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Inspector Marco #2
Another Good Killing
A body is found in an Aston Martin... A rich family with something to hide?... Another case for Detective John Marco
The body of a well-connected wealthy banker is found in his luxury car in the middle of Cardiff with a message from the killer telling the world the man deserves to die. Was it a disgruntled former customer or business enemy? Once a video is posted on the internet from an anarchist group John Marco has his first possible suspect.
But another business executive, connected to the banker, is killed and another message left with the body. Marco has to find what links all the deaths together? All the evidence points to an anarchist group. But is John Marco right to have his doubts?
And in the middle of the investigation Marco’s son is rushed into hospital challenging everything that Marco knows about himself. And when Marco’s team is threatened he has a race against time to find the perpetrator.
The body of a well-connected wealthy banker is found in his luxury car in the middle of Cardiff with a message from the killer telling the world the man deserves to die. Was it a disgruntled former customer or business enemy? Once a video is posted on the internet from an anarchist group John Marco has his first possible suspect.
But another business executive, connected to the banker, is killed and another message left with the body. Marco has to find what links all the deaths together? All the evidence points to an anarchist group. But is John Marco right to have his doubts?
And in the middle of the investigation Marco’s son is rushed into hospital challenging everything that Marco knows about himself. And when Marco’s team is threatened he has a race against time to find the perpetrator.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Stephen Puleston
35 books302 followersI write mysteries and thrillers.
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 10, 2018
DI John Marco is called to investigate the murder of a very well known wealthy banker. The killer lets them know what the motive of the murder was ... he left a note telling the world the man deserved to die, simply for his greed.
Marco's gut feeling about this case is working overtime. He just doesn't buy the greedy motive and when interrogating the man's family, he senses that they are hiding something ... but what?
When another business executive is murdered, the pieces of the puzzle start falling in place. And just when he thinks he has everything figured out, one of his team members is kidnapped. Marco faces a race against time to bring the murderer to justice - before it's too late...
As with all this author's books, it is a well written crime thriller. The crimes are believable and thoroughly thought out. Marco is a great series character. I like how his personal life is blended with his professional life. Being an alcoholic, Marco's family and friends worry about the stress he comes over in investigating crimes. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
Although this is the second in the series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I do recommend starting at the beginning and reading in order so as to not miss those little nuggets of gems that make a good book even better. I look forward to the continuing adventures of DI John Marco.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Publicity / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 18, 2018
Detective John Marco is really pushed to the limits in this second book in the series. Not only is he facing a solving a murder case that is feeling more like a set up, with neon lights and arrows displaying this way, as it is too easy but also on a more personal level he is in crisis because his son is in a coma. Oh Lordy, it pulls him emotionally like a stretch Armstrong and I just hoped that he wouldn’t snap and return to old ways and hit the bottle to escape it all.
Stephen Puleston really sets a cracking scene for the reader with his books. The crimes are intriguing to say the least and the main character Marco is always pushed to the brink. I don’t see Marco as a weak character though. It in many respects it gives him focus to keep him occupied but he has to deal with issues one at a time, seeming like he at times doesn’t care.
Marco isn’t about getting cases under his belt, he is about doing the right thing. When a wealthy business man is murdered, in a specific manner and including a note from the killer, it is as if the killer is directing the way the investigation should go. The reaction from the family isn’t really what Marco was expecting. When a second murder occurs, with a similar message attached to the body, the case becomes even more puzzling. Then is gets personal and the tempo really hots up.
This is making a super series. I really like the pairing of Inspector Marco and DS Lydia Flint. I do like a book that makes me use my own brain cells not just read about a case as it unfolds with others solving it. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Stephen Puleston really sets a cracking scene for the reader with his books. The crimes are intriguing to say the least and the main character Marco is always pushed to the brink. I don’t see Marco as a weak character though. It in many respects it gives him focus to keep him occupied but he has to deal with issues one at a time, seeming like he at times doesn’t care.
Marco isn’t about getting cases under his belt, he is about doing the right thing. When a wealthy business man is murdered, in a specific manner and including a note from the killer, it is as if the killer is directing the way the investigation should go. The reaction from the family isn’t really what Marco was expecting. When a second murder occurs, with a similar message attached to the body, the case becomes even more puzzling. Then is gets personal and the tempo really hots up.
This is making a super series. I really like the pairing of Inspector Marco and DS Lydia Flint. I do like a book that makes me use my own brain cells not just read about a case as it unfolds with others solving it. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 22, 2018
My review will be posted when it is my stop on the Blog tour
July 17, 2018
This is the second in the series with Inspector John Marco as the lead character, although I'm sure it could be read as a stand alone. I have now read both and I assure you I will be reading the third!
A wealthy banker is murdered in his car and a message is left hanging round his neck, telling the world that this greedy man deserved to die. There is a group in the area agitating for bankers to be punished for what they have done to the country, so it is simple to believe that this group are responsible for the murder. But another wealthy businessman is murdered in the same way with a similar message and Inspector Marco has to dig deeper to find the truth.
This is a well-written story with believable characters and enough excitement to keep the reader entertained. I must admit to enjoying this one more than the first one and I'm hoping that this upward trend continues with the third novel.
We learn more about Marco as the man and I'm not surprised he is an alcoholic with his dog's breakfast of a private life. From his overwhelming mother to his ex-wife and his estranged son, Marco struggles with personal relationships but, in this novel, he is trying hard to sort it all out. I hope this continues next time.
Great story and a tremendous ending, but let's lose his angst!
I am looking forward to the next in the series because I believe it will be even better than this one.
A wealthy banker is murdered in his car and a message is left hanging round his neck, telling the world that this greedy man deserved to die. There is a group in the area agitating for bankers to be punished for what they have done to the country, so it is simple to believe that this group are responsible for the murder. But another wealthy businessman is murdered in the same way with a similar message and Inspector Marco has to dig deeper to find the truth.
This is a well-written story with believable characters and enough excitement to keep the reader entertained. I must admit to enjoying this one more than the first one and I'm hoping that this upward trend continues with the third novel.
We learn more about Marco as the man and I'm not surprised he is an alcoholic with his dog's breakfast of a private life. From his overwhelming mother to his ex-wife and his estranged son, Marco struggles with personal relationships but, in this novel, he is trying hard to sort it all out. I hope this continues next time.
Great story and a tremendous ending, but let's lose his angst!
I am looking forward to the next in the series because I believe it will be even better than this one.
September 6, 2018
Thoroughly good read but strange to read about places you know well!
June 21, 2026
The Cardiff Murders starts-off okay, but quickly develops into a poor read: typos, extraneous words, and missing words become more frequent as the story progresses, and lazy writing dominates. A “worried look” and similar shortcuts is a sign that the author doesn’t really care. Filter words and adverbs creep in.
Then there’s the protagonist: he’s an unlikable sort. He drinks, is arrogant and bullying, his wife left him because of his drinking, and his son rarely sees him. Oh, and he is more intent on seducing any woman he encounters than conducting a professional investigation. His “investigation” is a series of random impulses driven by assumptions and a desire for a quick resolution. John Marco doesn’t investigate so much as wander all but aimlessly, badgering his subordinates, hoping to get a lucky result. He also seems to think that security camera footage is the most likely source of finding a murderer. By the end of the story he has changed a little, and seems more content, but rather than becoming a decent person, he has only become less unlikable.
Allegedly of Italian heritage, I was astonished to find he is not close to any part of his family. Although he expresses some degree of regret about this at one stage, it does not impact this reader as a priority for Marco.
The prose is alarmingly short on detail, and when he tries to include some by using a stock phrase – in this case “no dust for miles” – it is profoundly inappropriate. Was an apartment really that big, and did he investigate the entire room before arriving at that absolute conclusion? On the other hand, some details are given ad nauseum, like when driving, Puleston’s character always tells when he is using his indicators. Someone needs to tell the author that he is writing a murder-mystery novel, not a treatise on good driving habits. Then there is “-looking”: “expensive-looking, “cheap-looking”, “frustrated-looking”, and many more, all shortcuts taken by the lazy and the inept. The further I get into the book, the more prevalent “almost” becomes: “almost fell over”, “almost hugged her”, “almost cried out”. The list is extensive and when the author uses “almost” in successive sentences, then it’s apparent he has given up.
Puleston also appears to have extracted his knowledge of forensic science from cheap B-movies. “I want a full report on my desk!” he barks at an overworked scientist. I can vouch for the thoroughness of forensic scientists: we never gave anything less than a full, detailed report. Puleston believes that there is no specialisation in the discipline, with everything done by a few people working in three basement rooms. (In other words, he believes the B-movies are in fact, documentaries.) Not so in the lab I worked in: our bespoke building had distinct Divisions and Sections, all of which required extensive training, often years long, prior to reaching competence to give evidence in a Court. A drug analyst specialised in the analysis of samples suspected of containing illicit drugs; a document examiner examined… documents. On that topic, when I left the forensic laboratory, there was very little that could be gained from a document created on a computer printer, although we were able to detect such things as roller/pick-up marks (on the paper feed), and differentiate between some printers and printer types. There will undoubtedly be advances since my time, but the reader is never told if the printer is laser or inkjet; if inkjet, does it use pigment inks or dye-based inks. And how many colours? And does it apply the ink by spray or sublimation? A quick Google indicates that the Wales forensic laboratories are staffed with around 180 people. So good luck fitting them in the three rooms alleged to be their workplace in this story, let alone gas chromatographs, microscopes, and all the other instruments needed to conduct analyses and examinations. In this shoddy work, DNA analyses are of course, completed almost instantly and without the benefit of a specific laboratory to prevent contamination; fibre and/or trace evidence analysis doesn’t appear to exist in Puleston’s forensic world. I don’t recall the protagonist ever making reference to any of the reports he demanded, which makes me wonder why such words were included in the manuscript. Marco’s supervisor is also fond of the term, “full report.” Would Marco otherwise have delivered one with 50% empty pages?
“Cursory” is not too harsh a word to describes Puleston’s research and knowledge.
On the positive side, Puleston has avoided using horrid change of point-of-view to the killer chapters, detailing his or her lust for violence. (But perhaps such a vehicle never occurred to him.) That said, around half-way in, there is no clear indication as to who the antagonist could be (which is not unreasonable, but) nor is there any great suspense or wonder in this reader’s mind as to who it might be. I’m reading it with little enjoyment, but a lot of shaking of my head.
Progressing through the book, the following of a suspect is a (thankfully brief, but) muddled affair and using the term “dog collar” makes me imagine just that. Being alerted to a large protest rally, Marco does nothing meaningful, instead allowing hundreds of “protesters” to invade a premises, knowing that one of them at least, is likely to be the suspect he is after and when disaster happens because of his secrecy, there are no consequences whatsoever for Marco. I know this is a work of fiction, but some relationship to the real world would not go astray.
Typographical errors become more frequent, as does incorrect word usage: “raising” is not a synonym of “rising”, just to give one example. Factual errors too: watching a video, Marco “stares at the camera”. The last I heard, cameras produce an image; a screen displays it. The two unfortunate staff are “chained to their desks” (really? Were they released for toilet breaks?) and they “gaze at flickering screens”. Nowadays, if a screen is flickering, it’s not working properly and given the users are poring over video footage, such screens would be unusable for the task. Words get missed that a simple edit would catch.
The dialogue is often dull and unimaginative. New information in the “investigation” is signalled by, “You need to see this,” or similar. Not, “I think I’ve found something,” or any of the other sentences that might pique the interest of the clearly fumbling, out-of-his depth protagonist.
When reading that the location of a murder was given only a cursory look with no attention paid to exits/entrances that the murderer might have used, I couldn’t help but guffaw at the superficiality of the plotting: who would have thought that a murderer would enter and/or depart the crime scene from the rear?
The murder method is unconvincing: why would anyone stab someone in the sternum – particularly with a stiletto – with the intention of piercing the heart? Surely a stab between the ribs would be far easier? A further plot point hinges on the aroma of perfume, but perfume scents are very much determined by the wearer’s chemistry, and a quick Google would yield some important information… for a conscientious, caring, professional author. So clearly not Puleston then.
At 80% in, I deeply regret starting this disappointing, poorly-written, poorly-plotted book, and feel that at $0.00, it was dear at half the price.
Finally, the pursuit of the suspect results in a “full alert”… that doesn’t appear to include telling border authorities to also watch for the suspect. Of course the suspect is caught and the entire story is well wrapped-up, although why Marco was commended for his bumbling, haphazard display that included putting a seemingly attractive colleague at dire risk was never addressed.
Then there’s the protagonist: he’s an unlikable sort. He drinks, is arrogant and bullying, his wife left him because of his drinking, and his son rarely sees him. Oh, and he is more intent on seducing any woman he encounters than conducting a professional investigation. His “investigation” is a series of random impulses driven by assumptions and a desire for a quick resolution. John Marco doesn’t investigate so much as wander all but aimlessly, badgering his subordinates, hoping to get a lucky result. He also seems to think that security camera footage is the most likely source of finding a murderer. By the end of the story he has changed a little, and seems more content, but rather than becoming a decent person, he has only become less unlikable.
Allegedly of Italian heritage, I was astonished to find he is not close to any part of his family. Although he expresses some degree of regret about this at one stage, it does not impact this reader as a priority for Marco.
The prose is alarmingly short on detail, and when he tries to include some by using a stock phrase – in this case “no dust for miles” – it is profoundly inappropriate. Was an apartment really that big, and did he investigate the entire room before arriving at that absolute conclusion? On the other hand, some details are given ad nauseum, like when driving, Puleston’s character always tells when he is using his indicators. Someone needs to tell the author that he is writing a murder-mystery novel, not a treatise on good driving habits. Then there is “-looking”: “expensive-looking, “cheap-looking”, “frustrated-looking”, and many more, all shortcuts taken by the lazy and the inept. The further I get into the book, the more prevalent “almost” becomes: “almost fell over”, “almost hugged her”, “almost cried out”. The list is extensive and when the author uses “almost” in successive sentences, then it’s apparent he has given up.
Puleston also appears to have extracted his knowledge of forensic science from cheap B-movies. “I want a full report on my desk!” he barks at an overworked scientist. I can vouch for the thoroughness of forensic scientists: we never gave anything less than a full, detailed report. Puleston believes that there is no specialisation in the discipline, with everything done by a few people working in three basement rooms. (In other words, he believes the B-movies are in fact, documentaries.) Not so in the lab I worked in: our bespoke building had distinct Divisions and Sections, all of which required extensive training, often years long, prior to reaching competence to give evidence in a Court. A drug analyst specialised in the analysis of samples suspected of containing illicit drugs; a document examiner examined… documents. On that topic, when I left the forensic laboratory, there was very little that could be gained from a document created on a computer printer, although we were able to detect such things as roller/pick-up marks (on the paper feed), and differentiate between some printers and printer types. There will undoubtedly be advances since my time, but the reader is never told if the printer is laser or inkjet; if inkjet, does it use pigment inks or dye-based inks. And how many colours? And does it apply the ink by spray or sublimation? A quick Google indicates that the Wales forensic laboratories are staffed with around 180 people. So good luck fitting them in the three rooms alleged to be their workplace in this story, let alone gas chromatographs, microscopes, and all the other instruments needed to conduct analyses and examinations. In this shoddy work, DNA analyses are of course, completed almost instantly and without the benefit of a specific laboratory to prevent contamination; fibre and/or trace evidence analysis doesn’t appear to exist in Puleston’s forensic world. I don’t recall the protagonist ever making reference to any of the reports he demanded, which makes me wonder why such words were included in the manuscript. Marco’s supervisor is also fond of the term, “full report.” Would Marco otherwise have delivered one with 50% empty pages?
“Cursory” is not too harsh a word to describes Puleston’s research and knowledge.
On the positive side, Puleston has avoided using horrid change of point-of-view to the killer chapters, detailing his or her lust for violence. (But perhaps such a vehicle never occurred to him.) That said, around half-way in, there is no clear indication as to who the antagonist could be (which is not unreasonable, but) nor is there any great suspense or wonder in this reader’s mind as to who it might be. I’m reading it with little enjoyment, but a lot of shaking of my head.
Progressing through the book, the following of a suspect is a (thankfully brief, but) muddled affair and using the term “dog collar” makes me imagine just that. Being alerted to a large protest rally, Marco does nothing meaningful, instead allowing hundreds of “protesters” to invade a premises, knowing that one of them at least, is likely to be the suspect he is after and when disaster happens because of his secrecy, there are no consequences whatsoever for Marco. I know this is a work of fiction, but some relationship to the real world would not go astray.
Typographical errors become more frequent, as does incorrect word usage: “raising” is not a synonym of “rising”, just to give one example. Factual errors too: watching a video, Marco “stares at the camera”. The last I heard, cameras produce an image; a screen displays it. The two unfortunate staff are “chained to their desks” (really? Were they released for toilet breaks?) and they “gaze at flickering screens”. Nowadays, if a screen is flickering, it’s not working properly and given the users are poring over video footage, such screens would be unusable for the task. Words get missed that a simple edit would catch.
The dialogue is often dull and unimaginative. New information in the “investigation” is signalled by, “You need to see this,” or similar. Not, “I think I’ve found something,” or any of the other sentences that might pique the interest of the clearly fumbling, out-of-his depth protagonist.
When reading that the location of a murder was given only a cursory look with no attention paid to exits/entrances that the murderer might have used, I couldn’t help but guffaw at the superficiality of the plotting: who would have thought that a murderer would enter and/or depart the crime scene from the rear?
The murder method is unconvincing: why would anyone stab someone in the sternum – particularly with a stiletto – with the intention of piercing the heart? Surely a stab between the ribs would be far easier? A further plot point hinges on the aroma of perfume, but perfume scents are very much determined by the wearer’s chemistry, and a quick Google would yield some important information… for a conscientious, caring, professional author. So clearly not Puleston then.
At 80% in, I deeply regret starting this disappointing, poorly-written, poorly-plotted book, and feel that at $0.00, it was dear at half the price.
Finally, the pursuit of the suspect results in a “full alert”… that doesn’t appear to include telling border authorities to also watch for the suspect. Of course the suspect is caught and the entire story is well wrapped-up, although why Marco was commended for his bumbling, haphazard display that included putting a seemingly attractive colleague at dire risk was never addressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2021
D.I. Marco is called in to investigate the murder of a greedy banker. As the story unfolds there are a variety of suspects, including family, anti-capitalists and more. The writing is fluid and it is an easy book to read, or in my case listen to. The narration was good and I will be listening to the next in the series, but for me I felt there were some parts of this novel that were frankly too much of a stretch to be entirely believable.
It is worth reading/listening to though if you are willing to suspend disbelief a bit, and others seemed to have loved it more than I did.
It is worth reading/listening to though if you are willing to suspend disbelief a bit, and others seemed to have loved it more than I did.
March 17, 2019
Good read
Not a page turner but a good read. Nice character development. I would recommend to any mystery readers. Enjoying the series
Not a page turner but a good read. Nice character development. I would recommend to any mystery readers. Enjoying the series
September 21, 2020
Ok. Occasionally a bit confusing.
August 5, 2021
Note: This is book 2 of the series but would work fine as a stand alone novel.
I think Marco is finally growing on me. I’ve enjoyed the plots of the prequel and book 1 but was iffy on Marco, our main character. Now in this book I see him as a flawed man in transition who really does want to make some positive changes in his life, especially with his son Dean (Marco has often been an absentee parent).
The main meat of this story was an engaging murder mystery. I liked the simmering suspense of potential riots from protesters Big Banking is at the center of this mess and Marco has no patience for the politics of the situation. He just wants to catch a killer. But there’s more than one loose thread to pull… and yet Marco is so easily distracted by his own ego and the thrill of chase of a new skirt.
I’m totally on-board with no slut shaming but then we have Marco. I don’t think this man will ever be truly happy in a singular relationship so I think he should get a permanent tag that lets his partners know up front that he has a wandering eye… and other body parts. For this book, the main interest is Tracy and I think Marco is attracted to women who can’t be involved in a long term relationship because of some existing conflict – like work mates or they’re married, etc. Even as he revels in Tracy’s charms, he considers other possible future candidates.
Anyhoo, I admire Marco’s dedication to work and the case in front of him even as I shake my head over his personal affairs. Previously I have commented about how Marco doesn’t treat those closest to him with real respect (mom, son, etc.) and I love that in this book it looks like Marco is realizing the true cost of that. He’s growing and I do love a good murder mystery series where the main hero shows real character growth.
Looks like Marco’s previous partner, Detective Sargent Boyd, is out and he’s got a new one, DS Lydia Flint. Marco seems to do better with a female partner and she seems to get along well with him. I wonder how that will look a year or 3 down the road though.
I would like to see a few more ladies who aren’t romantic interests in this series as a whole. Gender balance rocks! And I will say there was one particular aspect to the mystery that was obvious from the beginning though I enjoyed very much watching Marco eventually figure it out. Other than those few quibbles, it’s a fun tale. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Joseph Tweedale is doing a good job with Marco. He has the perfect voice that can go from demanding to contemplative to even swaggering as needed. Tweedale also had a decent variety of character voices for the cast of the book. His female voices were good but could probably use a little more range for differentiation among the ladies. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with this recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
I think Marco is finally growing on me. I’ve enjoyed the plots of the prequel and book 1 but was iffy on Marco, our main character. Now in this book I see him as a flawed man in transition who really does want to make some positive changes in his life, especially with his son Dean (Marco has often been an absentee parent).
The main meat of this story was an engaging murder mystery. I liked the simmering suspense of potential riots from protesters Big Banking is at the center of this mess and Marco has no patience for the politics of the situation. He just wants to catch a killer. But there’s more than one loose thread to pull… and yet Marco is so easily distracted by his own ego and the thrill of chase of a new skirt.
I’m totally on-board with no slut shaming but then we have Marco. I don’t think this man will ever be truly happy in a singular relationship so I think he should get a permanent tag that lets his partners know up front that he has a wandering eye… and other body parts. For this book, the main interest is Tracy and I think Marco is attracted to women who can’t be involved in a long term relationship because of some existing conflict – like work mates or they’re married, etc. Even as he revels in Tracy’s charms, he considers other possible future candidates.
Anyhoo, I admire Marco’s dedication to work and the case in front of him even as I shake my head over his personal affairs. Previously I have commented about how Marco doesn’t treat those closest to him with real respect (mom, son, etc.) and I love that in this book it looks like Marco is realizing the true cost of that. He’s growing and I do love a good murder mystery series where the main hero shows real character growth.
Looks like Marco’s previous partner, Detective Sargent Boyd, is out and he’s got a new one, DS Lydia Flint. Marco seems to do better with a female partner and she seems to get along well with him. I wonder how that will look a year or 3 down the road though.
I would like to see a few more ladies who aren’t romantic interests in this series as a whole. Gender balance rocks! And I will say there was one particular aspect to the mystery that was obvious from the beginning though I enjoyed very much watching Marco eventually figure it out. Other than those few quibbles, it’s a fun tale. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Joseph Tweedale is doing a good job with Marco. He has the perfect voice that can go from demanding to contemplative to even swaggering as needed. Tweedale also had a decent variety of character voices for the cast of the book. His female voices were good but could probably use a little more range for differentiation among the ladies. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with this recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
June 2, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher several weeks ago but have only just read it. I've been away caring for my mum on home duties. Back home now and set about looking out for the book on my kindle. I really enjoyed the first in his Detective Inspector John Marco series, his parents are Italian but he was born in Wales, he has a wife who left him and took their young son Dean with her. Marco is rather an absent father anyway but in this book something happens to Dean and he feels guilty that he hasn't been a good father to him.
Anyway moving on, a man has been found dead in his rather expensive Aston Martin car in Cardiff's centre multistory carpark. He has a note around his neck which is talking about greedy bankers. The well dressed man turns out to be the chairman of the National Bank of Wales, so no pressure here Marco. The NBW doesn't seem that keen to help the police with their investigation, and they do indeed come across as overly big millionaires, they do help a little but are adamant that the bank hasn't been robbed and there are no known enemies. Apart from one bloke called Hensen who wrote and printed the original slogans about the NBW and particularly it's founder Matthew Dolman, the dead man in the car. Back at NBW and Dolman's family seem strangely unbothered about it all, and their actions seemed to hide a raft of underhand dealings.Then the murders begin to rise...
This book held my attention well, I ended up reading it at bedtime, falling asleep at one point then waking up at 2am and finishing the book. Marco is a very good police officer, no airs or graces and does have the welfare, and the safety, of his team at the heart of any investigation which is good considering what happens later, but right now he is battling his son's severe illness in a hospital down at the bottom end of the country (Southampton) in the middle of this investigation where the body count is still rising. He is under a great amount of pressure but still has to work whilst sitting at the bedside of his son, wires attached to his head and now put in an induced coma to see if that helps him to stay alive. Then Lydia his detective sergeant who is trying to tail a suspect in the dark ends up by being kidnapped. Marco doesn't know whether to rush northwards to help his team or to stay at the bedside of his young son, His ex-wife solves it for him!
The ending is quite tense when Lydia is kidnapped by the people they are hunting in want of the murders and they are having difficult time trying to find her, and his son still in his induced coma at the other end of the country, is really good writing.
Anyway moving on, a man has been found dead in his rather expensive Aston Martin car in Cardiff's centre multistory carpark. He has a note around his neck which is talking about greedy bankers. The well dressed man turns out to be the chairman of the National Bank of Wales, so no pressure here Marco. The NBW doesn't seem that keen to help the police with their investigation, and they do indeed come across as overly big millionaires, they do help a little but are adamant that the bank hasn't been robbed and there are no known enemies. Apart from one bloke called Hensen who wrote and printed the original slogans about the NBW and particularly it's founder Matthew Dolman, the dead man in the car. Back at NBW and Dolman's family seem strangely unbothered about it all, and their actions seemed to hide a raft of underhand dealings.Then the murders begin to rise...
This book held my attention well, I ended up reading it at bedtime, falling asleep at one point then waking up at 2am and finishing the book. Marco is a very good police officer, no airs or graces and does have the welfare, and the safety, of his team at the heart of any investigation which is good considering what happens later, but right now he is battling his son's severe illness in a hospital down at the bottom end of the country (Southampton) in the middle of this investigation where the body count is still rising. He is under a great amount of pressure but still has to work whilst sitting at the bedside of his son, wires attached to his head and now put in an induced coma to see if that helps him to stay alive. Then Lydia his detective sergeant who is trying to tail a suspect in the dark ends up by being kidnapped. Marco doesn't know whether to rush northwards to help his team or to stay at the bedside of his young son, His ex-wife solves it for him!
The ending is quite tense when Lydia is kidnapped by the people they are hunting in want of the murders and they are having difficult time trying to find her, and his son still in his induced coma at the other end of the country, is really good writing.
August 2, 2026
The original title when this book was published in 20 15 was Another Good Killing, it now has the new title of The Cardiff City Murders. This is the second book in the Detective Inspector John Marco series, set around Cardiff.
A body is found in an Aston Martin. The victim is a well-connected wealthy banker. Detective Inspector John Marco is on the case to find the killer.
This novel is similar to the first book and continues with many of the same characters. However, Detective Sergeant Boyd Pierce no longer works with Detective Inspector John Marco and was replaced a few months ago by Detective Sergeant Lydia Flint.
It is the usual mix of private and professional life for Detective Inspector John Marco who has alcohol problems and a new love interest, plus the usual rivalry between police officers. The plot was okay with plenty of characters to consider in this run of the mill police procedural.
The author does a lot of name dropping, not of people but of places around Cardiff. It seems as though he made a long list of real Welsh place names to slot into his story. Okay, I am aware of poetic license when things in fiction can be false to make the story work but you have to draw the line somewhere. Detective Inspector John Marco drives his Ford Mondeo from Cardiff, eastbound along the M4 towards Newport…
It was another twenty minutes before we had negotiated the Brynglas tunnels and I took a junction down into the middle of the city. Newport was
…NO! Sorry Stephen, if you are going from Cardiff to Newport city centre along the M4 you do NOT go through the Brynglas tunnels, you come off just before at junction 26. If you were foolish enough to go through the Brynglas tunnels then you would have to go all the way to junction 24 at Coldra and double back. This dreadfully long route is out of your way because there is no eastbound exit at junction 25. So using as many Welsh place names as he could does not always pay off, although I did like the repeated inclusion of Culverhouse Cross, only 1 mile away from my home.
I found The Cardiff City Murders to be an OKAY 3 star read which kept me engaged/entertained.
A body is found in an Aston Martin. The victim is a well-connected wealthy banker. Detective Inspector John Marco is on the case to find the killer.
This novel is similar to the first book and continues with many of the same characters. However, Detective Sergeant Boyd Pierce no longer works with Detective Inspector John Marco and was replaced a few months ago by Detective Sergeant Lydia Flint.
It is the usual mix of private and professional life for Detective Inspector John Marco who has alcohol problems and a new love interest, plus the usual rivalry between police officers. The plot was okay with plenty of characters to consider in this run of the mill police procedural.
The author does a lot of name dropping, not of people but of places around Cardiff. It seems as though he made a long list of real Welsh place names to slot into his story. Okay, I am aware of poetic license when things in fiction can be false to make the story work but you have to draw the line somewhere. Detective Inspector John Marco drives his Ford Mondeo from Cardiff, eastbound along the M4 towards Newport…
It was another twenty minutes before we had negotiated the Brynglas tunnels and I took a junction down into the middle of the city. Newport was
…NO! Sorry Stephen, if you are going from Cardiff to Newport city centre along the M4 you do NOT go through the Brynglas tunnels, you come off just before at junction 26. If you were foolish enough to go through the Brynglas tunnels then you would have to go all the way to junction 24 at Coldra and double back. This dreadfully long route is out of your way because there is no eastbound exit at junction 25. So using as many Welsh place names as he could does not always pay off, although I did like the repeated inclusion of Culverhouse Cross, only 1 mile away from my home.
I found The Cardiff City Murders to be an OKAY 3 star read which kept me engaged/entertained.
July 23, 2018
Another Good Killing was another great read by Stephen Puleston, It was fast paced, with twists and suspense throughout. The way that Detective Marco figures out each case is unique and his instincts are generally always on. He gets that "gut feeling" when something feels off or not quite right, and when he investigates further or looks as the facts again he can generally find a clue that will help him.
In Another Good Killing, DI Marco feels that he has messed up and put one of his team in danger. It leads to a touchy situation for him and almost causes him to back slide. I was rooting for him the entire time while reading this section that he would walk away. His intensity for his work as well as his loyalty to his team and the people that he cares about is what makes him a a great character. DI Marco does a lot of reflecting in this story on his life and his family. This story helps him realize what is important in life and helps him to analyze his life and make changes.
I enjoyed reading this story and found it to really challenge my detective brain as well as it did DI Marco's. I give this story a 5 star review. I highly recommend the DI Marco series to readers who like a good challenge when reading a crime thriller and like to play a couch detective while reading. I look forward to more DI Marco stories in the near future.
In Another Good Killing, DI Marco feels that he has messed up and put one of his team in danger. It leads to a touchy situation for him and almost causes him to back slide. I was rooting for him the entire time while reading this section that he would walk away. His intensity for his work as well as his loyalty to his team and the people that he cares about is what makes him a a great character. DI Marco does a lot of reflecting in this story on his life and his family. This story helps him realize what is important in life and helps him to analyze his life and make changes.
I enjoyed reading this story and found it to really challenge my detective brain as well as it did DI Marco's. I give this story a 5 star review. I highly recommend the DI Marco series to readers who like a good challenge when reading a crime thriller and like to play a couch detective while reading. I look forward to more DI Marco stories in the near future.
February 26, 2025
Having visited Cardiff, with its compact arrangement of castle, stadium, and shopping streets entirely enclosed for shelter from the rain, I thought I should get on with reading a Stephen Puleston Cardiff crime book that had been on my Kindle for a while. All I can say is, I should have read it sooner.
The villains are upfront - the horrid bankers who crashed the economy and walked away with fat purses - but someone is taking a personal revenge. We learn quite a bit through the investigation into the (fictional) Bank of Wales and various smaller companies. One staged murder follows another in a city small enough that everyone is connected to the case in some way.
Inspector Marco is part-Italian, which mainly expresses itself through food, and divorced with a teen son who doesn't see enough of his dad - which is brought home to the man during this tale. His personal judgement isn't always the best, but he tries his best.
The tale is well up to date and detailed, with red herrings and accomplices which can be hard to follow if you are coming back to the book while you travel, which I was, not remembering who Troy and Rex were, etc. Authors should consider giving more prompts as to who characters are, because many readers can't read straight through the tale any more.
I shall look forward to reading more of this series.
This is an unbiased review.
The villains are upfront - the horrid bankers who crashed the economy and walked away with fat purses - but someone is taking a personal revenge. We learn quite a bit through the investigation into the (fictional) Bank of Wales and various smaller companies. One staged murder follows another in a city small enough that everyone is connected to the case in some way.
Inspector Marco is part-Italian, which mainly expresses itself through food, and divorced with a teen son who doesn't see enough of his dad - which is brought home to the man during this tale. His personal judgement isn't always the best, but he tries his best.
The tale is well up to date and detailed, with red herrings and accomplices which can be hard to follow if you are coming back to the book while you travel, which I was, not remembering who Troy and Rex were, etc. Authors should consider giving more prompts as to who characters are, because many readers can't read straight through the tale any more.
I shall look forward to reading more of this series.
This is an unbiased review.
April 30, 2026
Bankers and capitalism under fire
Detective Marco of Cardiff City must discover who is responsible for the death of a banker who is accused of greed. Marco has two victims killed in the same manner, each found with the same note on their person. Through studying the lives of each victim, the detective comes to grips with his own role as a dad to his son, Dean.
The mystery is simple enough. I chose to give it five stars for not only plot development but also character study. The tale is told only through the detective’s eyes which makes it seem authentic. I like the style since it seems very real.
Three men are killed one after another. The banker’s lifestyle and business tactics are under protest by organized agitators. The detective sets out to find the killer. His personal life is a mess, having divorced his wife and seldom seeing his own son due to his work. Detective Marco has many flaws which make him seem human. He smokes too much, has problems with alcohol, but is a great leader of his team, caring for them fiercely. When an informer does help him, he doesn’t forget it. These small acts of kindness make this detective story worth reading!
I recommend it.
Detective Marco of Cardiff City must discover who is responsible for the death of a banker who is accused of greed. Marco has two victims killed in the same manner, each found with the same note on their person. Through studying the lives of each victim, the detective comes to grips with his own role as a dad to his son, Dean.
The mystery is simple enough. I chose to give it five stars for not only plot development but also character study. The tale is told only through the detective’s eyes which makes it seem authentic. I like the style since it seems very real.
Three men are killed one after another. The banker’s lifestyle and business tactics are under protest by organized agitators. The detective sets out to find the killer. His personal life is a mess, having divorced his wife and seldom seeing his own son due to his work. Detective Marco has many flaws which make him seem human. He smokes too much, has problems with alcohol, but is a great leader of his team, caring for them fiercely. When an informer does help him, he doesn’t forget it. These small acts of kindness make this detective story worth reading!
I recommend it.
July 13, 2018
This one follows on from the first in the series (Speechless, which I reviewed here) but can also be read as a stand alone book if required.
As with Stephen's other books this one is set in Wales, and the descriptions of the area are superb making the whole story that much better.
This story revolves around a murderer killing off high powered wealthy people in an assumed vengeance attack for what they have done in the past, but, as with Stephen's other books all is not as it appears.
I really liked all the added twists to this book, and the fact that so many people are hiding something makes it all the more intriguing.
The chemistry between Marco and DS Flint was really good and believable, they worked well as a team and worked well together to rule out all of the suspects leaving surprising outcome.
Overall the book was really well written and flowed just as nicely as the first one. I am now off to read the third in the series ready for the blog tour which starts 26th July and my stop is the 1st August.
As with Stephen's other books this one is set in Wales, and the descriptions of the area are superb making the whole story that much better.
This story revolves around a murderer killing off high powered wealthy people in an assumed vengeance attack for what they have done in the past, but, as with Stephen's other books all is not as it appears.
I really liked all the added twists to this book, and the fact that so many people are hiding something makes it all the more intriguing.
The chemistry between Marco and DS Flint was really good and believable, they worked well as a team and worked well together to rule out all of the suspects leaving surprising outcome.
Overall the book was really well written and flowed just as nicely as the first one. I am now off to read the third in the series ready for the blog tour which starts 26th July and my stop is the 1st August.
October 26, 2020
DI Marco of the Welsh Police Service out of Cardiff last is assigned to find the killer of a wealthy banker. When the banker is found with a “greedy bastard” lanyard around his neck the first assumption is that it’s the work of an anarchist group.
I loved the complexity of this book! The plot is absolutely original. The story line while complicated becomes a bit confusing with so many characters especially as more murders follow. It’s amazing at all the paperwork related to the character and their background he has to get through. There was plenty of family drama from both the victim and the Inspector. This book had some intense moments and some rewarding ones. This is the best thriller I’ve read in awhile. I highly recommend this book and this series!
I loved the complexity of this book! The plot is absolutely original. The story line while complicated becomes a bit confusing with so many characters especially as more murders follow. It’s amazing at all the paperwork related to the character and their background he has to get through. There was plenty of family drama from both the victim and the Inspector. This book had some intense moments and some rewarding ones. This is the best thriller I’ve read in awhile. I highly recommend this book and this series!
June 17, 2021
DI John Marco is called in to investigate the death of a wealthy banker. The killer left a note saying they were too greedy. More deaths soon follow. He is also trying to cope with more personal problems.
Having listened to the prequel novella, and also book 1 in the series I can honestly say this is the best so far. The plot is fairly intricate with a large number of characters. but he story is very well written and flows well, with plenty of suspense and enough twists and turns to keep me happy. The characters are all very realistic, and I especially liked the camaraderie between DI Marco and DS Flint in this one. Marco has definitely grown on me since the last book and I can't wait to listen to the next in the series.
Joseph Tweedale does a great job with the narration.
Having listened to the prequel novella, and also book 1 in the series I can honestly say this is the best so far. The plot is fairly intricate with a large number of characters. but he story is very well written and flows well, with plenty of suspense and enough twists and turns to keep me happy. The characters are all very realistic, and I especially liked the camaraderie between DI Marco and DS Flint in this one. Marco has definitely grown on me since the last book and I can't wait to listen to the next in the series.
Joseph Tweedale does a great job with the narration.
July 22, 2018
Very well-written police procedural that sees Welsh Police Services Detective John Marco and his colleague Lydia Flint thrown in to a series of related murders with many suspects, including family members of the first victim. Marco also has to deal with a crisis involving his son. Book is well-paced, with the exception of noting each time Marco smokes a cigarette or has a coffee. The characters are distinctive enough that even though there are many of them, it’s easy to keep them all straight. Stephen Puleston has also written the Ian Drake series, also set in Wales. Puleston definitely has a knack for creating interesting protagonists with certain flaws. I plan to keep reading his work.
November 12, 2024
Great Police Procedural
I've enjoyed Stephen Puleston's other police Inspector, Ian Drake so thought I'd check out the Detective Marco series. After finishing this second book in the series, I'm now hooked on these also. The Kindle version needs better editing as I found a couple of pretty obvious errors, but other than that I enjoyed the plot & there were enough twists & turns to keep one guessing. I've already downloaded the remaining 3 books in the series & am looking forward to reading g them soon.
I've enjoyed Stephen Puleston's other police Inspector, Ian Drake so thought I'd check out the Detective Marco series. After finishing this second book in the series, I'm now hooked on these also. The Kindle version needs better editing as I found a couple of pretty obvious errors, but other than that I enjoyed the plot & there were enough twists & turns to keep one guessing. I've already downloaded the remaining 3 books in the series & am looking forward to reading g them soon.
May 26, 2021
Second in the series of Inspector Marco series but could be read as a stand alone
A banker is found dead in his car the motive seems clear but as another business man is killed an anarchist group seems to fit the bill. But as with all Stephen Puleston books this is only a starting point and you are drawn into a rollercoaster of a plot that will keep you guessing to the end.
I must admit Stephen Puleston is a favourite of mine so I would definitely recommend
A banker is found dead in his car the motive seems clear but as another business man is killed an anarchist group seems to fit the bill. But as with all Stephen Puleston books this is only a starting point and you are drawn into a rollercoaster of a plot that will keep you guessing to the end.
I must admit Stephen Puleston is a favourite of mine so I would definitely recommend
May 26, 2021
Full disclosure. I was given the audio book free of charge for an honest review.
Oh what a wonderful book. From the moment that I started I was hooked. The plot runs at a good pace throughout and there is no stopping. The characters are first class and totally believable. The plot regarding bankers is first class and interesting at the same time. I am not going to mention plot and spoil it but the official book description is accurate. I highly recommend this book.
Oh what a wonderful book. From the moment that I started I was hooked. The plot runs at a good pace throughout and there is no stopping. The characters are first class and totally believable. The plot regarding bankers is first class and interesting at the same time. I am not going to mention plot and spoil it but the official book description is accurate. I highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2021
Great story with great characters. I love Marco, but sometimes I question why, as he's pretty rude to other people when stressed/annoyed! I was gripped by the story from the first chapter, and couldn't put it down. The narration sometimes reminds me of Stig Larrsson, with so much, seemingly, unnecessary detail of Marco's life, but the story is so good I can over look it (just like Girl with Dragon Tattoo novels!). I cant wait to read the next one.
June 14, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this and as with the previous Inspector Marco book this took you on a fast paced, action packed murder hunt. A banker is found dead in his car. With the family closing circles are they guilty or is there a bigger picture. When things take a turn with another murder, the action really speeds up. I really like Marco, he's down to earth, quite blunt and just wants to get things done. With a few character changes from the first book this gives a new dimension to the story. Narration is great and I love the settings for these books.
July 8, 2020
A wealthy banker is found dead in his car. But this is just the start. DI Marco and his team investigate. But want or who links the deaths, what could be the motives.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its wellrounded and likeable characters. Another good story in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its wellrounded and likeable characters. Another good story in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2021
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Well I have to admit I am a bit biased towards these books as they are set on my doorstep and it’s really nice to hear Welsh accents on the narrations but this series of crime novels are dramatic and exciting and full of everything you want from a crime story along with the beautiful backdrop of Wales. Roll on the ITV tv series please??
Well I have to admit I am a bit biased towards these books as they are set on my doorstep and it’s really nice to hear Welsh accents on the narrations but this series of crime novels are dramatic and exciting and full of everything you want from a crime story along with the beautiful backdrop of Wales. Roll on the ITV tv series please??
May 15, 2026
Too many roads!
Kept reading despite the long descriptions of the car journey 's around South Wales. Detailing the road numbers and turns taken slowed down the action and were so unnecessary. No one is interested in the road numbers around Cardiff city.
Unlikely to read a second book by this author
Kept reading despite the long descriptions of the car journey 's around South Wales. Detailing the road numbers and turns taken slowed down the action and were so unnecessary. No one is interested in the road numbers around Cardiff city.
Unlikely to read a second book by this author
June 24, 2018
Good read
I am enjoying the gradual character development as well as some believable crimes. Ongoing cast of characters makes series more interesting and sex scenes are not overdone
I am enjoying the gradual character development as well as some believable crimes. Ongoing cast of characters makes series more interesting and sex scenes are not overdone
November 10, 2019
Brilliant
What a story what a writer great characters lovely plot twists and as a Swansea city fan of many years can’t quite believe I’m now a fan of a Cardiff supporting di Marco !!
What a story what a writer great characters lovely plot twists and as a Swansea city fan of many years can’t quite believe I’m now a fan of a Cardiff supporting di Marco !!
April 16, 2021
A interesting mystery
The storyline is at Welsh, which I have traveled thru, but never spent much time and no little about characterization was good, the storyline well developed, and full of intensity and intrigue.
The storyline is at Welsh, which I have traveled thru, but never spent much time and no little about characterization was good, the storyline well developed, and full of intensity and intrigue.
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