The Cracked Wall: Your Killer is Watching You

by Andrew Barrett

CSI Eddie Collins has spent his career looking at the dark side of humanity, but he has never encountered anything quite like this.

A predator is watching - not just anyone, but someone who has turned a hidden observation point into their own personal theatre of cruelty. When Eddie stumbles upon the site, he realises he isn't just looking at a crime scene; he has found the secret hiding place of a killer.

Now, Eddie must race against time to unmask a predator who thinks they are invisible. But in a world where even a crack in a wall holds a secret, the most dangerous place to be is exactly where you are.

ebook

Published July 6, 2026

About the author

Hi everyone,

My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.

My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.

And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.

Thanks for looking,

Andy

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cracked Wall is a standalone novella from the author’s fantastic Eddie Collins series, which he is currently giving away to his newsletter subscribers. I’ve read all of the series, and am eagerly awaiting the next one. It also features his newer series character, Regan Carter, but you don’t need to have read either of these series to enjoy this.

A voyeur hides behind a damaged wall on an industrial site, watching working girls and their customers. Eddie is a grumpy but dedicated CSI working in Leeds, England. When called to court to present his evidence from the scene of the murder of a young prostitute, he begins to question whether they might’ve got the wrong suspect. Eddie determines to find the truth, dragging his sceptical detective colleague with him on a quest for the evidence using his very own particular set of skills…

This was a great addition to the series - we get all the usual sarcastic humour, grim scenes and clever twists, condensed into 83 pages. It doesn’t spoil the other books and like all good appetisers, leaves you wanting more. Luckily book eight in the series will be out soon.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that will mesmerize you. Eddie and Regan working together are witty with a cutting edge. You will definitely enjoy the novella every step of the way.
Highly Recommended.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie Collins is a brilliant CSI but a real character. I love reading these stories since you never know where he is going to go around the next corner. Thankfully, over the years, he has developed an unusual relationship with most of his co-workers who happily leave him alone to do the job. Eddie usually solves the crime when everyone else in the police have already moved on to the next case. I recommend that these books be read in order. As a reader, you need to grow with Eddie’s character, you cannot really jump in to the middle since he can be a very difficult person to understand unless you have experienced all the trials and tribulations he has gone through to form his character. I feel it is worth the time. This is a novella so this time he figures out the senseless murders of street ladies pretty quickly but, as usual, it is a unique set of clues that everyone else ignored or just failed to see. Excellent unique murder story as usual. Looking forward to the next.

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may only be a Novella, but it is still as good as the full length books in this series.

Full of mystery, murder, intrigue, and the lead characters infamous sense of humor and attitude.

This was definitely a great read and looking forward to the next book in the series and all others written by this author.

[Victoria (Vicki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirt but sweet but Eddie at his best and with Regan Carter alongside there were laughs out loud.
This was brilliant and I now just need another Eddie book.
Thanks Andy for doing what you do best (as well as your CSI work!)

[Viragored · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but properly gripping story. The scenes were well set, the characters well written and it left me wanting more. Much more!
Great work, Andrew Barrett.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super reading Eddie as usual keep you entertained while the serious work was being done his intuition is dumbfounding and yet amusing as are his arguments. Lived it

[J Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet.
This novella brings together too of my favourites of Andrew Barrett's characters, CSI Eddie Collins and DS Regan Carter. Eddie has doubts about the forensic evidence in a murder trial where there is some DNA evidence, but was something missed? He revisits the scene with Regan and from there it evolves into a much wider case.
These are two warts and all characters with some biting gallows humour.
There are some explicit scenes and some gruesome ones. It's an excellent quick read.

[Carol Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this a while ago; it is a novella but got a real good punch to it. Eddie is giving results in court, and the defendant shouts out that he is innocent, and of course Eddie says he believes him and sets out to find the evidence.
Eddie is an obnoxious git but very good at his job; even Benson, who I don't think there is any love lost, will always pick Eddie to do the crime scenes as he is so thorough.
Of course, Eddie will find the evidence, and it was the wall that kept him occupied, as he could see what the killer was seeing, and that the killer wanted to watch prostitutes and their clients at it, which is very sad really.
A couple of times it was a wonder that Eddie didn't get arrested for contempt, as he certainly has a way with words and a quick temper.
Loved the book it did not take long to read, and always look forward to another Eddie saga.

[Robert Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Brutal thriller with Panache!”
A murder investigation into prostitute murders gets involves CSI Eddie Collins and Detective Sergeant Regan Carter desperately trying to find the killer. Evidence points to convicting the wrong man and Eddie with his quick wit and doggedness slowly uncover enough evidence to discover the killer. Eddie thinks he has stumbled onto something the site where the killer watches, observes completely hidden his secret hiding place where he watches his pray. It then becomes a race to put together the clues to stop the killer and becomes Eddie’s sole purpose and quest for justice.

This book is another “hit” for Eddie Collins lovers and is an easy one off read that grips you to the very end! Loved it and it kept my interest and breathe right until the end!

[Clive John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cracked Wall is a gripping novella that proves a great story doesn't need hundreds of pages. Andrew Barrett quickly draws you into the mystery with believable characters, sharp dialogue, and a pace that keeps the pages turning.

What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. There was a constant sense that something wasn't quite right, and the tension steadily built without relying on cheap twists or unnecessary filler. The shorter format actually worked in the story's favour, making every chapter feel purposeful.

If you're looking for a quick, well-written crime thriller that keeps you guessing without overstaying its welcome, The Cracked Wall is well worth reading. I'd happily read more of Andrew Barrett's work based on this novella.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : kindle )
"For my beautiful Carly."

A man watches prostitutes at work through the eye level crack in a wall: and, just occasionally, kills them. A suspect is brought to court, but is it the right man? Eddie Collins, the CSI.on the scene, thinks not.

Himself a CSI since 1996. author Andrew Barrett brings to his high octane thrillers an authenticity not found in other crime writings making his exciting storylines even more realistic and, at times, poignant. And sometimes especially when Eddie Collins is involved even funny.
Great characters, plot and storytelling make this, as always, a must for all detective fiction fans. Highly recommended.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a novel by Andrew Barrett that I didn’t truly like due to excellent writing and intriguing and endearing characters despite their quirks and flaws. The stories are always compelling and this novella is no exception. It’s a quick read with all of the pertinent content to hold one’s interest and reveal once again how CSI Eddie Collins and DS Regan Carter work to solve the mystery of missing prostitutes and two recent murders. I liked that there is no drawn-out conclusion. Eddie is persistent and typically gets the guilty culprit.

[Allan Hume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good book by Mr Barrett.
The seamy side of Leeds UK, the urban decay, characters, criminals and police services who pursue them are woven into this story of murder and the effect it has on friends and relatives.
Written by a CSI who must have seen what this book describes in real life.
The book will not make you feel good about society, but it is life in the raw for a lot of disadvantaged people.
Thank you Mr Barrett

[S McK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but intense read, great novella!

Typical Eddie, brash, funny, impatient, determined and will go the extra mile, to find the truth. He's like a dog with a bone, he won't let go and if there is something niggling him, pulling at a memory that seems inconsequential but isn't, he will find the solution.

Thoroughly enjoyed this return to Eddie and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

For a long time I have avoided novellas, but I am beginning to realise I could have been missing out! This book featuring Eddie Collins (CSI expert) and DS Regan Carter has all the ingredients required for a good read. I love Eddie's humour no matter what the circumstances of his job but his commitment to the job still shines through. A must read.

[Paul Dubbelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Barrett delivers again. Whether it is a full blown novel or a novella like this the story punches and punches hard. The Cracked Wall drips with Eddie's trademark sarcasm and cynical wit as he and DS Regan Carter investigate the crime and right a potential miscarriage of justice. All the grit and drama you'd expect from the author but delivered in a fun-size package.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great things come in small packages and this book fits perfectly.
A thrilling short story. A creepy killer with a wicked mind, the kind of person that makes your skin crawl....urgh! Some ugly scenes and a bit of courtroom drama.
Eddie doesn't miss a trick! Tightly packed and set at a good pace. Great storytelling, thoroughly entertaining.

[Keith Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Andrew brings Eddie to life. Shame it’s a novella as it seems I’ve just started when it’s finished. Having said that I enjoyed the storyline and the twist at the end. Looking forward to the next Eddie Collins full length novel.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella from the Eddie Collins series. I have read every book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Always interesting to read how he works to collect evidence. Waiting impatiently for the next book.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read with one of my loves- Eddie Collins. A man who calls a spade a shovel and then some.
A clever novella with a different plot and twists that more than kept me between the pages. Devoured! Thanks Andy, one fabulous book

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved catching up with Eddie Collins and Regan Carter again in this novella. They are such wonderful characters, so feisty but lovable. Someone is killing prostitutes. It is a bit sad in parts but there is always Eddie with his sharp tongue to lighten the mood.

[Ed. McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Eddie Collins novella. Eddie, this time working with DS Regan Carter and they actually make a good team. Dogged persistence enables them to finally identify the killer and then comes a total surprise of an ending. A must-read for fans of the genre

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya gotta love this guy! For those poor souls who have never experienced Eddie Collins, you have a big treat in store. Up to his usual business, and attitude, Eddie, CSI, tackles another crime scene and finds the evidence, once again, to put the bad guy away. Love Eddie, love the series.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I adore Eddie Collins he really is quite a character. Underneath is hard exterior he ha an heart of gold. A bit tight with his money rarely paying for his coffee. Love the story and how he handled court.

[Leanne Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a good story with CSI Eddie Collins, pity this was just a short one. Looking forward to reading more of his investigations.

[David Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but gripping story that has 2 of the authors main characters as the focal point.
The story holds you till the very end which has a great twist to it.
I highly recommend reading this book.

[C CHRISTOFOROU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read by Andrew Barrett. His books are almost interactive as it feels as though you are there inside the story. Eddie is getting closer to Regan Carter and their interaction seems normal.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

CSI Eddie Collins and DS Regan Carter are looking into a case of wrongful conviction.

With Eddie’s usual tenacity, he goes all-out to get to the bottom of the case, as well as finding out where the forensics didn’t match up.

We follow Eddie as he goes back to the crime scene and starts again, determined to find the real killer. It’s not long before he knows just what has been going on.

The CSI Eddie Collins series is a firm favourite of mine, Eddie is THE BEST! He’s dedicated to the victims of crime, he’s not a people person, but goes above and beyond for those who have died. He’s funny and his sense of humour has me laughing out loud every time.