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DI Sean Corrigan #4
The Jackdaw
The fourth novel in the DI Sean Corrigan series—authentic and terrifying crime fiction with a psychological edge, by an ex-Met detective.
Guilty or not guilty?
A lone vigilante is abducting wealthy Londoners and putting their fate in the hands of the public. Within hours of disappearing, the victims appear on the internet, bound to a chair in a white room.
Revenge or mercy?
Their crimes of greed and incompetence are broadcast to the watching thousands who make up the jury. Once the verdict is cast, the man who calls himself ‘The Jackdaw’ will be judge and executioner.
Live or die?
DI Sean Corrigan and his Special Investigations Unit are under pressure to solve this case fast. But as The Jackdaw’s popularity grows, Corrigan realizes he’s hunting a dangerously clever and elusive adversary—one who won’t stop until his mission is complete.
Guilty or not guilty?
A lone vigilante is abducting wealthy Londoners and putting their fate in the hands of the public. Within hours of disappearing, the victims appear on the internet, bound to a chair in a white room.
Revenge or mercy?
Their crimes of greed and incompetence are broadcast to the watching thousands who make up the jury. Once the verdict is cast, the man who calls himself ‘The Jackdaw’ will be judge and executioner.
Live or die?
DI Sean Corrigan and his Special Investigations Unit are under pressure to solve this case fast. But as The Jackdaw’s popularity grows, Corrigan realizes he’s hunting a dangerously clever and elusive adversary—one who won’t stop until his mission is complete.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2015
40 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Luke Delaney
39 books290 followersLuke Delaney joined the Metropolitan Police Service in the late 1980s and his first posting was to an inner city area of South East London notorious for high levels of crime and extreme violence. He later joined CID where he investigated murders ranging from those committed by fledgling serial killers to gangland assassinations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 9, 2015
I can't believe I'm going to say this but I think DI Sean Corrigan has taken over Tom Thorne as my favourite British detective. (I've said it! Can't take it back...) Really though, the first three books in terms of building his character were great, but The Jackdaw was just brilliant and he is a character we still don't know everything about and I just can't wait to read about him again. I do have the new Tom Thorne ready to read, but the British crime fiction series I find myself most excited for is this one. It seems like Luke Delaney just came from nowhere, and we are now on book four!
I found the premise for this book as exciting as it was frightening because something like this could easily happen in real life, and it's almost a guarantee that it would attract a large online audience. Wealthy bankers are abducted before being screened on the Internet, a masked man asking members of the public to vote on their innocence. Guilty equals death, not guilty doesn't equal death but it doesn't equal a clean escape either... Much like I was compelled to read on, people at home and around the world would be compelled to log on to 'Your View' as well and vote in their droves. I like how Delaney manages to mix things up and keep the series fresh. What I particularly enjoyed is how Delaney allowed the reader to see the reaction from various members of the public which included fellow bankers, journalists, a creepy teenager and various people who feel they have been done over by banks in the past and even the reaction from the police themselves. In the beginning especially Corrigan doesn't have that instant instinct to hunt the killer down which was interesting.
Regular readers of the series will recognise the return of Anna who in the past has gotten very close to Corrigan. There's a couple of things I want to say here but have to be careful for fear of spoilers, I'll just say that her reasons for joining the case might not be entirely honourable, in the beginning at least! Once again also series favourites are back including Sally and Donnelly. This time around I have to say that Donnelly was one of my favourite characters throughout the book. There's also a greater level of corruption here in the way certain high up members of the force act which added an interesting dynamic to the book. Given Delaney's experience I feel his books carry a more authentic feeling than others in the genre and that always makes a book so much more enjoyable to me, from the way the case is run, the way Sean's bosses want results yesterday, just everything about the book feels realistic especially with nods to recent high-profile events, through the eyes of a pretty seedy journalist.
As much as I could talk about this book all day, I have gone on in the past about how brilliant this series is so all I can really say is buy this book! Crime fans yet to discover Luke Delaney are in for a treat, those who have read the previous books will almost certainly enjoy this book. The only thing I would say is that I was a tiny bit disappointed with the overall reveal of The Jackdaw, but the writing was so strong and the culmination of events was brilliant to read but it'd be interesting to find out how others feel about the end! Hard to say any more than that! This is not a series to miss for crime fans and I am gutted at the thought of the torturous wait for the next one.
I found the premise for this book as exciting as it was frightening because something like this could easily happen in real life, and it's almost a guarantee that it would attract a large online audience. Wealthy bankers are abducted before being screened on the Internet, a masked man asking members of the public to vote on their innocence. Guilty equals death, not guilty doesn't equal death but it doesn't equal a clean escape either... Much like I was compelled to read on, people at home and around the world would be compelled to log on to 'Your View' as well and vote in their droves. I like how Delaney manages to mix things up and keep the series fresh. What I particularly enjoyed is how Delaney allowed the reader to see the reaction from various members of the public which included fellow bankers, journalists, a creepy teenager and various people who feel they have been done over by banks in the past and even the reaction from the police themselves. In the beginning especially Corrigan doesn't have that instant instinct to hunt the killer down which was interesting.
Regular readers of the series will recognise the return of Anna who in the past has gotten very close to Corrigan. There's a couple of things I want to say here but have to be careful for fear of spoilers, I'll just say that her reasons for joining the case might not be entirely honourable, in the beginning at least! Once again also series favourites are back including Sally and Donnelly. This time around I have to say that Donnelly was one of my favourite characters throughout the book. There's also a greater level of corruption here in the way certain high up members of the force act which added an interesting dynamic to the book. Given Delaney's experience I feel his books carry a more authentic feeling than others in the genre and that always makes a book so much more enjoyable to me, from the way the case is run, the way Sean's bosses want results yesterday, just everything about the book feels realistic especially with nods to recent high-profile events, through the eyes of a pretty seedy journalist.
As much as I could talk about this book all day, I have gone on in the past about how brilliant this series is so all I can really say is buy this book! Crime fans yet to discover Luke Delaney are in for a treat, those who have read the previous books will almost certainly enjoy this book. The only thing I would say is that I was a tiny bit disappointed with the overall reveal of The Jackdaw, but the writing was so strong and the culmination of events was brilliant to read but it'd be interesting to find out how others feel about the end! Hard to say any more than that! This is not a series to miss for crime fans and I am gutted at the thought of the torturous wait for the next one.
March 6, 2015
The Jackdaw – DI Sean Corrigan Back and Better Than Ever
The Jackdaw is the fourth instalment in the DI Sean Corrigan series created and written by former Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Luke Delaney. Yet again Luke Delaney has written a superb lesson in crime writing that gives us an authentic voice with a great psychological edge. Why this series has never been turned in to a TV Crime Drama is a crime in its own right! What Luke Delaney does in this and his previous novels is to put you in the centre of the story and that you are at the heart of the investigation, feeling what Corrigan feels hoping that he is not going to take any risks with his life. Delaney’s writing is crisp, authentic, and dramatic which leaves you on edge all the way to the end; you do not know who is culprit until Delaney is ready to reveal the criminal at the heart of the story.
Financial workers are being abducted from the streets of London and then later appear online later next to a hooded man in a white room and the man is disguising his voice, and is very tech savvy. He then preaches a sermon to those watching that the person tied to the chair should be punished for the greed and incompetence they showed and their part in the financial crisis and the collapse of some banking systems. That these people were to blame for the suffering of the ordinary working person around Britain. Once he has laid the charges of the banker he then invites people to vote on whether they are guilty and not guilty and he will pronounce judgement on behalf of the people.
DI Sean Corrigan is given this case to find and stop the person committing the crime that is sending chills down the back of every worker in the City of London’s financial district. The team work out that they are not dealing with a normal criminal but one that is clever and quite an elusive adversary and they are going to have to think differently to catch the man who started calling himself The Jackdaw. While pressure is coming from above to stop and catch The Jackdaw, who is gaining quite a following online even taunts the police and tells them when he is finished he will kill himself rather than rot in prison.
Corrigan and his team know they have to keep chasing the leads however small they maybe even though very little evidence is ever left behind for them. Corrigan knows there is some sort of link but just cannot see it, his detectives are being reactive rather than proactive, but he is sure once he finds what is missing then he will be able to bring the case to a successful closure for all involved.
This is an excellent crime thriller that keeps you on edge throughout the book with a great psychological edge that makes you admire Corrigan and all his faults. Luke Delaney is the kind of crime writer that draws you in and then grabs you by the nuts and leaves you wanting more.
The Jackdaw is the fourth instalment in the DI Sean Corrigan series created and written by former Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Luke Delaney. Yet again Luke Delaney has written a superb lesson in crime writing that gives us an authentic voice with a great psychological edge. Why this series has never been turned in to a TV Crime Drama is a crime in its own right! What Luke Delaney does in this and his previous novels is to put you in the centre of the story and that you are at the heart of the investigation, feeling what Corrigan feels hoping that he is not going to take any risks with his life. Delaney’s writing is crisp, authentic, and dramatic which leaves you on edge all the way to the end; you do not know who is culprit until Delaney is ready to reveal the criminal at the heart of the story.
Financial workers are being abducted from the streets of London and then later appear online later next to a hooded man in a white room and the man is disguising his voice, and is very tech savvy. He then preaches a sermon to those watching that the person tied to the chair should be punished for the greed and incompetence they showed and their part in the financial crisis and the collapse of some banking systems. That these people were to blame for the suffering of the ordinary working person around Britain. Once he has laid the charges of the banker he then invites people to vote on whether they are guilty and not guilty and he will pronounce judgement on behalf of the people.
DI Sean Corrigan is given this case to find and stop the person committing the crime that is sending chills down the back of every worker in the City of London’s financial district. The team work out that they are not dealing with a normal criminal but one that is clever and quite an elusive adversary and they are going to have to think differently to catch the man who started calling himself The Jackdaw. While pressure is coming from above to stop and catch The Jackdaw, who is gaining quite a following online even taunts the police and tells them when he is finished he will kill himself rather than rot in prison.
Corrigan and his team know they have to keep chasing the leads however small they maybe even though very little evidence is ever left behind for them. Corrigan knows there is some sort of link but just cannot see it, his detectives are being reactive rather than proactive, but he is sure once he finds what is missing then he will be able to bring the case to a successful closure for all involved.
This is an excellent crime thriller that keeps you on edge throughout the book with a great psychological edge that makes you admire Corrigan and all his faults. Luke Delaney is the kind of crime writer that draws you in and then grabs you by the nuts and leaves you wanting more.
March 19, 2015
I devoured Luke Delaneys first 3 books back-to-back so was delighted to receive an ARC of The Jackdaw. Whilst the main characters and storyline were compelling, it didn't grab me like the first 3. I also found it confusing with introduction of several minor characters who kept popping up and didn't actually go anywhere or contribute to the plot. However, I do look forward to his next book.
March 5, 2015
Luke Delaney is something of a new kid around town. His debut novel Cold Killing was released in 2013. It took me some time to get around to reading and once I had I didn’t want to stop. The first two books in the series were amazing and I really do think Delaney is a very quick rising star who will soon become as well read as the likes of Patterson and Lee Child. The one thing that for me is a winner is the lead character Sean Corrigan. He walks the tightrope to a point where you wonder whether he will fall into the worlds of the psychologically damaged and become just like the killers he hunts.
The fourth book from Luke Delaney brings Corrigan back into the fold with the latest case along with his colleagues Donnelly and Sally. It seems that there is a lone vigilante kidnapping Londoners and then putting them in front of a live audience via the web and asking them to vote so that the killer can become both judge and executioner. I only had one problem with this initial story and that was that I very recently read a book with a similarly themed plot. With that small issue aside, the story launches straight back in and I felt like I hadn’t been away from Sean and his work colleagues.
This latest book not only brings a fast paced plot to it, it also highlights Sean’s somewhat dangerous state of mind. I wasn’t a fan of the psychologist Anna appearing again and it felt like this added to Sean’s misery somewhat and it made me dislike her. The plot was well paced and there was so much going on that at times I could sympathise with the varying degrees of stress the characters were under. It also felt like we are uncovering more and more of Sean and his personal life with each case that he works. It certainly makes me question (and want to know) what will happen next. The Jackdaw made for a great killer and it was done cleverly with me thinking I had it worked out and realising I didn’t.
As ever this is a solid read and one that I think his fans will love. If you haven’t read this series I would highly recommend you do, but from book one. The first two books still remain my favourites but Luke Delaney is fast becoming one of my must read authors.
The fourth book from Luke Delaney brings Corrigan back into the fold with the latest case along with his colleagues Donnelly and Sally. It seems that there is a lone vigilante kidnapping Londoners and then putting them in front of a live audience via the web and asking them to vote so that the killer can become both judge and executioner. I only had one problem with this initial story and that was that I very recently read a book with a similarly themed plot. With that small issue aside, the story launches straight back in and I felt like I hadn’t been away from Sean and his work colleagues.
This latest book not only brings a fast paced plot to it, it also highlights Sean’s somewhat dangerous state of mind. I wasn’t a fan of the psychologist Anna appearing again and it felt like this added to Sean’s misery somewhat and it made me dislike her. The plot was well paced and there was so much going on that at times I could sympathise with the varying degrees of stress the characters were under. It also felt like we are uncovering more and more of Sean and his personal life with each case that he works. It certainly makes me question (and want to know) what will happen next. The Jackdaw made for a great killer and it was done cleverly with me thinking I had it worked out and realising I didn’t.
As ever this is a solid read and one that I think his fans will love. If you haven’t read this series I would highly recommend you do, but from book one. The first two books still remain my favourites but Luke Delaney is fast becoming one of my must read authors.
August 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
Impressive fourth book in the DI Sean Corrigan series, which could easily work as a standalone, although to really feel like you know Sean and his team, it could be recommended to have read previous books.
I have to give great kudos to Luke Delaney in creating perhaps one of the most complex villains I've read about ever. The Jackdaw as he becomes known has seemingly plotted and predicted everything , while at the same time is eager to show what he is doing off to a large audience.
I suspect that only the most devoted of thriller fans will be able to work out who The Jackdaw is before the finale, I will admit I didn't have even the slightest clue in any direction, but was sitting there with awe at how police detectives were going about solving this incredibly complex case.
The last 100 pages or so were pretty much unputdownable, and before that I was very gripped by the story, and what was going on with DI Corrigan and his team. There are plenty of characters who popped up intermittently presumable just to show how the public's reaction to the Jackdaw was changing over time, and these are people from all walks of life.
Similarly it makes a change that the victims I didn't immediately have sympathy for, although that may just be because I didn't feel as though I got to know them that well.
The Jackdaw is another very strong entry into this series that keeps delighting me every time I read one. I am really hoping this isn't the last we have seen of DI Sean Corrigan, as I love the department he heads up and it really does show how twisted some people's minds are.
Impressive fourth book in the DI Sean Corrigan series, which could easily work as a standalone, although to really feel like you know Sean and his team, it could be recommended to have read previous books.
I have to give great kudos to Luke Delaney in creating perhaps one of the most complex villains I've read about ever. The Jackdaw as he becomes known has seemingly plotted and predicted everything , while at the same time is eager to show what he is doing off to a large audience.
I suspect that only the most devoted of thriller fans will be able to work out who The Jackdaw is before the finale, I will admit I didn't have even the slightest clue in any direction, but was sitting there with awe at how police detectives were going about solving this incredibly complex case.
The last 100 pages or so were pretty much unputdownable, and before that I was very gripped by the story, and what was going on with DI Corrigan and his team. There are plenty of characters who popped up intermittently presumable just to show how the public's reaction to the Jackdaw was changing over time, and these are people from all walks of life.
Similarly it makes a change that the victims I didn't immediately have sympathy for, although that may just be because I didn't feel as though I got to know them that well.
The Jackdaw is another very strong entry into this series that keeps delighting me every time I read one. I am really hoping this isn't the last we have seen of DI Sean Corrigan, as I love the department he heads up and it really does show how twisted some people's minds are.
March 12, 2015
This was the first DI Sean Corrigan novel that I have read. I believe it is the 4th one but I didn't find it a problem to read this as a stand alone police procedural. I would like to know more of the background though to Sean and his relationships with other characters so will probably try to catch up with the other novels as and when I see them.
This is a very topical and hard hitting novel based around someone who is kidnapping people then broadcasting over the internet their "trial" and handing out their own form of vigilante punishment.
I loved the premise of this novel and you can certainly tell that the author used to be involved with the police force. As a police procedural it works well and there is a huge amount of information given throughout. But the author manages to balance this well and gives a different perspective of the murders by having "ordinary" members of the public witness the crimes.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
This is a very topical and hard hitting novel based around someone who is kidnapping people then broadcasting over the internet their "trial" and handing out their own form of vigilante punishment.
I loved the premise of this novel and you can certainly tell that the author used to be involved with the police force. As a police procedural it works well and there is a huge amount of information given throughout. But the author manages to balance this well and gives a different perspective of the murders by having "ordinary" members of the public witness the crimes.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2018
This had an interesting premise - a series of murders broadcast online with an apparent motivation of revenge against wealthy capitalists/bankers - and progressed in a perfectly decent manner, mainly holding my attention.
However, the writing was plain and failed to really engage me. Likewise, I couldn't really get on board with the cast of characters - the central protagonist and his troubled 'gets in the mind of the killer but is obsessive at the cost of his family life' schtick didn't convince, the bad guy was ultimately disappointing, and many of the other supporting detectives etc. failed really to lift themselves into the realm of where I would actually care about them. I felt similarly about the previous novel in the series I'd read - in a competitive genre, for me this author isn't hitting the target.
However, the writing was plain and failed to really engage me. Likewise, I couldn't really get on board with the cast of characters - the central protagonist and his troubled 'gets in the mind of the killer but is obsessive at the cost of his family life' schtick didn't convince, the bad guy was ultimately disappointing, and many of the other supporting detectives etc. failed really to lift themselves into the realm of where I would actually care about them. I felt similarly about the previous novel in the series I'd read - in a competitive genre, for me this author isn't hitting the target.
April 24, 2015
Review: The Jackdaw (DI Sean Corrigan #4) by Luke Delaney Publication Date: 12th March 2015 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0007585687
Source: Lovereading, Netgalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
The fourth novel in the DI Sean Corrigan series – authentic and terrifying crime fiction with a psychological edge, by an ex-Met detective. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Stuart MacBride.
Guilty or not guilty?
A lone vigilante is abducting wealthy Londoners and putting their fate in the hands of the public. Within hours of disappearing, the victims appear on the internet, bound to a chair in a white room.
Revenge or mercy?
Their crimes of greed and incompetence are broadcast to the watching thousands who make up the jury. Once the verdict is cast, the man who calls himself ‘The Jackdaw’ will be judge and executioner.
Live or die?
DI Sean Corrigan and his Special Investigations Unit are under pressure to solve this case fast. But as The Jackdaw’s popularity grows, Corrigan realizes he’s hunting a dangerously clever and elusive adversary – one who won’t stop until his mission is complete.
Review:
This is the first book in the DI Corrigan series that I've read. I didn't realise it was part of a series, it reads so well as a stand-alone novel.
The Jackdaw is a well-written and scary character, a vigilante who you wouldn't want to meet anywhere, let alone down a dark alley!
Sean Corrigan is a fantastic character to read. He immerses himself in the case to the exclusion of his family and many of his colleagues, as he tries to get inside the mind of the Jackdaw. Whilst not a psychologist or profiler, Corrigan reminds me of Val McDermid's Tony Hill, in the way he approaches the case and talks to himself as he tries to uncover the truth. Supporting characters Sally, Dave and Anna provide useful background information and a wealth of comprehensive interaction with Corrigan.
The Jackdaw is a gritty crime thriller full of tense moments and unexpected twists. It held my interest throughout I'd recommend it to fans of crime writers such as Mark Billingham and Val McDermind.
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0007585687
Source: Lovereading, Netgalley
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
The fourth novel in the DI Sean Corrigan series – authentic and terrifying crime fiction with a psychological edge, by an ex-Met detective. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Stuart MacBride.
Guilty or not guilty?
A lone vigilante is abducting wealthy Londoners and putting their fate in the hands of the public. Within hours of disappearing, the victims appear on the internet, bound to a chair in a white room.
Revenge or mercy?
Their crimes of greed and incompetence are broadcast to the watching thousands who make up the jury. Once the verdict is cast, the man who calls himself ‘The Jackdaw’ will be judge and executioner.
Live or die?
DI Sean Corrigan and his Special Investigations Unit are under pressure to solve this case fast. But as The Jackdaw’s popularity grows, Corrigan realizes he’s hunting a dangerously clever and elusive adversary – one who won’t stop until his mission is complete.
Review:
This is the first book in the DI Corrigan series that I've read. I didn't realise it was part of a series, it reads so well as a stand-alone novel.
The Jackdaw is a well-written and scary character, a vigilante who you wouldn't want to meet anywhere, let alone down a dark alley!
Sean Corrigan is a fantastic character to read. He immerses himself in the case to the exclusion of his family and many of his colleagues, as he tries to get inside the mind of the Jackdaw. Whilst not a psychologist or profiler, Corrigan reminds me of Val McDermid's Tony Hill, in the way he approaches the case and talks to himself as he tries to uncover the truth. Supporting characters Sally, Dave and Anna provide useful background information and a wealth of comprehensive interaction with Corrigan.
The Jackdaw is a gritty crime thriller full of tense moments and unexpected twists. It held my interest throughout I'd recommend it to fans of crime writers such as Mark Billingham and Val McDermind.
May 11, 2015
The Jackdaw by Luke Delaney
I give this book 4.75 out of 5 I loved it
A man is sat in chair with a camera facing him, the room around him is white.
people are starting to find this picture on yourview, watching the man who looks to be tied to the chair with tape.
The man in the mask is watching a number in the corner of the screen, checking on how many people who are watching the white room. When he feels there are enough people watching he will begin.
Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan is an unconventional policeman, he is able to get into the head of the criminals he is hunting, its a disturbing ability which leaves him isolated to some respects, his wife is trying to be supportive and understanding but sometimes she does not understand.
Geoff Jackson is a journalist who will do absolutely anything to get a story and maybe a book and maybe an award out of the story and when Yourview and seeing death unfold he plots a plan that puts him in touch with a killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. But what is it he wants? He puts his life at risk, and the police case in jeopardy with his actions.
Assistant Commissioner Addis, is getting flack from the city in the shape of Bankers and members of parliamentary parties and he is passing that on down through the ranks but he has a plan if it keeps coming down from the top he will take the upper hand, he has leverage.
Anna, A psychologist who has been brought in to keep an eye on Sean Corrigan.
The story is well written and I loved it. The plot take you through the plan of a killer who thinks he will outwit anyone looking for him.
There are a number of twists and turns in the story and holds a number of supprises well worth a read.
Received the book with thanks through Good reads First reads.
I give this book 4.75 out of 5 I loved it
A man is sat in chair with a camera facing him, the room around him is white.
people are starting to find this picture on yourview, watching the man who looks to be tied to the chair with tape.
The man in the mask is watching a number in the corner of the screen, checking on how many people who are watching the white room. When he feels there are enough people watching he will begin.
Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan is an unconventional policeman, he is able to get into the head of the criminals he is hunting, its a disturbing ability which leaves him isolated to some respects, his wife is trying to be supportive and understanding but sometimes she does not understand.
Geoff Jackson is a journalist who will do absolutely anything to get a story and maybe a book and maybe an award out of the story and when Yourview and seeing death unfold he plots a plan that puts him in touch with a killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. But what is it he wants? He puts his life at risk, and the police case in jeopardy with his actions.
Assistant Commissioner Addis, is getting flack from the city in the shape of Bankers and members of parliamentary parties and he is passing that on down through the ranks but he has a plan if it keeps coming down from the top he will take the upper hand, he has leverage.
Anna, A psychologist who has been brought in to keep an eye on Sean Corrigan.
The story is well written and I loved it. The plot take you through the plan of a killer who thinks he will outwit anyone looking for him.
There are a number of twists and turns in the story and holds a number of supprises well worth a read.
Received the book with thanks through Good reads First reads.
August 31, 2015
This had a very interesting premise - the baddy abducts people loathed by the public and asks the latter to decide the formers' fate - but I felt that the author lost interest towards the end and didn't maintain the momentum. The protagonist, Sean Corrigan, also seemed to have lost his special detecting mojo, quite a serious loss when this is what separates his MO from other fictional dectectives'. This is the fourth of four in the series and I felt that the depiction of his home life was unrealistic; his wife would surely now be thinking it was time to call their marriage a day? The style of this book was too simplistic for me, as if it was written for readers who wouldn't be able to understand anything too demanding; I just wanted the author to vary his "he/she said"-type responses.
Again, the proofreader really does need to work harder at correcting the typos and omissions and finally, why were there American versions of words (elevator/rowboat) when we have perfectly good words for them in English? If I were an American reading this book set in London I would want to learn the English equivalents. A disappointing read.
Again, the proofreader really does need to work harder at correcting the typos and omissions and finally, why were there American versions of words (elevator/rowboat) when we have perfectly good words for them in English? If I were an American reading this book set in London I would want to learn the English equivalents. A disappointing read.
October 15, 2018
4.5 stars!!!
For those that follow me on social media you will be aware that I have been raving about this new serial killer series that I have been reading at the rate of knots. I am absolutely addicted to this series, and although most of the books are near or over the 500-page mark, I have devoured nearly four of the books in as many days. As I said, addicted!!
It is refreshing that Luke Delaney is an ex-detective with the Metropolitan Police. The attention to detail and the insider knowledge certainly reflects extremely well through procedures and the inside mind and workings of an active officer. I love Criminal Minds, CSI etc so am an avid fan of anything psychological and forensic and this series certainly melds both together perfectly. I loved how this author shows the police as real people, the effects their jobs have on their family and the pressures of what is expected and the little time that leaves for them to have a social life and more importantly family life. However, this is just a very small part of this book. This was a fantastic psychological thriller, one that leaves you guessing at every turn as you become so embroiled in the investigation you almost become a copper yourself.
DI Sean Corrigan is a complex character and one that I came to respect. He is unconventional in how he tackles an investigation from the very beginning and I am hoping to learn a lot more about his past as this series progresses. Sean Corrigan has a knack of being able to put himself in the minds of the killers, he can think like them and can often predict their next move. This is not a gift he enjoys possessing, however, he loves the fact that it enables him to get results, despite the pain and mental suffering it can often inflict on him. Sean Corrigan immerses himself 100%, becomes tunnel visioned in his quest to succeed, he can be unfiltered, emotionally detached but this only enamours him all the more.
For those that follow me on social media you will be aware that I have been raving about this new serial killer series that I have been reading at the rate of knots. I am absolutely addicted to this series, and although most of the books are near or over the 500-page mark, I have devoured nearly four of the books in as many days. As I said, addicted!!
It is refreshing that Luke Delaney is an ex-detective with the Metropolitan Police. The attention to detail and the insider knowledge certainly reflects extremely well through procedures and the inside mind and workings of an active officer. I love Criminal Minds, CSI etc so am an avid fan of anything psychological and forensic and this series certainly melds both together perfectly. I loved how this author shows the police as real people, the effects their jobs have on their family and the pressures of what is expected and the little time that leaves for them to have a social life and more importantly family life. However, this is just a very small part of this book. This was a fantastic psychological thriller, one that leaves you guessing at every turn as you become so embroiled in the investigation you almost become a copper yourself.
DI Sean Corrigan is a complex character and one that I came to respect. He is unconventional in how he tackles an investigation from the very beginning and I am hoping to learn a lot more about his past as this series progresses. Sean Corrigan has a knack of being able to put himself in the minds of the killers, he can think like them and can often predict their next move. This is not a gift he enjoys possessing, however, he loves the fact that it enables him to get results, despite the pain and mental suffering it can often inflict on him. Sean Corrigan immerses himself 100%, becomes tunnel visioned in his quest to succeed, he can be unfiltered, emotionally detached but this only enamours him all the more.
October 2, 2019
I got this series mixed up with another one that I'd read one of & enjoyed 'cos when I checked back on my bookshelf my thoughts on the other book weren't overly complimentary! (see here). Still this sounded right up my street so thought I'd give DS Corrigan another go....
Well the best I can say is I much preferred it to "The Toy Taker". The basis of the story is that of a lone vigilante abducting wealthy Londoners & broadcasting details of their perceived crimes via the internet. Viewers can then vote as to whether the abductee is guilty or not & then they are punished depending on how the verdict goes.
This storyline is one that appealed & coupled with Corrigan's "gift" it should have been a gripping tale but it didn't hit the mark for me. The story moved at a fast pace but it meant that the tension never had time to build & it wasn't particularly helped at times by some uninspiring dialogue (downright cheesy at times!).
As to the characters, well they're all a bit mundane with Corrigan in particular lacking in personality & being far too humourless for me. As to the conflict between Corrigan & his boss...well it's a theme that's been done to death many times before & frankly with much more conviction.
Not a terrible read by any means just one that should have been much better.
2 3/4 stars from me ;o)
Well the best I can say is I much preferred it to "The Toy Taker". The basis of the story is that of a lone vigilante abducting wealthy Londoners & broadcasting details of their perceived crimes via the internet. Viewers can then vote as to whether the abductee is guilty or not & then they are punished depending on how the verdict goes.
This storyline is one that appealed & coupled with Corrigan's "gift" it should have been a gripping tale but it didn't hit the mark for me. The story moved at a fast pace but it meant that the tension never had time to build & it wasn't particularly helped at times by some uninspiring dialogue (downright cheesy at times!).
As to the characters, well they're all a bit mundane with Corrigan in particular lacking in personality & being far too humourless for me. As to the conflict between Corrigan & his boss...well it's a theme that's been done to death many times before & frankly with much more conviction.
Not a terrible read by any means just one that should have been much better.
2 3/4 stars from me ;o)
July 18, 2025
Setting: London, England; present day.
This is the fourth novel in the crime series featuring D.I. Sean Corrigan of the Metropolitan Police.
When a masked man kidnaps a banker and then parades him on the internet, asking viewers to vote on his guilt or innocence for robbing people of their livelihoods during the banking crisis, Sean and his team are immediately placed under intense pressure to solve the crime - especially when others linked to the banking profession are kidnapped and placed on 'trial' on the internet. Although some of these are not actually killed, they are still seriously injured and the kidnapper seems to be accelerating his actions - with Sean and his team struggling to find any link between the victims and how they have been 'chosen'....
Another great crime novel in this series, sadly the penultimate one, so I will be sad to say goodbye to the characters and their foibles! A largely unpredictable read although I was getting an inkling of who was behind the crimes towards the end - which, for a change, proved to be correct! - 9/10.
This is the fourth novel in the crime series featuring D.I. Sean Corrigan of the Metropolitan Police.
When a masked man kidnaps a banker and then parades him on the internet, asking viewers to vote on his guilt or innocence for robbing people of their livelihoods during the banking crisis, Sean and his team are immediately placed under intense pressure to solve the crime - especially when others linked to the banking profession are kidnapped and placed on 'trial' on the internet. Although some of these are not actually killed, they are still seriously injured and the kidnapper seems to be accelerating his actions - with Sean and his team struggling to find any link between the victims and how they have been 'chosen'....
Another great crime novel in this series, sadly the penultimate one, so I will be sad to say goodbye to the characters and their foibles! A largely unpredictable read although I was getting an inkling of who was behind the crimes towards the end - which, for a change, proved to be correct! - 9/10.
August 15, 2019
cant believe I coming to end of a great series .. another great read .
January 6, 2020
On audible - I am enjoying this series on audible tremedously. Good narrator and storyline. Looking forward to more. Sean Corrigan is a likeable character.
August 18, 2021
A good book. But I was able to guess the killer just halfway through the book.
February 23, 2015
Luke Delaney’s “Sean Corrigan” series has become one of my favourite crime series – I still remember reading the first one, Cold Killing and thinking to myself “Yay, another great series to add to the must reads”. Each book has solidified that and improved on it and The Jackdaw is no different.
Loved the premise of this one – very topical and given Mr Delaney’s unique crime twist, wealthy folk who are perhaps not quite so caring of others as they should be are being kidnapped and put on trial. Watched on the internet by thousands, whether they live or die is down to people like you and me hitting a button and choosing their fate.
The main strength of this series lies with its main protagonist, DI Sean Corrigan – a man constantly on the edge and with his own very well developed sense of justice, he can divide opinion like no other. As fond of him as I am he occasionally drives me nuts! An intriguing background and personality which gets explored further with every new case, he is what keeps you hooked into the story and rapidly turning the pages…
The mystery elements are always authentic, addictive and full of psychological depth. The author’s background serves the reader well as he manages to bring some truth to the fiction and make the procedural elements seem spot on – whilst also managing to entertain and provide many lovely little twists and turns, not only with the cases as they unfold but with the personalities of the people involved – so overall it makes for an intelligent and captivating read.
Definitely highly recommended from me for fans of Crime fiction everywhere. Brilliantly done.
Happy Reading Folks!
Loved the premise of this one – very topical and given Mr Delaney’s unique crime twist, wealthy folk who are perhaps not quite so caring of others as they should be are being kidnapped and put on trial. Watched on the internet by thousands, whether they live or die is down to people like you and me hitting a button and choosing their fate.
The main strength of this series lies with its main protagonist, DI Sean Corrigan – a man constantly on the edge and with his own very well developed sense of justice, he can divide opinion like no other. As fond of him as I am he occasionally drives me nuts! An intriguing background and personality which gets explored further with every new case, he is what keeps you hooked into the story and rapidly turning the pages…
The mystery elements are always authentic, addictive and full of psychological depth. The author’s background serves the reader well as he manages to bring some truth to the fiction and make the procedural elements seem spot on – whilst also managing to entertain and provide many lovely little twists and turns, not only with the cases as they unfold but with the personalities of the people involved – so overall it makes for an intelligent and captivating read.
Definitely highly recommended from me for fans of Crime fiction everywhere. Brilliantly done.
Happy Reading Folks!
February 25, 2016
DI Sean Corrigan is a marmite character. This is the fourth book of the series (I have read and enjoyed all three previous outings) and I’m afraid I still don’t like the guy! However, I think that is exactly what Luke Delaney wants to achieve. I expect you’re asking yourself why I keep on with this series when I don’t like the lead character. Well, it’s because they are brilliant!
Thanks mainly to a traumatic childhood, Sean is able to identify with the psychopaths and sociopaths he now hunts. He has a unique ability to see crime scenes through the perpetrator’s eyes. A gift or a curse?
High flying financiers become the target of his latest nemesis…The Jackdaw. The Jackdaw abducts his victims, takes them to a purpose-built room and puts them on trial via a video streaming website. Will the public click guilty or not guilty?
I had no idea who the ‘bad guy’ was until the reveal and oh my, it’s a clever one. I loved the drama and the build up to the conclusion. Real nail biting stuff. Oh, and I love Dave Donnelly. There’s a chap you would want on your side!
A series which gets better with each new release. Four out of five stars.
Thanks mainly to a traumatic childhood, Sean is able to identify with the psychopaths and sociopaths he now hunts. He has a unique ability to see crime scenes through the perpetrator’s eyes. A gift or a curse?
High flying financiers become the target of his latest nemesis…The Jackdaw. The Jackdaw abducts his victims, takes them to a purpose-built room and puts them on trial via a video streaming website. Will the public click guilty or not guilty?
I had no idea who the ‘bad guy’ was until the reveal and oh my, it’s a clever one. I loved the drama and the build up to the conclusion. Real nail biting stuff. Oh, and I love Dave Donnelly. There’s a chap you would want on your side!
A series which gets better with each new release. Four out of five stars.
July 1, 2015
At first I didn't realise this was the fourth in a series, but it stands alone, if you ignore the references to the team's previous cases. Good current topic on the financial crisis and the role of the media, and I liked the vignettes of various people watching on Your View.
On learning the author is an ex-detective, I was expecting something grittier. He's almost trying too hard. Everyone speaks in proper and very long sentences and explains exactly what they are thinking and doing. There were far too many instances of dialogue, then "he lied". I didn't find the thought processes of Sean the detective all that remarkable, as often mentioned by the other characters - he just seemed to be using good old-fashioned thinking to me.
Plan to read more in the series.
On learning the author is an ex-detective, I was expecting something grittier. He's almost trying too hard. Everyone speaks in proper and very long sentences and explains exactly what they are thinking and doing. There were far too many instances of dialogue, then "he lied". I didn't find the thought processes of Sean the detective all that remarkable, as often mentioned by the other characters - he just seemed to be using good old-fashioned thinking to me.
Plan to read more in the series.
May 10, 2015
The Jackdaw is excellently written and very nicely played out. A man who calls himself The Jackdaw has been abducting financial sector workers from the city of London.
You can feel the fear of what the victims are feeling bound to a chair as they appear on the internet. A dangerously scary very clever novel. The feeling of being at the heart of a police investigation seeps from every page.
The author Luke Delaney joined the metropolitan police in the late eighties and quickly graduated to the ranks of CID. He spent his entire career working in the most deprived and crime ridden areas of inner London.
You can feel the fear of what the victims are feeling bound to a chair as they appear on the internet. A dangerously scary very clever novel. The feeling of being at the heart of a police investigation seeps from every page.
The author Luke Delaney joined the metropolitan police in the late eighties and quickly graduated to the ranks of CID. He spent his entire career working in the most deprived and crime ridden areas of inner London.
April 3, 2017
A man kidnaps a banker and live on Your View he lists the banker's faults and asks the viewers to vote on his fate. He is hung live on the Internet. Enter DI Corrigan and his trusted team to find him.
I honestly can't find anything to fault in this book as it covers the lot - the guilt and greed of many bankers, the frustrations the team feel in their hunt, the pressure applied by a results hungry, manipulative senior management, a clever murderer with a twisted agenda and Sean Corrigan's destructive personality. It is a great read - tense and compulsive - and it covers a lot of ground making it a grown up read (unlike, for example, James Patterson) and I heartily recommend it.
I honestly can't find anything to fault in this book as it covers the lot - the guilt and greed of many bankers, the frustrations the team feel in their hunt, the pressure applied by a results hungry, manipulative senior management, a clever murderer with a twisted agenda and Sean Corrigan's destructive personality. It is a great read - tense and compulsive - and it covers a lot of ground making it a grown up read (unlike, for example, James Patterson) and I heartily recommend it.
July 21, 2017
This is the 4th in the DI Corrigan series and for me the weakest of the lot. Taken on its own its a really decent book with a great storyline, I just preferred the first 3 novels as they were darker. This book is essentially about the kidnapping of prominent bankers who the bad guy feels is responsible for his own, and others financial woes. After kidnapping them he airs their captivity online and gets the public to vote on whether they live or die. Like I said, its a really good premise but for me it wasn't a patch on the other novels.
April 19, 2015
My least favourite of the DI Sean Corrigan books. I devoured he first three and couldn't wait for this to be released. It just seemed to have a little something missing in my opinion; and it's the first in the series where I have guessed the murderer too.
It will certainly not deter me from reading any more books by the brilliant Luke Delaney and I can't wait for my next fix of the gorgeous Sean!
It will certainly not deter me from reading any more books by the brilliant Luke Delaney and I can't wait for my next fix of the gorgeous Sean!
March 12, 2015
Review to follow xxx
May 9, 2016
I found the plot and the characters too contrived to be realistic. Everything about the book, including the dialogue, was lightweight and I gave up after about a quarter of the way through.
October 20, 2017
Ein maskierter Mann entführt Banker, um während einer Life-Übertragung im Internet eine Art Gerichtsverhandlung zu veranstalten und seine Zuschauer darüber abstimmen zu lassen, ob die "Angeklagten" schuldig oder unschuldig seien. Für schuldige Täter gibt es nur eine Strafe: den Tod. Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan und sein Team versuchen den Täter zu finden, bevor er das nächste Mal zuschlägt…
"Sie zu strafen und zu richten" ist bereits der vierte Band um DI Sean Corrigan. Ich kenne die Vorgängerbände nicht, konnte der Hauptgeschichte aber dennoch gut folgen. Ich könnte mir aber vorstellen, dass ich die Figuren besser verstanden, mich besser in sie hätte hineinfühlen können, wenn ich sie schon durch ihre vorherigen Erlebnisse begleitet hätte. Da hat mir zum Verständnis wohl doch etwas Vorwissen gefehlt. Ausserdem gibt es mehrere Anspielungen auf einen früheren Fall, inklusive namentlicher Nennung des Täters, die mir die Lust, die Vorgängerbände auch noch zu lesen, doch etwas gedämpft haben. Ich erachte es daher bei dieser Reihe als sinnvoll, die Bände in Erscheinungsreihenfolge zu lesen.
Die Geschichte wird in der dritten Person aus wechselnder Perspektive erzählt. Meist ist der Ermittler Sean Corrigan im Fokus, teilweise begleitet der Leser aber auch den Täter oder weitere Beteiligte wie beispielsweise den Journalisten Jackson. Sean konnte ich nur sehr schwer einschätzen. Ich fand ihn nicht gerade unsympathisch, aber stellenweise hatte ich doch Mühe, sein Verhalten nachzuvollziehen. Ob das an meinem mangelnden Vorwissen liegt? Mir wurde insbesondere nicht klar, weshalb immer die Rede davon war, dass er sich angeblich so gut in die Köpfe der Verbrecher hineinversetzen könne. Erstens wurde das nicht wirklich gezeigt, und zweitens glänzt er ansonsten durch überragende Empathielosigkeit…
Die Handlung ist relative geradelinig aufgebaut, Wendungen oder Überraschungen gibt es kaum. Im Tempo wirkt sie etwas unausgewogen, mal passiert lange Zeit hinweg kaum etwas, dann überschlagen sich wieder die Ereignisse. Die Auflösung fand ich in dem Sinne überraschend, als ich keine Hinweise darauf aus der Geschichte ziehen konnte. Rückblickend ist sie aber durchaus logisch. Neben der Haupthandlung werden mehrere kleine Nebenstränge aufgebaut, die aber alle keine Auflösung finden. Einerseits wird immer wieder ein Gerichtsprozess erwähnt, an dem die Ermittler nebst ihrem aktuellen Fall auch noch teilnehmen sollen, der aber irgendwann einfach nicht mehr erwähnt wird. Hat der Autor hier vergessen, dass er diesen Strang angerissen hat? Andererseits wird um den jungen Mark, einen der Zuschauer, ein Strang aufgebaut, der ebenfalls keine Auflösung findet. Ob sich dieser wohl in einen nächsten Band hineinzieht? Auch weitere Zuschauer werden recht ausführlich vorgestellt, um später nie mehr erwähnt zu werden. Hier hätte ich mir entweder einen richtigen Abschluss gewünscht, oder der Autor hätte diese Nebenstränge gleich weglassen können.
Der Schreibstil des Autors Luke Delaney lässt sich flüssig lesen und ist mir weder positiv noch negativ besonders aufgefallen. An manchen Stellen fliesst Blut, daher ist der Thriller für sehr sensible Leser wohl nicht geeignet (die würden sich aber wohl auch nicht freiwillig einen Thriller als Lektüre aussuchen, oder?).
Mein Fazit
Durchaus spannender, aber auch etwas unausgewogener Thriller. Vorkenntnisse sind empfehlenswert.
"Sie zu strafen und zu richten" ist bereits der vierte Band um DI Sean Corrigan. Ich kenne die Vorgängerbände nicht, konnte der Hauptgeschichte aber dennoch gut folgen. Ich könnte mir aber vorstellen, dass ich die Figuren besser verstanden, mich besser in sie hätte hineinfühlen können, wenn ich sie schon durch ihre vorherigen Erlebnisse begleitet hätte. Da hat mir zum Verständnis wohl doch etwas Vorwissen gefehlt. Ausserdem gibt es mehrere Anspielungen auf einen früheren Fall, inklusive namentlicher Nennung des Täters, die mir die Lust, die Vorgängerbände auch noch zu lesen, doch etwas gedämpft haben. Ich erachte es daher bei dieser Reihe als sinnvoll, die Bände in Erscheinungsreihenfolge zu lesen.
Die Geschichte wird in der dritten Person aus wechselnder Perspektive erzählt. Meist ist der Ermittler Sean Corrigan im Fokus, teilweise begleitet der Leser aber auch den Täter oder weitere Beteiligte wie beispielsweise den Journalisten Jackson. Sean konnte ich nur sehr schwer einschätzen. Ich fand ihn nicht gerade unsympathisch, aber stellenweise hatte ich doch Mühe, sein Verhalten nachzuvollziehen. Ob das an meinem mangelnden Vorwissen liegt? Mir wurde insbesondere nicht klar, weshalb immer die Rede davon war, dass er sich angeblich so gut in die Köpfe der Verbrecher hineinversetzen könne. Erstens wurde das nicht wirklich gezeigt, und zweitens glänzt er ansonsten durch überragende Empathielosigkeit…
Die Handlung ist relative geradelinig aufgebaut, Wendungen oder Überraschungen gibt es kaum. Im Tempo wirkt sie etwas unausgewogen, mal passiert lange Zeit hinweg kaum etwas, dann überschlagen sich wieder die Ereignisse. Die Auflösung fand ich in dem Sinne überraschend, als ich keine Hinweise darauf aus der Geschichte ziehen konnte. Rückblickend ist sie aber durchaus logisch. Neben der Haupthandlung werden mehrere kleine Nebenstränge aufgebaut, die aber alle keine Auflösung finden. Einerseits wird immer wieder ein Gerichtsprozess erwähnt, an dem die Ermittler nebst ihrem aktuellen Fall auch noch teilnehmen sollen, der aber irgendwann einfach nicht mehr erwähnt wird. Hat der Autor hier vergessen, dass er diesen Strang angerissen hat? Andererseits wird um den jungen Mark, einen der Zuschauer, ein Strang aufgebaut, der ebenfalls keine Auflösung findet. Ob sich dieser wohl in einen nächsten Band hineinzieht? Auch weitere Zuschauer werden recht ausführlich vorgestellt, um später nie mehr erwähnt zu werden. Hier hätte ich mir entweder einen richtigen Abschluss gewünscht, oder der Autor hätte diese Nebenstränge gleich weglassen können.
Der Schreibstil des Autors Luke Delaney lässt sich flüssig lesen und ist mir weder positiv noch negativ besonders aufgefallen. An manchen Stellen fliesst Blut, daher ist der Thriller für sehr sensible Leser wohl nicht geeignet (die würden sich aber wohl auch nicht freiwillig einen Thriller als Lektüre aussuchen, oder?).
Mein Fazit
Durchaus spannender, aber auch etwas unausgewogener Thriller. Vorkenntnisse sind empfehlenswert.
June 5, 2020
Although I did enjoy this book I’m a little disappointed that I had stumbled on a series in book 4 - something that I really don’t like to do.
Regardless of this, the author helps you to settle in to the series without feeling like you’ve missed out on something so if this doesn’t matter to you I urge you to dive right in.
It’s well written and the plot has a very good premise. I have to be honest though I have to admit that I did find it a little predictable, having formed a theory on the outcome that was pretty much bang on. Having said that, it still kept me turning the pages with enthusiasm.
My main negative issue was something that I could not ignore in the main character.
Although I thought that he had potential, there were times when DI Corrigan was too cliched as a character: hard bitten cop, trying to hide the deep seated issues that drive him, neglecting family because of his infatuation with his job, fighting off the distracting and forbidden love interest etc etc.
Never the less, this is well worthy of the 4 stars, probably 4.5.
I may just go back & dig out 1,2 and 3 of Corrigans previous conquests.
4 x 💫
Regardless of this, the author helps you to settle in to the series without feeling like you’ve missed out on something so if this doesn’t matter to you I urge you to dive right in.
It’s well written and the plot has a very good premise. I have to be honest though I have to admit that I did find it a little predictable, having formed a theory on the outcome that was pretty much bang on. Having said that, it still kept me turning the pages with enthusiasm.
My main negative issue was something that I could not ignore in the main character.
Although I thought that he had potential, there were times when DI Corrigan was too cliched as a character: hard bitten cop, trying to hide the deep seated issues that drive him, neglecting family because of his infatuation with his job, fighting off the distracting and forbidden love interest etc etc.
Never the less, this is well worthy of the 4 stars, probably 4.5.
I may just go back & dig out 1,2 and 3 of Corrigans previous conquests.
4 x 💫
January 27, 2019
Respect for what is clearly top shelf detective crime novel writing. Corrigan authentically investigates crime literally to the detriment of all of his relationships as well as his own health and well being - as do most passionate people give themselves to their chosen profession. I’ve now read 4 of Delaney’s ‘DI Corrigan’ books - this one so far is the weakest. The character development has stalled and the series has seemingly reached the inevitable crawl in development. For three books now our hero has had issues with placing himself ‘inside’ the killers mindset - though that particular trait is supposedly what makes our hero so valuable.... the crime is believable - everything is quite believable. It’s just that after almost 1600 pages of reading the hero is still having the same issues..... obviously written for tv - Netflix should roll in and help Delaney with his dream so he can ultimately relax and let Corrigan finally evolve. It is a good series, just found this book a bit ‘slow’.
July 12, 2020
I mostly liked this crime novel even though in many ways it is similar to others in the genre. As is so often the case, the premise was enough to tempt me to pick up the book and I kept reading mostly because I wanted to see how it would end.
In some ways, reading 'The Jackdaw' was quite frustrating as the reader is not given enough clues to figure out who the perpetrator is or the actual motive behind the various crimes. Likewise, the parts of Corrigan's personal life that intrude on the action are fairly uncomfortable and they don't add all that much to the plot.
I really wanted to like this one more than did. Ultimately it is 3.5 stars rounded up. It's in the 'quite good but not great' pile.
In some ways, reading 'The Jackdaw' was quite frustrating as the reader is not given enough clues to figure out who the perpetrator is or the actual motive behind the various crimes. Likewise, the parts of Corrigan's personal life that intrude on the action are fairly uncomfortable and they don't add all that much to the plot.
I really wanted to like this one more than did. Ultimately it is 3.5 stars rounded up. It's in the 'quite good but not great' pile.
September 5, 2024
Quite a good premise. I found it a tad bit frightening because something like this could actually happen - an avenging angel killing bankers who made millions while ordinary people suffered.
Sean was is usual Sean self, as were Sally and Dave. But I don't see why Anna was made to return. Other than helping Sally with her issues from the first book, she doesn't seem to add anything to the investigation. Her insight into the perpetrators has always been wrong and still Sean seems to rely on her.
Also, there were more typos than the previous books and some details are wrong. The editor/proof-reader should have done a better job.
Seems like the next book is the final one in the series so I'll just stick with it until then...
Sean was is usual Sean self, as were Sally and Dave. But I don't see why Anna was made to return. Other than helping Sally with her issues from the first book, she doesn't seem to add anything to the investigation. Her insight into the perpetrators has always been wrong and still Sean seems to rely on her.
Also, there were more typos than the previous books and some details are wrong. The editor/proof-reader should have done a better job.
Seems like the next book is the final one in the series so I'll just stick with it until then...
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