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DCI Sophie Allen #3
Secret Crimes
The body of an attractive festival-goer is discovered on the rocky shoreline at Peveril Point
But the young woman’s injuries arouse suspicion. Who was the man she met? Is there a history of suspicious deaths at other music festivals across the area?
DCI Sophie Allen is back in charge after the emotional upheavals she suffered in 'Deadly Crimes', but is she really in control? And a new detective constable, Rae Gregson, joins the team and immediately faces challenges that put her life in peril.
But the young woman’s injuries arouse suspicion. Who was the man she met? Is there a history of suspicious deaths at other music festivals across the area?
DCI Sophie Allen is back in charge after the emotional upheavals she suffered in 'Deadly Crimes', but is she really in control? And a new detective constable, Rae Gregson, joins the team and immediately faces challenges that put her life in peril.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2016
606 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 23, 2016
Having recently read and really enjoyed Michael Hambling's first two DI Sophie Allen story, 'Dark Crimes' and 'Deadly Crimes, I was keen to read this when offered the chance.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a well-crafted crime story which delivers the pace and cast of strong characters which I have grown to like in Michael Hambling's novels.
I liked the way Hambling has developed the character of DS Barry Marsh in this story. I also like the introduction of an interesting new Dc to the team; Rae Gregson.
Once again the police procedural aspects of the story are well developed in this book. It maintains the now well established sense real geographical location for those who have followed the series.
The way the story builds on the police characters from the earlier book is clever. I'm sure it is worth reading in its own right, but if you can, read the books in order.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Joffe Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a well-crafted crime story which delivers the pace and cast of strong characters which I have grown to like in Michael Hambling's novels.
I liked the way Hambling has developed the character of DS Barry Marsh in this story. I also like the introduction of an interesting new Dc to the team; Rae Gregson.
Once again the police procedural aspects of the story are well developed in this book. It maintains the now well established sense real geographical location for those who have followed the series.
The way the story builds on the police characters from the earlier book is clever. I'm sure it is worth reading in its own right, but if you can, read the books in order.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Joffe Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
Audiobook: DNF Good grief! I finally threw in the towel when I realized that rather than being focused on the content I was focused on picturing Jane Tennyson having to restrain herself from smacking Soppy Sophie upside the head. I never did conclude whether it was the irritating dialogue or the presentation of the dialogue that was the greatest impediment. Because this was an AB I could not easily go back and find specific examples. Even when the dialogue was not condescending the presentation frequently reminded me of the tone of voice a kindergarten teacher might use when welcoming a reluctant new student to her class. Fine if one is 4-5yo, not so when a supposedly competent professional is addressing supposedly competent adult
coworkers even if they are of a lower rank. "Well Barry, Watch me go"
coworkers even if they are of a lower rank. "Well Barry, Watch me go"
October 1, 2018
I am glad I stuck with this series as each book has gotten better, with this one being the best so far. I like Sophie as she is a pleasant and competent senior police detective without too much turmoil in her private life. Her husband and children so seem to be somewhat unworried about her line of work, but there were some hints in this book that they are concerned abou ther. She is becoming more human with each story as we have gotten to know more about her past and her home life.
During a weekend blue's festival at the seaside town of Swanage the body of a woman is found on the beach. She had been attending the festival with a girlfriend but had spent the night with a man in their hotel room. Police soon discover that the victim, Sarah Sheldon,had some secrets and was a bit of a swinger often having sex with more than one partner at a time. Sarah and her friend, Rosemary, had met a couple of men on the Friday night, but while Sarah and Derek were hot and heavy, Rosemary was not keen on the other man, Brian. She ended up spending the night with an old aquaintance, Ed and his daughter in their apartment. A few days later Derek's body is found at the base of some cliffs and Brian has not been located. Another anomaly is that the hotel where the women were staying had a booking for a John Renton, and after staying the Friday night he, too, was unaccounted for. Every piece of evidence turned up, added another twist and question to this case.
The characters in this case are not very likeable. Everyone seems to have secrets, be a bit surly and does not want to answer questions. Rosemary and Ed, while seeming to be innocent, have suspicions thrown on them by the police as well. Rae Greyson, is a new member of Sophie's team. She is a transgender woman and I did like the way this was handled by the author. Rae turns out to be an excellent detective who shows a lot of initiative and drive. This police procedural was well done. I like that Sophie does not worry about who finds the information or where it came from if it helps to solve the crime. She does not hog the limelight and easily hands out praise to her co-workers. There was not a lot of suspense, it was more of a mystery with a lot of drama. This crime was solved by good old fashioned police work, not luck. I continue to listen to the audio version of this series and am enjoying the narration with each addition to the series.
During a weekend blue's festival at the seaside town of Swanage the body of a woman is found on the beach. She had been attending the festival with a girlfriend but had spent the night with a man in their hotel room. Police soon discover that the victim, Sarah Sheldon,had some secrets and was a bit of a swinger often having sex with more than one partner at a time. Sarah and her friend, Rosemary, had met a couple of men on the Friday night, but while Sarah and Derek were hot and heavy, Rosemary was not keen on the other man, Brian. She ended up spending the night with an old aquaintance, Ed and his daughter in their apartment. A few days later Derek's body is found at the base of some cliffs and Brian has not been located. Another anomaly is that the hotel where the women were staying had a booking for a John Renton, and after staying the Friday night he, too, was unaccounted for. Every piece of evidence turned up, added another twist and question to this case.
The characters in this case are not very likeable. Everyone seems to have secrets, be a bit surly and does not want to answer questions. Rosemary and Ed, while seeming to be innocent, have suspicions thrown on them by the police as well. Rae Greyson, is a new member of Sophie's team. She is a transgender woman and I did like the way this was handled by the author. Rae turns out to be an excellent detective who shows a lot of initiative and drive. This police procedural was well done. I like that Sophie does not worry about who finds the information or where it came from if it helps to solve the crime. She does not hog the limelight and easily hands out praise to her co-workers. There was not a lot of suspense, it was more of a mystery with a lot of drama. This crime was solved by good old fashioned police work, not luck. I continue to listen to the audio version of this series and am enjoying the narration with each addition to the series.
June 9, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for allowing me to review this book. It was my first time reading a book by this author. I found the book a little slow at first. Not sure if it was because I discovered it was part of a series, or just couldn't get into it at first.It wasn't hard to follow it tho as a stand alone,and once I got into the book, I found it to be a nice mystery book. I found the author writes really good plots. not alot of graphic scenes, not alot of intimate scenes either. there is a transgender detective however in the story and I found that to be an interesting concept to the book. while I was reading it. I actually forgot that character was that way. Not going to spoil the book and go into details about the story line but if you like nice mystery books this is a good one to read. It also takes place in the UK as well. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series .
June 2, 2016
Another wonderful read from Michael Hambling. I absolutely love this series, Sophie Allen has grown more as a character since the last book and talks about her breakdown and illness because of it and even though she's still vulnerable the team she has around her and the support for her family help her through the transition back to work.
It's wonderful to see a transgender character introduced as not everyone is usually included in a crime/mystery book and if they do they don't end up in the best light or it doesn't end well for them.
These books just keep getting better and better and I eagerly await book 4 which, I believe, is coming out later this year!! Cannot wait!
*Huge thanks to Michael Hambling, Joffe Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
It's wonderful to see a transgender character introduced as not everyone is usually included in a crime/mystery book and if they do they don't end up in the best light or it doesn't end well for them.
These books just keep getting better and better and I eagerly await book 4 which, I believe, is coming out later this year!! Cannot wait!
*Huge thanks to Michael Hambling, Joffe Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
January 3, 2018
Rather a mixed bag for me on this third DCI Sophie entry. I would like to think that Swanage is somewhat calmer than one might think after reading these books? Looking at it on a map it has nothing that says: Murdering Creeps Against Group Sex Gather Here, or at least to my eyes.
I know not what the dear folk of Dorset think of this series, but it does feature some offbeat crimes. And then the crimes are so thoroughly investigated by Sophie's ever changing team.
This tale included a few normal people who were swept up in the dragnet simply for being at a blues festival where dead bodies turned up. We get updated rather too frequently on Sophie's fragility, but she seems just fine to me and I do hope there are no further references to her wellness. Particularly by those who raise eyebrows when she expresses her admiration for a good ale. What could be more healthy/normal?!
In the end, the deceiving murderer is finally captured, but I must say the sentencing Sophie threatens him with is extraordinarily lenient for one who is guilty of taking two lives and attempting another. ("You're looking at thirty years at least. How old will you be when you get out? Eighty? Eighty-five? Ninety? Is it likely, really, that you'll ever get out?")
I know not what the dear folk of Dorset think of this series, but it does feature some offbeat crimes. And then the crimes are so thoroughly investigated by Sophie's ever changing team.
This tale included a few normal people who were swept up in the dragnet simply for being at a blues festival where dead bodies turned up. We get updated rather too frequently on Sophie's fragility, but she seems just fine to me and I do hope there are no further references to her wellness. Particularly by those who raise eyebrows when she expresses her admiration for a good ale. What could be more healthy/normal?!
In the end, the deceiving murderer is finally captured, but I must say the sentencing Sophie threatens him with is extraordinarily lenient for one who is guilty of taking two lives and attempting another. ("You're looking at thirty years at least. How old will you be when you get out? Eighty? Eighty-five? Ninety? Is it likely, really, that you'll ever get out?")
November 25, 2021
Another interesting and enjoyable read. One of the things I have become bored with in many similar books, is the main character has a home life that is dysfunctional and they are so ‘damaged’ as to be almost incapable. DCI Sophie Allen on the other hand, has a great family, especially her daughter Jade, and even though she had some problems in the last book, she is highly capable. This certainly makes an interesting change.
There were a few minor irritations, sometimes it felt like the book was set at least a couple of decades ago. Also although I don’t like it when the perpetrator is too obvious, I don’t like it when they just appear from nowhere right at the end of the book.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
There were a few minor irritations, sometimes it felt like the book was set at least a couple of decades ago. Also although I don’t like it when the perpetrator is too obvious, I don’t like it when they just appear from nowhere right at the end of the book.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
October 18, 2021
Although I did really like this book, I was somewhat disappointed with the conclusion; a seemingly minor character was suddenly promoted to being extremely important! My own thought is that the conclusion could've been made significantly more palatable and believable. On the other hand, _I_ did not and could not write the book! My own solution was wrong, although I really would've preferred it – other than the fact that could have made it predictable – but I really like the character of Sophie Allen! She is able to see and use the different strengths and weaknesses of individuals on her team, and she encourages and promotes thought and action. Another good book…
February 25, 2020
Best story of the first three Sophia Allen books but at the murderer’s reveal my response was, “Who?”
March 29, 2018
This was another excellent instalment in the Sophie Allen series. I like Sophie as she is a pleasant and competent senior police detective without too much turmoil in her private life. She is married with two teenage daughters. Anyway, about the story...
During a weekend blues music festival at the seaside town of Swanage the body of a woman is found on the beach. She had been attending the festival with a girlfriend but had spent the night with a man in their hotel room. Police soon discover that the victim, Sarah Sheldon, was a bit of a swinger and enjoyed no strings sex, sometimes with a group. Sarah and her friend, Rosemary, had hooked up with a couple of men on the Friday night. Sarah was soon into it with Derek but Rosemary was not keen on Brian so left the hotel with another man, Ed Wilton, just for somewhere to kip for the night. Yeah, I know, it got a bit convoluted. A few days later Derek's body is found at the base of some cliffs and Brian has not been located. Another anomaly is that the hotel where the women were staying had a booking for a John Renton, and after staying the Friday night he, too, was unaccounted for.
Twisty - much. Meanwhile Sophie is breaking in a new member of the team, Rae Greyson, a transgender woman. Rae turns out to be an excellent detective who shows a lot of initiative and drive. It was pretty much a police procedural but really well done. Not a lot of suspense but plenty of drama and good police work. A good series.
During a weekend blues music festival at the seaside town of Swanage the body of a woman is found on the beach. She had been attending the festival with a girlfriend but had spent the night with a man in their hotel room. Police soon discover that the victim, Sarah Sheldon, was a bit of a swinger and enjoyed no strings sex, sometimes with a group. Sarah and her friend, Rosemary, had hooked up with a couple of men on the Friday night. Sarah was soon into it with Derek but Rosemary was not keen on Brian so left the hotel with another man, Ed Wilton, just for somewhere to kip for the night. Yeah, I know, it got a bit convoluted. A few days later Derek's body is found at the base of some cliffs and Brian has not been located. Another anomaly is that the hotel where the women were staying had a booking for a John Renton, and after staying the Friday night he, too, was unaccounted for.
Twisty - much. Meanwhile Sophie is breaking in a new member of the team, Rae Greyson, a transgender woman. Rae turns out to be an excellent detective who shows a lot of initiative and drive. It was pretty much a police procedural but really well done. Not a lot of suspense but plenty of drama and good police work. A good series.
June 22, 2020
Good read.
Secret Crimes by Michael Hambling.
This is book 3 of the dci Sophie Allen series.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed it. Great story. Some good characters. 4*.
Secret Crimes by Michael Hambling.
This is book 3 of the dci Sophie Allen series.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed it. Great story. Some good characters. 4*.
September 19, 2020
I have been enjoying the DCI Sophie Allen series. Police procedurals are my current read of choice. Secret Crimes had plenty of possible murderers and that makes it especially interesting.
July 23, 2016
This series just gets better and better. I love a read where you cant guess who the suspect is! I read the 2nd book and then had to go and read this 3rd book of the Sophie Allen series. I have to say i think this one is the best of the 3 ive read so far!
Full of fast paced read where you just want to keep reading. New members to the team which you just instantly love! I love how the team have banter and can joke with each other.
Top notch from me and look forward to reading the next book
Full of fast paced read where you just want to keep reading. New members to the team which you just instantly love! I love how the team have banter and can joke with each other.
Top notch from me and look forward to reading the next book
November 16, 2021
I quite enjoyed the book though I was irritated that Sophie had 2 possible suspects round to her house for supper! Also on a couple of occasions she hugged a co-worker! Don’t think that would happen in real life. Sophie is a bit too goody-goody for my liking and didn’t half whinge on at times. As for her daughter - what a pain!
July 1, 2024
Der dritte Roman der DCI Sophie Allen-Reihe von Michael Hambling trägt den Titel »Secret Crimes« und spielt natürlich in Bournemouth, einer südenglischen Region, die mir persönlich und aus den Romanen Rachel McLean bekannt ist. Eine wunderschöne englisches Region mit dem atemberaubenden Küstenabschnitt Jurassic Coast, dessen Schönheit in dieser Krimireihe jedoch eine dunkle Seite hat.
Die Ermittlungen konzentrieren sich auf den Mord an einer attraktiven Festivalbesucherin, deren Leiche an der felsigen Küste von Peveril Point entdeckt wurde. Zwei Frauen waren gemeinsam übers Wochenende weggefahren, doch nur eine von ihnen kehrte lebendig zurück. Die Frage lautet: War es nur die Musik, auf die sie beide standen? Und wer war der geheimnisvolle Mann, den das Opfer auf dem Festival getroffen hatte?
DCI Sophie Allen hat nach den emotionalen Erschütterungen, die sie in tödlichen Verbrechen erlitten hat, wieder das Kommando, und sie ist entschlossen, ihre neu gewonnene Stärke zu nutzen. Detective Constable Rae Gregson stößt zum Team und meistert sofort die Herausforderungen, die eine spannende und sinnvolle Karriere versprechen.
DCI Sophie Allen ist die führende Fachkraft in Dorset für die Untersuchung von Tötungsdelikten und Gewaltverbrechen. Zu Beginn der Buchreihe ist sie 42 Jahre alt und wohnt mit ihrem Ehemann und ihrer jüngsten Tochter in Wareham, während ihre ältere Tochter in London studiert. Sophie ist mit einem Abschluss in Rechtswissenschaften und einem Master in Kriminalpsychologie ausgestattet. Hinter ihrem brillanten Verstand verbergen sich jedoch einige düstere Geheimnisse aus ihrer Vergangenheit.
DS Barry Marsh arbeitet auf dem Polizeirevier von Swanage. Er ist ruhig, methodisch und engagiert, der perfekte Gegenpol zu Sophies verborgener Zerbrechlichkeit.
Michael Hambling hat einen spannenden Krimi um eine kleine Einheit der Dorset Police präsentiert. Es ist ein vielschichtiges Team, bei dem die Leute mehr oder weniger gut zusammenarbeiten und jeder auch seine privaten Probleme mit sich herumträgt. Mit dem dritten Roman werden die Figuren noch sympathischer und der Autor zeigt die Ecken und Kanten der einzelnen Leute noch detaillierter. Besonders das Thema um Rae Gregson, eine Transgenderfigur in der Polizeibehörde hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Mit viel Feingefühl führt Michael Hambling in »Secret Crimes« bis zum Schluss durch die Geschichte und überrascht mit einer unerwarteten Wendung. Wirklich gelungen.
Es ist wirklich schön, noch einmal von diesem wunderbaren Team aus Bournemouth zu hören. Wer den Charme von Südengland liebt, sollte sich diesen Krimi keinesfalls entgehen lassen. Lassen Sie sich in eine spannende und faszinierende Geschichte entführen, die Sie von der ersten Seite an fesseln wird und mit einer überraschenden Wendung am Ende tief berührt, sodass Sie das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen möchten.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
Die Ermittlungen konzentrieren sich auf den Mord an einer attraktiven Festivalbesucherin, deren Leiche an der felsigen Küste von Peveril Point entdeckt wurde. Zwei Frauen waren gemeinsam übers Wochenende weggefahren, doch nur eine von ihnen kehrte lebendig zurück. Die Frage lautet: War es nur die Musik, auf die sie beide standen? Und wer war der geheimnisvolle Mann, den das Opfer auf dem Festival getroffen hatte?
DCI Sophie Allen hat nach den emotionalen Erschütterungen, die sie in tödlichen Verbrechen erlitten hat, wieder das Kommando, und sie ist entschlossen, ihre neu gewonnene Stärke zu nutzen. Detective Constable Rae Gregson stößt zum Team und meistert sofort die Herausforderungen, die eine spannende und sinnvolle Karriere versprechen.
DCI Sophie Allen ist die führende Fachkraft in Dorset für die Untersuchung von Tötungsdelikten und Gewaltverbrechen. Zu Beginn der Buchreihe ist sie 42 Jahre alt und wohnt mit ihrem Ehemann und ihrer jüngsten Tochter in Wareham, während ihre ältere Tochter in London studiert. Sophie ist mit einem Abschluss in Rechtswissenschaften und einem Master in Kriminalpsychologie ausgestattet. Hinter ihrem brillanten Verstand verbergen sich jedoch einige düstere Geheimnisse aus ihrer Vergangenheit.
DS Barry Marsh arbeitet auf dem Polizeirevier von Swanage. Er ist ruhig, methodisch und engagiert, der perfekte Gegenpol zu Sophies verborgener Zerbrechlichkeit.
Michael Hambling hat einen spannenden Krimi um eine kleine Einheit der Dorset Police präsentiert. Es ist ein vielschichtiges Team, bei dem die Leute mehr oder weniger gut zusammenarbeiten und jeder auch seine privaten Probleme mit sich herumträgt. Mit dem dritten Roman werden die Figuren noch sympathischer und der Autor zeigt die Ecken und Kanten der einzelnen Leute noch detaillierter. Besonders das Thema um Rae Gregson, eine Transgenderfigur in der Polizeibehörde hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Mit viel Feingefühl führt Michael Hambling in »Secret Crimes« bis zum Schluss durch die Geschichte und überrascht mit einer unerwarteten Wendung. Wirklich gelungen.
Es ist wirklich schön, noch einmal von diesem wunderbaren Team aus Bournemouth zu hören. Wer den Charme von Südengland liebt, sollte sich diesen Krimi keinesfalls entgehen lassen. Lassen Sie sich in eine spannende und faszinierende Geschichte entführen, die Sie von der ersten Seite an fesseln wird und mit einer überraschenden Wendung am Ende tief berührt, sodass Sie das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen möchten.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
April 27, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
When Sarah Sheldon is found dead, the investigation reveals that she was a player, participating in group sex, a member of which, Brian Shapiro, drugged and then lured women into. Then another of the participants, Paul Derek is also found murdered. The case goes to the various festivals throughout England where women have been assaulted. However, the activities themselves are not at the heart of the murders. Someone posing as John Renton, an army officer who is currently in Germany and cannot have been at the festival, is not to be found, yet is a suspect. When Renton is interviewed he is accompanied by Patrick Adams, a friend, who turns out to not be such a friend. Having stolen Renton identity he follows Sarah around because they had been married at a secret ceremony in Barbados and she was quickly bored, leaving him. He exacts revenge on anyone who has since been involved with her. Rosemary Corrigan was the travelling companion of Sheldon, but did not participate in the parties. Instead she accepted the offer of staying at the home of Ed Wilton, a composer and attendant of the festival. Their meeting becomes a romance, but Ed falls under suspicion.
DCI Allen is still recovering from her previous case in which she discovered that her father had not left the family years before, but been murdered by one of the criminals she was then pursuing. Disillusioned by Allen during that investigation, Lydia Pillay had transferred out and a new member of the team presents new challenges. DC Rachel Gregson is transgender and only Allen and Marsh know her situation. I enjoy this team and this author very much.
When Sarah Sheldon is found dead, the investigation reveals that she was a player, participating in group sex, a member of which, Brian Shapiro, drugged and then lured women into. Then another of the participants, Paul Derek is also found murdered. The case goes to the various festivals throughout England where women have been assaulted. However, the activities themselves are not at the heart of the murders. Someone posing as John Renton, an army officer who is currently in Germany and cannot have been at the festival, is not to be found, yet is a suspect. When Renton is interviewed he is accompanied by Patrick Adams, a friend, who turns out to not be such a friend. Having stolen Renton identity he follows Sarah around because they had been married at a secret ceremony in Barbados and she was quickly bored, leaving him. He exacts revenge on anyone who has since been involved with her. Rosemary Corrigan was the travelling companion of Sheldon, but did not participate in the parties. Instead she accepted the offer of staying at the home of Ed Wilton, a composer and attendant of the festival. Their meeting becomes a romance, but Ed falls under suspicion.
DCI Allen is still recovering from her previous case in which she discovered that her father had not left the family years before, but been murdered by one of the criminals she was then pursuing. Disillusioned by Allen during that investigation, Lydia Pillay had transferred out and a new member of the team presents new challenges. DC Rachel Gregson is transgender and only Allen and Marsh know her situation. I enjoy this team and this author very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
"Effective police procedural"
I enjoy the cut and thrust of a good police procedural. The tempo in this series is what makes the stories so easy to read. The characters aren't as fully-developed and rounded as I would like. Even after three books that aspect doesn't seem to have been advanced. I can't fault the plots though, nor the mystery of whodunnit in this one. Sometimes the 'reveal' has been sign-posted so often in other thrillers that it's an anti-climax. Not on this occasion.
I've read several books by another writer who had a traditionally-published career and had now been picked up by someone who encouraged them to 'refresh' the earlier titles for an assault on the kindle market. I don't know when 'Killer Blues' was originally written (now Secret Crimes 2016) but some aspects felt awry. When discussing the imminent closure of the Swanage police station it was stated that rural crime had been falling for years and modern policing was centering on the major conurbations. If only that were so in 2019 and although the new DC Rae Gregson is a welcome addition to the team, was this representative of the situation at the time. or has this been shoehorned into the story to reflect a hot news topic from late 2018 onwards? Sometimes it might be best to leave the stories as they were written and not tinker with the text to make a book more up-to-date. I
I enjoy the cut and thrust of a good police procedural. The tempo in this series is what makes the stories so easy to read. The characters aren't as fully-developed and rounded as I would like. Even after three books that aspect doesn't seem to have been advanced. I can't fault the plots though, nor the mystery of whodunnit in this one. Sometimes the 'reveal' has been sign-posted so often in other thrillers that it's an anti-climax. Not on this occasion.
I've read several books by another writer who had a traditionally-published career and had now been picked up by someone who encouraged them to 'refresh' the earlier titles for an assault on the kindle market. I don't know when 'Killer Blues' was originally written (now Secret Crimes 2016) but some aspects felt awry. When discussing the imminent closure of the Swanage police station it was stated that rural crime had been falling for years and modern policing was centering on the major conurbations. If only that were so in 2019 and although the new DC Rae Gregson is a welcome addition to the team, was this representative of the situation at the time. or has this been shoehorned into the story to reflect a hot news topic from late 2018 onwards? Sometimes it might be best to leave the stories as they were written and not tinker with the text to make a book more up-to-date. I
January 11, 2021
This is fast becoming one of my favourite crime series. DCI Sophie Allen is a terrific character. Smart, gutsy and charismatic, she’s a world away from the trauma-ridden cops that seem to be everywhere in crime fiction. She’s had her fair share of troubles and she has her vulnerabilities, but she’s also a breath of fresh air.
The story starts with the death of a woman at a local jazz festival in Swanage. A few days later, a man is found on the rocks by the sea. He was also at the festival. While the motive for the murders is unclear, the team find a connection between the two deaths and the investigation gathers momentum. But as it spreads wider, the investigation becomes a long, slow slog that tests the members of the team. But you get to know the characters and the relationships better, revealing yet another strong point of the novels.
There are a few challenges along the way, but solid detection eventually yields a suspect and the pieces start to fit together as the story picks up pace to an exciting climax.
While the crimes and investigations are always intriguing, it’s the balance between the plot, the main characters and their relationships that lifts this series to a different level.
If you haven’t read the Sophie Allen series yet, start with the first novel and enjoy!
The story starts with the death of a woman at a local jazz festival in Swanage. A few days later, a man is found on the rocks by the sea. He was also at the festival. While the motive for the murders is unclear, the team find a connection between the two deaths and the investigation gathers momentum. But as it spreads wider, the investigation becomes a long, slow slog that tests the members of the team. But you get to know the characters and the relationships better, revealing yet another strong point of the novels.
There are a few challenges along the way, but solid detection eventually yields a suspect and the pieces start to fit together as the story picks up pace to an exciting climax.
While the crimes and investigations are always intriguing, it’s the balance between the plot, the main characters and their relationships that lifts this series to a different level.
If you haven’t read the Sophie Allen series yet, start with the first novel and enjoy!
July 28, 2024
This book's bully pulpit is transgenderism. Ray, now Rae, has joined the unit and Sophie has long diatribes against anyone who might make it difficult for this new member of the team. They have not told the rest of the team about Rae's change and Rae is not ready to address it when asked on a date or about her previous assignment. Sophie and others give vociferous praise to how non-judgmental Sophie is, yet when one officer is realizing there's something different about Rae, Sophie immediately assumes and prepares for this officer causing trouble even though there's no previous indication of this being part of her character. Sophie's non-judgmental approach in this and previous books only applies to the politically correct.
I've enjoyed the story lines, but am tired of the lectures I get in each book. Please just tell the story with the variety of people instead of pounding me over the head. I don't know if there are any further books in this series, but I will not be reading them.
I've enjoyed the story lines, but am tired of the lectures I get in each book. Please just tell the story with the variety of people instead of pounding me over the head. I don't know if there are any further books in this series, but I will not be reading them.
June 28, 2023
Tercera de las novelas que leo de la inspectora Sophie Allen y quizás la que más me ha gustado hasta el momento. Trama muy ágil en la que una mujer y un hombre pertenecientes a un grupo sexual, resultan asesinados en la noche en la que se celebra un famoso festival de Jazz. Sophie, con la ayuda de su segundo al mando Barry Marsh y la última incorporación al equipo, Rae, se sumergirán en dicho caso para buscar al culpable de tan trágicos acontecimientos. De igual manera tratarán de buscar la mejor manera para integrar a Rae al equipo, una mujer transexual con grandes capacidades y muchas ganas de entrar a formar parte del grupo de investigación criminal.
October 23, 2021
So far, so consistent!
I love how in this book, Sophie is portrayed as a very strong woman. But her weaknesses are also shown and almost revered. So many authors don't allow their main character to show a weak side. And Rae! I love the inclusion this author brings to his books. He took a risk, and I for one say he's winning with it. There is so much emotional and psychological twists and turns going on, its hard to see who done it. But in the end it all made sense. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I love how in this book, Sophie is portrayed as a very strong woman. But her weaknesses are also shown and almost revered. So many authors don't allow their main character to show a weak side. And Rae! I love the inclusion this author brings to his books. He took a risk, and I for one say he's winning with it. There is so much emotional and psychological twists and turns going on, its hard to see who done it. But in the end it all made sense. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 13, 2017
Great thriller series.
Rating is due to the intrigue, and suspense of the story line. This is the third book in the series and needs to be read in order to fully appreciate the story line. The characters keep evolving and new twists keep being thrown in the mix to keep you wondering what's next, whose at fault! And I still didn't see the ending coming...liked the series and hope there's more to come.
Rating is due to the intrigue, and suspense of the story line. This is the third book in the series and needs to be read in order to fully appreciate the story line. The characters keep evolving and new twists keep being thrown in the mix to keep you wondering what's next, whose at fault! And I still didn't see the ending coming...liked the series and hope there's more to come.
October 29, 2020
Sophie is back, unsure of herself at time, for still recovering. With Barry as her second place man, to help with the command and to keep an eye on her, especially for Jade. Interesting plot as you tried to figure out what had happen at the festival, even going back to other festivals. It took time they didn’t have to figure out what and who the men that was part of these grizzly murders. Rae a new one to the team,earned her place on the team with the pieces of information she found .
August 17, 2023
I have a box set that included this book and I enjoyed it...this one was more of a mystery and cleverly done.
The characters suited the plot and I really liked that Sophie's home life is far more stable than other DCIs in crime stories. There was a new character that joined the team and the diversity was well portrayed.
An unusual storyline but it was engaging and well-written.
Recommended.
The characters suited the plot and I really liked that Sophie's home life is far more stable than other DCIs in crime stories. There was a new character that joined the team and the diversity was well portrayed.
An unusual storyline but it was engaging and well-written.
Recommended.
August 18, 2017
Good Read
Michael Hambling has done it again. This series just keeps on getting better. I thought the first two books were good but this one was even better. Good Storyline which flowed easily. Believable characters, I really lived the story with them. Excellent book, one I could not put down and yet was sorry when I fInished it. Can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Michael Hambling has done it again. This series just keeps on getting better. I thought the first two books were good but this one was even better. Good Storyline which flowed easily. Believable characters, I really lived the story with them. Excellent book, one I could not put down and yet was sorry when I fInished it. Can't wait to read the rest in the series.
February 3, 2018
Good character developement from the two people murdered to the multi person effort to find the perp.
Not so much with the murderer. When the identity of the murder is discovered and he is apprended, the story ends with spectulation as to why he did such a thing.
Would have like a more conclusive ending.
Not so much with the murderer. When the identity of the murder is discovered and he is apprended, the story ends with spectulation as to why he did such a thing.
Would have like a more conclusive ending.
Read
May 14, 2020Secrets have a way of coming back
DCI Allen and her CID team start with a body found in the water . A few days later another one . Not many clues to go on though . A new team member DC Rae Gregson starts off nervously, but rises to the occasion .
DCI Allen and her CID team start with a body found in the water . A few days later another one . Not many clues to go on though . A new team member DC Rae Gregson starts off nervously, but rises to the occasion .
May 28, 2022
Fair play! I didn’t have a clue ‘whodunnit’ until the very last minute! The author had me guessing and changing my mind all the way through the book. And that is a great author! This was a fantastic book and I thoroughly recommend it. But please, start at book 1, so you learn about the team! Five stars truly deserved.
August 3, 2017
Not as good as the first book in the series. There was too much about the personal lives of the police officers; a new character seemed to be introduced because of "social issues"; and the resolution of the crime was a bit "Who?", and not fully explained (what was the motive?).
April 8, 2018
Great story
This is the first book that I have read by this author. A really good story with lots of twists and turns. Also a wealth of different characters to keep your attention gripped. I have already ordered the rest in the series.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. A really good story with lots of twists and turns. Also a wealth of different characters to keep your attention gripped. I have already ordered the rest in the series.
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