What do you think?
Rate this book
Gareth Bell Thriller #1
The Follow
If PC Gareth Bell had been any closer to the attack on his friend and colleague Jimmy Holdsworth, it would have been him at the receiving end of the knife...
With hard evidence and highly credible witnesses, it seemed certain that Quentin Davey – a notorious Brighton drug dealer and borderline psychopath – would be sent down for stabbing and nearly killing a police officer.
But within minutes of giving evidence in court, this watertight case comes crashing down and Davey walks free.
Someone has tampered with the evidence, and though difficult to accept, it had to be someone Gareth knew and worked with.
To make matters worse, as the last person seen to handle the evidence, Gareth becomes prime suspect and is placed on restricted duties pending investigation.
Unable to accept this, and against his better judgement, Gareth decides to take matters into his own hands.
An incident at a petrol station offers him a lead he can’t ignore, which brings him closer to Davey’s operation and a whole load of trouble.
Gareth tries to continue working as normal, but finds it increasingly difficult to conceal his own not-so-above-board investigations and fears for what will happen to his policing career should his superiors find out.
Things take a turn for the worse when Davey has Jimmy kidnapped and held for a ransom that only Gareth can pay.
How can Gareth rescue Jimmy without anyone discovering what he’s been up to?
Which of his trusted workmates is leaking vital information and keeping Davey ahead of the game?
This is a follow that Gareth will have to face alone…
The Follow is a fast-paced police thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Despite the surname, Paul Grzegorzek hails from Sussex where he has lived all his life. He was born in Shoreham-by-Sea, within spitting distance of Brighton, a city he's called home since the mid-1990s. Paul spent 6 years as a police officer, before he went on to join Divisional Intelligence Unit and worked on undercover drug operations, as well as dealing with vehicle crime for the city and anything else that caught his eye. Paul eventually left the police and decided to swap a life of solving crimes, for a career writing about them.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
With hard evidence and highly credible witnesses, it seemed certain that Quentin Davey – a notorious Brighton drug dealer and borderline psychopath – would be sent down for stabbing and nearly killing a police officer.
But within minutes of giving evidence in court, this watertight case comes crashing down and Davey walks free.
Someone has tampered with the evidence, and though difficult to accept, it had to be someone Gareth knew and worked with.
To make matters worse, as the last person seen to handle the evidence, Gareth becomes prime suspect and is placed on restricted duties pending investigation.
Unable to accept this, and against his better judgement, Gareth decides to take matters into his own hands.
An incident at a petrol station offers him a lead he can’t ignore, which brings him closer to Davey’s operation and a whole load of trouble.
Gareth tries to continue working as normal, but finds it increasingly difficult to conceal his own not-so-above-board investigations and fears for what will happen to his policing career should his superiors find out.
Things take a turn for the worse when Davey has Jimmy kidnapped and held for a ransom that only Gareth can pay.
How can Gareth rescue Jimmy without anyone discovering what he’s been up to?
Which of his trusted workmates is leaking vital information and keeping Davey ahead of the game?
This is a follow that Gareth will have to face alone…
The Follow is a fast-paced police thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Despite the surname, Paul Grzegorzek hails from Sussex where he has lived all his life. He was born in Shoreham-by-Sea, within spitting distance of Brighton, a city he's called home since the mid-1990s. Paul spent 6 years as a police officer, before he went on to join Divisional Intelligence Unit and worked on undercover drug operations, as well as dealing with vehicle crime for the city and anything else that caught his eye. Paul eventually left the police and decided to swap a life of solving crimes, for a career writing about them.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2011
79 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Paul Grzegorzek
13 books25 followersPaul is 36 years old and despite the surname hails from Sussex where he has lived all his life, having gone to school in the beautiful countryside town of Midhurst. He was born in Shoreham-by-Sea, within spitting distance of Brighton, a city he's called home since the mid 90's.
Over the last twelve years, Paul has worked as a soldier (part time only), a bouncer, a security officer and a police officer, not necessarily in that order. In a 6 year police career, Paul worked on the beat (on a mountain bike of all things), on response, then on LST, specializing in riot duties and working as a riot medic.
Paul then went on to join DIU (the divisional intelligence unit) and worked on undercover drug operations as well as dealing with vehicle crime for the city and anything else that caught his eye.
During his police career Paul was twice given bravery awards in the form of divisional congratulations.
Paul eventually left the police for a high-profile security job in the US which fell through, leaving him working freelance security in the UK.
He now works in the defence industry and occasionally gets time to write!
While in the police, Paul met Peter James and soon the two became firm friends, Paul helping Peter as an adviser on his Roy Grace series on novels.
Outside of work and writing, Paul has studied white crane kungfu for about a dozen years on and off, and lives in Brighton which he loves and hates with a passion. Wherever he goes in the city he is reminded of a job that he attended, a person he arrested or a crime scene he worked, which is why he writes about the place with such vigour and realism.
To see more of Paul's work including some of his police memoirs, check out his blog at http://diariesofamodernmadman.blogspo...
Over the last twelve years, Paul has worked as a soldier (part time only), a bouncer, a security officer and a police officer, not necessarily in that order. In a 6 year police career, Paul worked on the beat (on a mountain bike of all things), on response, then on LST, specializing in riot duties and working as a riot medic.
Paul then went on to join DIU (the divisional intelligence unit) and worked on undercover drug operations as well as dealing with vehicle crime for the city and anything else that caught his eye.
During his police career Paul was twice given bravery awards in the form of divisional congratulations.
Paul eventually left the police for a high-profile security job in the US which fell through, leaving him working freelance security in the UK.
He now works in the defence industry and occasionally gets time to write!
While in the police, Paul met Peter James and soon the two became firm friends, Paul helping Peter as an adviser on his Roy Grace series on novels.
Outside of work and writing, Paul has studied white crane kungfu for about a dozen years on and off, and lives in Brighton which he loves and hates with a passion. Wherever he goes in the city he is reminded of a job that he attended, a person he arrested or a crime scene he worked, which is why he writes about the place with such vigour and realism.
To see more of Paul's work including some of his police memoirs, check out his blog at http://diariesofamodernmadman.blogspo...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 19, 2019
P.C. Gareth Bell has been wronged! As he stands in court to give evidence in a case where his friend and colleague was stabbed a vital piece of that evidence has been swopped......the case falls through....a guilty man is free....Gareth wants revenge and revenge he will have
And thus the story continues on his quest and all that involves
The authors ‘past’ as a Policeman and defence advisor shines through this book and every aspect of police procedure is explained in an interesting and relevant way, amazing what you can learn in one book!
I liked Gareth and his personality and his narrative throughout the book, his ‘chatty’ style felt like he was telling me the story and a couple of times I almost answered him back! His thoughts are very real and I imagine what 99% of Police feel doing their job
My big surprise was Brighton, I guess all towns and cities are the same now but was kinda shocked at how the drugs scene seems to rule the town, still they do call it ‘London by the Sea’
A good, hard hitting first book in what is to be a series following Gareth Bell who I look forward to reading more about
8/10 4 Stars
December 29, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Killer Reads for an advance copy of The Follow, the first novel to feature PC Gareth Bell of Brighton police.
When drug dealer Quentin Davy walks from from a charge of stabbing PC Jimmy Holdsworth PC Gareth Bell is determined to bring him to justice but a moment of madness puts him on the wrong side of the law and brings a storm of trouble.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Follow which is an action packed procedural with a real ring of authenticity. I liked the plot which is exciting and logical, if a psychopath like Davy can be regarded as logical, with each event having a natural cause and effect. I especially liked the root cause of all the ensuing events, Gareth having a moment of madness in his effort to get justice for Jimmy, as it seems natural and unforced.
I don’t think that I have read such a procedurally rigorous novel before and I found it fascinating. Gareth works in the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU) where he spends him time chasing drug dealers, thieves and assorted lowlifes. It is a strange world where the action is interspersed, often overwhelmed, by regulations and paperwork. It’s a wonder they make any arrests. I think Gareth’s first person narrative helps to make it seem normal and interesting. I’m not a big fan of first person novels but it works well here and I don’t think that any other format would have had the same immediacy or clear sightedness. He is an ordinary bloke who ends up in an extraordinary situation.
The one thing I didn’t like about the novel is the violence, not the violence per se but the blow by blow accounts of the many fights Gavin gets into. He makes it clear that he is using his training but it loses any novelty value it may have had when it is repeated in various ways in every chapter. It means that the big fights at the end are less impactful than they could have been.
With its clean, clear prose The Follow is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When drug dealer Quentin Davy walks from from a charge of stabbing PC Jimmy Holdsworth PC Gareth Bell is determined to bring him to justice but a moment of madness puts him on the wrong side of the law and brings a storm of trouble.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Follow which is an action packed procedural with a real ring of authenticity. I liked the plot which is exciting and logical, if a psychopath like Davy can be regarded as logical, with each event having a natural cause and effect. I especially liked the root cause of all the ensuing events, Gareth having a moment of madness in his effort to get justice for Jimmy, as it seems natural and unforced.
I don’t think that I have read such a procedurally rigorous novel before and I found it fascinating. Gareth works in the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU) where he spends him time chasing drug dealers, thieves and assorted lowlifes. It is a strange world where the action is interspersed, often overwhelmed, by regulations and paperwork. It’s a wonder they make any arrests. I think Gareth’s first person narrative helps to make it seem normal and interesting. I’m not a big fan of first person novels but it works well here and I don’t think that any other format would have had the same immediacy or clear sightedness. He is an ordinary bloke who ends up in an extraordinary situation.
The one thing I didn’t like about the novel is the violence, not the violence per se but the blow by blow accounts of the many fights Gavin gets into. He makes it clear that he is using his training but it loses any novelty value it may have had when it is repeated in various ways in every chapter. It means that the big fights at the end are less impactful than they could have been.
With its clean, clear prose The Follow is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 17, 2019
The Follow, the first book in the PC Gareth Bell series, is the epitome of a gritty, authentic and scalpel-sharp British police procedural. It depicts life as a police officer and the juxtaposition between the excitement of chasing despicable criminals and the mundane nature of the paperwork they have to fill out. The DIU (Divisional Intelligence Unit) is actually a real team that at one point Mr Grzegorzek was part of. They work on a variety of crimes but undercover drug operations are their speciality. This six-year career in the police force is what makes this such a realistic, authentic and believable story.
I loved that the characters were very realistic, and the Brighton setting was so vividly described that I could almost smell and hear the sea. This is thrilling, magnetic and thoroughly gripping crime fiction that I managed to read in a single high-octane sitting. What made this such an intensely riveting novel for me was the in-depth procedures that the police must go through to find out the truth of the situation.
If you enjoy action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and let's face it who doesn't, then pick this up; you're highly unlikely to be disappointed. If there was any slight niggle for me it was that there was perhaps a little too much gratuitous violence throughout, but if you can get past the graphic descriptions then you'll find a lot to like here. I must admit, I'm overjoyed this is going to be series. I look forward to the second instalment and reacquainting myself with PC Bell.
Many thanks to Killer Reads for an ARC.
I loved that the characters were very realistic, and the Brighton setting was so vividly described that I could almost smell and hear the sea. This is thrilling, magnetic and thoroughly gripping crime fiction that I managed to read in a single high-octane sitting. What made this such an intensely riveting novel for me was the in-depth procedures that the police must go through to find out the truth of the situation.
If you enjoy action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and let's face it who doesn't, then pick this up; you're highly unlikely to be disappointed. If there was any slight niggle for me it was that there was perhaps a little too much gratuitous violence throughout, but if you can get past the graphic descriptions then you'll find a lot to like here. I must admit, I'm overjoyed this is going to be series. I look forward to the second instalment and reacquainting myself with PC Bell.
Many thanks to Killer Reads for an ARC.
March 10, 2019
3.5 ⭐️ The Follow is this first book in a new crime series by Paul Grzegorzek, the style of writing and the setting of Brighton reminded me very much of Peter James ‘Roy Grace’ series, although I felt the author’s own career as a police officer gives this book a much grittier, authentic feel. The Follow is hard-hitting it gives an insight into a very different Brighton to the one The Tourist Board would have you believe! It’s a city with a dark underbelly, fuelled by a massive black market that feeds drug addicts, which means it’s the perfect setting for a crime thriller.
The story follows PC Gareth Bell a policeman with a mission, to bring to justice the man who almost killed his partner. One event finds Bell himself embroiled in Brighton’s heroin-dealing criminal underground, a world where violence is par for the course, a world where Bell will be forced to push the boundaries as a police officer. It’s a case of good V the bad, the author has created a motley crew of ‘baddies’ that you can’t help reading on hoping that justice catches up with them.
The story is narrated in the first person, so you get a real sense of Bell’s character, it also means the reader see’s and knows everything that Bell knows, which makes you feel part of his investigation rather than a bystander. The action is interspersed, by descriptions of regulations and mundane paperwork, and although it made the read more authentic, it meant at some points the plot moved forward at a more sedate pace, but it’s these moments that give the reader time to draw breath before the next hard hitting scene. It’s here that I would mention the author’s vivid imagination, but I have a feeling the author has drawn on his own experience of working for the drug squad, which makes some scenes even more shocking and terrifying.
If there’s one thing that makes this book stand out it’s the author’s informal and conversational writing style, it almost feels like Bell is a friend sharing his ‘a day in my life’. I thought this book wasn’t as suspenseful as I would have liked but I think that’s down to the incredible detail the author has put into this book, I don’t mean that in a negative way, in fact if you enjoy a crime thrillers that’s both factual and realistic then I’m sure you will really enjoy this book.
The story follows PC Gareth Bell a policeman with a mission, to bring to justice the man who almost killed his partner. One event finds Bell himself embroiled in Brighton’s heroin-dealing criminal underground, a world where violence is par for the course, a world where Bell will be forced to push the boundaries as a police officer. It’s a case of good V the bad, the author has created a motley crew of ‘baddies’ that you can’t help reading on hoping that justice catches up with them.
The story is narrated in the first person, so you get a real sense of Bell’s character, it also means the reader see’s and knows everything that Bell knows, which makes you feel part of his investigation rather than a bystander. The action is interspersed, by descriptions of regulations and mundane paperwork, and although it made the read more authentic, it meant at some points the plot moved forward at a more sedate pace, but it’s these moments that give the reader time to draw breath before the next hard hitting scene. It’s here that I would mention the author’s vivid imagination, but I have a feeling the author has drawn on his own experience of working for the drug squad, which makes some scenes even more shocking and terrifying.
If there’s one thing that makes this book stand out it’s the author’s informal and conversational writing style, it almost feels like Bell is a friend sharing his ‘a day in my life’. I thought this book wasn’t as suspenseful as I would have liked but I think that’s down to the incredible detail the author has put into this book, I don’t mean that in a negative way, in fact if you enjoy a crime thrillers that’s both factual and realistic then I’m sure you will really enjoy this book.
February 27, 2017
Firstly, I downloaded this a long time ago and my version is no longer available on Amazon yet they haven't bothered to update my copy. Since it has been re-released why wasn't I sent a revised version ?? Firstly, the formatting was awful, just tiny on my Kindle, although it translated over perfectly fine on the Android app.
He writes on uniform as opposed to in, used a fullstop and not a comma and missed out commas where needed. I don't understand this expression-"....I nearly choked and he got stuck on for inappropriate behaviour", he loses of in this sentence-"...one his friends" and again here-"....couple of bags heroin" Then he uses 2 commas instead of a comma and speechmarks, we had missed apostrophes, I've never heard of anyone being shopped IN before, either, only shopped. I reached this line, saw yet another punctuation issue and packed it in at 19%-"...hearing Lily, my dad's German shepherd; begin barking..." I'd seen enough.
I used to work on an Army base and they thrive on acronyms and this book is full of them, too. The author does give you the full meaning but I got fed up having to bookmark them and flicking back to remind myself what they stood for.
I do like the way Gareth is telling us his story and I enjoyed his humour as well. Plus I know the areas he's writing about. Sadly it doesn't outweigh the awful presentation. A pity.
He writes on uniform as opposed to in, used a fullstop and not a comma and missed out commas where needed. I don't understand this expression-"....I nearly choked and he got stuck on for inappropriate behaviour", he loses of in this sentence-"...one his friends" and again here-"....couple of bags heroin" Then he uses 2 commas instead of a comma and speechmarks, we had missed apostrophes, I've never heard of anyone being shopped IN before, either, only shopped. I reached this line, saw yet another punctuation issue and packed it in at 19%-"...hearing Lily, my dad's German shepherd; begin barking..." I'd seen enough.
I used to work on an Army base and they thrive on acronyms and this book is full of them, too. The author does give you the full meaning but I got fed up having to bookmark them and flicking back to remind myself what they stood for.
I do like the way Gareth is telling us his story and I enjoyed his humour as well. Plus I know the areas he's writing about. Sadly it doesn't outweigh the awful presentation. A pity.
December 17, 2021
I loved the easy conversational writing style of the author and really enjoyed the insights to police work, I felt there was some new stuff I hadn’t already read before.
A lot happened in this book but it was fast paced and didn’t get dragged out. PC Gareth Bell kept coming up smelling of roses despite some huge blunders on his part, which did have me rolling my eyes at times, but all in all I really enjoyed this book.
A lot happened in this book but it was fast paced and didn’t get dragged out. PC Gareth Bell kept coming up smelling of roses despite some huge blunders on his part, which did have me rolling my eyes at times, but all in all I really enjoyed this book.
December 23, 2018
I got this as a e book from net galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
February 15, 2019
Brighton, popular holiday destination since the Regency times. Known for its cafes, bars and the fabulous shopping, but beneath the surface is a criminal world that preys on the vulnerable.
Gareth Bell is a policeman with a mission, to bring to justice the man who almost killed his partner, but how far will he go and what is he prepared to risk to achieve his aim?
One event leads Gareth Bell, the protagonist on a path that blurs the line between right and wrong. Gareth’s actions and motivations are realistic. Violent scenes are common in this novel and a little repetitive, probably as it is all seen from Gareth’s point of view.
This is a fast-paced, authentic police procedural. It is full of action but there are also details of police procedurals, which are an intrinsic part of the job and often hamper the capture of criminals, in the main protagonist’s opinion.
If you enjoy police procedurals this has lots of it, which should appeal. The dilemma and its fallout makes for an interesting plot and provides insight into PC Gareth Bell’s character, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins - Killer Reads via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Gareth Bell is a policeman with a mission, to bring to justice the man who almost killed his partner, but how far will he go and what is he prepared to risk to achieve his aim?
One event leads Gareth Bell, the protagonist on a path that blurs the line between right and wrong. Gareth’s actions and motivations are realistic. Violent scenes are common in this novel and a little repetitive, probably as it is all seen from Gareth’s point of view.
This is a fast-paced, authentic police procedural. It is full of action but there are also details of police procedurals, which are an intrinsic part of the job and often hamper the capture of criminals, in the main protagonist’s opinion.
If you enjoy police procedurals this has lots of it, which should appeal. The dilemma and its fallout makes for an interesting plot and provides insight into PC Gareth Bell’s character, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins - Killer Reads via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
I never used to be able to stop reading books but I seem to be getting better at it. I just can't be bothered to keep reading and it's taken me weeks to get to 13% which isn't a good sign. I hate reading first person at the best of times, and when the main character is an Audi wanker and a bore, I just can't be arsed tbh.
March 4, 2013
This book was free and I'm glad it was.
January 16, 2019
Realistic, gritty, authentic and a bit scary too. An excellent police procedural from an author new to me.
I enjoyed the racy way the book developed and it drew me in very quickly. Good characters and an excellent knowledge of Brighton made this a book to relish.
I enjoyed the racy way the book developed and it drew me in very quickly. Good characters and an excellent knowledge of Brighton made this a book to relish.
July 31, 2017
Well written police procedural with lots of violence. The writer does take rather too much time explaining and justifying police actions.
January 21, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author. Overall, a decent read.
