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Jake Talbot Investigates #2
Saving Anna
Detective Inspector Jake Talbot hates working undercover. Yet, when ordered to Dorset to observe a sinister cult for the Ministry of Defence, he accepts, because the group’s beliefs pose a direct threat to his disabled sister, Anna. The MOD also need his friend Frankie’s exceptional computer skills, skills he’s prohibited from using except on the Ministry’s behalf. Bitter from previous dealings with them, Frankie refuses to work for the government, but is willing to assist Talbot.
Neither man knows what they’re meant to be looking for, but observation turns into investigation when they discover a woman’s body draped over the gravestone of one of Talbot’s ancestors. Soon after, a dangerous piece of evidence slips into Talbot’s hands, the plotters’ desperation to get it back becoming the catalyst for murder.
As they uncover a conspiracy that links psychic manipulation, drugs, and death, the two friends grow from master and apprentice to partners in detection, protecting each other from increasing hazards. The trail leads them into deeper shadows, where Talbot’s old enemy waits to wreak a revenge that is as shocking as it is painful.
It will take all of Talbot’s detective skills, and Frankie’s brilliance and imagination, working together, if they are to bring down the criminal conspiracy and defeat his enemy.
Set on the beautiful Dorset coast, this gritty psychological thriller races to a chilling conclusion in which Frankie and Talbot must face the cost of saving Anna.
Neither man knows what they’re meant to be looking for, but observation turns into investigation when they discover a woman’s body draped over the gravestone of one of Talbot’s ancestors. Soon after, a dangerous piece of evidence slips into Talbot’s hands, the plotters’ desperation to get it back becoming the catalyst for murder.
As they uncover a conspiracy that links psychic manipulation, drugs, and death, the two friends grow from master and apprentice to partners in detection, protecting each other from increasing hazards. The trail leads them into deeper shadows, where Talbot’s old enemy waits to wreak a revenge that is as shocking as it is painful.
It will take all of Talbot’s detective skills, and Frankie’s brilliance and imagination, working together, if they are to bring down the criminal conspiracy and defeat his enemy.
Set on the beautiful Dorset coast, this gritty psychological thriller races to a chilling conclusion in which Frankie and Talbot must face the cost of saving Anna.
- GenresFiction
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2016
8 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Toni Allen
10 books109 followersToni Allen is the author of the Jake Talbot Investigates mystery series, which began with Visiting Lilly (2014) and continues with Saving Anna (2015). She is currently working on the third book, Finding Louisa, due out in 2017.
As a photographer of note, a columnist, and an acclaimed tarot reader and astrologer, Toni draws on her extensive experience as a psychic to bring personal awareness of the paranormal, from both the believer and non-believer's point of view, to her Jake Talbot Investigates series.
Toni has had numerous non-fiction articles published, and won awards for short fiction and poetry, including a first prize awarded in a competition judged by noted mystery writer P D James.
She’s the author of two bestselling books on tarot, The System of Symbols: a New Way to Look at Tarot, which is now also published in Italian by Spazio Interiore; and Sex & Tarot.
She lives in Surrey, England, where she happily includes pink grasshoppers in her macro-photography.
Visit Toni’s website www.toniallenauthor.com
Connect with Toni at www.facebook.com/ToniAllenAuthor and Twitter: @Listansus and view her photos at http://toniallen.zenfolio.com/
She maintains a Pinterest board for her novel Saving Anna - https://uk.pinterest.com/listansus/sa...
For updates on new releases and other news, email Toni at jaketalbotinvestigates@outlook.com to join her newsletter.
As a photographer of note, a columnist, and an acclaimed tarot reader and astrologer, Toni draws on her extensive experience as a psychic to bring personal awareness of the paranormal, from both the believer and non-believer's point of view, to her Jake Talbot Investigates series.
Toni has had numerous non-fiction articles published, and won awards for short fiction and poetry, including a first prize awarded in a competition judged by noted mystery writer P D James.
She’s the author of two bestselling books on tarot, The System of Symbols: a New Way to Look at Tarot, which is now also published in Italian by Spazio Interiore; and Sex & Tarot.
