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CXVI Trilogy #1
CXVI The Beginning of the End
DEAD MEN DON’T KILL, DO THEY?
A colleague in the police force murdered...
A female officer acting strange…
It's a race against time in this complex, explosive trilogy
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths the formidable Detective Superintendent Greg Woods is on the case. However, a degree of mystery surrounds his new colleague, Maria Barnes. She’s quirky, extremely talented, but comes with a chequered history. Is there more to her than meets the eye?
It’s clear that the killer is on a mission which is far from over as the murders escalate. Can they work out who the next victim will be? Then, a chance discovery provides a lead: initials left at the crime scene. But, what do they mean?
Even the Intelligence Services show an interest in Barnes and the case, so the pair break convention and go undercover looking for who or what CXVI really is. Woods’ life hangs in the balance when they discover the shocking truth.
What do other readers think?
Top Drawer – M A Comley – New York Times best selling author
A complex thriller with fascinating characters – Compulsive Readers
Breathtakingly fast paced – reviewer
Wow, a thriller to the end – S Hampson – Top 1000 reviewer
Brilliant Thriller - Love Books Blog
A colleague in the police force murdered...
A female officer acting strange…
It's a race against time in this complex, explosive trilogy
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths the formidable Detective Superintendent Greg Woods is on the case. However, a degree of mystery surrounds his new colleague, Maria Barnes. She’s quirky, extremely talented, but comes with a chequered history. Is there more to her than meets the eye?
It’s clear that the killer is on a mission which is far from over as the murders escalate. Can they work out who the next victim will be? Then, a chance discovery provides a lead: initials left at the crime scene. But, what do they mean?
Even the Intelligence Services show an interest in Barnes and the case, so the pair break convention and go undercover looking for who or what CXVI really is. Woods’ life hangs in the balance when they discover the shocking truth.
What do other readers think?
Top Drawer – M A Comley – New York Times best selling author
A complex thriller with fascinating characters – Compulsive Readers
Breathtakingly fast paced – reviewer
Wow, a thriller to the end – S Hampson – Top 1000 reviewer
Brilliant Thriller - Love Books Blog
300 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2015
77 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Angie Smith
6 books58 followersAngie Smith was born in Doncaster and educated at Huddersfield University where she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Training. After a long career in adult education, training and performance management she retired early to pursue other ventures.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 4, 2024
I feel disappointed by this book as it came with some hype, perhaps my expectations were too high.
It's amateurish, the characters are flat, the plot isn't thought out and it's a total take it or leave it book. My biggest bug bear is that the book just ends, you feel like you're missing the last chapter.
I realize it's a trilogy but most books in a series end that particular story and the next book starts the next plot. This one doesn't, want to know the whole story, you've three books to buy.
Felt I've wasted my time as the story wasn't good enough to warrant reading another two books with the same bland characters.
Two stars.
It's amateurish, the characters are flat, the plot isn't thought out and it's a total take it or leave it book. My biggest bug bear is that the book just ends, you feel like you're missing the last chapter.
I realize it's a trilogy but most books in a series end that particular story and the next book starts the next plot. This one doesn't, want to know the whole story, you've three books to buy.
Felt I've wasted my time as the story wasn't good enough to warrant reading another two books with the same bland characters.
Two stars.
August 14, 2015
This book was top draw for me. To be honest I've started a few books ranking high up in the chart recently and been disappointed with either the content or the writing style, neither of those complaints can be attributed to this fabulous read. It's not often a book keeps me up at night reading until the small hours of the morning.
My one complaint was that the second book isn't out yet. This is a thrilling trilogy I'll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment to.
I can't praise Angie Smith enough for the characters she has created and the whirlwind adventure they are forced to encounter.
As a reader you are taken on a journey where at some points the pace is breathless and at others it slows only to impart important information about the case.
Superintendent Detective Greg Woods has the unenviable task of linking several murders that have happened over a period of years. He is teamed up with young detective sergeant Maria Barnes, she's intelligent and thorough in everything she does. During the investigation, in which Greg and Maria chase the serial killer it's not long before he turns the tables on them and the hunted becomes the hunter.
Bring on book two.
My one complaint was that the second book isn't out yet. This is a thrilling trilogy I'll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment to.
I can't praise Angie Smith enough for the characters she has created and the whirlwind adventure they are forced to encounter.
As a reader you are taken on a journey where at some points the pace is breathless and at others it slows only to impart important information about the case.
Superintendent Detective Greg Woods has the unenviable task of linking several murders that have happened over a period of years. He is teamed up with young detective sergeant Maria Barnes, she's intelligent and thorough in everything she does. During the investigation, in which Greg and Maria chase the serial killer it's not long before he turns the tables on them and the hunted becomes the hunter.
Bring on book two.
September 4, 2015
I found this a really good read. I enjoy a complex thriller with good characters and I found that here. The police are investigating a series of murders in which roman numerals are left at the scene. There’s a connection; they just have to find it. Investigation throws up earlier deaths which also had the roman numeral connection. Investigating officers are sent an extra man to help on the team but he causes more problems than he solves. Woods and Barnes are a fantastic duo and worked well together in this story. Barnes has hidden depths and we’ve obviously not totally plumbed them yet.
I loved the involvement of the establishment figures who were just as shady as I’d expect them to be. It’s a conspiracy-theorist’s delight, this story! It was an exciting ride all the way through. Just be aware that it stops rather than ends as it’s the first of a series. I would have liked an ending rather than a sudden halt.
I loved the involvement of the establishment figures who were just as shady as I’d expect them to be. It’s a conspiracy-theorist’s delight, this story! It was an exciting ride all the way through. Just be aware that it stops rather than ends as it’s the first of a series. I would have liked an ending rather than a sudden halt.
September 11, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
Who will survive?
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of deaths, Detective superintendent greg woods' team are tasked with solving the mystery.
Wow. Absolutely Fantastic read.
Loved the characters.
Barnes is very quick thinking.
I got to liking woods near the end.
Loved the plot.
Had me guessing who it could be then kept getting it wrong. so i had to read it to the end. To find a cliifhanger.
Cannot wait for book 2. This is most definetly a cnpid read.
Highley rracommended. would have given more stars if i could.
Who will survive?
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of deaths, Detective superintendent greg woods' team are tasked with solving the mystery.
Wow. Absolutely Fantastic read.
Loved the characters.
Barnes is very quick thinking.
I got to liking woods near the end.
Loved the plot.
Had me guessing who it could be then kept getting it wrong. so i had to read it to the end. To find a cliifhanger.
Cannot wait for book 2. This is most definetly a cnpid read.
Highley rracommended. would have given more stars if i could.
July 2, 2015
Review: CXVI The Beginning of the End by Angie Smith Self-published (8th March 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1508495482
Source: Author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods’ team are tasked with solving the mystery. New to the team is Maria Barnes, whose besmirched character sadly precedes her. However Woods quickly discovers there is more to the detective sergeant than meets the eye: her skill level, knowledge base, and investigative talents far outshine his own formidable qualities… And why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in Barnes and the investigation? It’s a race against time to stop the killer, but he’s meticulous, cunning and ruthless. He leaves the police and intelligence service questioning if they are all out of their depth… When forces contrive against them, Woods’ life hangs in the balance and for the first time in his career he risks breaking the rules… He and Barnes decide to go it alone to uncover who or what CXVI really is… The shocking truth lies at the heart of the Government and is trapped deep underground.
My review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime thriller by Angie Smith. The characters are complex and intriguing, particularly Maria; she was a fantastic character to read. Each time I thought I'd really got to know her, she produced another string to her bow or there was another surprise to be had. They way Barnes and Woods interact with each other is wonderful and really made the characters spring to life.
The crime detail is good. Unusual crimes with a consistent theme made this novel exciting and gritty. It held my interest throughout and also kept me guessing; I changed my mind a number of times about who I thought was behind the crime spree.
The only reason I have not awarded 5* is because I feel the ending was a bit abrupt and left questions unanswered; This is the first in a series, so it will leave readers waiting to read the next book in the series to discover what happens next; I can't wait to read it!
*I'd like to thank author Angie Smith for providing me with a digital copy of CXVI The Beginning of the End in return for an honest review*
ISBN-13: 978-1508495482
Source: Author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods’ team are tasked with solving the mystery. New to the team is Maria Barnes, whose besmirched character sadly precedes her. However Woods quickly discovers there is more to the detective sergeant than meets the eye: her skill level, knowledge base, and investigative talents far outshine his own formidable qualities… And why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in Barnes and the investigation? It’s a race against time to stop the killer, but he’s meticulous, cunning and ruthless. He leaves the police and intelligence service questioning if they are all out of their depth… When forces contrive against them, Woods’ life hangs in the balance and for the first time in his career he risks breaking the rules… He and Barnes decide to go it alone to uncover who or what CXVI really is… The shocking truth lies at the heart of the Government and is trapped deep underground.
My review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime thriller by Angie Smith. The characters are complex and intriguing, particularly Maria; she was a fantastic character to read. Each time I thought I'd really got to know her, she produced another string to her bow or there was another surprise to be had. They way Barnes and Woods interact with each other is wonderful and really made the characters spring to life.
The crime detail is good. Unusual crimes with a consistent theme made this novel exciting and gritty. It held my interest throughout and also kept me guessing; I changed my mind a number of times about who I thought was behind the crime spree.
The only reason I have not awarded 5* is because I feel the ending was a bit abrupt and left questions unanswered; This is the first in a series, so it will leave readers waiting to read the next book in the series to discover what happens next; I can't wait to read it!
*I'd like to thank author Angie Smith for providing me with a digital copy of CXVI The Beginning of the End in return for an honest review*
June 7, 2015
This is a very good thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it but for one little, very little niggle…more of that later.
In it, we have Superintendent Detective Greg Woods linking together a series of murders that have occurred over a period of years. Although not an incompetent detective, his task is certainly made a good deal easier by the addition of a new and young detective sergeant to his team. Maria Barnes is very canny, intelligent and thorough: assets needed to get a step ahead not only of a serial killer who has to be stopped—and soon—but also of internal bigshots eager to hamper the investigation. Greg and Maria decide to be ‘creative’, but find themselves not only chasing, but being chased.
As a thriller, this ticks all the boxes and it’s meticulous and precise. I really like Angie Smith’s writing and as well as giving us a captivating and gripping story, she’s created two very likeable characters in Woods and Barnes, who despite the difference in their ages and approaches to their jobs, couldn’t be more well suited. Their banter is slick and sharp, and the action throughout is fast-paced and well written. In short, an excellent page-turner.
My niggle? It really is just a small one and only a personal one. I hadn’t realised this was the first in a trilogy—I’m quite happy with trilogies, but I do like the books to stand alone, so that I don’t feel obliged to read them all. I didn’t feel I had finished the book, so I’m just a teensy bit peeved that in order to find out what happens after the cliffhanger ending, I’ll have to read the next book. That said, with two such strong, well-defined and engaging main characters, I’m adequately compelled not only to spend a good deal more time with them, but also to read more of this skilled author.
In it, we have Superintendent Detective Greg Woods linking together a series of murders that have occurred over a period of years. Although not an incompetent detective, his task is certainly made a good deal easier by the addition of a new and young detective sergeant to his team. Maria Barnes is very canny, intelligent and thorough: assets needed to get a step ahead not only of a serial killer who has to be stopped—and soon—but also of internal bigshots eager to hamper the investigation. Greg and Maria decide to be ‘creative’, but find themselves not only chasing, but being chased.
As a thriller, this ticks all the boxes and it’s meticulous and precise. I really like Angie Smith’s writing and as well as giving us a captivating and gripping story, she’s created two very likeable characters in Woods and Barnes, who despite the difference in their ages and approaches to their jobs, couldn’t be more well suited. Their banter is slick and sharp, and the action throughout is fast-paced and well written. In short, an excellent page-turner.
My niggle? It really is just a small one and only a personal one. I hadn’t realised this was the first in a trilogy—I’m quite happy with trilogies, but I do like the books to stand alone, so that I don’t feel obliged to read them all. I didn’t feel I had finished the book, so I’m just a teensy bit peeved that in order to find out what happens after the cliffhanger ending, I’ll have to read the next book. That said, with two such strong, well-defined and engaging main characters, I’m adequately compelled not only to spend a good deal more time with them, but also to read more of this skilled author.
May 8, 2015
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars. I struggled with the beginning and it took me a while to get into the book, however, I was drawn in by the characters Woods and Barnes and it was them who compelled me to persevere.
Both Woods and Marie Barnes had some great qualities which I felt were well formed in this book. My guess is, Marie is a character who will feature again. I had some mixed feelings about some of the other characters. Pamela, for instance, was naive but I felt this was slightly over done and therefore not very believable. Although in some ways, this characteristic is what allowed her vulnerability to come through. Her children I felt, could have had a bit more background story on them. They appeared now and again but a lot of their role within the story had been left out in my view.
At times it felt as if there was a whirlwind of chaos leaving me lost but there were also quite a few interesting twists which happened to keep me focussed and interested in the book.
I have to say that I found the ending was very abrupt. I am not convinced I liked the way the book ended although I can appreciate the "why" ...it left me wondering if it could have been done differently.
It takes courage to write a book and put it out there for everyone to read and therefore it was not a bad read for a debut novel. I will definitely check out the next book by Angie Smith.
Both Woods and Marie Barnes had some great qualities which I felt were well formed in this book. My guess is, Marie is a character who will feature again. I had some mixed feelings about some of the other characters. Pamela, for instance, was naive but I felt this was slightly over done and therefore not very believable. Although in some ways, this characteristic is what allowed her vulnerability to come through. Her children I felt, could have had a bit more background story on them. They appeared now and again but a lot of their role within the story had been left out in my view.
At times it felt as if there was a whirlwind of chaos leaving me lost but there were also quite a few interesting twists which happened to keep me focussed and interested in the book.
I have to say that I found the ending was very abrupt. I am not convinced I liked the way the book ended although I can appreciate the "why" ...it left me wondering if it could have been done differently.
It takes courage to write a book and put it out there for everyone to read and therefore it was not a bad read for a debut novel. I will definitely check out the next book by Angie Smith.
June 25, 2015
I love watching British TV detective series like Broadchurch, Happy Valley and Vera, featuring feisty, strong, intelligent women with attitude, and although I struggle to keep up with political and espionage plots, I also watch avidly anything that includes them. I didn’t realise until now that I could also enjoy fiction that incorporated all of it. Until reading CXVI I have mostly avoided reading books that fall into this ‘thriller’ or ‘detective fiction’ genre, having found in the past that they focus on plot to the detriment of character development. But Angie Smith has gone beyond the genre and managed it magnificently, with all the aplomb of a literary fiction writer. The pace and plot of the novel are well constructed and the nuances of the story intelligently unveiled, so that for the first time I actually began to understand more of how MI6 operates. The background is simple enough, so it initially seems: Maria Barnes is a DS with an undisclosed past but apparently a bit of a blotted history that precedes her when she arrives in the local police department. She is just in time to help Superintendent Detective Woods investigate the latest in what turns out to have been a long line of murders by a serial killer. The rest of the story that follows is full of twists and turns, meticulously researched and faultlessly written, and of a standard that easily matches that of those TV series I’ve so enjoyed. The characters of Woods and Barnes in particular are wonderfully well written, and the push-pull relationship between them develops delightfully, so by the time I was half way through the book I already knew that I wanted to read the rest of the trilogy. Maria is bright, clever and like a terrier with a ferret when it comes to following the trail of clues, even when the scent has disappeared. She shows signs of an obsessive personality, which could be off-putting but I found strangely endearing. “Too clever for her own good” is a phrase that springs to mind. She is a woman who won’t let go, in the best possible way, and she outwits both her superiors and the horribly believable cast of cold-fish MI6 protagonists in order to reach her target. She’s the kind of goodie you want to have on your side. Or is she? Does she in fact have another agenda? We are left guessing at the end, and that is the only negative thing to say about this book. It ended too abruptly for me, and I don’t like cliffhangers. I felt it could have had at least another chapter to round things off satisfactorily in this particular book. There could still have been questions left unanswered, but not so many, and not at such a crucial place in the narrative. You already had me, Angie Smith, by the end of the fourth or fifth chapter. You didn’t need to use that old cliffhanger ruse to persuade me to get the next book in the trilogy. I’m already queuing up to buy it.
July 27, 2015
I received an ARC through The Book Club in return for an honest review.
Whew, what can I say except I just loved it. This book had so many twists and turns that I could barely keep up.
Several random murders occur and the initially the only clue that links them together is a set of roman numerals that appear on or near the body. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to arrange and carry out these murders. Initially a police investigation then the secret service becomes involved, but not all is what it seems.
DI Woods and DS Barnes investigate these bizarre murders. Barnes is new to the department having been transferred out from another unit due to undisclosed difficulties. There is more to Barnes than we are first led to believe. She seems to be one step ahead of everyone else and have skills that are beyond the normal copper.
This book is full of twists and turns, trying to figure out who did what to whom kept me glued to my seat, turning the pages, to uncover more clues. It was fast paced, well written and gripping.
I would definitely recommend this book and am hoping the next book is due out soon so I can read on.
Whew, what can I say except I just loved it. This book had so many twists and turns that I could barely keep up.
Several random murders occur and the initially the only clue that links them together is a set of roman numerals that appear on or near the body. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to arrange and carry out these murders. Initially a police investigation then the secret service becomes involved, but not all is what it seems.
DI Woods and DS Barnes investigate these bizarre murders. Barnes is new to the department having been transferred out from another unit due to undisclosed difficulties. There is more to Barnes than we are first led to believe. She seems to be one step ahead of everyone else and have skills that are beyond the normal copper.
This book is full of twists and turns, trying to figure out who did what to whom kept me glued to my seat, turning the pages, to uncover more clues. It was fast paced, well written and gripping.
I would definitely recommend this book and am hoping the next book is due out soon so I can read on.
January 28, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed CXVI The Beginning of the End, which combines gritty Yorkshire policing with fast-paced espionage twists and turns. The characters are well-rounded and engaging, the plot is intriguing and the villains cold and clinical. Maria Barnes is at first an unlikely hero, but it's soon apparent there's more to the Detective Sergeant than the baggage she brings to Detective Superintendent Greg Woods's Murder Investigation Team. The premise behind the spate of coded murders is intriguing and the complex sub-plots are handled masterfully. The tensions between the two competing authorities are palpable as it becomes clear there are greater forces at play beyond the tenacious efforts of the police investigation. But who are the real villains in this first instalment of the CXVI trilogy? With its shocking finale still ringing in my ears, I can't wait to read Book 2 (CXVI - Secrets Broken) to find out.
November 1, 2015
Wow!
Echoes of I Pilgrim spring to mind. A fast paced story that doesn't loose sight of the need to develop a relationship with the main characters. Plenty of murders: tick. Likeable and unlike able characters: tick. Secret Service (government?) dirty tricks: ticked. Peeks into the lifestyle of the rich: ticked. Full use and understanding of today technical capabilities: ticked.
This is an excellent start to a trilogy and has the makings of a fine movie already. There is so much left to learn and understand about the heroine, whose background and the grounding for her many talents have yet to be revealed. It kept my attention and I look forward to the rest of the series. Where have you been hiding Ms Smith.......
A 'heads up'. Book 2 follows straight on from the end. I would recommend reading it immediately after this. I didn't and found myself struggling.
Echoes of I Pilgrim spring to mind. A fast paced story that doesn't loose sight of the need to develop a relationship with the main characters. Plenty of murders: tick. Likeable and unlike able characters: tick. Secret Service (government?) dirty tricks: ticked. Peeks into the lifestyle of the rich: ticked. Full use and understanding of today technical capabilities: ticked.
This is an excellent start to a trilogy and has the makings of a fine movie already. There is so much left to learn and understand about the heroine, whose background and the grounding for her many talents have yet to be revealed. It kept my attention and I look forward to the rest of the series. Where have you been hiding Ms Smith.......
A 'heads up'. Book 2 follows straight on from the end. I would recommend reading it immediately after this. I didn't and found myself struggling.
February 14, 2016
I've had this on my kindle for a while and finally got round to reading it as part of my TBC Book challenge and I really wish I had read it sooner.
This is a fast paced gritty story with twists and turns galore. The two main characters, Greg Woods and Maria Barnes are well put together and very intriguing. From quite early on you can tell there is more to Maria than meets the eye and I liked the chemistry between Wood and Barnes.
The story had me gripped from page one and it's one of those books you just have to keep reading. It leaves you breathless at some points and Angie has done a wonderful job of writing a story that keeps you guessing all the way through. I loved the ending, and can't wait to get stuck into book 2.
This is a fast paced gritty story with twists and turns galore. The two main characters, Greg Woods and Maria Barnes are well put together and very intriguing. From quite early on you can tell there is more to Maria than meets the eye and I liked the chemistry between Wood and Barnes.
The story had me gripped from page one and it's one of those books you just have to keep reading. It leaves you breathless at some points and Angie has done a wonderful job of writing a story that keeps you guessing all the way through. I loved the ending, and can't wait to get stuck into book 2.
August 6, 2015
First I would like to thank the author for allowing me to review this book via TBC on Facebook.
To be honest. I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it. I thought I wouldn't be able to keep track of all the characters but happily after a few chapters everything clicked into place.
Wow ! What a brilliant book. It hit all the right spots for me in what a thriller of a book should be. Every chapter I finished made me want to read more. I especially loved the characters of Barnes and Woods.
Cannot wait for the sequel of this book.
To be honest. I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it. I thought I wouldn't be able to keep track of all the characters but happily after a few chapters everything clicked into place.
Wow ! What a brilliant book. It hit all the right spots for me in what a thriller of a book should be. Every chapter I finished made me want to read more. I especially loved the characters of Barnes and Woods.
Cannot wait for the sequel of this book.
March 11, 2015
A suspenseful mystery that keeps you engaged and guessing beyond the last page!
Author Angie Smith’s CXVI grabs you from the onset and doesn’t let go. This is a very well written murder-mystery with an intriguing plot and brilliant characters that would make an awesome movie. It ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.
This book is a great read that I highly recommend!
Author Angie Smith’s CXVI grabs you from the onset and doesn’t let go. This is a very well written murder-mystery with an intriguing plot and brilliant characters that would make an awesome movie. It ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.
This book is a great read that I highly recommend!
May 22, 2017
This book is a very worthy 5 star read. Although a very a complex novel it makes a fast paced read, with murder after murder taking place in the first few chapters. Each murder is quite unique in its execution and could at first glance by the police to be treated as accidental or suicide. There is only one thing originally linking the murders together, the use of roman numerals left either on the victim or at the scene where they died.
Detective Superintendent Greg Woods works from Wakefield Police Station and has taken D.S. Maria Barnes under his wing due to her unexplained problems working with others in the force. Maria's talents soon begin to surface, multi-linguistic, a mathematical mind and a commitment to work that has her working throughout the night. The duo are soon lead to Pauline Creans a very wealthy widow after the death of her husband Gerrard. Pauline's new man, Jonathan Plant, works for the Diplomatic Service and is away on business more than in the U.K. a very confident man that D.S. Woods takes a dislike to at their first meeting.
Bodies carry on to mount up but with the arrival of D.I. Hilton Dudley hopefully the work load can be shared.
This novel doesn't have a lull and continues to gain momentum to a very climatic end. This isn't a stand alone novel so I am now on edge waiting for the next one. Highly recommended for a brilliant read.
Detective Superintendent Greg Woods works from Wakefield Police Station and has taken D.S. Maria Barnes under his wing due to her unexplained problems working with others in the force. Maria's talents soon begin to surface, multi-linguistic, a mathematical mind and a commitment to work that has her working throughout the night. The duo are soon lead to Pauline Creans a very wealthy widow after the death of her husband Gerrard. Pauline's new man, Jonathan Plant, works for the Diplomatic Service and is away on business more than in the U.K. a very confident man that D.S. Woods takes a dislike to at their first meeting.
Bodies carry on to mount up but with the arrival of D.I. Hilton Dudley hopefully the work load can be shared.
This novel doesn't have a lull and continues to gain momentum to a very climatic end. This isn't a stand alone novel so I am now on edge waiting for the next one. Highly recommended for a brilliant read.
August 16, 2017
An excellent start to a mystery trilogy that is part crime and part spies (espionage), A great pace, enough twists for the most ardent fan and a huge number of characters thhat I had to make a note of them as I went along.
Who is Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes, why is she so good, what is her history? Is Gerrard Crean really dead and there is Hilton Dudley, Faulkner - Brown and the cad Jonathan Plant all three I could easily take by the throat. Difficult to put this one down and have to give it a 5 star rating.
Who is Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes, why is she so good, what is her history? Is Gerrard Crean really dead and there is Hilton Dudley, Faulkner - Brown and the cad Jonathan Plant all three I could easily take by the throat. Difficult to put this one down and have to give it a 5 star rating.
March 27, 2018
A great thriller with some good twists along the way. Difficult to know who is good and who is bad which made this book even more enthralling. I would recommend this book
April 9, 2015
Wow, what an intriguing take on the traditional crime novel.
When Abdul Hussain is found dead; it looks like he committed suicide, a straightforward enough case for DS Greg Woods and his team who are called in to investigate. The police move quickly to try and figure out why Hussain killed himself and why he left roman numerals behind as a clue. But it soon becomes apparent, that this was no suicide and Hussain was in fact murdered.
The team are eager to identify the killer, believing that the killing is a one off. Sadly they are too late, there has already been another death, involving roman numerals and it appears that the murders are linked. The killer is elusive, meticulous and clearly does not want to be caught. It is soon discovered that both of the deceased crossed paths with the late Gerrard Crean, a very wealthy local business who met a sticky end in a nasty road traffic accident.
A serial killer on the loose who is able to disappear without a trace – nothing terribly unusual about that in the fictional crime world. The local police convinced that there must be links with a wealthy businessman who died in a tragic accident – again nothing unusual there. But this is where things change.
The more the police uncover about Gerrard Crean, the more they begin to wonder about the circumstances surrounding his death. The deceased are all linked to him in some way. Did he order them to be killed? Or was he a scapegoat in someone else’s much larger operation. DS Maria Barnes is determined to find the truth with the help of Woods.
However, it’s not just the police who are interested in their elusive serial killer.
The British intelligence service also seem to have an unhealthy interest in the crimes that have been committed, even sending one of their officers undercover to work with the police. This is where the novel shows its sheer brilliance. The relationships between the police and the intelligence are hilarious. Particularly as the intelligence officer in question seems like a real xxx.
As the plot becomes ever more intense, the relationship between Barnes and Wood is strengthened, they work well together and make an exceptional team. Both are brilliant characters, who work hard to get the results they want, even if it means bending the rules a little (or a lot), whether they will work together in the future remains to be seen (particularly after this novel’s dramatic ending) and I cannot wait for the sequel of this novel to find out.
When Abdul Hussain is found dead; it looks like he committed suicide, a straightforward enough case for DS Greg Woods and his team who are called in to investigate. The police move quickly to try and figure out why Hussain killed himself and why he left roman numerals behind as a clue. But it soon becomes apparent, that this was no suicide and Hussain was in fact murdered.
The team are eager to identify the killer, believing that the killing is a one off. Sadly they are too late, there has already been another death, involving roman numerals and it appears that the murders are linked. The killer is elusive, meticulous and clearly does not want to be caught. It is soon discovered that both of the deceased crossed paths with the late Gerrard Crean, a very wealthy local business who met a sticky end in a nasty road traffic accident.
A serial killer on the loose who is able to disappear without a trace – nothing terribly unusual about that in the fictional crime world. The local police convinced that there must be links with a wealthy businessman who died in a tragic accident – again nothing unusual there. But this is where things change.
The more the police uncover about Gerrard Crean, the more they begin to wonder about the circumstances surrounding his death. The deceased are all linked to him in some way. Did he order them to be killed? Or was he a scapegoat in someone else’s much larger operation. DS Maria Barnes is determined to find the truth with the help of Woods.
However, it’s not just the police who are interested in their elusive serial killer.
The British intelligence service also seem to have an unhealthy interest in the crimes that have been committed, even sending one of their officers undercover to work with the police. This is where the novel shows its sheer brilliance. The relationships between the police and the intelligence are hilarious. Particularly as the intelligence officer in question seems like a real xxx.
As the plot becomes ever more intense, the relationship between Barnes and Wood is strengthened, they work well together and make an exceptional team. Both are brilliant characters, who work hard to get the results they want, even if it means bending the rules a little (or a lot), whether they will work together in the future remains to be seen (particularly after this novel’s dramatic ending) and I cannot wait for the sequel of this novel to find out.
January 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book
A must read this was a great book with great characters & a great story. I couldn't put this book down I kept turning the pages couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next & now I can't wait for the next book or more books from this Author
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods’ team are tasked with solving the mystery. New to the team is Maria Barnes, whose besmirched character sadly precedes her. However Woods quickly discovers there is more to the detective sergeant than meets the eye: her skill level, knowledge base, and investigative talents far outshine his own formidable qualities…
And why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in Barnes and the investigation?
It’s a race against time to stop the killer, but he’s meticulous, cunning and ruthless. He leaves the police and intelligence service questioning if they are all out of their depth…
When forces contrive against them, Woods’ life hangs in the balance and for the first time in his career he risks breaking the rules… He and Barnes decide to go it alone to uncover who or what CXVI really is… The shocking truth lies at the heart of the Government and is trapped deep underground.
A must read this was a great book with great characters & a great story. I couldn't put this book down I kept turning the pages couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next & now I can't wait for the next book or more books from this Author
When the murder of a colleague is linked to a series of suspicious deaths, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods’ team are tasked with solving the mystery. New to the team is Maria Barnes, whose besmirched character sadly precedes her. However Woods quickly discovers there is more to the detective sergeant than meets the eye: her skill level, knowledge base, and investigative talents far outshine his own formidable qualities…
And why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in Barnes and the investigation?
It’s a race against time to stop the killer, but he’s meticulous, cunning and ruthless. He leaves the police and intelligence service questioning if they are all out of their depth…
When forces contrive against them, Woods’ life hangs in the balance and for the first time in his career he risks breaking the rules… He and Barnes decide to go it alone to uncover who or what CXVI really is… The shocking truth lies at the heart of the Government and is trapped deep underground.
April 16, 2015
Detective Barnes and Woods are on the tale of a murderer who appears to be randomly killing people. The clues begin to build up a warped picture of government cover ups and disgruntled employees but every lead seems to bring a dead end brought about by the interference of the Secret Services.
Barnes, a modern day Lara Croft, is just a minor ranked detective but it soon becomes clear she has more skills than she has previously been given credit for. I love the character of Maria Barnes and I would read the next book in the series for her alone. She totally outshines her male counterparts but in a way which leaves a wave of satisfaction from the reader in her wake.
Woods is old school and a bit of a perfectionist with a reputation of solving the more difficult crimes but even he is having trouble with the intricacies of this tightly woven plot.
At the heart of a good mystery is a writer who can keep you guessing and Angie Smith does this extremely well in this crime thriller, her debut novel. This is the first in a series and my only gripe with it was the way it ended in readiness for the next one BUT I have to overlook this because the book is too good not to tell you about it.
4.5 stars.
Barnes, a modern day Lara Croft, is just a minor ranked detective but it soon becomes clear she has more skills than she has previously been given credit for. I love the character of Maria Barnes and I would read the next book in the series for her alone. She totally outshines her male counterparts but in a way which leaves a wave of satisfaction from the reader in her wake.
Woods is old school and a bit of a perfectionist with a reputation of solving the more difficult crimes but even he is having trouble with the intricacies of this tightly woven plot.
At the heart of a good mystery is a writer who can keep you guessing and Angie Smith does this extremely well in this crime thriller, her debut novel. This is the first in a series and my only gripe with it was the way it ended in readiness for the next one BUT I have to overlook this because the book is too good not to tell you about it.
4.5 stars.
August 14, 2015
I've just finished reading this brilliant crime thriller. This is a debut novel written by Angie Smith.
The good news is its amazing.
The even better news is, it is the first book in a trilogy.
The exciting news is the second book (I'm reliably informed) is due to be published very soon.
The awful news is that I don't think I can wait. I'm breathless after reading this book. I need a fix (ok so I'm going out with ' the girls tonight and there's prosecco chilling), which will be a mini distraction.
What can I tell you about this story? Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes, completely underestimated by her peers and senior officers, works with Detective Superintendent Greg Woods, on what initially appears to be two murders. As the procedure of collecting evidence gathers momentum, further, apparently unrelated deaths are linked. Before the full scale of just how far reaching the connections are to the British Intelligence Service and the KGB, an insider tries to kill Woods, in order to remove him from the investigation. It doesn't stop there, but don't take my word for that, you'll have to buy, beg, borrow or steal the book and find out for yourself.
Well done Angie Smith, please hurry with book 2, I loved this and was totally engrossed in the story.
The good news is its amazing.
The even better news is, it is the first book in a trilogy.
The exciting news is the second book (I'm reliably informed) is due to be published very soon.
The awful news is that I don't think I can wait. I'm breathless after reading this book. I need a fix (ok so I'm going out with ' the girls tonight and there's prosecco chilling), which will be a mini distraction.
What can I tell you about this story? Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes, completely underestimated by her peers and senior officers, works with Detective Superintendent Greg Woods, on what initially appears to be two murders. As the procedure of collecting evidence gathers momentum, further, apparently unrelated deaths are linked. Before the full scale of just how far reaching the connections are to the British Intelligence Service and the KGB, an insider tries to kill Woods, in order to remove him from the investigation. It doesn't stop there, but don't take my word for that, you'll have to buy, beg, borrow or steal the book and find out for yourself.
Well done Angie Smith, please hurry with book 2, I loved this and was totally engrossed in the story.
September 11, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this book as it was set in places I knew and I wasn't disappointed I really enjoyed following Detective Superintendant Greg Woods on the trail of a killer along with his colleague Maria Barnes. They realise that a murder they are trying to solve has links with other cases in the surrounding area. They all have one similarity, roman numerals left at either the scene or on the corpse and each one is done in a way that it looks as though the victim has committed suicide. Greg finds that Maria who is a new recruit to his team is the only one he can trust, even so he finds some of the things she knows a bit alarming. When they become the targets she seems to know too much about avoiding tails and listening devises although he does use it to his advantage. Who is the killer and who is the very evasive boyfriend of one of the key players? When Greg has a medical setback is it really just down to him working long hours? I found this very hard to put down and was a little disappointed at the end when I was left with a cliffhanger but I will definately be reading the next book.
May 2, 2015
This book starts out somewhat slow but then speeds up like a freight train out of control!! AND it leaves you with a couple of questions which I hope will be answered--this is a series-right? Cause if it isn't I'm going to track down Angie Smith, author extraordinaire and hound it out of her!!
I loved the character of Maria Barnes--who portrays an extremely intelligent, no nonsense female police investigator who can't be stopped!! But--why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in her? Her new partner, known for his ability to solve the hardest cases and she butt heads a bit-but both have nothing but admiration for the other.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book--even at the end!!!!! If you like murder, mystery, political intrique and thrillers then I suggest you go get this book--NOW.
CXVI
I loved the character of Maria Barnes--who portrays an extremely intelligent, no nonsense female police investigator who can't be stopped!! But--why is the Secret Intelligence Service so interested in her? Her new partner, known for his ability to solve the hardest cases and she butt heads a bit-but both have nothing but admiration for the other.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book--even at the end!!!!! If you like murder, mystery, political intrique and thrillers then I suggest you go get this book--NOW.
CXVI
July 30, 2015
I was worried at the beginning - there was so many characters and events, I thought I wouldn't be able to get my head around it all. It's cleverly written, as all those characters and events start coming together and making sense as a whole.
Lots of twists and turns which kept me reading and wanting to know more. It's definitely a complex story-line and you would need to have the attention to read it. But I found that really enjoyable.
Love the Maria Barnes character, she's very sassy and extremely clever. But I'm guessing there's loads of layers to her and I'm looking forward to reading more of her.
By the end I did think the story was drawing on, wondering where else could this story go - and actually wanting to find a resolve. However, when it did finish I was left wanting more and wanting to know what happens to the characters - therefore I couldn't give it less than 5 stars, as it's really left me wanting the next book to be released.
Lots of twists and turns which kept me reading and wanting to know more. It's definitely a complex story-line and you would need to have the attention to read it. But I found that really enjoyable.
Love the Maria Barnes character, she's very sassy and extremely clever. But I'm guessing there's loads of layers to her and I'm looking forward to reading more of her.
By the end I did think the story was drawing on, wondering where else could this story go - and actually wanting to find a resolve. However, when it did finish I was left wanting more and wanting to know what happens to the characters - therefore I couldn't give it less than 5 stars, as it's really left me wanting the next book to be released.
January 1, 2016
CXVI is a suspense story based on my own doorstep of West Yorkshire. It starts with the death of a fisherman and is followed by what appear to be unrelated meticulously planned murders. But as DSI Woods and DS Barnes investigate, a connection begins to appear and things turns sinister.
The book is well written and knowing the area, felt real in location. I really enjoyed being able to picture the characters in the actual places such as the roadworks on the M1, central Wakefield and the White Rose centre.
It was a little too descriptive at points for me. Descriptions of characters interrupted the flow, I felt like I was being given a list of attributes that could have been built into the story.
I didn't realise this was the first of a two parter so I'll be getting part 2 to find out what happens to Woods, Barnes and our suspect.
The book is well written and knowing the area, felt real in location. I really enjoyed being able to picture the characters in the actual places such as the roadworks on the M1, central Wakefield and the White Rose centre.
It was a little too descriptive at points for me. Descriptions of characters interrupted the flow, I felt like I was being given a list of attributes that could have been built into the story.
I didn't realise this was the first of a two parter so I'll be getting part 2 to find out what happens to Woods, Barnes and our suspect.
December 11, 2015
I kept hearing so many good things about this intelligent, intense, faced paced thriller, that I just had to buy it, and boy am I glad that I did.
It is quite a scary thought that the ‘Good Guys’ can be far more ruthless criminals than the ‘Bad Guys’
I loved the characters Barnes and Woods and the dynamics between the two. I particularly liked the multi talented Maria Barnes and look forward to finding out more about the person she actually is, as not much is revealed in this first book in the trilogy.
Absolutely loved the plot and found it very intelligent.
The cliff-hanger ending would have left me gasping for more if I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been give the second book to review by Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) and I could dive right into it.
A huge 5* from me and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
It is quite a scary thought that the ‘Good Guys’ can be far more ruthless criminals than the ‘Bad Guys’
I loved the characters Barnes and Woods and the dynamics between the two. I particularly liked the multi talented Maria Barnes and look forward to finding out more about the person she actually is, as not much is revealed in this first book in the trilogy.
Absolutely loved the plot and found it very intelligent.
The cliff-hanger ending would have left me gasping for more if I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been give the second book to review by Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) and I could dive right into it.
A huge 5* from me and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
February 17, 2016
I kept hearing so many good things about this intelligent, intense, fast paced thriller, that I just had to buy it, and boy am I glad that I did.
It is quite a scary thought that the ‘Good Guys’ can be far more ruthless criminals than the ‘Bad Guys’
I loved the characters Barnes and Woods and the dynamics between the two. I particularly liked the multi talented Maria Barnes and look forward to finding out more about the person she actually is, as not much is revealed in this first book in the trilogy.
Absolutely loved the plot and found it very intelligent.
The cliff-hanger ending would have left me gasping for more if I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been give the second book to review by Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) and I could dive right into it.
A huge 5* from me and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
It is quite a scary thought that the ‘Good Guys’ can be far more ruthless criminals than the ‘Bad Guys’
I loved the characters Barnes and Woods and the dynamics between the two. I particularly liked the multi talented Maria Barnes and look forward to finding out more about the person she actually is, as not much is revealed in this first book in the trilogy.
Absolutely loved the plot and found it very intelligent.
The cliff-hanger ending would have left me gasping for more if I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been give the second book to review by Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) and I could dive right into it.
A huge 5* from me and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
September 23, 2015
I was reading something else when I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Once I started I could not put it down so I'm afraid I dropped the other in order to finish CXVI. I was hooked from the start , surely the sign of a good book. It was compulsive reading with intelligent writing and a complex plot. The female lead Detective Barnes is a strong character who displays remarkable knowledge, skills and training not usually associated with ordinary police detectives and I'm sure we'll learn more about her in the next book. A fast paced police procedural with a cliffhanger of an ending. Deserves to be a huge success.
September 7, 2015
This begins like a normal police procedural. A series of murders of a number of years have occurred each with a string of Roman numerals left nearby. However, as Wood and Barnes begin investigating it soon becomes clear that it is nowhere near as simple as it initially seemed.
I don't want to give much away but this is an outstanding book, totally gripping and full of twists and turns galore. Maria Barnes is a great character with some serious, as yet, undisclosed baggage.
A warning: do not read if you haven't got the sequel ready to read!!!
I don't want to give much away but this is an outstanding book, totally gripping and full of twists and turns galore. Maria Barnes is a great character with some serious, as yet, undisclosed baggage.
A warning: do not read if you haven't got the sequel ready to read!!!
September 15, 2015
I love a good crime/psychological thriller type book and this ticked all the boxes and more!!
I'm not one to give a rewrite of the blurb in my reviews, you can read that for yourself. However, I will tell you this is an amazing read. It's draws you in and makes you become part of the investigation, it truly becomes one of those books that you can't put down!
I honestly can't recommended this book enough and as if it isn't fab enough already, it's set in Yorkshire, so I actually know of some of the places mentioned!
A 5* book, can't wait for the next!
I'm not one to give a rewrite of the blurb in my reviews, you can read that for yourself. However, I will tell you this is an amazing read. It's draws you in and makes you become part of the investigation, it truly becomes one of those books that you can't put down!
I honestly can't recommended this book enough and as if it isn't fab enough already, it's set in Yorkshire, so I actually know of some of the places mentioned!
A 5* book, can't wait for the next!
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