Thank you #netgalley and #HarperImpulse and KillerReads
Thank you #netgalley and #HarperImpulse and KillerReads
March 6, 2024
Good easy read, worth reading more
January 4, 2026
Unusal book in 1st person, but enjoyable thriller
February 24, 2019
You may have picked up from my reviews that I am quite a fan of the old police based crime thriller. I'm loathe to use the term procedural as I often find that the story takes us far beyond the typical 'procedure' used by Police Officer and into worlds that are altogether more personal or adventurous. Procedure implies rules and regulations and uniform (no pun intended) governed by tedious policy and, if I were being honest, that is about as far from what takes place in The Follow by Paul Grzegorzek as you could possibly get.
Now, don't get me wrong, as a writer with many years experience of the ins and outs of actual Police procedure, that knowledge shines through in the story. There are many times when the tedious nature of police paperwork and even the less glamorous side of undercover work are explored, the narrative confirming what any real police officer (and avid readers who read the right kind of police thrillers) could tell you. That doesn't make the action any less exciting and it didn't put me off as a reader. Far from it as the author has also infused the action scenes with both tension and humour as the scene dictates, something which has been done with great aplomb.
Gareth Bell is a brilliant protagonist. Passionate, loyal, but not afraid to bend the rules a little (hell, a lot) in order to ensure that he see's justice done. It is just as a sure fire conviction against a major league dealer who stands accused of stabbing Bell's partner and best friend, Jimmy, goes horribly wrong, that we join the action, and that we get to meet our hero, PC Bell. Bell is an officer in the Divisional Intelligence Unit in Brighton, a team that deals with some of the most serious crimes in the area, which in Bell's case is drugs. Bell is incensed by the miscarriage of justice and about to find himself on the wrong side of the law well and truly as seemingly routine, if not slightly unorthodox, surveillance on his part results in some very major and very unforeseen circumstances.
I don't want to say more about the story than that as I think you need to read it for yourself. What I will say though is that Bell is a good person, trying to make a bad situation right, but his passion for his colleagues and his job does seem to overshadow his common sense sometimes. Not always, but often enough, and it puts him right in the firing line, both figuratively and literally. Told in the first person narrative, Bell's easy way of speaking translates well to the story, drawing you in as a reader and keeping you invested in the fortune of both Bell and the rest of the team. I did really like some of the other supporting characters too, particularly Jimmy (even if he was mostly laid up in a hospital bed) and Sergeant Kevin Sands. In fact all of the characters were bang on the money, even the bad guys, who were as loathsome, and occasionally stupid, as can be.
The pacing in the book varies as you may expect, from moments of high peril and adrenaline when a chase is on or a surveillance operation reaches its crucial stages. There are also some quieter moments, bit only just enough to allow readers to catch their breath. Certainly the ending is full of jeopardy and menace as the all the cards are finally laid out on the table. The book fair gallops to its conclusion and rounds off what is perhaps one of the most intriguing openers I have read in a while perfectly. It's certainly made me keen to hear more from Gareth Bell and his colleagues so I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Now, don't get me wrong, as a writer with many years experience of the ins and outs of actual Police procedure, that knowledge shines through in the story. There are many times when the tedious nature of police paperwork and even the less glamorous side of undercover work are explored, the narrative confirming what any real police officer (and avid readers who read the right kind of police thrillers) could tell you. That doesn't make the action any less exciting and it didn't put me off as a reader. Far from it as the author has also infused the action scenes with both tension and humour as the scene dictates, something which has been done with great aplomb.
Gareth Bell is a brilliant protagonist. Passionate, loyal, but not afraid to bend the rules a little (hell, a lot) in order to ensure that he see's justice done. It is just as a sure fire conviction against a major league dealer who stands accused of stabbing Bell's partner and best friend, Jimmy, goes horribly wrong, that we join the action, and that we get to meet our hero, PC Bell. Bell is an officer in the Divisional Intelligence Unit in Brighton, a team that deals with some of the most serious crimes in the area, which in Bell's case is drugs. Bell is incensed by the miscarriage of justice and about to find himself on the wrong side of the law well and truly as seemingly routine, if not slightly unorthodox, surveillance on his part results in some very major and very unforeseen circumstances.
I don't want to say more about the story than that as I think you need to read it for yourself. What I will say though is that Bell is a good person, trying to make a bad situation right, but his passion for his colleagues and his job does seem to overshadow his common sense sometimes. Not always, but often enough, and it puts him right in the firing line, both figuratively and literally. Told in the first person narrative, Bell's easy way of speaking translates well to the story, drawing you in as a reader and keeping you invested in the fortune of both Bell and the rest of the team. I did really like some of the other supporting characters too, particularly Jimmy (even if he was mostly laid up in a hospital bed) and Sergeant Kevin Sands. In fact all of the characters were bang on the money, even the bad guys, who were as loathsome, and occasionally stupid, as can be.
The pacing in the book varies as you may expect, from moments of high peril and adrenaline when a chase is on or a surveillance operation reaches its crucial stages. There are also some quieter moments, bit only just enough to allow readers to catch their breath. Certainly the ending is full of jeopardy and menace as the all the cards are finally laid out on the table. The book fair gallops to its conclusion and rounds off what is perhaps one of the most intriguing openers I have read in a while perfectly. It's certainly made me keen to hear more from Gareth Bell and his colleagues so I look forward to seeing what comes next.
June 14, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and Endeavour Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. See full review on my blog (link in bio).
I was instantly attracted to the cover of this book (BRIGHTON!) and the fact that it’s a police procedural – the two marry up perfectly to me (I love them both).
I really enjoyed this book from the moment I picked it up. It is perfectly paced, tense yet very enjoyable. As someone who has knowledge about the police, it was great to read a book by an author who clearly knows his stuff, too. The book included a lot of accurate information about police procedures, forms, tactics and communication without diverting from the main plot. The story is executed brilliantly and soaked in authenticity. The author’s descriptions of Brighton are credible and if you know Brighton well, you can picture the street where the action is occurring.
Character-wise, I liked protagonist Gareth as he was a very determined individual. I did find him slightly irritating during certain parts, especially with regards to his love life. However, I enjoyed the banter he had with his colleagues and felt that the choices Gareth made were realistic. The personalities of his colleagues were well-developed and definitely represented ‘real’ police officers.
The author placed great effort in describing the scene that Gareth found himself in. Throughout the book, the author makes the reader feel like they are, too, a copper on Gareth’s team. Although I enjoyed this in the most part, sometimes the lengthy, rambling descriptions were just unnecessary. For example:
“I was also carrying a ‘Baby’, our door bosher, or ‘enforcer’ as the proper name should be, hoisted over one shoulder as we ran. The enforcer is thirty-five pounds of solid steel with a flat strike plate at the business end, capable of turning my puny swing into over a ton of force as it strikes a door, providing that the door is being braced properly. That normally involves another Method of Entry officer placing his feet against the base of the door, ensuring that the force of the strike goes through instead of dissipating as the door flexes.”
Do you see what I mean? I don’t know if it’s just me, but I felt that the reader doesn’t need to know that much detail. Also, I noticed a typing mistake which continued throughout the book. I’m unsure whether this was due to my Kindle, however it ruined my reading flow quite a bit:
“…the other laneof the duel carriageway”
Notice the two words joined together? Grr. Nevertheless, overall I enjoyed the author’s informal, conversational and quirky writing style and would recommend this book if you enjoy crime novels which are ‘a day in the life of a police officer’-esque. I wouldn’t say the book is suspenseful, however there are plenty of twists and turns to guide you through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it refreshing to read a factual and realistic crime novel. It is definitely worth a read if crime is your thang!
I was instantly attracted to the cover of this book (BRIGHTON!) and the fact that it’s a police procedural – the two marry up perfectly to me (I love them both).
I really enjoyed this book from the moment I picked it up. It is perfectly paced, tense yet very enjoyable. As someone who has knowledge about the police, it was great to read a book by an author who clearly knows his stuff, too. The book included a lot of accurate information about police procedures, forms, tactics and communication without diverting from the main plot. The story is executed brilliantly and soaked in authenticity. The author’s descriptions of Brighton are credible and if you know Brighton well, you can picture the street where the action is occurring.
Character-wise, I liked protagonist Gareth as he was a very determined individual. I did find him slightly irritating during certain parts, especially with regards to his love life. However, I enjoyed the banter he had with his colleagues and felt that the choices Gareth made were realistic. The personalities of his colleagues were well-developed and definitely represented ‘real’ police officers.
The author placed great effort in describing the scene that Gareth found himself in. Throughout the book, the author makes the reader feel like they are, too, a copper on Gareth’s team. Although I enjoyed this in the most part, sometimes the lengthy, rambling descriptions were just unnecessary. For example:
“I was also carrying a ‘Baby’, our door bosher, or ‘enforcer’ as the proper name should be, hoisted over one shoulder as we ran. The enforcer is thirty-five pounds of solid steel with a flat strike plate at the business end, capable of turning my puny swing into over a ton of force as it strikes a door, providing that the door is being braced properly. That normally involves another Method of Entry officer placing his feet against the base of the door, ensuring that the force of the strike goes through instead of dissipating as the door flexes.”
Do you see what I mean? I don’t know if it’s just me, but I felt that the reader doesn’t need to know that much detail. Also, I noticed a typing mistake which continued throughout the book. I’m unsure whether this was due to my Kindle, however it ruined my reading flow quite a bit:
“…the other laneof the duel carriageway”
Notice the two words joined together? Grr. Nevertheless, overall I enjoyed the author’s informal, conversational and quirky writing style and would recommend this book if you enjoy crime novels which are ‘a day in the life of a police officer’-esque. I wouldn’t say the book is suspenseful, however there are plenty of twists and turns to guide you through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it refreshing to read a factual and realistic crime novel. It is definitely worth a read if crime is your thang!
July 1, 2012
I'm not sure where I found this but I had it as a sample on my kindle and having realised it was set in a reasonably accurate Brighton I decided to give it a go. It was a reasonable crime story, but I can't work out whether the detailed setting (I.e. street names, incorrectly named areas (it's not the South Lanes, it's the lanes)) helped or hindered. It wasn't an elegant crime book or one that really felt like it twisted enough to be clever. It was, however, easy to read
May 31, 2012
Exciting police thriller from a great new author, will be picking more of his novels up as he writes them. Solid, twisting plot, some good character development, punchy (pardon the pun) action scenes and a satisfying conclusion mean that this book is one of my favourites of 2012. Definately recommend giving it read, but expect difficulty putting it down.
June 21, 2016
The Follow is full of twists and turns that will not disappoint. I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted in their police work. I've never read a book by Paul Grzegorzek and will definitely look previous books up. Thank you NetGalley and Endeavour Press for allowing me to read this book
August 5, 2016
Oh I just loved this book. Why didn't I read it slower then it would have lasted longer?? Well because I just couldn't wait to find out how the "almost hero" Gareth resolved all the issues. Can't wait to read more from this author especially if Gareth and Sally are both in it!
I got this as a free copy from Netgalley for a fair and honest review...this is my fair and honest review.
I got this as a free copy from Netgalley for a fair and honest review...this is my fair and honest review.
February 18, 2015
Paul Grzegorzek was recommended to me and this book did not disappoint! There are lots of twists and turns in this story and it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I highly recommend The Follow and will be reading more books from the same author!
May 21, 2019
A really good hard-hitting thriller/mystery. I found this to be a nice easy read and yet it still managed to be edgy. The characters were simple yet complex. The storyline read as smooth as butter. Really enjoyed this one.
September 19, 2022
There was a moment during this book around 190 pages where the writing was so bad it went in the bin.
A shame because the detail is really authentic but the dialogue and behaviour of the characters is awful.
A shame because the detail is really authentic but the dialogue and behaviour of the characters is awful.
April 10, 2012
Really enjoyed this. Defo worth a read..
June 9, 2012
Excellent.
July 7, 2014
I really enjoy this guys books! Very realistic and gritty.. A great pace that keeps those pages turning :)
June 20, 2014
Everything I love in a book, great story and believable characters and not a rushed ending like a lot of books you read, enjoyed reading it, I'd actually read it again.
June 11, 2016
This police thriller was easy to read with good characters. It moved at a good pace and was thrilling enough to make me want to read more by this author. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews