What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadly Determination
When experienced DI Karen Bellows accepts a transfer to the Liverpool based Matrix Serious and Organised Crime Team she unwittingly steps into a world where honesty is not necessarily synonymous with the truth.
Even before she’s had time to meet her new colleagues, two people are found brutally murdered in the dunes at Southport Beach and she’s catapulted into an investigation hampered by deceit and betrayal.
In the face of a violent and ruthless killer Bellows’ frustration boils over into panic as the hunt leads to a series of confusing dead ends.
With her career at stake and her own life threatened, is there anyone Karen Bellows can trust?
Even before she’s had time to meet her new colleagues, two people are found brutally murdered in the dunes at Southport Beach and she’s catapulted into an investigation hampered by deceit and betrayal.
In the face of a violent and ruthless killer Bellows’ frustration boils over into panic as the hunt leads to a series of confusing dead ends.
With her career at stake and her own life threatened, is there anyone Karen Bellows can trust?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2015
About the author
Ian Jackson
2 books685 followerswww.ian-d-jackson.com
I was born in Liverpool in 1964
and have been in magazines and publishing since 1989 and I am an accomplished feature writer.
My debut novel "Dead Charming" is set in Manchester and stems from my keen interest in psychology and crime. I want to analyse the experiences of both perpetrator and victim through their emotional and psychological turmoil with often terrifying results.
You can find it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Charming...
My second novel "Deadly Determination" is a roller-coaster crime thrill ride set in Liverpool which is now available to download on your Kindle here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Determ...
Paperback to follow shortly.
I have two children, Tom, 25 and Anna, 21 and live with my wife Susie and her two children, Toby, 12 and George, 9 in Cheshire with Maddie the Jackapoo.
I was born in Liverpool in 1964
and have been in magazines and publishing since 1989 and I am an accomplished feature writer.
My debut novel "Dead Charming" is set in Manchester and stems from my keen interest in psychology and crime. I want to analyse the experiences of both perpetrator and victim through their emotional and psychological turmoil with often terrifying results.
You can find it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Charming...
My second novel "Deadly Determination" is a roller-coaster crime thrill ride set in Liverpool which is now available to download on your Kindle here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Determ...
Paperback to follow shortly.
I have two children, Tom, 25 and Anna, 21 and live with my wife Susie and her two children, Toby, 12 and George, 9 in Cheshire with Maddie the Jackapoo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 27, 2015
If you like British police procedurals, you will like this book! It comes across as realistic, edgy, a bit on the dark side.
DI Karen Bellows is new to the murder unit and, as a woman, feels she needs to prove her efficiency. That means she's not there to win friends and influence people. Her outer shell is steel and iron and she's not earning any respect from her team. But at home, it's a different story ....she's the loving and caring partner to Jo, who is pregnant.
DS Strand is placed under her watchful eye, as he has a lot of personal issues and it's been affecting his job. DS Colan, is trustworthy, but, alas, he also has some personal problems.
Before she's properly acclimated to her new job, two people are found brutally murdered and she’s thrown into an investigation which leads to nothing but dead ends. Her career is on the line and she has no idea who she can trust.
The characters are all finely drawn ... they come alive in the author's writing. Although there's a lot of action throughout, it seemed to bog down in the middle for a short time before picking up again.
It's not the most exciting book I've ever read, but it was an okay read. I did like the character of Karen Bellows .. I think she'd make a good series person of interest.
My thanks to NetGalley / Percy Publishing for furnishing a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
3.5 Stars
November 4, 2015
The opening chapter took me by surprise. I was craftily lulled into thinking one thing which was nowhere near the mark.
The recently transferred Karen Bellows makes a strong entrance to the Matrix Team, supported by DS Nolan and DS Strand. There is violence and graphic descriptions which did make me shudder but after all this is murder and I found myself urging Karen to find the murderers.
The characterisation of the 3 central characters is outstanding. All 3 of them are flawed. I instantly disliked Strand whose face turns from “fox like” to “rat like”! They are richly described, authentic and maybe not always likeable but unfortunately have characteristics that I can unwillingly identify with. There is an excellent balance of police work v personal life which swayed how I felt about them.
Its a few years now since I have been to Liverpool and the Author’s descriptions made me want to see the buildings and the area again.
There are lies, deceit, twists and turns throughout at the right pace. I would definitely recommend this as I made a poor excuse not to go out so I could stay in on my own and finish it.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read “Deadly Determination”.
The recently transferred Karen Bellows makes a strong entrance to the Matrix Team, supported by DS Nolan and DS Strand. There is violence and graphic descriptions which did make me shudder but after all this is murder and I found myself urging Karen to find the murderers.
The characterisation of the 3 central characters is outstanding. All 3 of them are flawed. I instantly disliked Strand whose face turns from “fox like” to “rat like”! They are richly described, authentic and maybe not always likeable but unfortunately have characteristics that I can unwillingly identify with. There is an excellent balance of police work v personal life which swayed how I felt about them.
Its a few years now since I have been to Liverpool and the Author’s descriptions made me want to see the buildings and the area again.
There are lies, deceit, twists and turns throughout at the right pace. I would definitely recommend this as I made a poor excuse not to go out so I could stay in on my own and finish it.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read “Deadly Determination”.
July 18, 2015
A BRILLIANT second instalment from this new author. Can't wait for more of his stuff.
Deadly Determination tells a story of murder and deceit from the perspective of officers working for the Matrix specialist task unit in Liverpool. Several narratives are beautifully interwoven throughout this work creating a masterful journey of suspense and exctiement.
Perhaps one of the biggest compliments I can pay this book is its portayal of Liverpool. Some of the description of the city's historic buildings and places, characterisation of areas, houses, specific boroughs and streets are spectacularly crafted, adding a level of verisimilitude akin to reality. Although I'm not sure how happy readers would be if it were all true!
Seriously, I think any fan of Jackson's writings would be more than happy if his next book was set in Liverpool again.
Great book, great development from the already brilliant 'Dead Charming'. Well done.
Deadly Determination tells a story of murder and deceit from the perspective of officers working for the Matrix specialist task unit in Liverpool. Several narratives are beautifully interwoven throughout this work creating a masterful journey of suspense and exctiement.
Perhaps one of the biggest compliments I can pay this book is its portayal of Liverpool. Some of the description of the city's historic buildings and places, characterisation of areas, houses, specific boroughs and streets are spectacularly crafted, adding a level of verisimilitude akin to reality. Although I'm not sure how happy readers would be if it were all true!
Seriously, I think any fan of Jackson's writings would be more than happy if his next book was set in Liverpool again.
Great book, great development from the already brilliant 'Dead Charming'. Well done.
August 20, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and open review.
This is a superb thriller. One of the best British police procedural books that I've read.
From the beginning I could identify with the characters. DI Karen Bellows was portrayed brilliantly. At work she was the ruthlessly efficient DI, with no time for the social niceties. At home she was the loving and caring partner to Jo.
Set in and around Liverpool, a city I know well, the descriptions of the buildings and area were very true to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone who loves a thriller.
I will certainly read more by this author.
This is a superb thriller. One of the best British police procedural books that I've read.
From the beginning I could identify with the characters. DI Karen Bellows was portrayed brilliantly. At work she was the ruthlessly efficient DI, with no time for the social niceties. At home she was the loving and caring partner to Jo.
Set in and around Liverpool, a city I know well, the descriptions of the buildings and area were very true to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone who loves a thriller.
I will certainly read more by this author.
September 7, 2015
This is the second book by I.D.Jackson, the first being Dead Charming which was outstanding. If then you can improve on outstanding Mr Jackson has certainly accomplished it with this book. These books are stand alone novels but I am sure which ever one is read first it won't be long before you own both.
Jimmy O'Dwyer is a very successful businessman, he owns a beautiful house in a prestigious area of Liverpool and he has no-one to enjoy it all with. Angela, his wife, had died suddenly and it had been a while since he wanted a woman in his life again until he met Sarah through a dating agency. They talked online and she made him feel special, so when they went on a first date he couldn't believe this beautiful woman could be real. He felt that they could have a future together. Their second date was a picnic on Southport beach, well away from any onlookers, in the dunes. They had made love but were interrupted, naked and so vulnerable as a sawn-off shotgun was aimed at their heads.
What a great start to a book, I was already rooting for Jimmy to find his second love of his life. Mr.Jackson has the skill to do this with his writing, he makes you care for the characters.
There is the new Detective Inspector Karen Bellows, methodical, totally committed and ambitious but with personal issues of acceptance with her mother.
D.S. Pete Dolan that life has been far from kind to but a totally committed man to the force and D.S. Strand with 18 years of service and still not getting it right. There are a number of murders in the story always gruesome and vividly descriptive which make it all an absolute winner of a novel.
A highly recommended read for any crime buffs or just anyone wanting a darn good read! The book had me guessing right up to a shocking conclusion.
I wish to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jimmy O'Dwyer is a very successful businessman, he owns a beautiful house in a prestigious area of Liverpool and he has no-one to enjoy it all with. Angela, his wife, had died suddenly and it had been a while since he wanted a woman in his life again until he met Sarah through a dating agency. They talked online and she made him feel special, so when they went on a first date he couldn't believe this beautiful woman could be real. He felt that they could have a future together. Their second date was a picnic on Southport beach, well away from any onlookers, in the dunes. They had made love but were interrupted, naked and so vulnerable as a sawn-off shotgun was aimed at their heads.
What a great start to a book, I was already rooting for Jimmy to find his second love of his life. Mr.Jackson has the skill to do this with his writing, he makes you care for the characters.
There is the new Detective Inspector Karen Bellows, methodical, totally committed and ambitious but with personal issues of acceptance with her mother.
D.S. Pete Dolan that life has been far from kind to but a totally committed man to the force and D.S. Strand with 18 years of service and still not getting it right. There are a number of murders in the story always gruesome and vividly descriptive which make it all an absolute winner of a novel.
A highly recommended read for any crime buffs or just anyone wanting a darn good read! The book had me guessing right up to a shocking conclusion.
I wish to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 6, 2015
Deadly Determination by I.D. Jackson is a police procedural set in Liverpool, UK. The fact that is set in the UK will please many crime-loving Brits.
It's also good to hear of a British author on the climb towards major success. Fans of I.D. Jackson would already have read Dead Charming prior to this novel. They won't be disappointed.
This second offering is equally as good with plenty of action within the first chapter. A murder, a court case and an introduction to members of Karen Bellows' confusing family. How can she possibly be a loving, supporting partner to her pregnant girlfriend? She just is.
The characters are well faceted and you find yourself, subconsciously, finding elements that you, yourself, can relate to. You feel you have no choice but root for the character in question; someone to sympathise with and/or even admire. For example, D.S. Strand is one third of D.I. Karen Bellows team, the frankly spoken lead investigator assigned to the case.
Strand has little going for him and he has placed himself in an impossible situation; his associations with unsavoury individuals in the criminal world is impacting on his private life as well as his career. But, is there an excuse for his behaviour? Is he treated unfairly? That is one thing you can decide.
Deadly Determination is definitely a novel to consider, especially if you are looking for characters that could easily be residents of Liverpool, today.
It's also good to hear of a British author on the climb towards major success. Fans of I.D. Jackson would already have read Dead Charming prior to this novel. They won't be disappointed.
This second offering is equally as good with plenty of action within the first chapter. A murder, a court case and an introduction to members of Karen Bellows' confusing family. How can she possibly be a loving, supporting partner to her pregnant girlfriend? She just is.
The characters are well faceted and you find yourself, subconsciously, finding elements that you, yourself, can relate to. You feel you have no choice but root for the character in question; someone to sympathise with and/or even admire. For example, D.S. Strand is one third of D.I. Karen Bellows team, the frankly spoken lead investigator assigned to the case.
Strand has little going for him and he has placed himself in an impossible situation; his associations with unsavoury individuals in the criminal world is impacting on his private life as well as his career. But, is there an excuse for his behaviour? Is he treated unfairly? That is one thing you can decide.
Deadly Determination is definitely a novel to consider, especially if you are looking for characters that could easily be residents of Liverpool, today.
August 2, 2015
Gritty and realistic, Deadly Determination is a not to be missed crime thriller. I was extremely impressed by this British police procedural.
The investigating officers are not pasteboard cutouts. They are individuals with their own lives and problems. DI Karen Bellows, newly transferred into the Matrix unit, is expecting a child with her partner Jo. Her DS Strand has been known to make mistakes and is not to be trusted.
His life is a mess. His wife has blown through the small fortune he inherited, and he is deeply in debt. Her other DS, Dolan is trustworthy and focused on the job, but has his own problems. Their lives and problems influence their behavior on the job and the progress of the investigation.
It is hard to say too much without giving the plot away. Needless to say I was glued to the page. Jackson has a terrific grasp of human psychology and applies it well in his writing. I am eager to read Iain Jackson's future crime novels.
Any fan of police procedurals will eagerly devour Deadly Determination.
5/5
I received a copy of Deadly Determination from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Deadly Determination is a thrilling police procedural
http://muttcafe.com/2015/08/deadly-de...
The investigating officers are not pasteboard cutouts. They are individuals with their own lives and problems. DI Karen Bellows, newly transferred into the Matrix unit, is expecting a child with her partner Jo. Her DS Strand has been known to make mistakes and is not to be trusted.
His life is a mess. His wife has blown through the small fortune he inherited, and he is deeply in debt. Her other DS, Dolan is trustworthy and focused on the job, but has his own problems. Their lives and problems influence their behavior on the job and the progress of the investigation.
It is hard to say too much without giving the plot away. Needless to say I was glued to the page. Jackson has a terrific grasp of human psychology and applies it well in his writing. I am eager to read Iain Jackson's future crime novels.
Any fan of police procedurals will eagerly devour Deadly Determination.
5/5
I received a copy of Deadly Determination from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Deadly Determination is a thrilling police procedural
http://muttcafe.com/2015/08/deadly-de...
September 7, 2015
Deadly Determination is the second book featuring DI Karen Bellows from I D Jackson. It wasn't until I really got into the book, I realized that I recognized the main character. Two people are found murdered in the dunes and she's running an investigation filled with lies and misdirection. This is even harder for her because she has just met her new colleagues, as she has just transferred into the Serious Crimes Division. It will take all her skills to solve the crime and keep her personal life intact.
The book started out a little slow, but hang in there. As you get further into the book, it gets harder and harder to put down, until you can't anymore. By the end I was so involved in the story, I was almost late for work. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, and hope Ian Jackson writes more novels about DI Karen Bellows.
I received a copy of Deadly Determination from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book started out a little slow, but hang in there. As you get further into the book, it gets harder and harder to put down, until you can't anymore. By the end I was so involved in the story, I was almost late for work. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, and hope Ian Jackson writes more novels about DI Karen Bellows.
I received a copy of Deadly Determination from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2015
DI Karen Bellows has just been transferred to Liverpool and is asked to oversee the work of DS Strand who is thought to be not always performing as well as he should in his work, however it soon becomes apparent to the reader the reasons for this substandard performance. I have to say I didn't have a lot of sympathy for him.
Bellows and her team are quickly called in to solve a double murder occurring on the beach. At the same time Bellows is trying to juggle her home life as her partner is now pregnant. I felt at times the storyline got a little bogged down but on the whole it was a good read. I am grateful to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bellows and her team are quickly called in to solve a double murder occurring on the beach. At the same time Bellows is trying to juggle her home life as her partner is now pregnant. I felt at times the storyline got a little bogged down but on the whole it was a good read. I am grateful to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2015
I really loved this, his second book. Good characters, good story, twists and turns. Made more real to me, as my son lived just off Hope Street, where some of the key scenes take place, so scary stuff. The first chapter kicks off the novel in great style, taking some time before the pieces of this jigsaw begin to fit together. Two books done, bring on the next. I love this author's work, it's a hard business to break into I hope he gets the success he deserves.
July 1, 2015
A Fantastic fast exciting read.
The author again takes us on a number of twists and turns.
The detail of the characters has us believing that we are literally stood next to them, seeing what they are seeing.
I cant rate this book highly enough - A must read!
The author again takes us on a number of twists and turns.
The detail of the characters has us believing that we are literally stood next to them, seeing what they are seeing.
I cant rate this book highly enough - A must read!
September 8, 2016
Great story, great characters - one of the detectives and his wife are easy to dislike! Six murders occur in Liverpool and the Matrix team struggle to solve them. Are all the murders connected, is someone pointing the investigation team in the wrong direction? Great read - highly recommended.
May 7, 2016
Dark, Gritty, Realistic & Edgy! An Exciting Read! I Loved It!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews