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Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations #1
The Rock: Volume 1 of the Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations
"Elegant storytelling, an original location and a fine sense of place. Robert Daws is an exciting addition to the canon of 21st Century crime writers."
- Peter James. International bestselling author of the Inspector Roy Grace series.
The Rock. Gibraltar. 1966.
In a fading colonial house overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the dead body of a beautiful woman lays dripping in blood. The steel handle of a knife protrudes from her chest, its sharpened tip buried deep within her heart.
The Rock. Present day.
Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan arrives on The Rock on a three-month secondment from the London Metropolitan Police Service. Her reasons for being here are not happy ones and she braces herself for a tedious and wasteful twelve weeks in the sun.
After all, murders are rare on the small, prosperous and sun-kissed sovereignty of Gibraltar and catching murderers is what Sullivan does best.
It is a talent she shares with her new boss, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick of the Royal Gibraltar Police Force. He's an old-fashioned cop who regards his new colleague with mild disdain.
But when a young police constable is found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment, Sullivan and Broderick begin to unravel a dark and dangerous secret that will test their skills and working relationship to the limit.
- Peter James. International bestselling author of the Inspector Roy Grace series.
The Rock. Gibraltar. 1966.
In a fading colonial house overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the dead body of a beautiful woman lays dripping in blood. The steel handle of a knife protrudes from her chest, its sharpened tip buried deep within her heart.
The Rock. Present day.
Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan arrives on The Rock on a three-month secondment from the London Metropolitan Police Service. Her reasons for being here are not happy ones and she braces herself for a tedious and wasteful twelve weeks in the sun.
After all, murders are rare on the small, prosperous and sun-kissed sovereignty of Gibraltar and catching murderers is what Sullivan does best.
It is a talent she shares with her new boss, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick of the Royal Gibraltar Police Force. He's an old-fashioned cop who regards his new colleague with mild disdain.
But when a young police constable is found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment, Sullivan and Broderick begin to unravel a dark and dangerous secret that will test their skills and working relationship to the limit.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2012
595 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Robert Daws
19 books50 followersAs an actor, Robert Daws has appeared in leading roles in a number of award-winning and long-running British television series, including Jeeves and Wooster, Casualty, The House of Eliott, Outside Edge, Roger Roger, Sword of Honour, Take A Girl Like You, Doc Martin, New Tricks, Midsomer Murders, Rock and Chips, The Royal, Death in Paradise, Father Brown and Poldark.
His recent work for the stage includes the national tours of Michael Frayn’s Alarms and Excursions, and David Harrower’s Blackbird. In the West End, he has recently appeared as Dr John Watson in The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, Geoffrey Hammond in Public Property, Jim Hacker in Yes, Prime Minister and John Betjeman in Summoned by Betjeman.
His many BBC radio performances include Arthur Lowe in Dear Arthur, Love John, Ronnie Barker in Goodnight from Him and Chief Inspector Trueman in Trueman and Riley, the long-running police detective series he co-created with writer Brian B Thompson.
Robert’s second and third Sullivan and Broderick novels – Poisoned Rock and Killing Rock – will be published in September 2016 and early 2017, respectively. His first novella, The Rock, has been optioned and is being developed for television.
His recent work for the stage includes the national tours of Michael Frayn’s Alarms and Excursions, and David Harrower’s Blackbird. In the West End, he has recently appeared as Dr John Watson in The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, Geoffrey Hammond in Public Property, Jim Hacker in Yes, Prime Minister and John Betjeman in Summoned by Betjeman.
His many BBC radio performances include Arthur Lowe in Dear Arthur, Love John, Ronnie Barker in Goodnight from Him and Chief Inspector Trueman in Trueman and Riley, the long-running police detective series he co-created with writer Brian B Thompson.
Robert’s second and third Sullivan and Broderick novels – Poisoned Rock and Killing Rock – will be published in September 2016 and early 2017, respectively. His first novella, The Rock, has been optioned and is being developed for television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 3, 2018
"The Rock" is the debut crime novella by tv/stage actor and broadcaster Robert Daws, and is a great introduction to the Sullivan and Broderick murder investigation series.
DS Tamara Sullivan is sent on a 12 week secondment to Gibraltar after failing to obey orders in the London Metropolitan Police. She soon finds herself involved in an investigation unraveling a dark and dangerous secret relating to an incident back in 1966. Her relationship with her boss - no nonsense 'old school copper' Chief Inspector Broderick is a joy to read - there's humour at times but also respect and understanding that ends in them both being placed in perilous danger.
I loved all the brilliant characters in this well crafted story, Robert has done really well in conveying them as likeable people and I thoroughly look forward to meeting Sullivan and Broderick again in the next in the series "The Poisoned Rock".
I'd heard a lot about Robert's writing before I'd started reading this book and I am very impressed at the professionalism and expertise of his story telling, plot line and character development.
I purchased this book through the year long monthly Urbane Book Club and yet again this book shows just how much thought and effort goes into producing their quality books, every page is like a work of art - it's so beautifully typeset and printed.
It's easy to read this novella in less than a day if time allows and having done so myself, I felt like I'd just watched a mini tv show, it's was so full of excitement, tension towards the end, and an unexpected twist that keeps you turning the pages intrigued as to where the investigations were leading to.
I can't recommend this book enough, a richly deserved 5 stars for a fabulous debut novella.
DS Tamara Sullivan is sent on a 12 week secondment to Gibraltar after failing to obey orders in the London Metropolitan Police. She soon finds herself involved in an investigation unraveling a dark and dangerous secret relating to an incident back in 1966. Her relationship with her boss - no nonsense 'old school copper' Chief Inspector Broderick is a joy to read - there's humour at times but also respect and understanding that ends in them both being placed in perilous danger.
I loved all the brilliant characters in this well crafted story, Robert has done really well in conveying them as likeable people and I thoroughly look forward to meeting Sullivan and Broderick again in the next in the series "The Poisoned Rock".
I'd heard a lot about Robert's writing before I'd started reading this book and I am very impressed at the professionalism and expertise of his story telling, plot line and character development.
I purchased this book through the year long monthly Urbane Book Club and yet again this book shows just how much thought and effort goes into producing their quality books, every page is like a work of art - it's so beautifully typeset and printed.
It's easy to read this novella in less than a day if time allows and having done so myself, I felt like I'd just watched a mini tv show, it's was so full of excitement, tension towards the end, and an unexpected twist that keeps you turning the pages intrigued as to where the investigations were leading to.
I can't recommend this book enough, a richly deserved 5 stars for a fabulous debut novella.
January 10, 2019
For a first novel, 'The Rock' really packed a punch. I picked it up on a whim after noticing that it was set in Gibraltar, and I wanted to see if there were any places that I recognised after my trip there.
Robert Daws is an actor turned writer, and I was surprised how polished and tightly written the story was. It did read rather like a script, but with none of the awkward, disjointed entries that you might expect. We are introduced to the 2 lead detectives who are to feature in 'The Rock' stories, and both were intelligent and realisitically portrayed.
I enjoyed the story and would be interested in picking up 'The Poisoned Rock' which is next in the series.
Robert Daws is an actor turned writer, and I was surprised how polished and tightly written the story was. It did read rather like a script, but with none of the awkward, disjointed entries that you might expect. We are introduced to the 2 lead detectives who are to feature in 'The Rock' stories, and both were intelligent and realisitically portrayed.
I enjoyed the story and would be interested in picking up 'The Poisoned Rock' which is next in the series.
April 15, 2020
When this book came to my notice, I liked the idea of a mystery set in Gibraltar. I'd visited Gibraltar, briefly c1993, so I had a sense of its atmosphere. It wasn't my intention to read it straight away. I added "The Rock" to my TBR list, and then the next day I was drawn back to it by serendipity. After reading the first 10% I got a feeling it was going to be a good read; I wasn't disappointed. The pace was good for me and my reading mood. There was a minimum of grisly description which made the story a mystery, more than a thriller. With all the things happening in the world today, #GrenfellTower, #FinsburyPark #Manchester #LindtCafe etc etc, I don't need a thriller. The characters, Broderick and Sullivan, worked well together. There was a level of predictability within the story, but I like predictability; it's comfortable. The Rock is the first book of the Sullivan and Broderick Murder Mysteries; I know I'll enjoy the next one, The Poisoned Rock.
November 7, 2021
I felt it’s a good start to a series but wow it was short.
March 28, 2018
Sun, sea, sand and murder...
When Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan of the London Metropolitan Police steps outside the rules, she effectively stalls her career. Now she's been sent on a three-month secondment to the Royal Gibraltar Police Force, which she sees at first as a form of punishment. But sun, sea, sand and friendly colleagues soon make her feel that as punishments go, this one could be worse. Meantime, two motorcycle cops chasing a thief are involved in a fatal accident in which a well-known and well-loved local resident dies. When one of the cops is later found hanged, the obvious conclusion is suicide, but Sullivan's new boss, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick, isn't so sure...
This is a very well written short novel that feels in many ways like the pilot episode of a TV series, so it didn't surprise me to read in the afterword that it's been optioned and is being developed for TV. The mystery in the book is a good one, with proper suspects and clues and a strong thriller ending. There's a connected sub-plot about an old lady in a big house, with a dark secret in a room upstairs, which is beautifully creepy.
But as an introduction to a new series, the most important aspect is the development of the recurring characters – Sullivan, Broderick and their colleagues. And oh, how lovely that they're all likeable, not too maverick, no known addiction problems, and get on well together as a team! That might make them sound dull, but they're not – both Sullivan and Broderick will step over the line when necessary, but in the sense of taking risks to solve their case rather than in the casual beating up of suspects or being outrageously rude to superior officers, etc. More importantly, there's an enjoyable vein of humour running through the book in the dialogue amongst the regulars, and Daws manages to make this sound very natural and realistic. Young DC Calbot, for instance, has a habit of saying things which could be mild innuendo but might just as easily be entirely innocent, and Sullivan's inability to decide whether he's doing it deliberately is fun.
Sullivan is single and reasonably happy to be so. Broderick was married, but now lives with his sister who helps him care for his younger daughter, a girl with Downs syndrome, an aspect of the story which Daws handles very well without any sense of mawkishness. Broderick is a bit grumpy on the surface and a little peeved to have been landed with this Met secondee with a dodgy reputation, but he soon begins to see that she's a good officer and sets about bringing her fully into the team.
Daws apparently knows Gibraltar well and he brings the setting to life. It's an intriguing place, this bastion of Britishness set off the coast of Spain, and Daws makes a good start at showing its unique culture along with its natural beauty, though there's plenty of room for further development of this as the series progresses.
Third person, past tense, very little swearing, hard-hitting crimes without being unnecessarily gruesome, interesting location – I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Sullivan and Broderick and am looking forward to reading the next in the series, The Poisoned Rock, soon.
NB I won this book from Urbane Press in a giveaway.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
When Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan of the London Metropolitan Police steps outside the rules, she effectively stalls her career. Now she's been sent on a three-month secondment to the Royal Gibraltar Police Force, which she sees at first as a form of punishment. But sun, sea, sand and friendly colleagues soon make her feel that as punishments go, this one could be worse. Meantime, two motorcycle cops chasing a thief are involved in a fatal accident in which a well-known and well-loved local resident dies. When one of the cops is later found hanged, the obvious conclusion is suicide, but Sullivan's new boss, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick, isn't so sure...
This is a very well written short novel that feels in many ways like the pilot episode of a TV series, so it didn't surprise me to read in the afterword that it's been optioned and is being developed for TV. The mystery in the book is a good one, with proper suspects and clues and a strong thriller ending. There's a connected sub-plot about an old lady in a big house, with a dark secret in a room upstairs, which is beautifully creepy.
But as an introduction to a new series, the most important aspect is the development of the recurring characters – Sullivan, Broderick and their colleagues. And oh, how lovely that they're all likeable, not too maverick, no known addiction problems, and get on well together as a team! That might make them sound dull, but they're not – both Sullivan and Broderick will step over the line when necessary, but in the sense of taking risks to solve their case rather than in the casual beating up of suspects or being outrageously rude to superior officers, etc. More importantly, there's an enjoyable vein of humour running through the book in the dialogue amongst the regulars, and Daws manages to make this sound very natural and realistic. Young DC Calbot, for instance, has a habit of saying things which could be mild innuendo but might just as easily be entirely innocent, and Sullivan's inability to decide whether he's doing it deliberately is fun.
Sullivan is single and reasonably happy to be so. Broderick was married, but now lives with his sister who helps him care for his younger daughter, a girl with Downs syndrome, an aspect of the story which Daws handles very well without any sense of mawkishness. Broderick is a bit grumpy on the surface and a little peeved to have been landed with this Met secondee with a dodgy reputation, but he soon begins to see that she's a good officer and sets about bringing her fully into the team.
Daws apparently knows Gibraltar well and he brings the setting to life. It's an intriguing place, this bastion of Britishness set off the coast of Spain, and Daws makes a good start at showing its unique culture along with its natural beauty, though there's plenty of room for further development of this as the series progresses.
Third person, past tense, very little swearing, hard-hitting crimes without being unnecessarily gruesome, interesting location – I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Sullivan and Broderick and am looking forward to reading the next in the series, The Poisoned Rock, soon.
NB I won this book from Urbane Press in a giveaway.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
July 5, 2020
This was a bit 'fluffy' with little substance to it. I made the mistake of reading this straight after a Jeffery Deaver book and, in comparison, this one just seemed like a schoolboy story. It is set in Gibraltar, which caught my interest, but you wouldn't know it other than the odd geographical reference. It could just as well have been set in England. I have been to the 'Rock' a few times and I never had the feeling of being there throughout this, thankfully, short novel. The humorous banter between the police was ok as was the ending, hence I scored it 3* rather than 2.
June 19, 2017
Fairly entertaining but could have been so much more.
An okay procedural but nothing special about the characters or plot, both of which I feel missed many opportunities to be developed. A quick read and fairly entertaining, I just feel it could have easily been so much better.
An okay procedural but nothing special about the characters or plot, both of which I feel missed many opportunities to be developed. A quick read and fairly entertaining, I just feel it could have easily been so much better.
May 11, 2017
I received this book yesterday morning as part of the Urbane Publications Book Club, and thought I'd give the first couple of chapters a go to see if I'd enjoy it - 150 pages later I'd finished it and had thoroughly enjoyed this sharp, crime novella and am itching to start on book two of the series - The Poisoned Rock.
Set on Gibraltar, we follow Tamara Sullivan who is a detective sent over from London for 3 months and we get a glimpse of what went wrong in London, and how she is thrown straight into the deep end with intriguing cases of what appear to be suicides and they affect those very closely in the police department.
This book had a great pace about it and also fantastic touches of humour that you could understand that those in the police force need on a daily basis to see them through some of the tougher sights that they witness. I also enjoyed the way the threads tied in well without being forced or feeling too manufactured. There was genuine mystery and intrigue trying to work out where the story would end up and I loved the twists and turns!
Set on Gibraltar, we follow Tamara Sullivan who is a detective sent over from London for 3 months and we get a glimpse of what went wrong in London, and how she is thrown straight into the deep end with intriguing cases of what appear to be suicides and they affect those very closely in the police department.
This book had a great pace about it and also fantastic touches of humour that you could understand that those in the police force need on a daily basis to see them through some of the tougher sights that they witness. I also enjoyed the way the threads tied in well without being forced or feeling too manufactured. There was genuine mystery and intrigue trying to work out where the story would end up and I loved the twists and turns!
June 29, 2015
I was drawn to this fast moving detective story, by actor and writer Robert Daws, because it reminded me of the old house in Gibraltar where my parents lived many years ago, but it will appeal to anyone who enjoys trying to solve a murder mystery alongside a bold heroine.
Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan has been seconded from the Metropolitan Police force in London to what she imagines will be a quiet, rather boring time working in Gibraltar, but she soon finds that despite the relaxed attitude of some of her colleagues, serious crimes are being committed within Gibraltar’s narrow streets.
Tamara is a well-drawn character whom we soon get to know but her boss Chief inspector Broderick is more of an enigma. Robert Daws obviously know the rock intimately so we soon feel ourselves familiar with the geography of the setting.
This is not a long novel but all the ingredients are present for an enjoyable read, trying to solve the crimes a step before the detectives. Tamara’s independent and slightly reckless behaviour may lead her into trouble again which increase the suspense effectively.
I am looking forward to the next investigation by Sullivan and Broderick which is promised this year.
Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan has been seconded from the Metropolitan Police force in London to what she imagines will be a quiet, rather boring time working in Gibraltar, but she soon finds that despite the relaxed attitude of some of her colleagues, serious crimes are being committed within Gibraltar’s narrow streets.
Tamara is a well-drawn character whom we soon get to know but her boss Chief inspector Broderick is more of an enigma. Robert Daws obviously know the rock intimately so we soon feel ourselves familiar with the geography of the setting.
This is not a long novel but all the ingredients are present for an enjoyable read, trying to solve the crimes a step before the detectives. Tamara’s independent and slightly reckless behaviour may lead her into trouble again which increase the suspense effectively.
I am looking forward to the next investigation by Sullivan and Broderick which is promised this year.
October 25, 2012
This book is basically your bulk standard formulaic Police Procedural. It ticks pretty much all of the usual boxes for the genre. That said, it is a good example of it!
Good characters & description with an interesting story all drawn together with neat writing.
I don't know if it is my preconception, knowing the author is himself a TV actor, but the writing and indeed the length of the novel did come across to me to be a little episodic and I did wonder if that was a factor in the style the author chose. That said, I personally think that it would work as a TV program/series!
All that aside, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Would I read another similar book by this author? Again yes.
Good characters & description with an interesting story all drawn together with neat writing.
I don't know if it is my preconception, knowing the author is himself a TV actor, but the writing and indeed the length of the novel did come across to me to be a little episodic and I did wonder if that was a factor in the style the author chose. That said, I personally think that it would work as a TV program/series!
All that aside, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Would I read another similar book by this author? Again yes.
July 23, 2020
Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan finds herself exiled to Gibraltar as punishment for disobeying orders during a police operation. Together with her new boss DCI Gus Broderick, Sullivan investigates the suspicious death of a police constable, leading to the discovery of a dark and sinister secret.
This is the first adventure in the Sullivan and Broderick series and the first book I’ve read by actor/novelist Robert Daws. Having long been a fan of the man’s on-screen work (Roger Roger, Outside Edge, Poldark etc), I was keen to see how he fares as an author. ‘The Rock’ is a fairly short read and introduces the Sullivan/Broderick team in a (currently) three book series. The setting is lovely with some nice descriptions that make a change from the usual police procedural of moody cops trudging down the dark streets of London.
An easy read, this is a good introduction to the series, giving us a flavour of what to expect from the other books.
This is the first adventure in the Sullivan and Broderick series and the first book I’ve read by actor/novelist Robert Daws. Having long been a fan of the man’s on-screen work (Roger Roger, Outside Edge, Poldark etc), I was keen to see how he fares as an author. ‘The Rock’ is a fairly short read and introduces the Sullivan/Broderick team in a (currently) three book series. The setting is lovely with some nice descriptions that make a change from the usual police procedural of moody cops trudging down the dark streets of London.
An easy read, this is a good introduction to the series, giving us a flavour of what to expect from the other books.
August 11, 2017
Good read
It was a fun short book with a lot packed into it. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, I would have liked to know more about what the old lady was going through. Thanks
It was a fun short book with a lot packed into it. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, I would have liked to know more about what the old lady was going through. Thanks
January 22, 2019
The first 40% was really enjoyable, then there were jumps in the plot that completely skipped the deduction process. The last bit was really unimaginative and much too nearly tied up.
