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DCI Tom Douglas #1
Μόνο οι αθώοι υποφέρουν
Όταν ο φιλάνθρωπος Χιούγκο Φλέτσερ εντοπίζεται νεκρός, δεμένος στο κρεβάτι της κατοικίας του στο Λονδίνο, ο επιθεωρητής Τομ Ντάγκλας είναι βέβαιος ότι ο ένοχος που αναζητά είναι γυναίκα.
Και παρότι ο Φλέτσερ απέκτησε αναρίθμητους εχθρούς με την εμπλοκή του σε τράφικιγκ γυναικών από την Ανατολική Ευρώπη, ο τόπος του εγκλήματος μαρτυρά σεξουαλική συνεύρεση και εκδίκηση. Αυτός ο φόνος είχε προσωπικό χαρακτήρα.
Ο επιθεωρητής γνωρίζει πως η σύζυγος του Φλέτσερ, η Λόρα, θα πρέπει να είναι η βασική ύποπτη στην έρευνά του.
Είναι βέβαιο πως κρύβει κάτι.
Όμως, δεν είναι πεπεισμένος πως το μυστικό της είναι ο φόνος.
Φυσικά δεν είναι η μόνη που έχει μυστικά.
Από ό,τι φαίνεται, όλες οι γυναίκες στη ζωή του συζύγου της με την αμφιλεγόμενη δράση έχουν κάτι να κρύψουν.
Και το μυστικό της Λόρας, που δεν έφερε ποτέ στο φως, πρέπει τώρα να αποκαλυφθεί ως τελευταίο κομμάτι του γρίφου όταν η αστυνομική έρευνα φτάνει στη δραματική και φρικτή κορύφωσή της.
Τα όσα ανακαλύπτει ο επιθεωρητής στην πορεία των ερευνών τον σοκάρουν, υποχρεώνοντάς τον να αναρωτηθεί:
Σκοπός είναι πάντα να τιμωρείται ο ένοχος;
Ή μήπως στην υπόθεση του Φλέτσερ πρέπει μόνο να προστατευθούν οι αθώοι;
Και παρότι ο Φλέτσερ απέκτησε αναρίθμητους εχθρούς με την εμπλοκή του σε τράφικιγκ γυναικών από την Ανατολική Ευρώπη, ο τόπος του εγκλήματος μαρτυρά σεξουαλική συνεύρεση και εκδίκηση. Αυτός ο φόνος είχε προσωπικό χαρακτήρα.
Ο επιθεωρητής γνωρίζει πως η σύζυγος του Φλέτσερ, η Λόρα, θα πρέπει να είναι η βασική ύποπτη στην έρευνά του.
Είναι βέβαιο πως κρύβει κάτι.
Όμως, δεν είναι πεπεισμένος πως το μυστικό της είναι ο φόνος.
Φυσικά δεν είναι η μόνη που έχει μυστικά.
Από ό,τι φαίνεται, όλες οι γυναίκες στη ζωή του συζύγου της με την αμφιλεγόμενη δράση έχουν κάτι να κρύψουν.
Και το μυστικό της Λόρας, που δεν έφερε ποτέ στο φως, πρέπει τώρα να αποκαλυφθεί ως τελευταίο κομμάτι του γρίφου όταν η αστυνομική έρευνα φτάνει στη δραματική και φρικτή κορύφωσή της.
Τα όσα ανακαλύπτει ο επιθεωρητής στην πορεία των ερευνών τον σοκάρουν, υποχρεώνοντάς τον να αναρωτηθεί:
Σκοπός είναι πάντα να τιμωρείται ο ένοχος;
Ή μήπως στην υπόθεση του Φλέτσερ πρέπει μόνο να προστατευθούν οι αθώοι;
592 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
3254 people are currently reading
8685 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
50 books2,680 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,176 reviews
April 7, 2018
I’m not sure why I waited so long to try this series. After all, most of my thriller-loving Goodreads friends have read Ms. Abbott’s works, and with the name Abbott, her books always come up first on my sorted-by-author to-be-read list. I have also collected 5 of her books over the years through Amazon sales. Only the Innocent finally called my name and I settled in with great anticipation.
At first I was disappointed. I am currently in police procedural mode with my reading, and since the series is titled the “DCI Tom Douglas “ books, I thought that’s what I would be getting. After reading the first few chapters, however, it appeared I was headed into “psychological thriller” territory—a genre I am currently generally tired of. At this point it was a slow go for me. I soldiered on, however, and am so happy I did as this is not at all your usual 2018 psychological thriller type of thing, and the police procedural angle finally kicked in as well.
This novel is so multilayered. The family drama component is full of intrigue and is somewhat “goth-oid” thanks to the frequently used dreary setting of a mausoleum of a house. There are fascinating relationships amongst various people. I loved Laura and Imogen and Laura’s mom Stella. DCI Tom Douglas is a very decent guy who was dumped by his materialistic wife; she also took his beloved 4-year-old daughter Lucy with her. Bad ex-wife. His character is pretty bland in the beginning, but as the book progressed I really gravitated to his corner and am excited to see how Ms. Abbott develops him further. In this story he struggles mightily with the definition of “the right thing” as well as the nature of his relationship with Laura.
And then there’s the villain, the despicable Hugo Fletcher. What a @*($# this guy is. I usually can’t stand to even read about people like him, but because any overt physical abuse was minimized (relatively so), I never once considered throwing in the towel. On the other hand, I loved loved loved his sister Beatrice! What a character. Hey, Ms. Abbott, how about a spin-off book for Beatrice?
The plot is a tangled labyrinthine of a tale. And I mean in a good way. It was so fun trying to figure out what the heck was going on and how everything could possibly tie together. Kudos, Ms. Abbott, for this.
Other things I liked were the decisions to tell portions of the story in letter form and the title of the book. It took to the very end to realize the meaning of the title, but it could not be more perfect.
If you want solid characterization and a compelling plot, look no further than Only the Innocent. I really look forward to working my way through this series.
At first I was disappointed. I am currently in police procedural mode with my reading, and since the series is titled the “DCI Tom Douglas “ books, I thought that’s what I would be getting. After reading the first few chapters, however, it appeared I was headed into “psychological thriller” territory—a genre I am currently generally tired of. At this point it was a slow go for me. I soldiered on, however, and am so happy I did as this is not at all your usual 2018 psychological thriller type of thing, and the police procedural angle finally kicked in as well.
This novel is so multilayered. The family drama component is full of intrigue and is somewhat “goth-oid” thanks to the frequently used dreary setting of a mausoleum of a house. There are fascinating relationships amongst various people. I loved Laura and Imogen and Laura’s mom Stella. DCI Tom Douglas is a very decent guy who was dumped by his materialistic wife; she also took his beloved 4-year-old daughter Lucy with her. Bad ex-wife. His character is pretty bland in the beginning, but as the book progressed I really gravitated to his corner and am excited to see how Ms. Abbott develops him further. In this story he struggles mightily with the definition of “the right thing” as well as the nature of his relationship with Laura.
And then there’s the villain, the despicable Hugo Fletcher. What a @*($# this guy is. I usually can’t stand to even read about people like him, but because any overt physical abuse was minimized (relatively so), I never once considered throwing in the towel. On the other hand, I loved loved loved his sister Beatrice! What a character. Hey, Ms. Abbott, how about a spin-off book for Beatrice?
The plot is a tangled labyrinthine of a tale. And I mean in a good way. It was so fun trying to figure out what the heck was going on and how everything could possibly tie together. Kudos, Ms. Abbott, for this.
Other things I liked were the decisions to tell portions of the story in letter form and the title of the book. It took to the very end to realize the meaning of the title, but it could not be more perfect.
If you want solid characterization and a compelling plot, look no further than Only the Innocent. I really look forward to working my way through this series.
August 21, 2013
Very disappointed in this book!
A strong opening chapter that draws attention, however the rest of the book is just boring!
The main character has such a weak, pathetic voice that is barely distinguishable to that of her ex sister in law.
Also, the poor attempt of trying to weave the background of the characters into the story through unsent letters is entirely unimaginative and boring, not to mention forced!
The author has not seemed to have mastered the fundamental rule of showing, not telling the reader about events, feelings, settings, etc., giving the whole book a mono tonal, forced feel that significantly reduces any engagement I felt to the book at all.
I give it 2 stars purely for the intriguing plot. Apart from that, this book is really not worth reading at all.
A strong opening chapter that draws attention, however the rest of the book is just boring!
The main character has such a weak, pathetic voice that is barely distinguishable to that of her ex sister in law.
Also, the poor attempt of trying to weave the background of the characters into the story through unsent letters is entirely unimaginative and boring, not to mention forced!
The author has not seemed to have mastered the fundamental rule of showing, not telling the reader about events, feelings, settings, etc., giving the whole book a mono tonal, forced feel that significantly reduces any engagement I felt to the book at all.
I give it 2 stars purely for the intriguing plot. Apart from that, this book is really not worth reading at all.
April 25, 2018
I have had a number of Rachel Abbott's books sitting on my shelf for some time. Why I hadn't read them I don't know because I love English murder/mysteries and this one was a cracker!
Although I had the who and how figured out reasonably early on, there was enough going on to keep me interested - very interested. You really have to wonder about some families....
Hugo Fletcher is wealthy and charming. His good works freeing and rehabilitating Eastern European prostitutes is well known. When his dead body is discovered tied to a bed in his London home, Chief Inspector Tom Douglas determines right away that he’s hunting a female killer.
His unhappy wife Laura should be his prime suspect, because she is definitely hiding something.
And what about her best friend and ex-sister-in-law Imo? How is she involved? Because Tom is certain she is.
Then there is Sir Hugo's secretary Jessica who lives far beyond her means and receives regular unspecified cash payments from Sir Hugo. What exactly is she hiding?
The deeper Tom digs into the case, the more people he finds with reasons to want Sir Hugo dead, but never excluding the lovely Laura.
4.5 stars from me for this compelling and very enjoyable read. I won't be waiting long to start another Rachel Abbott book.
Although I had the who and how figured out reasonably early on, there was enough going on to keep me interested - very interested. You really have to wonder about some families....
Hugo Fletcher is wealthy and charming. His good works freeing and rehabilitating Eastern European prostitutes is well known. When his dead body is discovered tied to a bed in his London home, Chief Inspector Tom Douglas determines right away that he’s hunting a female killer.
His unhappy wife Laura should be his prime suspect, because she is definitely hiding something.
And what about her best friend and ex-sister-in-law Imo? How is she involved? Because Tom is certain she is.
Then there is Sir Hugo's secretary Jessica who lives far beyond her means and receives regular unspecified cash payments from Sir Hugo. What exactly is she hiding?
The deeper Tom digs into the case, the more people he finds with reasons to want Sir Hugo dead, but never excluding the lovely Laura.
4.5 stars from me for this compelling and very enjoyable read. I won't be waiting long to start another Rachel Abbott book.
February 8, 2018
It all ended up being a bit predictable and drawn out. Could have been at least 50 pages shorter .... seemed to go around in circles towards the end. I liked DCI Tom Douglas. Did not really care about any of the other characters ... zero romance so if you are looking for that, you will have to look somewhere else.
Bad guy was a total psycho. Female lead was a bit of doormat and very naive.
I may continue the series. As I said, I did like Tom.
Bad guy was a total psycho. Female lead was a bit of doormat and very naive.
I may continue the series. As I said, I did like Tom.
March 31, 2012
Absolutely awful. Absurd storyline, utterly unlike able characters and poorly written, how many times can you refer to their smile being insincere? The letters between the 2 friends were ridiculous, no one write to a friend in that way. I got this book based on the 5 star reviews it's received, I really can not understand who would ever rate this book highly, rubbish!
October 13, 2017
Parts of the telling of this story were just brilliant; other parts not so much.
There is a murder, a rather bizarre murder, and it was clear to me early on who did it. But the why of it, which was dribbled out in tantalizing bits, kept me glued. Plus the introduction of several new characters, all of them interesting, added to the complexity and the suspense. This is definitely a family I was happy to read about but which I would never want to actually know.
The detectives were well portrayed, both in their deductive reasoning and in their emotions. Since this is the first of a series featuring DCI Tom Douglas, this bodes well for the subsequent books.
Where the book could have been better was in the use of old never-sent letters as a way of telling past events. It would have been far better to show these events, which were engaging, as flashbacks where the characters actually appeared. This was particularly true with the early letters of which there were too many and several were much too long. By the time the later letters appeared, I was hooked enough on the story that I no longer felt cheated out of the action.
There is a murder, a rather bizarre murder, and it was clear to me early on who did it. But the why of it, which was dribbled out in tantalizing bits, kept me glued. Plus the introduction of several new characters, all of them interesting, added to the complexity and the suspense. This is definitely a family I was happy to read about but which I would never want to actually know.
The detectives were well portrayed, both in their deductive reasoning and in their emotions. Since this is the first of a series featuring DCI Tom Douglas, this bodes well for the subsequent books.
Where the book could have been better was in the use of old never-sent letters as a way of telling past events. It would have been far better to show these events, which were engaging, as flashbacks where the characters actually appeared. This was particularly true with the early letters of which there were too many and several were much too long. By the time the later letters appeared, I was hooked enough on the story that I no longer felt cheated out of the action.
March 26, 2012
The blurb that accompanied 'Only the Innocent' raised questions about women who commit apparently perfect, cold-blooded murder so I was primed for a story about a psychopath. The fact that this psychopath was going to be a woman merely added a touch of spice to my expectations. While the book did not disappoint me in the slightest, it did not turn out to be anything like what I was expecting.
The last thing I want to do is to spoil this story for anyone so all I will say is that 'a woman' did plan and commit an almost perfect murder but she was as far from being a psychopath as it is possible to get. Psychopaths kill for a number of reasons but a lack of empathy is usually high on the list. The murderer in 'Only the Innocent' killed because she cared. And because every other option was closed to her.
As a writer I am capable of imagining some pretty horrific and gruesome ways of killing my characters but as a woman I have often wondered if I would be capable of killing someone in the real world, even to save my own life. After reading 'Only the Innocent' I know that there is at least one situation in which I would kill. Whether I could do so with as much finesse as the murderer in 'Only the Innocent' I truly do not know. To be honest I really hope I am never put in a position where I am forced to find out.
Getting back to the book, the author, Rachel Abbotts, reveals the truth behind the public facade of the victim one crumb at a time and I found myself following her trail of breadcrumbs like a starving sparrow in winter, yet every new insight seemed to obscure the identity of the murderer even more. Only at the very end does she reveal not only 'who done it' but also how. Trust me, it's worth the wait, however I strongly advise readers to take the time to think about the deeper issues informing the story as well. The involuntary prostitution of illegal immigrants is real and flourishing in an age when we all tend to think that slavery is a thing of the past. It exists now and will continue to exist while unscrupulous people can make a profit from the disparity between rich countries and poor.
'Only the Innocent' has many layers and they are all woven together with a master's touch. The pace is always just right, the descriptions are always pertinent and necessary and the prose is clean. In short it is a very well-written, well edited, well thought out novel that really should have been snapped up by one of the traditional publishers. Perhaps they were scared off by some of the 'adult themes' raised by the book. If so then their loss is our gain as we can read an excellent novel at an ebook price.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. My favourite thriller/suspense/psychological novel of all time is The Blindman of Seville by Robert Wilson. I would give that book a 5/5. 'Only the Innocent' is not quite up to that very high standard but at 4/5 it comes damn close. I expect Rachel Abbott to be on our bestseller lists in the very near future.
Book : Only the Innocent
Author : Rachel Abbott
The last thing I want to do is to spoil this story for anyone so all I will say is that 'a woman' did plan and commit an almost perfect murder but she was as far from being a psychopath as it is possible to get. Psychopaths kill for a number of reasons but a lack of empathy is usually high on the list. The murderer in 'Only the Innocent' killed because she cared. And because every other option was closed to her.
As a writer I am capable of imagining some pretty horrific and gruesome ways of killing my characters but as a woman I have often wondered if I would be capable of killing someone in the real world, even to save my own life. After reading 'Only the Innocent' I know that there is at least one situation in which I would kill. Whether I could do so with as much finesse as the murderer in 'Only the Innocent' I truly do not know. To be honest I really hope I am never put in a position where I am forced to find out.
Getting back to the book, the author, Rachel Abbotts, reveals the truth behind the public facade of the victim one crumb at a time and I found myself following her trail of breadcrumbs like a starving sparrow in winter, yet every new insight seemed to obscure the identity of the murderer even more. Only at the very end does she reveal not only 'who done it' but also how. Trust me, it's worth the wait, however I strongly advise readers to take the time to think about the deeper issues informing the story as well. The involuntary prostitution of illegal immigrants is real and flourishing in an age when we all tend to think that slavery is a thing of the past. It exists now and will continue to exist while unscrupulous people can make a profit from the disparity between rich countries and poor.
'Only the Innocent' has many layers and they are all woven together with a master's touch. The pace is always just right, the descriptions are always pertinent and necessary and the prose is clean. In short it is a very well-written, well edited, well thought out novel that really should have been snapped up by one of the traditional publishers. Perhaps they were scared off by some of the 'adult themes' raised by the book. If so then their loss is our gain as we can read an excellent novel at an ebook price.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. My favourite thriller/suspense/psychological novel of all time is The Blindman of Seville by Robert Wilson. I would give that book a 5/5. 'Only the Innocent' is not quite up to that very high standard but at 4/5 it comes damn close. I expect Rachel Abbott to be on our bestseller lists in the very near future.
Book : Only the Innocent
Author : Rachel Abbott
January 8, 2024
Šį kartą pradėsiu nuo to, kas labiausiai badė akis. Seras Hugas Flečeris - tikras angelas, riteris spindinčiais šarvais, tik kažkodėl tiek daug žmonių žinant, kad nebuvo jis toks jau ir geras, jo reputacija nei karto taip ir nesuklibėjo. Taip pat Loros personažas. Šioj vietoj nenoriu per daug pasakyti, kad nespoilinčiau, na bet manęs jinai visiškai neįtikino. Tiek tai, kodėl jinai po vestuvių liko su juo gyventi ir leidosi, kad su ja taip elgtųsi,tiek ir vėliau. Na ir Tomas. Jis pasirodė taip pat silpnokai, nes jam visą tyrimą labiau rūpėjo, kaip jaučiasi Lora, kad tik jos nepaspaudus, nei kaip išaiškinti žmogžudystę. Tačiau, bendrai paėmus, nebuvo taip blogai. Istorija įdomi, nors ir rutuliojasi lėtokai, nepastebėjau akis badančių logiškų klaidų, na ir antraeiliai veikėjai bandė kelti kartelę į viršų. Kaip pažinčiai su šia autore, tikrai neblogai, bet tikiuosi, kad sekančiose dalyse bus tik geriau.
March 24, 2012
I can see by the majority of reviews I am in the minority with this one and I’m sorry but if it was meant to be a murder mystery I’m afraid the mystery was depleted by its glaring predictability. I read this book on a kindle and found myself willing the percentage line at the bottom of the screen to move faster. The only emotion this stirred in me was when Laura, the main character, puts up with so much sick and disgusting behaviour, from her husband that I really wanted to punch her myself. Sorry Rachel, must try harder.
Read
November 4, 2020I can see I'm in the minority with my review, so apologies to Rachel Abbott, and her fans of the book and series. I hate posting negative reviews but feel compelled in this case :(
My first Rachel Abbott novel and sadly probably my last. I was really looking forward to reading Abbott's work after learning of her tremendous success and rise up the authoring ladder, but this is definitely not one for me. It was all rather disappointing and unbelievable.
'Only The Innocent' was rather predictable. The story is slow and the characters are tedious, unlikable, and flat. The story follows DCI Tom Douglas, the heroic protagonist, but sadly he comes across as a weak lead character. He seems lost and bumbles along during the investigation into the murder of the high profile Sir Hugo Fletcher. As a senior officer, you'd expect him to be patient, resourceful, and resilient, but he's none of these things. Instead, he is often the opposite of these. An example is how he is far too easily riled by an uncooperative witness he is trying to interrogate. Within just a few minutes of starting his questioning, he wants to throttle her because she annoys him so by her uncooperative manner. Later, he then finds himself quickly irritated by the villain's sister because she is slow in handing over some potentially vital information. Not very confidence-inspiring police work.
The background story slowly follows the suffering and degradation of Laura, wife of the murdered philanthropist Sir Hugo. We learn she was a dynamic, independent working woman who, after marrying Hugo - a seriously perverted individual, is quickly turned into a browbeaten wife. Repeatedly humiliated and abused, she is always ready to offer up some feeble excuse for her husband's bizarre behaviour. Why? The man is a thoroughly detestable character with no redeeming qualities. I won't elaborate, you wouldn't believe me, trust me on that. So much so in fact that even DCI 'Hearthrob' Tom can't bring himself to bring the murderer to justice. How unbelievable is that?
This is essentially a very loose murder/romance, but for me, is neither. The plot didn't grab my attention and just simmers along rather than ever reaching a boiling point. The actual murder plot is ludicrously farfetched at best. Having said all that there is a huge market for it so it clearly hits the mark with many readers.
My first Rachel Abbott novel and sadly probably my last. I was really looking forward to reading Abbott's work after learning of her tremendous success and rise up the authoring ladder, but this is definitely not one for me. It was all rather disappointing and unbelievable.
'Only The Innocent' was rather predictable. The story is slow and the characters are tedious, unlikable, and flat. The story follows DCI Tom Douglas, the heroic protagonist, but sadly he comes across as a weak lead character. He seems lost and bumbles along during the investigation into the murder of the high profile Sir Hugo Fletcher. As a senior officer, you'd expect him to be patient, resourceful, and resilient, but he's none of these things. Instead, he is often the opposite of these. An example is how he is far too easily riled by an uncooperative witness he is trying to interrogate. Within just a few minutes of starting his questioning, he wants to throttle her because she annoys him so by her uncooperative manner. Later, he then finds himself quickly irritated by the villain's sister because she is slow in handing over some potentially vital information. Not very confidence-inspiring police work.
The background story slowly follows the suffering and degradation of Laura, wife of the murdered philanthropist Sir Hugo. We learn she was a dynamic, independent working woman who, after marrying Hugo - a seriously perverted individual, is quickly turned into a browbeaten wife. Repeatedly humiliated and abused, she is always ready to offer up some feeble excuse for her husband's bizarre behaviour. Why? The man is a thoroughly detestable character with no redeeming qualities. I won't elaborate, you wouldn't believe me, trust me on that. So much so in fact that even DCI 'Hearthrob' Tom can't bring himself to bring the murderer to justice. How unbelievable is that?
This is essentially a very loose murder/romance, but for me, is neither. The plot didn't grab my attention and just simmers along rather than ever reaching a boiling point. The actual murder plot is ludicrously farfetched at best. Having said all that there is a huge market for it so it clearly hits the mark with many readers.
April 16, 2013
Hugo Fletcher, a pillar of society, loved by the public and famous for his charity works is found murdered. Tom Douglas, convinced that the murderer is a woman, is on the case. This creates the basis for the story, and wow what a story it was. My favourite thing about this novel was the storytelling - Ms Abbott gives you information in small doses whilst all the time filling out the personalities of her characters until you understand their actions and reasoning. What appears on the surface is not what you find as you dig deeper, and as each little piece of information is revealed you become more and more immersed in the tale and in the lives of the characters who inhabit it. Its not for the faint hearted - in places it is darkly violent but again Rachel Abbott has been clever - whilst the darker parts are described, a lot is left to the imagination of the reader - I often wondered whether I was perhaps imagining worse things than were actually occurring. Told in current time as the investigation progresses, and with a glimpse at what has come before given through letters written but never sent by Hugo's wife Laura to her friend,slowly but surely we are lead towards the ultimate resolution. Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" used a similar tact with Amy's prior diary entries - in this novel it is only used minimally but to great effect - you are at times desperate for Imogen to read the next letter to find out what Laura has been going through. You may or may not work out the "whodunnit" side of things, I did but not until I was deep into it - and only because Ms Abbott told you all you needed to know if you read between the lines. The "whydunnit" is again cleverly revealed over time and may shock you. A must read for any mystery lover, at time of writing (April 2013) both this, and Ms Abbotts next book "the Back Road" are a bargain on the Kindle and I would highly recommend, certainly this one, and hopefully the next which I will be reading soon. You will get much more than your money's worth. I also felt that this was a "work in progress" author and I am looking forward very much to what she may write in the future. Brilliant.
June 13, 2013
I cannot believe how many people have highly rated this tediously written book. I quite enjoyed Back Road and so decided to read Only the Innocent ...a total disappointment.
The tragic thing is she has wasted an opportunity to really explore issues that are very prevalent in today's society- those of human trafficking, child sex abuse and prostitution. It almost seemed trivialised.
I am sure that was not Rachel Abbbots objective but really Rachel if you want to write about these topics at least do them justice, the focus was almost entirely on the hapless wife, shame there was not more focus on the real victims who were the young girls who were forced into degradation and who represent the stories of so many real girls out there whose fate is forever hidden from the public eye.
My recommendation is Don't waste your precious time reading it. The characters are artificial and unbelievable. The dialogue is inane and full of unnecessary details and sentences. She could have condensed the plot into a book into a few short chapters. I will not be bothering with her 3rd book(less)
The tragic thing is she has wasted an opportunity to really explore issues that are very prevalent in today's society- those of human trafficking, child sex abuse and prostitution. It almost seemed trivialised.
I am sure that was not Rachel Abbbots objective but really Rachel if you want to write about these topics at least do them justice, the focus was almost entirely on the hapless wife, shame there was not more focus on the real victims who were the young girls who were forced into degradation and who represent the stories of so many real girls out there whose fate is forever hidden from the public eye.
My recommendation is Don't waste your precious time reading it. The characters are artificial and unbelievable. The dialogue is inane and full of unnecessary details and sentences. She could have condensed the plot into a book into a few short chapters. I will not be bothering with her 3rd book(less)
January 28, 2013
I was really disappointed with this after reading such glowing reviews. The character interactions were rote, the verbiage was stilted and the contents of the letters verged on ridiculous! Who would write to a friend or even in their diary in those terms and phrasing?! It would have been more appropriate to have set this in the 1700's, it would have made the central characters a bit more believable. Bad romance trying to pass as a mystery.
February 18, 2016
Great start to DCI Tom Douglas books!
Full review on www.bibliophilebookclub.com.
Full review on www.bibliophilebookclub.com.
March 20, 2017
I wish I would have discovered this author sooner because this was one of the very best books ever!!!!! I cannot wait to get to number two in the series.
May 5, 2018
Only the Innocent is the first book in the new series called DCI Tom Douglas by Rachel Abbott. DCI Tom Douglas first case was the death of Sir Hugo Fletcher. At first, it looks like a sexual encounter that went wrong, however, more DCI Tom Douglas investigators more they realise there was more to Sir Hugo Fletcher then anyone thought. DCI Tom Douglas became more frustrated with Lady Laura Fletcher and Imogen Kennedy he knows they are hiding something but does not know what. The readers of Only the Innocent will continue to follow DCI Tom Douglas investigation into the death of Sir Hugo Fletcher.
Only the Innocent is the first book I have read of Rachel Abbott I did enjoy reading it. However, I found the plot of Only the Innocent a little bit confusing and unbelievable and let me hang in parts of the book. I like Rachel Abbott portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. Only the Innocent is the first book in the DCI Tom Douglas series so I will read another book in this series.
The readers of Only The Innocent will see the problems and consequences of the illegal sex trade and the predators that work behind the scene. Also, the readers will learn about London Metropolitan law enforcement procedures.
I recommend this book.
Only the Innocent is the first book I have read of Rachel Abbott I did enjoy reading it. However, I found the plot of Only the Innocent a little bit confusing and unbelievable and let me hang in parts of the book. I like Rachel Abbott portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. Only the Innocent is the first book in the DCI Tom Douglas series so I will read another book in this series.
The readers of Only The Innocent will see the problems and consequences of the illegal sex trade and the predators that work behind the scene. Also, the readers will learn about London Metropolitan law enforcement procedures.
I recommend this book.
May 27, 2016
A couple of years ago, I listened to The Back Road by Rachel Abbott and really enjoyed it. Then I discovered that The Back Road was actually the second book featuring DCI Tom Douglas. Only The Innocent is the first. If I had started with this one, I don't think I would have bothered with the second.
At the heart of it, Only The Innocent has a really promising story of prostitution, human trafficking, sexual and domestic abuse to tell, but the execution was disappointing. Part of the story is told through letters the protagonist has written but never sent to her best friend. She then hands these letters over to her while the two are together in the same house. This really didn't work for me at all. Firstly, the letters were written in a manner that nobody would have ever written them, and secondly, the reading of the letters disturbed the flow of the story. A lot of the writing felt forced. It was all telling not showing.
Some of it reminded me of traditional cozy mysteries set largely in an old manor house with characters that had more money than sense. The whodunit and why became apparent quite quickly but it took forever to get there. I really liked Tom Douglas in The Back Road, not so much in this one. But at least it explained his history and I now understand his behavior in the next book much better.
I will continue with Sleep Tight, the third book, as I'm hoping the improvement from this to The Back Road will continue further in the third book.
The narration by Sarah Coomes was very good and it's probably down to her that I didn't give up when the book became slightly dreary.
Narration 4 stars, Story 3 stars, Writing 2 stars.
There are many 4 and 5 star reviews for this one, so don't be put off by my ramblings.
At the heart of it, Only The Innocent has a really promising story of prostitution, human trafficking, sexual and domestic abuse to tell, but the execution was disappointing. Part of the story is told through letters the protagonist has written but never sent to her best friend. She then hands these letters over to her while the two are together in the same house. This really didn't work for me at all. Firstly, the letters were written in a manner that nobody would have ever written them, and secondly, the reading of the letters disturbed the flow of the story. A lot of the writing felt forced. It was all telling not showing.
Some of it reminded me of traditional cozy mysteries set largely in an old manor house with characters that had more money than sense. The whodunit and why became apparent quite quickly but it took forever to get there. I really liked Tom Douglas in The Back Road, not so much in this one. But at least it explained his history and I now understand his behavior in the next book much better.
I will continue with Sleep Tight, the third book, as I'm hoping the improvement from this to The Back Road will continue further in the third book.
The narration by Sarah Coomes was very good and it's probably down to her that I didn't give up when the book became slightly dreary.
Narration 4 stars, Story 3 stars, Writing 2 stars.
There are many 4 and 5 star reviews for this one, so don't be put off by my ramblings.
July 10, 2014
I read Sleep Tight first (apparently the third one in this series) quite by chance and was totally engrossed in it. Realising I had bought Only the Innocent some time ago and, for some unknown reason had overlooked it, I started reading it with relish as I had so enjoyed Sleep Tight. I also wanted to know more about the background of the wonderful and gorgeous, DCI Tom Douglas who I really like, and his sergeant, Becky Robinson.
I have to say I struggled with this one, sadly. I just felt like it was going round and round in circles at times and was getting frustrated as to why no one was telling the truth.
Laura Fletcher is a character I liked and loathed at times; her whiny voice was getting on my nerves and she seemed so weak and feeble I wanted to shake her! She is married to the handsome but dastardly, Hugo, who makes her life a living hell with his dreadful but very careful bullying of her until she is a mere shell of her former vivacious self.
We learn what has happened to Laura in her letters to her life long friend, and latterly sister in law, Imogen. The letters were never sent but kept secret should anything happen to her and then Imogen would know the truth. However during the investigation into the sudden death of Hugo, Laura gives the letters to Imogen to read so she knows what has been happening to her as she had lost contact with Imogen many years before.
It's fast, it's pacy and should have been wonderfully enjoyable but I felt there was something slightly lacking and overall that it was a little too long, as the facts were constantly being repeated which became quite tedious. However as I realise this was Rachel Abbott's debut novel and I have since read another book of hers, I would recommend reading it if only to get the background on the delicious Tom, who I know is going to be a great character.
I have to say I struggled with this one, sadly. I just felt like it was going round and round in circles at times and was getting frustrated as to why no one was telling the truth.
Laura Fletcher is a character I liked and loathed at times; her whiny voice was getting on my nerves and she seemed so weak and feeble I wanted to shake her! She is married to the handsome but dastardly, Hugo, who makes her life a living hell with his dreadful but very careful bullying of her until she is a mere shell of her former vivacious self.
We learn what has happened to Laura in her letters to her life long friend, and latterly sister in law, Imogen. The letters were never sent but kept secret should anything happen to her and then Imogen would know the truth. However during the investigation into the sudden death of Hugo, Laura gives the letters to Imogen to read so she knows what has been happening to her as she had lost contact with Imogen many years before.
It's fast, it's pacy and should have been wonderfully enjoyable but I felt there was something slightly lacking and overall that it was a little too long, as the facts were constantly being repeated which became quite tedious. However as I realise this was Rachel Abbott's debut novel and I have since read another book of hers, I would recommend reading it if only to get the background on the delicious Tom, who I know is going to be a great character.
February 8, 2012
Rachel Abbott has written an incredible story with many layers of mystery. The tale of a young successful woman who captures the eye of a well known philanthropist and suddenly finds herself awaiting her wedding day with understandable anticipation. This cultured gentleman insists on handling all of the details for the ceremony and reception, which invites early disapproval from Laura's mother.
Seeing this as a step up in class, Laura struggles to accept her new husband's polite insistence on controlling every aspect of her life - something girls are now taught in school to recognize as a form of bullying. Laura is isolated from her family and former co-workers, a classic sign of an abusive relationship.
The vibrant beauty and personality of Laura gradually diminishes, the result of doubting her ability to make cultured choices. Her sadness is fed by his expressions of disappointment in her each time she attempts to assert her own styles and preferences.
The story takes a sharp turn from sadly struggling with lowered self esteem to fearful submission to a recognized danger, and a frightening assumption exposed as truth.
Rachel Abbot's story will leave you with haunting memories of characters unseen in the public eye, with empathy for the women who try to make the best of a marriage, and with recognition that everyone has a back story to their lives ... Her description of settings is masterful, her characters have depth, and the story line is a watercolor image of sadness leading to strength. I look forward to more of Rachel Abbot's writing.
Seeing this as a step up in class, Laura struggles to accept her new husband's polite insistence on controlling every aspect of her life - something girls are now taught in school to recognize as a form of bullying. Laura is isolated from her family and former co-workers, a classic sign of an abusive relationship.
The vibrant beauty and personality of Laura gradually diminishes, the result of doubting her ability to make cultured choices. Her sadness is fed by his expressions of disappointment in her each time she attempts to assert her own styles and preferences.
The story takes a sharp turn from sadly struggling with lowered self esteem to fearful submission to a recognized danger, and a frightening assumption exposed as truth.
Rachel Abbot's story will leave you with haunting memories of characters unseen in the public eye, with empathy for the women who try to make the best of a marriage, and with recognition that everyone has a back story to their lives ... Her description of settings is masterful, her characters have depth, and the story line is a watercolor image of sadness leading to strength. I look forward to more of Rachel Abbot's writing.
January 12, 2014
Buena trama aunque un poco predecible. Muy entretenido. Se queda con tres estrellas porque la prosa es pobre y los diálogos espantosos.
January 16, 2023
Rachel Abbot knygas pastebėjau jau senokai, jos kūriniai tikrai mėgstami ir gerai vertinami, tad užsimaniau ir aš pradėt knygų seriją apie vyresnįjį detektyvą inspektorių Tomą Daglasą.
Pats detektyvas inspektorius nesitikėjo, kad jo pirmoji svarbesnė byla naujoje vietoje bus taip narpliojama žurnalistų ir kiekvienas policijos žingsnis bus stebimas pro padidinamąjį stiklą. Auka seras Hugas Flečeris rastas negyvas savo namuose - nuogas bei pririštas prie lovos. Milijardierius, filantropas, ne vienos labdaringos organizacijos steigėjas bei nuolatinis rėmėjas -lyg pats šventasis, bet mirtis lyg nusidėjelio. Auka buvo labai paslaptinga asmenybė. Apie asmeninį gyveniną sunkiai ką gali papasakoti net žmona, o kas ir žino kažką - tyli. Tačiau kuo giliau Tomas ir jo komanda kapstosi, tuo juodesnis nužudytojo paveikslas iškyla. Aišku, tik kad žudikė moteris turėjusi motyva. Tai galėtų būti net žmona, kuri nelabai išgyvena vyro mirtį ir kažką slepia.
Pačioje byloje netrūko bandymų narplioti nusikaltimą. Detektyvo inspektoriaus komanda ne tik galvota, bet ir landi. Kas truputėlį iš pradžių erzino, kad labai daug svarbių detalių nugirdo, slapta nuklausė. Tiriant šią bylą labai daug pateikta pagrindinio veikėjo gyvenimo detalių, asmeninių savybių. Žudikę buvo galima atspėti, gan nesunkiai, nors ir rinktis buvo iš ko. Tačiau nors ir pateikti motyvai, atrodytų buvo labai svarbūs, tačiau pati pagrindinė priežastis slėpta iki pat pabaigos. Likau šokiruota, sunku buvo suvokti kaip šitaip įmanoma ir ar autorė neperžengė ribos.
Esant tokiai gausybei detektyvinių knygų tenka išsiskirti pateikiant skaitytojui kažką tokio, kas sudrebintų jų kasdienybę, moralines nuostatas. Skaitėsi labai lengvai, ne tik pagrindiniai, bet ir antraeiliai veikėjai įsimintini ir kažkuo išskirtiniai. Susidomėjimas išliko visos knygos metu, gal tik norėjosi kiek daugiau gilinimosi į patį tyrimą, o ne į praeities įvykius, nors jie ištikrųjų ir svarbiausi šioje dalyje. Manau, kas mėgstate detektyvus ši knyga turėtų jūsų nenuvilti.
Pats detektyvas inspektorius nesitikėjo, kad jo pirmoji svarbesnė byla naujoje vietoje bus taip narpliojama žurnalistų ir kiekvienas policijos žingsnis bus stebimas pro padidinamąjį stiklą. Auka seras Hugas Flečeris rastas negyvas savo namuose - nuogas bei pririštas prie lovos. Milijardierius, filantropas, ne vienos labdaringos organizacijos steigėjas bei nuolatinis rėmėjas -lyg pats šventasis, bet mirtis lyg nusidėjelio. Auka buvo labai paslaptinga asmenybė. Apie asmeninį gyveniną sunkiai ką gali papasakoti net žmona, o kas ir žino kažką - tyli. Tačiau kuo giliau Tomas ir jo komanda kapstosi, tuo juodesnis nužudytojo paveikslas iškyla. Aišku, tik kad žudikė moteris turėjusi motyva. Tai galėtų būti net žmona, kuri nelabai išgyvena vyro mirtį ir kažką slepia.
Pačioje byloje netrūko bandymų narplioti nusikaltimą. Detektyvo inspektoriaus komanda ne tik galvota, bet ir landi. Kas truputėlį iš pradžių erzino, kad labai daug svarbių detalių nugirdo, slapta nuklausė. Tiriant šią bylą labai daug pateikta pagrindinio veikėjo gyvenimo detalių, asmeninių savybių. Žudikę buvo galima atspėti, gan nesunkiai, nors ir rinktis buvo iš ko. Tačiau nors ir pateikti motyvai, atrodytų buvo labai svarbūs, tačiau pati pagrindinė priežastis slėpta iki pat pabaigos. Likau šokiruota, sunku buvo suvokti kaip šitaip įmanoma ir ar autorė neperžengė ribos.
Esant tokiai gausybei detektyvinių knygų tenka išsiskirti pateikiant skaitytojui kažką tokio, kas sudrebintų jų kasdienybę, moralines nuostatas. Skaitėsi labai lengvai, ne tik pagrindiniai, bet ir antraeiliai veikėjai įsimintini ir kažkuo išskirtiniai. Susidomėjimas išliko visos knygos metu, gal tik norėjosi kiek daugiau gilinimosi į patį tyrimą, o ne į praeities įvykius, nors jie ištikrųjų ir svarbiausi šioje dalyje. Manau, kas mėgstate detektyvus ši knyga turėtų jūsų nenuvilti.
April 13, 2012
Sir Hugo Fletcher is found murdered in his home and tied to the bed in such a way that it is obvious to the police that sex games were involved which leaves them convinced that the perpetrator of the crime must be a woman. Sir Hugo was very controlling in his relationships, particularly within his marriage to Lady Fletcher. As the book develops we begin to see what a dangerous and destructive character Sir Hugo really was. I felt the book started really well but as it went on I found there was an over reliance on dialogue between the various characters to tell the story rather than descriptive scenes of the main action. Also, much of the story is told in a series of letters written by Lady Fletcher to her friend that she never sends. Although Rachel Abbott does well in interweaving the tricks that controlling men of this kind use to totally manipulate their partners and destroying their confidence, it is my view this would have had much more impact if this part of the book was written in a serious of flashbacks. There are parts of the book relating to a particularly vulnerable character that the author showed clearly that she is able to relay the thoughts fears in the first person, I’m just sorry she didn’t do it more often with Lady Fletcher who is the main character in this book.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a talented author with a lot of good ideas. Going by her success so far, if she exploits her talents to the full in her next book she could be on to a winner. I also think this book also appeal to the big market of women’s contemporary fiction.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a talented author with a lot of good ideas. Going by her success so far, if she exploits her talents to the full in her next book she could be on to a winner. I also think this book also appeal to the big market of women’s contemporary fiction.
January 11, 2013
Rachel Abbott’s Only the Innocent was one of the big independently-published hits of 2012, and I was intrigued to finally read it. The cover and blurb promise an edgy thriller, and there’s no doubt that all those elements are there – sex, abuse, murder. Nevertheless, the book still has a lot in common with a ‘cozy’ mystery, as the detective work revolves around the drawing room of an old manor house - but no, it wasn’t Colonel Mustard with the knife in the kitchen, the end was much darker than that.
Only the Innocent leaves you with a central moral dilemma – something I’m fond of in my own writing - and this lifts it above the run-of-the mill mystery or thriller. Punish the guilty, or protect the innocent? I can’t tell you which the book goes for without dropping some massive spoilers, so you’ll have to read this one, and I can strongly recommend a four star ride.
I held back a star because the central protagonist’s necessarily meek and frightened character became a little wearying. There’s one fabulous moment where Abbott shows the reader what Laura was like before her marriage – unfortunately, it just made me want to read about that Laura, rather than the one we see in the book. But that aside, it’s a well structured, well-written mystery and well worth your time and money.
Only the Innocent leaves you with a central moral dilemma – something I’m fond of in my own writing - and this lifts it above the run-of-the mill mystery or thriller. Punish the guilty, or protect the innocent? I can’t tell you which the book goes for without dropping some massive spoilers, so you’ll have to read this one, and I can strongly recommend a four star ride.
I held back a star because the central protagonist’s necessarily meek and frightened character became a little wearying. There’s one fabulous moment where Abbott shows the reader what Laura was like before her marriage – unfortunately, it just made me want to read about that Laura, rather than the one we see in the book. But that aside, it’s a well structured, well-written mystery and well worth your time and money.
April 2, 2013
This book starts as a whodunnit. Who killed Hugo Fletcher. But as you continue to read, you really don't care (At least I didn't!)What this book is really about is the why. The buildup of why someone would kill this man. What comes next is an introduction in to what I can say is the most disgusting, revolting, depressing & anger-filled marriages I've ever encountered. I literally found myself angry for a good portion of this book. I will not elaborate any further but I marvel at how I actually completed this story. And that's where the problem lies with this story. You no longer care about Hugo. Don't know if that was her intent (The author.)
This is a miserable story with very few redeeming qualities. I enjoyed very few characters... It's not a bad story, just one that your not gonna enjoy the ride. So much so that you may not enjoy anything about it including the ending. I was so depleted afterwards...I just exhaled and put down my Kindle.
What makes it a 3-star is Ms. Abbott's ability to paint vivid pictures. She writes masterfully. I felt engrossed from the prologue onwards. Hopefully her next story will not be as dark. This was a dolorous time for me. I am not exaggerating either. Be prepared prior to.
This is a miserable story with very few redeeming qualities. I enjoyed very few characters... It's not a bad story, just one that your not gonna enjoy the ride. So much so that you may not enjoy anything about it including the ending. I was so depleted afterwards...I just exhaled and put down my Kindle.
What makes it a 3-star is Ms. Abbott's ability to paint vivid pictures. She writes masterfully. I felt engrossed from the prologue onwards. Hopefully her next story will not be as dark. This was a dolorous time for me. I am not exaggerating either. Be prepared prior to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2012
I expected great things of a novel which reached the top of the Kindle charts. To some extent, Only the Innocent delivers. The murder plot is intriguing and its twists and turns are intelligently crafted. Rachel Abbott's writing is fluent and easy to read and the moral dilemma which lies at the heart of the novel is one to which any reader can relate.
That said, I have a few issues with it. The lead characters aren't sufficiently multi-dimensional. The murdered man, Sir Hugo, is so unremittingly revolting that I can't believe in him. The tactic of revealing the backstory through his wife's old (never sent) letters feels artificial, as does the murderer's unforced admission of guilt, which the chief detective just happens to overhear.
Overall, Only the Innocent is a satisfying read and Rachel Abbott has the talent to build a strong career. I've given it four stars but I'd have liked to feel more empathy with any of the key characters.
That said, I have a few issues with it. The lead characters aren't sufficiently multi-dimensional. The murdered man, Sir Hugo, is so unremittingly revolting that I can't believe in him. The tactic of revealing the backstory through his wife's old (never sent) letters feels artificial, as does the murderer's unforced admission of guilt, which the chief detective just happens to overhear.
Overall, Only the Innocent is a satisfying read and Rachel Abbott has the talent to build a strong career. I've given it four stars but I'd have liked to feel more empathy with any of the key characters.
June 10, 2013
Only the Innocent really is a good title for this work. I thought this was both a well thought out and well written book.
A book that the author cleverly demonstrates her skill in serving us clues along the way, clues as to who has done what and why, almost in a slow, tantalising, drip feed fashion. I have to be honest and say I did work it out so the ending didn't come as a hughe surprise, just confirmation of all those teasing little herrings dotted here and there.
The characters were likable enough especially the dashing DCI Tom Douglas, but there were times when I wanted to give Laura a good shake and say 'ignore Hugo and get on with the decorating'. That house sounded hideous!! I was itching to send the gardeners round too!!
I'll end by saying that all in all it was a pleasant read and I look forward to finding what other clues will be fed to us in further books.
A book that the author cleverly demonstrates her skill in serving us clues along the way, clues as to who has done what and why, almost in a slow, tantalising, drip feed fashion. I have to be honest and say I did work it out so the ending didn't come as a hughe surprise, just confirmation of all those teasing little herrings dotted here and there.
The characters were likable enough especially the dashing DCI Tom Douglas, but there were times when I wanted to give Laura a good shake and say 'ignore Hugo and get on with the decorating'. That house sounded hideous!! I was itching to send the gardeners round too!!
I'll end by saying that all in all it was a pleasant read and I look forward to finding what other clues will be fed to us in further books.
February 25, 2018
„Hintergangen“ startet äußerst spannend, denn wir werden Zeuge davon, wie der gut betuchte Hugo Fletcher umgebracht wird. Seine Leiche wird nackt und angebunden an sein Bett gefunden, was sogleich die Frage aufwirft, ob Sex bei diesem Mord eine Rolle spielen könnte. Seine Ehefrau Laura scheidet jedoch als Tatverdächtige aus, denn sie war außer Landes. Was hat sich hier also abgespielt?
Der Mord wird unter anderem von Chief Inspector Tom Douglas untersucht. Dieser nimmt das gesamte Umfeld von Hugo unter die Lupe. Hugo war ein angesehener Mann, der seinen Namen und Geld dafür einsetzte, Prostituierte von ihren Zuhältern zu befreien und wieder neu einzugliedern in die Gesellschaft. Doch je mehr Douglas recherchiert, desto tiefere Abgründe tun sich auf.
Vor allem die Ehefrau des Opfers kann hier einiges an Licht ins Dunkel bringen. Nach und nach erfahren wir mehr aus dem Eheleben der beiden, da Laura alles in Briefen an ihre Schwägerin festgehalten hat.
Ich bin sehr gut durch die Story gekommen, was vor allem auch am leicht zugänglichen und spannenden Schreibstil der Autorin lag. Aufgrund der recht langen Recherchearbeit hat es sich stellenweise etwas gezogen, doch trotzdem blieb es bis zur letzten Seite spannend, da auch hier noch letzte Geheimnisse aufgedeckt wurden.
Die Charaktere sind allesamt etwas flach und größtenteils dachte ich tatsächlich ‚Wie kann man denn nur so hohl sein‘, denn intelligent verhält sich hier kaum jemand.
Insgesamt fand ich den Auftakt der Reihe um den Ermittle Tom Douglas recht gelungen, da ich den Fall sehr spannend fand. Fraglich ist hier nur die etwas komische Reihenfolge, wie die Bände ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden. Wenn ich schon so spät nach Ersterscheinung mit einer Reihe anfange, dann würde ich die Bände auch gerne in der richtigen Reihenfolge lesen.
Der Mord wird unter anderem von Chief Inspector Tom Douglas untersucht. Dieser nimmt das gesamte Umfeld von Hugo unter die Lupe. Hugo war ein angesehener Mann, der seinen Namen und Geld dafür einsetzte, Prostituierte von ihren Zuhältern zu befreien und wieder neu einzugliedern in die Gesellschaft. Doch je mehr Douglas recherchiert, desto tiefere Abgründe tun sich auf.
Vor allem die Ehefrau des Opfers kann hier einiges an Licht ins Dunkel bringen. Nach und nach erfahren wir mehr aus dem Eheleben der beiden, da Laura alles in Briefen an ihre Schwägerin festgehalten hat.
Ich bin sehr gut durch die Story gekommen, was vor allem auch am leicht zugänglichen und spannenden Schreibstil der Autorin lag. Aufgrund der recht langen Recherchearbeit hat es sich stellenweise etwas gezogen, doch trotzdem blieb es bis zur letzten Seite spannend, da auch hier noch letzte Geheimnisse aufgedeckt wurden.
Die Charaktere sind allesamt etwas flach und größtenteils dachte ich tatsächlich ‚Wie kann man denn nur so hohl sein‘, denn intelligent verhält sich hier kaum jemand.
Insgesamt fand ich den Auftakt der Reihe um den Ermittle Tom Douglas recht gelungen, da ich den Fall sehr spannend fand. Fraglich ist hier nur die etwas komische Reihenfolge, wie die Bände ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden. Wenn ich schon so spät nach Ersterscheinung mit einer Reihe anfange, dann würde ich die Bände auch gerne in der richtigen Reihenfolge lesen.
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September 1, 2013This didn't work for me. Too many POVs, and done in such a way that you get a lot of internal narrative at a cost to 'showing'. I think if it had been limited to one or two of the main protagonists, it would have worked better, and I wouldn't have got so irritated at the constant shifting. Like a couple of the other reviewers, I really didn't like the way that letters were used to tell the back story - the way the letters were written, apart from anything else, made it clear they weren't really letters but just a narrative device. I thought there was an AWFUL LOT of over-explaining, and not nearly enough left to the reader to work out for themselves. But more than anything, I felt (like at least one other reviewer) this was a missed opportunity to use a really good idea. It's a shame, but the crime and the victim were way, way over-egged for me, and I guessed pretty much all of it very early on. I didn't like the main protagonist, who was pretty whiny and I had no sympathy for her when I should have had it in buckets. I did finish it, but I skimmed the last third or so simply to check that I was right. I haven't graded this (I never grade unless I can give at least a three) because though it obviously wasn't my kind of book, that doesn't mean it won't be good for others - and judging from the quantity of really good reviews, it will be!
January 1, 2016
Recommended for anyone who likes their crime fiction as far removed from reality as possible.
This book contains possibly the most unprofessionsal, incompetent police force I've ever encountered outside of a comedy. By the end of the book, they hadn't even discovered anything that wouldn't be available on the first page of the average Google search. Interviews with suspects were allowed to be interrupted by colleagues for no good reason, or because yet another family member of the bereaved had burst in wanting to provide support, or because DCI Tom Whatsisface needed to take a personal call. Usually just at the point when some vital piece of information was about to be imparted.
And all this because no-one ever thought of involving the police. Which, considering one particular aspect of the storyline, is absolutely unforgiveable.
I only finished it because I was the mood to be irritated.
This book contains possibly the most unprofessionsal, incompetent police force I've ever encountered outside of a comedy. By the end of the book, they hadn't even discovered anything that wouldn't be available on the first page of the average Google search. Interviews with suspects were allowed to be interrupted by colleagues for no good reason, or because yet another family member of the bereaved had burst in wanting to provide support, or because DCI Tom Whatsisface needed to take a personal call. Usually just at the point when some vital piece of information was about to be imparted.
And all this because no-one ever thought of involving the police. Which, considering one particular aspect of the storyline, is absolutely unforgiveable.
I only finished it because I was the mood to be irritated.
February 2, 2016
Easily the worst book I have ever picked up. I got to 30% and either had to end the book or end my life. So very dull and nothing seems to be happening. Using letter to explain the back story and they are just full of waffle.
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