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DI Fenchurch #1
The Hope That Kills
Meet Simon Fenchurch, Detective Inspector working the Met’s East London beat. Honest and funny but damaged, he’s working a case that could give him answers to his deepest trauma…
The body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London, in the shadow of the City’s gleaming towers. No ID on her, just hard-earned cash. But there is no doubting the ferocity of the attack.
DI Simon Fenchurch takes charge but, as his team tries to identify her and piece together her murder, they’re faced with cruel indifference at every turn — nobody cares about yet another dead sex worker.
To Fenchurch, however, the victim could just as easily be Chloe, his daughter, abducted from outside his home and still missing ten years on, whose memory still haunts his days and nights, his burning obsession having killed his marriage.
When a second body is found, Fenchurch must peel back the grimy layers shrouding the London sex trade, confronting his own traumatic past while racing to undo a scheme larger, more complex and more evil than anything he could possibly have imagined.
For fans of Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Alex Smith and JD Kirk, The Hope That Kills is the novel that introduced readers to troubled Detective Simon Fenchurch, whose series has set the bestseller charts alight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry... The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion....an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals." – Mystereity Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "... an action-packed thriller that reads like a train... The Hope That Kills is without a doubt a fast-paced and entertaining read any crime thriller lover will enjoy reading." – It's All About Books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a great start to a new series.. .I can't wait to spend more time with DI Simon Fenchurch ." – Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Oh my giddy aunt.....what a book!... The Hope That Kills is unputdownable ...you will find plenty of twists and turns and will have you sucked in from start to finish. I couldn't put it down." – Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " If you like murder mysteries full of suspense, this may be the book for you." – Goodreads Review
If you love gritty, action-packed crime fiction, Binge the entire DI Fenchurch series
The body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London, in the shadow of the City’s gleaming towers. No ID on her, just hard-earned cash. But there is no doubting the ferocity of the attack.
DI Simon Fenchurch takes charge but, as his team tries to identify her and piece together her murder, they’re faced with cruel indifference at every turn — nobody cares about yet another dead sex worker.
To Fenchurch, however, the victim could just as easily be Chloe, his daughter, abducted from outside his home and still missing ten years on, whose memory still haunts his days and nights, his burning obsession having killed his marriage.
When a second body is found, Fenchurch must peel back the grimy layers shrouding the London sex trade, confronting his own traumatic past while racing to undo a scheme larger, more complex and more evil than anything he could possibly have imagined.
For fans of Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Alex Smith and JD Kirk, The Hope That Kills is the novel that introduced readers to troubled Detective Simon Fenchurch, whose series has set the bestseller charts alight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry... The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion....an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals." – Mystereity Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "... an action-packed thriller that reads like a train... The Hope That Kills is without a doubt a fast-paced and entertaining read any crime thriller lover will enjoy reading." – It's All About Books
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a great start to a new series.. .I can't wait to spend more time with DI Simon Fenchurch ." – Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Oh my giddy aunt.....what a book!... The Hope That Kills is unputdownable ...you will find plenty of twists and turns and will have you sucked in from start to finish. I couldn't put it down." – Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " If you like murder mysteries full of suspense, this may be the book for you." – Goodreads Review
If you love gritty, action-packed crime fiction, Binge the entire DI Fenchurch series
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First published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
September 18, 2016
THE HOPE THAT KILLS- DI Fenchurch #1 is the first book in a new series, an outstanding British police/procedural crime thriller from author Ed James. I am really impressed with this novel, as this novel was such a pleasure to read. I loved it! Now I have another new author to follow.
“The body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London, in the shadow of the City’s gleaming towers. No ID on her, just hard-earned cash. But there is no doubting the ferocity of the attack. “
“DI Simon Fenchurch takes charge but, as his team tries to identify her and piece together her murder, they’re faced with cruel indifference at every turn—nobody cares about yet another dead prostitute. To Fenchurch, however, she could just as easily be Chloe, his daughter still missing after ten years, whose memory still haunts his days and nights, his burning obsession having killed his marriage.”
“When a second body is discovered, Fenchurch must peel back the grimy layers shrouding the London sex trade, confronting his own traumatic past while racing to undo a scheme larger, more complex and more evil than anything he could possibly have imagined.”
The protagonist, DI Simon Fenchurch is a character that you will immediately come to love and relate to. He's human, he's flawed, but most of all he’s likeable. We get to see Simon’s love for Burrito’s and hot sauce. The author did a great job of flushing out all the characters, but especially Simon and we got to see both his personal life, his relationship with his ex-wife and dad as well as following the investigation.
We can relate to the human side of Fenchurch in the quote:
“I’ve lost ten years of her life. Every day goes past is another one lost.” He shut his eyes, felt the tears sting. “My little girl.”
The Hope That Kills moves along at a great speed, but totally involves the reader in the journey and investigation. The case itself is complex, but easy to follow.
I definitely recommended this novel to readers that enjoy well written police/procedural crime thrillers…but one that allows for the protagonist to have a personal life also.
Super start to a great new detective series. I look forward to finding out what develops in the next book in the series. Now on to book #2 in the series, “Worth Killing For”.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
“The body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London, in the shadow of the City’s gleaming towers. No ID on her, just hard-earned cash. But there is no doubting the ferocity of the attack. “
“DI Simon Fenchurch takes charge but, as his team tries to identify her and piece together her murder, they’re faced with cruel indifference at every turn—nobody cares about yet another dead prostitute. To Fenchurch, however, she could just as easily be Chloe, his daughter still missing after ten years, whose memory still haunts his days and nights, his burning obsession having killed his marriage.”
“When a second body is discovered, Fenchurch must peel back the grimy layers shrouding the London sex trade, confronting his own traumatic past while racing to undo a scheme larger, more complex and more evil than anything he could possibly have imagined.”
The protagonist, DI Simon Fenchurch is a character that you will immediately come to love and relate to. He's human, he's flawed, but most of all he’s likeable. We get to see Simon’s love for Burrito’s and hot sauce. The author did a great job of flushing out all the characters, but especially Simon and we got to see both his personal life, his relationship with his ex-wife and dad as well as following the investigation.
We can relate to the human side of Fenchurch in the quote:
“I’ve lost ten years of her life. Every day goes past is another one lost.” He shut his eyes, felt the tears sting. “My little girl.”
The Hope That Kills moves along at a great speed, but totally involves the reader in the journey and investigation. The case itself is complex, but easy to follow.
I definitely recommended this novel to readers that enjoy well written police/procedural crime thrillers…but one that allows for the protagonist to have a personal life also.
Super start to a great new detective series. I look forward to finding out what develops in the next book in the series. Now on to book #2 in the series, “Worth Killing For”.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2018
This is the first book in the DI Fenchurch series by author Ed James but not my first read having already read the 2nd book. This is where I find the 5 star rating on Goodreads so frustrating, I enjoyed it but only gave it 3 stars which seems a bit mean but in truth was not worth a great rating. The book is a solid read and a good start to this series.
The book starts when the body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London. She has no ID on her, just cash and her body bears the signs of a ferocious attack.
DI Simon Fenchurch is given the case and together with his team they try to identify her and piece together the murder of a prostitute. A back drop in this series is the story of Chloe, Fenchurch’s missing daughter still missing after ten years, whose memory still haunts him with an obsession that caused his marriage to collapse.
When a second body is discovered, Fenchurch is required to investigate the London sex trade and confront his own past.
A good solid read and well worth a look .
The book starts when the body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London. She has no ID on her, just cash and her body bears the signs of a ferocious attack.
DI Simon Fenchurch is given the case and together with his team they try to identify her and piece together the murder of a prostitute. A back drop in this series is the story of Chloe, Fenchurch’s missing daughter still missing after ten years, whose memory still haunts him with an obsession that caused his marriage to collapse.
When a second body is discovered, Fenchurch is required to investigate the London sex trade and confront his own past.
A good solid read and well worth a look .
September 20, 2016
This first book in a British police procedural series introducing DI Simon Fenchurch was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed the plot, which started out as a simple murder investigation when the body of an unidentified, young woman was discovered in East London, but then turned into quite a complex web of sex, corruption, drugs, and human trafficking. The writing was taut with plenty of realistic dialogue and the plot moved along at a fast pace, which made this easy to finish within a day.
What let it down a little bit for me were the characters. I didn't find them very original. This is perhaps because I've read too many of these books over the last year or so. There is the typical doggedly determined detective who puts all his energy into his work. His private life is in shatters. His wife left him. He is obsessed. In this case, Fenchurch's daughter disappeared when she was 8 years old. Ten years later, Fenchurch is still pre-occupied with finding out what happened to her, so the discovery of the female body immediately makes him wonder whether this might be connected to his daughter.
Apart from Fenchurch's wife and his dad, who was quite likable, I'm having a real hard time remembering any of the people Fenchurch was working with. I know there were several but they were so unremarkable they just didn't stick.
I switched between reading and listening with this one. The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the multitude of regional accents from London to Scotland to Wales, he nailed all the accents and gave the characters distinct voices. However, he was the first narrator ever to give me a headache. In particular, Fenchurch's boss, whose name I can't recall but who was Scottish, seemed to be screaming into my ear every time he was speaking. So I guess that didn't help my issue with regards to the characters.
This was my first book by Ed James. I've got the second book in the series, Worth Killing For, ready to read and I'm hoping the characters will become a bit more memorable and developed (without the repetitive use of drums and burritos preferably).
If you enjoy action-focused British crime stories you will enjoy this. It has all the standard elements required. Personally, I was hoping for more originality. 3.5 stars.
I won a copy of this book in the Goodreads Giveaway. My first ever win! Thank you, Amazon Publishing.
What let it down a little bit for me were the characters. I didn't find them very original. This is perhaps because I've read too many of these books over the last year or so. There is the typical doggedly determined detective who puts all his energy into his work. His private life is in shatters. His wife left him. He is obsessed. In this case, Fenchurch's daughter disappeared when she was 8 years old. Ten years later, Fenchurch is still pre-occupied with finding out what happened to her, so the discovery of the female body immediately makes him wonder whether this might be connected to his daughter.
Apart from Fenchurch's wife and his dad, who was quite likable, I'm having a real hard time remembering any of the people Fenchurch was working with. I know there were several but they were so unremarkable they just didn't stick.
I switched between reading and listening with this one. The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the multitude of regional accents from London to Scotland to Wales, he nailed all the accents and gave the characters distinct voices. However, he was the first narrator ever to give me a headache. In particular, Fenchurch's boss, whose name I can't recall but who was Scottish, seemed to be screaming into my ear every time he was speaking. So I guess that didn't help my issue with regards to the characters.
This was my first book by Ed James. I've got the second book in the series, Worth Killing For, ready to read and I'm hoping the characters will become a bit more memorable and developed (without the repetitive use of drums and burritos preferably).
If you enjoy action-focused British crime stories you will enjoy this. It has all the standard elements required. Personally, I was hoping for more originality. 3.5 stars.
I won a copy of this book in the Goodreads Giveaway. My first ever win! Thank you, Amazon Publishing.
October 17, 2016
I have toyed with reading this author's books for sometime. This new series provided me the opportunity and excuse for indulging.
This is a complicated case that is solved in a matter of days and owes much of that success due to the dogged determination of the DI fronting the investigation.
However it is a police procedural and has a good range of detectives sharing the case.
The short timeframe works well for the story but is quite unrealistic, but this is fiction and it's resolution within a few days provides a tempo and a tension that adds to the thrill of the novel.
It is a book that lends itself to be read in one sitting. Our lead detective is a flawed human being as he had his daughter Chloe abducted some ten years ago. This has had a profound impact on all his relationships and when he is called to the murder of a young woman who cannot be easily Identified his involvement and interest is spiked.
In seeing other young girls about his daughter's age if she were still alive involved in the sex trade, the reader wonders if this case will break him or will finally provide the answers for some resolution.
A quite remarkable plot, expertly enacted and cleverly told in a novel that announces the arrival of DI Simon Fenchurch and cements the place of Ed James within this genre.
This is a complicated case that is solved in a matter of days and owes much of that success due to the dogged determination of the DI fronting the investigation.
However it is a police procedural and has a good range of detectives sharing the case.
The short timeframe works well for the story but is quite unrealistic, but this is fiction and it's resolution within a few days provides a tempo and a tension that adds to the thrill of the novel.
It is a book that lends itself to be read in one sitting. Our lead detective is a flawed human being as he had his daughter Chloe abducted some ten years ago. This has had a profound impact on all his relationships and when he is called to the murder of a young woman who cannot be easily Identified his involvement and interest is spiked.
In seeing other young girls about his daughter's age if she were still alive involved in the sex trade, the reader wonders if this case will break him or will finally provide the answers for some resolution.
A quite remarkable plot, expertly enacted and cleverly told in a novel that announces the arrival of DI Simon Fenchurch and cements the place of Ed James within this genre.
August 23, 2016
Deeply implausible story, tediously told.
It felt as though I had come in halfway through a series - there seemed to be so much that was "understood" or referring to some back-story I knew nothing about. But then I didn't care enough about anyone to worry too much.
The drumming nonsense was presumably supposed to be quirky - it just made him seem mentally unstable. And the idea that an Englishman could spend a few months in Florida and then be unable to exist without a burrito injection every 20 minutes and hot sauce on all his food was stupid and annoying.
In a reversal of the usual scenario the baddies are fantastic shots and the goodies are terrible with firearms - but handily they can withstand a near-terminal beating every hour or 2.
And - spoiler alert - any man with facial hair is suspect.
It felt as though I had come in halfway through a series - there seemed to be so much that was "understood" or referring to some back-story I knew nothing about. But then I didn't care enough about anyone to worry too much.
The drumming nonsense was presumably supposed to be quirky - it just made him seem mentally unstable. And the idea that an Englishman could spend a few months in Florida and then be unable to exist without a burrito injection every 20 minutes and hot sauce on all his food was stupid and annoying.
In a reversal of the usual scenario the baddies are fantastic shots and the goodies are terrible with firearms - but handily they can withstand a near-terminal beating every hour or 2.
And - spoiler alert - any man with facial hair is suspect.
December 11, 2019
Nobody seems to care about another dead prostitute found dead in an abandoned building. DI Fenchurch does, the young woman reminds him of his daughter. He never got over Chloe disappearing, that happened 10 years ago.
When there's more murders linked to the case, Fenchurch fears for Abby, his wife, who left him because she needed closure and can't live with him not being to move on.
But what's behind it all is much bigger than just hotels offering their guests prostitutes delivered to their room...
This was such an english mystery. Not full of suspense, thrill or tension but a slowly evolving, horrible case, causing shivers and detailed descriptions of police work.
Fenchurch's personal life is a big part of the story and as it evolves he becomes more understandable and someone I liked to follow around.
The case is complex and interesting and what it turns out to be is special. That really made it for me. I mean organized criminal rings importing girls, taking them off the streets plus practically breeding them? That's different.
All in all I'd say, this is a solid read but somewhat slow for my liking. But the characters have potential, the plot really turned out to surprise me and - it might be strange but - I love a mystery based in the town I live. So I plan to read at least one more of these.
When there's more murders linked to the case, Fenchurch fears for Abby, his wife, who left him because she needed closure and can't live with him not being to move on.
But what's behind it all is much bigger than just hotels offering their guests prostitutes delivered to their room...
This was such an english mystery. Not full of suspense, thrill or tension but a slowly evolving, horrible case, causing shivers and detailed descriptions of police work.
Fenchurch's personal life is a big part of the story and as it evolves he becomes more understandable and someone I liked to follow around.
The case is complex and interesting and what it turns out to be is special. That really made it for me. I mean organized criminal rings importing girls, taking them off the streets plus practically breeding them? That's different.
All in all I'd say, this is a solid read but somewhat slow for my liking. But the characters have potential, the plot really turned out to surprise me and - it might be strange but - I love a mystery based in the town I live. So I plan to read at least one more of these.
September 14, 2016
This is a great start to a new series and James is a new-to-me author. And an author I will definitely be reading more of.
The Hope That Kills moves along at a great pace, it feels authentic and the setting drags you in and leaves you standing in the middle of the streets of London amongst the sights, sounds and smells of our Capital city.
Fenchurch is a character with depth and with whom you can really connect with. He's human, he's fallible, he's a good copper. I liked that we got to see his personal life, as well as the investigation, as this gave the book a more rounded, whole feel. There are complex relationships with both his ex-wife and his father and I loved reading about both of these. They were fragile and sensitive, a wonderful break from the harshness of the case being investigated.
The case itself is complex, but James manages to keep these plates spinning with ease and makes it easy for the reader to follow. I'm not sure how he managed to keep it straight in his head, though!
Every single character is well drawn. The murdered girls are brought to life by the investigation and the people that crop up within that investigation all have their own persona. It really was like being inside a small part of London as I read this.
The denouement of the book had me turning the pages so fast I nearly gave myself a paper cut. In fact, I loved James's writing style, I read the whole book pretty quickly.
The writing is natural and smooth and I can't wait to spend more time with DI Simon Fenchurch.
Definitely recommended. Especially if you like your crime with a London setting and a protagonist who has a personal life as well as being in the job.
With thanks to the author and publisher for my copy.
The Hope That Kills moves along at a great pace, it feels authentic and the setting drags you in and leaves you standing in the middle of the streets of London amongst the sights, sounds and smells of our Capital city.
Fenchurch is a character with depth and with whom you can really connect with. He's human, he's fallible, he's a good copper. I liked that we got to see his personal life, as well as the investigation, as this gave the book a more rounded, whole feel. There are complex relationships with both his ex-wife and his father and I loved reading about both of these. They were fragile and sensitive, a wonderful break from the harshness of the case being investigated.
The case itself is complex, but James manages to keep these plates spinning with ease and makes it easy for the reader to follow. I'm not sure how he managed to keep it straight in his head, though!
Every single character is well drawn. The murdered girls are brought to life by the investigation and the people that crop up within that investigation all have their own persona. It really was like being inside a small part of London as I read this.
The denouement of the book had me turning the pages so fast I nearly gave myself a paper cut. In fact, I loved James's writing style, I read the whole book pretty quickly.
The writing is natural and smooth and I can't wait to spend more time with DI Simon Fenchurch.
Definitely recommended. Especially if you like your crime with a London setting and a protagonist who has a personal life as well as being in the job.
With thanks to the author and publisher for my copy.
December 8, 2017
Oh my giddy aunt.....what a book! The Hope That Kills which is the first book in the DI Fenchurch series has been sitting on pile for far to long. I am now wishing that I had read it sooner. On the plus side I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am that I have not only a new author to read. But also a new detective series! Hell yes!
By chapter 5 I knew that this book was something good because I found myself laughing out loud at. the sarcasm between the detectives. Fenchurch is a strong character who I have taken an instant liking to, He is a broken man with the disappearance of his daughter some years ago.
A body of a young woman is found on the streets of London with no ID. Fenchurch and his team are on the case trying and piece together the murder. With no one caring, it's just another Prostitute to them. But to Fenchurch it could easily be his daughter.
Then a second body is discovered, things get deeper with the investigation which takes us into the sex trade.
We have plenty of police procedure in this story. The author has thrown plenty of background information in so I loved that we really get to know Fenchurch has a character with him having to face his past.
The Hope That Kills is unputdownable in fact it is so damn good I am about to start the second one. You will find plenty of twists and turns and will have you sucked in from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
The whole time I was reading this I could visualize it being on TV. I loved the author's style of writing. It is certainly a fast paced easy read and a brilliant start to a series I cannot wait to read what is in store next for Fenchurch
I cannot recommend this enough giving it 5 massive stars.
By chapter 5 I knew that this book was something good because I found myself laughing out loud at. the sarcasm between the detectives. Fenchurch is a strong character who I have taken an instant liking to, He is a broken man with the disappearance of his daughter some years ago.
A body of a young woman is found on the streets of London with no ID. Fenchurch and his team are on the case trying and piece together the murder. With no one caring, it's just another Prostitute to them. But to Fenchurch it could easily be his daughter.
Then a second body is discovered, things get deeper with the investigation which takes us into the sex trade.
We have plenty of police procedure in this story. The author has thrown plenty of background information in so I loved that we really get to know Fenchurch has a character with him having to face his past.
The Hope That Kills is unputdownable in fact it is so damn good I am about to start the second one. You will find plenty of twists and turns and will have you sucked in from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
The whole time I was reading this I could visualize it being on TV. I loved the author's style of writing. It is certainly a fast paced easy read and a brilliant start to a series I cannot wait to read what is in store next for Fenchurch
I cannot recommend this enough giving it 5 massive stars.
August 1, 2016
The Hope That Kills is an excellent British police procedural crime thriller from author Ed James. The likeable DI Simon Fenchurch is haunted by the disappearance of Chloe, his eight year old daughter, some ten years ago. Chloe’s abduction plays on his mind daily and when a body is discovered of an unknown eighteen year old girl it brings it all back into focus. One murdered young woman is quickly followed by another and DI Fenchurch and his team gradually put the pieces of these crimes together. You are soon absorbed in their investigations to solve the puzzle of what really took place.
Set in London the story takes us from the streets and the seedy sex trade to wealthy banking high-rises. The case gets more involved and the detectives begin to appreciate just how big and shocking it really is. DI Fenchurch gets some help from his father who hasn’t given up on finding his missing granddaughter. Discovering the identities of the young women though is proving incredibly difficult and further investigations reveal there could be many more victims.
The author keeps the reader involved and doesn’t drift from the main plot keeping us absorbed in the investigation. I read this in just under five hours in one sitting and found it pretty engrossing. The writing is to the point and the story flows nicely. Ed James brings the book to a dramatic ending leaving the storyline open in future books to maybe further develop Chloe’s story and explore DI Simon Fenchurch’s relationship with his close colleagues, father and Abi his estranged wife. An entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what develops in the next book in the series.
Set in London the story takes us from the streets and the seedy sex trade to wealthy banking high-rises. The case gets more involved and the detectives begin to appreciate just how big and shocking it really is. DI Fenchurch gets some help from his father who hasn’t given up on finding his missing granddaughter. Discovering the identities of the young women though is proving incredibly difficult and further investigations reveal there could be many more victims.
The author keeps the reader involved and doesn’t drift from the main plot keeping us absorbed in the investigation. I read this in just under five hours in one sitting and found it pretty engrossing. The writing is to the point and the story flows nicely. Ed James brings the book to a dramatic ending leaving the storyline open in future books to maybe further develop Chloe’s story and explore DI Simon Fenchurch’s relationship with his close colleagues, father and Abi his estranged wife. An entertaining read and I look forward to finding out what develops in the next book in the series.
June 27, 2018
The Hope That Kills in the first book I have read by this author. I was hoping to enjoy it more. Found it rather slow. Will not continue on with series. 3 stars
October 17, 2016
Finished reading: September 17th 2016
“He didn't look like a hot-blooded killer, but then who did?”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
September 13, 2016
A young woman not more than eighteen is found brutally murdered in a derelict building in East London. It appears that she may have been a prostitute but that doesn't matter to DI Simon Fenchurch. She appears to be about the age that his daughter Chloe would be. Chloe disappeared 10 years earlier without a trace and Fenchurch is understandably obsessed. He checks the cold case file every day and his obsession destroyed his marriage. The squad is on the hunt for the man they think murdered the girl when another young, dead female body is found. The case becomes even murkier when they can't identify either girl and their suspect is also murdered.
Fenchurch knows that something bigger is going on. What follows is a high octane thriller involving sex trafficking, police corruption and the worst kind of human depravity imaginable. The Hope That Kills is intricately plotted with well-defined characters, snappy dialogue and a breakneck pace. DI Fenchurch is a complex protagonist, one about two steps away from complete implosion. His obsession with Chloe's disappearance has nearly destroyed him but he is unable to let it go and move on. To lose a child in such a way is almost unimaginable, but to be a policeman in that situation adds another layer to the suffering.
I highly recommend The Hope That Kills and will be on the lookout for the next DI Fenchurch thriller. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4 Stars
Fenchurch knows that something bigger is going on. What follows is a high octane thriller involving sex trafficking, police corruption and the worst kind of human depravity imaginable. The Hope That Kills is intricately plotted with well-defined characters, snappy dialogue and a breakneck pace. DI Fenchurch is a complex protagonist, one about two steps away from complete implosion. His obsession with Chloe's disappearance has nearly destroyed him but he is unable to let it go and move on. To lose a child in such a way is almost unimaginable, but to be a policeman in that situation adds another layer to the suffering.
I highly recommend The Hope That Kills and will be on the lookout for the next DI Fenchurch thriller. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4 Stars
August 8, 2016
Couldn't Finish It
Unfortunately I really didn't like the style of writing. The constant reference to drums, whenever Fenchurch was worried, annoyed me and I felt nothing for the main characters anyway. I only managed about 7 chapters, so I can't comment on the storyline. Not my kind if read I'm afraid.
Unfortunately I really didn't like the style of writing. The constant reference to drums, whenever Fenchurch was worried, annoyed me and I felt nothing for the main characters anyway. I only managed about 7 chapters, so I can't comment on the storyline. Not my kind if read I'm afraid.
April 30, 2018
The Hope That Kills is the first book in Ed James' detective series DI Fenchurch. DI Simon James takes charge of the case of a murdered young woman who was found on the streets of East London without an ID. The young girl turns out to be a prostitute which leads the team into an investigation of London's sex trade. Some tragic revelation as made and the case gets really real, real quick.
This book is a basic crime novel. It has events that are interesting to follow, they twist, turn and change as new evidence is brought to the table. Ed James succeeded in building a story that is easy to follow and also, easy to make sense of. The criterion of a good crime novel is that the ending is unexpected but in harmony with the story. And this novel did fulfill those criterions quite well.
I liked the characters but I think that the book was lacking some description of the characters. The protagonist, Fenchurch didn't have enough background to back up his characteristics. However, this time the lack of characterizing didn't distract me from the story itself. In this book, I feel like the story is more important than the characters themselves.
In my opinion, this book deserves four stars. It was a solid opening to the series and I'm actually surprisingly excited to read the rest of the series as well.
This book is a basic crime novel. It has events that are interesting to follow, they twist, turn and change as new evidence is brought to the table. Ed James succeeded in building a story that is easy to follow and also, easy to make sense of. The criterion of a good crime novel is that the ending is unexpected but in harmony with the story. And this novel did fulfill those criterions quite well.
I liked the characters but I think that the book was lacking some description of the characters. The protagonist, Fenchurch didn't have enough background to back up his characteristics. However, this time the lack of characterizing didn't distract me from the story itself. In this book, I feel like the story is more important than the characters themselves.
In my opinion, this book deserves four stars. It was a solid opening to the series and I'm actually surprisingly excited to read the rest of the series as well.
April 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I love a good detective book and this one is good. It's gritty and hard-hitting.
It does contain all the detective tropes (troubled detective, several murders, extreme violence, drinking, swearing, prostitutes etc) but it does them all very well.
I am interested in carrying on with the series but not with any urgency.
I love a good detective book and this one is good. It's gritty and hard-hitting.
It does contain all the detective tropes (troubled detective, several murders, extreme violence, drinking, swearing, prostitutes etc) but it does them all very well.
I am interested in carrying on with the series but not with any urgency.
July 25, 2018
A nice read, the dialogues were a bit messy at times but the storyline was definitely worth it. I enjoyed the characters, especially Fenchurch and Reed - and I also really enjoyed Fenchurch's interactions with Owen. Overall a nice book and a thrilling read but not the best detective ever. Would recommend it if you're looking for a good mystery with a not too complicated plot.
September 21, 2016
This book introduces us to DI Simon Fenchurch, we follow him around the streets of East London as he delves deeper into the criminal underworld to crack the case. In this first book we learn a bit about Fenchurch’s backstory, which I really like as you feel like you’re getting to know him and it makes sense why he (re)acts the way he does in certain situations. He is a very likeable guy, who is still troubled by the unsolved case of his missing daughter. It’s always an added bonus when you are not only invested in the story but also invested in the main character, this certifies that I will be picking up book 2. My only niggle with DI Fenchurch was this ‘drumming’ noise he heard in his head every time he felt worried/anxious, I felt it was unnecessary to keep mentioning it so often as it added nothing to the story.
I felt no connection to DI Fenchurch’s colleagues, I finished this book a few days before writing this review and I can’t really remember anything of importance about them to mention. However, the case itself was a shockingly brutal one, some may argue implausible, but unfortunately, it’s a very real one and these abhorrent things do occur. It was interesting to see how Fenchurch handled the case; I was constantly worried that his personal life (his missing daughter) would cause him to overstep the mark professionally and he would end up being a hindrance, putting more people in danger.
This story wasn’t as thrilling as some other police procedurals (eg. the DCI Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza) however, it does take you into the nitty gritty criminal underworld of East London; gripping in a raw, hard-hitting way! The more I read, the more I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading book 2.
I felt no connection to DI Fenchurch’s colleagues, I finished this book a few days before writing this review and I can’t really remember anything of importance about them to mention. However, the case itself was a shockingly brutal one, some may argue implausible, but unfortunately, it’s a very real one and these abhorrent things do occur. It was interesting to see how Fenchurch handled the case; I was constantly worried that his personal life (his missing daughter) would cause him to overstep the mark professionally and he would end up being a hindrance, putting more people in danger.
This story wasn’t as thrilling as some other police procedurals (eg. the DCI Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza) however, it does take you into the nitty gritty criminal underworld of East London; gripping in a raw, hard-hitting way! The more I read, the more I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading book 2.
September 23, 2017
This book was a slow starter. But it was a good story, there is potential for the rest of the series.
October 25, 2016
The first thing I can tell you is that I liked DI Simon Fenchurch from the start. He’s a roughly hewn character with a nose for police work whose exterior hides the pockets of vulnerability within. His life has been shaped by the disappearance of his daughter and he’s been unable to let go of the hope mentioned in the title ever since. And, yes, it is slowly driving the life from him.
When he enters a derelict building in the middle of London to check out the murder of a young woman of about his daughter’s age, his involvement in the case becomes more personal that it should be. Finding the killer becomes his new obsession and he’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things.
The case isn’t simple from an operational point of view. The body was found on the boundary between two police forces and the City police are keen to get a slice of Fenchurch’s action. Conflicts arise within the force and none of those involved are keen to compromise.
With the help and hindrance of colleagues from the vice squad, Fenchurch pushes into the world of the sex trade and also into the greasy sleaze of the financial world.
The finding of another victim doubles Fenchurch’s efforts. With his perfectly drawn sidekick, Nelson, he drives the case forward with a passion that’s close to obsession.
As they crack open the case, they open doors to a darkness that’s even more sordid and disturbing than any of them could have imagined. The revelation about what has been going on sends shockwaves through Fenchurch as new and terribly sinister possibilities regarding the fate of his own child become clear.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ed James’s new creation. The mix between the solving of the case and the detective’s personal life is balanced to perfection. The action scenes are fast and furious. The tension mounts nicely as the story unfolds and the wrapping up of the novel carries a weight that took me by surprise.
Fenchurch is a guy you’re going to want to get to know. That being the case, why not get on board and make his acquaintance right now so that when the second book is released very soon, you’ll have something rather special to look forward to.
When he enters a derelict building in the middle of London to check out the murder of a young woman of about his daughter’s age, his involvement in the case becomes more personal that it should be. Finding the killer becomes his new obsession and he’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things.
The case isn’t simple from an operational point of view. The body was found on the boundary between two police forces and the City police are keen to get a slice of Fenchurch’s action. Conflicts arise within the force and none of those involved are keen to compromise.
With the help and hindrance of colleagues from the vice squad, Fenchurch pushes into the world of the sex trade and also into the greasy sleaze of the financial world.
The finding of another victim doubles Fenchurch’s efforts. With his perfectly drawn sidekick, Nelson, he drives the case forward with a passion that’s close to obsession.
As they crack open the case, they open doors to a darkness that’s even more sordid and disturbing than any of them could have imagined. The revelation about what has been going on sends shockwaves through Fenchurch as new and terribly sinister possibilities regarding the fate of his own child become clear.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ed James’s new creation. The mix between the solving of the case and the detective’s personal life is balanced to perfection. The action scenes are fast and furious. The tension mounts nicely as the story unfolds and the wrapping up of the novel carries a weight that took me by surprise.
Fenchurch is a guy you’re going to want to get to know. That being the case, why not get on board and make his acquaintance right now so that when the second book is released very soon, you’ll have something rather special to look forward to.
September 18, 2016
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
August 10, 2016
Well Ed James does not disappoint with a totally new franchise, this time set in London with DI Simon Fenchurch the lead character.
A tortured soul but a doggedly determined Detective, ideal for this brutal case that brings back the horrible past memories of his missing daughter.
A great read and a very well thought out and balanced story which will now lead on to book 2 coming in October 2016. I was hesitant at first as I'm a huge fan of the Scott Cullen series and was not sure what to expect., I needn't have worried as this is a book and series I would thoroughly recommend to anyone. A great start to a new series.
A tortured soul but a doggedly determined Detective, ideal for this brutal case that brings back the horrible past memories of his missing daughter.
A great read and a very well thought out and balanced story which will now lead on to book 2 coming in October 2016. I was hesitant at first as I'm a huge fan of the Scott Cullen series and was not sure what to expect., I needn't have worried as this is a book and series I would thoroughly recommend to anyone. A great start to a new series.
August 6, 2016
Is it possible to have a new favourite over Scott Cullen? I think it is. Simon Fenchurch is just as complex & no-where near as moaning over lack of advancement. I loved how this intriguing story, and one that I did not guess the main antagonist of, had also a deeply personal significance to Fenchurch. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series & hope that Ed James keeps banging out all of his characters books as they are so good.
September 2, 2016
A very good police procedural with an engaging lead character in DI Simon Fenchurch. Good dialogue and a great pace. The story flows nicely and it kept me engrossed throughout. The ending is left open to a follow up and I eagerly await this book 2. I loved the Scott Cullen books and this is shaping up to be equally as good. I would recommend this book. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
Read
February 8, 2018This is the first in the series, but I had read 2 and 3 before it, so I already knew all about Chloe, which was unfortunate, but had I not known the story of her abduction, I would have had to guess. All 3 books were similar and clearly need to be read in order to keep the suspense and story line going.
There are lots of similar events in all 3 books, for example, Fenchurch always seems to get his ribs, head or some other part of his anatomy damaged in a fight and his legs are in poor shape (he calls them old mans legs), but he always catches up with the fitter criminal in a chase that follows!
Fenchurch is obsessed with his need to find Chloe, as you would expect, but 'The Hope that kills' does not explain the story of her abduction, that comes later unfortunately.
I gave this book 4 stars, a little generous, but I should have read the books in order and as I was compelled to keep reading it, that helped my decision.
I will need to read other books written by Ed, to see if they are as good, but I doubt I will read anymore in the DI Fenchurch series, if there are any, as the story line has, for me, become boring.
Jim Riding
There are lots of similar events in all 3 books, for example, Fenchurch always seems to get his ribs, head or some other part of his anatomy damaged in a fight and his legs are in poor shape (he calls them old mans legs), but he always catches up with the fitter criminal in a chase that follows!
Fenchurch is obsessed with his need to find Chloe, as you would expect, but 'The Hope that kills' does not explain the story of her abduction, that comes later unfortunately.
I gave this book 4 stars, a little generous, but I should have read the books in order and as I was compelled to keep reading it, that helped my decision.
I will need to read other books written by Ed, to see if they are as good, but I doubt I will read anymore in the DI Fenchurch series, if there are any, as the story line has, for me, become boring.
Jim Riding
October 13, 2020
"Heavy going"
Gritty sums up this one. I get that police work in the capital can be a dirty job, but this went over the top by any standards. Too much bad language, too many racist and homophobic comments, too much time detailing the blood and gore associated with the crimes. Where was the light and shade? As for the fight scenes and the ability of our hero to get back in the fray despite his injuries, well, the only things that were missing were Zap! and Kapow! that I recall from the comics all those years ago. If you enjoy gritty thrillers in the seamiest parts of London then you'll love it.
Gritty sums up this one. I get that police work in the capital can be a dirty job, but this went over the top by any standards. Too much bad language, too many racist and homophobic comments, too much time detailing the blood and gore associated with the crimes. Where was the light and shade? As for the fight scenes and the ability of our hero to get back in the fray despite his injuries, well, the only things that were missing were Zap! and Kapow! that I recall from the comics all those years ago. If you enjoy gritty thrillers in the seamiest parts of London then you'll love it.
Read
September 5, 2017Really disliked the narrator.
December 18, 2018
Pretty well written detective story with interesting twists. Will be happy to pick up another book by Ed James.
January 20, 2021
Started this book as I needed to read a book that was part of a series to get a badge in the Kindle January challenge. This book was good but not sure if I will continue on. I liked the story and the characters but I struggled with the flow of the writing. I felt for the main character, DI Fenchurch, who’s 8 year old daughter was kidnapped 10 years ago and he still hopes to one day find her.
June 20, 2019
DI Fenchurch debut
Got this book as a freebie from IHG hotels.
In the end read it it in little over a day round the pool.
Well put together great plot against a background of prostitution and murder. Well need to read book 2.
Got this book as a freebie from IHG hotels.
In the end read it it in little over a day round the pool.
Well put together great plot against a background of prostitution and murder. Well need to read book 2.
January 11, 2018
This gets around 3.5 stars from me. I've not read any Ed James before but I have heard of him, and this was a good opportunity to try him out as this is the first in the DI Fenchurch series, and also I wanted to try out the Whispersync option on my Kindle app.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It's a reasonably complex Police crime story with quite a few twists and turns. The detail as to the Police procedural side of things was good, and doesn't go into too much detail as to become boring or take anything away from the plot. I found it a good balance.
The characters were okay but for me there was nobody who stood out as being particularly relatable or memorable. I hope that the main character of DI Fenchurch will develop further as the series progresses. I feel like this book could give a good basis to create a more complex storyline for him through the forthcoming books in the series.
I enjoyed reading James and I will look out for the next book in the series, and other books written by him.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It's a reasonably complex Police crime story with quite a few twists and turns. The detail as to the Police procedural side of things was good, and doesn't go into too much detail as to become boring or take anything away from the plot. I found it a good balance.
The characters were okay but for me there was nobody who stood out as being particularly relatable or memorable. I hope that the main character of DI Fenchurch will develop further as the series progresses. I feel like this book could give a good basis to create a more complex storyline for him through the forthcoming books in the series.
I enjoyed reading James and I will look out for the next book in the series, and other books written by him.
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