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Wakefield #2
Torment
A message left in error on a young woman's answering machine is the catalyst for uncovering some dark deeds. Three young women are missing, luxury cars are being stolen, and just what did happen to two young schoolgirls, missing since the 1980's? DI Strong and journalist, Bob Souter are drawn into murky and dangerous worlds.
338 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2016
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 8, 2018
I have been quite tickled at the thought of reading this book, as I was living in the Wakefield area at the time that this series is set, so I can recall the era really well. For me this has a real pull at your heart strings with a case from the past that takes on a little bit of a supernatural air on the story time line.
The unlikely alliance between DI Strong and journalist Bob Souter grows stronger again in this story. Souter is a get in and face the consequences later sort of bloke while Strong has to work to the book, well when others are around. They are almost like a parent and an excited child as times, with Strong trying to reel Souter back in a little. Souter is a man who really gets involved, not just for a good story but because he can make a difference. People matter to him. He is a journalist with a heart which is why they make such good partners.
There are a couple of story lines running so no lulls to catch your breath. While one story follows the disappearance of two school girls in the 1980’s the other faces the harsh realities of present day in the story time line, as young women are going missing and subsequently murdered followed by a gang style killing of a man of interest to the police.
This case takes Strong all over the place to get to the root of things. He would make a great poker player with his little stretchers of the truth when talking to the bad guys to off foot them, which gives them little option but the confess to things he has only guessed at or had little to back his assumptions up.
I love David Evans’s writing style with his use of the Yorkshire dialect to make it authentic but with not too much, so that no-one ever loses the natural flow of the story. Love the setting and the series with these two rough diamonds that give it a real sparkle!
The unlikely alliance between DI Strong and journalist Bob Souter grows stronger again in this story. Souter is a get in and face the consequences later sort of bloke while Strong has to work to the book, well when others are around. They are almost like a parent and an excited child as times, with Strong trying to reel Souter back in a little. Souter is a man who really gets involved, not just for a good story but because he can make a difference. People matter to him. He is a journalist with a heart which is why they make such good partners.
There are a couple of story lines running so no lulls to catch your breath. While one story follows the disappearance of two school girls in the 1980’s the other faces the harsh realities of present day in the story time line, as young women are going missing and subsequently murdered followed by a gang style killing of a man of interest to the police.
This case takes Strong all over the place to get to the root of things. He would make a great poker player with his little stretchers of the truth when talking to the bad guys to off foot them, which gives them little option but the confess to things he has only guessed at or had little to back his assumptions up.
I love David Evans’s writing style with his use of the Yorkshire dialect to make it authentic but with not too much, so that no-one ever loses the natural flow of the story. Love the setting and the series with these two rough diamonds that give it a real sparkle!
July 7, 2016
Torment is part two in the Wakefield Trinity series. I haven’t read Trophies which is the first one but will be doing so after reading Torment.
Torment actually works really well as a stand alone so don’t worry if like me you have’t read Trophies fist.
The Wakefield Trinity series follows DI Colin Strong and journalist Bob Souter.
I have to say I really love the combination of a detective and journalist working together to solve crimes. Both men respect each others position and even though it is quite risky for a detective to give information out to a journalist, Souter takes care to not let it get Strong into any trouble and uses any information given wisely. Also to be fair, Souter also helps Strong out with information.
The books are set in Yorkshire which I loved as a lot of the places mentioned in Wakefield and Leeds I could easily visualise with living in the area myself. It certainly made the whole story come alive in my head.
Souter isn’t your typical journalist. He maybe passionate about what he does as well as always on the look out for a new story, but he really cares. He comes across as being a very compassionate man who I know if real, I would certainly get on well with.
Strong is also very good at his job. To be fair at times I think he finds Souter a bit of a thorn in his side. Having someone in the know has Souter constantly ringing the detective in the hope of finding out new stories or leads and at times you can see Strong finds this frustrating.
Torment starts off with a disturbing message left on an answer phone which had me hooked straight from the start. It is packed full of criminal goings on that sees one investigation leading on to even more disturbing wrong doings. There is certainly no way you will ever get bored with this novel as it is jam packed full of gripping investigations that holds more than one or two surprises for the reader as well as Strong and Souter.
Many thanks to David Gilchrist from UK Crime Book Club for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Torment actually works really well as a stand alone so don’t worry if like me you have’t read Trophies fist.
The Wakefield Trinity series follows DI Colin Strong and journalist Bob Souter.
I have to say I really love the combination of a detective and journalist working together to solve crimes. Both men respect each others position and even though it is quite risky for a detective to give information out to a journalist, Souter takes care to not let it get Strong into any trouble and uses any information given wisely. Also to be fair, Souter also helps Strong out with information.
The books are set in Yorkshire which I loved as a lot of the places mentioned in Wakefield and Leeds I could easily visualise with living in the area myself. It certainly made the whole story come alive in my head.
Souter isn’t your typical journalist. He maybe passionate about what he does as well as always on the look out for a new story, but he really cares. He comes across as being a very compassionate man who I know if real, I would certainly get on well with.
Strong is also very good at his job. To be fair at times I think he finds Souter a bit of a thorn in his side. Having someone in the know has Souter constantly ringing the detective in the hope of finding out new stories or leads and at times you can see Strong finds this frustrating.
Torment starts off with a disturbing message left on an answer phone which had me hooked straight from the start. It is packed full of criminal goings on that sees one investigation leading on to even more disturbing wrong doings. There is certainly no way you will ever get bored with this novel as it is jam packed full of gripping investigations that holds more than one or two surprises for the reader as well as Strong and Souter.
Many thanks to David Gilchrist from UK Crime Book Club for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2018
Highly Recommended Reading
My full review will follow when I it is my turn on the blog tour - first week in November!
My full review will follow when I it is my turn on the blog tour - first week in November!
July 7, 2016
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for an ARC of Torment in return for an honest review.
Torment is the 2nd in the DCI Colin Strong series, the first being Trophies (which I have not read).
Synopsis:
A message left in error on a young woman’s answerphone sets off a chain of events unearthing a catalogue of dark and murky events: 3 missing women, stolen luxury cars and the mystery of 2 children missing since the 1980s. Torment brings Colin Strong and journalist Bob Soutar together as the race to solve the crimes is on.
I enjoyed the relationship between Strong and Soutar and thought that David Evans worked the characters well together, they complimented each other leading to a number of twists and turns in the tale as the plot develops. Both characters have their own ways of working but despite differences they combine to make a great team.
Chapters are short and punchy each one with a bit of a cliffhanger ending that entices the reader to want more.
I did struggle a bit with some of the procedural elements of the book, some areas were glossed over & I would have liked a little more depth and some I’m sure would actually never happen (but hey it’s fiction!)
Not having read the first book I felt a little disadvantaged in terms of nuances around relationships between characters but I’d say this book could still be read as a standalone
For me this book rates at a 3.5 and I’m interested in looking at the authors other work
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Torment is the 2nd in the DCI Colin Strong series, the first being Trophies (which I have not read).
Synopsis:
A message left in error on a young woman’s answerphone sets off a chain of events unearthing a catalogue of dark and murky events: 3 missing women, stolen luxury cars and the mystery of 2 children missing since the 1980s. Torment brings Colin Strong and journalist Bob Soutar together as the race to solve the crimes is on.
I enjoyed the relationship between Strong and Soutar and thought that David Evans worked the characters well together, they complimented each other leading to a number of twists and turns in the tale as the plot develops. Both characters have their own ways of working but despite differences they combine to make a great team.
Chapters are short and punchy each one with a bit of a cliffhanger ending that entices the reader to want more.
I did struggle a bit with some of the procedural elements of the book, some areas were glossed over & I would have liked a little more depth and some I’m sure would actually never happen (but hey it’s fiction!)
Not having read the first book I felt a little disadvantaged in terms of nuances around relationships between characters but I’d say this book could still be read as a standalone
For me this book rates at a 3.5 and I’m interested in looking at the authors other work
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You can hide these ads completely by upgrading to one of our paid plans.
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July 1, 2016
Torment by David Evans
What a great follow up to his debut novel “Trophies”, some great likeable characters in DCI Colin Strong and newspaperman Bob Souter. A complex multi stranded story of car theft, murder, people smuggling and more. The author pulls the strands together very well, leaving nothing unsolved. He is also the master of suspense ending a chapter at a key moment and with the reader wanting to know more. There are some very sad moments described very well and more light hearted ones too. I know its been said before, but this book is a real page turner and difficult to put down once started. I have loved both this authors books and am looking forward to his next. I think there is a bright future for him.
What a great follow up to his debut novel “Trophies”, some great likeable characters in DCI Colin Strong and newspaperman Bob Souter. A complex multi stranded story of car theft, murder, people smuggling and more. The author pulls the strands together very well, leaving nothing unsolved. He is also the master of suspense ending a chapter at a key moment and with the reader wanting to know more. There are some very sad moments described very well and more light hearted ones too. I know its been said before, but this book is a real page turner and difficult to put down once started. I have loved both this authors books and am looking forward to his next. I think there is a bright future for him.
July 7, 2016
3:5 -4 stars
I received a copy from Bloodhound Books for an honest review.
I hadn't read the previous book, read this quite well as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed the main characters, and the journalist starting out idea was great.
Short chapters, that were easy to read.
I do feel I'd have benefited from reading the previous book, that doesn't reflect in my rating.
A good solid book, that flowed well and had good twists.
I would read more from this author.
I received a copy from Bloodhound Books for an honest review.
I hadn't read the previous book, read this quite well as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed the main characters, and the journalist starting out idea was great.
Short chapters, that were easy to read.
I do feel I'd have benefited from reading the previous book, that doesn't reflect in my rating.
A good solid book, that flowed well and had good twists.
I would read more from this author.
August 4, 2016
Wow
Wow. I enjoyed this immensely. The characters were all excellent and believable. The stories were cleverly intertwined along with the characters. It was nice to have a Journalist working with the Police.
I would highly recommend this book to every crime fiction lover. Thank you David Evans for a CPID read.
Wow. I enjoyed this immensely. The characters were all excellent and believable. The stories were cleverly intertwined along with the characters. It was nice to have a Journalist working with the Police.
I would highly recommend this book to every crime fiction lover. Thank you David Evans for a CPID read.
July 11, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Even though this is the second book in the Wakefield series I enjoyed it and feel you can quite happily read it as a stand alone book. Although I am intrigued as to what happened in the first story 'Trophies'. I can definitely see me reading more from this author.
July 2, 2016
This series gets better and better, this one is more focussed on the leeds area, and again features a older case that links to modern events. The relationship between souter and strong develops well. This is a series thats going from strength to strength for me i can't wait to read book 3
March 1, 2022
An accidental fall, ghostly figures leads to serious crimes being investigated
A very complex story, one crime trail leads to another and then others to form a tangled web stretching back years.
A very complex story, one crime trail leads to another and then others to form a tangled web stretching back years.
October 21, 2018
Blog Tour coming in November
November 3, 2019
A telephone message sent to the wrong person started the story.
February 2, 2021
Very good read.
July 4, 2021
Torment
Best book so far throughly enjoyed the twist and turns great writer can’t wait for next in series well done
Best book so far throughly enjoyed the twist and turns great writer can’t wait for next in series well done
July 7, 2016
This is the second of 'The Wakefield Series’ trilogy by David Evans. In the first book of the series, 'Trophies', we met DI Colin Strong and his team members of the Wakefield CID – among which DS Kelly Stainmore and DC Luke Ormerod.
In the prologue we are set back in time – it’s the year 1989 and a man is disposing of a body – a female body he just had “shut up” as he calls it. He doesn’t feel any responsibility for what he has done and yet, he knows it’s wrong. We know because he lays her down “next to the other one” and panics thinking about being found in the vicinity of their lifeless bodies.
In 2000, Susan gets an unpleasant surprise when she checks her telephone messages upon entering her flat. As an aspiring journalist, Susan is curious enough to want to know what is behind the cryptic words and why they sound so sinister. It doesn’t take very long before the disappearance of Susan becomes a missing person enquiry. The case goes to Strong’s team, actually acting DCI Strong following the events from the first Wakefield detectives book ‘Trophies’.
The two lifelong friends Strong and journalist Souter again combine forces and dedicate themselves to the investigation. To make matters more complicated, some other young women are reported missing. The crimes keep on coming: luxury cars are being stolen, some local rogues seem to be involved and there is even talk of an Eastern European mob. When a nasty murder is committed, even more disturbing and dark crimes are discovered that lead the police from Wakefield to Leeds.
'Torment' is the second book of 'The Wakefield Series' and, although to be read as a stand-alone, I found it great to read the first book previously. The continuing line of characters is evolving as is the friendship between the two men, journalist Souter and policeman Strong. Where in the first book they had to reconnect and overcome some trust issues, in the second book we see the men cooperating and socializing.
And yet I felt like something was lacking. I think it is the personal life, that came more to live in the first book – and here somehow does not. 'Torment' is an enjoyable detective book with gripping plots and a dark mystery. I would recommend reading 'Trophies' before starting with 'Torment' but as I already said, it can be read as a stand-alone. Now we'll have to wait all summer long for David Evans' next book 'Talisman' - the third and final chapter of 'The Wakefield Series' - scheduled to be published this autumn of 2016.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/torment...
In the prologue we are set back in time – it’s the year 1989 and a man is disposing of a body – a female body he just had “shut up” as he calls it. He doesn’t feel any responsibility for what he has done and yet, he knows it’s wrong. We know because he lays her down “next to the other one” and panics thinking about being found in the vicinity of their lifeless bodies.
In 2000, Susan gets an unpleasant surprise when she checks her telephone messages upon entering her flat. As an aspiring journalist, Susan is curious enough to want to know what is behind the cryptic words and why they sound so sinister. It doesn’t take very long before the disappearance of Susan becomes a missing person enquiry. The case goes to Strong’s team, actually acting DCI Strong following the events from the first Wakefield detectives book ‘Trophies’.
The two lifelong friends Strong and journalist Souter again combine forces and dedicate themselves to the investigation. To make matters more complicated, some other young women are reported missing. The crimes keep on coming: luxury cars are being stolen, some local rogues seem to be involved and there is even talk of an Eastern European mob. When a nasty murder is committed, even more disturbing and dark crimes are discovered that lead the police from Wakefield to Leeds.
'Torment' is the second book of 'The Wakefield Series' and, although to be read as a stand-alone, I found it great to read the first book previously. The continuing line of characters is evolving as is the friendship between the two men, journalist Souter and policeman Strong. Where in the first book they had to reconnect and overcome some trust issues, in the second book we see the men cooperating and socializing.
And yet I felt like something was lacking. I think it is the personal life, that came more to live in the first book – and here somehow does not. 'Torment' is an enjoyable detective book with gripping plots and a dark mystery. I would recommend reading 'Trophies' before starting with 'Torment' but as I already said, it can be read as a stand-alone. Now we'll have to wait all summer long for David Evans' next book 'Talisman' - the third and final chapter of 'The Wakefield Series' - scheduled to be published this autumn of 2016.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/torment...
July 7, 2016
A Young woman, who is about to start a journalism course, receives a phone message on her answerphone this is obviously a misdialled number. She listens to it and manages to work out what it says, finds the address for the caller and waits outside for them to return home. From there she follows it thinking there must be a story involved so she follows a van up to secluded derelict farm. In order to get close, she goes into an out-building where the floor collapses and she falls through. A missing person report is filed and finally she is found. Whilst in the basement/cellar she hears two girls talking who say they are aged 8 and 10.
As it is Bob who found her he does some detective work to discover that the girls were abducted 10 years before and were never found. Investigations reveal that their bodies were hidden behind a secret wall, so who was talking to her?
Another strand to the story is about a girl who goes missing and her sister reports it. It appears that there are some things her sister didn't know especially that she worked in Sweet Sensations, a massage parlour. This leads them to the criminal world of people smuggling, car theft, number plate clones and kidnap.
A body is found in the boot of a car at the docks ready to be shipped from the UK. Turns out she is the missing girl.
The relationship between Souter and Strong goes back a long way. They respect each other's job and are keen not to jeopardise anything with sharing some information. This is an exciting read and has left me looking forward to his next book.
My thanks go to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 27, 2016
Torment- David Evans-5*
I’m not saying that I loved this book- but I didn’t want it to end! The story begins with a sort of an accident. Susan receives a message on her answerphone that isn’t for her. Being about to start a journalism course she decides to investigate further. One thing leads to another and she finds herself falling into a basement and seeing 2 young girls. Meanwhile an investigation of a different nature is taking place of high end vehicles stolen to order and missing women which in turn leads to potential trafficking and other crimes to be investigated.
As with Trophies this is such a well written book. Short punchy chapters that keep you turning again and again. Characters that you can relate to in realistic scenarios and personality types. I love Souter and his “nose” for that little bit of info that just might lead somewhere. One turn leading to another, never quite seeing where it will lead keeps you enthralled needing to know who, what, when, where, how and why.
Thank you for a wonderful read-can’t wait for book 3! (Talisman)
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
I’m not saying that I loved this book- but I didn’t want it to end! The story begins with a sort of an accident. Susan receives a message on her answerphone that isn’t for her. Being about to start a journalism course she decides to investigate further. One thing leads to another and she finds herself falling into a basement and seeing 2 young girls. Meanwhile an investigation of a different nature is taking place of high end vehicles stolen to order and missing women which in turn leads to potential trafficking and other crimes to be investigated.
As with Trophies this is such a well written book. Short punchy chapters that keep you turning again and again. Characters that you can relate to in realistic scenarios and personality types. I love Souter and his “nose” for that little bit of info that just might lead somewhere. One turn leading to another, never quite seeing where it will lead keeps you enthralled needing to know who, what, when, where, how and why.
Thank you for a wonderful read-can’t wait for book 3! (Talisman)
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
July 7, 2016
I would like to thank Betsy at Bloodhound Books and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
I read "Trophies", the first in this series, a few months ago and loved it. I always worry about a follow up in case I am disappointed. I was certainly not disappointed. This not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them!
Reading about DCI Colin Strong and journalist Bob Souter was like meeting up with old friends.
If you enjoy crime novels I would say this is a must read.
All I have left to say is get writing Mr Evans. I can't wait for book 3.
I read "Trophies", the first in this series, a few months ago and loved it. I always worry about a follow up in case I am disappointed. I was certainly not disappointed. This not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them!
Reading about DCI Colin Strong and journalist Bob Souter was like meeting up with old friends.
If you enjoy crime novels I would say this is a must read.
All I have left to say is get writing Mr Evans. I can't wait for book 3.
August 11, 2019
This second book builds on the characters set up in the first. Newly promoted to acting DCI, Strong's missing person investigation takes several different turns, leading him into a decidedly murky world.
His reporter friend, Bob Souter, becomes personally involved in both Strong's case and a separate hunt for a young teenage prostitute.
This is another solid police story, but there is a supernatural element to part of the story, which I thought a bit strange and somewhat unnecessary. Still, I enjoyed this tale and it's now on to the third in this series.
His reporter friend, Bob Souter, becomes personally involved in both Strong's case and a separate hunt for a young teenage prostitute.
This is another solid police story, but there is a supernatural element to part of the story, which I thought a bit strange and somewhat unnecessary. Still, I enjoyed this tale and it's now on to the third in this series.
July 3, 2016
I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of this second book in the DI Colin Strong series. Evans created friends and rivals in Strong and his friend Bob Souter, a journalist. in this two-theme story, Strong and Souter cross over each other's investigations, and Souter doesn't always share his information. Strong's patient, painstaking police work finally leads him towards the guilty parties, but he needs Souter's help to nail them. Cracking sequel!
July 7, 2016
An excellent follow on to Trophies,Torment leads us into the murky world of human trafficking and the sex trade.We meet again Colin Strong and Bob Souter and follow their friendship,careers and interaction.A book of many varied threads which are all explored and followed to their final conclusions leaving us the Reader looking for more ........
August 20, 2016
This is the second of the crime series by David Evans set in Wakefield and it is equally as good as its predecessor Trophies. The writing is of a high standard, the plot threads are engrossing and the main characters very well drawn. I very much look forward to the next book.
September 2, 2016
Not so hot.
I read and enjoyed the first in the series.This not so much.The sub plot of the two little girls was ridiculous with no real follow up of the why's and wherefores of that case. It all seemed rather clunky with the paranormal experience thrown in .
I read and enjoyed the first in the series.This not so much.The sub plot of the two little girls was ridiculous with no real follow up of the why's and wherefores of that case. It all seemed rather clunky with the paranormal experience thrown in .
August 16, 2016
Looking forward to the next book in this series. Plenty of twists and turns to keep your interest.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews