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Alex Warren #1

Made a Killing

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Nobody sheds a tear when the body of Scott Stevenson, a local troublemaker, is found with an ivory tusk driven through his torso.

After DCI Alex Warren and his team are given the task of tracking down the killer, they investigate the numerous people Stevenson has harmed and stumble upon a web of crimes motivated by sex and greed. As the body count rises, they struggle to close the case before more lives are lost.

First book in the Scottish crime series by Zach Abrams, Made A Killing is a fast-moving, gripping crime novel set in the tough, crime-ridden streets of Glasgow.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

1320 people are currently reading
848 people want to read

About the author

Zach Abrams

21 books143 followers

Having the background of a successful career in commerce and finance, Zach Abrams has spent many years writing reports, letters and presentations and it's only fairly recently he started writing novels. "It's a more honourable type of fiction," he declares.

His first novel 'Ring Fenced' was published in November 2011. This is a crime story with a difference, following one man's obsession with power and control.

After this he collaborated with Elly Grant to produce 'Twists and Turns' a book of short stories.

Zach's next novel, 'Made a Killing', is the first book in the Alex Warren series. It follows the investigation after the killing of a much hated criminal where an elephant tusk was used as the murder weapon was. This has been followed by 'A Measure of Trouble' where Alex's team are seeking the murderer of a CEO killed within the cask room of his whisky distillery. The third was published on 31 March 2015, 'Written to Death,' deals with a mysterious death during a writers' group meeting. - These are fast moving, gripping novels set in the tough crime-ridden streets of Glasgow.

Zach's quirky thriller, 'Source- A Fast Paced Financial Crime Thriller' has three investigative journalists travelling across the UK, Spain and France as they research corruption and sabotage in the banking sector while trying to cope with their own fraught personal lives.

@Offender of teh Faith' is the fourth Alex Warren Mystery and then '133 Hours' - a claustrophobic, psychological thriller is being launched in January 2020.

Alike his central character in 'Ring Fenced,' (Bemjamin Short), Zach Abrams completed his education in Scotland and went on to a career in accountancy, business and finance. He is married with two children. He plays no instruments but has an eclectic taste in music, although not as obsessive as Benjamin. Unlike Benjamin, he does not maintain mistresses, write pornography and (sadly) he does not have ownership of such a company. He is not a sociopath (at least by his own reckoning) and all versions of his life are aware of and freely communicate with each other.

More in keeping with 'Alex Warren', Zach was raised in Glasgow and has spent many years working in Central Scotland.

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5 stars
683 (38%)
4 stars
592 (33%)
3 stars
363 (20%)
2 stars
99 (5%)
1 star
34 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Jina Bazzar.
Author 37 books139 followers
June 25, 2020
4.5/5 Gritty, dark and enticing.
This is not my usual cup of tea, or coffee, but sometimes when I'm in the mood for change, I head off to the mystery/suspense area. Sometimes, I pick up a police/detective book.
This one was a mystery / crime and police procedural read, with a touch of humor and the required guess-who-did-it kind of book, and it was done exceptionally well.
The story opens up with a murder investigation, with the dead being the bad guy, killed with an antique elephant tusk. So the bad guy is dead, and from the beginning, we're wondering if the good guy will turn out to be the murderer.
The story line was gritty, sometimes a little dark, covering heavy topics such as blackmail, prostitution, detailed murder crimes and gore – real stuff real police see a lot in real life; sprinkled every now and then with a romance trying to bud (emphasis on trying), some office humor and family bonding.
I enjoyed the dynamics between the investigative team and the way they were thorough and methodical with the evidence gathering, how things didn't 'conveniently' fall on their laps and make life easier.
I did have a suspicion halfway through about the killer; I knew it would be someone I wasn't expecting, and I was right, but the killer? I was still surprised.
All in all, it was a great read!
Profile Image for Stephen Clynes.
665 reviews40 followers
January 20, 2014
Follow DCI Alex Warren and his team as they try to catch a murderer in Glasgow. This is a typical crime thriller done in the style of the successful television series The Bill. This novel is not just about the solving of a murder but also the lives of the many characters involved. Zach's character development is very good and I liked the lead character Alex.

I enjoyed reading this novel as there was plenty of detail and a good plot. I liked the feel of the story and it developed into a very entertaining read. The mix of police work and everyday life worked very well, making this tale realistic. I liked the way Zach suggested to the reader who the main suspect was as the story progressed. The ending was a surprise until the murderer filled in the blanks.

I think Made a Killing is a good book which I will vote 4 stars and I like Zach's style of writing. He is an author to watch and I look forward to his next book.
Profile Image for Linden.
2,147 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2021
Scottish DCI Alex Warren is summoned to the scene of a murder. Stevenson, an antique dealer and blackmailer, has been found dead. So many people hated Stevenson that the suspect list seems endless. Was it someone he conned to sell their valuables at a pittance then resold and made a huge profit? Or maybe someone he was blackmailing? Alex has his own problems with his two adolescent sons and a somewhat obnoxious ex-wife, but he and his team are determined to solve the case. Recommended for fans of the Tartan Noir genre.
Profile Image for Barbara Ford.
74 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2024
Glasgow murder mystery.

First one I have read of Zach Abrams and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, with it's twists and turns. A murder takes place in Glasgow of an antiques dealer and the murder squad steps up to investigate. As the enquiries progress, blackmail rears it's ugly head, of high profile judges, police, etc., both male and female, who have been caught in a honey trap. So, which of the blackmailed persons is the murderer? ................
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,837 reviews41 followers
August 14, 2018
Meh...

3 stars

It’s November in Glasgow and DCI Alex Warren and Sergeant Sandra McKinnon attend a murder scene. He sees that the victim in one Scott Stevenson. He is upset that it is Mr. Stevenson for the question is not who would want to kill him, but rather who wouldn’t? For Warren too is happy to see him dead. Stevenson has an ivory tusk driven into his chest. Stevenson bilked people, especially the elderly, out of their money by selling scam investments or just stealing their antiques. Oh, he always had the correct paperwork, the smarmy dude.

The investigation begins. While searching Stevenson’s home, Alex happens upon some pictures of people in compromising positions obviously taken on the sneak. Stevenson was also apparently into a little blackmail – more reason for someone to want him dead. He was also cooking his account books and was involved in money laundering.

The team interviews several people with gaining any solid leads or suspects. When another double murder takes place, it appears to have the same characteristics as Stevenson’s murder. The murderer is escalating.

The identity of the murderer comes as a real surprise – at least to me. I never even considered that person.

This is a fairly well written and plotted book. It does, however, have a tendency to wander a little bit. I liked Alex and Sandra and the rest of the team. But I didn’t care for the relationship between Alex and Sandra. How cliché! And an abuse of power. In my book I don’t care if the attraction is there, it’s a plain abuse of one’s position for a senior officer to have a romantic relationship with a subordinate officer.

Not sure if I’ll read the next Zach Abrams novel.
25 reviews
November 27, 2018
Pretty typical police procedural, structurally. Fairly plodding overall. Characters pretty standard, nobody really stood out, no real guile or insightfulness in either the criminals or the police. Every person of interest starts out with bravado, then is quickly smacked down with police revelations into cowering and shamed-faced confession. The sideline of the handsy investigator didn't seem to fit into the story; not clear why that was there. The Alex/Sandra "relationship" was telegraphed early on and clumsily handled -- there didn't seem to be much chemistry between them, and the teases where their much-desired consummation was delayed, again, just seemed too obvious. Didn't find the writing to be very interesting; seemed clumsy and workmanlike -- lots of little details that didn't seem to add insight. Just sort of ran out of interest after a while, and skimmed to the end. Was the loose end Black ever tied up? Did Sandra and Alex ever get it on? I may never know...
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 79 books300 followers
August 23, 2020
"Curate's egg"

I thought I was onto a winner in the opening chapters, but then the murder was sidelined and it became a family drama. Days out with the kids, descriptions of football matches, all detracted from my pursuit of finding out who killed the obnoxious Stevenson. The crime itself was well-handled, and the writing style was good. All in all, it was like the curate's egg - good in parts.
1 review
August 29, 2018
This was awful, missing all of the things a great novel in genre needs, action, suspects, investigation....a plot.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,354 reviews73 followers
February 10, 2019
Made A Killing is book one in the Alex Warren Murder Mysteries series by Zach Abrams. DCI Alex Warren and caught a case of investigating the death of Scott Stevenson. DCI Alex Warren was not happy to assign the murder case of finding the killer of Scott Stevenson he quietly believes that the killer is a hero. However, DCI Alex Warren is a professional that allows him to continue to investigate Scott Stevenson. The readers of Made A Killing will follow the twist and turns in DCI Alex Warren and his team investigation into the murder of Scott Stevenson.

Made A Killing is the first book I have read of Zach Abrams, and I enjoyed the plot and the characters of this book. I like Zach Abrams portrayal of his characters and the way they interacted with each other. Made Killing is the first in the Alex Warren Murder Mysteries series, and I will read other books in this series. Zach Abrams did a fantastic job in describing his settings of Made A Killing to ensure the readers feel engage with the plot. Made A Killing is well written and researched by Zach Abrams.

Readers of Made A Killing will learn the importance of Internet Security and the protection of your personal information. Also, the readers will learn about law enforcement murder investigation in Scotland.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for AngryGreyCat.
1,500 reviews39 followers
September 16, 2018
Made a Killing by Zack Abrams is a UK based mystery. The case is centered on a thoroughly despicable victim who is involved in blackmail with a side line of elder fraud. Alex Warren, a divorced police officer is in charge of the case and is somewhat concerned about his own personal connection to the victim. The case proceeds along gathering other murders and break ins after the fact. Alex sifts through the possible blackmail victims to catch a clue to the murderer’s identity before more bodies pile up. There is a side plot involving Alex’s personal life, the relationship with his ex-wife and children, and his new romantic interest. Again , I had difficulty getting immersed in the story and felt the characters were somewhat shallowly drawn. Another okay mystery read.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 105 books368 followers
June 4, 2022
When Alex Warren heads to the scene of a murder of an antique dealer, things are heated up because so many people disliked the man. This is a good story by an author who seems to know a lot about police work and writes a tale of murder and mystery that is a good one to grab.
Profile Image for Sam.
20 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2018
A good mystery

A great read base in Scotland.
Very entertaining, well presented, well written.
I highly recommend this book for all mystery enthusiasts.
Profile Image for Brenda Perlin.
Author 14 books175 followers
April 19, 2013
Made a Killing is a suspenseful detective story with a murderous plot. The characters were realistic and some likable. From the first page I was pulled in. It was an enjoyable read that was like a roller-coaster thrill ride. The writing was clear and easy to follow. It was packed with excitement, action and even a bit of romance. I am excited for the next installment. This book is an intriguing escape. It was dark but not too dark. As a reader I enjoyed every twist and turn.


"Tears were now streaming down Carol's cheeks and soaking into her sweater making the fabric even more transparent than it had been earlier. Alex was experienced enough to tell it wasn't an act and that the girl was just incredibly naive. Although less sexy, Alex found her vulnerability more appealing and actually felt some sympathy for her."
Profile Image for Robert Bordas.
Author 1 book4 followers
December 27, 2012
The very refreshing style of Zach Abrams keeps you fascinated from the first page of this mystery until the end and beyond. Masterly carved, live characters, smoothly flowing storyline with nice twists direct you to the final revelation. The delicate, often pun-based humor appropriately spices the story. The setting is made authentic not only by the author’s Glasgow upbringing but his ability to visualize the grey, gloomy Scottish November that is a perfect setting for this whodunnit.

Mr. Abrams will make a killing with his mystery and I would not be surprised if this became the first part of a series. I suspect Alex Warren, the DCI of the story, could be well the next Taggart… Until then I am looking forward to reading “Ring Fenced” from the same author.
Profile Image for A.J. Griffiths-Jones.
Author 33 books72 followers
October 30, 2017
This is a well-written & enticing detective novel, which kept me guessing until the last chapter. There were plenty of added extras, in the form of romance & personal life, although at times I did find the narrative over-descriptive in detail. I will definitely be reading more from this author as his knowledge of police procedure is accurate & the storyline of this book was very convincing.
Profile Image for Lee Holz.
Author 18 books102 followers
March 5, 2014
Made a Killing is a classic police procedural in the best British, in this case Scottish, tradition. The plotting is crisp and believable, as is the dialogue. The characters are interesting and engaging. All in all, this was a high enjoyable read.
97 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2018
Long winded

I didn't read the entire book. Quite long and tedious. Why would I care about a long long long drawn out play by play weekend with a detective and his two sons. Holy mackerel. The ending was okay. But it was a long time coming.
304 reviews
March 26, 2021
DNF didnt like the style of writing. Felt like the author was talking to a 9yr old
1,256 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2025
DCI Alex Warren is called out to an antique emporium run by Scott Stevenson, who will no longer be running his antique business as he has a large ivory tusk rammed through his chest. On digging some more into his background he finds that he runs an oline site where men are paying to watch young girls having sex with their clients, and there a lot of clients... They begin tracking down the young girls involved and their gentlemen friends, and some of the latter aren't going to be pleased to receive a knock on their doors asking them about their private practices with young girls.

The killer is certainly good at his job as he is now targetting the men in the videos and he's leaving no traces at the scenes. Alex is having his work cut out trying to pin this guy down, but they begin to get some breaks in the case as his staff are now identifying the punters and their bed partners, and the men are getting very worried as a number of them are in prominent public lives.

The story line was good but it sort of lacked any 'oomph' and Warren himself is not that amazing sort of guy, you feel the book plodding along, I wasn't really connecting with the story although on paper it looked good but just wasn't holding my interest that well, I suppose it would have been better if both Alex and his next in line officer Sandra were a little less boring, the latter I really didn't care for at all, she was just a nuisance, now his ex-wife was much more interesting and less "needy" than boring Sandra!
Profile Image for Michele Northwood.
Author 22 books41 followers
August 22, 2020
Made a killing: Zach Abrams

I was fortunate enough to win this novel in a competition and it kept me guessing until the last page. This is the second book that I have read by this author and it didn´t disappoint. It is a well-written, detective novel based in Glasgow. After a particularly seedy character, is found dead, DCI Alex Warren and his sidekick, Sandra McKinnon are on the case. After a second murder is connected to the first through blackmail and money laundering, the detectives have to find the killer before he strikes again. There were a few red herrings to throw the reader off the scent, and sub-plots to make the story and the characters more realistic and believable. For example, Alex’s personal life plays havoc with his budding romance, and as we become aware of the reasons for the blackmail, we discover an entire can of squirming worms. This was an ending that I didn´t see coming. A good read.
Profile Image for Amy Jarrell.
3 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2023
Looking forward to more by this author

I have to say I quite enjoyed this book. Unfortunately there was a little bit of telegraphing some of the ending, but the particular events were unexpected. The author is good with detail, but not excessive about it, so you can form a picture in your head, but you don't have to read exhaustive descriptions. There was a loose end left untied which is a bit frustrating, but perhaps it will show up in a future book in the series. I fully intend to read the rest of the books in the series. It was that good! The characters are believable and likable, with enough imperfections to keep them believable. There is a side plot I quite liked, especially how it worked out. If you're trying to decide whether to read this book, I highly encourage you to do so. I'm off to read Book 2!
Profile Image for Berk Rourke.
378 reviews
April 11, 2019
The main character in this novel, Alex Warren, and his sergeant, Sandra, can't seem to get it together despite wanting to, even while engaged in investigating a series of murders together. It was pretty easy to see that one coming, not so with the final results of the investigation. I liked the story line, I liked the characters though I thought they could stand a little more flesh, but I didn't like what I thought was excessive descriptions of almost everything, including the names and numbers of the highways. I normally give five stars to any book I like. The descriptions were too distracting for me to give that award here. But I have bought two more of this authors Alex Warren stories. I hope for better.
Profile Image for Robert Bordas.
Author 7 books10 followers
July 21, 2022
The very refreshing style of Zach Abrams keeps you fascinated from the first page of this mystery until the end and beyond. Masterly carved, live characters, smoothly flowing storyline with nice twists direct you to the final revelation. The delicate, often pun-based humor appropriately spices the story. The setting is made authentic not only by the author’s Glasgow upbringing but his ability to visualize the grey, gloomy Scottish November that is a perfect setting for this whodunnit.

Mr. Abrams will make a killing with his mystery and I would not be surprised if this became the first part of a series. I suspect Alex Warren, the DCI of the story, could be well the next Taggart… Until then I am looking forward to reading “Ring Fenced” from the same author.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,350 reviews17 followers
July 22, 2018
A murder has been committed, and everyone seems glad that the victim is dead, including the head of the investigating team, Alex Warren. The reader follows the team during their minute collecting of proof, unraveling mysteries, and dealing with their own private problems.
Great start to a series I think am going to like very much. Very realistic and sympathetic characters, struggling with their own problems and prejudices, a great plot with twists and turns, and a very captivating narration style make this a great "whodunit" which kept me glued to the pages until the end.
More please!
38 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2024
OK but not brilliant

I love tartan noir and was excited to find an author I hadn't read before. The plot was good, but something about the writing style didn't work for me. There was the, almost, mandatory senior Policeman with a failed marriage, the brilliant, beautiful female sergeant and the misogynist older officer. It's a well used formula. Maybe I just didn't like Alex, the main character. I've got the second book in my kindle library, but I'll read something else first. I suspect book 2 will be the test as to whether I read any more in the series.
Profile Image for Isobel Blackthorn.
Author 52 books178 followers
September 24, 2019
DCI Alex Warren is thirty-something going on forty, solving the murder of Scott Stevenson, a robber, cheat and con-artist Warren would rather see dead. Stevenson’s life was ended by the pointy end of a carved elephant tusk. Set in Glasgow, Made a Killing has a strong downbeat, downtrodden vibe, not quite noir but heading that way. Good plotting with lots of twists and turns, and strong characterisation hold the attention. The editing could be sharper. In all a solid detective mystery.
Profile Image for Dr. Pj Forrest.
194 reviews
February 4, 2020
Great Mystery

A 4 is as high as I give a novel unless it’s Agatha Christie level, but a 4 can still be a rip roaring good mystery, which this is. It is a police procedural (Police Scotland) but it gives the best description of police working together I’ve ever seen. The plot is interesting, takes good police work to solve and the characters are well drawn and interesting. And there is the bringing down of an office sexual perv as a bit of lagniappe!
1,769 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2022
Made a Killing

Zach Abrams is a high caliber mystery writer bringing his A game through his humanity in the characters that strive to make things right in the world around them and those who threaten our very core of humanity. Between the mystery intrigue violence and lowest of the low life his stories seem to carry a ring of truth and justice as well. Acquire " Made a Killing " today for hours of hard core mystery entertainment. Kat
Profile Image for Andre Walter.
87 reviews
April 15, 2022
If you think you have this "whodunnit" solved around halfway through; you are wrong and the twist in the tail at the end is simply brilliant. It is almost a 'Whaaaaaat" kind of moment and you think where did that come from and then thinking back the subtle hints were there.
The interaction of DCI Alex Warren's team is well described and that is something that I like in a story, they are after all human as well.
Recommended for an easy read.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,117 reviews19 followers
August 4, 2022
Judges and other big names had pictures taken while having sex and other sexual actives with other college girls and others. Hence it was not known to later that someone had been filming them and taking pictures of these activites. Along comes the blackmailing of them. Some paid the price for silence to keep the photos quiet, some refused to pay the money. People started dying then .Took plice some deep investigations to try to solve who the blackmailer was.
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