What do you think?
Rate this book
When Good Men Do Nothing
What connects a contract killer, international terrorists and a single mother from Brighton?Detective Sergeant Rob Steele is Sussex Police's only Firearms Positioning Forensics expert, a unusual and highly sought after skill. Rarely does he have to use those skills in Brighton, but when a body is found bearing all the hallmarks of a professional execution, Steele is brought in to run the investigation with his team, Karl, a small but bullish Scotsman with a genius for detective work, and Nat, a sharp, street-smart detective with complicated feelings for the widowed Steele.What begins as a murder investigation, however, swiftly becomes far more complicated as MI6 become involved, and soon Steele and his MI6 counterpart, Merrington, are battling to hunt down a group of terrorists hell bent on turning Brighton into bloodbath of horrifying proportions.Thus begins a race against time as Steele and his team fight for their very lives as they do everything in their power to prevent the worst from happening to the City they love. Thrown into the mix is an innocent young woman, caught up in events beyond her control as her life hangs by a thread, her only hope of survival the same officers already trying to prevent a terrorist plot.Will they succeed, or will the terrorists achieve their goals and leave the police to pick up the pieces of a devastated city?There's only one way to find out...When Good Men Do Nothing twists, turns and pulls out the big guns. Strong characters, punchy dialogue and edge of your seat action combine to make this a book you literally won't be able to put down.
- GenresThriller
442 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2012
8 people are currently reading
83 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 18, 2014
Paul Grzegorzek self-published his first book The Follow which I recently read and absolutely loved. It was a brilliant debut and I was really looking forward to getting stuck into book 2. IN this book we meet Detective Sergeant Rob Steele who is the only bloke in Sussex who is a specialist in Firearms Positioning. He’s called into an investigation where a body is found and it looks like a professional job. The first few chapters waste no time in throwing you straight into the deep end of the crime scene and we meet his two colleagues on the case with him, Karl and Nat.
Pretty soon the standard murder investigation jumps up a notch when MI6 get involved. An MI6 agent Merrington becomes part of the team and the standard murder case starts to become a lot more serious when they try to hunt down terrorists. With Paul’s first book I really liked the lead main character Gareth Bell and was disappointed that I wouldn’t see him again in this book. Well, that was until I started reading about Rob Steele. He’s a brilliant character and although the book is really fast paced and the storyline brilliant, the lead character is what made it for me. Although the book has a serious theme and there are many tense moments where you start to edge towards the end of your seat (well I do anyway), Rob Steele has these genius flashes of dark humour which pop up throughout the book. There is a particular part in the book where Rob Steel has a bit of a wind up with his colleague Nat where he mentions the Peter James ‘Dead’ books. If you have read Peter James and this series in particular it will make you laugh, I thought it was legendary!
The second half of the book I had to do in one sitting as I couldn’t bear to wait and see what happened. Plenty of action, last minute plot twists and enough danger to shake a stick at. How Paul Grzegorzek has not been snapped up by a Publisher is beyond me. This is his second book and it’s and absolute blinder. His books are like a cross between a Peter James and a Simon Kernick, if you get where I’m going with that description. The fact that this book is available on Amazon Kindle for less than £2/$3 means it would be a crime not to buy yourself a copy. Once again I was blown away by how good this book was. I can only hope that next time I read one of his books it’s because his publisher has sent me an early review copy. A highly recommended read!
Pretty soon the standard murder investigation jumps up a notch when MI6 get involved. An MI6 agent Merrington becomes part of the team and the standard murder case starts to become a lot more serious when they try to hunt down terrorists. With Paul’s first book I really liked the lead main character Gareth Bell and was disappointed that I wouldn’t see him again in this book. Well, that was until I started reading about Rob Steele. He’s a brilliant character and although the book is really fast paced and the storyline brilliant, the lead character is what made it for me. Although the book has a serious theme and there are many tense moments where you start to edge towards the end of your seat (well I do anyway), Rob Steele has these genius flashes of dark humour which pop up throughout the book. There is a particular part in the book where Rob Steel has a bit of a wind up with his colleague Nat where he mentions the Peter James ‘Dead’ books. If you have read Peter James and this series in particular it will make you laugh, I thought it was legendary!
The second half of the book I had to do in one sitting as I couldn’t bear to wait and see what happened. Plenty of action, last minute plot twists and enough danger to shake a stick at. How Paul Grzegorzek has not been snapped up by a Publisher is beyond me. This is his second book and it’s and absolute blinder. His books are like a cross between a Peter James and a Simon Kernick, if you get where I’m going with that description. The fact that this book is available on Amazon Kindle for less than £2/$3 means it would be a crime not to buy yourself a copy. Once again I was blown away by how good this book was. I can only hope that next time I read one of his books it’s because his publisher has sent me an early review copy. A highly recommended read!
February 11, 2013
"When Good Men Do Nothing," UK crime writer Paul Grzegorzek's latest novel, opens with the blind date from hell, the secretive MI6, a pile of murders, a booby-trapped boat, government manipulation of the news and enough technical crime scene jargon to satisfy the most hardcore CSI fan.
And that's just in the first 100 pages. The rest of the novel fleshes out a terrorist conspiracy brought to light after an assassin goes on a killing spree.
As I noted in my review of Grzegorzek's fine debut, "The Follow," the plot is framed by the author's experiences in UK law enforcement. They pad the story in this novel, too, lending an air of realism that can't be faked.
However, as anyone in law enforcement would tell you, that type of job consists of crushing boredom punctuated by brief bouts of terror. Fortunately, Grzegorzek wears his writer hat for most of "When Good Men Do Nothing." The chapters are short, the plot moves quickly, the action is constant and the mystery grows another leg whenever things look certain.
Outside of the terse plot, Grzegorzek continues the gruff cadence he introduced through Constable Gareth Bell in "The Follow." Grzegorzek gives us Detective Sergeant Rob Steele this time around, although he's hardly different from Bell. There's the gallows humor, the rough treatment of low lifes, the air of invincibility and other similarities.
It had me wondering why Grzegorzek didn't just turn Bell into a recurring character. "When Good Men Do Nothing" could easily have been a prequel or sequel to "The Follow," or at least been branded as part of a series within Grzegorzek's universe.
That's the writer in me thinking here. The reader enjoyed Grzegorzek's sense of dark humor, such as this passage from the beginning of chapter 18.
"Justin Evans was a cross between a garden gnome and something you'd wipe off your shoe before you got in the car."
I cracked a grin at that one and several others. It's part of the reason I enjoyed "When Good Men Do Nothing." I think you will, too.
And that's just in the first 100 pages. The rest of the novel fleshes out a terrorist conspiracy brought to light after an assassin goes on a killing spree.
As I noted in my review of Grzegorzek's fine debut, "The Follow," the plot is framed by the author's experiences in UK law enforcement. They pad the story in this novel, too, lending an air of realism that can't be faked.
However, as anyone in law enforcement would tell you, that type of job consists of crushing boredom punctuated by brief bouts of terror. Fortunately, Grzegorzek wears his writer hat for most of "When Good Men Do Nothing." The chapters are short, the plot moves quickly, the action is constant and the mystery grows another leg whenever things look certain.
Outside of the terse plot, Grzegorzek continues the gruff cadence he introduced through Constable Gareth Bell in "The Follow." Grzegorzek gives us Detective Sergeant Rob Steele this time around, although he's hardly different from Bell. There's the gallows humor, the rough treatment of low lifes, the air of invincibility and other similarities.
It had me wondering why Grzegorzek didn't just turn Bell into a recurring character. "When Good Men Do Nothing" could easily have been a prequel or sequel to "The Follow," or at least been branded as part of a series within Grzegorzek's universe.
That's the writer in me thinking here. The reader enjoyed Grzegorzek's sense of dark humor, such as this passage from the beginning of chapter 18.
"Justin Evans was a cross between a garden gnome and something you'd wipe off your shoe before you got in the car."
I cracked a grin at that one and several others. It's part of the reason I enjoyed "When Good Men Do Nothing." I think you will, too.
February 2, 2014
As soon as I picked it up I was unable to put it down!
The story line will keep you on the edge of your seat, and I just wanted to read and read to see what was happening next.
What more can i say other than i really did enjoy this book. And look forward to reading more by this author.
What connects a contract killer, international terrorists and a single mother from Brighton?
Detective Sergeant Rob Steele is Sussex Police's only Firearms Positioning Forensics expert, a unusual and highly sought after skill. Rarely does he have to use those skills in Brighton, but when a body is found bearing all the hallmarks of a professional execution, Steele is brought in to run the investigation with his team, Karl, a small but bullish Scotsman with a genius for detective work, and Nat, a sharp, street-smart detective with complicated feelings for the widowed Steele.
What begins as a murder investigation, however, swiftly becomes far more complicated as MI6 become involved, and soon Steele and his MI6 counterpart, Merrington, are battling to hunt down a group of terrorists hell bent on turning Brighton into bloodbath of horrifying proportions.
Thus begins a race against time as Steele and his team fight for their very lives as they do everything in their power to prevent the worst from happening to the City they love. Thrown into the mix is an innocent young woman, caught up in events beyond her control as her life hangs by a thread, her only hope of survival the same officers already trying to prevent a terrorist plot.
Will they succeed, or will the terrorists achieve their goals and leave the police to pick up the pieces of a devastated city?
There's only one way to find out...
When Good Men Do Nothing twists, turns and pulls out the big guns. Strong characters, punchy dialogue and edge of your seat action combine to make this a book you literally won't be able to put down.
The story line will keep you on the edge of your seat, and I just wanted to read and read to see what was happening next.
What more can i say other than i really did enjoy this book. And look forward to reading more by this author.
What connects a contract killer, international terrorists and a single mother from Brighton?
Detective Sergeant Rob Steele is Sussex Police's only Firearms Positioning Forensics expert, a unusual and highly sought after skill. Rarely does he have to use those skills in Brighton, but when a body is found bearing all the hallmarks of a professional execution, Steele is brought in to run the investigation with his team, Karl, a small but bullish Scotsman with a genius for detective work, and Nat, a sharp, street-smart detective with complicated feelings for the widowed Steele.
What begins as a murder investigation, however, swiftly becomes far more complicated as MI6 become involved, and soon Steele and his MI6 counterpart, Merrington, are battling to hunt down a group of terrorists hell bent on turning Brighton into bloodbath of horrifying proportions.
Thus begins a race against time as Steele and his team fight for their very lives as they do everything in their power to prevent the worst from happening to the City they love. Thrown into the mix is an innocent young woman, caught up in events beyond her control as her life hangs by a thread, her only hope of survival the same officers already trying to prevent a terrorist plot.
Will they succeed, or will the terrorists achieve their goals and leave the police to pick up the pieces of a devastated city?
There's only one way to find out...
When Good Men Do Nothing twists, turns and pulls out the big guns. Strong characters, punchy dialogue and edge of your seat action combine to make this a book you literally won't be able to put down.
November 23, 2013
Thank you to the author for the review copy.
What connects a contract killer, international terrorists and a single mother from Brighton?
Detective Sergeant Rob Steele is Sussex Police's only Firearms Positioning Forensics expert, a unusual and highly sought after skill. Rarely does he have to use those skills in Brighton, but when a body is found bearing all the hallmarks of a professional execution, Steele is brought in to run the investigation with his team, Karl, a small but bullish Scotsman with a genius for detective work, and Nat, a sharp, street-smart detective with complicated feelings for the widowed Steele.
Beautifully paced and wonderfully compelling, this is my first read of this author and I found it to be thoroughly enjoyable - the characters pop off the page and Mr Grzegorzek writes with an ironic humour that had me often smiling and always intrigued.
I liked Rob Steele as a protagonist - especially as his "job" was unique therefore the read was something slightly out of the ordinary for crime fiction, like a breath of fresh air. The supporting characters are great - I hope that there will be more from them, it certainly felt like they had a lot more to say!
The story is punchy, twisty and turny, just the way I like them. Kind of like the tv show "Spooks" on acid, you were never sure what little nugget of information was going to turn up next and switch things around. Clever writing. I like it.
I look forward to whatever comes next. Recommended for lovers of crime fiction who would like a slightly different but entertaining take on the genre.
Happy Reading Folks!
What connects a contract killer, international terrorists and a single mother from Brighton?
Detective Sergeant Rob Steele is Sussex Police's only Firearms Positioning Forensics expert, a unusual and highly sought after skill. Rarely does he have to use those skills in Brighton, but when a body is found bearing all the hallmarks of a professional execution, Steele is brought in to run the investigation with his team, Karl, a small but bullish Scotsman with a genius for detective work, and Nat, a sharp, street-smart detective with complicated feelings for the widowed Steele.
Beautifully paced and wonderfully compelling, this is my first read of this author and I found it to be thoroughly enjoyable - the characters pop off the page and Mr Grzegorzek writes with an ironic humour that had me often smiling and always intrigued.
I liked Rob Steele as a protagonist - especially as his "job" was unique therefore the read was something slightly out of the ordinary for crime fiction, like a breath of fresh air. The supporting characters are great - I hope that there will be more from them, it certainly felt like they had a lot more to say!
The story is punchy, twisty and turny, just the way I like them. Kind of like the tv show "Spooks" on acid, you were never sure what little nugget of information was going to turn up next and switch things around. Clever writing. I like it.
I look forward to whatever comes next. Recommended for lovers of crime fiction who would like a slightly different but entertaining take on the genre.
Happy Reading Folks!
December 24, 2012
Tightly plotted police procedural/ thriller that blends police work and city police officers with terrorists and terrorist plots. Works very well and slowly evolves into a real page turner. While the characters are not developed in great detail, there is a real sense of individuality with the main characters and the more important secondary characters as well.
November 16, 2020
Superb
Wow!! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Great storyline, very good characters and good quips from Rob. My third book by Paul and it won't be the last.......
Wow!! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Great storyline, very good characters and good quips from Rob. My third book by Paul and it won't be the last.......
July 6, 2021
DS Rob Steele makes full use of his previous experience in the army in the hunt for a killer. Action-packed crime thriller set in Brighton.
March 11, 2014
wow, what a great book, felt like I was right in the action, definitely like a good police drama, good characters, great detail and definitely believable, you can tell the author knows his stuff, hope there's more in the series.
August 2, 2016
This is well written, fast paced and uncomplicated. A good holiday read.
There were a couple of minor plot holes and the female characters could've been better written but neither stopped me enjoying the book. This is the first I've read of this author and I will probably read more of his work.
There were a couple of minor plot holes and the female characters could've been better written but neither stopped me enjoying the book. This is the first I've read of this author and I will probably read more of his work.
February 10, 2013
I couldn't put this book down, from the moment I picked it up I was hooked, a real page turner. Great storyline with twists and turns. Well worth a read
January 8, 2015
A real page-turner, combining an intelligent story steeped in the spirit of the times, loveable characters and of course the familiar scenery of Brighton. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews