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DI Charley Mann #2
Condemned
An old house. A fire. Two corpses DI Charley Mann returns in this gripping crime thriller.West Yorkshire DI Charley Mann is called for what seems a routine job. Prior to demolition a deserted manor house appears to have been the target of an arson attack.
But something isn't right.
The house has a dark history and a dark present. When the remains of two bodies are discovered hidden inside, it soon emerges they were murdered decades apart. Who are they? What are their connections to the house? Why were they killed? And what is the connection to the fire? Amongst the ashes, Charley is soon drawn into a web of deceit and violent plots.
The ghosts of the past can be all too real. Face them at your peril, because what goes around, comes around
Written by smash TV hit Happy Valley's story advisors, and with the benefit of decades of real police experience, Condemned is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin.
But something isn't right.
The house has a dark history and a dark present. When the remains of two bodies are discovered hidden inside, it soon emerges they were murdered decades apart. Who are they? What are their connections to the house? Why were they killed? And what is the connection to the fire? Amongst the ashes, Charley is soon drawn into a web of deceit and violent plots.
The ghosts of the past can be all too real. Face them at your peril, because what goes around, comes around
Written by smash TV hit Happy Valley's story advisors, and with the benefit of decades of real police experience, Condemned is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2021
35 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Bridgestock
33 books75 followersRC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.
The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 16, 2021
DI Charley Mann is called when a deserted manor house scheduled to be demolished has been the target of an arson attack.
As Charley goes through the abandoned manor, he finds two bodies ... murdered decades apart, in hidden rooms. The house has a dark history, but the present is even more taciturn.
Who were these victims and who killed them? How does the house connect to the victims ..and why was the fire started?
Mann is being drawn into a violence previously unknown. The ghosts of the past can be all too real. Face them at your peril, because what goes around, comes around…
The clever plot is filled with heart-stopping action. The characters are solidly drawn and the secrets the house holds in sinister in nature. Although this is the 2nd in this series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I recommend reading the books in order, if only to get more of a backstory.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As Charley goes through the abandoned manor, he finds two bodies ... murdered decades apart, in hidden rooms. The house has a dark history, but the present is even more taciturn.
Who were these victims and who killed them? How does the house connect to the victims ..and why was the fire started?
Mann is being drawn into a violence previously unknown. The ghosts of the past can be all too real. Face them at your peril, because what goes around, comes around…
The clever plot is filled with heart-stopping action. The characters are solidly drawn and the secrets the house holds in sinister in nature. Although this is the 2nd in this series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I recommend reading the books in order, if only to get more of a backstory.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 8, 2021
I was excited for this book - the plot sounds very interesting and the writers were concultants for Happy Valley (which I loved!).
It pains me to write it and I really didnt want to, as my review will be the first one for this book, but omg this book IS DULL. I mean, I get it that this is in fact a police procedural, but it doesntt change the fact that this book is just plain and simple dull. The characters aren't likable, they're one dimentional. We have more glimpses into the lives of secondary character's than into the protaginist's.
The plot sounds amazing in theory - I love when past crimes somehow connect with the present ones so I was really excited, but unfortunately the story lacks tension, which imo is crucial when it comes to books like these, the writing is dry and dialougue sounds fake. Not to mention that this book desperately need some heavy editing - it's full of grammar mistakes.
Nothing really happens throughout the book and reading it started to feel like a chore. I didn't want to read it, I was bored and annoyed and I just wanted to be done with it.
I feel like this story had a great potential, but it unfortunately missed the mark.
I received a copy from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
It pains me to write it and I really didnt want to, as my review will be the first one for this book, but omg this book IS DULL. I mean, I get it that this is in fact a police procedural, but it doesntt change the fact that this book is just plain and simple dull. The characters aren't likable, they're one dimentional. We have more glimpses into the lives of secondary character's than into the protaginist's.
The plot sounds amazing in theory - I love when past crimes somehow connect with the present ones so I was really excited, but unfortunately the story lacks tension, which imo is crucial when it comes to books like these, the writing is dry and dialougue sounds fake. Not to mention that this book desperately need some heavy editing - it's full of grammar mistakes.
Nothing really happens throughout the book and reading it started to feel like a chore. I didn't want to read it, I was bored and annoyed and I just wanted to be done with it.
I feel like this story had a great potential, but it unfortunately missed the mark.
I received a copy from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
April 15, 2021
I absolutely loved Payback, the first book in the DI Charley Mann series, so couldn’t wait to see what the authors would bring to us next. Readers diving into this book first I don’t think will have any issues as the story itself is contained but would highly recommend reading the previous novel solely because it’s a great read.
There is something about old properties that has your mind wondering about the people who lived there and it’s history. Crownest is one such building that has sadly been neglected but is riddled with it’s own skeletons in more ways than one! I was so caught up in discovering the history of this house as well as the people who had inhibited it years before and could wholly understand Charley’s fascination with it.
Charley is a fab protagonist. She doesn’t like to be beaten and works hard to make sure no stone is left unturned and that every case is solved. I was on tenterhooks as to whether Charley would uncover the deep secrets of this derelict manor house or if they would go uncovered. Of course you will have to read the book for yourself to find out as there will be no spoilers from me!
Condemned is a great police procedural novel that takes the reader into the heart of a crime investigation. I’ve said it before and will say it again that the experiences of the authors from their own professions, give their books a certain edge above others in this genre. It makes for an enthralling read whilst still delivering on the thrill aspect. There are even a few unexpected surprises instore! Highly recommended.
There is something about old properties that has your mind wondering about the people who lived there and it’s history. Crownest is one such building that has sadly been neglected but is riddled with it’s own skeletons in more ways than one! I was so caught up in discovering the history of this house as well as the people who had inhibited it years before and could wholly understand Charley’s fascination with it.
Charley is a fab protagonist. She doesn’t like to be beaten and works hard to make sure no stone is left unturned and that every case is solved. I was on tenterhooks as to whether Charley would uncover the deep secrets of this derelict manor house or if they would go uncovered. Of course you will have to read the book for yourself to find out as there will be no spoilers from me!
Condemned is a great police procedural novel that takes the reader into the heart of a crime investigation. I’ve said it before and will say it again that the experiences of the authors from their own professions, give their books a certain edge above others in this genre. It makes for an enthralling read whilst still delivering on the thrill aspect. There are even a few unexpected surprises instore! Highly recommended.
April 17, 2021
The husband and wife writing team - R.C. Bridgestock - have once again delivered a police procedural thriller with an authentic edge
Huddersfield, and the villages around it, on the West Yorkshire moors, is a place of rare beauty but when two bodies are found at the burnt-out mansion known as Crownest darkness permeates every page in a mystery full of twists and turns.
DI Charley Mann and her team are compelling characters and the plot is taut and engrossing.
Huddersfield, and the villages around it, on the West Yorkshire moors, is a place of rare beauty but when two bodies are found at the burnt-out mansion known as Crownest darkness permeates every page in a mystery full of twists and turns.
DI Charley Mann and her team are compelling characters and the plot is taut and engrossing.
March 19, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Condemned, the second novel to feature DI Charley Mann of the Doncaster Police.
When Crownest, a large home due for demolition, goes up in flames, firefighters find two skeletons, one recent and one historical and both appear to have been murdered. Charley is determined to solve both crimes, but with no identification the problem is where to start.
I thoroughly enjoyed Condemned which is a densely plotted police procedural with several twists and turns. It is told entirely from Charley’s point of view so the reader can dive right in and get involved. I loved it, as procedurals and single points of view are my favourite choices when reading. I like the way procedurals start with a wide open field of suspects and narrow it down and I like to be able to identify with the protagonist and live the events with them. This novel does not disappoint in these respects, although I was surprised by how wide the team had to range and how many other crimes they identified along the way. It certainly makes for an interesting read.
All these additional crimes play into the narrative of the modern death, which is incredibly complicated, not as in hard to understand but as who fits where and who did what. It’s fair to say that it becomes quite gripping as it starts to unravel, and even before that as the team grapples with knowing nothing. The older skeleton is rooted in old scandals linked to the house. I didn’t connect with it and found it to be a distraction from what I saw as the main event, the modern murder. Sorry, but I didn’t rate it and it fairly pointless.
I have not read the previous novel in the series, Payback, so this is my first introduction to Charley Mann. I like what I see, a tough woman doing a tough job with no room for sentiment. I think she is incredibly realistic, not a given in crime fiction, and the best thing about the novel. More, please.
Condemned is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Crownest, a large home due for demolition, goes up in flames, firefighters find two skeletons, one recent and one historical and both appear to have been murdered. Charley is determined to solve both crimes, but with no identification the problem is where to start.
I thoroughly enjoyed Condemned which is a densely plotted police procedural with several twists and turns. It is told entirely from Charley’s point of view so the reader can dive right in and get involved. I loved it, as procedurals and single points of view are my favourite choices when reading. I like the way procedurals start with a wide open field of suspects and narrow it down and I like to be able to identify with the protagonist and live the events with them. This novel does not disappoint in these respects, although I was surprised by how wide the team had to range and how many other crimes they identified along the way. It certainly makes for an interesting read.
All these additional crimes play into the narrative of the modern death, which is incredibly complicated, not as in hard to understand but as who fits where and who did what. It’s fair to say that it becomes quite gripping as it starts to unravel, and even before that as the team grapples with knowing nothing. The older skeleton is rooted in old scandals linked to the house. I didn’t connect with it and found it to be a distraction from what I saw as the main event, the modern murder. Sorry, but I didn’t rate it and it fairly pointless.
I have not read the previous novel in the series, Payback, so this is my first introduction to Charley Mann. I like what I see, a tough woman doing a tough job with no room for sentiment. I think she is incredibly realistic, not a given in crime fiction, and the best thing about the novel. More, please.
Condemned is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 24, 2021
The premise for this book is quite good but the execution is not great. The plot and the conversations are all over the place. Lots of repetition , sometimes within the same paragraph,and haring off to follow dubious clues. Personally, I like to read about gathering of evidence but here this was rather hit and miss, Some of the personal details of the detectives did not add much to the story and none of them were particularly likeable or more than two dimensional characters. At the start of the book a snow storm was mentioned, downgraded later on to a frost .
The main detective, Charley has a relationship, though there is very little evidence of this in her thoughts and deeds. Annie was taught by nuns which was mentioned at least 20 times but which didn't say much about her as a person. The questioning of witnesses etc was quite strange. Some people in the book were caricatures and descriptions irrelevant and as the book wore on, rather irritating. The pathologist was an example, the description of the supposedly humorous character lost its way . The behaviour of some of the police, would I hope, be subject of diciplinary action if it happened in real life (The cold case duo amongst others).
I debated not finishing the book (it doesn't happen often) but carried on hoping that the events would become clearer (not really) .1,5 stars from me , I don'toften slate a book, but there are better options in this genre.
My thanks to Net Galley for the ARc in exchange for an honest review
The main detective, Charley has a relationship, though there is very little evidence of this in her thoughts and deeds. Annie was taught by nuns which was mentioned at least 20 times but which didn't say much about her as a person. The questioning of witnesses etc was quite strange. Some people in the book were caricatures and descriptions irrelevant and as the book wore on, rather irritating. The pathologist was an example, the description of the supposedly humorous character lost its way . The behaviour of some of the police, would I hope, be subject of diciplinary action if it happened in real life (The cold case duo amongst others).
I debated not finishing the book (it doesn't happen often) but carried on hoping that the events would become clearer (not really) .1,5 stars from me , I don'toften slate a book, but there are better options in this genre.
My thanks to Net Galley for the ARc in exchange for an honest review
April 9, 2021
3.5*
#2 in the DI Charley Mann series. Although it’s the first one that I’ve read. I like the book cover.
A fire at Crownest a bleak abandoned Manor House as it is about to be demolished reveals two bodies who were murdered decades apart.
At the start we are told some of the history of Crownest, which has had a dark and intriguing past.
It’s a more of a cosy police procedural with some folklore included for good measure.
The description of the older skeleton was very interesting.
I felt in places that there was an over sharing of research that it didn’t need the conversation the about identification from a single bone as a whole skeletons were found, the same with the body farm recollection.
There is good detail to the character development with all of the central characters, part of which Charley is having to deal with a member of the team who has a gambling addiction.
I found the pace slowed right down around 50% and my interest waned with inclusion of things like the Scarborough warning being included.
It picked up for me again at 70%
I felt that it read like an authentically investigated CID case which fits with the authors background.
I didn’t find that this book was really for me.
#2 in the DI Charley Mann series. Although it’s the first one that I’ve read. I like the book cover.
A fire at Crownest a bleak abandoned Manor House as it is about to be demolished reveals two bodies who were murdered decades apart.
At the start we are told some of the history of Crownest, which has had a dark and intriguing past.
It’s a more of a cosy police procedural with some folklore included for good measure.
The description of the older skeleton was very interesting.
I felt in places that there was an over sharing of research that it didn’t need the conversation the about identification from a single bone as a whole skeletons were found, the same with the body farm recollection.
There is good detail to the character development with all of the central characters, part of which Charley is having to deal with a member of the team who has a gambling addiction.
I found the pace slowed right down around 50% and my interest waned with inclusion of things like the Scarborough warning being included.
It picked up for me again at 70%
I felt that it read like an authentically investigated CID case which fits with the authors background.
I didn’t find that this book was really for me.
April 19, 2021
Second book in the DI Charley Mann serries! Really enjoyed the book! And the history and folklore in this story is fabulous! Love how they've brought together the past and the present! Amazing series of books! Well worth reading!
April 5, 2021
Slow burn that builds tension until you get the ghostly goosebumps! Another cracking case for Charley Mann that is scattering clues here and there only to confound the reader.
April 15, 2021
I did enjoy this book, there was a lot of scene setting, and great atmospheric writing, so much so, one part had me putting it down as it was making me nervous! I like Charley and I look forward to discovering more about her and the team
June 11, 2021
The second installment DI Charley Mann was a great read, very ingrowing from the first page. I love the mix of folklore and facts! Very excellent book
May 11, 2021
n route to a police job DI Charley Mann pulls over when she sees a house fire consuming what is left of the old house known locally as Crownest. Charley, like all the locals, has grown up thinking that the house is haunted and its chequered history certainly lends itself to spooky speculation. When the fire unearths rather more than was expected, Charley and her team are called in to investigate the discovery of the remains of two bodies, both hidden in unusual circumstances, and both with a distinctly macabre story to tell.
We first met Charley Mann in the first book in the series and it's a real delight to be back with this feisty detective in the area of West Yorkshire she calls home. The high moorland setting above Huddersfield helps to give the story such an atmospheric edginess and brings a real sense of desolation that it's perfectly possible to hear the cawing of the aptly named murder of crows as they circle in the brooding skies above this isolated area.
There's something about a spooky old house finally giving up its secrets that appeals to me and the sense of old history which surrounds the house is done really well. Add into the mix a couple of modern day mysteries and what comes out is another complex police procedural with the added enjoyment of watching how this talented writing duo, whose own police experiences always adds such credibility to the story, bring everything to its final conclusion.
With great writing Condemned brings us great characterisation, a complicated murder mystery and more than enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing until the end. I am sure that this isn't the last we have have seen of DI Charley Mann and I am definitely looking forward to spending time with her again.
We first met Charley Mann in the first book in the series and it's a real delight to be back with this feisty detective in the area of West Yorkshire she calls home. The high moorland setting above Huddersfield helps to give the story such an atmospheric edginess and brings a real sense of desolation that it's perfectly possible to hear the cawing of the aptly named murder of crows as they circle in the brooding skies above this isolated area.
There's something about a spooky old house finally giving up its secrets that appeals to me and the sense of old history which surrounds the house is done really well. Add into the mix a couple of modern day mysteries and what comes out is another complex police procedural with the added enjoyment of watching how this talented writing duo, whose own police experiences always adds such credibility to the story, bring everything to its final conclusion.
With great writing Condemned brings us great characterisation, a complicated murder mystery and more than enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing until the end. I am sure that this isn't the last we have have seen of DI Charley Mann and I am definitely looking forward to spending time with her again.
July 16, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S CONDEMNED ABOUT?
DI Charley Mann is called out to look at a probable arson at a house that's set for demolition. It takes no time to determine that, yeah, it was arson—but since the house was abandoned and set to be torn down, no one cares to invest the resources to investigate further—what's the point?
Charley was curious about the house—since before she grew up in the area, there were stories about the manor house. Many (especially area children) call it haunted. Who wouldn't be curious?
Then the demolition company finds two bodies at different locations in what little of the building still standing just before they finish their job. And now it's time for Charley and her detectives to get to work. One body was tucked into a hidden compartment behind a fireplace, it'd been behind there for weeks—maybe a few months—and was the victim of a gunshot. The other body was hidden in the basement and seems to have been interred in the manner of a pagan ritual—possibly killed that way, too. That body has been in the basement for several decades, maybe a century.
Two homicides in one house. Two cases that couldn't be more different. This is going to take a lot of work, and a decent amount of luck for Charley and her team.
GRINDING SLOWLY
In Police Procedural novel after Police Procedural novel, inevitably one character will say something to another about how forensics don't get results as quickly as they do on TV. We all know this, anticipate this, and are ready for it. But, boy howdy, do things move slowly in West Yorkshire—they're probably more realistic than many of the other procedurals that make the same disclaimers.
The same things go for interagency communications—when Mann gets a call from some other law enforcement agency for information, etc. it's frequently long enough ago that I'd wondered if Bridgestock had just left that hanging, or decided to not pursue that line for whatever reason.
I absolutely believe that Bridgestock is more realistic in this than the majority of their contemporaries. How does anything get done? Sun Tzu had no idea about the pace of 21st Century bureaucracy when he wrote, "Wheels of justice gind slow but grind fine," but the man was prophetic. I just hope he's as accurate about that fine grinding...
TRUSTING THE READER
While I have been enjoying this series—there's been something nagging me about the writing (well, a few things, but let's just focus on one). RC Bridgestock doesn't trust their readers. After illustrating (or sometimes before) what a character is thinking or feeling, they state it. They explain a joke—or a pretty clear statement.
One example:
What reader isn't aware of the general view of car salesman as being unreliable, honesty-impaired, shifty—in short, dodgy? Who (in the conversation or reading it) needs Annie to elucidate that? Then to add Charly's disclaimer and chuckle? It's like the old 70s/80s shows that end with a punch line and then a freeze frame showing the entire cast laughing. Cut that section at "Annie said." Then you move on to the next scene—it's punchier, it displays the necessary information about the suspect and the requisite jaded cop humor (it's good to see Annie getting experienced enough to show that, by the way), and trusts the reader to know how people are going to react. It also cuts a little of Charley's sanctimoniousness, no one needs her to defend car salesman in that conversation.
Bridgestock does this kind of thing all over the place. It's not needed, it's off-putting, and it slows everything down. Especially with all the—very necessary—exposition in this book, the last thing you need is to let things drag.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT CONDEMNED?
I've had a good time with the first two books in this series—I think I enjoyed this one a bit more than the predecessor. Charley's a good protagonist—dogged, determined, and flawed. Just what you need. A good leader, but not a perfect one. The rest of the cast of characters are just as promising, they're the kind you want to watch grow and develop and be fleshed out.
In this book, Bridgestock has given two of the detectives on Charley's team interesting backstories—and added to the backstory of one other. I don't know that they've done enough with them to justify the time spent—but there's promise for the future. I hope they deliver on that promise.
The mechanics of the writing still bother me—there's one chronological flub that I keep tripping on—but I find the cases, the storytelling, and the characters engaging and compelling enough to keep me going and I can gloss over 99% of the problems. The procedural aspects seem as sound as they can be. Two murders at the same location that are clearly unrelated? That's a great hook, and once you dive in you have to know how they're resolved.
I do recommend this—with a couple of qualifications—you're going to have a good time with it, and probably (like me) be ready to come back for more.
---
WHAT'S CONDEMNED ABOUT?
DI Charley Mann is called out to look at a probable arson at a house that's set for demolition. It takes no time to determine that, yeah, it was arson—but since the house was abandoned and set to be torn down, no one cares to invest the resources to investigate further—what's the point?
Charley was curious about the house—since before she grew up in the area, there were stories about the manor house. Many (especially area children) call it haunted. Who wouldn't be curious?
Then the demolition company finds two bodies at different locations in what little of the building still standing just before they finish their job. And now it's time for Charley and her detectives to get to work. One body was tucked into a hidden compartment behind a fireplace, it'd been behind there for weeks—maybe a few months—and was the victim of a gunshot. The other body was hidden in the basement and seems to have been interred in the manner of a pagan ritual—possibly killed that way, too. That body has been in the basement for several decades, maybe a century.
Two homicides in one house. Two cases that couldn't be more different. This is going to take a lot of work, and a decent amount of luck for Charley and her team.
GRINDING SLOWLY
In Police Procedural novel after Police Procedural novel, inevitably one character will say something to another about how forensics don't get results as quickly as they do on TV. We all know this, anticipate this, and are ready for it. But, boy howdy, do things move slowly in West Yorkshire—they're probably more realistic than many of the other procedurals that make the same disclaimers.
The same things go for interagency communications—when Mann gets a call from some other law enforcement agency for information, etc. it's frequently long enough ago that I'd wondered if Bridgestock had just left that hanging, or decided to not pursue that line for whatever reason.
I absolutely believe that Bridgestock is more realistic in this than the majority of their contemporaries. How does anything get done? Sun Tzu had no idea about the pace of 21st Century bureaucracy when he wrote, "Wheels of justice gind slow but grind fine," but the man was prophetic. I just hope he's as accurate about that fine grinding...
TRUSTING THE READER
While I have been enjoying this series—there's been something nagging me about the writing (well, a few things, but let's just focus on one). RC Bridgestock doesn't trust their readers. After illustrating (or sometimes before) what a character is thinking or feeling, they state it. They explain a joke—or a pretty clear statement.
One example:
'He comes across as dodgier than a care salesman,' Annie said, ‘and car salesmen are well dodgy!’
‘Not all of them, Annie,’ Charley chuckled.
What reader isn't aware of the general view of car salesman as being unreliable, honesty-impaired, shifty—in short, dodgy? Who (in the conversation or reading it) needs Annie to elucidate that? Then to add Charly's disclaimer and chuckle? It's like the old 70s/80s shows that end with a punch line and then a freeze frame showing the entire cast laughing. Cut that section at "Annie said." Then you move on to the next scene—it's punchier, it displays the necessary information about the suspect and the requisite jaded cop humor (it's good to see Annie getting experienced enough to show that, by the way), and trusts the reader to know how people are going to react. It also cuts a little of Charley's sanctimoniousness, no one needs her to defend car salesman in that conversation.
Bridgestock does this kind of thing all over the place. It's not needed, it's off-putting, and it slows everything down. Especially with all the—very necessary—exposition in this book, the last thing you need is to let things drag.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT CONDEMNED?
I've had a good time with the first two books in this series—I think I enjoyed this one a bit more than the predecessor. Charley's a good protagonist—dogged, determined, and flawed. Just what you need. A good leader, but not a perfect one. The rest of the cast of characters are just as promising, they're the kind you want to watch grow and develop and be fleshed out.
In this book, Bridgestock has given two of the detectives on Charley's team interesting backstories—and added to the backstory of one other. I don't know that they've done enough with them to justify the time spent—but there's promise for the future. I hope they deliver on that promise.
The mechanics of the writing still bother me—there's one chronological flub that I keep tripping on—but I find the cases, the storytelling, and the characters engaging and compelling enough to keep me going and I can gloss over 99% of the problems. The procedural aspects seem as sound as they can be. Two murders at the same location that are clearly unrelated? That's a great hook, and once you dive in you have to know how they're resolved.
I do recommend this—with a couple of qualifications—you're going to have a good time with it, and probably (like me) be ready to come back for more.
August 15, 2021
Well, I’ve never watched Happy Valley so have no idea what that is like. Let’s hope their research is a bit better than it was for this book. I don’t doubt their expertise in crime but they haven’t got a clue about nature and wildlife. If you don’t know then at least check your facts before writing it in a book. Surely that is creative writing 101. A quick google search is all it takes “Unlike their close relatives, rooks and crows, jackdaw eyes are almost white and their striking pale irises are very conspicuous against their dark feathers.” NOT black as it says in the book. And there were snow ploughs out but there are posies of wild flowers; one containing primrose, spear thistle, red campion, snowdrops and bee orchid. Really! Snowdrop and bee orchid flowering at the same time of year.
I quite enjoyed the story but the glaring errors did not make for an enjoyable read and I can’t see me reading any more in the series.
I quite enjoyed the story but the glaring errors did not make for an enjoyable read and I can’t see me reading any more in the series.
December 2, 2021
Written by the husband-and-wife team who advised the makers of hit TV show ' Happy Valley' is a solid if unspectacular police procedural. The plot is satisfyingly twisty, drawing on long buried secrets and corruption within provincial life leading to violence.
Charley Mann is the sort of stolid, sensible copper who might be the great-grandchild of the character John Mills used to play in fifties B movies. The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly the self-serving locals getting mixed up way over their heads with big time criminals with a propensity for violence.
Although hardly original this is a book that delivers in terms of being both entertaining and tolerably realistic.
Charley Mann is the sort of stolid, sensible copper who might be the great-grandchild of the character John Mills used to play in fifties B movies. The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly the self-serving locals getting mixed up way over their heads with big time criminals with a propensity for violence.
Although hardly original this is a book that delivers in terms of being both entertaining and tolerably realistic.
March 5, 2022
I discovered this author duo through the UK Crime Fiction Club on Facebook, from which I knew that both had worked in law enforcement, and worked as advisors to authors and screenwriters. This is the first of their books I have read. As you might expect, given their backgrounds, this is a Police procedural that is quite heavy on the procedural aspects of the investigation.
I didn't really warm to any of the characters. And the plot didn't grip me either. It was better than ok, so 2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, this edition of the book was slightly let down by imperfections in punctuation, grammar and the occasional spelling mistake or typo. I try not to let things like this colour my appreciation of a book's storyline, characters and overall writing, but I suspect that, at least subconsciously, it does affect my enjoyment.
I didn't really warm to any of the characters. And the plot didn't grip me either. It was better than ok, so 2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, this edition of the book was slightly let down by imperfections in punctuation, grammar and the occasional spelling mistake or typo. I try not to let things like this colour my appreciation of a book's storyline, characters and overall writing, but I suspect that, at least subconsciously, it does affect my enjoyment.
October 4, 2025
This was a slog. Way too many characters so you can’t make any of them likable. The admiration of the main character was so forced. This book did a lot of telling instead of showing. The whole police chase where it was written like she was at the police chase but she wasn’t but then written again like she was. I don’t feel like there was a lot of suspense around different red herrings that built through the book just kind of all rushed through at the end after a lot of really boring nothing happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2021
This was a ok read for me but didn’t wow me, I loved the idea of the plot, an old house ready to be demolished when two bodies are found, one from the past and one from the present. Where is fell short for me was the characters, I felt at times they were over explained to the read, I didn’t care enough to worry about what they were like or how they grew up. I wanted more of time pressured police hunt but unfortunately it just fell flat for me
April 20, 2021
An interesting crime novel starting with two unrelated bodies found at a site where the old house is being demolished. Body number one was a great venture into police procedure with twists and turns. Body number two had me confused with all the relationships between the family. Maybe it could be my age that is slowing down. Overall I did enjoy the story and would like to read another DI Charley Mann getting to know the characters better.
February 29, 2024
Really disappointed with this story and only on page 44. A busy DI spending ages on Google researching a building that has burned down. This before she is told that there are no lines of enquiry and no action required. Then goes to investigate two bodies reported found in the rubble.
Behind the fireplace DI Mann is shown two corpses and then goes to see another in the cellar!
I have book three and I'll start to read that and hope that it has been properly edited.
Behind the fireplace DI Mann is shown two corpses and then goes to see another in the cellar!
I have book three and I'll start to read that and hope that it has been properly edited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
The bridgestocks wrote and excellent crime story and with links to pagan burials and an abandoned house this one is very atmospheric. Charley is a great protagonist but still hasn’t won me over as much as Di Dylan
That said you cannot best these novels for accuracy and heart a superb read 4.5* from me
That said you cannot best these novels for accuracy and heart a superb read 4.5* from me
February 11, 2022
DO Charley Mann is amaxing.
This is book 2 of the series and it does not let you down. Two bodies found in a derelict building, but who did it and why?? Action packed, you will not be disappointed.
This is book 2 of the series and it does not let you down. Two bodies found in a derelict building, but who did it and why?? Action packed, you will not be disappointed.
April 12, 2023
Adequate but far fetched story. Too much written about following correct procedures, the need to clear "my head". Obligatory wild horse ride. Annoying number of typos in my ebook version. I won't read any more of their series.
September 26, 2024
Solving two cases in one for DI Charley Mann who is called out to a house where two bodies are concealed but the murders are decades apart
This one does keep you guessing especially about the older case but everything soon comes together
This one does keep you guessing especially about the older case but everything soon comes together
April 25, 2021
Good detailing of the police procedural work.
Read
October 28, 2021DNF at page 108
Nothing particularly wrong with the book it just didn't grasp my attention and I honestly was just bored
Nothing particularly wrong with the book it just didn't grasp my attention and I honestly was just bored
February 9, 2022
not a fan of it, i had to force myself to finish it
December 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The true to life police work and a good mystery story that keeps you guessing all the way though
February 26, 2024
2nd in the series and I loved it, great characters and storyline with good twists x
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