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DCI Michael Lambert #2
Dead Lucky
A fast-paced crime-thriller, full of chilling twists, turns and grisly surprises, Matt Brolly’s Dead Lucky will have you gripped from beginning to end!
DCI Michael Lambert is back…
When a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to watch her slow and painful death, DCI Michael Lambert knows that his next case might be his toughest yet.
And when a second set of killings are discovered, with exactly the same MO, the race is on the find the lethal sociopath before he strikes again.
But Lambert never expected to receive an anonymous call from the killer. This time, it’s personal: if Lambert doesn’t find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next…
The gripping second novel in a thrilling new crime series by Matt Brolly. Perfect for fans of Tony Parsons, Lee Child and Angela Marsons.
Praise for Matt Brolly’s debut novel, Dead Eyed:‘I would never have guessed that this is a debut novel…Dead Eyed is such an enjoyable read. Tense, dark and with quite a grip, I can't wait for the next.’ ― For Winter Nights – A Bookish Blog (Top 500 Amazon Reviewer)
‘Matt Brolly is a new star in the making…a very polished first novel and definitely deserves a wide audience.’ ― Elaine (Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer)
'Dead Eyed is a very engaging and absorbing read… I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this promising, talented author.’ ― Relax and Read Reviews
‘Action packed, dramatic and addictive…an unputdownable read.’ ― Portybelle
‘WOW – what a brilliant debut novel! A tense crime thriller with a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises – a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end.’ ― Splashes Into Books
‘One word for this – riveting.’ ― Liz Loves Books
332 pages, ebook
First published January 11, 2016
1164 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Matt Brolly
31 books581 followersMatt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 6, 2016
Dead Lucky is book 2 in the DCI Michael Lambert series by new British author Matt Brolly. I awarded 4.5 stars to book 1 (Dead Eyed), and Dead Lucky is even better!
Dead Lucky is a well-constructed police procedural with great characters and fabulous plot. Basically we are looking at a strange series of murders carried out with the same MO. The victims are seemingly disconnected, but are they? There appears to be no motive, but is there? It’s up to DCI Michael Lambert to unravel this web of killings before any more innocents are hurt. Lambert has been through the wringer. He was driving the car when his young daughter was killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident a couple of years previous, and the stress of her death is tearing his marriage apart. Lambert is also left with PTSD in the form of odd hallucinatory blackouts.
Lambert is partnered with DS Matilda Kennedy and directly supervised by Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman, the latter familiar to readers from Dead Eyed. This is a strong core of cast members. Other interesting characters include beyond-his-prime nationally known journalist Eustace Sackville, obnoxious DC Walker, and driven DS Harrogate. I found all these players to be well drawn.
The plot is taken up a notch from the plot in book 1, and it is written in a way to make readers think. It was fun eavesdropping on Lambert’s inner thoughts as he continually plays through the evidence. The tension is palpable. Twists and turns abound. The pace is fast until we reach the last 20% of the book where it accelerates to breakneck speed. The last few chapters are truly riveting! The end is pretty spectacular, but came too fast for me. It was like slamming on the brakes at 120 miles per hour. I thought, “Hey, I’m not done with these people yet. Please come back!” Don’t get me wrong--the ending is actually very fitting; I just wasn’t ready to leave these characters. I am hoping there is a Michael Lambert #3 in the works and that several of these folks are brought back.
I loved that we learn more about the characters who are back from book one. I imagine Mr. Brolly will continue to develop them as he (hopefully) writes new installments. For this reason, though the plot is stand alone, I strongly suggest those wanting to read Dead Lucky start with book 1, Dead Eyed, which is a darn fine novel in its own right.
In summary, Dead Lucky is a highly entertaining, thrilling, and cerebral read with excellent characterization. I recommend it without reservation to all thriller fans. Mr. Brolly has definitely earned a spot on my radar. Bring on book 3 please!
Dead Lucky is a well-constructed police procedural with great characters and fabulous plot. Basically we are looking at a strange series of murders carried out with the same MO. The victims are seemingly disconnected, but are they? There appears to be no motive, but is there? It’s up to DCI Michael Lambert to unravel this web of killings before any more innocents are hurt. Lambert has been through the wringer. He was driving the car when his young daughter was killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident a couple of years previous, and the stress of her death is tearing his marriage apart. Lambert is also left with PTSD in the form of odd hallucinatory blackouts.
Lambert is partnered with DS Matilda Kennedy and directly supervised by Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman, the latter familiar to readers from Dead Eyed. This is a strong core of cast members. Other interesting characters include beyond-his-prime nationally known journalist Eustace Sackville, obnoxious DC Walker, and driven DS Harrogate. I found all these players to be well drawn.
The plot is taken up a notch from the plot in book 1, and it is written in a way to make readers think. It was fun eavesdropping on Lambert’s inner thoughts as he continually plays through the evidence. The tension is palpable. Twists and turns abound. The pace is fast until we reach the last 20% of the book where it accelerates to breakneck speed. The last few chapters are truly riveting! The end is pretty spectacular, but came too fast for me. It was like slamming on the brakes at 120 miles per hour. I thought, “Hey, I’m not done with these people yet. Please come back!” Don’t get me wrong--the ending is actually very fitting; I just wasn’t ready to leave these characters. I am hoping there is a Michael Lambert #3 in the works and that several of these folks are brought back.
I loved that we learn more about the characters who are back from book one. I imagine Mr. Brolly will continue to develop them as he (hopefully) writes new installments. For this reason, though the plot is stand alone, I strongly suggest those wanting to read Dead Lucky start with book 1, Dead Eyed, which is a darn fine novel in its own right.
In summary, Dead Lucky is a highly entertaining, thrilling, and cerebral read with excellent characterization. I recommend it without reservation to all thriller fans. Mr. Brolly has definitely earned a spot on my radar. Bring on book 3 please!
September 6, 2016
Wow oh Wow what a read Dead Lucky by Matt Brolly was a real page turner, after reading Dead Eyed I didn't think this one would beat it but it did on so many aspects. I wont go into the plot details as there is to much going on in this novel but lets just say its engrossing to say the least.
WE find out a lot more about DCI Michael Lambert what he is dealing with on a personal basis & the way he is dealing with the murder case at hand I think Michael Lambert is developing more & more as we go into the series he is strong willed but with a soft side all the characters are well developed & works in well with Michael & DS Matilda Kennedy thought SI Tillman was a lowlife rat who had his own agendas he was a bit irritating.
The ending I never saw coming I was gasping as I was thinking the whole way through this that it could not be but it was. This sets up the next chapter in the series which I will be waiting anxiously for. 5 + stars
WE find out a lot more about DCI Michael Lambert what he is dealing with on a personal basis & the way he is dealing with the murder case at hand I think Michael Lambert is developing more & more as we go into the series he is strong willed but with a soft side all the characters are well developed & works in well with Michael & DS Matilda Kennedy thought SI Tillman was a lowlife rat who had his own agendas he was a bit irritating.
The ending I never saw coming I was gasping as I was thinking the whole way through this that it could not be but it was. This sets up the next chapter in the series which I will be waiting anxiously for. 5 + stars
August 23, 2016
4.5★ (rounded up because I really did like it)
I have not read #1 in the DCI Lambert series, but I could see by the reviews that Lambert was a fellow worth reading about. Matt Brolly has done a fine job of bringing new readers like me up to speed without belabouring the point. The story is great on its own, well-written, fast-paced, and with characters you can see and empathise with. Not all writers can put it all together as Brolly has.
Poor old Lambert. So many of today’s fictional detectives seem to have tragedies in their lives involving their children. Lambert lost his young daughter in a crash in a car he was driving.
Chloe was his and his wife’s only child, and neither has really recovered. It’s been three years, and they’re still married, but she had an affair. The story opens with him visiting her in hospital where she’s just had Chloe’s baby sister. . . but he is not the father. He is torn, since this is as close to Chloe as he’ll ever get again.
This theme echoes throughout the book, not dragging down the story at all, but rather helping to explain his passion for the victims who are losing family members in the recent harrowing crimes he’s been assigned to.
Complicating matters is his hidden condition of collapsing into sleep with little warning. As he’s leaving the hospital, he suffers an attack.
“His vision blurred as he entered the main lobby of the hospital. Fiery lights danced in front of his eyes. The dizzying colours—flickers of burning ember, a multitude of shades and sizes—signified the start of a hallucinatory episode. From research on the internet he’d self-diagnosed his condition as a form of hallucinatory narcolepsy. It was the same type of episode he’d suffered when driving Chloe.”
He collapses onto a quiet bench and falls asleep, not all that uncommon a sight in a hospital when you think about it. People sit and wait and doze for hours sometimes.
Of course he can’t tell the police—he’d be assigned to a desk job--and the trigger is fatigue or stress, both of which he’s got in spades.
Meanwhile, there is some kind of serial killer wiping out apparently unconnected families but leaving one member alive. It’s up to Lambert, his boss, and his team to first locate the loose ends and then tie them up.
I enjoyed it very much and docked it half a star because of a few inconsistencies (behind spoiler).
Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy. My quotations are from this copy and may have changed in the final edition.
I have not read #1 in the DCI Lambert series, but I could see by the reviews that Lambert was a fellow worth reading about. Matt Brolly has done a fine job of bringing new readers like me up to speed without belabouring the point. The story is great on its own, well-written, fast-paced, and with characters you can see and empathise with. Not all writers can put it all together as Brolly has.
Poor old Lambert. So many of today’s fictional detectives seem to have tragedies in their lives involving their children. Lambert lost his young daughter in a crash in a car he was driving.
Chloe was his and his wife’s only child, and neither has really recovered. It’s been three years, and they’re still married, but she had an affair. The story opens with him visiting her in hospital where she’s just had Chloe’s baby sister. . . but he is not the father. He is torn, since this is as close to Chloe as he’ll ever get again.
This theme echoes throughout the book, not dragging down the story at all, but rather helping to explain his passion for the victims who are losing family members in the recent harrowing crimes he’s been assigned to.
Complicating matters is his hidden condition of collapsing into sleep with little warning. As he’s leaving the hospital, he suffers an attack.
“His vision blurred as he entered the main lobby of the hospital. Fiery lights danced in front of his eyes. The dizzying colours—flickers of burning ember, a multitude of shades and sizes—signified the start of a hallucinatory episode. From research on the internet he’d self-diagnosed his condition as a form of hallucinatory narcolepsy. It was the same type of episode he’d suffered when driving Chloe.”
He collapses onto a quiet bench and falls asleep, not all that uncommon a sight in a hospital when you think about it. People sit and wait and doze for hours sometimes.
Of course he can’t tell the police—he’d be assigned to a desk job--and the trigger is fatigue or stress, both of which he’s got in spades.
Meanwhile, there is some kind of serial killer wiping out apparently unconnected families but leaving one member alive. It’s up to Lambert, his boss, and his team to first locate the loose ends and then tie them up.
I enjoyed it very much and docked it half a star because of a few inconsistencies (behind spoiler).
Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy. My quotations are from this copy and may have changed in the final edition.
January 11, 2016
Don’t bother reading my review - just go get yourself a copy of this amazing crime-thriller to read instead. When you do, get ready to be totally enthralled and to not want to put it down till you’ve reached the end!
This is the second story in the DCI Michael Lambert series. You don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this but both are superbly written, enthralling and so packed with action that, if you enjoy crime thrillers, make them both not to be missed novels.
The hero, DCI Michael Lambert, is not your typical detective hero. He’s a man still coping with personal tragedy following the death of his beloved daughter and with his personal relationships all over the place! Talk about trauma and angst, his life is full of it without the dramatic, macabre murders he’s been brought in to investigate and this time it is even more personal as the murderer phones him during the investigation to threaten those who Lambert loves . . .
I was astounded at the quality of the writing, plot and characterisation in the first book in this series, Dead Eyed, and wondered if the author could maintain such a high standard. I have to say that he has more than done so. This is an extraordinary fast-paced, tense thriller, taking the reader on an suspense filled journey with so many twist and turns it is a stupendous, emotional roller coaster ride. This is a real page turner, engaging and daring the reader throughout, totally riveting. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys high quality crime thrillers . . . and I really do hope there will be other books in this series - I can’t wait to read them!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
This is the second story in the DCI Michael Lambert series. You don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this but both are superbly written, enthralling and so packed with action that, if you enjoy crime thrillers, make them both not to be missed novels.
The hero, DCI Michael Lambert, is not your typical detective hero. He’s a man still coping with personal tragedy following the death of his beloved daughter and with his personal relationships all over the place! Talk about trauma and angst, his life is full of it without the dramatic, macabre murders he’s been brought in to investigate and this time it is even more personal as the murderer phones him during the investigation to threaten those who Lambert loves . . .
I was astounded at the quality of the writing, plot and characterisation in the first book in this series, Dead Eyed, and wondered if the author could maintain such a high standard. I have to say that he has more than done so. This is an extraordinary fast-paced, tense thriller, taking the reader on an suspense filled journey with so many twist and turns it is a stupendous, emotional roller coaster ride. This is a real page turner, engaging and daring the reader throughout, totally riveting. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys high quality crime thrillers . . . and I really do hope there will be other books in this series - I can’t wait to read them!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
January 26, 2016
Matt brolly has done it again in this, his second DCI Michael Lambert novel.
Fast-paced with many twists and turns, we have a killer that seems to know every move that is being made to identify him.
He is no ordinary killer. He is a killer with a very twisted MO. Imagine being cuffed to a chair, and watching the person most precious to you being killed in an extremely slow and excruciating manner.
Is he targeting those he kills, or those he forces to watch?
Brolly has written a winner here. Bring on # 3!
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina UK for providing this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
NB: I do recommend you read Dead-Eyed prior to Dead Lucky as it provides a great deal of background information on the characters.
Fast-paced with many twists and turns, we have a killer that seems to know every move that is being made to identify him.
He is no ordinary killer. He is a killer with a very twisted MO. Imagine being cuffed to a chair, and watching the person most precious to you being killed in an extremely slow and excruciating manner.
Is he targeting those he kills, or those he forces to watch?
Brolly has written a winner here. Bring on # 3!
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina UK for providing this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
NB: I do recommend you read Dead-Eyed prior to Dead Lucky as it provides a great deal of background information on the characters.
January 10, 2016
Be aware, difficult to put down once started! I really enjoyed Matt Brolly's second book about DCI Michael Lambert. While not absolutely necessary, I would suggest starting off with Dead Eyed which introduces Lambert's background and some of the other recurring characters. Dead Lucky felt a bit more like a "proper" police procedural compared to Dead Eyed, in which Lambert was quite unconventional. I really enjoyed the way he was working with his team this time, especially DS Matilda Kennedy. Really interesting how work politics and the home life of the characters was blended with the hunt for a revenge killer who makes his victims watch their loved ones die. It was fast paced, had an exciting plot and brilliant characterization. Absolutely fantastic series if you love British crime fiction. Highly recommended! I hope there will be more to come.
Thanks to Carina UK and Matt Brolly for providing me with a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Carina UK and Matt Brolly for providing me with a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2025
Dead Lucky is a second installment in DCI Michael Lambert series and it delivers on all levels. We get great plot, great writing, story that's well paced, full of twists and turns and one that's hard to put down. And we also get a great character development. It's great to get to know Lambert better, see how the dynamics between him and his team play out.
All in all, Dead Lucky is a great addition to Lambert series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
All in all, Dead Lucky is a great addition to Lambert series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
November 30, 2021
4.25 stars audio
4 stars story
4 stars story
April 6, 2016
Elaborately extensive
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book and secondly a massive apology and also heartfelt gratitude for being so kind enough to send me the second book even before i had reviewed the first and showing trust in me and for the sheer fact that you have been extremely patient and kind towards me since i am posting this review months and months later
In the First book of this series i had written that the author loves details and the book is build on every tiny details available and takes a while to wrap up as its very extensively written and in an elaborate fashion. This perhaps comes from the fact that the author himself is well acquainted with the investigative world and knows how real life scenes roll unlike CSI on TV with their cool gadgets, cars and fancy locations for office. Dead Lucky loves its details too as it follows the same pattern as the first book
The author moves the story plot point by point and hence there are a lot of things that you have to sit through to get to the final point. As an added bonus author focuses on the central character so for the reader the book basically is an opportunity to ride in this central character's seat. If the character sees it so does the reader. There is no miracles and out of life investigative magic. Everything is realistically brought in and weaved into the plot
The book at times for me was too procedural and systematic and there are two parallel aspects to the story one of the central character and the other being the mystery plot. The parts of personal dilemma of the central character does add a different appeal to the overall book. It is definitely not your spicy thriller but nevertheless a great read
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book and secondly a massive apology and also heartfelt gratitude for being so kind enough to send me the second book even before i had reviewed the first and showing trust in me and for the sheer fact that you have been extremely patient and kind towards me since i am posting this review months and months later
In the First book of this series i had written that the author loves details and the book is build on every tiny details available and takes a while to wrap up as its very extensively written and in an elaborate fashion. This perhaps comes from the fact that the author himself is well acquainted with the investigative world and knows how real life scenes roll unlike CSI on TV with their cool gadgets, cars and fancy locations for office. Dead Lucky loves its details too as it follows the same pattern as the first book
The author moves the story plot point by point and hence there are a lot of things that you have to sit through to get to the final point. As an added bonus author focuses on the central character so for the reader the book basically is an opportunity to ride in this central character's seat. If the character sees it so does the reader. There is no miracles and out of life investigative magic. Everything is realistically brought in and weaved into the plot
The book at times for me was too procedural and systematic and there are two parallel aspects to the story one of the central character and the other being the mystery plot. The parts of personal dilemma of the central character does add a different appeal to the overall book. It is definitely not your spicy thriller but nevertheless a great read
January 3, 2018
I loved Dead Eyed and this is a great follow up! And when I finished it, after having been buried in it for two days, all I wanted was more. 4.5 stars.
January 18, 2016
I am always on the lookout for new crime authors to read and I knew that Christine from Northern Crime rated Matt Brolly's first book highly and so I didn't hesitate to request Dead Lucky on NetGalley. Matt Brolly manages to continue DCI Michael Lambert's story for returning readers, but at the same time new readers aren't left completely in the dark and this book also serves well as an introduction to Lambert's character. I'm definitely planning on going back and picking up Dead Eyed.
Matt doesn't mess around and the story gets going very early on. DCI Lambert is part of a very intriguing task force, it's origin and way of operating something I very much enjoyed reading about. He is taken off his current assignment when a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to witness the slow and painful death. A second set of killings is soon discovered, and Lambert shortly receives an anonymous call from the killer, dubbed: The Watcher. If Lambert doesn't find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next...
DCI Lambert is a brilliant creation. With so many detectives to read about in the crime genre I find that we can all too often be reading about the same tired old detective each time but with Lambert that is absolutely not the case. Yes, he has some of the traits you expect from a detective but his backstory (and continuing story) definitely have enough about them to make him a standout character and I'm looking forward to meeting him again. Lambert is only one of a brilliant cast of characters, some of whom I think are going to have stories of their own revealed as the series continues.
Matt's writing is very descriptive and I quickly became captivated by the story that was unfolding on the page. Readers of my blog might know that I enjoy my crime fiction on the more brutal end of the spectrum and Dead Lucky is definitely a gruesome read in places and I'm not going to lie, I loved it! It really was just the sort of crime story that I love to read, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. The latter half of the story was certainly better than the first, especially when the conclusion drew near and there was no chance of me stopping reading until it was over. This is definitely a read in a couple of sittings book, so be sure to set that time aside before picking up your Kindle (and I hope that you do because I definitely recommend Dead Lucky).
Matt doesn't mess around and the story gets going very early on. DCI Lambert is part of a very intriguing task force, it's origin and way of operating something I very much enjoyed reading about. He is taken off his current assignment when a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to witness the slow and painful death. A second set of killings is soon discovered, and Lambert shortly receives an anonymous call from the killer, dubbed: The Watcher. If Lambert doesn't find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next...
DCI Lambert is a brilliant creation. With so many detectives to read about in the crime genre I find that we can all too often be reading about the same tired old detective each time but with Lambert that is absolutely not the case. Yes, he has some of the traits you expect from a detective but his backstory (and continuing story) definitely have enough about them to make him a standout character and I'm looking forward to meeting him again. Lambert is only one of a brilliant cast of characters, some of whom I think are going to have stories of their own revealed as the series continues.
Matt's writing is very descriptive and I quickly became captivated by the story that was unfolding on the page. Readers of my blog might know that I enjoy my crime fiction on the more brutal end of the spectrum and Dead Lucky is definitely a gruesome read in places and I'm not going to lie, I loved it! It really was just the sort of crime story that I love to read, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. The latter half of the story was certainly better than the first, especially when the conclusion drew near and there was no chance of me stopping reading until it was over. This is definitely a read in a couple of sittings book, so be sure to set that time aside before picking up your Kindle (and I hope that you do because I definitely recommend Dead Lucky).
January 6, 2016
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As the synopsis states, DCI Lambert is back…and boy was I glad when I received the ARC of the beauty! The first words out of my mouth when I finished this book were Oh-My-Friggin-God — this book ROCKED! Was I surprised? Not really — as when I read Dead Eyed (the debut) I knew DCI Lambert would be one of those series that kept getting better …and it does!
Trouble seems to follow DCI Lambert and Dead Lucky was no exception! The book starts with a little catch-up following the SoulJacker case (still love that name for a serial killer!) and Lambert is back at work with Tillman at the Helm. I really enjoyed getting to know the Team but also pleased to see Lambert still had that renegade streak. I love a Lone Wolf!!
What I also liked about this book was the fact that we got to know a little bit more about Lambert’s character, without it turning into one of those “woe is me, I am tormented by demons” stories. We have all read them – where that aspect can be over-used so much that you actually forget about the main plot and become ravelled up in a series of character development. Needless to say, Brolly’s brilliance as a writer shines through and the focus of the story remains paramount throughout. I am, however, still very intrigued by Lambert’s illness and wonder if this will land him in another difficult predicament in future cases.
In terms of the other characters which stood out for me — well DS Matilda Kennedy was a bit of a mystery. No spoilers, but I am still not convinced I trust this one…and Lambert would be wise to do the same! And Tillman –WTF is he about!! Another one to watch indeed. I was a bit gutted that DI Sarah May was not in this book more as I loved her in Dead Eyed — but I am hoping that is because she may feature more in Book 3 — hint hint Mr Brolly!!! Walker also stood out for me. He was arrogant, a bit up his own arse and behaved liked a stroppy child when he didn’t get his own way–I nearly said “typical man” there –but held back…ahem…sort of! #MyBad! .
A variety of emotions ran through me while reading this book, I was #DeadImpressed with the fast paced plot; #DeadCurious about who The Watcher was; #DeadImpressed the author managed to fool me; #DeadSurprised when the killer was revealed and felt the ending was…well…#DeadPerfect!!
If you have to ask me if I would recommend this book, I would suggest you read my review again as it is a massive HELL YEAH from me! Carina UK, Brolly is a keeper!! Do not let this guy go! Available to pre order for release on January 11th 2016!!
September 18, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Plot: Dead Lucky started off quite nicely, setting up the plot early on and at the same time giving a quick gist of DCI Michael Lambert’s life. The strongest feature of the book is the plot itself, which is typical British police procedural with an interesting plot and engaging characters. DCI Lambert is investigating a series of murders where the victims seeming have no connection at all.
I loved the natural progression of the murder case and the manner in which DCI Lambert went about gathering evidence and information to catch the murderer. It neither seemed rushed nor slow and followed a logical line of investigation rather than flashy action or over dramatization of the characters.
Characters: Michael Lambert is equal parts cliched and intriguing. He is one hell of a detective and I loved the way his mind worked, stretching out in every possible direction without losing conviction. His personal life was a similar to a lot of other detective protagonists: a tragedy resulting in estrangement from his wife. Another character I really enjoyed reading was DS Matilda Kennedy. She was a smart detective and an apt secondary to Lambert.
Writing: The alternating POVs really worked for this book, keeping the suspense going. The pace keeps shifting throughout the book. There were times when it dragged on a little and some other times I was left on the edge of my seat and reading quite late in the night. The descriptions were handled really well, without being too gruesome and at the same time in detail enough to make you feel a little uncomfortable.
Beginning: The book started off really well, setting up the plot and characters, adding layers and layers of depth and detail.
Ending: My only problem with the book was the ending. The final showdown was set up quite nicely but the ending itself was way too abrupt. Everything happened so quickly and before I knew it the book had ended.
Romance/Kills: I liked the dynamics between Lambert and Sarah May. They seemed to have a very matured and mutually understanding relationship between them. The platonic work relationship between Lambert and Kennedy was also fun to read.
Cover Art: The cover is rather bland and doesn’t really capture the intensity of the book.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
Plot: Dead Lucky started off quite nicely, setting up the plot early on and at the same time giving a quick gist of DCI Michael Lambert’s life. The strongest feature of the book is the plot itself, which is typical British police procedural with an interesting plot and engaging characters. DCI Lambert is investigating a series of murders where the victims seeming have no connection at all.
I loved the natural progression of the murder case and the manner in which DCI Lambert went about gathering evidence and information to catch the murderer. It neither seemed rushed nor slow and followed a logical line of investigation rather than flashy action or over dramatization of the characters.
Characters: Michael Lambert is equal parts cliched and intriguing. He is one hell of a detective and I loved the way his mind worked, stretching out in every possible direction without losing conviction. His personal life was a similar to a lot of other detective protagonists: a tragedy resulting in estrangement from his wife. Another character I really enjoyed reading was DS Matilda Kennedy. She was a smart detective and an apt secondary to Lambert.
Writing: The alternating POVs really worked for this book, keeping the suspense going. The pace keeps shifting throughout the book. There were times when it dragged on a little and some other times I was left on the edge of my seat and reading quite late in the night. The descriptions were handled really well, without being too gruesome and at the same time in detail enough to make you feel a little uncomfortable.
Beginning: The book started off really well, setting up the plot and characters, adding layers and layers of depth and detail.
Ending: My only problem with the book was the ending. The final showdown was set up quite nicely but the ending itself was way too abrupt. Everything happened so quickly and before I knew it the book had ended.
Romance/Kills: I liked the dynamics between Lambert and Sarah May. They seemed to have a very matured and mutually understanding relationship between them. The platonic work relationship between Lambert and Kennedy was also fun to read.
Cover Art: The cover is rather bland and doesn’t really capture the intensity of the book.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
May 19, 2020
I haven't read the first book in this series, but this popped up in KU and I'm on a 'crime novel reading' splurge at the moment so I thought I'd give it a try.
It started off really well, but I never really cared for Lambert. He seemed a bit too 'thin' somehow, and some of the other characters were poorly 'defined' with the result that I never really immersed myself in the novel.
However, I'm going to try another in the series.
It started off really well, but I never really cared for Lambert. He seemed a bit too 'thin' somehow, and some of the other characters were poorly 'defined' with the result that I never really immersed myself in the novel.
However, I'm going to try another in the series.
November 12, 2017
Dead lucky by matt brolly.
When a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to watch her slow and painful death, DCI Michael Lambert knows that his next case might be his toughest yet.
And when a second set of killings are discovered, with exactly the same MO, the race is on the find the lethal sociopath before he strikes again.
But Lambert never expected to receive an anonymous call from the killer. This time, it’s personal: if Lambert doesn’t find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next…
A very good read. I liked the story and the characters. Looking forward to next one. 4*. Netgalley and hq digital.
When a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to watch her slow and painful death, DCI Michael Lambert knows that his next case might be his toughest yet.
And when a second set of killings are discovered, with exactly the same MO, the race is on the find the lethal sociopath before he strikes again.
But Lambert never expected to receive an anonymous call from the killer. This time, it’s personal: if Lambert doesn’t find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next…
A very good read. I liked the story and the characters. Looking forward to next one. 4*. Netgalley and hq digital.
December 25, 2024
4.5 really. Cracking storytelling in this 2nd of the series. I will definitely be reading the 3rd Michael Lambert 😍
May 15, 2025
Michael Lambert si ritrova costretto a seguire un caso di omicidio che ben presto si trasforma in una serie di omicidi. Fanno la loro comparsa nella storia nuovi personaggi e tornano alcuni del primo volume.
Questa storia parte in maniera molto più intrigante della precedente, tenendo un buon ritmo e buon interesse per tutto il libro.
Sono rimasta però sconvolta dalla fine, dopo tutti quegli omicidi perfettamente orchestrati, intercettazioni, ecc. sbagliare così tante rimanendo ustionato l'assassino stesso?
Mi è rimasta una sensazione di vuoto, sicuramente leggerò il prossimo volume.
Questa storia parte in maniera molto più intrigante della precedente, tenendo un buon ritmo e buon interesse per tutto il libro.
Sono rimasta però sconvolta dalla fine, dopo tutti quegli omicidi perfettamente orchestrati, intercettazioni, ecc. sbagliare così tante rimanendo ustionato l'assassino stesso?
Mi è rimasta una sensazione di vuoto, sicuramente leggerò il prossimo volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
I liked the way the team arrived at the conclusion. But the killer was so damaged. It didn’t seem believable.
August 30, 2020
Good story, fast paced and complex relationships
June 20, 2025
1.75 stars
January 15, 2016
Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley and Carina Publishing for allowing me a free copy of Dead Lucky which,unusually, lives up to the blurb as it is a gripping read which I read in one sitting - it even accompanied me as I ate (much to my husband's disgust, but sorry dear, you couldn't compete).
It opens with the thoughts of a man hiding in a house and follows him as he accosts the woman living there. It then cuts to DCI Michael Lambert and some of his personal problems. Only then do we go back to the result's of the man's actions - a couple tied up and the husband made to watch his wife die after the killer slits his wrists. Then it happens again.
Dead Lucky had me hooked from the first page. I love a good police procedural and this is exceptional, from the killer's cruelty, apparent lack of motive and his knowledge of the investigation to the team's efforts to find a link and motive, the politics of modern day policing and Michael Lambert's ongoing problems.
I really don't have any criticism of Dead Lucky and whilst it is early in the year I think it is a contender for one of my books of the year and I will be hard pushed to find a better police procedural. I am not normally so gushing but I was blown away by Mr Brolly's plotting and gripping writing style so I've made an exception. Needless to say I heartily recommend it as a thumping good read.
It opens with the thoughts of a man hiding in a house and follows him as he accosts the woman living there. It then cuts to DCI Michael Lambert and some of his personal problems. Only then do we go back to the result's of the man's actions - a couple tied up and the husband made to watch his wife die after the killer slits his wrists. Then it happens again.
Dead Lucky had me hooked from the first page. I love a good police procedural and this is exceptional, from the killer's cruelty, apparent lack of motive and his knowledge of the investigation to the team's efforts to find a link and motive, the politics of modern day policing and Michael Lambert's ongoing problems.
I really don't have any criticism of Dead Lucky and whilst it is early in the year I think it is a contender for one of my books of the year and I will be hard pushed to find a better police procedural. I am not normally so gushing but I was blown away by Mr Brolly's plotting and gripping writing style so I've made an exception. Needless to say I heartily recommend it as a thumping good read.
April 24, 2021
Fast paced, absorbing storyline marred by typo’s, grammatical errors and mistakes. Not sure about the May relationship storyline, didn’t seem to be going anywhere. The ending was rushed and it felt unfinished - maybe as a lead into Book 3.
April 10, 2021
I find Brolly’s writing style to be thoroughly competent and compelling.
There is no over easy ending, the pace is perfect and the reader is left feeling they have ‘experienced’ the story. He does not adopt an overtly graphic description which many others do, in order to gain cheap dramatic effect, but instead uses a skilled craft to create the world in which the characters preside. His novels utilised more characters than others in this genre, which initially I found a little off putting, but once used to this style, I find myself enjoying this aspect. A more realistic approach to an imagined world, where by the end, you feel utterly engaged if a little exhausted!
I will go on to read all his novels, as the 4 I have read so far have been exciting, engaging and utterly unputdownable! ( I know that is not a word, but I blame the addictive nature of Brolly’s creations!)
There is no over easy ending, the pace is perfect and the reader is left feeling they have ‘experienced’ the story. He does not adopt an overtly graphic description which many others do, in order to gain cheap dramatic effect, but instead uses a skilled craft to create the world in which the characters preside. His novels utilised more characters than others in this genre, which initially I found a little off putting, but once used to this style, I find myself enjoying this aspect. A more realistic approach to an imagined world, where by the end, you feel utterly engaged if a little exhausted!
I will go on to read all his novels, as the 4 I have read so far have been exciting, engaging and utterly unputdownable! ( I know that is not a word, but I blame the addictive nature of Brolly’s creations!)
September 7, 2020
This is well written, with well paced action and some convincing dialogue between believable characters. There are a couple of slight irritations about it, though. The offender seems to have an almost omniscient ability, apparently being aware of everyone's background, moves and contacts; this is rather stretching the reader's credulity I think. Also, there seems to be some confusion about police structure, with officers changing rank from page to page, fellow officers consistently addressing each other in conversation by rank almost militarily and a Chief Constable popping up in a Force well known for not having that designation. And as for the 60 coffees... Overall, though, an exciting read.
January 28, 2021
I really have enjoyed reading this book. DCI Lambert is a very good character with plenty of depth to be able to buy in too. The other characters are also a great aspect to the book, especially the chapters from Matilda Kennedy's point of view. The previous book in the series was very predictable as to who was the killer but I have to say, this time I only worked it out in the final few chapters. The mistakes in the spellings and extra words throughout does get a little frustrating, you would think someone would pick this up before publishing but it doesn't spoil the enjoyment. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
April 18, 2022
Difficult to follow
The premise of the story was good but in all honesty I found it to be too convoluted. There were far too many characters, many of whom were surplus to the story, and too much jumping around from one situation to the next. I liked the main character despite his complicated personal life but i felt the author, in attempting to make him unorthodox, achieved only to make him appear incompetent. The whole tale was messy and the ending was disappointing with too many issues left unresolved.
Sorry for the review but I felt the story could have been better written.
The premise of the story was good but in all honesty I found it to be too convoluted. There were far too many characters, many of whom were surplus to the story, and too much jumping around from one situation to the next. I liked the main character despite his complicated personal life but i felt the author, in attempting to make him unorthodox, achieved only to make him appear incompetent. The whole tale was messy and the ending was disappointing with too many issues left unresolved.
Sorry for the review but I felt the story could have been better written.
December 2, 2024
This one is somewhere between a 3 and 4 rating for me. I only read the first one in the series a couple of months ago and, even though I gave it a 4 rating, I couldn't really remember anything about that story (which is loosely referenced in this book). I suspect this story will go the same way - quickly forgotten. So, an engaging enough read, but I certainly wasn't gripped. I'll probably go on to read others in the series though; hence the steer towards 4 rather than 3. It didn't have a neat enough ending for me - I would have welcomed an epilogue to explain what happened to cause the unexpected events, and the outcome for all of the key characters.
October 29, 2020
Fantastic
Great storyline from the outset. It had me captivated all the way. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for the characters who tried hard to win the fight. I had a really good time reading this novel which captured all the gripping features of a marvellous thriller. Unfortunately like the last book the swearing and profanity were unnecessary hence 4 stars. Onto the next one now.
Great storyline from the outset. It had me captivated all the way. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for the characters who tried hard to win the fight. I had a really good time reading this novel which captured all the gripping features of a marvellous thriller. Unfortunately like the last book the swearing and profanity were unnecessary hence 4 stars. Onto the next one now.
April 28, 2021
WoW! This is a total heart-stopping, suspenseful book. The search for the brutal, horrific killer starts at the beginning of the book and continues through to the very end. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a great police procedural, mind chilling novel, but this book has everything you look forward to: random killing (maybe), great characters, excellent police work, and the ending is incredible. For all of the foregoing, I recommend this book
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much last month that I couldn't wait to get onto the second one and it didn't disappoint. Both books have had a lot of characters and situations to keep track of. Many twists and great characters. Michael has an interesting home life which I haven't come across in any other crime book and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. This is one of the best new series I've found recently.
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