She lives in Surrey, England, where she happily includes pink grasshoppers in her macro-photography.
Visit Toni’s website www.toniallenauthor.com
Connect with Toni at www.facebook.com/ToniAllenAuthor and Twitter: @Listansus and view her photos at http://toniallen.zenfolio.com/
She maintains a Pinterest board for her novel Saving Anna - https://uk.pinterest.com/listansus/sa...
For updates on new releases and other news, email Toni at jaketalbotinvestigates@outlook.com to join her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 13, 2015
After reading and being enchanted by Visiting Lilly I was eagerly anticipating Saving Anna.
DI Jake Talbot and his civilian offsider Frankie are ordered to a coastal Dorset town to work uncover for MOD.
Jake does not like working undercover and Frankie is still angered by the MOD's confiscation of his LEAPP machine and all associated technology.
Neither man knows quite what they are doing there, other than observing, but observing what or whom? But then they find a woman's body draped over Talbot's grandfathers grave and the fun (or serious stuff if you prefer) begins.
There is a cult operating in the town who have manipulated Frankie's technology for their own purposes, one that threatens Jake's sister Anna's very existence. Soon they uncover a conspiracy that links psychic manipulation, drugs, and death.
While I enjoyed Saving Anna, it lacked the magic that I discovered in Visiting Lilly. I found the whole "Purple Light" Cult a bit OTT (but maybe cults are like that - never having had any experience with one, I could not say).
The plot moves along at a cracking pace, there is plenty of action and I have become quite fond of the characters of Jake and Frankie. If there is another book to this series, I will definitely be reading it.
3 1/2 stars from me for Saving Anna.
Thank you to Booktrope for the gift of a copy of Saving Anna in exchange for an honest review.
DI Jake Talbot and his civilian offsider Frankie are ordered to a coastal Dorset town to work uncover for MOD.
Jake does not like working undercover and Frankie is still angered by the MOD's confiscation of his LEAPP machine and all associated technology.
Neither man knows quite what they are doing there, other than observing, but observing what or whom? But then they find a woman's body draped over Talbot's grandfathers grave and the fun (or serious stuff if you prefer) begins.
There is a cult operating in the town who have manipulated Frankie's technology for their own purposes, one that threatens Jake's sister Anna's very existence. Soon they uncover a conspiracy that links psychic manipulation, drugs, and death.
While I enjoyed Saving Anna, it lacked the magic that I discovered in Visiting Lilly. I found the whole "Purple Light" Cult a bit OTT (but maybe cults are like that - never having had any experience with one, I could not say).
The plot moves along at a cracking pace, there is plenty of action and I have become quite fond of the characters of Jake and Frankie. If there is another book to this series, I will definitely be reading it.
3 1/2 stars from me for Saving Anna.
Thank you to Booktrope for the gift of a copy of Saving Anna in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2015
Writing continuations is never easy, but Toni Allen has done it well. The characters from Visiting Lilly are there again, but they’re growing and changing.
We see Jake Talbot’s emerging friendship with Frankie, as well as Frankie becoming more self-confident. The pair face a new quest - the mystery of the Purple People and their threat to Talbot’s comatose sister, Anna, as well as the threat of the re-appearance of Talbot’s nemesis, Stoker and a nameless other person (whose identity is never revealed. This is less supernatural than Visiting Lilly, but more cosmic in scope (you’ll have to read to the end to find out what I mean by that). The action is fast-paced. I didn’t count the bodies but there were quite a few.
The mystery is defined by a set of clues all of which are composed of nothing (sometimes nothing can be a cool hand) – electronic components that make nothing, prescription drugs that contain nothing, and a corpse about which nothing can be discovered because it rises from the dead
And then there’s the final mystery. Will Talbot ever get his leg over? Between Helen and Kate, hints in the book suggest he might with Kate, but we’ll have to wait for the next book to find out.
We see Jake Talbot’s emerging friendship with Frankie, as well as Frankie becoming more self-confident. The pair face a new quest - the mystery of the Purple People and their threat to Talbot’s comatose sister, Anna, as well as the threat of the re-appearance of Talbot’s nemesis, Stoker and a nameless other person (whose identity is never revealed. This is less supernatural than Visiting Lilly, but more cosmic in scope (you’ll have to read to the end to find out what I mean by that). The action is fast-paced. I didn’t count the bodies but there were quite a few.
The mystery is defined by a set of clues all of which are composed of nothing (sometimes nothing can be a cool hand) – electronic components that make nothing, prescription drugs that contain nothing, and a corpse about which nothing can be discovered because it rises from the dead
And then there’s the final mystery. Will Talbot ever get his leg over? Between Helen and Kate, hints in the book suggest he might with Kate, but we’ll have to wait for the next book to find out.
January 12, 2016
Two brilliant characters, one epic adventure!
Recommendation: If you've read Visiting Lilly, hold onto your seats, you'll love this book even more! If you're new to the series and are thinking of picking it up, I'd recommend it to lovers of mystery, cop dramas, and those who enjoy rich characters and deep character connections.
Talbot and Frankie are back! This time all odds are against Talbot when an old friend looks to settle a score. Frankie is unwillingly drug into the situation by Weissman and his meddling, but with the help of Talbots friendship and patience, he ends up a real partner.
Saving Anna takes place barely a year after Visiting Lilly and starts off on a solemn note. Frankie and Talbot retain much of their charm from the first book while easily expanding both their relationship with each other and how they interact with the outside world. Frankie's idiosyncratic habits and Talbots heroistic fault have both of them metaphorically tripping over each other endlessly and much to great humor and other emotions. Watching their interactions was the highlight of the book and the most enjoyable.
While the characters were amazing, they were brought to life with a deep and rich story full of twists and turns, ah ha moments, and a mystery that even on the last page, kept you guessing. The villain in Saving Anna was dastardly, worrying of being written against such strong heroes and brought a tension and anger to the story that left no room for questioning Talbot or Frankie's motives.
As you can tell I really enjoyed Saving Lily. When I finished Visiting Anna and was asked to read and review Saving Lilly I said yes, not knowing I would ultimately fall wholly in love with Frankie and Talbot the way I did. I liked the first one, loved the second. Saving Anna was a fantastic and logical progression for both Talbot and Frankie to take and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to take their adventure with them.
Recommendation: If you've read Visiting Lilly, hold onto your seats, you'll love this book even more! If you're new to the series and are thinking of picking it up, I'd recommend it to lovers of mystery, cop dramas, and those who enjoy rich characters and deep character connections.
Talbot and Frankie are back! This time all odds are against Talbot when an old friend looks to settle a score. Frankie is unwillingly drug into the situation by Weissman and his meddling, but with the help of Talbots friendship and patience, he ends up a real partner.
Saving Anna takes place barely a year after Visiting Lilly and starts off on a solemn note. Frankie and Talbot retain much of their charm from the first book while easily expanding both their relationship with each other and how they interact with the outside world. Frankie's idiosyncratic habits and Talbots heroistic fault have both of them metaphorically tripping over each other endlessly and much to great humor and other emotions. Watching their interactions was the highlight of the book and the most enjoyable.
While the characters were amazing, they were brought to life with a deep and rich story full of twists and turns, ah ha moments, and a mystery that even on the last page, kept you guessing. The villain in Saving Anna was dastardly, worrying of being written against such strong heroes and brought a tension and anger to the story that left no room for questioning Talbot or Frankie's motives.
As you can tell I really enjoyed Saving Lily. When I finished Visiting Anna and was asked to read and review Saving Lilly I said yes, not knowing I would ultimately fall wholly in love with Frankie and Talbot the way I did. I liked the first one, loved the second. Saving Anna was a fantastic and logical progression for both Talbot and Frankie to take and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to take their adventure with them.
March 9, 2016
Saving Anna is an unusual police procedural. Jake Talbot, a British police detective, has a vague assignment; “to be in the vicinity and observe” a right-to-die cult obsessed with a healing purple light. Jake’s sister Anna, catatonic since the catastrophic loss of their parents, is among those being targeted by the cult.
His chain of command is muddled, he’s working under both Police Superintendent Bailey and the enigmatic Dr. Weissman of the Ministry of Defence. He is ordered to persuade Frankie Hayward, inventor of an astral projection device, to accompany him to rural Dorset, despite his civilian status and the recent loss of his wife.
Very atmospheric what with hedgerows, pubs and pints, and slang thicker than Devon cream on a crumpet. Not sure how many fags were smoked or dog ends crushed underfoot, but thank goodness for the occasional wad of nicotine gum.
The friendship which develops between Jake and Frankie, a brilliant young man with Asperger’s syndrome, is poignant and bridges the (to me) inexplicable plot developments. As this is the second book in a series, it's difficult to know if the several gaps in the story were residual or yet to be explained in book three. Begin with Toni Allen’s “Visiting Lilly” if you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a dash of the supernatural.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
His chain of command is muddled, he’s working under both Police Superintendent Bailey and the enigmatic Dr. Weissman of the Ministry of Defence. He is ordered to persuade Frankie Hayward, inventor of an astral projection device, to accompany him to rural Dorset, despite his civilian status and the recent loss of his wife.
Very atmospheric what with hedgerows, pubs and pints, and slang thicker than Devon cream on a crumpet. Not sure how many fags were smoked or dog ends crushed underfoot, but thank goodness for the occasional wad of nicotine gum.
The friendship which develops between Jake and Frankie, a brilliant young man with Asperger’s syndrome, is poignant and bridges the (to me) inexplicable plot developments. As this is the second book in a series, it's difficult to know if the several gaps in the story were residual or yet to be explained in book three. Begin with Toni Allen’s “Visiting Lilly” if you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a dash of the supernatural.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
Just as good as the first book if not better! I can't wait for the third installment
November 23, 2015
Having thoroughly enjoyed Visiting Lilly, I've been looking forward to Toni Allen's second story with Detective Jake Talbot. Sequels can be challenging & the author has succeeded on every level with this follow up, & the backgrounds to the characters' lives unfold naturally as the tale progresses.
The opening chapter is compelling, hooking the reader, & the book's hard to put down. It's intelligently & well written with credible characters among the townsfolk, & the police, MOD & psychiatric fraternities. The plot is original & unusual, thoroughly researched, with a few dead bodies & clever clues. The intricate interwoven story is mainly set in a Dorset coastal town where the mysterious threatening people of the Purple Light organisation are against anyone taking drugs to survive, one of their targets being Jake's comatose sister Anna.
Talbot's imperfect damaged character & behaviour make him all too real & human, & of course likeable. The story develops alongside his growing friendship & interaction with Frankie Hayward, an entirely plausible character on the autistic spectrum, accurately portrayed, plus possible future relationships with one of two women, Kate & Helen.
Saving Anna is a fascinating read, one to get your teeth into & activate your brain cells, with some surprises, & a satisfying outcome.
The opening chapter is compelling, hooking the reader, & the book's hard to put down. It's intelligently & well written with credible characters among the townsfolk, & the police, MOD & psychiatric fraternities. The plot is original & unusual, thoroughly researched, with a few dead bodies & clever clues. The intricate interwoven story is mainly set in a Dorset coastal town where the mysterious threatening people of the Purple Light organisation are against anyone taking drugs to survive, one of their targets being Jake's comatose sister Anna.
Talbot's imperfect damaged character & behaviour make him all too real & human, & of course likeable. The story develops alongside his growing friendship & interaction with Frankie Hayward, an entirely plausible character on the autistic spectrum, accurately portrayed, plus possible future relationships with one of two women, Kate & Helen.
Saving Anna is a fascinating read, one to get your teeth into & activate your brain cells, with some surprises, & a satisfying outcome.
January 19, 2016
Disclaimer: A copy of this story was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment I read Ms. Allen's story "Being Richard" I became an instant fan of the author's ability to weave together a fantastical tale that takes the reader on a remarkable ride. When I picked up a copy of "Visiting Lilly" it was no exception. Once again, Ms. Allen delivered.
With "Saving Anna" the author did it again. In this story DI Talbot comes back, as does my favorite character, Frankie. Frankie and Jake are sent to a town in Dorset to work undercover for MOD. Jake doesn't necessarily like working undercover and Frankie is still mad at the MOD. Nevertheless, the men do as they are told and off to Dorset they go. While none of them really know what they are doing there, they soon come to find a woman's dead body lying over Talbot's grandfathers grave. That is when the adventure truly begins.
"Saving Anna" is an incredibly engrossing story which takes you on a continued adventure with Inspector Talbot and Frankie. The methodical way that each segment was constructed and laced together spoke to the tactful, cunning and enthralling nature of the story. Very entertaining.
I highly recommend "Saving Anna" to the lover of a good old murder mystery, with a bit of something more.
From the moment I read Ms. Allen's story "Being Richard" I became an instant fan of the author's ability to weave together a fantastical tale that takes the reader on a remarkable ride. When I picked up a copy of "Visiting Lilly" it was no exception. Once again, Ms. Allen delivered.
With "Saving Anna" the author did it again. In this story DI Talbot comes back, as does my favorite character, Frankie. Frankie and Jake are sent to a town in Dorset to work undercover for MOD. Jake doesn't necessarily like working undercover and Frankie is still mad at the MOD. Nevertheless, the men do as they are told and off to Dorset they go. While none of them really know what they are doing there, they soon come to find a woman's dead body lying over Talbot's grandfathers grave. That is when the adventure truly begins.
"Saving Anna" is an incredibly engrossing story which takes you on a continued adventure with Inspector Talbot and Frankie. The methodical way that each segment was constructed and laced together spoke to the tactful, cunning and enthralling nature of the story. Very entertaining.
I highly recommend "Saving Anna" to the lover of a good old murder mystery, with a bit of something more.
September 9, 2020
Saving Anna is the brilliant sequel to Visiting Lilly and captured me even more. Jake Talbot became friends with autistic Frankie Hayward and together they are set up to find out what they can about the Temple of the Purple Light, a strange organization condemning medication and life support.
Jake soon finds out that they want to get at his catatonic sister Anna.
I love the characters and how they interact with each other. Frankie's quirks and Jake's chain smoking, their dependence on each other while fighting their individual battles makes this thriller as much a psychological as a cruel one. Friends die, loved ones are threatened and Jake's house is blown up - tension is definitely not lacking.
The story engrossed me so much that I didn't even want to think about who's dunnit, I just wanted to know if the good guys would be alright and the bad guys caught.
The only thing I missed was a final scene with Jake and his sister. I'll go check if there is a sequel.
Highly recommended read!
Jake soon finds out that they want to get at his catatonic sister Anna.
I love the characters and how they interact with each other. Frankie's quirks and Jake's chain smoking, their dependence on each other while fighting their individual battles makes this thriller as much a psychological as a cruel one. Friends die, loved ones are threatened and Jake's house is blown up - tension is definitely not lacking.
The story engrossed me so much that I didn't even want to think about who's dunnit, I just wanted to know if the good guys would be alright and the bad guys caught.
The only thing I missed was a final scene with Jake and his sister. I'll go check if there is a sequel.
Highly recommended read!
February 25, 2016
Thanks to Librarything for this book in exchange for a review. The main characters, Jake and Frankie, were well developed. The plot was good and there was a lot of action, and there were a few unexpected twists as the story unfolded. However, I thought the book was too long. As an example, there were multiple discussions of smoking. It got to the point where I'd anticipate that the two men would share a cigarette before the author wrote about it -- and I'd be right! Honestly, when escaping from a madman who wants to kill you, it is just not realistic to think about getting a cigarette. Overall, I gave the book 3 stars, but would have rated it higher if the writing had been crisper and tighter.
September 17, 2020
Something different from normal police procedures Here control of light and sound Ta
Here control of light and sound waves are firmly anchored in normal life with out any feel of science fiction
Here control of light and sound waves are firmly anchored in normal life with out any feel of science fiction
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews