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The Badge and the Pen #1
Nemesis
The body count is rising…
When psychopath Daniel Moxley makes his escape while being escorted to Broadmoor high security prison, he sets off on a trail of bloody revenge, leaving police forces throughout the north of England floundering in his wake.
Moxley’s paranoia has him seemingly selecting victims at random.
The only thing they have in common is the gruesome nature of their killings.
Police, prison warders and even old ladies have been the target of Moxley’s cold-blooded murder spree.
When Detective Inspector Vinnie Palmer is assigned to the case, Moxley decides that he too must die, but not before he has led him from one blood-soaked scene to another.
Among his victims is Vinnie’s offsider, Detective Constable Rob Hill, who he discovers has his own dark and destructive secret that rips Vinnie’s life apart.
With the help of Moxley’s psychiatrist, Vinnie delves deep into the man’s criminal past and uncovers a history of corrupt police, sexual coercion and gaol brutality.
But when Vinnie closes in on Moxley and takes the law into his own hands, he ends up suspended and stripped of his police powers.
Determined not to let Moxley escape justice, Vinnie continues his pursuit of the maniac as a private citizen.
He teams up with determined television reporter Christine Jones and together they pursue Moxley north to Scotland and back again.
But the killer always seems to be one step ahead, leaving a trail mutilated bodies in his wake.
Lured on by Moxley’s taunts, Vinnie discovers that it is his own wife – a fellow police worker – who has been an unwitting aid in Moxley’s deadly deeds.
As a result, his suspension is lifted in time for him and Christine to gain full police support and finally confront Moxley in a terrifying final encounter.
But is it too late?
The action-packed and full of gruesome detail, Nemesis is Roger’s first story in the new Badge and the Pen series that features detective inspector Vinnie Palmer.
Roger A Price is a crime fighter turned crime writer who spent more than thirty-one years in the police force. He served across the UK, Europe and the Far East before retiring as a detective inspector in charge of a covert undercover drugs unit that achieved national acclaim.
When psychopath Daniel Moxley makes his escape while being escorted to Broadmoor high security prison, he sets off on a trail of bloody revenge, leaving police forces throughout the north of England floundering in his wake.
Moxley’s paranoia has him seemingly selecting victims at random.
The only thing they have in common is the gruesome nature of their killings.
Police, prison warders and even old ladies have been the target of Moxley’s cold-blooded murder spree.
When Detective Inspector Vinnie Palmer is assigned to the case, Moxley decides that he too must die, but not before he has led him from one blood-soaked scene to another.
Among his victims is Vinnie’s offsider, Detective Constable Rob Hill, who he discovers has his own dark and destructive secret that rips Vinnie’s life apart.
With the help of Moxley’s psychiatrist, Vinnie delves deep into the man’s criminal past and uncovers a history of corrupt police, sexual coercion and gaol brutality.
But when Vinnie closes in on Moxley and takes the law into his own hands, he ends up suspended and stripped of his police powers.
Determined not to let Moxley escape justice, Vinnie continues his pursuit of the maniac as a private citizen.
He teams up with determined television reporter Christine Jones and together they pursue Moxley north to Scotland and back again.
But the killer always seems to be one step ahead, leaving a trail mutilated bodies in his wake.
Lured on by Moxley’s taunts, Vinnie discovers that it is his own wife – a fellow police worker – who has been an unwitting aid in Moxley’s deadly deeds.
As a result, his suspension is lifted in time for him and Christine to gain full police support and finally confront Moxley in a terrifying final encounter.
But is it too late?
The action-packed and full of gruesome detail, Nemesis is Roger’s first story in the new Badge and the Pen series that features detective inspector Vinnie Palmer.
Roger A Price is a crime fighter turned crime writer who spent more than thirty-one years in the police force. He served across the UK, Europe and the Far East before retiring as a detective inspector in charge of a covert undercover drugs unit that achieved national acclaim.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2016
277 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Roger A. Price
17 books56 followersThe author is a retired detective inspector who had been in charge of a covert unit, which received national acclaim for its successes in engaging those who openly sold Class A drugs.
Prior to this, he’d been in charge of the C.I.D. at Preston, having first led a dedicated informant unit.
He also worked on murders, drugs squads, and the regional and national crime squads, often in covert roles across the UK, Europe, and the Far East, receiving several commendations.
A member of the Crime Writers' Association he now writes crime, thrillers - in novel - and drama scripts. He uses his previous professional experiences to add gritty realism. Represented by SMA Talent.
www.rogerapriceauthor.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 11, 2017
Roger A. Price manged to keep me reading from beginning to end without taking much of a break! I read this book in two sittings, even staying up most of last night to finish it! Detective Vinnie Palmer and TV reporter Christine Jones are on the trail of an escaped psychopath as he has leads them from one murder scene to another. As the pieces fit together and the frustrating chase to uncover the killer makes the conclusion very dramatic. The story line is incredibly believable, well developed, and riveting. One of the few in recent years where I could see the story developing around me like I was watching a movie.
February 15, 2017
Oh. My. God!!!!!
When Roger promised me a high body count, I can honestly admit that I was not expecting this!!!!
Nemesis is by far one of the most gruesome books I have read and I bloody (see what I did there?!) loved it!!!
We start with the torturous murder of a prison officer by an escaped prisoner and from there begins a brilliantly written game of cat and mouse. Moxley is the unhinged, sociopathic criminal on the run, leaving in his wake a trail of bodies and destruction for DI Vinnie Palmer and police forces across the North of England and Scotland at a loss as to who his next victim will be, or where they will find them.
I loved reading this one, it is clear that Roger is an ex-police officer, the procedural elements are so detailed, it's almost like reading the actual police procedural book!
The short chapters helped to keep the pace of the book going but it made it damn hard to put the book down! 'Just one more chapter' turned into six more and then it was a case of 'sod it! I'm reading till my eyes no longer work!!' and I finished it in two sittings. Roger's style of writing makes it very easy to read and with a plot that isn't so far fetched the story doesn't ring true, it is very, very easy to get lost in his words.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nemesis and I will be adding Roger's other two books, A New Menace and By Their Rules to my 2017 TBR pile! And I am so looking forward to the next book in the series Vengeance, which is due out mid-March!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Nemesis is gritty, raw and intelligent, you really need to read it folks!!!
When Roger promised me a high body count, I can honestly admit that I was not expecting this!!!!
Nemesis is by far one of the most gruesome books I have read and I bloody (see what I did there?!) loved it!!!
We start with the torturous murder of a prison officer by an escaped prisoner and from there begins a brilliantly written game of cat and mouse. Moxley is the unhinged, sociopathic criminal on the run, leaving in his wake a trail of bodies and destruction for DI Vinnie Palmer and police forces across the North of England and Scotland at a loss as to who his next victim will be, or where they will find them.
I loved reading this one, it is clear that Roger is an ex-police officer, the procedural elements are so detailed, it's almost like reading the actual police procedural book!
The short chapters helped to keep the pace of the book going but it made it damn hard to put the book down! 'Just one more chapter' turned into six more and then it was a case of 'sod it! I'm reading till my eyes no longer work!!' and I finished it in two sittings. Roger's style of writing makes it very easy to read and with a plot that isn't so far fetched the story doesn't ring true, it is very, very easy to get lost in his words.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nemesis and I will be adding Roger's other two books, A New Menace and By Their Rules to my 2017 TBR pile! And I am so looking forward to the next book in the series Vengeance, which is due out mid-March!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Nemesis is gritty, raw and intelligent, you really need to read it folks!!!
March 27, 2017
Once I picked this up I could not put it down!
I loved the violence in this (don't judge me!) and the way Moxley, Vinnie and Christine were written, the way their characters grew throughout the book and how the story weaves together.
Daniel Moxley is a psychopath who breaks out of prison and starts up another killing spree, kidnapping and torturing people he believes have wronged him before he kills them, his mistake, however, is to involve DI Vinnie Palmer by ringing him to taunt him.
Vinnie, along with Christine Jones, a tv reporter, work together to unravel the clues and find out where Moxley will turn up next and what his end game will be.
Gotta love police procedural books with lots of gruesome murders and well written main characters.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series to see what other psychopaths try to mess with Vinnie and Christine.
*Huge thanks to Roger A. Price, Endeavour Press and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
I loved the violence in this (don't judge me!) and the way Moxley, Vinnie and Christine were written, the way their characters grew throughout the book and how the story weaves together.
Daniel Moxley is a psychopath who breaks out of prison and starts up another killing spree, kidnapping and torturing people he believes have wronged him before he kills them, his mistake, however, is to involve DI Vinnie Palmer by ringing him to taunt him.
Vinnie, along with Christine Jones, a tv reporter, work together to unravel the clues and find out where Moxley will turn up next and what his end game will be.
Gotta love police procedural books with lots of gruesome murders and well written main characters.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series to see what other psychopaths try to mess with Vinnie and Christine.
*Huge thanks to Roger A. Price, Endeavour Press and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
July 7, 2019
This is the first Roger A Price book that I have read and certainly won't be the last. Psychopath David Moxley is on the run and on a vengeful killing spree with DI Vinnie Palmer on his tail. Moxley is not a man to forget people, and he easily makes enemies, including anybody that threatens his liberty. This has repercussions for Vinnie who is the deputy SIO in the hunt for Moxley, and the repercussions going to deeply impact on his personal life forever.
This is a shocking fast-paced crime thriller that illustrates the inexorable, merciless mind of a psychopathic killer who has no qualms about killing his friends to get what he wants and has for his enemies the most merciful act is to when releasing them from this mortal coil after a large portion of pain.
This is a shocking fast-paced crime thriller that illustrates the inexorable, merciless mind of a psychopathic killer who has no qualms about killing his friends to get what he wants and has for his enemies the most merciful act is to when releasing them from this mortal coil after a large portion of pain.
August 19, 2016
Detective Inspector Vinnie Palmer is assigned to a new case - when killer Daniel Moxley escapes from jail he is all out for revenge on all the people he considers to have wronged him. The story leads us from one revenge scene to the next. How many die before he can be caught, if he can. Its up to Palmer to stop him.
This is a easily read tale which I liked the style of, and a quick paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
A NetGalley Book
This is a easily read tale which I liked the style of, and a quick paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
A NetGalley Book
March 20, 2021
This is my second Roger A Price novel and it's a cracker of a tale. It's a cat and mouse thriller featuring DI Vinnie Palmer as the protagonist and Daniel Moxley, a psychopathic killer who escapes while being transferred to Broadmoor high security prison.
The thing I can say about Roger Price's books is that they are authentic. He was a serving officer and you can tell by the language used. However in this story, the psychological profiling of Moxley is excellent and demonstrates thorough research to create a chilling villain - almost as scary as Hannibal Lecter. That's quite a feat! Chapters tend to alternate between Moxley and Palmer until something happens about 3/4 of the way in. Then all bets are off. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I was blindsided and didn't know where the story was going from then on. Needless to say, Price brought it all together nicely with a good climax with Palmer (now suspended) and Christine (a reporter working with him).
It's a thrilling story and sets up Roger Price's new Pen and Badge series nicely. I look forward to reading book two.
Five black daggers for this chiller-thriller.
Thanks to Roger A Price for sending me the book in return for an honest review.
The thing I can say about Roger Price's books is that they are authentic. He was a serving officer and you can tell by the language used. However in this story, the psychological profiling of Moxley is excellent and demonstrates thorough research to create a chilling villain - almost as scary as Hannibal Lecter. That's quite a feat! Chapters tend to alternate between Moxley and Palmer until something happens about 3/4 of the way in. Then all bets are off. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I was blindsided and didn't know where the story was going from then on. Needless to say, Price brought it all together nicely with a good climax with Palmer (now suspended) and Christine (a reporter working with him).
It's a thrilling story and sets up Roger Price's new Pen and Badge series nicely. I look forward to reading book two.
Five black daggers for this chiller-thriller.
Thanks to Roger A Price for sending me the book in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
This is the first book featuring DI Vinnie Palmer and Christine Jones, reporter. I read the third book first but it meant that I was already familiar with these two characters. This book is a fast-paced story with believable characters and an unbelievable murderer who does terrible things to his victims, but also has Vinnie on his list as someone the killer has to 'teach a lesson' to – lessons which end up in death. The author obviously knows the areas of Manchester and Preston well so the setting is one that is authentic. I was completely gripped by this powerful story and found it hard to put down when I had to. I think Roger Price is a great writer and his stories made ever more powerful because he is a retired detective – he knows his stuff! The story holds you in suspense to the last.
June 30, 2017
This is such a fast paced book that it has your heart thumping from start to finish, brilliant characters brilliant story, Roger A Price is certainly a name to look for if you like gritty fast paced murder books.
August 27, 2017
This book was weirdly exciting, and intensely captivating. Daniel Moxely is what twisted dude. It seems that I've never read a story with a homosexual rapist and psychopath. The only thing that made me glad in the story was Jimmy getting away completely. He's the only character that truly lost everything and a true victim.
November 18, 2020
Awesome, Amazing
It iss a nail biting thriller. Wow. Simply Superb. Even though the criminal is already known to the readers, the way he eludes police and keeps on committing murders, certainly is spine chilling. This is a brilliant crime thriller.
It iss a nail biting thriller. Wow. Simply Superb. Even though the criminal is already known to the readers, the way he eludes police and keeps on committing murders, certainly is spine chilling. This is a brilliant crime thriller.
October 17, 2017
Read this in one day couldn't put it down! Great storyline, fast paced and believable. Loved the local references to the North West - keep writing Roger!
May 7, 2020
Another excellent read by crime writer Roger.
November 24, 2020
Hello Traffic Warden
I really enjoyed this book. The action was continuous, and was always unexpected. This is the first book I’ve read by Roger A Price, but won’t be my last.
I really enjoyed this book. The action was continuous, and was always unexpected. This is the first book I’ve read by Roger A Price, but won’t be my last.
November 29, 2020
Fast paced adventure
Kept me up most of the night. Learn more about psychopathic and enjoy a good read at the same time. Not for the faint-hearted. Enjoy!!
Kept me up most of the night. Learn more about psychopathic and enjoy a good read at the same time. Not for the faint-hearted. Enjoy!!
December 24, 2020
Very good
Interesting story line, strong characters with a few plot twists
here and there. I have never read this author before but look forward to his next book.
Interesting story line, strong characters with a few plot twists
here and there. I have never read this author before but look forward to his next book.
March 28, 2023
A real page turner
This story had many twists and turns. The slang was hard to understand, but you could mostly figure it out in context. I will definitely read more from this author.
This story had many twists and turns. The slang was hard to understand, but you could mostly figure it out in context. I will definitely read more from this author.
May 23, 2019
Terrific series starter,Liked the main Characters, cant wait to see where Roger takes them in future books.
November 19, 2020
Extraordinary !
It's been a long time since I read a book of this calibre. The approach, characters, the exhausting chases throughout this twisted tale is just a never-ending trek into the pit of evil that man is capable of becoming.
It's been a long time since I read a book of this calibre. The approach, characters, the exhausting chases throughout this twisted tale is just a never-ending trek into the pit of evil that man is capable of becoming.
February 12, 2018
This book had me gripped but towards the end I felt it dragged on, the characters were good. Would read another one by the same author
February 19, 2017
A page turner thoroughly enjoyed x
September 9, 2016
Thanks to the author/publisher/Netgalley for a digital copy in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this tense thriller. After the criminally insane Moxley escapes from prison, he sets to exact his revenge on all that have slighted him in the past, the hunt starts as Vinnie Palmer is placed on the case and a game of cat and mouse ensues. Written well, taut and fast paced.
I enjoyed this tense thriller. After the criminally insane Moxley escapes from prison, he sets to exact his revenge on all that have slighted him in the past, the hunt starts as Vinnie Palmer is placed on the case and a game of cat and mouse ensues. Written well, taut and fast paced.
September 25, 2016
Really good page turner. Excellent, can't wait for the next instalment.
March 31, 2017
WOW where do I start, this book is one of those that has been sitting on my pile for for far to long and I actually wish that I would of read it sooner.
With psychopath Daniel Moxley on the loose after escaping from Broadmoor high security prison. He sets off on one hell of a murder spree. Detective Vinne Palmer is on the case and even he doesn't know who the next victim is going to be. Vinnie teams up with up TV presenter Christine Jones on the hunt for the killer. With Moxley being one step of them, can they confront Moxley in one terrifying final encounter?
This book is action packed and fast pasted from start to finish. The author takes us on one terrifying journey where he describes some stomach turning scenes. Yes this book isn't for the fainthearted. But I do love a bit of gruesome in crime. It only seems right if the killer is labelled a psychopath. I actually found myself squirming and reading parts of this, with my one eye closed! talk about getting under my skin.
I love the use of short chapters and found myself flying through this story. Roger certainly knows his Police procedures, it is portrayed throughout the story.
This book would make a brilliant film and I cannot wait to read the next in series. I highly recommend it giving it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Roger A. Price for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
With psychopath Daniel Moxley on the loose after escaping from Broadmoor high security prison. He sets off on one hell of a murder spree. Detective Vinne Palmer is on the case and even he doesn't know who the next victim is going to be. Vinnie teams up with up TV presenter Christine Jones on the hunt for the killer. With Moxley being one step of them, can they confront Moxley in one terrifying final encounter?
This book is action packed and fast pasted from start to finish. The author takes us on one terrifying journey where he describes some stomach turning scenes. Yes this book isn't for the fainthearted. But I do love a bit of gruesome in crime. It only seems right if the killer is labelled a psychopath. I actually found myself squirming and reading parts of this, with my one eye closed! talk about getting under my skin.
I love the use of short chapters and found myself flying through this story. Roger certainly knows his Police procedures, it is portrayed throughout the story.
This book would make a brilliant film and I cannot wait to read the next in series. I highly recommend it giving it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Roger A. Price for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2018
Not too bad, bit slow in starting, but it did pick up pace, a little too much information and things that were totally unimportant, but an enjoyable, easy read.
November 20, 2020
Not recommended.
Ugh. Another book so badly in need of an editor. The author either needs a grammar lesson in the use of pronouns or his editors do. Also, way too many nonsensical descriptions, especially with the "action" scenes. There is no logical sense to some of these descriptions.
Either the timeline is unintentionally confusing (jumping back and forth between chapters), explained so poorly the reader can't follow it, or the editors didn't catch the continuity issues.
If it was meant as a procedural, it is a poor example of one; drawn out, boring, evident. There is no suspense, no excitement and, for me as the reader, no investment in any of the characters.
Finally, when are authors going to learn that readers do not need to be led by the hand about everything the characters are doing and thinking? Every thought, action, breath, emotion does not need to be described and explained.
I read a lot of books. Just within the last few months have I begun writing reviews. I will approach them in this manner going forward:
- in general, I will not summarize the plot
- I will base the foundation of my review on whether I would recommend the book to my friends
As an author myself, I learn from reading bad writing, skilled writing, and both professional and poor editing. But man, do I need to learn to put down the book if I find I'm slogging through it. I also need to learn if the book starts poorly, it is unlikely to get better no matter how much I hope it will. Time is too precious.
Ugh. Another book so badly in need of an editor. The author either needs a grammar lesson in the use of pronouns or his editors do. Also, way too many nonsensical descriptions, especially with the "action" scenes. There is no logical sense to some of these descriptions.
Either the timeline is unintentionally confusing (jumping back and forth between chapters), explained so poorly the reader can't follow it, or the editors didn't catch the continuity issues.
If it was meant as a procedural, it is a poor example of one; drawn out, boring, evident. There is no suspense, no excitement and, for me as the reader, no investment in any of the characters.
Finally, when are authors going to learn that readers do not need to be led by the hand about everything the characters are doing and thinking? Every thought, action, breath, emotion does not need to be described and explained.
I read a lot of books. Just within the last few months have I begun writing reviews. I will approach them in this manner going forward:
- in general, I will not summarize the plot
- I will base the foundation of my review on whether I would recommend the book to my friends
As an author myself, I learn from reading bad writing, skilled writing, and both professional and poor editing. But man, do I need to learn to put down the book if I find I'm slogging through it. I also need to learn if the book starts poorly, it is unlikely to get better no matter how much I hope it will. Time is too precious.
February 27, 2021
Nemesis, is first and foremost a gritty crime novel, crying out to be made into a prime time ITV crime drama. It is written with great pace, each chapter ending with a hook that keeps you reading through the multiple story lines. As DI Vinnie Palmer leads the pursuit of Daniel Moxley, an escaped murder who, for me, could only be played by Stephen Graham. The story however is also a psychological investigation of Moxley, a deranged psychopath, the cops trying to find him and his victims. As Palmer pursues Moxey he uncovers a web of corruption around him that eventually leads to a final satisfying showdown. Roger A Price has created an interesting and insightful character in Vinnie Palmer who is just the right mix of the modern technocrat policeman quoting the police codes of conduct and maverick risk taker who often gets things wrong. The novel is made all the more interesting by Roger being a former policeman. It makes you wonder the type of people he must have encountered!
June 12, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it was an excellent read. I’ve just bought the other two so I can follow on with the series. I have to say you get a lot of reading to get your teeth into with Rogers books too. Plenty of hours.
I must say, I warmed to the characters immediately, Vinnie and his boss Delaney, I thought they made a good team. I liked the support from Delaney which I’m sure is not always the case with bosses.
The story is grim, but I did enjoy the chase, all over the place! These sort of criminals shouldn’t be allowed to reside in prison, they should be hung. Moxley is a despicable creature, absolutely barking mad! No use to society whatsoever!
For once I thought the reporter was a good egg, as usually they can be a pain, and I think Vinnie and her could have a Good relationship, well we’ll see what happens in the next one.
I must say, I warmed to the characters immediately, Vinnie and his boss Delaney, I thought they made a good team. I liked the support from Delaney which I’m sure is not always the case with bosses.
The story is grim, but I did enjoy the chase, all over the place! These sort of criminals shouldn’t be allowed to reside in prison, they should be hung. Moxley is a despicable creature, absolutely barking mad! No use to society whatsoever!
For once I thought the reporter was a good egg, as usually they can be a pain, and I think Vinnie and her could have a Good relationship, well we’ll see what happens in the next one.
December 11, 2020
Fast-Paced, Hard core Entertainment!
A real page turner that doesn't let up to the end. Although a bit confusing at times, it would help if Price was more descriptive of his character's in order for readers to visualize them as memorable people.
A real page turner that doesn't let up to the end. Although a bit confusing at times, it would help if Price was more descriptive of his character's in order for readers to visualize them as memorable people.
July 21, 2021
Started off interesting, which earned it 2 stars instead of 1. Then it dragged, so much so I found myself skimming the last third. Not sure why I bothered. There’s no mystery-we know whodunnit, and it is obvious from page 1 how it will end.
January 29, 2025
Will they get him?
A brilliant but blood thirsty novel. Intriguing and captivating from the very start. Murder follows murder with some of the victims being a complete surprise. This is the first Roger A Price novel I’ve read but I’m game for another
A brilliant but blood thirsty novel. Intriguing and captivating from the very start. Murder follows murder with some of the victims being a complete surprise. This is the first Roger A Price novel I’ve read but I’m game for another
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews