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DI Hal Luchewski #1
The Elmsley Count
The first in a new series by debut author Mark Lock, for fans of Mo Hayder, Belinda Bauer and Mark Billingham. Detective Inspector Hal Luchewski's life is complicated. The stress of his job is getting to him - usually in the form of hard liquor. He's still living in his dead father's shadow, his relationship with his daughter is strained, and his love life is complex to say the least...although nearly 40, Hal's still reconciling himself to the fact he's gay. When teenager Danny Wiseman's butchered body is found in a squalid bedsit in South London, Hal and his team think they have a psychopath on the loose. When a second body is found - that of an ex-guard at Granton Young Offender Institution - Hal fears the worst. Is it a coincidence that Wiseman recently spent time at Granton, a place which has become a byword for corruption and scandal? Is Hal up against a former inmate's wrath, or something even more sinister? Soon enough, the case gets personal - and in more ways than one...
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2015
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478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2017
Detective crime fiction series are not a new development. There are literally hundreds to choose from. In my (albeit limited) experience, I find that whilst the crimes might vary the detectives the series revolve around remain largely the same. It is refreshing to see an author promote an alternative perspective and diversify the genre.
Detective Inspector Hal Luchewski work/life balance has been increasingly tipping in the former's favour for years. A possible drink problem, an almost estranged daughter, and a failed marriage can testify to that. When a new series of linked crimes overwhelms his caseload and long-kept secrets from his personal life make themselves known, he must learn to confront more than just the criminals on the streets.
Whilst seeing the crime through to its inevitable close was fascinating and intriguing reading, it was the detective in this story that I was most keen to focus on. In particular, his sexuality. Lock explored the attitudes and opinions towards homosexuals in the police force and how an individual confronts his 'outed' sexuality before he, himself, has even faced this closeted part of himself.
I have read other books, in other genres, that dealt with the topic of an individual realising their sexual preferences but never have I read of a character doing so at this age. It was refreshing to see that this topic isn't something that stops being discussed after the YA genre ends.
Detective Inspector Hal Luchewski work/life balance has been increasingly tipping in the former's favour for years. A possible drink problem, an almost estranged daughter, and a failed marriage can testify to that. When a new series of linked crimes overwhelms his caseload and long-kept secrets from his personal life make themselves known, he must learn to confront more than just the criminals on the streets.
Whilst seeing the crime through to its inevitable close was fascinating and intriguing reading, it was the detective in this story that I was most keen to focus on. In particular, his sexuality. Lock explored the attitudes and opinions towards homosexuals in the police force and how an individual confronts his 'outed' sexuality before he, himself, has even faced this closeted part of himself.
I have read other books, in other genres, that dealt with the topic of an individual realising their sexual preferences but never have I read of a character doing so at this age. It was refreshing to see that this topic isn't something that stops being discussed after the YA genre ends.
January 24, 2017
Dead Man's Hand is the first novel in the DI Hal Luchewski series of London based police procedurals. It opens with a man tied up in his own home then switches to the discovery of a severed hand on the doorstep of a house converted into flats. DI Hal Luchewski is put in charge of the investigation. When they find the mutilated body the hand was detached from it is clear they are dealing with a violent psychopath, especially when more murders are linked to the same perpetrator. The investigation concentrates on finding the link between the victims but Luchewski doesn't always have his mind on the job as his personal life gets spread across a tabloid.
The plot is interesting with a well disguised perpetrator but it can't fully mask some first novel teething problems. It is full to overflowing with swearing - I am very broad minded but even I found it excessive and unnecessary. it doesn't make the novel gritty, it just makes it boring. It is overly descriptive in places, describing in detail what characters are wearing or Luchewski's memories of his father which detracts from the plot and comes across as padding. There are plot lines which are started and go nowhere, like Luchewski consulting a forensic psychologist but we never get his full conclusions. I think that, in general, the novel could do with being tightened up.
On the other hand the novel has some real strengths. There is a vein of humourous banter throughout the novel, the pacing and tension are good and the characters are well drawn and realistic although I can't say I was particularly drawn to Luchewski who seems to have cornered the market in self pity.
Dead Man's Hand is a bit of a mixed bag and I think 3.5 is a fair assessment.
The plot is interesting with a well disguised perpetrator but it can't fully mask some first novel teething problems. It is full to overflowing with swearing - I am very broad minded but even I found it excessive and unnecessary. it doesn't make the novel gritty, it just makes it boring. It is overly descriptive in places, describing in detail what characters are wearing or Luchewski's memories of his father which detracts from the plot and comes across as padding. There are plot lines which are started and go nowhere, like Luchewski consulting a forensic psychologist but we never get his full conclusions. I think that, in general, the novel could do with being tightened up.
On the other hand the novel has some real strengths. There is a vein of humourous banter throughout the novel, the pacing and tension are good and the characters are well drawn and realistic although I can't say I was particularly drawn to Luchewski who seems to have cornered the market in self pity.
Dead Man's Hand is a bit of a mixed bag and I think 3.5 is a fair assessment.
September 20, 2018
Could have been a 5* because it was a good story. The problem for me was the gratuitous swearing. I don't mind swearing for a reason but at times there was no reason.
January 12, 2019
A new author and series for me.
The main protagonist is a bald, gay, son of a famous father trying to be a good father and copper. A viscous serial killer is on the loose and he/she is leaving a trail of grisly killings in their wake. The victims may or may not be linked (no spoilers here!)
Set in London with excellent descriptions set out by the author.
This was excellent, seriously good fun and it had me captivated from page one. Didn't guess the baddie(s) or the why done it. The novel is peppered with gore and sweary words so not for the squeamish. I also really felt for the MP as he tried to cope with his lifestyle choices and being outed before he had become comfortable with his sexuality.
The narrator did a cracking job and did a wide range of believable voices which did bring the characters to life.
On to the next novel in the series.
The main protagonist is a bald, gay, son of a famous father trying to be a good father and copper. A viscous serial killer is on the loose and he/she is leaving a trail of grisly killings in their wake. The victims may or may not be linked (no spoilers here!)
Set in London with excellent descriptions set out by the author.
This was excellent, seriously good fun and it had me captivated from page one. Didn't guess the baddie(s) or the why done it. The novel is peppered with gore and sweary words so not for the squeamish. I also really felt for the MP as he tried to cope with his lifestyle choices and being outed before he had become comfortable with his sexuality.
The narrator did a cracking job and did a wide range of believable voices which did bring the characters to life.
On to the next novel in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
Hal Luchewski is a detective, his life is a bit of a mess, firstly he’s coming to terms with the fact he’s gay, that’s resulting in a lot of one night stands and lots of booze…
he has a teenage daughter from a failed marriage…he is the son of a famous show biz duo.
Hal is also a detective in the middle of a particularly gruesome murder hunt, a serial killer who chops his victims up and dumps the body parts everywhere…
On top of that, his most recent one night stand a journalist wants a scoop when he realises who he is outs him in a news that means all his colleagues now know he’s gay and some of them start to make his life difficult.
I enjoyed this book, it was a good yarn, and I’ll look forward to reading other Mark Lock books
he has a teenage daughter from a failed marriage…he is the son of a famous show biz duo.
Hal is also a detective in the middle of a particularly gruesome murder hunt, a serial killer who chops his victims up and dumps the body parts everywhere…
On top of that, his most recent one night stand a journalist wants a scoop when he realises who he is outs him in a news that means all his colleagues now know he’s gay and some of them start to make his life difficult.
I enjoyed this book, it was a good yarn, and I’ll look forward to reading other Mark Lock books
February 19, 2022
This was ‘okay’ and I did agonise between two and three stars. I settled on two, because it just irritated me at times as I read it and I felt that there were lots of details that felt like they were there to make some kind of a point and just felt unnecessary.
I didn’t connect with the main character in any way and ultimately, there were very few characters who I actually liked. The final nail in the coffin for me, was some of the dialogue just felt really ‘clunky’ and actually became an irritant.
I’m sure that there are many out there who thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. That’s what make literature so fabulous, it has different appeals for different readers.
I didn’t connect with the main character in any way and ultimately, there were very few characters who I actually liked. The final nail in the coffin for me, was some of the dialogue just felt really ‘clunky’ and actually became an irritant.
I’m sure that there are many out there who thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. That’s what make literature so fabulous, it has different appeals for different readers.
September 6, 2016
Overall i found this book hard to get into at the start but perservered and i was happy i did because the last 4-5 chapters had me unable to put the book down. I'v given this book only 3 stars because i found it was slow to start and it left some questions unanswered but i enjoyed it anyway
February 19, 2017
Listened to this on audible, great characters and very believable. Read it!
June 18, 2019
Really enjoyed this book,easy read and quite a small book aswell and omg the twist was unexpected
October 18, 2019
Really odd detective. The plot seemed rehashed.
February 23, 2021
Interesting police procedural with good characterisation. Twisty plot and pugnacious main man make for an enjoyable tale.
April 16, 2017
This is a great book, it is well written and suspenseful right the end. It puts me in mind of the writing of the likes of Mark Billingham and Stuart McBride, gritty storyline and great characters. The story keeps you guessing and you are total involved with the team. Look forward tto tthe next one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews