reader breathless and I must just mention that I really liked a section where a popular and hot-headed character from another well-known series of books pops up and the interaction between the two of them was very entertaining.
I have read all of West’s work and it keeps getting better and better. This one is a belter and while I recommend you read all the books what is great is that they can be read in any order so approach them in any way you like.
December 22, 2014
Sheer Fear is a Jack Lockwood mystery. A very British police themed storyline which has a host of characters who all have a connection. We meet Jack high up on a crane attempting to stop a man committing suicide. David Hart is a wanted man for murder and rape, but Jack believes he's been set up and vows to do all he can to prove his innocence.
Ex-police office Stephen Romsey contacts Jack with details which could help him prove David's innocence, but he also opens up a whole new can of worms. Meanwhile Jack's girlfriend Mary Doyle has gone missing and Jack finds a trail of danger follows him where ever he goes. High end criminals, politician scandals and a mad woman all play their part in this mystery which covers both topical issues and unsolved ones.
Ex-police office Stephen Romsey contacts Jack with details which could help him prove David's innocence, but he also opens up a whole new can of worms. Meanwhile Jack's girlfriend Mary Doyle has gone missing and Jack finds a trail of danger follows him where ever he goes. High end criminals, politician scandals and a mad woman all play their part in this mystery which covers both topical issues and unsolved ones.
November 26, 2015
From the dramatic beginning of Chapter One, this fast paced, event filled thriller is an exciting read, but at times the plot develops by the author telling us what has happened rather than showing us.
So much happens to hero, Jack Lockwood that it defies belief and yet the intriguing story carries the reader forward, promising yet more excitement and new revelations.
This is definitely a great plot for a TV drama and I do want to read the earlier adventures of Jack Lockwood.
So much happens to hero, Jack Lockwood that it defies belief and yet the intriguing story carries the reader forward, promising yet more excitement and new revelations.
This is definitely a great plot for a TV drama and I do want to read the earlier adventures of Jack Lockwood.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews