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The National Crime Agency #2
The Falcon Tattoo
A violent attacker is on the loose. His calling card: a tattoo on his victims’ skin. With no witnesses and no evidence left at the crime scenes, it will take all of the National Crime Agency’s resources to track him down.
At the head of the investigation, codenamed Operation Juniper, Senior Investigator Joanne Stuart knows that the clock is ticking. The time between abductions is decreasing and the perpetrator grows ever more brazen. She fears it won’t be long before his assaults turn deadly.
As the hunt closes in, Jo’s already troubled personal life is put under further pressure. With danger closer than she thinks, just how far will Jo go to solve the case—and at what cost?
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2016
255 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 9, 2019
A great follow-up to a solid debut, The Falcon Tattoo manages to update the British procedural genre while holding on to what works.
The crew from the last book are all still here, and we get glimpses of their outside lives - minimal glimpses, not enough to derail the story - our main character, and central mystery, remain firmly front and centre. The crimes this time around are a series of rapes; handled very well and with a great deal of sensitivity. There's no overloading on the details, victim blaming is both avoided and specifically shamed, male rape is also discussed; all in all it's sensitive and careful without everything starting to feel sanctimonious.
I mentioned last time that the trope of "detective ruining their home life through complete inability to balance work/life" comes in to play - and the effects are still being felt in this follow up. It still drives me batty, and it makes me ranty, so both to save you the rant and the potential spoilers, this is going in spoiler tags:
The crew from the last book are all still here, and we get glimpses of their outside lives - minimal glimpses, not enough to derail the story - our main character, and central mystery, remain firmly front and centre. The crimes this time around are a series of rapes; handled very well and with a great deal of sensitivity. There's no overloading on the details, victim blaming is both avoided and specifically shamed, male rape is also discussed; all in all it's sensitive and careful without everything starting to feel sanctimonious.
I mentioned last time that the trope of "detective ruining their home life through complete inability to balance work/life" comes in to play - and the effects are still being felt in this follow up. It still drives me batty, and it makes me ranty, so both to save you the rant and the potential spoilers, this is going in spoiler tags:
March 26, 2018
fantastic follow up to book 1 and i am looking forward to reading subsequent books in this series.
November 8, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of The Falcon Tattoo, the second Manchester based novel to feature The National Crime Agency and Senior Investigator Joanne Stuart.
The police forces of North West England have belatedly realised that they have a serial rapist on their patch and SI Joanne Stuart of the National Crime Agency is named SIO (Senior Investigating Officer). The rapist is clever and seems experienced as he drugs his victims and leaves no evidence except an inked tattoo of a falcon on his victims, all students of a certain physical type. With so little to go on Joanne and the team experience many false starts before getting on the right track.
This is one of the best police procedurals I have read in a long time. There are no lone wolves or maverick behaviour, the police act strictly according to procedure with a view to watertight prosecution. This emphasis on procedure may not be to everyone's taste but I find their ability to run a successful case within the strict guidelines fascinating and Mr Rodgers's ability to write such a compulsive novel within these constraints admirable.
The plot is logical, linear and mostly realistic with an almost limitless list of suspects slowly whittled down through research, clear thinking and the occasional hunch. The subject matter of rape is handled sensitively and informatively. I didn't realise how widespread it is and how difficult to prosecute, nor what an uphill battle it is to change perceptions of what constitutes rape.
I also enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters. In the first novel in the series, The Pick, The Spade And The Crow, Jo's fellow team members were not well developed but this changes in The Falcon Tattoo as they develop into a close knit, professional team with friendships developing and personal details revealed. Jo, meanwhile is still trying to cope with her split from Abbie in the age old conundrum of job v relationship.
The Falcon Tattoo with its good balance of procedure, action and domesticity is an excellent read which I wholeheartedly recommend.
The police forces of North West England have belatedly realised that they have a serial rapist on their patch and SI Joanne Stuart of the National Crime Agency is named SIO (Senior Investigating Officer). The rapist is clever and seems experienced as he drugs his victims and leaves no evidence except an inked tattoo of a falcon on his victims, all students of a certain physical type. With so little to go on Joanne and the team experience many false starts before getting on the right track.
This is one of the best police procedurals I have read in a long time. There are no lone wolves or maverick behaviour, the police act strictly according to procedure with a view to watertight prosecution. This emphasis on procedure may not be to everyone's taste but I find their ability to run a successful case within the strict guidelines fascinating and Mr Rodgers's ability to write such a compulsive novel within these constraints admirable.
The plot is logical, linear and mostly realistic with an almost limitless list of suspects slowly whittled down through research, clear thinking and the occasional hunch. The subject matter of rape is handled sensitively and informatively. I didn't realise how widespread it is and how difficult to prosecute, nor what an uphill battle it is to change perceptions of what constitutes rape.
I also enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters. In the first novel in the series, The Pick, The Spade And The Crow, Jo's fellow team members were not well developed but this changes in The Falcon Tattoo as they develop into a close knit, professional team with friendships developing and personal details revealed. Jo, meanwhile is still trying to cope with her split from Abbie in the age old conundrum of job v relationship.
The Falcon Tattoo with its good balance of procedure, action and domesticity is an excellent read which I wholeheartedly recommend.
January 12, 2020
Another great read
Once again an exciting read, keeping you guessing to the end, good characters and easy to understand the police abbreviations.
Once again an exciting read, keeping you guessing to the end, good characters and easy to understand the police abbreviations.
February 18, 2017
I found this a good if gritty read, showing us a side of Manchester that the police find all too familiar. A violent attacker has been drugging and raping girl students, even those who are being careful about their drinking, if any student in a group pub crawl can be said to do this. The female DI was introduced in a previous book which I had not read. Joanne Stuart is openly gay but I was surprised that nobody passes comment; maybe it's now just accepted in the police force. She is determined to track the offender before he kills someone. Joanne doesn't get much time to handle a personal situation so it gets away from her, and with the major case on we don't see any other side of her but she does seem to be rounded out in the author's mind.
Plenty of profiling, CCTV, evidence tracing, witness statements and joined-up computer systems. We get a reference to the past when the Yorkshire Ripper enquiries failed to have all this in place. But will it be enough to catch the villain, and could he even be one of the people on the sidelines of the case, getting involved? The police are shown as thinking of everyone else as nuisances, criminals or evidence providers. Quite possibly they do. I would read more of this series and like it better than some other current police procedurals.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
Plenty of profiling, CCTV, evidence tracing, witness statements and joined-up computer systems. We get a reference to the past when the Yorkshire Ripper enquiries failed to have all this in place. But will it be enough to catch the villain, and could he even be one of the people on the sidelines of the case, getting involved? The police are shown as thinking of everyone else as nuisances, criminals or evidence providers. Quite possibly they do. I would read more of this series and like it better than some other current police procedurals.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 21, 2016
Thank you to author Bill Rogers and publisher Thomas & Mercer for this Kindle copy of The Falcon Tattoo. Also, thank you to Goodreads for hosting this opportunity through the First Reads program.
A really nice read. First off, I don't recall any editing issues! So, so nice to see, especially in electronic form. Beyond that, the only thing I felt out of place was in the conversations of the various professionals. Clearly it was done with the reader in mind, but most people in the business take the time to spell out what the various acronyms stand for, what routine procedures will happen, etc. Minor detail, but took a little away from the flow. Perhaps a glossary page of terms.
The Falcon Tattoo is a faster paced crime/suspense novel with a well established cast of characters. The story kept up a good pace from start to finish, and enough detail is included to create a nice picture of the scene, helping to place the reader in the action.
The subject of topic is rape, and we given the facts and figures to enforce the magnitude of the issue, and hopefully the magnitude of sickness in the most dangerous of animals. Here, for this atrocity, the punitive damages we the people emphasize so much as part of justice, is hardly a thought for penance to the offenders. A nice touch was the resources provided in the back.
A good read.
A really nice read. First off, I don't recall any editing issues! So, so nice to see, especially in electronic form. Beyond that, the only thing I felt out of place was in the conversations of the various professionals. Clearly it was done with the reader in mind, but most people in the business take the time to spell out what the various acronyms stand for, what routine procedures will happen, etc. Minor detail, but took a little away from the flow. Perhaps a glossary page of terms.
The Falcon Tattoo is a faster paced crime/suspense novel with a well established cast of characters. The story kept up a good pace from start to finish, and enough detail is included to create a nice picture of the scene, helping to place the reader in the action.
The subject of topic is rape, and we given the facts and figures to enforce the magnitude of the issue, and hopefully the magnitude of sickness in the most dangerous of animals. Here, for this atrocity, the punitive damages we the people emphasize so much as part of justice, is hardly a thought for penance to the offenders. A nice touch was the resources provided in the back.
A good read.
April 10, 2017
Sorry, but really not for me.
There's no getting away from the fact that this and the first book in this series are well written and the plots very well researched, but they really aren't for me. IMHO, the Caton books were much better. The main reason is Jo Stuart. I find her aggravating, irritable, and her impatience with people utterly annoying to the point of being obtuse. She takes little advice from her colleagues regardless of whether she's putting them in danger or not, and only seems to accept any suggestions they make grudgingly. She's also too PC for my liking. When one of her team says about an officer 'clever girl', she immediately retorts 'officer, clever officer'. To me that's just taking PC too far. Also there are still too many Americanism's for me. CSI, unsub, sitrep. Doesn't do it for me at all.
As in the first book there is still a lot of police procedures which I tended to flip, but unlike the first book there is more action involved, however that didn't really get going until chapter 52.
At least I've tried by reading the first two in this series, but I don't think I'll read any more.
There's no getting away from the fact that this and the first book in this series are well written and the plots very well researched, but they really aren't for me. IMHO, the Caton books were much better. The main reason is Jo Stuart. I find her aggravating, irritable, and her impatience with people utterly annoying to the point of being obtuse. She takes little advice from her colleagues regardless of whether she's putting them in danger or not, and only seems to accept any suggestions they make grudgingly. She's also too PC for my liking. When one of her team says about an officer 'clever girl', she immediately retorts 'officer, clever officer'. To me that's just taking PC too far. Also there are still too many Americanism's for me. CSI, unsub, sitrep. Doesn't do it for me at all.
As in the first book there is still a lot of police procedures which I tended to flip, but unlike the first book there is more action involved, however that didn't really get going until chapter 52.
At least I've tried by reading the first two in this series, but I don't think I'll read any more.
February 5, 2020
This was the second of the series and now the character of Jo has been developed a little she really is an unlikeable character. A pretentious, pompous, sanctimonious know-all pain in the bum. I will not be reading any more of these as I would be rooting for the baddie.
December 10, 2018
Slow read
I found this really hard to read. reading a couple of pages would put me to sleep. A good plot but not an exciting read.
I found this really hard to read. reading a couple of pages would put me to sleep. A good plot but not an exciting read.
February 7, 2019
'The team’s exchanges had left her with uncomfortable questions. Did I neglect my relationship with Abbie? she wondered. Did I let it wither? More importantly, am I prepared to let it die?'
Oi! Officer Stuart of The National Crime Agency! Nooooo! Don't crumble! Be prepared! Let it die!
It was made clear in the previous novel that your wife is not only needy, ungrateful and self-obsessed, but is also a character who jostles with Jar Jar Binks for a place on the all-time list of annoying fictional characters. She's not even interesting-annoying.
If she reappears in future books I will have to reconsider whether to persevere with this series.
Anyhoo, Jo Stuart and the NCA team are pursuing a serial rapist who doses his victims with Rohypnol and leaves them afterwards in outdoor locations, with a temporary tattoo of a falcon somewhere on their body.
The attention to procedural detail is impressive, although Rogers rather over-eggs his pudding with reams of rape-related statistics which, although important, tend to blunt the edge of the message he means to convey. If the author had employed a bit more of a 'show not tell' policy it might have gone some way to alleviate the need for statistics.
Jo is trying to come to terms with the absence of her wife, Abbie, who ran off in a tantrum in the last novel for no good reason. I seem to remember a vegetarian lasagne being involved, but otherwise don't really care. The books are improved by her absence, although she does turn up at the end to throw yet another tantrum. Stuart remains oblivious to her lack of charms.
As the net begins to close around the rapist, he begins to take a personal interest in Stuart, and things begin to get personal.
It's a powerful piece of work that deals with an unpleasant subject in what I hesitate to call 'an entertaining way.' It's a compelling bit of literary drama, although some of the sections covering the detectives' personal lives are not handled as well as the procedural side of things.
It beggars belief that such a complex and intelligent person such as Joanne Stuart would have got so deep into a relationship with Abbie, who might be sufferable if she had shown a smidgeon of depth of character, or at least some reason why Stuart should show any interest in her.
I'm hoping that the author kills her off or sends her away to a Vegan commune or something.
Apologies for the repetitive bleats about a minor character, but honestly, she makes my teeth itch. Lesbian detectives deserve better than this.
Oi! Officer Stuart of The National Crime Agency! Nooooo! Don't crumble! Be prepared! Let it die!
It was made clear in the previous novel that your wife is not only needy, ungrateful and self-obsessed, but is also a character who jostles with Jar Jar Binks for a place on the all-time list of annoying fictional characters. She's not even interesting-annoying.
If she reappears in future books I will have to reconsider whether to persevere with this series.
Anyhoo, Jo Stuart and the NCA team are pursuing a serial rapist who doses his victims with Rohypnol and leaves them afterwards in outdoor locations, with a temporary tattoo of a falcon somewhere on their body.
The attention to procedural detail is impressive, although Rogers rather over-eggs his pudding with reams of rape-related statistics which, although important, tend to blunt the edge of the message he means to convey. If the author had employed a bit more of a 'show not tell' policy it might have gone some way to alleviate the need for statistics.
Jo is trying to come to terms with the absence of her wife, Abbie, who ran off in a tantrum in the last novel for no good reason. I seem to remember a vegetarian lasagne being involved, but otherwise don't really care. The books are improved by her absence, although she does turn up at the end to throw yet another tantrum. Stuart remains oblivious to her lack of charms.
As the net begins to close around the rapist, he begins to take a personal interest in Stuart, and things begin to get personal.
It's a powerful piece of work that deals with an unpleasant subject in what I hesitate to call 'an entertaining way.' It's a compelling bit of literary drama, although some of the sections covering the detectives' personal lives are not handled as well as the procedural side of things.
It beggars belief that such a complex and intelligent person such as Joanne Stuart would have got so deep into a relationship with Abbie, who might be sufferable if she had shown a smidgeon of depth of character, or at least some reason why Stuart should show any interest in her.
I'm hoping that the author kills her off or sends her away to a Vegan commune or something.
Apologies for the repetitive bleats about a minor character, but honestly, she makes my teeth itch. Lesbian detectives deserve better than this.
January 17, 2017
This the second book in the National Crime Agency series and the readers are able to learn more about their favorite characters in the NCA. Who knew just what Ram's opinions on marriage? And of course, we get to learn more about Jo and her relationship issues as well as her past.
This book was a wild ride from the very first when the NCA is invited in to assist the local officers in tracking down a serial rapist who likes to tattoo his victims. It appears that he is always at least one step in from of the law.
I also really enjoyed the fact that the NCA is based in England. I had a blast trying to figure out just what a raincheater actually is. Oh and there are wonderful phrases like 'raining stair rods'.
I do really think that my readers who enjoy a good thriller or police procedural will love THE FALCON TATTOO. Great characters, witty dialogue and a distinct lack of sex means that this is a book that all can enjoy.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
This book was a wild ride from the very first when the NCA is invited in to assist the local officers in tracking down a serial rapist who likes to tattoo his victims. It appears that he is always at least one step in from of the law.
I also really enjoyed the fact that the NCA is based in England. I had a blast trying to figure out just what a raincheater actually is. Oh and there are wonderful phrases like 'raining stair rods'.
I do really think that my readers who enjoy a good thriller or police procedural will love THE FALCON TATTOO. Great characters, witty dialogue and a distinct lack of sex means that this is a book that all can enjoy.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
June 1, 2019
I did enjoy this one more than the first in the series as the story was more complex and gripping and seemed to be less dominated by as many stereotypes as the first book. Jo and Abbie's relationship also has less of a role, although it is an integral part of the story and occasionally slips back into the roles that I found problematic previously. I also kept wanting to just grab Jo, give her a shake and tell her to woman up at times as she slipped into self-pity and self-neglect but this did tie-in with events so they can be forgiven (but not ignored!). This is a definite improving series and not one that you necessarily need to read in order (probably helps though).
September 28, 2023
This book took me quite awhile to complement. It is not because the book was poorly written, uninteresting or anything like that.
The subject matter and how well it was written that I found myself squirming with discomfort with the perp’s actions.
Jo has a lot going on both professionally and personally. The crime hits home in a number of ways.
The character development was very well done. The story was well laid out. There were a couple of loose ends but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Happy Reading!
The subject matter and how well it was written that I found myself squirming with discomfort with the perp’s actions.
Jo has a lot going on both professionally and personally. The crime hits home in a number of ways.
The character development was very well done. The story was well laid out. There were a couple of loose ends but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Happy Reading!
November 8, 2017
Well paced, exciting story. Great amount of detail of police procedures which make it seem more realistic. The characters are a bit two dimensional but amidst the pace of the story it doesn't detract. My only criticism is that, like the first book it is all about the hunt which leaves me feeling they end abruptly. In Book I for eg, the main perpetrator isn't caught. I though we might get a follow up - but no.
December 14, 2023
This is a very enjoyable follow-up book. Jo and the team get involved investigating a series of rapes among university students. At the same time, she has some domestic stuff to deal with.
This is an excellent police procedural. It's well written and feels quite realistic. There's no gung-ho stuff going on and I particularly enjoyed how the team gels together. Looking forward to reading the next one.
This is an excellent police procedural. It's well written and feels quite realistic. There's no gung-ho stuff going on and I particularly enjoyed how the team gels together. Looking forward to reading the next one.
May 22, 2017
This is a great series and I look forward to more. Unfortunately his other series is not as appealing to me to or I'd have jumped right in.
My reading time has greatly diminished and its really pissing me off. The boyfriend wants to do stuff together while all I want is me time. His daughter wants us to do crafts instead of my nap/read afternoon combos. I am losing myself.
My reading time has greatly diminished and its really pissing me off. The boyfriend wants to do stuff together while all I want is me time. His daughter wants us to do crafts instead of my nap/read afternoon combos. I am losing myself.
May 23, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
This was a really enjoyable novel. I usually have a hard time with British novels as I don't always understand the slang. But this one was very well written and I had no problems at all. Jo is a fantastic character whom I'd love to read more of.
This was a really enjoyable novel. I usually have a hard time with British novels as I don't always understand the slang. But this one was very well written and I had no problems at all. Jo is a fantastic character whom I'd love to read more of.
September 6, 2018
Short and snappy!
This is my first read of this author. I found myself fully engaged within the first few pages. It's well paced, with believable characters, and the added interest for me, was in that nearly every location I knew well. I will return to this series. Very enjoyable, and entertaining.
This is my first read of this author. I found myself fully engaged within the first few pages. It's well paced, with believable characters, and the added interest for me, was in that nearly every location I knew well. I will return to this series. Very enjoyable, and entertaining.
December 28, 2018
The Falcon Tattoo
It was slow to take off but then became riveting. The chapters were of the right length and led seamlessly onto the next theme.
There was a slight tinge of office politics which made it that little more interesting. This is the first Bill Rogers book I’ve read, but it wont be the last. Well done sir!
It was slow to take off but then became riveting. The chapters were of the right length and led seamlessly onto the next theme.
There was a slight tinge of office politics which made it that little more interesting. This is the first Bill Rogers book I’ve read, but it wont be the last. Well done sir!
August 7, 2019
An exceptional read.
This book was well researched prior to writing and the main characters really grab you. The plot was very interesting and linked into some really dark issues,which are real. The police officers are given a human side,which is not all nice smelling roses. The book keeps you in suspense throughout and does not make it easy to work out. Thoroughly good read.
This book was well researched prior to writing and the main characters really grab you. The plot was very interesting and linked into some really dark issues,which are real. The police officers are given a human side,which is not all nice smelling roses. The book keeps you in suspense throughout and does not make it easy to work out. Thoroughly good read.
May 7, 2017
Couldn,t put it down.
Well paced well researched, seemed very realistic to me. Found the characters a bit two dimensional. Perhaps they will appear more rounded when I read it again, which I will.
Well paced well researched, seemed very realistic to me. Found the characters a bit two dimensional. Perhaps they will appear more rounded when I read it again, which I will.
December 13, 2017
Excellent
The second book was as good as the first one. The characters came to life and it was fast paced and interesting to read from the beginning to the end. I am now going to start on the third book
The second book was as good as the first one. The characters came to life and it was fast paced and interesting to read from the beginning to the end. I am now going to start on the third book
February 23, 2018
Excellent climax to a great story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The ending was all a reader could ask for. Fast paced and exciting. This story cements jo Stuart as a favourite detective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The ending was all a reader could ask for. Fast paced and exciting. This story cements jo Stuart as a favourite detective.
March 7, 2018
A really good mystery.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, the author describes the scenes superbly. I could really visualise the places and this makes for an interesting read. I would recommend this book to crime novel enthusiasts.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, the author describes the scenes superbly. I could really visualise the places and this makes for an interesting read. I would recommend this book to crime novel enthusiasts.
August 11, 2018
Very good read
Sometimes we forget police have lives outside of the force, normal livea. This book is not only about crime, it is also about lives of the people who protect us. Really good story
Sometimes we forget police have lives outside of the force, normal livea. This book is not only about crime, it is also about lives of the people who protect us. Really good story
December 16, 2018
Really great thriller! Kept me captive till the end! Couldn't put it down!
Love it how we get to know a little more of each character throughout the series!
Must read for mystery suspense lovers!I
Love it how we get to know a little more of each character throughout the series!
Must read for mystery suspense lovers!I
December 27, 2018
Hard topic, well handled
WARNING: Rape scenes described and discussed. Excellent volume! The criminal is dispicable. Jo's break up is heart rending but she keeps it together and works the case.
WARNING: Rape scenes described and discussed. Excellent volume! The criminal is dispicable. Jo's break up is heart rending but she keeps it together and works the case.
January 27, 2019
Not a bad read albeit a little predictable. Won't stop me reading the rest of the series though.
I really enjoyed it and the novel before it. Reminiscent of some of the early DCI banks novels.
Easy to read and not too complicated.
I really enjoyed it and the novel before it. Reminiscent of some of the early DCI banks novels.
Easy to read and not too complicated.
February 4, 2019
Loved it
Yet another brilliant book. Bill Rogers is always a great read. I didn't think I'd enjoy this series as much as the Tom Caton books but I'm enjoying them just as much. Great author.
Yet another brilliant book. Bill Rogers is always a great read. I didn't think I'd enjoy this series as much as the Tom Caton books but I'm enjoying them just as much. Great author.
March 10, 2019
even better than the first, thought that i was going to get irritated by the precise detail of the regulations that things were done under but discovered that they were interesting and help pull you into the story. Very exciting end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews