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Cruxys Solutions Investigation #1
The Locker
Hello, Nancy.
You're at your usual locker at Fitness Plus. The time is 9:15. Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won't answer and your daughter, Beth, is alone with her nanny.
It will take you eighteen minutes to get home. If you drive fast.
Shame. You're already eighteen minutes late . . .
The kidnappers' only stipulation is that Nancy must tell her husband, Michael.
Her only problem is, she doesn't know where he is. But she recalls him mentioning a number she must call if anything unusual happens. This triggers a Code Red at specialist security company Cruxys Solutions, who send investigators Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik to track him down.
But they can't find a single trace of him.
What do you do when a child's life depends on finding a man who doesn't seem to exist?
Praise:
"Gonzalez and Vaslik make an appealingly mismatched investigative unit."--KIRKUS REVIEWS
You're at your usual locker at Fitness Plus. The time is 9:15. Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won't answer and your daughter, Beth, is alone with her nanny.
It will take you eighteen minutes to get home. If you drive fast.
Shame. You're already eighteen minutes late . . .
The kidnappers' only stipulation is that Nancy must tell her husband, Michael.
Her only problem is, she doesn't know where he is. But she recalls him mentioning a number she must call if anything unusual happens. This triggers a Code Red at specialist security company Cruxys Solutions, who send investigators Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik to track him down.
But they can't find a single trace of him.
What do you do when a child's life depends on finding a man who doesn't seem to exist?
Praise:
"Gonzalez and Vaslik make an appealingly mismatched investigative unit."--KIRKUS REVIEWS
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2016
24 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Magson
47 books96 followersAdrian Magson is a British crime-writer, his books often involve conspiracies, and have two repeating main characters - Riley Gavin, a young female investigative reporter, and Frank Palmer, a former RMP (British Royal Military Policeman) now a private investigator.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 11, 2016
Wow this one fast paced thriller, I just loved it and could not put it down.
The story is set when Nancy arrives at the gym and opens her locker just like any other day.....but today is not just any ordinary day.
In her locker she finds a card telling her that her mobile phone is dead, her home phone is out of action and her daughter is home alone with the nanny. From here on in the action takes off, at times I had no idea what was really going on, Nancy's only contact with her missing husband is a mobile that she has secretly hidden and she is receiving periodic covert messages from him.
I had to keep reading to see what had really happened and have to say that I was very satisfied with the end and will be looking out for more of this authors books.
The story is set when Nancy arrives at the gym and opens her locker just like any other day.....but today is not just any ordinary day.
In her locker she finds a card telling her that her mobile phone is dead, her home phone is out of action and her daughter is home alone with the nanny. From here on in the action takes off, at times I had no idea what was really going on, Nancy's only contact with her missing husband is a mobile that she has secretly hidden and she is receiving periodic covert messages from him.
I had to keep reading to see what had really happened and have to say that I was very satisfied with the end and will be looking out for more of this authors books.
November 26, 2015
Nancy is at the gym, she uses the same locker each time. We are creatures of habit.
She picks up a card that someone has mysteriously left and reads......
Should she believe what is written on this card?
The start of this Quote:
The time is 9:15. Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won't answer and your daughter, Beth, is alone with her nanny.
It will take you eighteen minutes to get home. If you drive fast.
Oh my word
This sets the scenes for the story that just kept on giving. It was tense from then on from start to finish.
Terrorism is involved with this abduction, even so it made for compulsive reading that had my attention from beginning to end.
*I would like to thank Midnight Ink via Net Galley and the author for allowing me to read and review this book*
Time is running out.
July 22, 2017
This was hard work reading, I didn't realise before I started it that it was a book based on terrorism, a subject I would not choose to read through choice! I needed to know the outcome though so I completed it. The kidnapping part held my interest. The characters were well rounded and (most) were likeable enough. A well written novel, just not really for me.
July 22, 2021
Thrilling
March 23, 2019
Adrian Magson does it again. Now I have tried all of his series but one and they are great, he is actually one of my favoite authors. You should try some of his stuff. There will be a new Inspector Rocco soon and I have already started to look for the second one in this series. This is a different aproach to what I'm usually reading but so is everything he writes. This was a really pleasant surprise since I won it somehow and got it signed from Magson himself. I am most grateful.
January 20, 2016
Who do you turn to when your child is abducted?
This is a very intriguing story of child abduction. But, it’s complex and so much more than just about the abduction. Nancy Hardman goes to the gym leaving her four-year-old daughter, Beth, with Tiggi, their nanny. She uses the same locker each time she goes. Only this time, someone had left a note for her. It read, in part, “It will take you 18 minutes to get home. If you drive fast. Shame. You’re already 18 minutes late.” They also specified she does not contact the police, but “DO tell your husband.” She rushes home to find both Tiggi and Beth gone. She’s in a panic. Then, she remembers her husband, Michael, had given her instructions to call a specific number and mention a code if he was not home and there was an emergency. Shortly after she calls, two agents come to her door from Cruxys Solutions. They are Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik.
I had many questions about Nancy as I read this novel. At first, I thought she was one of those characters that readers refer to as tstl (too stupid to live). But, keep reading. I still didn’t quite understand the family money situation. Nancy works part-time as a bookkeeper; it was suggested that Michael, as a charity field worker, didn’t monetarily support the family, yet one would think she’d need more than just her income to run their home. I didn’t feel that the initial investigation focused enough on the money matters, especially in light of how expensive it is to keep an organization like Cruxys Solutions on stand-by. I enjoyed the characters of Ruth and Andy. They were both well-developed and had backgrounds which supported how skilfully they handled their jobs. Rating: 3 out of 5.
Fictionzeal
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
This is a very intriguing story of child abduction. But, it’s complex and so much more than just about the abduction. Nancy Hardman goes to the gym leaving her four-year-old daughter, Beth, with Tiggi, their nanny. She uses the same locker each time she goes. Only this time, someone had left a note for her. It read, in part, “It will take you 18 minutes to get home. If you drive fast. Shame. You’re already 18 minutes late.” They also specified she does not contact the police, but “DO tell your husband.” She rushes home to find both Tiggi and Beth gone. She’s in a panic. Then, she remembers her husband, Michael, had given her instructions to call a specific number and mention a code if he was not home and there was an emergency. Shortly after she calls, two agents come to her door from Cruxys Solutions. They are Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik.
I had many questions about Nancy as I read this novel. At first, I thought she was one of those characters that readers refer to as tstl (too stupid to live). But, keep reading. I still didn’t quite understand the family money situation. Nancy works part-time as a bookkeeper; it was suggested that Michael, as a charity field worker, didn’t monetarily support the family, yet one would think she’d need more than just her income to run their home. I didn’t feel that the initial investigation focused enough on the money matters, especially in light of how expensive it is to keep an organization like Cruxys Solutions on stand-by. I enjoyed the characters of Ruth and Andy. They were both well-developed and had backgrounds which supported how skilfully they handled their jobs. Rating: 3 out of 5.
Fictionzeal
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
March 4, 2016
I gave up on this. The flow of it was nice and quick as far as reading the words, but the story itself dragged. Nearly 40 pages in a row were spent on three people having a conversation. I also felt something was off about the writing-style. I didn't care enough to find out what happened.
January 31, 2016
Good enough. Strong beginning that became repetitive and fizzled out for me, but I skimmed parts to keep up. Good for those with a stronger interest in this type of material.
December 24, 2017
(I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Hello, Nancy.
You’re at your usual locker at Fitness Plus. The time is 9:15. Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won’t answer and your daughter, Beth, is alone with her nanny.
It will take you eighteen minutes to get home. If you drive fast.
Shame. You’re already eighteen minutes late . . .
The kidnappers' only stipulation is that Nancy must tell her husband, Michael.
Her only problem is, she doesn't know where he is. But she recalls him mentioning a number she must call if anything unusual happens. This triggers a Code Red at specialist security company Cruxys Solutions, who send investigators Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik to track him down.
But they can't find a single trace of him.
What do you do when a child’s life depends on finding a man who doesn't seem to exist?
*3.5 stars*
A pretty good story about the kidnapping of a young girl and what lengths a family will go to in getting her back...
This book started out very strong - the mystery from the get-go really dragged me into the story. The pacing of the opening chapters was excellent, making me turn page after page to find out where Michael is...and Beth, of course...
And then the book took a side-step and the mystery novel I was reading became a terrorism thriller...and I don't really think that change of direction really worked for me. Sure, kidnapping novels are a dime-a-dozen but this one felt really good with lots of little twists along the way. Wish it had stayed a mystery...
Gotta say, though, that I will read more of this author - if only for Ruth and Andy. Two excellent characters that I would love to read more of...
Paul
ARH
Hello, Nancy.
You’re at your usual locker at Fitness Plus. The time is 9:15. Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won’t answer and your daughter, Beth, is alone with her nanny.
It will take you eighteen minutes to get home. If you drive fast.
Shame. You’re already eighteen minutes late . . .
The kidnappers' only stipulation is that Nancy must tell her husband, Michael.
Her only problem is, she doesn't know where he is. But she recalls him mentioning a number she must call if anything unusual happens. This triggers a Code Red at specialist security company Cruxys Solutions, who send investigators Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik to track him down.
But they can't find a single trace of him.
What do you do when a child’s life depends on finding a man who doesn't seem to exist?
*3.5 stars*
A pretty good story about the kidnapping of a young girl and what lengths a family will go to in getting her back...
This book started out very strong - the mystery from the get-go really dragged me into the story. The pacing of the opening chapters was excellent, making me turn page after page to find out where Michael is...and Beth, of course...
And then the book took a side-step and the mystery novel I was reading became a terrorism thriller...and I don't really think that change of direction really worked for me. Sure, kidnapping novels are a dime-a-dozen but this one felt really good with lots of little twists along the way. Wish it had stayed a mystery...
Gotta say, though, that I will read more of this author - if only for Ruth and Andy. Two excellent characters that I would love to read more of...
Paul
ARH
May 15, 2017
This was a well-written and fast-paced book as well as an enjoyable read. Unfortunately, if you tend to read books of this type, the plot becomes quite obvious very early on and the ending is of no surprise. Still, I enjoyed reading it. I just wish it had some twists that I hadn't seen coming from almost the beginning of the book.
August 1, 2024
I've enjoyed other books by Adrian Magson. This one didn't really work for me. I didn't feel any connection to the characters. The plot was meandering rather than suspenseful.
It's okay, but his Lucas Rocco, Marc Portman and Harry Tate books are much better.
It's okay, but his Lucas Rocco, Marc Portman and Harry Tate books are much better.
August 20, 2017
Well written, fast paced, a page turner - everything I expect from Adrian Magson and then some. I couldn't put The Locker down - well done.
November 11, 2017
Fast paced with a number of twists. Not readily apparent that it was about spies and terrorism. Kept my attention throughout.
March 22, 2021
Started well .......
July 22, 2021
Thrilling
October 30, 2022
Good Book
November 1, 2015
This book is a hard-hitter.
It starts with Nancy receiving a note that tells her that her daughter has been kidnapped. Her husband, a Charity worker is the only person who is to know about this and she is warned not to involve the police.
The Locker is a book that will keep you gripped and engrossed. Half way through it changes and the reader enters a world of.. well.. everything. From Aid work to money laundering. I was simply fascinated by how this plot evolves. This is not just a child abduction tale, the themes are current and topical.
Adrian Magson has clearly done his homework, the amount of research he has done for this book must have been a feat in itself. As well as reading a sharp, intelligent novel, I actually feel like I have learned something about the work of the characters involved.
My favorite character was Clarisse, I would love to be as kick-ass as she, and I wonder if Adrian has any ideas to involve her another book. I would love to know more about her life and what drives her to be as she is.
I could not stop reading this one and I read it in one sitting. As much as I hate the term, The Locker is a ‘page-turner’ and there is no doubt that Adrian Magson is at the top of the tree with this book.
It starts with Nancy receiving a note that tells her that her daughter has been kidnapped. Her husband, a Charity worker is the only person who is to know about this and she is warned not to involve the police.
The Locker is a book that will keep you gripped and engrossed. Half way through it changes and the reader enters a world of.. well.. everything. From Aid work to money laundering. I was simply fascinated by how this plot evolves. This is not just a child abduction tale, the themes are current and topical.
Adrian Magson has clearly done his homework, the amount of research he has done for this book must have been a feat in itself. As well as reading a sharp, intelligent novel, I actually feel like I have learned something about the work of the characters involved.
My favorite character was Clarisse, I would love to be as kick-ass as she, and I wonder if Adrian has any ideas to involve her another book. I would love to know more about her life and what drives her to be as she is.
I could not stop reading this one and I read it in one sitting. As much as I hate the term, The Locker is a ‘page-turner’ and there is no doubt that Adrian Magson is at the top of the tree with this book.
September 28, 2016
What would you do if a note in your locker at the gym told you that your daughter has been kidnapped? Nancy Hardman was instructed to go home and to tell her husband Michael about Beth, but she was unsuccessful in her attempts to reach him. Remembering Michael's instructions in case of emergency, the next phone call she makes might save her daughter from unknown attackers. When the search begins, specialists Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik soon realize that this is no ordinary abduction. Will the duo, along with teammate Gina Fraser, be able to find the girl in time?
As a huge fan of spy thrillers, I was definitely looking forward to The Locker. Although some aspects of the book were transparent, the author did a great job of twisting up the story until the very end. With movie worthy action scenes and a great plot, The Locker was exciting to read from the first page. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy spy thrillers and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in this series by Adrian Magson.
As a huge fan of spy thrillers, I was definitely looking forward to The Locker. Although some aspects of the book were transparent, the author did a great job of twisting up the story until the very end. With movie worthy action scenes and a great plot, The Locker was exciting to read from the first page. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy spy thrillers and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in this series by Adrian Magson.
October 23, 2016
An excellent mystery thriller from a talented author.
When her child is kidnapped and her husband is missing, Nancy is lucky that a team from Cruxys Solutions are soon on the ground helping her. Cruxys are negotiation and kidnap specialists and they have their work cut out here as nothing is what it seems. There seems a lot more to Nancy’s husband than one might expect and as the team follow a number of paths, it appears they may not be the only ones with an interest and they may not even be able to trust each-other.
This unravels at the right pace, its complex and you start to get things at the same time as the team which is always the sign of a good thriller. The characters working for Cruxys are interesting too, the three person field team have obvious talents and distinct personalities but you can also feel their frustration as they try to make sense of things.
Very much enjoyed this and I note a new Cruxys book is out next year, I’ll be picking it up. Great stuff.
When her child is kidnapped and her husband is missing, Nancy is lucky that a team from Cruxys Solutions are soon on the ground helping her. Cruxys are negotiation and kidnap specialists and they have their work cut out here as nothing is what it seems. There seems a lot more to Nancy’s husband than one might expect and as the team follow a number of paths, it appears they may not be the only ones with an interest and they may not even be able to trust each-other.
This unravels at the right pace, its complex and you start to get things at the same time as the team which is always the sign of a good thriller. The characters working for Cruxys are interesting too, the three person field team have obvious talents and distinct personalities but you can also feel their frustration as they try to make sense of things.
Very much enjoyed this and I note a new Cruxys book is out next year, I’ll be picking it up. Great stuff.
October 21, 2016
Pretty fast paced novel about the abduction of a little girl, Beth.
It seems that the reason, not for ransom, but to get Beth's father to return to the UK. Her mother, Nancy, gets a note in her locker at the gym. When she races home and finds that her daughter and her nanny are gone, she remembers that her husband, Michael, told her to call a certain number, if anything untoward happens. She calls in Cruxys and the "game is afoot."
Beth, is the most sympathetic character in the book, even though she doesn't play a big part. Nancy is weak and suggestible; Slik and Ruth are professionals and act as such but don't evoke much emotion from me, nor do their colleagues at headquarters.
A twist at the end and good writing kept me reading.
My first book by Adrian Magson. I would probably read another novel by this writer.
It seems that the reason, not for ransom, but to get Beth's father to return to the UK. Her mother, Nancy, gets a note in her locker at the gym. When she races home and finds that her daughter and her nanny are gone, she remembers that her husband, Michael, told her to call a certain number, if anything untoward happens. She calls in Cruxys and the "game is afoot."
Beth, is the most sympathetic character in the book, even though she doesn't play a big part. Nancy is weak and suggestible; Slik and Ruth are professionals and act as such but don't evoke much emotion from me, nor do their colleagues at headquarters.
A twist at the end and good writing kept me reading.
My first book by Adrian Magson. I would probably read another novel by this writer.
February 1, 2016
When a British woman's young daughter is kidnapped, she calls in a security firm. Her husband had told her if any emergencies came up while he was working overseas, she was to contact them. In the kidnap note she was told to get in touch with her husband. The only problem is that she doesn't know how to locate him. This is a good action suspense story with some interesting plot twists
August 6, 2016
The reviews on the book said if you like Joseph Finder and Lee Child, you should read this book.
I like both of them so I was hooked. I have to say, I am glad I did. It was a fast moving
story from the beginning. i was surprised at the end. But I really enjoyed it. It is a new author for
me. I wouldn't mind reading more of him.
I like both of them so I was hooked. I have to say, I am glad I did. It was a fast moving
story from the beginning. i was surprised at the end. But I really enjoyed it. It is a new author for
me. I wouldn't mind reading more of him.
January 18, 2016
Fast moving, fairly believable story where Cruxys, a security firm, tries to find a kidnapped child and why the child was taken.
Starts with a bang and keeps going. Good characters especially the leads, Ruth and Andy Vaslik.
Starts with a bang and keeps going. Good characters especially the leads, Ruth and Andy Vaslik.
Read
February 14, 2016Great book! The story gets started quickly and keeps moving. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 26, 2016
I got a little confused here and there and somehow Beth never seemed like a real person to me. I did, however, read it on and off over a period of time so I might have lost track of some details.
June 16, 2016
Slow start but once you get into it - a page turner for sure.
July 23, 2016
Started a bit suspicious and makes you question who to trust. Why do we get so complacent that we don't question even the mundane things?
July 10, 2018
I liked the story, it kept me hooked to the end. Was an easy read, felt like some parts were a little slow and didn't really add to the story. Quite a lot of build up that I don't feel the ending delivered on. Nonetheless not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews