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The Cardiff Stadium Murder
Eddie Westford is connected to some powerful people in Cardiff. But who would slit his throat in the car park of Cardiff City football club?
Inspector John Marco discovers photographs of Westford sitting in various luxury cars and Westford’s connections with the organised hooligan gangs of Cardiff points to a connection with hardened criminals.
But is it that easy?
Evidence suggesting Westford is a suspect in a drug related inquiry means that Marco faces having to transfer the investigation to another officer. But Marco’s gut instinct believes that Westford’s death may be connected to some powerful people in Cardiff and he resists the attempts from his senior officer to have the murder case allocated to another officer.
So Inspector Marco doesn’t have much time. Marco embarks on a final last minute attempt to prove his theory with disastrous consequences before he finally identifies Westford’s killer. You’ll love this prequel novella because everyone loves a page-turner.
Dead Smart is the prequel novella in the fast-paced Inspector Marco crime series. If you like police procedurals, gripping page-turners with a touch of noir, then you’ll love this introduction to John Marco.
Buy Dead Smart and get acquainted with John Marco today.
Inspector John Marco discovers photographs of Westford sitting in various luxury cars and Westford’s connections with the organised hooligan gangs of Cardiff points to a connection with hardened criminals.
But is it that easy?
Evidence suggesting Westford is a suspect in a drug related inquiry means that Marco faces having to transfer the investigation to another officer. But Marco’s gut instinct believes that Westford’s death may be connected to some powerful people in Cardiff and he resists the attempts from his senior officer to have the murder case allocated to another officer.
So Inspector Marco doesn’t have much time. Marco embarks on a final last minute attempt to prove his theory with disastrous consequences before he finally identifies Westford’s killer. You’ll love this prequel novella because everyone loves a page-turner.
Dead Smart is the prequel novella in the fast-paced Inspector Marco crime series. If you like police procedurals, gripping page-turners with a touch of noir, then you’ll love this introduction to John Marco.
Buy Dead Smart and get acquainted with John Marco today.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2016
201 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Puleston
49 books298 followersI write mysteries and thrillers.
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 28, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is a prequel novella introducing readers to Inspector John Marco and Detective Sergeant Boyd Pierce.
Eddie Westford is found dead, his throat slit. There were no witnesses, the implement of death is not found.
There is, however, a tenuous thread to some rich and famous in Cardiff. Being told to tread easy when it comes to the beautiful people ties Marco's hands. Unless he can find the connection, his case will be turned over to another officer .. one who really resents Marco.
His time is running out and he's desperate to solve this crime and identify the killer/killers of Westford.
The mystery and who-dun-it is good. Lots of suspects make it harder to guess the identity of the bad guy. The suspense wanes here and there, but the story premise is good.
I like the character of John Marco. A dry alcoholic, he's tenacious when it comes to his job. Boyd Pierce is also a likeable young man. This prequel doesn't give the reader a really good like at their back story ... hopefully, going forward that will change.
At approximately 80 pages, this is a quick and easy read.
I wish to thank the author / Books n All Promotions who provided a digital copy to read. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
This is a prequel novella introducing readers to Inspector John Marco and Detective Sergeant Boyd Pierce.
Eddie Westford is found dead, his throat slit. There were no witnesses, the implement of death is not found.
There is, however, a tenuous thread to some rich and famous in Cardiff. Being told to tread easy when it comes to the beautiful people ties Marco's hands. Unless he can find the connection, his case will be turned over to another officer .. one who really resents Marco.
His time is running out and he's desperate to solve this crime and identify the killer/killers of Westford.
The mystery and who-dun-it is good. Lots of suspects make it harder to guess the identity of the bad guy. The suspense wanes here and there, but the story premise is good.
I like the character of John Marco. A dry alcoholic, he's tenacious when it comes to his job. Boyd Pierce is also a likeable young man. This prequel doesn't give the reader a really good like at their back story ... hopefully, going forward that will change.
At approximately 80 pages, this is a quick and easy read.
I wish to thank the author / Books n All Promotions who provided a digital copy to read. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
June 28, 2018
This is a prequel novella introduction to the Inspector Marco series.
A man is murdered with his throat cut and Marco is on the case except a link to drugs is found and he sees the case slipping out of his grasp. Can he solve the case before he loses it?
This is a very complex story with a lot going on as we learn about the characters in tandem with the story developing. A lot of twists and turns and red herrings keep the story moving along at a fast pace and the approaching deadline adds to the adrenaline rush as we all urge Marco on. The ending is a real curve ball and one I definitely didn't see coming.
This is a well written story. The characters develop well through the book and there is minimal descriptive text so the fast pace is set and maintained from the very first page.
A brilliant introduction to what has the makings of a brilliant series I will definitely be reading future books.
I recommend this book to readers who like Police Procedural and Crime Fiction.
A man is murdered with his throat cut and Marco is on the case except a link to drugs is found and he sees the case slipping out of his grasp. Can he solve the case before he loses it?
This is a very complex story with a lot going on as we learn about the characters in tandem with the story developing. A lot of twists and turns and red herrings keep the story moving along at a fast pace and the approaching deadline adds to the adrenaline rush as we all urge Marco on. The ending is a real curve ball and one I definitely didn't see coming.
This is a well written story. The characters develop well through the book and there is minimal descriptive text so the fast pace is set and maintained from the very first page.
A brilliant introduction to what has the makings of a brilliant series I will definitely be reading future books.
I recommend this book to readers who like Police Procedural and Crime Fiction.
February 25, 2018
Dead Smart - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Inspector John Marco is called to lead the case, when a man is found outside Cardiff City's Stadium with his throat slit. It turns out that Eddie Westford was a council gardener by day, but a football thug in his spare time. Marco and sidekick Boyd go to see the 'grieving' ex-wife who tells a very different story of married life to the one they later hear from his girlfriend.
What is interesting about the photos of Eddie at his home?
What questions does it raise about expensive cars?
How does this help Marco and his Team prove what happened to Eddie?
Apart from an irritating cliffhanger ending, Dead Smart sets the scene for what will hopefully develop into a full story, that will surely prove a winner for mystery-writing genius Stephen Pulesten!
Inspector John Marco is called to lead the case, when a man is found outside Cardiff City's Stadium with his throat slit. It turns out that Eddie Westford was a council gardener by day, but a football thug in his spare time. Marco and sidekick Boyd go to see the 'grieving' ex-wife who tells a very different story of married life to the one they later hear from his girlfriend.
What is interesting about the photos of Eddie at his home?
What questions does it raise about expensive cars?
How does this help Marco and his Team prove what happened to Eddie?
Apart from an irritating cliffhanger ending, Dead Smart sets the scene for what will hopefully develop into a full story, that will surely prove a winner for mystery-writing genius Stephen Pulesten!
June 21, 2018
Although this is a prequel novella it is my first Inspector Marco book and what a cracking introduction to this man and his side kick DS Boyd Pierce it was. No hanging round but straight into a gruesome scene which was a little too much for some. Eddie Westford had met his untimely end outside Cardiff City Football ground and it definitely wasn’t by accident.
Marco is a man with a mind-set of what he starts he finishes, that includes the cases he is handed at work and in his personal life as a day-to-day reformed alcoholic. There is a bit of background about him but not tons. I think that will build the further I go onto the series. From the information that they were obtaining it brings to light two very different characters of Westford with a handy niche for the powers that be to hand the case on in another direction and save the funds that the investigation would cost but Marco is one determined and stubborn, in a good way, bloke that just won’t let go.
To say that this is such a short read it certainly packs the suspects in and gave me plenty theories to go on. From football hooligans to drugs deals to some pretty high up don’t tread on their toes type criminals, Marco has his work cut out. It all certainly made me want to find out what happens next.
A perfect introduction to what to expect from this duo and this author who left me with wanting more. Definitely another author to keep an eye on.
Marco is a man with a mind-set of what he starts he finishes, that includes the cases he is handed at work and in his personal life as a day-to-day reformed alcoholic. There is a bit of background about him but not tons. I think that will build the further I go onto the series. From the information that they were obtaining it brings to light two very different characters of Westford with a handy niche for the powers that be to hand the case on in another direction and save the funds that the investigation would cost but Marco is one determined and stubborn, in a good way, bloke that just won’t let go.
To say that this is such a short read it certainly packs the suspects in and gave me plenty theories to go on. From football hooligans to drugs deals to some pretty high up don’t tread on their toes type criminals, Marco has his work cut out. It all certainly made me want to find out what happens next.
A perfect introduction to what to expect from this duo and this author who left me with wanting more. Definitely another author to keep an eye on.
March 15, 2016
This is a very well thought out crime novella, introducing us to Inspector John Marco. Having read the first book I was keen to read this prequel.
Set in Cardiff this is a police procedural with good political insights into the focus of crime investigations. The DI has a good DS and a boss who has to manage the purse strings so when this case appears to overlap with an existing investigation Marco looks like he'll run out of time and pass it over without any firm idea of quilt or motive.
On the face of it it looks like a brutal killing of a man with a history of football related violence and no-one is really bothered beyond this possible settling of a score. However, with the clock ticking and his investigation likely to peter out the murder investigation takes up all Marco & Boyd's time.
I loved the tie-in with the past where Cardiff City's Soul Crew where linked to this case; it is possible that some of its members had stepped up from just mindless vandalism and football related violence. I also liked the link with high End Cars and the possible change in police enegies to leave the matter to insurance companies rather than having dedicated units looking at the organised crime. It made for an interesting plot and enables the reader to become familiar and comfortable with the writing of Stephen Puleston.
Set in Cardiff this is a police procedural with good political insights into the focus of crime investigations. The DI has a good DS and a boss who has to manage the purse strings so when this case appears to overlap with an existing investigation Marco looks like he'll run out of time and pass it over without any firm idea of quilt or motive.
On the face of it it looks like a brutal killing of a man with a history of football related violence and no-one is really bothered beyond this possible settling of a score. However, with the clock ticking and his investigation likely to peter out the murder investigation takes up all Marco & Boyd's time.
I loved the tie-in with the past where Cardiff City's Soul Crew where linked to this case; it is possible that some of its members had stepped up from just mindless vandalism and football related violence. I also liked the link with high End Cars and the possible change in police enegies to leave the matter to insurance companies rather than having dedicated units looking at the organised crime. It made for an interesting plot and enables the reader to become familiar and comfortable with the writing of Stephen Puleston.
March 30, 2020
One for You
Ok. I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of anything Stephen Puleston writes. He always keeps up the level of excitement and gives good descriptions of the areas mentioned. It's easy to put yourself in the action. This is one for you to read it you like a good mystery. It's fast paced with a story that keeps you interested.
Ok. I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of anything Stephen Puleston writes. He always keeps up the level of excitement and gives good descriptions of the areas mentioned. It's easy to put yourself in the action. This is one for you to read it you like a good mystery. It's fast paced with a story that keeps you interested.
April 28, 2021
As a massive fan of the Ian Drake series by Stephen Puleston, I was wondering whether I would take to a new detective. But I needn’t have worried. I really like John Marco already. As this is an introductory novella you don’t really get to know the characters in depth, but the upside is that the action is faced paced with no extraneous detail.
I really enjoyed the story. It was original and tightly written. The narration was great too. The narrator read clearly and kept a good pace. A great start and I’m looking forward to listening to book one.
I really enjoyed the story. It was original and tightly written. The narration was great too. The narrator read clearly and kept a good pace. A great start and I’m looking forward to listening to book one.
June 19, 2018
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This is a short novella at 79 pages (according to Goodreads) but in those pages it packs a punch and you get a well written crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed!
The characters in this book were great, they are well developed and I loved their interaction. The plot was well paced and it left me guessing up to the end. Twists to keep me wondering where the plot was going and a genuinely interesting book to read!
Four stars from me and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
This is a short novella at 79 pages (according to Goodreads) but in those pages it packs a punch and you get a well written crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed!
The characters in this book were great, they are well developed and I loved their interaction. The plot was well paced and it left me guessing up to the end. Twists to keep me wondering where the plot was going and a genuinely interesting book to read!
Four stars from me and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
April 30, 2021
This prequel novella in the Inspector John Marco series is only just over 2 hours long but somehow manages to pack in a fairly complex, well written, fast paced story set in the world of football and luxury cars, and kept me interested all the way through. I don't feel that I got to know Marco very well in this book, other than that he's a Cardiff City supporter, an alcoholic, and has a son who he doesn't see. Hopefully I'll get more of an insight into him in the next book in the series.
May 31, 2021
A great introduction to a new Detective series, really looking forward to the next book.
May 24, 2023
3.75 stars
But a stollen car murder mystery isn't for me.
But a stollen car murder mystery isn't for me.
June 14, 2018
I have read one of Stephen’s books but it was a book from the Inspector Drake series. I absolutely loved reading that book and when I was asked if I would like to read and review ‘Dead Smart’ I just knew that this would be another book and series that I would love. I was not to be disappointed as I absolutely and totally loved reading this book but more about that in a bit.
Detective Inspector John Marco is one of those characters that I couldn’t help but like from the moment I met him. He is a career detective, whose character is not without his flaws. Marco is a recovering alcoholic and he has been sober for over a year and proud of it. He isn’t daft enough to think that he is cured for life and he takes each day as it comes. Marco is a determined detective and he has a great working relationship with his Detective Sergeant. When Marco is investigating a case he is like a dog with a bone in the sense that if something doesn’t sit right with him, he doesn’t hesitate to investigate the case until he satisfies his own curiosity and exhausts all lines of enquiry. Marco has an accurate gut instinct and it is as if he has an inbuilt radar for when people are telling him porkie pies (lies). Marco is not particularly fond of authority figures and particularly not when they are telling him that he cannot do certain things or that he has to hand the case over to another team. To say he can be stubborn is an understatement.
Although this was only a novella (a short novel) it worked just as well as a full length book. The story started with a bang and the book maintained the pace throughout. I became hooked on reading this book from the moment I picked up my Kindle and began to read. I became totally involved in the case and swept along by it. It was almost as if I was a member of the investigating team. I found myself sharing Marco’s feelings about the case. As I was so involved in the case, I just had to keep reading on and on and on too see how the investigation concluded, whether or not there were any twists in the tale and if Marco survived unhurt. The page numbers flew past in a blur and before I knew it I had finished, which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the writing style, the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I absolutely loved reading ‘Dead Smart’ and it was a fantastic introduction to a new character and a new series. I look forward to reading further books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book to others. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Detective Inspector John Marco is one of those characters that I couldn’t help but like from the moment I met him. He is a career detective, whose character is not without his flaws. Marco is a recovering alcoholic and he has been sober for over a year and proud of it. He isn’t daft enough to think that he is cured for life and he takes each day as it comes. Marco is a determined detective and he has a great working relationship with his Detective Sergeant. When Marco is investigating a case he is like a dog with a bone in the sense that if something doesn’t sit right with him, he doesn’t hesitate to investigate the case until he satisfies his own curiosity and exhausts all lines of enquiry. Marco has an accurate gut instinct and it is as if he has an inbuilt radar for when people are telling him porkie pies (lies). Marco is not particularly fond of authority figures and particularly not when they are telling him that he cannot do certain things or that he has to hand the case over to another team. To say he can be stubborn is an understatement.
Although this was only a novella (a short novel) it worked just as well as a full length book. The story started with a bang and the book maintained the pace throughout. I became hooked on reading this book from the moment I picked up my Kindle and began to read. I became totally involved in the case and swept along by it. It was almost as if I was a member of the investigating team. I found myself sharing Marco’s feelings about the case. As I was so involved in the case, I just had to keep reading on and on and on too see how the investigation concluded, whether or not there were any twists in the tale and if Marco survived unhurt. The page numbers flew past in a blur and before I knew it I had finished, which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the writing style, the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I absolutely loved reading ‘Dead Smart’ and it was a fantastic introduction to a new character and a new series. I look forward to reading further books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book to others. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 25, 2021
I was allowed to listen to this book using the Book Funnel app for free so thanks for that but I can’t say I enjoyed this book at all, I found the story mundane and one that has been told many times before, the narration was dour and quite frankly depressing and I was really glad this book was only 2 hours long
May 16, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book, introducing us to Inspector John Marco. This was a short, easy listen and provided an introduction to Marco and his character. The story of the investigation into Eddie Westford's murder moved along at a fast pace, weaving the characters together to the final conclusion. An interesting start to the series.
October 31, 2021
Loved this short audio in the John Marco series it was an exciting murder mystery set in South Wales which is always a hit for me. I love this team of police and really enjoy the different characters and storylines but my favourite part is knowing all the locations so I can picture the story in my head as it takes place.
July 13, 2018
This is the first book of Stephen's I have read so it being a Prequel makes no difference to me. It is a very short book, only about 80 pages but an awful lot happens in it which makes it a very easy read, but seem longer than it is.
Sometimes with short stories the plot line can feel rushed, but that is definitely not the case here. The plot flows really well and doesn't miss anything out that a longer book would include, if anything as it is a short story all of the filler has been removed, which some longer books I have read recently could have done with.
We are introduced to DI Marco in this book, who is a recovering alcoholic and very pleased with how far he has come over the last year. He is based in Cardiff, which is a lovely city, but appears to be quite dangerous as there are a further 3 books in the series so I can foresee a lot more deaths and murders.
This book revolves around a body that is found at the Cardiff City Football Ground, murdered in a horrendous way, and Marco and his Sergeant investigate it very quickly before it can be passed over to a different department due to it overlapping one of their cases.
There are so many things linking the case that it is really hard to figure out which is the real motive and which are red herrings, which makes it even harder to work out who actually commited it as you can't rule anyone out until near the very end.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait to read and review the next in the series for that blog tour.
Sometimes with short stories the plot line can feel rushed, but that is definitely not the case here. The plot flows really well and doesn't miss anything out that a longer book would include, if anything as it is a short story all of the filler has been removed, which some longer books I have read recently could have done with.
We are introduced to DI Marco in this book, who is a recovering alcoholic and very pleased with how far he has come over the last year. He is based in Cardiff, which is a lovely city, but appears to be quite dangerous as there are a further 3 books in the series so I can foresee a lot more deaths and murders.
This book revolves around a body that is found at the Cardiff City Football Ground, murdered in a horrendous way, and Marco and his Sergeant investigate it very quickly before it can be passed over to a different department due to it overlapping one of their cases.
There are so many things linking the case that it is really hard to figure out which is the real motive and which are red herrings, which makes it even harder to work out who actually commited it as you can't rule anyone out until near the very end.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait to read and review the next in the series for that blog tour.
August 5, 2021
I love Puleston’s other police procedural series (Inspector Drake) so I was quite happy to dive into this new-to-me series. Inspector Marco is definitely a different breed of man though. I’m not sure I like him. I’m not into football or Top Gear, but I give him credit for the Tolkien references.
The plot moved along at a very fast clip. Granted, it’s a novella so our hero has only so much time to solve the case, but it still felt a little frenzied to me. I did like the organized crime angle and I wonder if that will come into play again later in the series. Also, having Marco at odds with his management added more tension to the story which bodes well for the suspense level I expect from series overall.
The end came quick as lightning – boom! That’s a wrap folks! I was still getting used to Marco and the setting and the crime boss and the police management. But, then it was over. I can’t recall there being a significant female character in this story… So, do I like this new series? I’m not sure yet but because I love the Inspector Drake series, I trust Puleston will grab my full attention with the next book in this series. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Joseph Tweedale was a good pick for this book. I like his clear, confident voice for Inspector Marco. Tweedale has a variety of character voices for the cast of characters. His pacing was good too, keeping up with the fast-moving plot. There were tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
The plot moved along at a very fast clip. Granted, it’s a novella so our hero has only so much time to solve the case, but it still felt a little frenzied to me. I did like the organized crime angle and I wonder if that will come into play again later in the series. Also, having Marco at odds with his management added more tension to the story which bodes well for the suspense level I expect from series overall.
The end came quick as lightning – boom! That’s a wrap folks! I was still getting used to Marco and the setting and the crime boss and the police management. But, then it was over. I can’t recall there being a significant female character in this story… So, do I like this new series? I’m not sure yet but because I love the Inspector Drake series, I trust Puleston will grab my full attention with the next book in this series. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Joseph Tweedale was a good pick for this book. I like his clear, confident voice for Inspector Marco. Tweedale has a variety of character voices for the cast of characters. His pacing was good too, keeping up with the fast-moving plot. There were tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
May 2, 2019
Eddie Westford was not a professional car thief. He knew very little about expensive fancy cars.
Cardiff City Football stadium. 3 of them had vanished into thin air.
Eddie had been murdered.
Will the cars be returned & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller (novella) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Cardiff City Football stadium. 3 of them had vanished into thin air.
Eddie had been murdered.
Will the cars be returned & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller (novella) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 3, 2020
A recovering alcoholic, Inspector John Marco rails against police hierarchy and the limitations imposed on him. He knows there is more to the murder of Eddie Westford, something of a down-and-out. The more Marco scratches the surface, the more he recognises that powerful people are behind the murder. Time is against him - his boss wants to give the case to John's colleague, a rival - and the frustrations of cost-cutting beset him. The way in which Marco's experience, sifting the evidence, and piecing together the puzzle to unravel a vehicle trafficking group with connections in high places, demonstrate the challenges present-day policing faces.
Stephen Puleston, as ever, delivers a solid crime story, believable characters and a great introduction to John Marco, flawed but determined and conscientious. I did feel at times that the storyline had been skimmed to ensure this remained a short prequel rather than a full-length novel. But it is a good read and I am fortunate to have enjoyed a review copy in return for an honest review.
Stephen Puleston, as ever, delivers a solid crime story, believable characters and a great introduction to John Marco, flawed but determined and conscientious. I did feel at times that the storyline had been skimmed to ensure this remained a short prequel rather than a full-length novel. But it is a good read and I am fortunate to have enjoyed a review copy in return for an honest review.
June 18, 2018
This is a prequel novella to a series of books with Inspector John Marco as the lead detective, along with his Sergeant Boyd Pierce.
A man is murdered outside Cardiff City Football ground as the fans are leaving after a match and Marco is detailed to find out who did it. At first, it seems a simple if rather brutal murder amongst football fans but things are rarely that simple and Marco soon discovers that there are possible leads to the drug-dealing community in the area. But the investigation is more complicated than that and links are found connecting the murder to the higher echelons of society through high-end car theft.
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially as the author shows how reduced budgets for the police forces means that some aspects of what used to be police work are having to go by the board - there just isn't the money or the manpower to investigate everything. A very enjoyable, fast-paced read and I look forward to reading many more by this author.
A man is murdered outside Cardiff City Football ground as the fans are leaving after a match and Marco is detailed to find out who did it. At first, it seems a simple if rather brutal murder amongst football fans but things are rarely that simple and Marco soon discovers that there are possible leads to the drug-dealing community in the area. But the investigation is more complicated than that and links are found connecting the murder to the higher echelons of society through high-end car theft.
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially as the author shows how reduced budgets for the police forces means that some aspects of what used to be police work are having to go by the board - there just isn't the money or the manpower to investigate everything. A very enjoyable, fast-paced read and I look forward to reading many more by this author.
May 10, 2021
Dead Smart a prequel novella introducing Inspector John Marco a recovering alcoholic. The story starts with Eddie Westford and he is found dead with his throat cut right outside Cardiff City football ground, is this a one of or the start of gang warfare? or does somebody just doesn't like Eddie Westford. Council worker by day not that high up but at night Eddie seems to be connected to some nasty pieces of works. Marco believes this man is connected to some really powerful people and already has been told to tread lightly, is he right? and can Marco keep this murder case or will it be given to another detective if he does not toe the line.
Although this is relatively short it packs a punch and we can hear more of Inspector John Marco in the future written by Stephen Puleston author of the Drake novels, and this one was an audio version and the narrator was Joseph Tweedle good clear voice.
Although this is relatively short it packs a punch and we can hear more of Inspector John Marco in the future written by Stephen Puleston author of the Drake novels, and this one was an audio version and the narrator was Joseph Tweedle good clear voice.
November 8, 2024
It was okay but it didn't really grip me at any point in the book. Eddie Westford is a baddie, he drives around in different expensive cars and deals with drugs. He is a pain in the ass for DI John Marco and then one day Eddie is found dead in the Cardiff City Football Stadium with his throat slit.
I struggled to connect with any of the characters and initially for some inexplicable reason I thought the book had started off in the 1950s/60s!!! No idea where that thought came from! Oh unless I had the Arsenal Football Stadium murder a very old around the war or just after the 2nd world war film which was a favourite of my mum, maybe! Anyway I did plough on as it was a very short book so maybe reading a longer book by the writer who would have had the time to flesh the characters out more would make me build up a connection with them. In the end the end couldn't come soon enough! I did like the dry sense of humour of Marco though!
I struggled to connect with any of the characters and initially for some inexplicable reason I thought the book had started off in the 1950s/60s!!! No idea where that thought came from! Oh unless I had the Arsenal Football Stadium murder a very old around the war or just after the 2nd world war film which was a favourite of my mum, maybe! Anyway I did plough on as it was a very short book so maybe reading a longer book by the writer who would have had the time to flesh the characters out more would make me build up a connection with them. In the end the end couldn't come soon enough! I did like the dry sense of humour of Marco though!
January 28, 2022
I’ve listened to several of Stephen Puleston’s Inspector Drake stories, So when I got the chance to receive a review copy for Dead Smart a prequel novella of his Inspector Marco series I jumped at the opportunity. While Dead Smart is a novella, it is an excellent introduction to Inspector John Marco and his detective abilities as well as his flawed personality. Before I started listening, I figured the story would be really good, but I seriously underestimated just how much I would enjoy it. Joseph Tweedale’s narration made this story come alive and made John Marco’s character very lifelike. I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author through BookFunnel and chose to provide this review.
January 1, 2019
I wasn't sure how I would like this one, as we find strong language and a morgue scene from the start. However, the tale hardened into a serious local crime story in Wales, with the Bluebirds, a nickname for a football team, taking centre stage although we are spared any recitations of actual pitch time. I liked the cops involved in tracking down not just killers but luxury car thieves.
I would read more by this author and found the plot well put together and nicely paced, with changes of scene and good contrast. So much is good that I can overlook the strong language in conversation which makes this novella an adult read.
This is an unbiased review.
I would read more by this author and found the plot well put together and nicely paced, with changes of scene and good contrast. So much is good that I can overlook the strong language in conversation which makes this novella an adult read.
This is an unbiased review.
January 24, 2022
I discovered Stephen Puleston writing with his excellent Inspector Drake series and I’ve been meaning to see if his Detective Inspector Marco series is as entertaining. Based on the evidence of Dead Smart I have to say yes. It’s extremely well written, feeling very authentic and alive and above all gripping. The story focuses on the murder of a man out side Cardiff City’s football ground. We follow Marco and his team as they investigate how this was done and by whom. This is fairly short but a full well rounded story with great characters. The best recommendation I can give is to say I’ll definitely be reading more about DI Marco.
January 27, 2024
This is a quick and easy read from one of my favorite authors, Stephen Puleston. I have read all of the Inspector Drake series, but this was my first John Marco. It did not disappoint. It has the same attention to police procedural detail I've come to expect from Mr. Puleston. There's plenty of physical and investigative action and the reader is drawn quickly into the story. I must admit to missing the ensemble cast I have come to expect because of the Drake series, but Marco and Boyd work well together and handle things expediously.
I look forward to more of the John Marco series and highly recommend it.
I look forward to more of the John Marco series and highly recommend it.
November 27, 2017
"A Riveting Police Investigation"
Eddie Westford has been brutally murdered just outside the Cardiff Football Field. Police believe he had been involved with organized gangs. He had been a suspect in a drug related inquiry. Even if Inspector John Marco has no connection with the drug enforcement unit, he takes it upon himself to investigate the crime which may involve some powerful people in Cardiff. This can lead to some disastrous consequences. This novella is very well written and exciting. I loved reading it; it's definitely riveting.
Eddie Westford has been brutally murdered just outside the Cardiff Football Field. Police believe he had been involved with organized gangs. He had been a suspect in a drug related inquiry. Even if Inspector John Marco has no connection with the drug enforcement unit, he takes it upon himself to investigate the crime which may involve some powerful people in Cardiff. This can lead to some disastrous consequences. This novella is very well written and exciting. I loved reading it; it's definitely riveting.
June 25, 2018
A well written crime drama along the lines of (Somerset Murders). Old and experienced British detective paired up with a young and ambitious detective all told through the eyes of the older detective. I normally don't get on too well with British writers, but Puleston is the exception as he has a good handle on the Americanized English language. The mystery isn't too deep, but more like real life police work. Good character development and the mystery is solved-not a cliff hanger, though it is a prequel novella. Good work.
May 10, 2021
Is it just me who gets confused with prequels? Are you supposed to read them before the first book or when you're invested in the series? Anyway, I listened to Speechless, the first book in the Inspector John Marco series and then this one. It was full of action and the story sped by. John Marco is a deeply flawed individual and I hope he successfully gets his act together during the rest of the series. I think that shows that despite his issues, he's got under my skin. If that isn't a sign of a good book, I don't know what is.
May 18, 2021
This is a short prequel to Speechless. It is a good tale, bringing the characters we met in the aforementioned book back to an earlier life. The plot is a straightforward, body found what happened... and the unwrapping involves more than expected.
The story telling is clever well-paced and engaging. The narration (at a slightly faster speed for me) is good, not intrusive but still distinctive and professional.
This is a series I am getting hooked on.
Overall 4 stars
Narration 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars.
The story telling is clever well-paced and engaging. The narration (at a slightly faster speed for me) is good, not intrusive but still distinctive and professional.
This is a series I am getting hooked on.
Overall 4 stars
Narration 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars.
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