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Beneath
A family brutally murdered. A cheap hotel room. For Detective Andrew Bates, the seemingly sloppy crime hints at something hidden. Something greater. A career making case.
For Detective David Radley, another complicated case is the last thing he needs. Weighed down by not only the Prosecution and Defense refusing to let them put their last case to bed, David is also fighting to clear his own name. A little misunderstanding he’d rather not talk about. And on top of all that, his sister is back in town.
Kathy Radley, back in the States after her three-year getaway. Being back is bringing up some painful memories, but Kathy is a new woman, and along with her business partner she is determined to make their three planned fashion shows come off without a hitch. And after that, maybe think about giving up cigarettes.
Then there’s Anthony …
For Detective David Radley, another complicated case is the last thing he needs. Weighed down by not only the Prosecution and Defense refusing to let them put their last case to bed, David is also fighting to clear his own name. A little misunderstanding he’d rather not talk about. And on top of all that, his sister is back in town.
Kathy Radley, back in the States after her three-year getaway. Being back is bringing up some painful memories, but Kathy is a new woman, and along with her business partner she is determined to make their three planned fashion shows come off without a hitch. And after that, maybe think about giving up cigarettes.
Then there’s Anthony …
377 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Simon James Wood
3 books14 followersMy first love has to be the movies, but I'm never without a book, so reading is still right up there. Joined Goodreads as part of promoting my first novel 'BENEATH' - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...
- which is now available through Kindle, but also found that I enjoy the site as a way of venting about the books I read and for finding out what others think.
My second book 'WITHIN THE DARK' -https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_... - is also now available through Kindle.
- which is now available through Kindle, but also found that I enjoy the site as a way of venting about the books I read and for finding out what others think.
My second book 'WITHIN THE DARK' -https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_... - is also now available through Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 15, 2023
Beneath by Simon James Wood partly reminds me of reading Stephen King's horror novels and that of Sandra Brown's best thriller suspense crime fiction. Inside, I am introduced to a set of characters all closely interconnected if not related. There is the mystery that pulled me in wondering why now and how it all ties in together. Then, there is the dark crime committed that left me feeling fear. The ending was epic. It created a sense of dread that built up into an intense atmosphere and then left me to wonder what is next. Simon James Wood is a brilliant writer with a knack for creating the most dramatic yet thrilling crime fiction.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
February 25, 2024
"Beneath" by Simon James Wood plunges readers into a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, where the shadows of a brutal family murder reveal secrets lurking beneath the surface. Detective Andrew Bates finds himself thrust into the heart of a career-defining case as he unravels the layers of a seemingly sloppy crime, sensing that there's more to the story than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, Detective David Radley grapples with his own demons, balancing the weight of a complicated case with personal challenges that threaten to consume him. As he navigates the murky waters of prosecution and defense, David finds himself fighting to clear his name while also confronting the return of his sister, Kathy Radley, whose presence stirs up painful memories and unresolved tensions.
Wood masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, drawing readers into a web of deceit and betrayal that spans generations. The characters are richly drawn and deeply flawed, their intertwining lives adding layers of complexity to an already intricate plot.
What sets "Beneath" apart is its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. As the story unfolds, Wood deftly reveals shocking twists and turns that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime and its far-reaching implications.
Fans of the procedural crime thriller genre will find much to love in "Beneath." From its compelling characters to its meticulously crafted plot, this novel delivers suspense and intrigue in spades. With its taut pacing and masterful storytelling, "Beneath" is sure to keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Meanwhile, Detective David Radley grapples with his own demons, balancing the weight of a complicated case with personal challenges that threaten to consume him. As he navigates the murky waters of prosecution and defense, David finds himself fighting to clear his name while also confronting the return of his sister, Kathy Radley, whose presence stirs up painful memories and unresolved tensions.
Wood masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, drawing readers into a web of deceit and betrayal that spans generations. The characters are richly drawn and deeply flawed, their intertwining lives adding layers of complexity to an already intricate plot.
What sets "Beneath" apart is its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. As the story unfolds, Wood deftly reveals shocking twists and turns that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime and its far-reaching implications.
Fans of the procedural crime thriller genre will find much to love in "Beneath." From its compelling characters to its meticulously crafted plot, this novel delivers suspense and intrigue in spades. With its taut pacing and masterful storytelling, "Beneath" is sure to keep readers hooked from start to finish.
July 3, 2013
This novel centres on solving the case of the murdered Cartwright family in New York. It’s a gritty read and as the story develops a multitude of back stories start to suggest links of betrayal and deceit. The story revolves around main characters Detectives David Radley and Andrew Bates and David’s sister Kathy.
Author Simon Wood has certainly researched and crafted his idea for this book well. The level detail given to the operations of the New York police department and the world of crime is exceptional.
The book reads in short intense scenes and moves quickly from character to character – would play out in a movie well, however as readers we were sometimes left needing to know more about what happened between scenes.
There were a lot of characters that spanned the story. This along with the level of detail and the snappy scenes made it a book to be read without interruptions or the plot and characters could be lost very easily.
Of the leading characters we felt Kathy’s story had true feeling and we empathised with her as a character. In Anthony author Simon has created a convincing baddie, so chilling at times you could actually feel the fear.
A good thriller or detective story is always dependant on a balance between telling the right details and spilling the beans and with Beneath the clues were there for readers that like an intricate plot. The amount of detail dictated the pace of the book at the beginning and middle but did pick up some momentum in the closing scenes and the ending fitted well with the rest of the book.
As a first novel Beneath is awesome, lots of detail, action packed and a movie type plot.
Author Simon Wood has certainly researched and crafted his idea for this book well. The level detail given to the operations of the New York police department and the world of crime is exceptional.
The book reads in short intense scenes and moves quickly from character to character – would play out in a movie well, however as readers we were sometimes left needing to know more about what happened between scenes.
There were a lot of characters that spanned the story. This along with the level of detail and the snappy scenes made it a book to be read without interruptions or the plot and characters could be lost very easily.
Of the leading characters we felt Kathy’s story had true feeling and we empathised with her as a character. In Anthony author Simon has created a convincing baddie, so chilling at times you could actually feel the fear.
A good thriller or detective story is always dependant on a balance between telling the right details and spilling the beans and with Beneath the clues were there for readers that like an intricate plot. The amount of detail dictated the pace of the book at the beginning and middle but did pick up some momentum in the closing scenes and the ending fitted well with the rest of the book.
As a first novel Beneath is awesome, lots of detail, action packed and a movie type plot.
March 7, 2013
BENEATH tells the concurrent stories of Detectives David Radley and Andrew Bates, along with David s fashion designer sister Kathy and the brutally murdered Cartwright family, all of which are intrinsically linked to one another. Set in New York City, BENEATH is a clever amalgamation of three genres. It is part detective story, part crime and part thriller, and reads almost like CSI in novel form. The story is a dark one about killers and those who enforce the laws to capture them. Whilst the novel revolves around solving the case of the murdered Cartwrights, it is a multi-layered, action packed and gritty story which holds attention from beginning to end.
June 15, 2013
I love the style that this book is written in. The author is very good at setting the scene without moving away from what is happening. The first chapter has you hooked, there are a lot of different people involved but the way they are brought together is very good. The ending is brilliant and Simon Wood knows how to write a 'bad guy'. A definite must-read.
This book has got me back into reading - thanks Simon.
This book has got me back into reading - thanks Simon.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews