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DI Ray Mason #1
The Witness
YOU'VE SEEN TOO MUCH. NOWHERE IS SAFE NOW.
THE WITNESS
When Jane Kinnear sees her lover being murdered, she suddenly finds herself in danger. Taken to an anonymous police safe-house, it soon becomes clear that her lover was an MI5 informant with important information about an imminent terrorist attack.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Ray Mason of Counter Terrorism Command is a man with a controversial past, but his effectiveness at getting results means that he's now been given the task of preventing the attack from taking place. But can he be trusted, and does he know more about the attack than he's letting on?
THE KILLER
In the safe-house, Jane is trying to piece together a description of her lover's killer. But what she doesn't know is that the killer has already found out who she is, and where she is hiding.
And now he's coming for her ...
THE WITNESS
When Jane Kinnear sees her lover being murdered, she suddenly finds herself in danger. Taken to an anonymous police safe-house, it soon becomes clear that her lover was an MI5 informant with important information about an imminent terrorist attack.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Ray Mason of Counter Terrorism Command is a man with a controversial past, but his effectiveness at getting results means that he's now been given the task of preventing the attack from taking place. But can he be trusted, and does he know more about the attack than he's letting on?
THE KILLER
In the safe-house, Jane is trying to piece together a description of her lover's killer. But what she doesn't know is that the killer has already found out who she is, and where she is hiding.
And now he's coming for her ...
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2016
169 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Simon Kernick
74 books1,166 followersSimon Kernick (born 1966 in Slough, Berkshire) is a British thriller/crime writer now living in Oxfordshire with his wife and two daughters. He attended Gillotts School, a comprehensive in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Whilst he was a student his jobs included fruitpicker and Christmas-tree uprooter. He graduated from Brighton Polytechnic in 1991 with a degree in humanities. Kernick had a passion for crime fiction writing from a young age and produced many short stories during his time at polytechnic. After graduating Kernick joined MMT Computing in London in early 1992, where a relative was the Chairman and Managing Director. Kernick was a key member of the sales team and was very highly regarded. However, he left the company after 4 years in the hope of trying to secure a publishing deal. Despite interest from a number of publishers Kernick was unable to secure a deal, so he joined the sales force of the specialist IT and Business Consultancy Metaskil plc in Aldermaston, Berkshire in 1998 where he remained until he secured his first book deal (The Business of Dying) in September 2001. His novel Relentless was recommended on Richard & Judy's Summer book club 2007. It was the 8th best-selling paperback, and the best-selling thriller in the UK in the same year
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
February 17, 2018
Having read some of Simon Kernick’s recent work involving DI Ray Mason, I wanted to go back to where the first feature-length novel started. After a violent home invasion leaves Anil Rahman and his wife dead, only one witness survives. Having cowered under the bed during the attack, Jane Kinnear has a fragmented story to tell the police. Kinnear recounts how Anil was asked about a terrorist attack that was in the works and vaguely recollects that the killer was white. Other than that, nothing else of significance has occurred to Kinnear while she convalesces. With the killer still on the loose, Kinnear is transported to a safe house for the time being, kept under constant watch. Acting on the information that Kinnear remembers, and with a potential terror cell plotting an attack, DI Ray Mason is called in to help with the larger investigation. This includes trying to find leads on Anil Rahman’s murder, an informant for MI5. An experienced Counter-Terrorism agent, Mason has his eye on a specific cell that’s been chattering within the United Kingdom. However, as he and his partner approach them for answers, no one seems to have anything useful. However, Mason has come to realise that sometimes you need to push a little harder, only to discover a plot that could have brought the country to its knees. Mason remains baffled as to how Anil Rahman might have known anything beforehand, based on the narrative Kinnear has offered police while situated in her safe house. Throughout the narrative, Jane Kinnear reveals more about a sordid past in South Africa and the United States, which thickens the plot, as she has come face to face with some unsavoury characters. When the killers reach out to Mason and demand to know where the safe house is located, the case takes on a new level of concern, with Kinnear a potential new target. Rushing to piece it all together, Mason must fight against the clock and the fact that he has blood all over his hands in his latest pursuit for justice. A wonderful piece by Simon Kernick, who shows that he is able to entertain and keep the reader flipping pages well into the night. Recommended for those who love a good police procedural with a few poignant twists.
As I mentioned before, I discovered Kernick quite by accident and was drawn into his Ray Mason character from the start. When I realised that there was an earlier novel, before the Bone Fields, I knew I would have to find it so that I might better understand Mason and what made him tick. Mason’s character is not only thoroughly captivating, but the backstory on offer is rich with foreboding throughout the present narrative. A family life that would have left most anyone jaded, Mason fought off all those issues to become a stellar member of the police, fighting terrorism at home and abroad. Some of the other characters prove rich additions to the story, particularly as Kernick offers three perspectives in alternating chapters throughout the piece. It all enriches the experience a great deal and keeps the reader juggling information. The story itself was top-notch, with twists and information delivered to the reader at key moments. While it was apparent that something was amiss, until all the pieces fell into place, the reader was likely left guessing. With this Ray Mason foundation, I do hope to read more by Kernick, especially since it has come highly recommended.
Kudos, Mr. Kernick, for another wonderful story. I hope others come upon your novels and find a place for them on their ‘TBR’ shelves.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
As I mentioned before, I discovered Kernick quite by accident and was drawn into his Ray Mason character from the start. When I realised that there was an earlier novel, before the Bone Fields, I knew I would have to find it so that I might better understand Mason and what made him tick. Mason’s character is not only thoroughly captivating, but the backstory on offer is rich with foreboding throughout the present narrative. A family life that would have left most anyone jaded, Mason fought off all those issues to become a stellar member of the police, fighting terrorism at home and abroad. Some of the other characters prove rich additions to the story, particularly as Kernick offers three perspectives in alternating chapters throughout the piece. It all enriches the experience a great deal and keeps the reader juggling information. The story itself was top-notch, with twists and information delivered to the reader at key moments. While it was apparent that something was amiss, until all the pieces fell into place, the reader was likely left guessing. With this Ray Mason foundation, I do hope to read more by Kernick, especially since it has come highly recommended.
Kudos, Mr. Kernick, for another wonderful story. I hope others come upon your novels and find a place for them on their ‘TBR’ shelves.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 27, 2024
This is the first book I’ve ever read by Simon Kendrick, it was good but nothing I haven't read before.
When I first started this book I was really excited to see where this one was going. It started with a bang quite literally and I was ready for the thrill ride it promised to be. However I felt it never really got off the ground. It was a very cliché crime thriller.
There were a few twists and turns, I mean they weren’t completely predicable but because of how they were written they were a lot less impactful than they could’ve been. I also felt myself getting déjà-vu as Kendrick kept repeating some of the plot line – I think to make sure we knew what was going on. Due to its fairly average writing I found myself a little bored towards the middle of the book.
The ending was where the main shock was but I wasn’t in all honestly that shocked with the constant repetitive hints throughout the book it was pretty obvious. It feels like all I have done with this review is moaned about it but it wasn’t a bad plotline at all and there were some attempts at character building which I assume will continue throughout the series – if I decide to get the others.
When I first started this book I was really excited to see where this one was going. It started with a bang quite literally and I was ready for the thrill ride it promised to be. However I felt it never really got off the ground. It was a very cliché crime thriller.
There were a few twists and turns, I mean they weren’t completely predicable but because of how they were written they were a lot less impactful than they could’ve been. I also felt myself getting déjà-vu as Kendrick kept repeating some of the plot line – I think to make sure we knew what was going on. Due to its fairly average writing I found myself a little bored towards the middle of the book.
The ending was where the main shock was but I wasn’t in all honestly that shocked with the constant repetitive hints throughout the book it was pretty obvious. It feels like all I have done with this review is moaned about it but it wasn’t a bad plotline at all and there were some attempts at character building which I assume will continue throughout the series – if I decide to get the others.
October 18, 2017
This is the type of thriller that everyone likes to take one or three of with them on their holidays. Guaranteed to be a page turner, by a recognised author, the type of book that give you kudos on your sun-lounger and thoroughly entertain you.
This novel introducing Ray Mason of Counter Terrorism Command to us, never dips in pace, action or mesmerising developments.
Set against the background of planned terror attacks, when the police appear to be restricted in their response, the copper you want on your side is Ray Mason. Seemingly incapable of not roughing up the odd terrorists to grab much needed intelligence he leaves a growing body count behind.
Amid the chaos and confusion of a jihadist attack a more sinister situation is unfolding that places Mason at greater risk than being suspended. His life and those of his closest friends are threatened in a way he can’t counter since he can’t see his enemy or those in MI5 who would wish to destroy him.
The witness, a woman, Jane Kinnear with a checkered background to rival his own, appears to hold the key but he becomes ever more frustrated as circumstances or an unknown hand is keeping him from interviewing her.
Great set piece action scenes, realistic and detailed violence another winner from Simon Kernick
This novel introducing Ray Mason of Counter Terrorism Command to us, never dips in pace, action or mesmerising developments.
Set against the background of planned terror attacks, when the police appear to be restricted in their response, the copper you want on your side is Ray Mason. Seemingly incapable of not roughing up the odd terrorists to grab much needed intelligence he leaves a growing body count behind.
Amid the chaos and confusion of a jihadist attack a more sinister situation is unfolding that places Mason at greater risk than being suspended. His life and those of his closest friends are threatened in a way he can’t counter since he can’t see his enemy or those in MI5 who would wish to destroy him.
The witness, a woman, Jane Kinnear with a checkered background to rival his own, appears to hold the key but he becomes ever more frustrated as circumstances or an unknown hand is keeping him from interviewing her.
Great set piece action scenes, realistic and detailed violence another winner from Simon Kernick
July 13, 2018
3-3.5 stars.
Damn.
I was very pleasantly surprised with this.
My parents have a library of books the size of which I dream of one day having, and most of them (I'd estimate it to around 80%) are different variations of crime and thrillers. This was in a pile I walked past the other day and on a whim I read the back to see what it was about. It intrigued me and I flipped to the first page and before I knew it I'd read the first few chapters.
The writing and the characters are excellent. Their dialogue and manner is entertaining and I really liked Ray, our main character. I'm really tempted to see if I can find any more of Kernick's books upstairs in the many bookshelves my parents have.
And the mystery itself was awesome. It brought twists I was not expecting and I really enjoyed finding out what was happening.
My piece of critique though was that the backstories of the characters weren't really as much fun to read and I ended up skimming through those bits to get back to the mystery at hand. It turned out that they were important to the mystery, which I appreciate, but it seems to be difficult for authors to manage the whole backstory thing right when it comes to crimes and thrillers. I dunno, they always bore me somehow. Luckily it wasn't bad here, and usually my skimming only lasted the first bit and I ended up properly reading the rest, but still. I also don't rate it higher because some parts, particularly Ray working out the mystery and why he didn't think it made sense, weren't as easy for me to follow. I'm not sure why, but that was the case anyway.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed this and I do think I'll look out for the authors other works. I think people who enjoy crime and thrillers will like this. I promise, the twists and the truth of the crime are really intriguing and definitely well thought out, which is a huge must in my book for this genre. Really enjoyed it!
Damn.
I was very pleasantly surprised with this.
My parents have a library of books the size of which I dream of one day having, and most of them (I'd estimate it to around 80%) are different variations of crime and thrillers. This was in a pile I walked past the other day and on a whim I read the back to see what it was about. It intrigued me and I flipped to the first page and before I knew it I'd read the first few chapters.
The writing and the characters are excellent. Their dialogue and manner is entertaining and I really liked Ray, our main character. I'm really tempted to see if I can find any more of Kernick's books upstairs in the many bookshelves my parents have.
And the mystery itself was awesome. It brought twists I was not expecting and I really enjoyed finding out what was happening.
My piece of critique though was that the backstories of the characters weren't really as much fun to read and I ended up skimming through those bits to get back to the mystery at hand. It turned out that they were important to the mystery, which I appreciate, but it seems to be difficult for authors to manage the whole backstory thing right when it comes to crimes and thrillers. I dunno, they always bore me somehow. Luckily it wasn't bad here, and usually my skimming only lasted the first bit and I ended up properly reading the rest, but still. I also don't rate it higher because some parts, particularly Ray working out the mystery and why he didn't think it made sense, weren't as easy for me to follow. I'm not sure why, but that was the case anyway.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed this and I do think I'll look out for the authors other works. I think people who enjoy crime and thrillers will like this. I promise, the twists and the truth of the crime are really intriguing and definitely well thought out, which is a huge must in my book for this genre. Really enjoyed it!
January 30, 2016
Many thanks to Dead good reads for my copy of this. I have to say I've been a fan of Simon Kernicks since the beginning and eagerly look forward to January.
The Witness does not disappoint, written with the authors usual fast pace which keeps the pages turning, it's a hard book to put down. Told from a different perspective for the main characters, each with a past. Just when you think you have it all worked out you are thrown a curveball, over and over again.
The author is one of todays master of the page turning thriller
The Witness does not disappoint, written with the authors usual fast pace which keeps the pages turning, it's a hard book to put down. Told from a different perspective for the main characters, each with a past. Just when you think you have it all worked out you are thrown a curveball, over and over again.
The author is one of todays master of the page turning thriller
August 16, 2020
Wie schon andere geschrieben haben: die klassische Mogelpackung. Der Klappentext verspricht einen fesselnden Psychothriller, eine Frau bekommt unter dem Bett ihres Geliebten versteckt mit, wie dieser und dessen Frau kaltblütig ermordet werden, die Handlung setzt einen ganz anderen Schwerpunkt. Es geht um Ermittlungen zur Terrorismusbekämpfung. Die vermeintliche Protagonistin verkommt zur Nebenfigur. Das Werk ist okay, mit anderem Klappentext wäre es vielleicht sogar gut.
February 17, 2016
Bullets everywhere.
March 14, 2016
Simon Kernick is in the top five of thriller writers of this era. I have read and enjoyed many of his previous novels. The Witness is definitely one of his best. Because the story is told through the eyes of several narrators we are never quite sure of what is true and what is not. The primary characters are detective Ray Mason, a hard-boiled detective with little tolerance for police bureaucracy and rules, and Jane Kinnear, the Witness. In the first chapter Jane relays the tale of a date gone bad. As she and her casual lover Anil are having sex in his marital bed, his wife returns home early from a trip. Jane hides under the bed and soon hears the arrival of another man who tortures Anil asking him about an imminent terrorist attack and then kills him. Jane escapes and is later placed under police protection in a safe house. Two cops are killed while escorting her.
Mason is assigned to investigate these murders but is soon diverted to track down the terrorists and avert a terror attack.
This novel is brilliantly written and by 20% of the way through I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It is strewn with red herrings and plot twists until the trap is sprung and everything we have been led to believe is turned on its head.
Mason is assigned to investigate these murders but is soon diverted to track down the terrorists and avert a terror attack.
This novel is brilliantly written and by 20% of the way through I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It is strewn with red herrings and plot twists until the trap is sprung and everything we have been led to believe is turned on its head.
November 22, 2017
3.5 stars
December 3, 2017
as usual Simon Kernick nails it 😁👍
October 17, 2020
I’ve read a handful of Simon Kernick books, and The Witness sounded like it would be another winner from the author. Unfortunately, I found this one harder to get through than I would have liked.
The Witness was a story that had me intrigued and eager to see how the pieces came together, but it failed to wow me. My main problem is that I felt no connection to the characters. There were a lot of dramatic events, but without the connection I just wanted to see how the pieces came together. When added with the fact I worked out quite a few of these details in advance, and this one was a bit underwhelming.
All in all, this was an okay read, but it’s not a favourite from the author.
The Witness was a story that had me intrigued and eager to see how the pieces came together, but it failed to wow me. My main problem is that I felt no connection to the characters. There were a lot of dramatic events, but without the connection I just wanted to see how the pieces came together. When added with the fact I worked out quite a few of these details in advance, and this one was a bit underwhelming.
All in all, this was an okay read, but it’s not a favourite from the author.
January 30, 2016
Simon Kernick's books are always guaranteed to start with a bang and keep you reading relentlessly into the night. He is very good at juggling multiple narrators and points of view and keeping the reader guessing about how they will eventually connect. The Witness contains many of his trademark elements and it's an entertaining read, but ultimately it didn't keep me quite as engrossed as his previous books have. Maybe it's because I've read all of his books, but I could sense quite early on how things would come together (although the specifics came as a surprise) and it felt a bit like a rehash of previous plots rather than something new and different.
The Witness who gives the book its title is Jane Kinnear. Her date night goes horrendously wrong when her lover is tortured and killed and she is lucky to escape. Despite being under police protection, it is apparent that someone is still determined to silence her before she can identify the killer. Meanwhile DI Ray Mason - a hardened and unorthodox cop who is reminiscent of Dennis Milne - is trying to prevent an imminent terrorist attack which it appears that Jane's deceased boyfriend was somehow involved in. He has secrets in his past and they may be connected to what's happening now.
This is a quick and fun read, but it didn't keep me as hooked as Kernick's previous books have. It just felt too much like he'd written it by numbers. The woman in danger, the kidnap sub-plot, the rogue cop - it's all been done before, though admittedly not in quite the same way. The twists didn't make me gasp, they just made me nod, and the central conspiracy seemed overly convoluted.
The Witness introduces us to a new cast of characters which is welcome because I didn't really need to read yet another variation of Tina Boyd going off piste. There are two stand out new characters and I look forward to meeting one or both of them again. Even when he's not at his best, I still enjoy Kernick's books more than many in this genre.
The Witness who gives the book its title is Jane Kinnear. Her date night goes horrendously wrong when her lover is tortured and killed and she is lucky to escape. Despite being under police protection, it is apparent that someone is still determined to silence her before she can identify the killer. Meanwhile DI Ray Mason - a hardened and unorthodox cop who is reminiscent of Dennis Milne - is trying to prevent an imminent terrorist attack which it appears that Jane's deceased boyfriend was somehow involved in. He has secrets in his past and they may be connected to what's happening now.
This is a quick and fun read, but it didn't keep me as hooked as Kernick's previous books have. It just felt too much like he'd written it by numbers. The woman in danger, the kidnap sub-plot, the rogue cop - it's all been done before, though admittedly not in quite the same way. The twists didn't make me gasp, they just made me nod, and the central conspiracy seemed overly convoluted.
The Witness introduces us to a new cast of characters which is welcome because I didn't really need to read yet another variation of Tina Boyd going off piste. There are two stand out new characters and I look forward to meeting one or both of them again. Even when he's not at his best, I still enjoy Kernick's books more than many in this genre.
September 4, 2018
You can read more of my reviews at my blog The Book Chick.
This was not what I had expected. I thought the book was more about the witness. But in reality you follow Mason most of the book. It started off fast and good with some intense chapter and great build up. Unfortunate that didn’t hold and I lost interest some 100 pages in.
Mason sure is an interesting character with an interesting past. You do get to know a lot about him but you do feel that there is so much more and stuff like that will probably be relived later on in the series. According to GoodReads there is one more book about Ray Mason so far. I will probably not read it though. The witness character was also interesting. With a background where she grew up in South Africa and escaped to the other side of the world and then a lot happened. You don’t get to know everything in one go either and it makes you curious of her past. She is an enigma and great to get to know more about. Certainly fit well with the main character and his own dark secrets.
I am however not fond of terrorists plots. I often find them childish. But I guess it is childish in reality to. To take out your own thoughts and views on other innocent people, just because others are not thinking the same way, is just making you a coward. It is like the bully in school who need to hurt others to feel better himself. Unfortunately terrorist are so much bigger and causes so much more destruction. So since the books plot is more about terrorist than anything else, this was not a book for me.
However, there is a MAJOR plot twist in the end that totally threw me. It was so far from what I expected and it was a great way to heat up the plot again and make it interesting. It was so good that it earned its own star and went from one to two stars in rating. The ending was not 100% completely satisfying but I do understand the reasons for it.
This was not what I had expected. I thought the book was more about the witness. But in reality you follow Mason most of the book. It started off fast and good with some intense chapter and great build up. Unfortunate that didn’t hold and I lost interest some 100 pages in.
Mason sure is an interesting character with an interesting past. You do get to know a lot about him but you do feel that there is so much more and stuff like that will probably be relived later on in the series. According to GoodReads there is one more book about Ray Mason so far. I will probably not read it though. The witness character was also interesting. With a background where she grew up in South Africa and escaped to the other side of the world and then a lot happened. You don’t get to know everything in one go either and it makes you curious of her past. She is an enigma and great to get to know more about. Certainly fit well with the main character and his own dark secrets.
I am however not fond of terrorists plots. I often find them childish. But I guess it is childish in reality to. To take out your own thoughts and views on other innocent people, just because others are not thinking the same way, is just making you a coward. It is like the bully in school who need to hurt others to feel better himself. Unfortunately terrorist are so much bigger and causes so much more destruction. So since the books plot is more about terrorist than anything else, this was not a book for me.
However, there is a MAJOR plot twist in the end that totally threw me. It was so far from what I expected and it was a great way to heat up the plot again and make it interesting. It was so good that it earned its own star and went from one to two stars in rating. The ending was not 100% completely satisfying but I do understand the reasons for it.
January 27, 2020
Comically crap.
A paint by numbers police procedural. The final paragraph on page 48 of the paperback edition sums this book up, you'd think this book was a spoof. I can only hear it read like it's something from garth marenghi's darkplace.
I don't know if this is written for people with memory problems but he keeps repeating the key plot points and character traits over and over again within pages of each other. I kept having the deja vu feeling. Yep, I get it, he doesn't play by the rules, move on.
It's not actually that old but the book sounds really dated. I know his books are popular but I'm not sure what people are really getting from it. The characters are awful and 2D but the plot is pretty slow and dull.
A paint by numbers police procedural. The final paragraph on page 48 of the paperback edition sums this book up, you'd think this book was a spoof. I can only hear it read like it's something from garth marenghi's darkplace.
I don't know if this is written for people with memory problems but he keeps repeating the key plot points and character traits over and over again within pages of each other. I kept having the deja vu feeling. Yep, I get it, he doesn't play by the rules, move on.
It's not actually that old but the book sounds really dated. I know his books are popular but I'm not sure what people are really getting from it. The characters are awful and 2D but the plot is pretty slow and dull.
January 29, 2016
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book through Deadgoodreads and as Simon Kernick is a favourite of mine I am so happy. I read this book in just two sittings. The writing flows, it's fast-paced and kept me up half the night! This really is one of his best books if not the best to date and I've read quite a few! In this book the author plays with the reader's emotions as it seems everybody has a secret to hide that we are gradually allowed to become privy to. However, is everyone telling the truth? I have a feeling the Wraith may be back!
September 8, 2025
Underhållande och rejäl action
May 12, 2021
Not well written, but effective, mindless reading for difficult times, a real flu novel. Helped through a rough patch when I couldn't concentrate on anything more substantial.
January 16, 2022
Not my usual genre, but thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced crime thriller. Brilliant characters and fast paced throughout. An absolute page turner!
July 20, 2022
The Witness (DI Ray Mason #1)
Book by Simon Kernick
PLOT
Jane Kinnear was sleeping with a man when his wife barged in and Jane was forced to hide under the bed so that she would not be discovered by her lover’s wife. Then unexpectedly a stranger breaks in and tortures the wife and kills the husband but Jane manages to escape.
Jane is taken to a safe house whose whereabouts are kept a secret. DI Ray Mason of Counter Terrorist Command leads the investigation for the hunt for the killer. Even he doesn’t know where Jane is being kept. Mason is a man with a dark past and he is known for killing his enemies and leaving their dead bodies strewn all over the place, which isn’t appreciated by his superiors. But he is pretty good at his detective work and that has earned him recognition.
Mason learns that Jane’s lover was an M15 informant and he knew vital information to help stop an impending terrorist attack. It is an exhilarating hide and seek thriller. The cat and mouse chase to track down the killer of Jane’s lover is executed with blockbuster perfection.
ANALYSIS
The story unfolds as layers are revealed one by one. The main twist is launched a long time before the big reveal. It is a romp of a read and fast paced. The twists are very poignant. It is highly entertaining because it is an average low brow police procedural thriller. You will be flipping the pages fast enough well into the night.
I came across Simon Kernick by accident and was pulled into the Ray Mason detective character from the very start. Mason’s character is very intriguing and his dark back stories are very rich. His family life is very tragic which would have left anyone devastated. He battled against all those issues to become a prominent member of the police force, fighting terrorism at home and abroad.
The other characters are rich additions to the story. There are three characters doing the narration appearing in alternating chapters throughout the novel. This provides an enriching experience and keeps the reader juggling information. The identity of the killer was highly predictable but the plot and twists were top notch.
It is highly engrossing and hard to put down. Simon Kernick is the Sunday Times bestselling author who is perfect for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child and James Patterson. It gets your blood pumping and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I totally loved this book from beginning till the end. It is full of tension, suspense and excitement.
Book by Simon Kernick
PLOT
Jane Kinnear was sleeping with a man when his wife barged in and Jane was forced to hide under the bed so that she would not be discovered by her lover’s wife. Then unexpectedly a stranger breaks in and tortures the wife and kills the husband but Jane manages to escape.
Jane is taken to a safe house whose whereabouts are kept a secret. DI Ray Mason of Counter Terrorist Command leads the investigation for the hunt for the killer. Even he doesn’t know where Jane is being kept. Mason is a man with a dark past and he is known for killing his enemies and leaving their dead bodies strewn all over the place, which isn’t appreciated by his superiors. But he is pretty good at his detective work and that has earned him recognition.
Mason learns that Jane’s lover was an M15 informant and he knew vital information to help stop an impending terrorist attack. It is an exhilarating hide and seek thriller. The cat and mouse chase to track down the killer of Jane’s lover is executed with blockbuster perfection.
ANALYSIS
The story unfolds as layers are revealed one by one. The main twist is launched a long time before the big reveal. It is a romp of a read and fast paced. The twists are very poignant. It is highly entertaining because it is an average low brow police procedural thriller. You will be flipping the pages fast enough well into the night.
I came across Simon Kernick by accident and was pulled into the Ray Mason detective character from the very start. Mason’s character is very intriguing and his dark back stories are very rich. His family life is very tragic which would have left anyone devastated. He battled against all those issues to become a prominent member of the police force, fighting terrorism at home and abroad.
The other characters are rich additions to the story. There are three characters doing the narration appearing in alternating chapters throughout the novel. This provides an enriching experience and keeps the reader juggling information. The identity of the killer was highly predictable but the plot and twists were top notch.
It is highly engrossing and hard to put down. Simon Kernick is the Sunday Times bestselling author who is perfect for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child and James Patterson. It gets your blood pumping and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I totally loved this book from beginning till the end. It is full of tension, suspense and excitement.
June 13, 2016
Murder, extremists, terrorists, what more could you want?
London. A woman witnesses the brutal torture and murder of her lover, and his wife (who returns home unexpectedly early), then escapes the murderer to call for help.
She is taken into police custody and secreted in a safe-house with an armed guard while the police hunt the attacker. But from here, as you would expect, the plot thickens...
Mr Kernick paints his scenario very well, first giving us the main theme. He then brings in the background characters and events before drawing all of them together in a gripping finale. It is the first of his books that I have read and I managed to finish it in 2 days, it is that good. It is also a very topical book for 2016, with references to IS, Syria and Iraq, the Paris bombings. Sub-plots bring in terrorism, jihadists and organised crime.
Many of the chapters are written focusing on either the witness, Jane Kinnear, or the detective, D.I. Ray Mason. Mason’s chapters are written in the first person, as if he is talking you through the events. In the mini-biography at the front of the book, it states that Mr Kernick talks to members of the UK Counter Terrorism Command, and this certainly comes out in the detail and knowledge he shows of this work.
As the book proceeds, we learn more about Mason’s past; his experiences, his fears etc, and soon are swept into his world. Mr Kernick has written this as a novel, but I’m wondering if it might not be the first in a series about D.I. Ray Mason. I, for one, would eagerly await a follow up as he did leave some loose ends dangling. Enough to pick up and run with again. A deserved 5 stars.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
London. A woman witnesses the brutal torture and murder of her lover, and his wife (who returns home unexpectedly early), then escapes the murderer to call for help.
She is taken into police custody and secreted in a safe-house with an armed guard while the police hunt the attacker. But from here, as you would expect, the plot thickens...
Mr Kernick paints his scenario very well, first giving us the main theme. He then brings in the background characters and events before drawing all of them together in a gripping finale. It is the first of his books that I have read and I managed to finish it in 2 days, it is that good. It is also a very topical book for 2016, with references to IS, Syria and Iraq, the Paris bombings. Sub-plots bring in terrorism, jihadists and organised crime.
Many of the chapters are written focusing on either the witness, Jane Kinnear, or the detective, D.I. Ray Mason. Mason’s chapters are written in the first person, as if he is talking you through the events. In the mini-biography at the front of the book, it states that Mr Kernick talks to members of the UK Counter Terrorism Command, and this certainly comes out in the detail and knowledge he shows of this work.
As the book proceeds, we learn more about Mason’s past; his experiences, his fears etc, and soon are swept into his world. Mr Kernick has written this as a novel, but I’m wondering if it might not be the first in a series about D.I. Ray Mason. I, for one, would eagerly await a follow up as he did leave some loose ends dangling. Enough to pick up and run with again. A deserved 5 stars.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
February 11, 2017
Simon Kernick’s books always start with action. He has the audience hooked from the very beginning. The plot has many twists and keeps you guessing as to how the story will end.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a series of characters, which is an interesting idea to keep you guessing what is fact and what is fiction. The two central characters are detective Ray Mason and a witness Jane Kinnear who both have secrets to hide. As you learn more deeply about their lives you are able to feel empathy for some of the events that have happened, which brings the characters to life.
Jane Kinnear is a witness to a horrific crime in the house of her lover and is on the run from some very organized killers. She is taken to a safe house while detectives try to figure out how this is connected to a possible terrorist attack. Detective Ray Mason feels that her story doesn’t quite make sense, but cannot see any reason why she would lie. As time passes, the story becomes personal for him and we get to learn about his unsettling past and how he will stop at nothing to solve this case.
As the story draws to an end, it emphasizes the difference between the two main characters. Everyone has a past, but you can move forward and make a positive difference in the world if you choose to. A tough start to life doesn’t mean you have to perpetuate the cycle.
When the book ends I feel that it won’t be the last I see of these two characters. Simon has the ability to further explore where their story goes next.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a series of characters, which is an interesting idea to keep you guessing what is fact and what is fiction. The two central characters are detective Ray Mason and a witness Jane Kinnear who both have secrets to hide. As you learn more deeply about their lives you are able to feel empathy for some of the events that have happened, which brings the characters to life.
Jane Kinnear is a witness to a horrific crime in the house of her lover and is on the run from some very organized killers. She is taken to a safe house while detectives try to figure out how this is connected to a possible terrorist attack. Detective Ray Mason feels that her story doesn’t quite make sense, but cannot see any reason why she would lie. As time passes, the story becomes personal for him and we get to learn about his unsettling past and how he will stop at nothing to solve this case.
As the story draws to an end, it emphasizes the difference between the two main characters. Everyone has a past, but you can move forward and make a positive difference in the world if you choose to. A tough start to life doesn’t mean you have to perpetuate the cycle.
When the book ends I feel that it won’t be the last I see of these two characters. Simon has the ability to further explore where their story goes next.
December 9, 2016
Must. Be. More. Organised. With. Reviews! This is another one that slipped through the cracks at the time, so here it is at last.
I just love Simon Kernick's work. This story was a classic twisty tale that he does so well. Its sheer escapism but hey, we all need a bit of that at times.
Jane Kinnear is the unfortunate witness to the murder of her lover and his wife. The killer is asking questions about a forthcoming terrorist attack. This is enough to ensure the involvement of the counter terrorism (CT) unit of the Met. Ray Mason, an Inspector in CT and his partner Chris are tasked with investigating the terrorism link.
But something smells fishy about the whole set-up. The story the witness tells doesn't make sense in the context of what else they know. Then Chris's daughter is kidnapped. In exchange for her life the kidnappers want the address of the safe house where the witness (Kinnear) is being held.
As Ray and Chris break all the rules to try to save Chris's daughter, it becomes clear that they have misread things completely. And that's when the fun really begins. It seems there will be a sequel. I look forward to reading about the re-match (no clues). This was a fast paced thriller that should please fans of the genre.
I just love Simon Kernick's work. This story was a classic twisty tale that he does so well. Its sheer escapism but hey, we all need a bit of that at times.
Jane Kinnear is the unfortunate witness to the murder of her lover and his wife. The killer is asking questions about a forthcoming terrorist attack. This is enough to ensure the involvement of the counter terrorism (CT) unit of the Met. Ray Mason, an Inspector in CT and his partner Chris are tasked with investigating the terrorism link.
But something smells fishy about the whole set-up. The story the witness tells doesn't make sense in the context of what else they know. Then Chris's daughter is kidnapped. In exchange for her life the kidnappers want the address of the safe house where the witness (Kinnear) is being held.
As Ray and Chris break all the rules to try to save Chris's daughter, it becomes clear that they have misread things completely. And that's when the fun really begins. It seems there will be a sequel. I look forward to reading about the re-match (no clues). This was a fast paced thriller that should please fans of the genre.
December 12, 2016
Alright, this was a pleasure to read.
Important to note that this was my first thriller/crime book or whatever it was really. The pace was enormously fast, action scenes were mostly good and the finale was spectacular. Now, there were a few flaws with the characters, but that is expected from a shorter book. It was astonishing to read about the counter-terrorist's side of views, especially, with the open end, which is merely a conclusion to the story. Oh, and the plot-twists... oh, god.
Important to note that this was my first thriller/crime book or whatever it was really. The pace was enormously fast, action scenes were mostly good and the finale was spectacular. Now, there were a few flaws with the characters, but that is expected from a shorter book. It was astonishing to read about the counter-terrorist's side of views, especially, with the open end, which is merely a conclusion to the story. Oh, and the plot-twists... oh, god.
July 26, 2019
I first came across a Simon Kernick book (Severed) in 2010 when my local library were selling off some unwanted books for 10p each. The best 10p I’ve ever spent. He must be one of the very best at writing fast paced crime thrillers. Arguably, this is his best yet. It is a very clever and complex plot and although the body count is high, it is utterly believable.
This is the introduction of a new Kernick character, Ray Mason, a maverick detective, not afraid to shoot first, ask questions later. But he gets results and although his strategy is not in the textbook, he gets it done. Equally his opponents, especially one particular individual, are equally skilled.
A thrill-a-minute white knuckle ride.
This is the introduction of a new Kernick character, Ray Mason, a maverick detective, not afraid to shoot first, ask questions later. But he gets results and although his strategy is not in the textbook, he gets it done. Equally his opponents, especially one particular individual, are equally skilled.
A thrill-a-minute white knuckle ride.
February 29, 2016
A great thriller, a real page turner
August 30, 2017
because it is written by Simon Kernick, a writer whom I expect the absolute best from, I am giving this book a three star.
For the things I disliked about the book:
The main character D.I Ray Mason is someone i couldn't connect with. As the book was written in first person view, there was lots of talk about his tormented past and his rash decision making, but as a reader i didn't feel it.
The story alternated between two first person point of view, which I didn't like; it started real nice and then dragged on way too long. literally the bulk of the book felt unnecessary to me, it wasn't the usual powerfuelled Kernick book, it went on way too long to get interesting part that I contemplated dropping the book a couple of times.
the storyline was also nothing new to me, the villain seemed like a better version of a character from his previous book- stay alive and the storyline reminded me a lot of his previous book "severed" (which I also gave a three Star).
regardless, the ending was exactly what I'd wanted to happen. if it had been another way around, I probably wouldn't be reading the next Ray Mason's book. But as it is, as much as this isn't upto my usual standards, there honestly really aren't that much writers who can do what Simon kernick does in his books. so although I'd read the second book, I would recommend this book only for those who are looking for a simply, good read.
For the things I disliked about the book:
The main character D.I Ray Mason is someone i couldn't connect with. As the book was written in first person view, there was lots of talk about his tormented past and his rash decision making, but as a reader i didn't feel it.
The story alternated between two first person point of view, which I didn't like; it started real nice and then dragged on way too long. literally the bulk of the book felt unnecessary to me, it wasn't the usual powerfuelled Kernick book, it went on way too long to get interesting part that I contemplated dropping the book a couple of times.
the storyline was also nothing new to me, the villain seemed like a better version of a character from his previous book- stay alive and the storyline reminded me a lot of his previous book "severed" (which I also gave a three Star).
regardless, the ending was exactly what I'd wanted to happen. if it had been another way around, I probably wouldn't be reading the next Ray Mason's book. But as it is, as much as this isn't upto my usual standards, there honestly really aren't that much writers who can do what Simon kernick does in his books. so although I'd read the second book, I would recommend this book only for those who are looking for a simply, good read.
March 12, 2021
Long time Simon Kernick fan I have been with him from his first book the Business Of Dying so for a new book that leaves the characters he has created that I have come to love Like Tina Boyd behind was always going to be a challenge for me but I'm happy to report that I had a good time with DI Ray Mason his newest creations.
The Witness follows Mason as he investigates the home invasion and brutal killing of a husband and wife.
As with all Kernick novels this is fast paced and action packed with quick snappy chapters the world which the book is set in is very familiar to old readers of his work like myself so it was easy to settle in and just enjoy the ride.
The book is well written and the characters well formed and fleshed out and I instantly liked Mason I could quite easily see a future team up with Boyd from his earlier books.
We have many twists and turns along the way and Kernick kept me guessing right up till the very end.
Other than the new character Kernick sticks to what has made his books successful the action is tight and well choregraphed with the usual detailed violence this is not a thinking mans book so if that's your thing you wont find it here this is a balls to the wall blockbuster book.
I look FWD. to spending time with DI Ray Mason again another winner from Mr Kernick well worth your time and hard- earned cash.
The Witness follows Mason as he investigates the home invasion and brutal killing of a husband and wife.
As with all Kernick novels this is fast paced and action packed with quick snappy chapters the world which the book is set in is very familiar to old readers of his work like myself so it was easy to settle in and just enjoy the ride.
The book is well written and the characters well formed and fleshed out and I instantly liked Mason I could quite easily see a future team up with Boyd from his earlier books.
We have many twists and turns along the way and Kernick kept me guessing right up till the very end.
Other than the new character Kernick sticks to what has made his books successful the action is tight and well choregraphed with the usual detailed violence this is not a thinking mans book so if that's your thing you wont find it here this is a balls to the wall blockbuster book.
I look FWD. to spending time with DI Ray Mason again another winner from Mr Kernick well worth your time and hard- earned cash.
September 26, 2025
Jane Kninnear hatte sich den ersten Abend mit ihrem neuen Freund anders vorgestellt. Nicht nur dass plötzlich seine Ehefrau vor der Tür steht. Jane wird auch Zeugin wie die beiden ermordet werden. Sie selbst kann dem Killer nur knapp entkommen. Es stellt sich heraus, dass sie sich mit einem Terroristen eingelassen hat. Der Killer selbst ist eine Legende bei den Ermittlern, weil man ihn noch nie gesehen hat. Seine Raffinesse ist berüchtigt. Selbst in einem Safehouse scheint es für Jane kein Schutz zu vor ihm geben.
Janes Geschichte ist abenteuerlich. Der Killer ist raffiniert und trotzdem gelingt es ihr scheinbar mühelos, ihm zu entkommen. Wer die Bücher von Simon Kernick kennt weiß schon, dass hinter ihrer Geschichte mehr steckt als es auf den ersten Blick scheint.
Gerade das ist mir aufgefallen. Die Geschichten laufen alle nach dem selben Muster ab. Man weiß einfach dass nichts so ist, wie es am Anfang scheint. Kennt man ein paar seiner Bücher, weiß man auch wie die Rollen verteilt sind. Auch die vielen Wendungen gibt es in jedem Buch.
Warum ich trotzdem immer wieder zu den Büchern von Simon Kernick greife? Weil sie trotz der bekannten Muster sehr spannend sind und mich immer gut unterhalten. Bei diesem fand ich das eigentliche Motiv für das Ganze allerdings ein bisschen dünn, aber ich freue mich trotzdem schon auf seine nächste Geschichte.
Janes Geschichte ist abenteuerlich. Der Killer ist raffiniert und trotzdem gelingt es ihr scheinbar mühelos, ihm zu entkommen. Wer die Bücher von Simon Kernick kennt weiß schon, dass hinter ihrer Geschichte mehr steckt als es auf den ersten Blick scheint.
Gerade das ist mir aufgefallen. Die Geschichten laufen alle nach dem selben Muster ab. Man weiß einfach dass nichts so ist, wie es am Anfang scheint. Kennt man ein paar seiner Bücher, weiß man auch wie die Rollen verteilt sind. Auch die vielen Wendungen gibt es in jedem Buch.
Warum ich trotzdem immer wieder zu den Büchern von Simon Kernick greife? Weil sie trotz der bekannten Muster sehr spannend sind und mich immer gut unterhalten. Bei diesem fand ich das eigentliche Motiv für das Ganze allerdings ein bisschen dünn, aber ich freue mich trotzdem schon auf seine nächste Geschichte.
October 6, 2017
Breathless
The Witness who gives the book its title is Jane Kinnear. Her date night goes horrendously wrong when her lover is tortured and killed and she is lucky to escape. Despite being under police protection, it is apparent that someone is still determined to silence her before she can identify the killer. Meanwhile DI Ray Mason - a hardened and unorthodox cop is trying to prevent an imminent terrorist attack which it appears that Jane's deceased boyfriend was somehow involved in. He has secrets in his past and they may be connected to what's happening now.
Simon Kernick has written this as a novel, but I’m wondering if it might not be the first in a series about D.I. Ray Mason. I, for one, would eagerly await a follow up as he did leave some loose ends dangling, enough to pick up and run with again.
It is brilliantly written and I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It is strewn with red herrings and plot twists until the trap is sprung and everything we have been led to believe is turned on its head.
A deserved 5 stars.
The Witness who gives the book its title is Jane Kinnear. Her date night goes horrendously wrong when her lover is tortured and killed and she is lucky to escape. Despite being under police protection, it is apparent that someone is still determined to silence her before she can identify the killer. Meanwhile DI Ray Mason - a hardened and unorthodox cop is trying to prevent an imminent terrorist attack which it appears that Jane's deceased boyfriend was somehow involved in. He has secrets in his past and they may be connected to what's happening now.
Simon Kernick has written this as a novel, but I’m wondering if it might not be the first in a series about D.I. Ray Mason. I, for one, would eagerly await a follow up as he did leave some loose ends dangling, enough to pick up and run with again.
It is brilliantly written and I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It is strewn with red herrings and plot twists until the trap is sprung and everything we have been led to believe is turned on its head.
A deserved 5 stars.
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