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Summerskill and Lyon #1
It's a Sin
“He is a talented and very promising young policeman. Make no mistakes, he deserves the promotion.”
But when gay Detective Sergeant Dave Lyon is assigned to Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill’s team as part of the Service’s ‘positive discrimination policy’, no-one at Foregate Street Station is happy. And that includes Summerskill and Lyon.
Mutual suspicion and mistrust must be shelved however, when a young man’s beaten body is found on a canal tow path, and a dead-end case of ‘happy slapping’ unexpectedly turns into a murder investigation.
Why would someone want to kill middle class arts student Jonathan Williams? And how is his death linked to that of rent boy and would be ‘adult’ film star Sean?
As Summerskill and Lyon’s investigations proceed, the newly-promoted detectives begin to untangle a web of connections, false assumptions and sheer prejudices that force them both to question closely not just their relationship with each other but with the rest of their colleagues at Foregate Street Station and with the Police Service as a whole.
“It’s A Sin” is the first in the “Summerskill and Lyon” police procedural novels.
This is a work of literary/genre fiction.
But when gay Detective Sergeant Dave Lyon is assigned to Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill’s team as part of the Service’s ‘positive discrimination policy’, no-one at Foregate Street Station is happy. And that includes Summerskill and Lyon.
Mutual suspicion and mistrust must be shelved however, when a young man’s beaten body is found on a canal tow path, and a dead-end case of ‘happy slapping’ unexpectedly turns into a murder investigation.
Why would someone want to kill middle class arts student Jonathan Williams? And how is his death linked to that of rent boy and would be ‘adult’ film star Sean?
As Summerskill and Lyon’s investigations proceed, the newly-promoted detectives begin to untangle a web of connections, false assumptions and sheer prejudices that force them both to question closely not just their relationship with each other but with the rest of their colleagues at Foregate Street Station and with the Police Service as a whole.
“It’s A Sin” is the first in the “Summerskill and Lyon” police procedural novels.
This is a work of literary/genre fiction.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2016
2 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Steve Burford
4 books14 followers Steve Burford lives close to Worcester but rarely risks walking its streets. He has loaded conveyor belts in a factory, disassembled aeroplane seats, picked fruit on farms, and taught drama to teenagers but now spends his time writing in a variety of genres under a variety of names. He finds poverty an effective muse, and since his last book has once again been in trouble with the police. (He would like to thank the inventor of the speed camera.)
E-mail
Summerskilllyon@gmail.com
Summerskilllyon@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 9, 2018
Full reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
ETA 8 July 2018: pre-orders for book 2 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... from Ninestar available 13 Jul, full release the 16th! Woot!
ETA 18 Feb 2016: the author commented on the review on PBA and said he's working on the next book right now. *pumps fist* yesssss.
This is going to be on my best of 2016 list. Screw 'going to be', it already is.
Slam dunk on practically page one: this story takes place in Worcester, England. Shout out to my peeps.
Don’t worry, this is not the only reason this story starts off on all the right feet. Yeah, that’s right, all the feet. A newly promoted Detective Inspector, Claire Summerskill, is paired with a newly transferred from Redditch Sergeant, Dave Lyon. Even from the brief glimpses of each of their personalities, it was easy to see that this was going to be an examination of two professionals trying to get to know each other, as well as working their first case together, and how that would impact their lives, at work and at home. I bought the whole set of matching tumblers without seeing more than the first one plucked from the happy meal that is this book.
Intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. If this is how Steve Burford writes, and the quality of the work published by NineStar, this is not my last book I’ll be reading by this author, or probably this publisher.
This is a modern story without being shouty and obvious about it. These characters are living in contemporary times so they’re comfortable in it, they feel no need to make declarations outside of what would normally occur during conversation or self-reflection. They don’t outwardly express every thought, and the ones they do express are sometimes brilliant and sometimes not even a little bit. Realistic. Not just as individuals but as a community. And how they all function amidst the dysfunction that surrounds them. The hate that some human beings harbor, and act upon, for each other. Love, and how complicated it can be, whether in daily life or in the actions one takes in trying to protect it, or process the anger they feel at failing to do so. And everything in between.
”I’m saying…,” Dave ground to a halt, gathered his thoughts and started again. “What I’m saying, what I’m asking, is why was I offered this post here?”
Claire blinked, caught out by the apparent change of direction. “You didn’t… ? I mean… it’s promotion. The post became available.”
“And I’m gay and you had a case of happy slapping, apparently directed at the gay community, so enter Sergeant Pink in a nice bit of low profile, community-friendly work. Except a significant section of your station isn’t quite ready to ‘embrace the rainbow’, is it, and to make matters worse things have all suddenly got a lot heavier, and sexuality’s being shoved down everyone’s throat. And not in a fun way.”
There are so many things going on and being demonstrated in this exchange. This author is fantastic with dialogue, giving it life, making it realistic, keeping it moving. This also exemplifies the author’s approach to society’s changes and the experiences of many people within it, including a gay copper and everything he is forced to navigate, especially in a small town police station. Claire sees the world as he does in many ways, but she hasn’t experienced it like he has, and vice versa. That’s probably the most interesting thing about this story, watching these two adjust to one another, learning about each other, how to read one another, in both professional and personal circumstances.
This passage also shows my one niggle with this author’s writing: nearly always using the past tense, stunting the forward movement in the action surrounding the dialogue. Instead of –Dave ground to a halt, gathered his thoughts and started again.-, it could be something like – Dave ground to a halt, gathering his thoughts and starting again. Changing at least one of those words from ‘-ed’ to ‘-ing’ would bring it more in line with the urgent, right now feeling of the conversation, making it more ‘present’ instead of ‘just happened’. I’m quite certain there are better, more technically accurate ways of explaining that but I’m not an English prof. I’m sure you get my drift.
Dave and Claire aren’t the only ones making for rich scenes and an all-consuming murder mystery. Their respective partners help make the romantic relationships of Dave and Claire one of the important branches of this story without making them front and center. Instead, Claire’s marriage and Dave’s approximately year-long partnership reflect the effects of being in a committed relationship with a copper, as well as how the relationships themselves affect being a copper. These characters also buck the stereotypes, especially as how they’re usually portrayed in literature.
Other family members, some on page and some not, friends, those hurt by crimes committed against them, and those who commit them, fellow coppers, pub patrons, bosses, professors and more, they all play their roles, and all are necessary to advancing the plots.
The murder mystery itself is rather well done. Not only was I kept guessing Dave and Claire were, too. I wasn’t privy to information they didn’t have, making my experience of their working to solve the crimes quite visceral. As good as the mystery is, though, this is a story about exploration, how people can surprise you, how complicated human beings are, while at the same time being very basic when it comes to the ferocity of emotions and what they can make someone do.
This story is humorous, blunt, serious, exhibiting nearly perfect prose, with even the wobbly bits endearing themselves to me. The most spectacular inclusion is just that, inclusion. Not one character is treated as a stereotype, all of them permitted to be who they are, even the one I was sure couldn’t begin to redeem himself, or the one who appeared in no need of redemption but made it obvious they probably would.
Well done, Steve Burford. You’ve gained a loyal reader in me. I have one simple request: please bring me more of Dave and Claire and the people of Worcester, and Malvern, as is hinted by the subtitle of this book. Thank you!
ETA: A Recommended Read on PBA for February 2016
ETA 8 July 2018: pre-orders for book 2 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... from Ninestar available 13 Jul, full release the 16th! Woot!
ETA 18 Feb 2016: the author commented on the review on PBA and said he's working on the next book right now. *pumps fist* yesssss.
This is going to be on my best of 2016 list. Screw 'going to be', it already is.
Slam dunk on practically page one: this story takes place in Worcester, England. Shout out to my peeps.
Don’t worry, this is not the only reason this story starts off on all the right feet. Yeah, that’s right, all the feet. A newly promoted Detective Inspector, Claire Summerskill, is paired with a newly transferred from Redditch Sergeant, Dave Lyon. Even from the brief glimpses of each of their personalities, it was easy to see that this was going to be an examination of two professionals trying to get to know each other, as well as working their first case together, and how that would impact their lives, at work and at home. I bought the whole set of matching tumblers without seeing more than the first one plucked from the happy meal that is this book.
Intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. If this is how Steve Burford writes, and the quality of the work published by NineStar, this is not my last book I’ll be reading by this author, or probably this publisher.
This is a modern story without being shouty and obvious about it. These characters are living in contemporary times so they’re comfortable in it, they feel no need to make declarations outside of what would normally occur during conversation or self-reflection. They don’t outwardly express every thought, and the ones they do express are sometimes brilliant and sometimes not even a little bit. Realistic. Not just as individuals but as a community. And how they all function amidst the dysfunction that surrounds them. The hate that some human beings harbor, and act upon, for each other. Love, and how complicated it can be, whether in daily life or in the actions one takes in trying to protect it, or process the anger they feel at failing to do so. And everything in between.
”I’m saying…,” Dave ground to a halt, gathered his thoughts and started again. “What I’m saying, what I’m asking, is why was I offered this post here?”
Claire blinked, caught out by the apparent change of direction. “You didn’t… ? I mean… it’s promotion. The post became available.”
“And I’m gay and you had a case of happy slapping, apparently directed at the gay community, so enter Sergeant Pink in a nice bit of low profile, community-friendly work. Except a significant section of your station isn’t quite ready to ‘embrace the rainbow’, is it, and to make matters worse things have all suddenly got a lot heavier, and sexuality’s being shoved down everyone’s throat. And not in a fun way.”
There are so many things going on and being demonstrated in this exchange. This author is fantastic with dialogue, giving it life, making it realistic, keeping it moving. This also exemplifies the author’s approach to society’s changes and the experiences of many people within it, including a gay copper and everything he is forced to navigate, especially in a small town police station. Claire sees the world as he does in many ways, but she hasn’t experienced it like he has, and vice versa. That’s probably the most interesting thing about this story, watching these two adjust to one another, learning about each other, how to read one another, in both professional and personal circumstances.
This passage also shows my one niggle with this author’s writing: nearly always using the past tense, stunting the forward movement in the action surrounding the dialogue. Instead of –Dave ground to a halt, gathered his thoughts and started again.-, it could be something like – Dave ground to a halt, gathering his thoughts and starting again. Changing at least one of those words from ‘-ed’ to ‘-ing’ would bring it more in line with the urgent, right now feeling of the conversation, making it more ‘present’ instead of ‘just happened’. I’m quite certain there are better, more technically accurate ways of explaining that but I’m not an English prof. I’m sure you get my drift.
Dave and Claire aren’t the only ones making for rich scenes and an all-consuming murder mystery. Their respective partners help make the romantic relationships of Dave and Claire one of the important branches of this story without making them front and center. Instead, Claire’s marriage and Dave’s approximately year-long partnership reflect the effects of being in a committed relationship with a copper, as well as how the relationships themselves affect being a copper. These characters also buck the stereotypes, especially as how they’re usually portrayed in literature.
Other family members, some on page and some not, friends, those hurt by crimes committed against them, and those who commit them, fellow coppers, pub patrons, bosses, professors and more, they all play their roles, and all are necessary to advancing the plots.
The murder mystery itself is rather well done. Not only was I kept guessing Dave and Claire were, too. I wasn’t privy to information they didn’t have, making my experience of their working to solve the crimes quite visceral. As good as the mystery is, though, this is a story about exploration, how people can surprise you, how complicated human beings are, while at the same time being very basic when it comes to the ferocity of emotions and what they can make someone do.
This story is humorous, blunt, serious, exhibiting nearly perfect prose, with even the wobbly bits endearing themselves to me. The most spectacular inclusion is just that, inclusion. Not one character is treated as a stereotype, all of them permitted to be who they are, even the one I was sure couldn’t begin to redeem himself, or the one who appeared in no need of redemption but made it obvious they probably would.
Well done, Steve Burford. You’ve gained a loyal reader in me. I have one simple request: please bring me more of Dave and Claire and the people of Worcester, and Malvern, as is hinted by the subtitle of this book. Thank you!
ETA: A Recommended Read on PBA for February 2016
February 28, 2016
This started off really slowly but did pick up in the end. It's a pretty decent police procedural, but I found the writing to be a bit too remote. I'd read more from the author.
Thanks to G. for the BR.
Thanks to G. for the BR.
November 29, 2018
2.5 I think - Not really sure how to rate this, it's interesting but overall not sure how much I liked it. On the fence whether try the next book.
It's a decent police procedural with a format perhaps better suited to a tv show. There's crime solving, office politics, and a glimpse of the two main character's home-lives. The focus is well balanced but the third person omniscient pov bothered me, it kept too much distance from the characters which at times made them seem cold.
The main character is Claire newly promoted to a demanding role with a new sergeant and facing tensions. Her home-life shows cracks and we're given the impression she takes her husband for granted - interestingly he, despite working himself has very much the traditional female role - it's him putting the kids to bed and cooking the dinner with no acknowledgement. There seems little about her to like, we see some of her insecurities but not enough of her to get a full picture of her character; she's doing her best, but.. For a tv show glimpses are enough, but for a book I like a little more insight and connection.
Dave shows signs of a dry sense of humour, again his home life is less than ideal with his poor partner treated as an annoyance. Dave is reluctant to describe Richard as a boyfriend and shows no consideration. I did wonder why there weren't more people around to watch the videos and why that appeared an off-duty task.
The politics within the department are well played. Some homophobia and gender inequality yet the 'bad cop' is smart if not likeable, more believable than a lazy stereotype; and there's plenty to suggest the picture isn't as clear cut as it would seem. I liked that some tension could easily be from Claire's new attitude too.
This is not a romance. the MM aspect is the gay politics at work; a gay policeman new to the force, gay victims and the assumptions and attitudes that brings out. I thought that well done. It showed ignorance but also awkwardness and adjusting.
The crime solution was more complicated and twisty than expected but I did think the 'surprise' was obvious immediately. We kept getting the police characters seeing one thing while as a reader I was questioning their view.
There's a lot about this that I liked once the story picked up pace, the distancing from the pov choice remains the big flaw for me.
It's a decent police procedural with a format perhaps better suited to a tv show. There's crime solving, office politics, and a glimpse of the two main character's home-lives. The focus is well balanced but the third person omniscient pov bothered me, it kept too much distance from the characters which at times made them seem cold.
The main character is Claire newly promoted to a demanding role with a new sergeant and facing tensions. Her home-life shows cracks and we're given the impression she takes her husband for granted - interestingly he, despite working himself has very much the traditional female role - it's him putting the kids to bed and cooking the dinner with no acknowledgement. There seems little about her to like, we see some of her insecurities but not enough of her to get a full picture of her character; she's doing her best, but.. For a tv show glimpses are enough, but for a book I like a little more insight and connection.
Dave shows signs of a dry sense of humour, again his home life is less than ideal with his poor partner treated as an annoyance. Dave is reluctant to describe Richard as a boyfriend and shows no consideration. I did wonder why there weren't more people around to watch the videos and why that appeared an off-duty task.
The politics within the department are well played. Some homophobia and gender inequality yet the 'bad cop' is smart if not likeable, more believable than a lazy stereotype; and there's plenty to suggest the picture isn't as clear cut as it would seem. I liked that some tension could easily be from Claire's new attitude too.
This is not a romance. the MM aspect is the gay politics at work; a gay policeman new to the force, gay victims and the assumptions and attitudes that brings out. I thought that well done. It showed ignorance but also awkwardness and adjusting.
The crime solution was more complicated and twisty than expected but I did think the 'surprise' was obvious immediately. We kept getting the police characters seeing one thing while as a reader I was questioning their view.
There's a lot about this that I liked once the story picked up pace, the distancing from the pov choice remains the big flaw for me.
February 29, 2016
A slow beginning, but after the first half it got interesting. Loved the British humor, subtle and amusing. Looking forward the next installment
Thanks Nick for pointing this book out to me!
April 13, 2021
Definitely a procedural ... the writing style brings to mind Ted Darling and Blake Harte series where the featured MCs' personal lives and internal conflicts take a subsidiary role to the hunt for the killer. I wasn't sure I'd appreciate a straight older female in the senior MC duo/pair ... but DI Claire proved a good foil to younger gay DS Dave. Their evolving workplace drama and power-plays provided further interest. 3.5 stars.
April 18, 2016
Absolutely loved this story.
This book!! I loved it. Utterly loved it. It sent me on a crime fiction reading spree which I've thoroughly enjoyed. Written in a way that combines the action storyline with the character building and emotional arc, I was hooked from beginning to end. I went searching on GR for more books by this author and was disappointed not to find any.
First I feel I ought to state that this is not a romance - only because I know many of the blog followers like a good romance. This is a crime fiction book in which we meet Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill, both as they are moving into new positions where they need to prove themselves. Both having to prove themselves just that little bit more; one because she is female, the other because he is gay. It's not overt, that extra push they have to give, but both are a step out of the white, straight, male bracket that society accepts so readily. Of course, this is only the first in the series, so I'm hoping that relationships will develop and evolve as more books are produced.
The second thing I want to mention is that there was something undeniably British about this book. I don't even know what specifically made me feel like that. Just because a book is set this side of the pond doesn't mean it necessarily feels particularly of the country, many feel generic - change a couple of spellings and brand names and they could be set in another country. I don't dislike books like this at all, but there is something about a book when it feels British, it has an emotionally evocative air. It feels right - familiar - in the core of me. Kind of like when you catch the the whiff of an aroma that sets off your memory. Sometimes it's very specific, other times it's just a general feeling of childhood, or schooldays, or happy times. Do you know what I mean? Nope? Lost you at the last turn, huh? TL;DR for this para: it felt British, it felt like home.
Each character in this book was real, rounded and wonderfully written. Claire is the first female character who didn't get on my very last nerve that I've read in along time. She wasn't a caricature, she was someone to whom I could relate. I didn't skim read her pages while rolling my eyes, I was just as invested in her story as Dave's.
I had to stop for a moment when I read this paragraph. Not because I was suddenly being hit by an unknown truth, but because I had this conversation with my brother and it sticks with me. It's not even about open prejudice, but about assumption. People can be open and accepting and not give two hoots about a person's sexuality - but as the general default thought is people are straight, there is a degree of explaining to do with every new person. Which must be quite tiring, as is any kind of repetitive explanation. Especially when you can never quite be sure what the reaction to the information might be.
I think it was the draw of these two characters - characters I understood and believed in - coupled with a twisting storyline which kept me guessing, that won this story for me. I really can't wait until the next one comes out.
Oh and BTW - I can't help but sing The Pet shop Boys song of the same name every time I read the title...
Review previously at BMBR. ARC copy in return for an honest review.
This book!! I loved it. Utterly loved it. It sent me on a crime fiction reading spree which I've thoroughly enjoyed. Written in a way that combines the action storyline with the character building and emotional arc, I was hooked from beginning to end. I went searching on GR for more books by this author and was disappointed not to find any.
First I feel I ought to state that this is not a romance - only because I know many of the blog followers like a good romance. This is a crime fiction book in which we meet Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill, both as they are moving into new positions where they need to prove themselves. Both having to prove themselves just that little bit more; one because she is female, the other because he is gay. It's not overt, that extra push they have to give, but both are a step out of the white, straight, male bracket that society accepts so readily. Of course, this is only the first in the series, so I'm hoping that relationships will develop and evolve as more books are produced.
' "It was thought," he said finally, "that you might be sympathetic. To the situation of... minorities."
Claire regarded him incredulously. "Because I'm a woman?
"No," said Chief Inspector Madden, with benign reasonableness, "because you're Welsh." '
The second thing I want to mention is that there was something undeniably British about this book. I don't even know what specifically made me feel like that. Just because a book is set this side of the pond doesn't mean it necessarily feels particularly of the country, many feel generic - change a couple of spellings and brand names and they could be set in another country. I don't dislike books like this at all, but there is something about a book when it feels British, it has an emotionally evocative air. It feels right - familiar - in the core of me. Kind of like when you catch the the whiff of an aroma that sets off your memory. Sometimes it's very specific, other times it's just a general feeling of childhood, or schooldays, or happy times. Do you know what I mean? Nope? Lost you at the last turn, huh? TL;DR for this para: it felt British, it felt like home.
Each character in this book was real, rounded and wonderfully written. Claire is the first female character who didn't get on my very last nerve that I've read in along time. She wasn't a caricature, she was someone to whom I could relate. I didn't skim read her pages while rolling my eyes, I was just as invested in her story as Dave's.
' He sighed. "Do you know when a gay man stops coming out? Never. You start a new job, you move to a new flat, you meet someone in a pub. Sooner or later someone says something like, 'So do you have a wife? A girlfriend? Children?' And you have to decide, do you hedge, do you lie, or do you live an honest life. I decided years ago I wanted to live an honest life." '
I had to stop for a moment when I read this paragraph. Not because I was suddenly being hit by an unknown truth, but because I had this conversation with my brother and it sticks with me. It's not even about open prejudice, but about assumption. People can be open and accepting and not give two hoots about a person's sexuality - but as the general default thought is people are straight, there is a degree of explaining to do with every new person. Which must be quite tiring, as is any kind of repetitive explanation. Especially when you can never quite be sure what the reaction to the information might be.
I think it was the draw of these two characters - characters I understood and believed in - coupled with a twisting storyline which kept me guessing, that won this story for me. I really can't wait until the next one comes out.
Oh and BTW - I can't help but sing The Pet shop Boys song of the same name every time I read the title...
Review previously at BMBR. ARC copy in return for an honest review.
July 24, 2016
I am telling you from the get-go that if you are looking for an M/M romance, you will not find it in here. What you will find is a great crime procedural novel with a lot of twists and you will be hooked on that book.
Dave is an openly gay sergeant that has been transferred to a new location. We are witnessing him arriving at his first day of work at the Foregate Street Station. The first thing he is doing when arriving at his desk is to place his boyfriend picture on it. That will prevent him to do his coming out on an individual basis and it is sending a clear message to his new colleagues. Dave’s new boss is newly promoted inspector Claire Summerskill. When she learned that she is teamed with Dave instead of her friend Jenny, she is not happy about that. However, she is quite relieved to have Dave on her team when the first case they need to work on is the murder of gay men.
Both Claire and Dave have partners. We get to see their home dynamics and their struggles, but then again, it is a minor part of the story. The story is set in England, more specifically in a city called Worcester (it has about 100,000 population). There is that delicious British vibe about that story that is refreshing.
Now, let’s take a closer to the story. It is starting out slowly and building up little by little. Steve Burford managed to carefully place all the essential elements to make a cohesive and truly believable story. Jonathan Williams body was found on a canal tow path. As the investigation begins, they found out that he was gay and that he is a camera junkie. He always had his camera by his side and was filming everything. Dave and Claire are trying to find out what happened to Jonathan. That’s when all the mystery is coming alive and let me tell you there are a couple of twists that I haven’t seen coming at all!
I loved reading about Dave experiences and how he is giving a unique spin on some elements in the case. I also love how the relationship between Dave and Claire is evolving from professional to a more intimate one (as friends).
I am delighted about this read, I am always in for a great crime novel and this one has anything I could have asked for in it. If you are into that genre you should give a try I sure you will like it as well!
*I was gifted this book by Jeep Diva in exchange for an honest review
Dave is an openly gay sergeant that has been transferred to a new location. We are witnessing him arriving at his first day of work at the Foregate Street Station. The first thing he is doing when arriving at his desk is to place his boyfriend picture on it. That will prevent him to do his coming out on an individual basis and it is sending a clear message to his new colleagues. Dave’s new boss is newly promoted inspector Claire Summerskill. When she learned that she is teamed with Dave instead of her friend Jenny, she is not happy about that. However, she is quite relieved to have Dave on her team when the first case they need to work on is the murder of gay men.
Both Claire and Dave have partners. We get to see their home dynamics and their struggles, but then again, it is a minor part of the story. The story is set in England, more specifically in a city called Worcester (it has about 100,000 population). There is that delicious British vibe about that story that is refreshing.
Now, let’s take a closer to the story. It is starting out slowly and building up little by little. Steve Burford managed to carefully place all the essential elements to make a cohesive and truly believable story. Jonathan Williams body was found on a canal tow path. As the investigation begins, they found out that he was gay and that he is a camera junkie. He always had his camera by his side and was filming everything. Dave and Claire are trying to find out what happened to Jonathan. That’s when all the mystery is coming alive and let me tell you there are a couple of twists that I haven’t seen coming at all!
I loved reading about Dave experiences and how he is giving a unique spin on some elements in the case. I also love how the relationship between Dave and Claire is evolving from professional to a more intimate one (as friends).
I am delighted about this read, I am always in for a great crime novel and this one has anything I could have asked for in it. If you are into that genre you should give a try I sure you will like it as well!
*I was gifted this book by Jeep Diva in exchange for an honest review
September 4, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway from NineStar Press.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting. It was a good police procedural book. I liked the characters and would read another book in this series.
I had two problems with this book:
1. The main character's child's name changes halfway through the book. Ultimately, the child did not have an important role in this book and the name change had no impact on the book. It just had an impact on my opinion. I am assuming someone read this book before it was published? How can this kind of mistake happen? If it had happened earlier in the book, I may have DNF'ed it. It is hard to care about a book when mistakes like this are made.
2. This book is not a romance. Not even a little bit. The publisher cannot be blamed here. There is nothing in the book blurb to indicate romance and the book is listed under crime on the publisher's website. Unfortunately, it has erroneously been shelved on goodreads as MM romance. Yes, one of the main characters is a gay man but still, there is no romance.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting. It was a good police procedural book. I liked the characters and would read another book in this series.
I had two problems with this book:
1. The main character's child's name changes halfway through the book. Ultimately, the child did not have an important role in this book and the name change had no impact on the book. It just had an impact on my opinion. I am assuming someone read this book before it was published? How can this kind of mistake happen? If it had happened earlier in the book, I may have DNF'ed it. It is hard to care about a book when mistakes like this are made.
2. This book is not a romance. Not even a little bit. The publisher cannot be blamed here. There is nothing in the book blurb to indicate romance and the book is listed under crime on the publisher's website. Unfortunately, it has erroneously been shelved on goodreads as MM romance. Yes, one of the main characters is a gay man but still, there is no romance.
February 23, 2020
3.25 stars. Liked that it was set in a part of the country I know very well, but felt that it was fairly pedestrian.
February 4, 2016
Given I received this book to review for a same sex book review site, I feel compelled to reiterate, as per the blurb, the two main characters in the story are – male and female. While their relationship is purely platonic, I fell in love with both Dave and Claire. For me to love a story I need to become invested in the characters, which in this instance I did! The main two anyway. I didn’t care for Dave’s boyfriend, and Claire’s husband was an odd character I barely warmed to, either. However, they are minor players in a much bigger story so it didn’t really matter.
The investigation had me glued to the pages. I was fairly certain early on who the ‘baddies’ were but it was so glaringly obvious, to me, I decided I had to be wrong. It turned out I was right, but it didn’t detract from a very compelling story! The interviews with many suspects revealed a lot of interesting things. One could go so far as to say they also uncovered a somewhat scandalous relationship between the dead boy Jonathan and a man in a trusted position.
I love when an author stays true to the native tongue of where the story is set. I found myself smiling when reading things like, dishing up ‘tea’ more commonly referred to as ‘supper’ in many other countries.
My one gripe, because of course I have one or it would have been a five star read. Okay two gripes. At times, some of the large adjectives threw me out of the story, more specifically words like – laconically, embarrassedly, portentously, assiduously, resignedly. Yeah, they make my little brain hurt.
But, in the grand scheme of things, that was nothing compared to the slip of the main character’s son’s name. At the beginning of the story he is referred to as Tony. During a dinner party and for a few chapters after that his mother calls him Tim, and near the end of the book we’re back to Tony! For a moment I wondered if Claire had two older sons, so I backtracked. But nope, it appears to be a mix up!
I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy a riveting detective, whodunit, crime novel.
copy received in exchange for an honest review
The investigation had me glued to the pages. I was fairly certain early on who the ‘baddies’ were but it was so glaringly obvious, to me, I decided I had to be wrong. It turned out I was right, but it didn’t detract from a very compelling story! The interviews with many suspects revealed a lot of interesting things. One could go so far as to say they also uncovered a somewhat scandalous relationship between the dead boy Jonathan and a man in a trusted position.
I love when an author stays true to the native tongue of where the story is set. I found myself smiling when reading things like, dishing up ‘tea’ more commonly referred to as ‘supper’ in many other countries.
My one gripe, because of course I have one or it would have been a five star read. Okay two gripes. At times, some of the large adjectives threw me out of the story, more specifically words like – laconically, embarrassedly, portentously, assiduously, resignedly. Yeah, they make my little brain hurt.
But, in the grand scheme of things, that was nothing compared to the slip of the main character’s son’s name. At the beginning of the story he is referred to as Tony. During a dinner party and for a few chapters after that his mother calls him Tim, and near the end of the book we’re back to Tony! For a moment I wondered if Claire had two older sons, so I backtracked. But nope, it appears to be a mix up!
I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy a riveting detective, whodunit, crime novel.
copy received in exchange for an honest review
March 19, 2016
This is a straight up police procedural. I love the shifting dynamics between Claire and her newly appointed sergeant, Dave.
The crime, as usual with these well written books breaks hearts with its senseless tragedy. I always get to know the victims and feel so sorry they are dead.
Anyhoo, it looks like this will turn into a series, and I am all for that.
The crime, as usual with these well written books breaks hearts with its senseless tragedy. I always get to know the victims and feel so sorry they are dead.
Anyhoo, it looks like this will turn into a series, and I am all for that.
May 8, 2016
2.5 stars
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I feel hella bamboozled. Let's be clear there is NO Romance, No Happy Endings, No Happy Times and I got a female pov the entire book. Let me clear up some things first. I love mystery/thriller stories, and I loved that it was a mystery thriller tag on my gay romance books. But this wasn't romance, and the story could have been about 50 to 75 pages shorter in my opinion. It took me 4 days to read this, and that should tell you something. I'm a fast reader and I picked up and finished 4 other books while trying to wrap my head around if I liked it or not. I enjoyed the writing alot, it's a first for me by this author but it read like a typical police procedural.
Honestly I understand having Claire's opinion but it did not give me nothing outside of politics that she had to deal with regarding working with a gay man on the police force. The actual mystery was kinda meh. It's not hard to see who the killer might actually be with the select group of people we are given. I did not connect with anyone. Dave and Claire were meh. Richard was super annoying. Rudge was insubordinate and basically disrespectful. It all felt a bit elementary and obviously I finished it but I didn't like it. I could possibly see myself reading more from this author but not this series. It's just not for me.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I feel hella bamboozled. Let's be clear there is NO Romance, No Happy Endings, No Happy Times and I got a female pov the entire book. Let me clear up some things first. I love mystery/thriller stories, and I loved that it was a mystery thriller tag on my gay romance books. But this wasn't romance, and the story could have been about 50 to 75 pages shorter in my opinion. It took me 4 days to read this, and that should tell you something. I'm a fast reader and I picked up and finished 4 other books while trying to wrap my head around if I liked it or not. I enjoyed the writing alot, it's a first for me by this author but it read like a typical police procedural.
Honestly I understand having Claire's opinion but it did not give me nothing outside of politics that she had to deal with regarding working with a gay man on the police force. The actual mystery was kinda meh. It's not hard to see who the killer might actually be with the select group of people we are given. I did not connect with anyone. Dave and Claire were meh. Richard was super annoying. Rudge was insubordinate and basically disrespectful. It all felt a bit elementary and obviously I finished it but I didn't like it. I could possibly see myself reading more from this author but not this series. It's just not for me.
February 11, 2016
Great mystery, well written.
Some editing issues, but minor (a child's name does change half way through though :-))
Some editing issues, but minor (a child's name does change half way through though :-))
July 18, 2018
Firstly I have to say this was a quick and easy book to read, the authors style is to tell the story in a chatty and friendly way and I felt at ease with the 2 main characters quickly and there was no long drawn out process of ‘getting into the book’ it was there and immediate and that was good, this style suited me very much
The story is about a newly promoted Detective Sargent Dave Lyon who goes to a new station where his new partner Detective Inspector Claire Sunmerskill has also been promoted and they work their first, new case together, its all very new! But then that was also good as there was little back story to distract and you were on a clean sheet with it all
Dave Lyon is gay, the story is about gay murders down by ‘the canal’ and the story unfolds to involves all things gay from amateur porn film makers, gay relationships, coming out at home and facing gay prejudice at work.... it is a gay story written by a gay author with straight characters in it, completely the opposite of what I am used to reading...on the whole I enjoyed it and found most subjects relating to gay things handled well and only the odd ‘cliched’ comment or reference or misplaced ‘joke’... there was a ‘warning’ at the beginning that the book contained adult themes of a sexual nature, tbh this was not needed as the sexual references were not OTT and I have read much more graphic in many many previous books
As said it is a gay book BUT it could easily be read and enjoyed by any reader, the story carries itself on its merit not on its gay subject matter and reference
Gay aside the story was interesting, moved quickly and I was surprised that it seemed the story had been all sown up when it took a different turn and finished on a ‘twist’ ( soz but a twist is a twist whether or not some readers get vexed when the word is used!! )
The police procedural part was interesting and not laborious as can easily be
I approached this book with caution and came away feeling I had discovered a great new series and I am keen to start book 2 and see where it goes, how the characters develop and how the gay theme is brought into the story ( if indeed it is) so thats what Im going to go and find out
9/10 and 4.5 stars
September 11, 2018
It’s a Sin by Steve Burford is the first book in the Summerskill and Lyon series. I really enjoyed this one. I read it over the course of two nights while in bed. Cause that’s how I like my murder mysteries. What you get in book one of this series is an introduction into who Summerskill, Lyon, the inner workings of the Foregate Street Police Station, and the communities surround them. I feel like at this point you should know there isn’t much romance in this. It’s more focused on developing the characters and solving the crime. I’d love to get to see some steamy scenes with Sergeant Dave Lyon though. I have a feeling he’s a bit of a stunner.
Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill has just been promoted, but she doesn’t get to have the Sergeant she was expecting. Instead she gets Dave Lyon, who is completely new to the area and openly gay (Which I was super excited about and cackled at some of the things he did). You don’t get many cop novels with openly gay characters who don’t need to be saved or coddled. Sergeant Lyon didn’t need coddling.
Their first assignment was ‘happy slapping’ – which I had no idea what that meant but figured it out pretty quick. A random person/persons jumps another and then goes on about their way. What was supposed to be an easy case turned into something much more difficult, multiple murders of gay men along a canal.
What I liked about Claire and Dave was the fact that neither of them were perfect. They had their moments of anger, frustration and misunderstanding. But they pushed each other to figure out what was really happening. I’m on a bit of a mystery kick and just enjoying what I’ve read so I didn’t quite figure out who the killer was until the last minute. It was unexpected and it was kind of neat that I was kept guess the entire time.
I’m looking forward to getting to know more about Claire and Dave. My inner romance reader is hoping for Dave to get some action but I liked this enough that I don’t have to have that.
Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill has just been promoted, but she doesn’t get to have the Sergeant she was expecting. Instead she gets Dave Lyon, who is completely new to the area and openly gay (Which I was super excited about and cackled at some of the things he did). You don’t get many cop novels with openly gay characters who don’t need to be saved or coddled. Sergeant Lyon didn’t need coddling.
Their first assignment was ‘happy slapping’ – which I had no idea what that meant but figured it out pretty quick. A random person/persons jumps another and then goes on about their way. What was supposed to be an easy case turned into something much more difficult, multiple murders of gay men along a canal.
What I liked about Claire and Dave was the fact that neither of them were perfect. They had their moments of anger, frustration and misunderstanding. But they pushed each other to figure out what was really happening. I’m on a bit of a mystery kick and just enjoying what I’ve read so I didn’t quite figure out who the killer was until the last minute. It was unexpected and it was kind of neat that I was kept guess the entire time.
I’m looking forward to getting to know more about Claire and Dave. My inner romance reader is hoping for Dave to get some action but I liked this enough that I don’t have to have that.
January 20, 2025
This novel is the first in a series focused on Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill and Detective Dave Lyons. They are both new to their positions at the Foregate Street Station. Claire has just been promoted to Inspector and Dave has been moved there from another station. Claire is surprised by the pairing because she was hoping her best friend in the station would be promoted also and they were teamed, but she makes the best of the situation.
They are given their first case which involves the murder of a son of a prominent car salesman who just may have some dishonest practices. The mother is extremely weak and crumples almost immediate and the older brother is very much the calm voice in the family that blunts the father's rage and anger.
it becomes a virtual whose who of the gay community of the area with people harassing gay patrons of a bar upon their exit going back home close to a bridge and a river. That's where the first victim is found. There is the usual prejudice in the police station itself and we get to see the harassing that a gay policeman gets in this particular station though the day to day interactions.
There is a twist at the very end which shows another side to many of the before thought to be "innocent" persons in the story which makes this like any other good mystery.
I recommend this novel to others based on the mystery and for those who like seeing mixed groups of police trying to figure out how to work together in a situation where all parties have issues.
They are given their first case which involves the murder of a son of a prominent car salesman who just may have some dishonest practices. The mother is extremely weak and crumples almost immediate and the older brother is very much the calm voice in the family that blunts the father's rage and anger.
it becomes a virtual whose who of the gay community of the area with people harassing gay patrons of a bar upon their exit going back home close to a bridge and a river. That's where the first victim is found. There is the usual prejudice in the police station itself and we get to see the harassing that a gay policeman gets in this particular station though the day to day interactions.
There is a twist at the very end which shows another side to many of the before thought to be "innocent" persons in the story which makes this like any other good mystery.
I recommend this novel to others based on the mystery and for those who like seeing mixed groups of police trying to figure out how to work together in a situation where all parties have issues.
July 17, 2018
3.5 stars. If I would have known that this was not a romance book, I would not have requested it & would have missed out on a pretty good mystery. The book was listed under the LGBTQIA listing on NetGalley & yes one of the main characters is gay, but there is no romance. This is a crime book in which we meet the main characters Dave & Claire who are both moving into new positions where they need to prove themselves; one being female & one being gay. We have the investigation of the death of Jonathan. I did figure out who the killer was from the moment they step onto page but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Even though it was not a romance I will probably continue on with the series.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2018
It’s a sin
I struggled through the first half of this story but the second was better. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Clair but I’m willing to continue to see if she continues to get better. The murder mystery was well-done, though I did suspect one of the possible killers since his first introduction.
I struggled through the first half of this story but the second was better. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Clair but I’m willing to continue to see if she continues to get better. The murder mystery was well-done, though I did suspect one of the possible killers since his first introduction.
April 8, 2021
Interesting, complex, well written police procedural introducing two very different detectives. It charts their new partnership through a high profile double murder involving the local gay community in a small town. A good mix of their work and private lives. I’ve already bought the next one on the series.
April 6, 2019
3.25*
January 10, 2019
Claire Summerskill is married to Ian, who works in the school system, and they have two sons, Tony and Sam. She’s just been promoted to Detective Inspector at the Worcester Foregate Street Police Station. Having worked hard to get this big promotion, Claire feels she’s worthy of a major case and is more than disappointed when she’s handed a “happy slapping” case by Chief Superintendent Madden. She’s disappointed but thinks, if nothing else, she would get to choose a new partner. But again, she’s given orders to work with the new transfer, Sergeant David Lyon. When Claire gets a look at Lyon’s file, there’s somethings that raise her suspicions and she has to wonder if she’s being set-up.
David made a choice to transfer to Foregate Street Police Station for his own reasons. He lives with his boyfriend, Richard, who also works in the school system. Besides the new environment at the job, Dave has issues to consider about his relationship with Richard.
Adjusting to a new partner is difficult for both Claire and Dave, but they do what’s needed to get the case solved. The simple assault case of “happy slapping” turns into something much bigger: murders and gay porn.
This novel is set in Worcester, England, and the verbiage really sets the tone for this story. The mystery was very well plotted, and it made way for an intricate and in-depth police procedural. There’s subtle humor but on a serious note, there’s bigotry and how a woman is considered in a predominantly male profession. There’s plenty of character building for Dave and Claire as they start a working relationship and a lot they both have to learn about each other and who they are to really gain trust. I didn’t mind that this wasn’t so much about romance but about how Dave and Claire have to juggle their personal relationships/lives when they are buried deep in complicated murders. It reflects how Claire and Dave are treated by their husband and boyfriend, and Claire also has a teenager and young son to consider.
I know for sure Steve Burford has got me hooked. This is an excellent mystery, and I am more than curious to find where Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill will go from here.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Merged review:
Claire Summerskill is married to Ian, who works in the school system, and they have two sons, Tony and Sam. She’s just been promoted to Detective Inspector at the Worcester Foregate Street Police Station. Having worked hard to get this big promotion, Claire feels she’s worthy of a major case and is more than disappointed when she’s handed a “happy slapping” case by Chief Superintendent Madden. She’s disappointed but thinks, if nothing else, she would get to choose a new partner. But again, she’s given orders to work with the new transfer, Sergeant David Lyon. When Claire gets a look at Lyon’s file, there’s somethings that raise her suspicions and she has to wonder if she’s being set-up.
David made a choice to transfer to Foregate Street Police Station for his own reasons. He lives with his boyfriend, Richard, who also works in the school system. Besides the new environment at the job, Dave has issues to consider about his relationship with Richard.
Adjusting to a new partner is difficult for both Claire and Dave, but they do what’s needed to get the case solved. The simple assault case of “happy slapping” turns into something much bigger: murders and gay porn.
This novel is set in Worcester, England, and the verbiage really sets the tone for this story. The mystery was very well plotted, and it made way for an intricate and in-depth police procedural. There’s subtle humor but on a serious note, there’s bigotry and how a woman is considered in a predominantly male profession. There’s plenty of character building for Dave and Claire as they start a working relationship and a lot they both have to learn about each other and who they are to really gain trust. I didn’t mind that this wasn’t so much about romance but about how Dave and Claire have to juggle their personal relationships/lives when they are buried deep in complicated murders. It reflects how Claire and Dave are treated by their husband and boyfriend, and Claire also has a teenager and young son to consider.
I know for sure Steve Burford has got me hooked. This is an excellent mystery, and I am more than curious to find where Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill will go from here.
Reviewed by Maryann
David made a choice to transfer to Foregate Street Police Station for his own reasons. He lives with his boyfriend, Richard, who also works in the school system. Besides the new environment at the job, Dave has issues to consider about his relationship with Richard.
Adjusting to a new partner is difficult for both Claire and Dave, but they do what’s needed to get the case solved. The simple assault case of “happy slapping” turns into something much bigger: murders and gay porn.
This novel is set in Worcester, England, and the verbiage really sets the tone for this story. The mystery was very well plotted, and it made way for an intricate and in-depth police procedural. There’s subtle humor but on a serious note, there’s bigotry and how a woman is considered in a predominantly male profession. There’s plenty of character building for Dave and Claire as they start a working relationship and a lot they both have to learn about each other and who they are to really gain trust. I didn’t mind that this wasn’t so much about romance but about how Dave and Claire have to juggle their personal relationships/lives when they are buried deep in complicated murders. It reflects how Claire and Dave are treated by their husband and boyfriend, and Claire also has a teenager and young son to consider.
I know for sure Steve Burford has got me hooked. This is an excellent mystery, and I am more than curious to find where Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill will go from here.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Merged review:
Claire Summerskill is married to Ian, who works in the school system, and they have two sons, Tony and Sam. She’s just been promoted to Detective Inspector at the Worcester Foregate Street Police Station. Having worked hard to get this big promotion, Claire feels she’s worthy of a major case and is more than disappointed when she’s handed a “happy slapping” case by Chief Superintendent Madden. She’s disappointed but thinks, if nothing else, she would get to choose a new partner. But again, she’s given orders to work with the new transfer, Sergeant David Lyon. When Claire gets a look at Lyon’s file, there’s somethings that raise her suspicions and she has to wonder if she’s being set-up.
David made a choice to transfer to Foregate Street Police Station for his own reasons. He lives with his boyfriend, Richard, who also works in the school system. Besides the new environment at the job, Dave has issues to consider about his relationship with Richard.
Adjusting to a new partner is difficult for both Claire and Dave, but they do what’s needed to get the case solved. The simple assault case of “happy slapping” turns into something much bigger: murders and gay porn.
This novel is set in Worcester, England, and the verbiage really sets the tone for this story. The mystery was very well plotted, and it made way for an intricate and in-depth police procedural. There’s subtle humor but on a serious note, there’s bigotry and how a woman is considered in a predominantly male profession. There’s plenty of character building for Dave and Claire as they start a working relationship and a lot they both have to learn about each other and who they are to really gain trust. I didn’t mind that this wasn’t so much about romance but about how Dave and Claire have to juggle their personal relationships/lives when they are buried deep in complicated murders. It reflects how Claire and Dave are treated by their husband and boyfriend, and Claire also has a teenager and young son to consider.
I know for sure Steve Burford has got me hooked. This is an excellent mystery, and I am more than curious to find where Dave Lyon and Claire Summerskill will go from here.
Reviewed by Maryann
July 17, 2018
Full review: http://swiftcoffee.blog/2018/07/18/it...
I requested this book because the premise of a gay detective in a police procedural sounded very intriguing. I still hesitated, though, because I was not sure how these two things fit together.
It turned out to be great! As for the gay part, it isn't a stereotypical characterization just for the sake of it, Dave is a very believable character. He's not at all different from anybody, and yet people who know about his orientation tend to treat him differently. He's somebody who has mostly learnt already how to deal with them, though. This novel shows perfectly these little games between him and people he works with or meets during the investigation. It also demonstrates very well that those who don't know anything about them are more prejudiced with Claire, because she's a woman. The dynamic of the leads is very exiting and realistic. It's an interesting journey, seeing the way they slowly come to accept each other as colleagues.
As for the crime story part, it's well worked-out and stands its ground among the better ones in the genre. I didn't figure out everything, that's a good sign! The story's not left behind because of the emphasis on the main character's sexual orientation and his encounters because of it, there's a well-established balance in the whole novel. Looking back after the ending, I feel like every crime, assault, murder that occurred happened driven by the well-elaborated characters of the people involved - and I like that very much.
This novel includes all the usual clichés that bother you a bit, but make the genre what it is, yet this gay and female detective partnership gives it an interesting angle that is (at least for me) new for this kind of books. It seems like on original pairing in the genre, and it was so refreshing to finally read one police procedural when there's no will they-won't they, it's just interesting characters interacting.
I definitely want to read the sequel.
Merged review:
I requested this book because the premise of a gay detective in a police procedural sounded very intriguing. I still hesitated, though, because I was not sure how these two things fit together.
It turned out to be great! As for the gay part, it isn't a stereotypical characterization just for the sake of it, Dave is a very believable character. He's not at all different from anybody, and yet people who know about his orientation tend to treat him differently. He's somebody who has mostly learnt already how to deal with them, though. This novel shows perfectly these little games between him and people he works with or meets during the investigation. It also demonstrates very well that those who don't know anything about them are more prejudiced with Claire, because she's a woman. The dynamic of the leads is very exiting and realistic. It's an interesting journey, seeing the way they slowly come to accept each other as colleagues.
As for the crime story part, it's well worked-out and stands its ground among the better ones in the genre. I didn't figure out everything, that's a good sign! The story's not left behind because of the emphasis on the main character's sexual orientation and his encounters because of it, there's a well-established balance in the whole novel. Looking back after the ending, I feel like every crime, assault, murder that occurred happened driven by the well-elaborated characters of the people involved - and I like that very much.
This novel includes all the usual clichés that bother you a bit, but make the genre what it is, yet this gay and female detective partnership gives it an interesting angle that is (at least for me) new for this kind of books. It seems like on original pairing in the genre, and it was so refreshing to finally read one police procedural when there's no will they-won't they, it's just interesting characters interacting.
I definitely want to read the sequel.
I requested this book because the premise of a gay detective in a police procedural sounded very intriguing. I still hesitated, though, because I was not sure how these two things fit together.
It turned out to be great! As for the gay part, it isn't a stereotypical characterization just for the sake of it, Dave is a very believable character. He's not at all different from anybody, and yet people who know about his orientation tend to treat him differently. He's somebody who has mostly learnt already how to deal with them, though. This novel shows perfectly these little games between him and people he works with or meets during the investigation. It also demonstrates very well that those who don't know anything about them are more prejudiced with Claire, because she's a woman. The dynamic of the leads is very exiting and realistic. It's an interesting journey, seeing the way they slowly come to accept each other as colleagues.
As for the crime story part, it's well worked-out and stands its ground among the better ones in the genre. I didn't figure out everything, that's a good sign! The story's not left behind because of the emphasis on the main character's sexual orientation and his encounters because of it, there's a well-established balance in the whole novel. Looking back after the ending, I feel like every crime, assault, murder that occurred happened driven by the well-elaborated characters of the people involved - and I like that very much.
This novel includes all the usual clichés that bother you a bit, but make the genre what it is, yet this gay and female detective partnership gives it an interesting angle that is (at least for me) new for this kind of books. It seems like on original pairing in the genre, and it was so refreshing to finally read one police procedural when there's no will they-won't they, it's just interesting characters interacting.
I definitely want to read the sequel.
Merged review:
I requested this book because the premise of a gay detective in a police procedural sounded very intriguing. I still hesitated, though, because I was not sure how these two things fit together.
It turned out to be great! As for the gay part, it isn't a stereotypical characterization just for the sake of it, Dave is a very believable character. He's not at all different from anybody, and yet people who know about his orientation tend to treat him differently. He's somebody who has mostly learnt already how to deal with them, though. This novel shows perfectly these little games between him and people he works with or meets during the investigation. It also demonstrates very well that those who don't know anything about them are more prejudiced with Claire, because she's a woman. The dynamic of the leads is very exiting and realistic. It's an interesting journey, seeing the way they slowly come to accept each other as colleagues.
As for the crime story part, it's well worked-out and stands its ground among the better ones in the genre. I didn't figure out everything, that's a good sign! The story's not left behind because of the emphasis on the main character's sexual orientation and his encounters because of it, there's a well-established balance in the whole novel. Looking back after the ending, I feel like every crime, assault, murder that occurred happened driven by the well-elaborated characters of the people involved - and I like that very much.
This novel includes all the usual clichés that bother you a bit, but make the genre what it is, yet this gay and female detective partnership gives it an interesting angle that is (at least for me) new for this kind of books. It seems like on original pairing in the genre, and it was so refreshing to finally read one police procedural when there's no will they-won't they, it's just interesting characters interacting.
I definitely want to read the sequel.
July 18, 2018
First, I'd like to thank Netgalley and Nine Star Press for allowing me to review this book. Their generosity in no way affects my review.
This is a British police procedurals that is classified as an "LGBT" book because its main characte, Sgt Dave Lyon, is gay. Sgt Lyon is new to his post and he and his boss, DI Claire Summerskill, find themselves immediately thrust into a case involving a young man who was beaten to death and left in a park. To no one's surprise, it turns out that he was gay. Then, another young man turns up dead, and it turns out that (gasp!) he was gay too. This leads the two detectives to believe that being gay somehow was the contributing factor to the lads' murders, so they start sniffing around gay bars, the local gay community, and eventually a gay porn studio. The solution to the crimes is somewhat confusing and less-than-satisfying.
In the story, Sgt Lyon not only has to deal with solving the crime, but with the prejudice and downright mean treatment he encounters among his fellow coppers. For instance, he places a framed photo of a handsome man on his desk, and every day finds that it has made its way to his trash can. Really?? Are people really this immature in the workplace in real life? I certainly hope not! An entire chapter is devoted to a dinner party that DI Summerskill throws for Dave and his boyfriend, and she and her husband worry about what to feed gay people and what to talk about with them. A whole chapter that, mind you, I would have rather been spent on the mystery or at least police work.
I found myself thinking that Dave was the only likeable character among the bunch, and can't help wonder if this was done on purpose. All of the other characters seem prejudiced against or awkward around gay people, or else irritating in some other way. I thought that the fact that Dave was gay was made too much of a big deal of, and would have preferred for his sexuality to be mentioned, but not made the focal point of the story.
Aside from that, the writing was excellent, very fast-paced, and the dialogue was plentiful and humorous, the way I like it. I would gladly read more about Sgt Lyon and his adventures, but just wish his colleagues would grow up some.
This is a British police procedurals that is classified as an "LGBT" book because its main characte, Sgt Dave Lyon, is gay. Sgt Lyon is new to his post and he and his boss, DI Claire Summerskill, find themselves immediately thrust into a case involving a young man who was beaten to death and left in a park. To no one's surprise, it turns out that he was gay. Then, another young man turns up dead, and it turns out that (gasp!) he was gay too. This leads the two detectives to believe that being gay somehow was the contributing factor to the lads' murders, so they start sniffing around gay bars, the local gay community, and eventually a gay porn studio. The solution to the crimes is somewhat confusing and less-than-satisfying.
In the story, Sgt Lyon not only has to deal with solving the crime, but with the prejudice and downright mean treatment he encounters among his fellow coppers. For instance, he places a framed photo of a handsome man on his desk, and every day finds that it has made its way to his trash can. Really?? Are people really this immature in the workplace in real life? I certainly hope not! An entire chapter is devoted to a dinner party that DI Summerskill throws for Dave and his boyfriend, and she and her husband worry about what to feed gay people and what to talk about with them. A whole chapter that, mind you, I would have rather been spent on the mystery or at least police work.
I found myself thinking that Dave was the only likeable character among the bunch, and can't help wonder if this was done on purpose. All of the other characters seem prejudiced against or awkward around gay people, or else irritating in some other way. I thought that the fact that Dave was gay was made too much of a big deal of, and would have preferred for his sexuality to be mentioned, but not made the focal point of the story.
Aside from that, the writing was excellent, very fast-paced, and the dialogue was plentiful and humorous, the way I like it. I would gladly read more about Sgt Lyon and his adventures, but just wish his colleagues would grow up some.
July 11, 2018
It's A Sin was an interesting, neat visit into police procedurals. I tend to spend a lot of my time between the pages of Fantasy/Urban Fantasy books, so it was nice to read something different for a change.
It's A Sin introduces readers to Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill, and her newly-appointed Sergeant, Dave Lyons.
Claire is a no-nonsense type of woman who works hard on the job and has a husband and two sons at home. Work seems to come before motherhood more often than she'd like, but I admire how driven the character is. Although Claire's not initially thrilled at being assigned Lyons, I felt like she tried to learn more about his life and about gay culture, too. Although there's clear prejudice in the Forgate station, Claire shows more open-mindedness than the others they're surrounded by.
Dave wants to do his job well, regardless of why he's been transferred to Forgate. Although he suspects he's being used to make a point of the anti-discrimination policies, he truly cares about uncovering the truth of their case and, honestly, just being a good detective.
Dave and Claire's relationship felt very realistic- a bit fumbling at times, a bit awkward, and totally true to how two new coworkers might interact after being unceremoniously thrown at each other. Even though they continue to have some missteps in developing their working relationship, the two definitely start to grow on one another, and I like the dry humor that Burford develops between the pair.
I thought their case was easy to follow, with enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep it interesting. The ending was not what I had suspected for most of the plot, and I really liked that I didn't quite see it coming. Once Claire and Dave got to the bottom of it, however, it DID make sense, and there were subtle clues peppered throughout the novel.
Overall, I liked how Burford handled the story, and I really liked seeing a gay character in a police procedural; at least for me, that's not a regular occurrence.
It's A Sin introduces readers to Detective Inspector Claire Summerskill, and her newly-appointed Sergeant, Dave Lyons.
Claire is a no-nonsense type of woman who works hard on the job and has a husband and two sons at home. Work seems to come before motherhood more often than she'd like, but I admire how driven the character is. Although Claire's not initially thrilled at being assigned Lyons, I felt like she tried to learn more about his life and about gay culture, too. Although there's clear prejudice in the Forgate station, Claire shows more open-mindedness than the others they're surrounded by.
Dave wants to do his job well, regardless of why he's been transferred to Forgate. Although he suspects he's being used to make a point of the anti-discrimination policies, he truly cares about uncovering the truth of their case and, honestly, just being a good detective.
Dave and Claire's relationship felt very realistic- a bit fumbling at times, a bit awkward, and totally true to how two new coworkers might interact after being unceremoniously thrown at each other. Even though they continue to have some missteps in developing their working relationship, the two definitely start to grow on one another, and I like the dry humor that Burford develops between the pair.
I thought their case was easy to follow, with enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep it interesting. The ending was not what I had suspected for most of the plot, and I really liked that I didn't quite see it coming. Once Claire and Dave got to the bottom of it, however, it DID make sense, and there were subtle clues peppered throughout the novel.
Overall, I liked how Burford handled the story, and I really liked seeing a gay character in a police procedural; at least for me, that's not a regular occurrence.
January 1, 2019
Hello,
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review!
This book was good, not great, but not amazing either.
I really had a good time reading this book. While the story begins at a slower pace, which made me put it down a couple of time until about halfway through it when it picked up, it was a really well built world.
The third POV is what truly threw me off, I just couldn't understand why it existed and really reduced my overall experience with this book. I wanted to love this book so much and get attached to the characters, but at times it felt like I was looking at their emotions, rather than feeling them with them.
I had a real issue with how the author forgot the name/changed the name of the child in this book halfway through it. It felt as if even the author couldn't bother to care or delve deeper into the details of their own story.
I was truly disappointed by the fact that while it is categorized as a LGBT story it felt like just a plot point, as we were presented with no chance to really get to know or care about Dave's boyfriend.
It is a fake M/M categorized and sold book, it's not even part of the characters plot like a romance would be if it had been a man and a woman.
Overall, I gave this story a : 2/5 stars.
-Bookarina
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review!
This book was good, not great, but not amazing either.
I really had a good time reading this book. While the story begins at a slower pace, which made me put it down a couple of time until about halfway through it when it picked up, it was a really well built world.
The third POV is what truly threw me off, I just couldn't understand why it existed and really reduced my overall experience with this book. I wanted to love this book so much and get attached to the characters, but at times it felt like I was looking at their emotions, rather than feeling them with them.
I had a real issue with how the author forgot the name/changed the name of the child in this book halfway through it. It felt as if even the author couldn't bother to care or delve deeper into the details of their own story.
I was truly disappointed by the fact that while it is categorized as a LGBT story it felt like just a plot point, as we were presented with no chance to really get to know or care about Dave's boyfriend.
It is a fake M/M categorized and sold book, it's not even part of the characters plot like a romance would be if it had been a man and a woman.
Overall, I gave this story a : 2/5 stars.
-Bookarina
September 2, 2016
It'a Sin by Steve Burford
A newly promoted Detective Inspector, Claire Summerskill, is paired with a newly transferred from Redditch Sergeant, Dave Lyon. On their first day together they get a murder case: Jonathan Alan Wilson, a well to do gay man, has been murdered near a canal that is near two gay venues. As Detectives investigate the case, their relationships between them and the ones they love come to the surface. Married life, family, and the hardships of job related stress are revealed as the detectives crack the multiple clues they have to decipher together. Even within the Worcester Foregute Street Police Department there are rivalries and friction because Mr. Lyon is gay.
Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. The characters come out of the page and grab you. The twists and turns of the plot will hook you from page one. I could not put it down! I read it all at once and would certainly recommend the book to anyone who likes a modern day mystery.
A newly promoted Detective Inspector, Claire Summerskill, is paired with a newly transferred from Redditch Sergeant, Dave Lyon. On their first day together they get a murder case: Jonathan Alan Wilson, a well to do gay man, has been murdered near a canal that is near two gay venues. As Detectives investigate the case, their relationships between them and the ones they love come to the surface. Married life, family, and the hardships of job related stress are revealed as the detectives crack the multiple clues they have to decipher together. Even within the Worcester Foregute Street Police Department there are rivalries and friction because Mr. Lyon is gay.
Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. The characters come out of the page and grab you. The twists and turns of the plot will hook you from page one. I could not put it down! I read it all at once and would certainly recommend the book to anyone who likes a modern day mystery.
November 21, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: It's a Sin by Steve Burford
1) Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is Intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. The characters come out of the page and grab you. The twists and turns of the plot will hook you from page one. I could not put it down! I read it all at once and would certainly recommend the book to anyone who likes a modern day mystery.
2) This was a British police procedural (is this a UK term?) rather than a romance and quite refreshing for it. The plot was well worked although the ending became a little complicated. Characters were perhaps a bit too typical of their type with many of the usual traits ascribed to British police. The setting was well done and felt authentic.
3) Good police procedural and very interesting relationship between the newly-minted Inspector and Sergeant. I'll be keeping an eye out for this series.
1) Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is Intelligent, anti-stereotype, humorous, heartbreaking, surprising, quiet, unapologetic, showing the imperfections of the characters, the circumstances they find themselves in, and the decisions they sometimes make in attempts to deal with it all. The characters come out of the page and grab you. The twists and turns of the plot will hook you from page one. I could not put it down! I read it all at once and would certainly recommend the book to anyone who likes a modern day mystery.
2) This was a British police procedural (is this a UK term?) rather than a romance and quite refreshing for it. The plot was well worked although the ending became a little complicated. Characters were perhaps a bit too typical of their type with many of the usual traits ascribed to British police. The setting was well done and felt authentic.
3) Good police procedural and very interesting relationship between the newly-minted Inspector and Sergeant. I'll be keeping an eye out for this series.
July 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading the book very much. A unique police team - Claire being the boss, and instead of the female collegue and friend her new co-worker and partner is Dave, a gay man from another station. Relatively fast in the book we learn about the current living situation of the both, and during their working cases of young dead gay men we see the both connecting more and more, mistrusting at first but always willing to give the other one a fair try. No big fallout, no big drama, and that's what makes the book very real to me. There is no sugarcoating of the pink elephant all over: the gay policeman. But the author makes it work in a realistic way. I also enjoyed the author's open handling of things gay, no details in things sex bur hints and all so the reader knows that yes, there is a difference. But again, what we have here is a fine, good and solid police story with interesting characters who feel real and which is well written.
I hope the book gets much more attention over the time, especially as the second book of the series will ne released soon.
Thanks for the publisher and author for providing a copy, and best of luck!!!!!
I hope the book gets much more attention over the time, especially as the second book of the series will ne released soon.
Thanks for the publisher and author for providing a copy, and best of luck!!!!!
August 23, 2016
Set in Malvern, I liked that we see a different place.
I enjoyed the dynamics between Claire, Dave, Rudge and Cortez - could see all that happening.
Claire still feeling her way was a different start for a series, especially with Dave being new kid on the block too. And I liked that there was no chance of romance between the two. The snatches of private lives were good - how they interacted with their partners and real life still goes on regardless of whatever case they have. And the excruciating dinner party, funny.
The murder investigation did, as Rudge said, go in circles gathering more potential suspects as it went. No head time with the victims at all so no feelings for them, but I did feel for Mikey. .
So, enjoyed the setting up dynamics with Claire and Dave, enjoyed the murder twists. Thought the writing style was good, kept me involved and wil be looking out for book 2!
I enjoyed the dynamics between Claire, Dave, Rudge and Cortez - could see all that happening.
Claire still feeling her way was a different start for a series, especially with Dave being new kid on the block too. And I liked that there was no chance of romance between the two. The snatches of private lives were good - how they interacted with their partners and real life still goes on regardless of whatever case they have. And the excruciating dinner party, funny.
The murder investigation did, as Rudge said, go in circles gathering more potential suspects as it went. No head time with the victims at all so no feelings for them, but I did feel for Mikey. .
So, enjoyed the setting up dynamics with Claire and Dave, enjoyed the murder twists. Thought the writing style was good, kept me involved and wil be looking out for book 2!
November 12, 2016
Wonderfully Written
Confusing as hell. The last pages seem to be wrapping things
up, but I had no idea what they were talking about.
SPOILER
Obviously Clair believes Dave has done nothing improper, offering that he stay her partner. But, what of Simon? Simon's dad? Phil? Mickey? What did ANYONE DO? SIMON lied about something. Many things. Clair interviewed him. At lengh. Much information flowed. BUT WHAT DOE IT All MEAN? I will, later today re-read the last 50 pages. Right now I am Clueless! Can anyone help? Explain it all to me? I care. This is a good book,. But what does it's supposed conclusion MEAN? ? Who killed everyone? Anyone? Can anyone help me?
Confusing as hell. The last pages seem to be wrapping things
up, but I had no idea what they were talking about.
SPOILER
Obviously Clair believes Dave has done nothing improper, offering that he stay her partner. But, what of Simon? Simon's dad? Phil? Mickey? What did ANYONE DO? SIMON lied about something. Many things. Clair interviewed him. At lengh. Much information flowed. BUT WHAT DOE IT All MEAN? I will, later today re-read the last 50 pages. Right now I am Clueless! Can anyone help? Explain it all to me? I care. This is a good book,. But what does it's supposed conclusion MEAN? ? Who killed everyone? Anyone? Can anyone help me?
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