Downfall

P.I. Johnson Carmichael #3

by Stephen Edger

Grieving for his daughter, P.I. Johnson Carmichael is in a dark place in his life. Surviving on a diet of bourbon and amphetamines, he is pushing away those that care for him, including ex-girlfriend DS Beth Taylor, on a desperate hunt for the mystery woman who is killing relentlessly across the city.

Sixteen years ago, Sue Dewis was convicted of the cold-blooded murder of her husband. Her son Tom believes she is innocent and wants Carmichael to find the evidence to set her free.

Wendy Barlow believes that her adult daughter was brainwashed into 'The Church of Eternal Light'. She wants Carmichael’s help to prove that the church’s leader was responsible for her daughter’s death.

Will taking on three cases distract Carmichael from the demons lurking in his nightmares?

Mystery, suspense, murder, and tragedy: DOWNFALL is a gripping mystery thriller and follow-up to TRESPASS and FRAGMENTS.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2016

About the author

Stephen Edger is the Amazon bestselling author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Little Girl Gone, Snatched, and the Kate Matthews series. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton where most of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page. 

With books published by Harper Collins, Bookouture, and Endeavour Media, you wouldn’t believe that writing is still only a hobby for Stephen. A hobby that has seen him write more than twenty novels in the last decade, whilst balancing a full-time job with a young family. 

Away from writing, Stephen loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs. Stephen is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association, the Crime Writers Association (CWA), and loves to engage with his readers on his Facebook author page and Twitter. 

If you have a question for him, he can be reached at: 
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEdger
www.twitter.com/StepheEdger
www.stephenedger.com

Reviews

[Sarah Maleficent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, that cover. Brilliant, atmospheric and moody, just like our main man. This cover definitely appealed to me, in fact it's what me stop and want to read it.
I hadn't realised when I picked this up, that is was number 4 in a series featuring P.I.Johnson Carmichael.
So, to begin with there was an awful lot of information I had to take in and get my head around. P.I.Carmichael is a very busy man and there is a lot of people involved in this book.
Once I'd got it all however, I found it to be an engrossing read. It is so well written, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though it was out of sync. It can be read as a standalone due to the brilliant attention to detail the author gives his story and the depth of his characters.
I found it enticing and exciting. I turned each page with mixed feelings, wanting to go on and find out what happens, needing to know what happens. And then knowing, that with each turn of the page, I'm that bit closer to an ending I don't want to get too.
This book doesn't take you on a journey so much as a ride. One that is full of twists and truly unexpected surprises. A ride that once you are on, will not let you off until the very end.
I am now heading back to the front of the queue, to get that rush again with book one. Hold...on...tight!

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downfall: A gripping mystery thriller (P.I. Johnson Carmichael Series - Book 4)
By: Stephen Edger
5 out of 5 stars

The story Downfall: A gripping mystery thriller (P.I. Johnson Carmichael Series - Book 4) by Stephen Edger is a thriller/suspense story. Johnson Carmichael is falling into a dark place, one filled with alcohol and drugs. Elsewhere, Wendy Barlow is insisting that her daughter was murdered by a cult and a son is stating that his mother did not kill his father even though she was convicted 16 years ago. Then there is also another murderer who is killing across the city. With these three cases on his plate, will Carmichael be able to keep the grief and nightmares away? Will these three cases be resolved?

This is a wonderful story. You have a vigilante who is killing those she feels deserve it, a mother who believes her daughter has been murdered and a son who was only 7 at the time of his father’s murder however believes his mother is innocent. This is a very intriguing story that is fast paced. I love the plot. The cast of characters are very believable and are another reason this book is so awesome.

If you love a good who done it, filled with suspense, murder and a storyline that won’t disappoint, this is the book for you. This is the first book I have read by the author and it will not be the last. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I found it slightly difficult to get into but I think this is largely because there are so many characters I was trying to get to know. Had I read earlier books in the series I would have had some idea of the back story of these characters. Once I got my head around the characters and their relationships with one another I really enjoyed the story. It was an interesting mix of a story as it featured a Private Investigator who was sort of working alongside the police in some of their cases. I liked the dynamics between the characters and although there were 3 main cases being investigated I felt they were all well covered and it wasn't too confusing to work out what was happening with each.

I'm going to search out others in the series now I have been introduced to the series. I am grateful to THE Book Club on Facebook and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine Emmerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!

I'm totally blown away by "Downfall"! It is a thrilling, suspenseful and engaging read - from who killed Ben to the murders of so many by one person.

P.I. Johnson Carmichael has suffered a tragic loss and he's angry and headed for self- destruction. In his next case, he meets with a woman who claims her daughter was brainwashed and killed at a new-age church. He's also working another case...

DS Beth Taylor is dealing with a several brutal murders. At first, there's no connection but she comes to the conclusion that one person is responsible for the murders. Now her work begins...

What happens next is absolutely brilliant! Stephen has weaved a story with twists and turns; he engages his readers by leading them in one direction when he's in another direction!

This is Book 3 in the P.I. Johnson Carmichael series. Reading the rawness of Johnson's grief is filled with emotion. Will he finally get the help he so desperately needs?

As the story comes to an end, it's a surprise who Johnson's and Beth's killer is! It's actually a sad discovery.

If I could give this story 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, I would! I highly recommend this book as well as the series! You will not be disappointed...honestly! This story will stay with me for a while!

[Lesley Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book, but definitely won't be the last, that I've read by Stephen Edgar. It gripped me from the very beginning and I was split between dying to know what would happen next and wanting to stop reading so the book would last me longer! Some of the characters I struggled to like but some were really endearing. Loved the book from start to finish and would highly recommend to anyone.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, suspenseful, chilling and brilliant! Loved the characters, and the intricate weave of the storylines. In parts of the book, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end! Lots of twists – which I love! The ending was a total surprise! I couldn’t put it down! Thank you so much to TBC on FB for an ARC of this book, in return for an honest review, and thanks for the introduction to this brilliant author!

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by the author I have read, therefore I've gone into a series in the middle rather than from the beginning. Given that, I was able to get into the story fine as the author explains a few things along the way. I will definitely be reading the previous books in the series soon.

Johnson Carmichael is a very complex character. He has demons aplenty which he has to try and deal with while, at the same time, having several different investigations going on. I honestly couldn't work out of the cases were related and, if so, how they were going to come together. The author has done a brilliant job at keeping me guessing.

There is one part of the story I puzzled about all the way through as I felt it was a little strange that two characters didn't talk to each other. But that was explained in the end and was such a surprise I did not see it coming at all. Again the author wrote this part extremely well and I was blown away by it.

A definite recommended read for those who enjoy a well written mystery which will keep them guessing. It can be read as a standalone but is possibly easier to get into if the series is read in order.

Many thanks to the author and TBConFB for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

P I Johnson Carmichael is getting over his daughters death and surviving on bourbon and tablets. He cannot see the end of his grief but when he is asked by Tom Dewis to investigate the murder of his father which his mother was convicted of he seems to get up enough interest to say he will look into the case. Surprisingly his ex girlfriend who is a police officer also wants him to help her find a mystery woman who is involved in several murders. There were lots of characters to meet in this book yet they were easily identified and led to no confusion. I didn't like all the characters but that added to the suspense. It is quite dark set of people but not one of them was out of place and had their part to play. The thrill of not knowing what was going to happen next was there and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't work out the outcome.
I would like to thank TBConFacebook and the author for a copy of this book for an honest opinion.
I will be reading some more of Stephen Edgars books very soon.

[Book Monitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is new to me but this book will mean I will be reading others of his. There is some back story between the the main private investigator Johnson Carmichael, and police officer Beth but I was able to enjoy this story without knowing it all. There are a few different strands and several different people involved in the various investigations but they were all straightforward to follow and the variety and working out what was going to overlap and what wasn't, as well as wanting to know how it was all going to resolve kept me reading late into the night. The characterisation was well done, with the people all having problems and most having secrets that impact on the understanding and the unravelling of what had happened in the past and was going on in the present. A good 4 star read from me.
Thanks to TBC and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book, partly due to the three cases PI Johnson Carmichael takes on at the same time and the amount of characters involved, and partly because this is the fourth book in a series. However, it isn't necessary to have read the other three first, but I will do so now! Saying all that, the further into the story I got the more absorbing it became. There are many twists and turns and some shocking revelations which I wasn't expecting. All in all this is a gripping book with bags of suspense and well worth a read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Bridget McKeown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read of Stephen Edgar and I found it well written, easy to read and, despite this not being the first book of Mr Edgar's starring Johnson Carmichael it was written well enough that it could be read out of sync.
I did find the ease in which Johnson was 'taken in' a little difficult to believe as he's been 'around the block' a few times. That said it didn't spoil my enjoyment and I'd give another of his books a read.
Thank you to Stephen Edgar and TBC for the opportunity to read this book.

[Nicola Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't usually like to start a book mid series, but this book can stand alone. Will I be back to read more? Yes, I definifely will. Even if it is just to get to know more about moody Johnson Carmichael. A thoughtfully written thriller, with an ending I didn't see coming. I also wasn't sure if I should feel sympathy for the protagonist or not! The jury is still out on that one.

[Julie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So many twists and turns in it. I'd give it more than 5* if I could

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last . I enjoyed the gritty nature of this story . A totally engrossing story

[Beatrice Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping !!!

Another gripping read by Stephen Edger he never fails in writing page turners ....... right up to the end you couldn’t even have guessed the outcome .... gifted thriller crime writer......

[michelle Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

An exciting, dark thriller, which explores areas that other thrillers don't. Not going to spoil the book by saying what, but you won't be disappointed with the read. With realistic and in places, seriously scary characters. This story is well worth a read.

[Geraint griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This is the second book I have read by this author.l will certainly be cc reading more by him . Really good interesting plots and all the characters are interesting .hope Beth and Carmichael rekindle their romance .

[Susan Hunter]

Yet another brilliant thriller from Stephen Edger, featuring Johnson Carmichael. This is the fourth thriller I have read by this author in this past week. Looking forward to the next!