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DCI Mark Lapslie #4
The Thirteenth Coffin
A heart-stopping delve into the twisted mind of a serial killer from the creator of the hit BBC drama Silent Witness. Perfect for fans of M.J. Arlidge and Angela Marsons.
Stretching along the shelf, standing upright, were twelve wooden coffins. Nine were closed, and three open . . . with little dolls standing inside them . . .
It was supposed to be the most special day of her life - until the unthinkable happened. Leslie Petersen is shot dead on her wedding day.
With the bride's killer vanished without a trace, the investigation into the murder grinds to a halt before it's even begun. But then, the decomposing body of an unidentified homeless man is found in an old Cold War bunker, and DCI Mark Lapslie makes a bizarre discovery. Hidden near the body is a shrine full of miniature wooden coffins. Each coffin contains a little doll, all dressed differently.
One of the dolls is dressed as a bride - could this be a link to Leslie's murder? And if so, who do the other dolls represent? Can Lapslie and his team stop the countdown of the 'dying dolls' before it's too late?
Discover the other books in the DCI Mark Lapslie series: Core of Evil, Tooth and Claw, Scream and Flesh and Blood.
Stretching along the shelf, standing upright, were twelve wooden coffins. Nine were closed, and three open . . . with little dolls standing inside them . . .
It was supposed to be the most special day of her life - until the unthinkable happened. Leslie Petersen is shot dead on her wedding day.
With the bride's killer vanished without a trace, the investigation into the murder grinds to a halt before it's even begun. But then, the decomposing body of an unidentified homeless man is found in an old Cold War bunker, and DCI Mark Lapslie makes a bizarre discovery. Hidden near the body is a shrine full of miniature wooden coffins. Each coffin contains a little doll, all dressed differently.
One of the dolls is dressed as a bride - could this be a link to Leslie's murder? And if so, who do the other dolls represent? Can Lapslie and his team stop the countdown of the 'dying dolls' before it's too late?
Discover the other books in the DCI Mark Lapslie series: Core of Evil, Tooth and Claw, Scream and Flesh and Blood.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2015
12 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Nigel McCrery
66 books54 followersNigel Colin McCrery was an English screenwriter, producer and writer. He was the creator of the long-running crime dramas Silent Witness (1996–present) and New Tricks (2003–2015).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 21, 2016
This is a police procedural set in Essex. Divorced DCI Mark Lapslie is an unusual cop with a crippling condition where he experienced extreme synaesthesia which can overwhelm his senses. He is on meds which helps but he relies on DS Emma Bradbury to organise his life and other people so that he is able to function. He has a relationship with Charlotte, a medical doctor, which is working despite him being a committed police officer on constant call. He is called out to a tramp's death in a official bunker.
The death is natural but what catches Mark's eye are 13 coffins. Three coffins are open, others have dolls in them, marked or broken within the closed coffins. Mark has a strong sense of foreboding which turns out to be accurate. A bride is shot by a sniper in a church, a doll in a wedding dress depicting the exact shot on the body is found in the bunker. So begins a tortuous investigation while the police team try to keep two victims safe as it becomes clear that the dolls represent murdered people. The serial killer plays a cat and mouse game with the police and has Mark in his sight as the 13th coffin is meant for him. The killer is clever, devious and twisted. In a frantic blood drenched and desperate hunt to locate this dangerous multiple murderer, the police race against the clock to identify him.
This is a killer who has no qualms of killing all those who stand in his way. This is a thrilling and compelling read with a fast paced narrative. It is a well plotted story which is interspersed with the serial killer's perspective. It has an interesting central character in Mark, who goes out of his way to avoid people. A recommended police procedural.
The death is natural but what catches Mark's eye are 13 coffins. Three coffins are open, others have dolls in them, marked or broken within the closed coffins. Mark has a strong sense of foreboding which turns out to be accurate. A bride is shot by a sniper in a church, a doll in a wedding dress depicting the exact shot on the body is found in the bunker. So begins a tortuous investigation while the police team try to keep two victims safe as it becomes clear that the dolls represent murdered people. The serial killer plays a cat and mouse game with the police and has Mark in his sight as the 13th coffin is meant for him. The killer is clever, devious and twisted. In a frantic blood drenched and desperate hunt to locate this dangerous multiple murderer, the police race against the clock to identify him.
This is a killer who has no qualms of killing all those who stand in his way. This is a thrilling and compelling read with a fast paced narrative. It is a well plotted story which is interspersed with the serial killer's perspective. It has an interesting central character in Mark, who goes out of his way to avoid people. A recommended police procedural.
June 28, 2019
“There will be time to murder and create.”
A page-turner. An intriguing and unpredictable plot. A shocking ending.
A serial murderer with a knack for making dolls. A killer to be reckoned with. A killer who has been murdering undetected for seven years.
A bride is shot to death on her wedding day.
Thirteen small coffins are found in an abandoned bunker. Nine of them contain handmade dolls. Each damaged or disfigured differently. Three of the coffins are empty, a doll yet undamaged positioned next to each. One of the dolls is a bride.
Coincident? Or is the bride one of many victims of a merciless and clever killer?
Can the police stop the doll-maker before he kills the last two intended victims?
Who does the thirteenth coffin belong to?
A page-turner. An intriguing and unpredictable plot. A shocking ending.
A serial murderer with a knack for making dolls. A killer to be reckoned with. A killer who has been murdering undetected for seven years.
A bride is shot to death on her wedding day.
Thirteen small coffins are found in an abandoned bunker. Nine of them contain handmade dolls. Each damaged or disfigured differently. Three of the coffins are empty, a doll yet undamaged positioned next to each. One of the dolls is a bride.
Coincident? Or is the bride one of many victims of a merciless and clever killer?
Can the police stop the doll-maker before he kills the last two intended victims?
Who does the thirteenth coffin belong to?
January 31, 2016
Really enjoyed The Thirteenth Coffin. It was really uber creepy crime which always appeals to me - those tiny dolls in those tiny coffins *shudder*
I love Lapslie too - he's a great addition to the memorable detective group, his condition making things just that bit more interesting. It actually works strangely well knowing how other characters might taste as well as act and look. Yes ok I'm a little strange myself but it is a fascinating condition - one I've come across before with other characters in other books but not done quite so cleverly as it is in the Lapslie novels.
As for this particular story I refer you back to my earlier uber creepy comment. This was particularly disturbing, for a start I'm not a huge fan of dolls in the first place horrible scary things, but teeny tiny ones murdered and stuck into teeny tiny coffins? Noooooo hurry up and catch THIS killer please DCI Lapslie.
The story rocked along, twisting and turning, as our gang go after a killer and unravel the mystery, the pace is set fair, the descriptive prose working to keep you off kilter and as I said. Great characters. I'm especially fond of Bradbury.
Highly readable addictive Crime. Wonderful!
Happy Reading Folks!
I love Lapslie too - he's a great addition to the memorable detective group, his condition making things just that bit more interesting. It actually works strangely well knowing how other characters might taste as well as act and look. Yes ok I'm a little strange myself but it is a fascinating condition - one I've come across before with other characters in other books but not done quite so cleverly as it is in the Lapslie novels.
As for this particular story I refer you back to my earlier uber creepy comment. This was particularly disturbing, for a start I'm not a huge fan of dolls in the first place horrible scary things, but teeny tiny ones murdered and stuck into teeny tiny coffins? Noooooo hurry up and catch THIS killer please DCI Lapslie.
The story rocked along, twisting and turning, as our gang go after a killer and unravel the mystery, the pace is set fair, the descriptive prose working to keep you off kilter and as I said. Great characters. I'm especially fond of Bradbury.
Highly readable addictive Crime. Wonderful!
Happy Reading Folks!
December 31, 2015
Thirteen Coffins – A Good Twisted Thriller
Thirteen Coffins is the fourth in the DCI Mark Lapslie series by TV screenwriter Nigel McCrery, which draws you and keeps you captivated until the end. This story builds on an nineteenth century legend around the time of Burke and Hare, when some tiny dolls in coffins were found in a cave under Edinburgh. The stage is set and has been moved to modern day Essex, and seen through the narrative of those who are killed as well telling the story from the Police’s point of view.
Mark Lapslie is one of the best detectives in the Essex Constabulary but he is also known to have a few health problems, mainly concerned with him suffering from Synaesthesia. He has excellent back up in the shape of his Detective Sergeant Emma Bradbury who seems to be able to read what her boss needs and at the same time acting as a buffer between Lapslie and the team.
Lapslie is called in to a death in a former Cold War nuclear bunker; it is not the death that draws their interest, but twelve small coffins, some of which had small dolls inside with some of the dolls being mutilated in different ways. Then there are some that are not in the coffins; such as a bride, a teacher and an army major.
When a bride is killed on her wedding day so begins the search for the killer who clearly was very skilled, as he had shot the bride from a distance. As the race to discover the killer, they also find that the doll in the brides outfit now is covered in blood with a hole similar to where the bullet killed the actual bride.
Slowly Lapslie and Bradbury realise they are on the search for a serial killer, one who is intelligent and has an excellent skill set. They need to find the previous victims, or find out who and how they were killed might help them to find the killer who had clearly been operating for a long time and was a skilled planner. More importantly he needed to out if those killed were connected in any way, especially when the killer was leaving so few clues.
This is a well planned thriller that leaves you guessing all the way through until the reveal, even though McCrery dots clues around the narrative, but you need to spot them. Otherwise you will have to wait until Lapslie works out who the killer is and then it is a race to the end of the book.
McCrery uses Lapslie’s faults in an interesting way especially the descriptions of the way he suffers with Synaesthesia and how it affects him and his work. This is a highly readable thriller with interesting outcomes and not afraid to have a high body count. An enjoyable read, with some of the usual thriller clichés which you soon glide over to find a fitting hero in Lapslie.
Thirteen Coffins is the fourth in the DCI Mark Lapslie series by TV screenwriter Nigel McCrery, which draws you and keeps you captivated until the end. This story builds on an nineteenth century legend around the time of Burke and Hare, when some tiny dolls in coffins were found in a cave under Edinburgh. The stage is set and has been moved to modern day Essex, and seen through the narrative of those who are killed as well telling the story from the Police’s point of view.
Mark Lapslie is one of the best detectives in the Essex Constabulary but he is also known to have a few health problems, mainly concerned with him suffering from Synaesthesia. He has excellent back up in the shape of his Detective Sergeant Emma Bradbury who seems to be able to read what her boss needs and at the same time acting as a buffer between Lapslie and the team.
Lapslie is called in to a death in a former Cold War nuclear bunker; it is not the death that draws their interest, but twelve small coffins, some of which had small dolls inside with some of the dolls being mutilated in different ways. Then there are some that are not in the coffins; such as a bride, a teacher and an army major.
When a bride is killed on her wedding day so begins the search for the killer who clearly was very skilled, as he had shot the bride from a distance. As the race to discover the killer, they also find that the doll in the brides outfit now is covered in blood with a hole similar to where the bullet killed the actual bride.
Slowly Lapslie and Bradbury realise they are on the search for a serial killer, one who is intelligent and has an excellent skill set. They need to find the previous victims, or find out who and how they were killed might help them to find the killer who had clearly been operating for a long time and was a skilled planner. More importantly he needed to out if those killed were connected in any way, especially when the killer was leaving so few clues.
This is a well planned thriller that leaves you guessing all the way through until the reveal, even though McCrery dots clues around the narrative, but you need to spot them. Otherwise you will have to wait until Lapslie works out who the killer is and then it is a race to the end of the book.
McCrery uses Lapslie’s faults in an interesting way especially the descriptions of the way he suffers with Synaesthesia and how it affects him and his work. This is a highly readable thriller with interesting outcomes and not afraid to have a high body count. An enjoyable read, with some of the usual thriller clichés which you soon glide over to find a fitting hero in Lapslie.
December 31, 2015
**Possible spoiler alert**
This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be quite happy to read another especially if it featured DCI Mark Lapslie who was a rather intriguing character due to the fact he suffers (if this is the right word for this curious condition!) from synaesthesia. I actually stopped reading the book at the point I found out this so that I could Google the condition and the many forms that it may take. In the case of Lapslie, he "tastes" the flavours of what is said to him.
I found this to add an interesting spin onto a police murder mystery that may have been lacking otherwise. I also liked the way the author was inspired in his plotting by the mini coffins found at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh during the 19th century (not the first to do this as I'm sure I've read a Rebus instalment which also included this real life mystery).
This is probably more of a 3.5* read for me. I don't normally do half stars but feel it's not quite a 4* for me as I worked out who was responsible as soon as he appeared on the scene due to a particular sentence used by the author so was a bit disappointed by that.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I would be quite happy to read another especially if it featured DCI Mark Lapslie who was a rather intriguing character due to the fact he suffers (if this is the right word for this curious condition!) from synaesthesia. I actually stopped reading the book at the point I found out this so that I could Google the condition and the many forms that it may take. In the case of Lapslie, he "tastes" the flavours of what is said to him.
I found this to add an interesting spin onto a police murder mystery that may have been lacking otherwise. I also liked the way the author was inspired in his plotting by the mini coffins found at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh during the 19th century (not the first to do this as I'm sure I've read a Rebus instalment which also included this real life mystery).
This is probably more of a 3.5* read for me. I don't normally do half stars but feel it's not quite a 4* for me as I worked out who was responsible as soon as he appeared on the scene due to a particular sentence used by the author so was a bit disappointed by that.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
March 31, 2018
The idea of this book came from an actual event (
Scotlands Minature Coffins
) & the premise is that twelve wooden coffins are found in a cold war bunker, 9 closed & 3 open, the open ones with dolls at their side. One doll is dressed as a bride, &, coincidentally a bride has just been murdered, shot on her wedding day. DCI Lapslie believes the dolls are linked to the bride's murder....especially when the the doll is defaced with blood in a way to resemble the victim. So who do the other dolls represent? The race is on to workout who the remaining potential victims might be so they can be saved - & who were the ones in the closed coffins? I soon picked up (or guessed?) the connection between the victims & after another hint I was practically shouting the solution out - it seemed blatantly obvious!
This was a good storyline, a sort of hybrid of James Patterson & Richard Montanari. It had the easy reading pace of Patterson & the doll idea reminded me of Montanari without the grittiness or gripping quality of that author. Some parts were a little unoriginal or stereotypical, I'm thinking in particular of the conflict between Lapslie & his boss, Rouse...but I guess that often happens in life!
I liked the way the story was told with flashbacks to the death of one of the "dolls", with the death being in keeping with the profession of the victim being a nice touch (something else Montanari would do!) The making of the dolls clothes from the victims actual garments was a creative but maybe not too credible touch, however it worked well within the context of the tale.
This is the third book I've read in this series & I'm still not really seeing the point of having Lapslie suffering from Synaesthesia. The frequent descriptions of the tastes of people do get a bit repetitive, after all theres only a limited way to describe somethings flavour eg: Colonel Parr invoked.."a taste if strong peaty whisky", "his voice tasted of a very peaty whisky" etc etc but at least it wasn't every time for every character. Surely there is another way to feature his affliction - could it not enhance his powers of deduction in someway?)
I'd also forgotten about Bradbury's relationship with an "ex" (really?) criminal but as she's breaking it off, I'll be interested to see how that goes. With his violent side already showing in their sex life, will this push him too far? I'll be happy to find out by reading more in the series.
This was a good storyline, a sort of hybrid of James Patterson & Richard Montanari. It had the easy reading pace of Patterson & the doll idea reminded me of Montanari without the grittiness or gripping quality of that author. Some parts were a little unoriginal or stereotypical, I'm thinking in particular of the conflict between Lapslie & his boss, Rouse...but I guess that often happens in life!
I liked the way the story was told with flashbacks to the death of one of the "dolls", with the death being in keeping with the profession of the victim being a nice touch (something else Montanari would do!) The making of the dolls clothes from the victims actual garments was a creative but maybe not too credible touch, however it worked well within the context of the tale.
This is the third book I've read in this series & I'm still not really seeing the point of having Lapslie suffering from Synaesthesia. The frequent descriptions of the tastes of people do get a bit repetitive, after all theres only a limited way to describe somethings flavour eg: Colonel Parr invoked.."a taste if strong peaty whisky", "his voice tasted of a very peaty whisky" etc etc but at least it wasn't every time for every character. Surely there is another way to feature his affliction - could it not enhance his powers of deduction in someway?)
I'd also forgotten about Bradbury's relationship with an "ex" (really?) criminal but as she's breaking it off, I'll be interested to see how that goes. With his violent side already showing in their sex life, will this push him too far? I'll be happy to find out by reading more in the series.
December 28, 2015
A new author to me and this is part of a series- so one that I will be keen to discover and read.
A detective finds a dead tramp in a bunker- but when they investigate they find something that suggests they might be looking for other crimes connected to mini coffins and wax dolls found at the scene. Some of the dolls are in the coffins- but others dressed as various professions still stand outside. What is the significance and just what will they unearth?
I loved the way that the story unfolded and the main detective was interesting. Would they be able to stop the serial killer before he completed his spree?
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for another great book to read in exchange for an honest review.
A detective finds a dead tramp in a bunker- but when they investigate they find something that suggests they might be looking for other crimes connected to mini coffins and wax dolls found at the scene. Some of the dolls are in the coffins- but others dressed as various professions still stand outside. What is the significance and just what will they unearth?
I loved the way that the story unfolded and the main detective was interesting. Would they be able to stop the serial killer before he completed his spree?
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for another great book to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
You do not have to read this book. But it may harm your defence if you do not. Anything you do read can be given in evidence.
May I make a suggestion? Before you read this book? The suggestion is this; allow yourself plenty of time because you will not want to put it down.
This is such a satisfying read. It’s well written, concise but not brief, all we need to know is given to us. The characters are accessible and crucial to the development of the story. There’s an element of predictability to the identity of our villain but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. The familiarity with police procedures is accurate and plausible. The pace is maintained throughout and a level of tension endures as a backdrop throughout the book.
The main detective has such an interesting health condition it adds to the interest. It’s unusual. It’s all so tight and well thought out and if I have to say anything negative it is that the ending is a little anti-climactic but then the bulk of the book is so rich the come down probably couldn’t be anything else. It’s a very visual book too and would do well as a TV adaptation and that should be no problem for Mr. McCrery given his screenwriting pedigree of things like New Tricks and Silent Witness.
If I hadn’t read this book - I’d read it again!!
Whizz
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
May I make a suggestion? Before you read this book? The suggestion is this; allow yourself plenty of time because you will not want to put it down.
This is such a satisfying read. It’s well written, concise but not brief, all we need to know is given to us. The characters are accessible and crucial to the development of the story. There’s an element of predictability to the identity of our villain but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. The familiarity with police procedures is accurate and plausible. The pace is maintained throughout and a level of tension endures as a backdrop throughout the book.
The main detective has such an interesting health condition it adds to the interest. It’s unusual. It’s all so tight and well thought out and if I have to say anything negative it is that the ending is a little anti-climactic but then the bulk of the book is so rich the come down probably couldn’t be anything else. It’s a very visual book too and would do well as a TV adaptation and that should be no problem for Mr. McCrery given his screenwriting pedigree of things like New Tricks and Silent Witness.
If I hadn’t read this book - I’d read it again!!
Whizz
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
March 28, 2016
Flicking through NetGalley as I do on a far too regular basis I came across The Thirteenth Coffin, recognising the author’s name from the excellent non-fiction Silent Witnesses, an engaging read on the history of forensics, that I read a couple of years ago, I decided to try this fiction novel, the fourth featuring DCI Mark Lapslie.
Nothing whets my appetite when it comes to serial killers than one that has a novel method, motivation or detective. This book seemed to fit the bill, the police realise they may have a serial killer on their hands when on investigating the death of a tramp in an old disused Cold War Bunker the police find twelve coffins and twelve dolls – some of the dolls are in the coffin but not all. The dolls, made of papier-mache with wax heads seem to represent jobs or hobbies so there are among others a fireman, a teacher, a bride, a general and a nurse. It looks like someone wants twelve people dead. And then a bride is shot on her wedding day…
The investigation is underway by DCI Lapslie and his team which includes Emma Bradbury as they try to find a link between the victims past and present – the reader gets some insight from details about those who died earlier in excerpts that are given throughout the book. As a twist on the drunk and miserable detective Mark Lapslie is a man suffering from synaesthesia (the rare neurological condition that causes his brain to crosswire his senses), something which was initially interesting but I’m afraid I found the descriptions of voices as tastes and the logistics of communicating with his team broke the story up without adding a great deal in return.
The plotting was superb, I really liked the way the author took his inspiration from the mini coffins found at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh during the 19th century and used it to create a story which had a more credible than most motive for murder, one where for once all the victims weren’t beautiful young women. Unusually I cottoned onto this motive fairly early on in the book which took away some of the admiration of the detective’s deductive skills but there was still plenty of drama to keep me going until the end especially as that was only one piece of the jigsaw that needed completing.
I think this would make a great crime drama for TV; Nigel McCrery has written for many crime series on TV including Silent Witness and New Tricks but I’m not convinced that the protagonist translates as well onto the page, the sights and sounds would be much more effective with some dramatic music and other visual special effects with a spooky voice-over than being told that this man’s voice tastes like petrol or this person ’has a voice like soothing chamomile tea with honey’ An enjoyable enough crime thriller which despite the high body count didn’t have me wincing at endless descriptions of unnecessary violence but sadly not one that had me on the edge of my seat either.
The Thirteenth Coffin will be published on 31 December 2015 by Quercus books who were kind enough to allow me to read this book in return for my honest opinion.
Nothing whets my appetite when it comes to serial killers than one that has a novel method, motivation or detective. This book seemed to fit the bill, the police realise they may have a serial killer on their hands when on investigating the death of a tramp in an old disused Cold War Bunker the police find twelve coffins and twelve dolls – some of the dolls are in the coffin but not all. The dolls, made of papier-mache with wax heads seem to represent jobs or hobbies so there are among others a fireman, a teacher, a bride, a general and a nurse. It looks like someone wants twelve people dead. And then a bride is shot on her wedding day…
The investigation is underway by DCI Lapslie and his team which includes Emma Bradbury as they try to find a link between the victims past and present – the reader gets some insight from details about those who died earlier in excerpts that are given throughout the book. As a twist on the drunk and miserable detective Mark Lapslie is a man suffering from synaesthesia (the rare neurological condition that causes his brain to crosswire his senses), something which was initially interesting but I’m afraid I found the descriptions of voices as tastes and the logistics of communicating with his team broke the story up without adding a great deal in return.
The plotting was superb, I really liked the way the author took his inspiration from the mini coffins found at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh during the 19th century and used it to create a story which had a more credible than most motive for murder, one where for once all the victims weren’t beautiful young women. Unusually I cottoned onto this motive fairly early on in the book which took away some of the admiration of the detective’s deductive skills but there was still plenty of drama to keep me going until the end especially as that was only one piece of the jigsaw that needed completing.
I think this would make a great crime drama for TV; Nigel McCrery has written for many crime series on TV including Silent Witness and New Tricks but I’m not convinced that the protagonist translates as well onto the page, the sights and sounds would be much more effective with some dramatic music and other visual special effects with a spooky voice-over than being told that this man’s voice tastes like petrol or this person ’has a voice like soothing chamomile tea with honey’ An enjoyable enough crime thriller which despite the high body count didn’t have me wincing at endless descriptions of unnecessary violence but sadly not one that had me on the edge of my seat either.
The Thirteenth Coffin will be published on 31 December 2015 by Quercus books who were kind enough to allow me to read this book in return for my honest opinion.
February 22, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
I loved how the book was based on a legend, but unfortunately I did not like the book as much as I had hoped. Despite that, a lot of people seem to like it, so please don’t let my review put you off from reading. I felt disconnected from the characters and wasn’t too fond of the writing.
I loved how the book was based on a legend, but unfortunately I did not like the book as much as I had hoped. Despite that, a lot of people seem to like it, so please don’t let my review put you off from reading. I felt disconnected from the characters and wasn’t too fond of the writing.
March 28, 2016
Great read but not for the faint-hearted.
March 21, 2024
Die Story fand ich super interessant und gut umgesetzt. Es war meistens spannend und ich wollte wissen wer es jetzt war. Es gab aber auch gewisse Längen. Das Buch ist zwar nicht dick aber für 5 Sterne hat mir das gewisse Etwas gefehlt. Ein krasser unerwarteter Moment. Es war manchmal etwas vorhersehbar was ich schade fand.
Der Schreibstil war locker und leicht zu lesen. Es gab verschiedene Perspektiven was ich super fand.
Das Ende war mir zu abrupt und zu fade. Hätte mir da einen richtigen Showdown gewünscht. Es wirkte so als wolle der Autor so schnell wie möglich fertig werden.
Fazit:
Ein gutes Buch welches Spass gemacht hat zu lesen. Für Krimifans sicher eine gute Wahl. Die pasr Längen die es hatte und das schnelle Ende gibt leider etwas Abzug.
Ich vergebe daher 4/5 Sterne
Der Schreibstil war locker und leicht zu lesen. Es gab verschiedene Perspektiven was ich super fand.
Das Ende war mir zu abrupt und zu fade. Hätte mir da einen richtigen Showdown gewünscht. Es wirkte so als wolle der Autor so schnell wie möglich fertig werden.
Fazit:
Ein gutes Buch welches Spass gemacht hat zu lesen. Für Krimifans sicher eine gute Wahl. Die pasr Längen die es hatte und das schnelle Ende gibt leider etwas Abzug.
Ich vergebe daher 4/5 Sterne
May 31, 2025
I found the plot intriguing, at times the writing bore me. I didn't care about the detectives love life or even all the details on the victims back story/day they died. I was much more interested in the present day investigation.
kudos to the author he hid the killer really well, I thought it was a few other people ( some were obvious targets and others not so much ) but I didn't know who the killer was until the author shared that information. well done.
It was a quick and an enjoyable read.
kudos to the author he hid the killer really well, I thought it was a few other people ( some were obvious targets and others not so much ) but I didn't know who the killer was until the author shared that information. well done.
It was a quick and an enjoyable read.
June 2, 2017
I love these books, really gritty thriller, good crime novel to read by the creator of silent witness
June 18, 2017
I am not a huge fan of police procedurals but really enjoyed this one
September 13, 2017
Kind of dull and the ending was stupid
March 19, 2018
Interesting
August 26, 2018
Good characters with a clever plot and a good investigation. The ending worked for me.
March 26, 2019
I think this was the best of the four I have read, hope the next one is just as good.
May 13, 2020
After so much SciFi time, I thought , to read sth else but poor choice. Flat characters, motive clear by half-way and end deus ex machina.
April 4, 2021
Perfect beach read. What it lacks in polish this one makes up for in speed and ease.
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January 17, 2017First book I have read by this Author. Fourth in series, I don't think it is essential to read in order. I read this book in 5 days, it was hard to put down. It is a UK crime thriller. I will shortly read the first three in the series
September 9, 2019
Ehrlich gesagt bin ich ziemlich enttäuscht von diesem vierten Band der Mark Lapslie Romane.
Das finde ich sehr schade, da mir vor allem "Kaltes Gift" als wirklich herausragender Kriminalroman in Erinnerung geblieben ist und ich die Band 1 der Reihe, wirklich jedem empfohlen habe, der gerne Krimis liest. Schon Band 2 konnte dieses Niveau nicht so recht halten. Band 3 war aber noch ganz solide, aber "Der dreizehnte Sarg" hat mich dann definitiv nicht überzeugt.
Dies hat einige Gründe.
Zunächst einmal verfällt der Autor immer wieder in eine Erklärungsschiene, in der ersteinmal Mark Lapslies halbes Privatleben erklärt werden muss, bevor er auch nur eine Minute ermittelt hat. Da dies Band 4 einer Reihe ist, hätte das einerseits entfallen können (immerhin kann man schon von treuen Reihenleser*innen ausgehen) oder eben stärker so nebenbei erfolgen müssen. So fügte es sich einfach nicht in den Rest der Geschichte ein, sondern wirkte fast schon belehrend.
Dann werden eine ganze Reihe von Figuren mit in den Ring geworfen, die dann aber eigentlich kaum mehr als Statisten bleiben. Lapslies Chef ist vor allem die Person die den Ermittlungen im Weg stehen muss. Lapslies Kollegin Emma, die immerhin in Band 3 mehr Raum bekommen hatte, istvor allem dazu da, Anweisungen entgegenzunehmen, taucht aber ansonsten kaum auf.
Der eigentlich interessante Aspekt von Marks Synästhesie wird leider zum Teil recht willkürlich eingesetzt. Meistens taucht es aber vor allem auf, um zu erläutern, warum einmal mehr alle Räume und Gänge irgendeiner Behörde oder einer Polizeistation gelehrt sind - dies wird so oft wiederholt, das es mir zunehmend auf die Nerven ging.
Eine weitere Figur, eigentlich ein Ballistiker, der sich aber so penetrant in die Ermittlungen einmischt, das es unrealistisch ist, weshalb dies zu keinem Zeitpunkt hinterfragt wird.
Sehr störend und auch meiner Meinung nach unmöglich, ist die Einbindung der Posttraumatischen Belastungstörung bei Soldaten, in die Geschichte. McCrery verharmlost meiner Meinung nach, dieses sehr ernst zu nehmende Krankheitsbild bei Soldaten, die aus dem Einsatz wiederkommen (z.B aus Afghanistan, dem Irak usw.). Es entsteht sogar der Eindruck als würde die betreffende Person einfach nur Geld von der Army einklagen wollen. Das macht mich sehr wütend, denn eine postraumatische Belastungsstörung ist alles andere als die Vorspiegelung falscher Tatsachen. Da es inzwischen dazu einige Studien gibt, halte ich das für sehr schlechte Recherchearbeit des Autors und vor allem auch untragbar, vom Verlag aus, das so nicht zu hinterfragen.
Hinzu kommt dann der wirklich abstruse Verlauf der Handlung. Es gibt immer wieder Einschübe, die den Tathergang aus der Sicht des Täters schildern. Hier hat das leider zur Folge, das alles, was Lapslie ermittelt ziemlich langweilig wirkt. Er käut an verschiedenen Stellen dann nur wieder, was der Täter längst präsentiert hat. So wirkt Lapslie zwar als Mr.Superschlau und kommt eigentlich schon sehr schnell auf wichtige Lösungssansätze, die aber sehr konstruiert boykottiert werden.
Insgesamt wirkt der Roman einfach nicht Rund erzählt und zusammengeschustert. Spannung kam für mich leider nicht auf, dabei finde ich die Grundidee echt interessant.
Schade, ich werde hier wohl für mich bei der Reihe einen Schlusstrich ziehen (es gibt noch mindestens zwei weitere Teile).
Das finde ich sehr schade, da mir vor allem "Kaltes Gift" als wirklich herausragender Kriminalroman in Erinnerung geblieben ist und ich die Band 1 der Reihe, wirklich jedem empfohlen habe, der gerne Krimis liest. Schon Band 2 konnte dieses Niveau nicht so recht halten. Band 3 war aber noch ganz solide, aber "Der dreizehnte Sarg" hat mich dann definitiv nicht überzeugt.
Dies hat einige Gründe.
Zunächst einmal verfällt der Autor immer wieder in eine Erklärungsschiene, in der ersteinmal Mark Lapslies halbes Privatleben erklärt werden muss, bevor er auch nur eine Minute ermittelt hat. Da dies Band 4 einer Reihe ist, hätte das einerseits entfallen können (immerhin kann man schon von treuen Reihenleser*innen ausgehen) oder eben stärker so nebenbei erfolgen müssen. So fügte es sich einfach nicht in den Rest der Geschichte ein, sondern wirkte fast schon belehrend.
Dann werden eine ganze Reihe von Figuren mit in den Ring geworfen, die dann aber eigentlich kaum mehr als Statisten bleiben. Lapslies Chef ist vor allem die Person die den Ermittlungen im Weg stehen muss. Lapslies Kollegin Emma, die immerhin in Band 3 mehr Raum bekommen hatte, istvor allem dazu da, Anweisungen entgegenzunehmen, taucht aber ansonsten kaum auf.
Der eigentlich interessante Aspekt von Marks Synästhesie wird leider zum Teil recht willkürlich eingesetzt. Meistens taucht es aber vor allem auf, um zu erläutern, warum einmal mehr alle Räume und Gänge irgendeiner Behörde oder einer Polizeistation gelehrt sind - dies wird so oft wiederholt, das es mir zunehmend auf die Nerven ging.
Eine weitere Figur, eigentlich ein Ballistiker, der sich aber so penetrant in die Ermittlungen einmischt, das es unrealistisch ist, weshalb dies zu keinem Zeitpunkt hinterfragt wird.
Sehr störend und auch meiner Meinung nach unmöglich, ist die Einbindung der Posttraumatischen Belastungstörung bei Soldaten, in die Geschichte. McCrery verharmlost meiner Meinung nach, dieses sehr ernst zu nehmende Krankheitsbild bei Soldaten, die aus dem Einsatz wiederkommen (z.B aus Afghanistan, dem Irak usw.). Es entsteht sogar der Eindruck als würde die betreffende Person einfach nur Geld von der Army einklagen wollen. Das macht mich sehr wütend, denn eine postraumatische Belastungsstörung ist alles andere als die Vorspiegelung falscher Tatsachen. Da es inzwischen dazu einige Studien gibt, halte ich das für sehr schlechte Recherchearbeit des Autors und vor allem auch untragbar, vom Verlag aus, das so nicht zu hinterfragen.
Hinzu kommt dann der wirklich abstruse Verlauf der Handlung. Es gibt immer wieder Einschübe, die den Tathergang aus der Sicht des Täters schildern. Hier hat das leider zur Folge, das alles, was Lapslie ermittelt ziemlich langweilig wirkt. Er käut an verschiedenen Stellen dann nur wieder, was der Täter längst präsentiert hat. So wirkt Lapslie zwar als Mr.Superschlau und kommt eigentlich schon sehr schnell auf wichtige Lösungssansätze, die aber sehr konstruiert boykottiert werden.
Insgesamt wirkt der Roman einfach nicht Rund erzählt und zusammengeschustert. Spannung kam für mich leider nicht auf, dabei finde ich die Grundidee echt interessant.
Schade, ich werde hier wohl für mich bei der Reihe einen Schlusstrich ziehen (es gibt noch mindestens zwei weitere Teile).
February 1, 2016
I kind of liked this book. It appeared on my Kindle despite me having now knowledge of pre-ordering it, however it was good to pass the time on the train. Having no prior knowledge of the storyline I was fairly pleased when it was set near places that I used to live and now miss living near, it's just a shame that there wasn't more description of the places. Finchingfield is a genuinely beautiful little gem in the Essex countryside but the book doesn't tell you that - if you didn't know that you'd never learn it from reading this.
The story itself is interesting and hides nothing that it's based on a find in Scotland many, many years ago. At first I was somewhat disappointed when it was revealed that the Chief Inspector has a major flaw - frankly, I'm a bit bored of that kind of thing in books now. That kind of element has got to a point in many books where it doesn't make the characters relatable it just makes them annoying, thankfully this flaw isn't shoved down your throat continually and as the book goes on is mentioned less and less.
While the story is interesting and fairly well executed (and I did quite enjoy reading the book) it would have got another star if Lapslie didn't have his somewhat pointless flaw and also if Lapslie wasn't so gung-ho towards the end, which just felt wreckless. Having grown up in a family with senior police officers that would never happen.
The story itself is interesting and hides nothing that it's based on a find in Scotland many, many years ago. At first I was somewhat disappointed when it was revealed that the Chief Inspector has a major flaw - frankly, I'm a bit bored of that kind of thing in books now. That kind of element has got to a point in many books where it doesn't make the characters relatable it just makes them annoying, thankfully this flaw isn't shoved down your throat continually and as the book goes on is mentioned less and less.
While the story is interesting and fairly well executed (and I did quite enjoy reading the book) it would have got another star if Lapslie didn't have his somewhat pointless flaw and also if Lapslie wasn't so gung-ho towards the end, which just felt wreckless. Having grown up in a family with senior police officers that would never happen.
January 2, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A fairly compelling story that held me and some interesting characters that may draw me into other books in the series.
Inspired by a 'for real' mystery of miniature coffins found in Edinburgh, the author has cleverly crafted the plot into a serial killer on a quest and I enjoyed it. However, I wonder whether the author also 'discovered' synaesthesia as a condition and felt moved to also use this in the story.... The condition may be intriguing but it bore no relevance to the story nor added anything to character development. It became the main notable feature of the central figure rather than a just a facet of the challenges of his daily life.
Bradbury, the side-kick, was far more interesting in terms of her background and personality and this character WOULD draw me into further books in the series. Overall and enjoyable book albeit with a swift and neat ending.
December 22, 2015
Reading a DCI Mark Lapslie book is like reconnecting with an old friend. I love hearing how he is coping with his synaethesia (ability to taste sounds) and his team at work.
In this book 12 dolls are found, 9 in coffins and 3 not. Then a woman is shot on her wedding day and a tenth doll is placed into its coffin. Lapslie and his team have to work out who the dolls represent, whether they have all been murdered and who the remaining dolls are representative of, as well as who the killer is.
Another excellent addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one. I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book 12 dolls are found, 9 in coffins and 3 not. Then a woman is shot on her wedding day and a tenth doll is placed into its coffin. Lapslie and his team have to work out who the dolls represent, whether they have all been murdered and who the remaining dolls are representative of, as well as who the killer is.
Another excellent addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one. I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2016
I absolutely love these books. Detective Lapslie has synesthesia ( he tastes sounds). And this book is one of my favorite so far. I really enjoyed that it was based on actual miniature coffins
Anyway, miniature coffins are discovered - each one with a doll dressed in specific type clothes - for example a nurse, a bride, a soldier, a mechanic, etc. All very strange and unusual. But then a bride is murdered... which leads the investigation a whole new direction
It was full of twists and turns and I couldn;t put it down. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next one. I wish Mr. McCrery could write as fast as I read :)
Anyway, miniature coffins are discovered - each one with a doll dressed in specific type clothes - for example a nurse, a bride, a soldier, a mechanic, etc. All very strange and unusual. But then a bride is murdered... which leads the investigation a whole new direction
It was full of twists and turns and I couldn;t put it down. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next one. I wish Mr. McCrery could write as fast as I read :)
February 20, 2016
Set in England, DCI Mark Lapslie investigates a serial murderer who, for each victim, leaves a doll in a coffin dressed in the victim's clothes. Lapslie and his team search for a link between victims, many of whom had looked like accident victims at the time of their deaths. Lapslie is intended to be the thirteenth victim. Good story. For no apparent plot reason, Lapslie suffers from synesthesia.
December 19, 2020
I'm done. I enjoyed the previous book, even though it wasn't great. It was fun and gimmicky and fast paced, a good beach read/listen. So was this, but only to a point. The main character was totally insufferable! And the plot and writing were too thin for even a beach read. I liked the coffin/doll gimmick, but it wasn't enough to carry the book.
But seriously, the protagonist is a huge, condescending d-bag with a moral superiority complex. Ugh. Yeah, I'll have to pass on more in the series.
But seriously, the protagonist is a huge, condescending d-bag with a moral superiority complex. Ugh. Yeah, I'll have to pass on more in the series.
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