October 24, 2016
After a well described opening scene the story moves to the present day and Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan as she is airborne on her way to Gibraltar. She’s on secondment for twelve weeks from the Metropolitan Police after being cleared of the charge of professional misconduct. She considers this her punishment and is not looking forward to the deviation from her career plans. The Gibraltar police are short of a detective in CID so Tamara joins Detective Inspector Gus Broderick’s team, not expecting any serious crime on the island.
Jennifer and Martin Tavares decide to walk home after a charity gala night, the completion of over a year’s fundraising by Jennifer to aid the creation of a new play garden for a child care centre. Caught in the middle of a police motorbike chase, Jennifer is mown down and rushed to A&E where she is operated on immediately.
There are several threads gradually combining to create a solid police procedural/murder story. A well paced and formulated plot, together with good characterisation and the fabulous backdrop of Gibraltar. I particularly liked the differing aspects of Broderick’s work and home persona and the reasons for the contrast. Tamara is well defined and likeable, capable of independent thinking and acting on those thoughts, with a slight maverick tendency. I enjoyed the realistic dialogue and chemistry between the main characters.
This is a debut novella, just 182 pages in the print version, written in an easy reading style. A quick but satisfying read with a twist in the tail. Great start to a series and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Jennifer and Martin Tavares decide to walk home after a charity gala night, the completion of over a year’s fundraising by Jennifer to aid the creation of a new play garden for a child care centre. Caught in the middle of a police motorbike chase, Jennifer is mown down and rushed to A&E where she is operated on immediately.
There are several threads gradually combining to create a solid police procedural/murder story. A well paced and formulated plot, together with good characterisation and the fabulous backdrop of Gibraltar. I particularly liked the differing aspects of Broderick’s work and home persona and the reasons for the contrast. Tamara is well defined and likeable, capable of independent thinking and acting on those thoughts, with a slight maverick tendency. I enjoyed the realistic dialogue and chemistry between the main characters.
This is a debut novella, just 182 pages in the print version, written in an easy reading style. A quick but satisfying read with a twist in the tail. Great start to a series and I’m looking forward to the next book.
August 1, 2016
Rock Solid!
A fast paced first novella by the multi talented Robert Daws. Daws, a highly accomplished actor from both stage and screen can now most assuredly add, author, to his list of talents. I whizzed through this book in two days such was my enthusiasm and intrigue as to what might be the outcome. Daws' knowledge of Gibraltar is impressive and I felt as if it were now somewhere I'd like to visit despite the high body count! The chemistry between the central characters was both palpable and believable. There were moments of black humour skillfully interwoven with suspense. A contemporary whodunit with a most unexpected finale. Bravo! I can't wait to read his next book "Poisoned Rock". Robert Daws is one to watch as a superb crime writer.
A fast paced first novella by the multi talented Robert Daws. Daws, a highly accomplished actor from both stage and screen can now most assuredly add, author, to his list of talents. I whizzed through this book in two days such was my enthusiasm and intrigue as to what might be the outcome. Daws' knowledge of Gibraltar is impressive and I felt as if it were now somewhere I'd like to visit despite the high body count! The chemistry between the central characters was both palpable and believable. There were moments of black humour skillfully interwoven with suspense. A contemporary whodunit with a most unexpected finale. Bravo! I can't wait to read his next book "Poisoned Rock". Robert Daws is one to watch as a superb crime writer.
September 21, 2016
Rocking on the Rock
I happened upon this novel by mistake, looking for something else, but, when I realised the subject matter and the location, decided to download this and the next Rock adventure. Mind you, living here in Gibraltar as I do, it was fun deciding where the actual locations were even though some were called by a different name. All in all, not a bad storyline and full of more excitement than RGP usually get
I happened upon this novel by mistake, looking for something else, but, when I realised the subject matter and the location, decided to download this and the next Rock adventure. Mind you, living here in Gibraltar as I do, it was fun deciding where the actual locations were even though some were called by a different name. All in all, not a bad storyline and full of more excitement than RGP usually get
March 27, 2018
Short but good murder/mystery investigation story set on Gibraltar, where London Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan is temporarily assigned. When a police chase ends up with an innocent pedestrian being killed, the family of the pedestrian start showing up in unexplicable suicides. And so begins what turns out to be a real-page turner. A promising start that includes colorful characters, and good plot, and the setting of the Rock itself, which is beautifully described.
August 28, 2016
I was given this novella to read by a colleague and she was correct in that she had said that it wouldn't take me long to read it, but I was very impressed with how much Daws packed into such a shortish novel. it moved very quickly but didn't, in my opinion, lose any of the content and plot lines. I would definitely read his follow up novel involving the two main police characters
July 2, 2016
I really liked this Police Procedural. Tamara Sullivan, a detective from London, has been sent to The Gibraltar Police Department, because she didn't obey her superior's orders. Even though being sent to Gibraltar is seen as a demotion, Sullivan fits right in with her new colleagues.
August 21, 2016
Gripping tale
I was hooked from the start until the final word and I am looking forward to September and the next book. Well drawn characters plenty of action lead to a very enjoyable read.Robert Saws has found himself an excellent second career
I was hooked from the start until the final word and I am looking forward to September and the next book. Well drawn characters plenty of action lead to a very enjoyable read.Robert Saws has found himself an excellent second career
November 18, 2021
Intriguing plot and excellent narration. Only objection is the amount of blasphemy at a few points. More exciting than a "cozy mystery" and yet not as gory or demented as a lot thrillers. A modern day "golden era" mystery.
November 15, 2016
Full review to follow shortly. I LOVED it.
September 18, 2017
The story held my interest. Nice development of main characters. I appreciate a story without vulgar language.
November 3, 2019
This is the first in this police procedural series. I had not read any of Robert Daws books before now, but having recently met him, I thought I would give them a go and from the beginning of the series. It is worth it! This first book is a novella, which is nice and different. It is shorter than an average sized book, but is a great introduction to Gibraltar and his characters, still containing an air of mystery and intrigue within the pages. The second in the series, which we will get onto shortly is more novel in size. Either way, they are both well-written and holds attention well.
The series is set in Gibraltar and this particular one begins in 1966. From the outset, the scene is set and rather well. It’s all very mysterious before the first chapter has even begun.
The book then swings forward to the present day. It begins with familiar territory which Tamara Sullivan, a private investigator has to endure before taking off on the plane to Gibraltar. Readers will discover that it was never her intention to head to Gibraltar to work, but she was forced into a 3 month secondment there.
I would say not to be put off by the different timelines because they are skillfully written in such a manner that is far from confusing.
The scenery of Gibraltar is beautifully described. Robert Daws has clearly used all his knowledge of the Rock, which he has spent much time on, very well to capture interest in the place as well as the imagination.
Very quickly the story moves onto an intruder on a yacht. It makes for a fast-paced book.
The working relationship between Calbot and Sullivan and Broderick and Sullivan is quickly established and makes for a good read. Sullivan is a woman who can certainly stand up for herself when necessary and make her point, but in a likeable way.
Chief Superintendent C.S. Harriet Massetti and PC Bryant also make up the team of investigators and readers also get a good flavour of their personalities when they are introduced into the book.
The story later, transports readers to 5 months earlier in England. This works rather well in telling what actually happened to Sullivan and why she was seconded to Gibraltar instead of staying at the London MET where she could further her career in the city. It gives further establishment of her personality and how she does go off on a limb at times.
Martin Taveres is a character readers will feel the full force of emotion from due to the death of his loved as it so sensitively and skillfully written.
Later on readers return to 1966. It works and fits in well. The attitudes are realistic and it creates for a good and interesting back story to what was read in the present day.
The style of writing is distinctive and different from many other books, but I like it. I think it works and different and individual writing styles can only be a good thing and not something to be put off by.
For a quick read, this book does just the job. It is written well and has enough setting and drama within it, as well as good characterisation. It made me decide it was worthwhile investing the time to read more of this series.
The series is set in Gibraltar and this particular one begins in 1966. From the outset, the scene is set and rather well. It’s all very mysterious before the first chapter has even begun.
The book then swings forward to the present day. It begins with familiar territory which Tamara Sullivan, a private investigator has to endure before taking off on the plane to Gibraltar. Readers will discover that it was never her intention to head to Gibraltar to work, but she was forced into a 3 month secondment there.
I would say not to be put off by the different timelines because they are skillfully written in such a manner that is far from confusing.
The scenery of Gibraltar is beautifully described. Robert Daws has clearly used all his knowledge of the Rock, which he has spent much time on, very well to capture interest in the place as well as the imagination.
Very quickly the story moves onto an intruder on a yacht. It makes for a fast-paced book.
The working relationship between Calbot and Sullivan and Broderick and Sullivan is quickly established and makes for a good read. Sullivan is a woman who can certainly stand up for herself when necessary and make her point, but in a likeable way.
Chief Superintendent C.S. Harriet Massetti and PC Bryant also make up the team of investigators and readers also get a good flavour of their personalities when they are introduced into the book.
The story later, transports readers to 5 months earlier in England. This works rather well in telling what actually happened to Sullivan and why she was seconded to Gibraltar instead of staying at the London MET where she could further her career in the city. It gives further establishment of her personality and how she does go off on a limb at times.
Martin Taveres is a character readers will feel the full force of emotion from due to the death of his loved as it so sensitively and skillfully written.
Later on readers return to 1966. It works and fits in well. The attitudes are realistic and it creates for a good and interesting back story to what was read in the present day.
The style of writing is distinctive and different from many other books, but I like it. I think it works and different and individual writing styles can only be a good thing and not something to be put off by.
For a quick read, this book does just the job. It is written well and has enough setting and drama within it, as well as good characterisation. It made me decide it was worthwhile investing the time to read more of this series.
September 8, 2020
What a great read!
Having seen Robert Daws ion TV I never would have realised that he is a talented author. Even from the blurb about this had me interested most probably because it is set in Gibraltar. From the description of it, it sounds incredible and picturesque. As for the novel, well I was hooked from page one! Robert is a good story teller and there were some twists and turns along the way, that had me wondering where it was going! Having said it was gripping and towards the end I was reading late into the night! Loved the characters of both Broderick and Sullivan. Broderick being Sullivan's boss who got transferred from the police force back in England. However she made her mark and clearly proved herself. What starts out as a simple motor bike accident and the death of a young lady takes on a more sinister meaning when a cold case from the mid 1960's rears it's head and changes everything! A very compelling read. Be prepared to have a late night! Highly recommended and look forward to reading the next one!
Having seen Robert Daws ion TV I never would have realised that he is a talented author. Even from the blurb about this had me interested most probably because it is set in Gibraltar. From the description of it, it sounds incredible and picturesque. As for the novel, well I was hooked from page one! Robert is a good story teller and there were some twists and turns along the way, that had me wondering where it was going! Having said it was gripping and towards the end I was reading late into the night! Loved the characters of both Broderick and Sullivan. Broderick being Sullivan's boss who got transferred from the police force back in England. However she made her mark and clearly proved herself. What starts out as a simple motor bike accident and the death of a young lady takes on a more sinister meaning when a cold case from the mid 1960's rears it's head and changes everything! A very compelling read. Be prepared to have a late night! Highly recommended and look forward to reading the next one!
October 24, 2025
a good first book
Once I learned what a “sarnie” is, and quit worrying about what “parking up” meant, I began to enjoy this story. The characters were realistic and easy to relate to. This slice of life in a maverick police officer’s experience was sorta interesting: I liked the male chief Broderick and his coping with being a single dad. He seems like a good guy. The colleague of the main character was funny and typical. I agree that the villain was indeed swarmy-I would not have wanted to go on a date with him either. Sullivan herself seems reasonable enough and I am looking forward to more books in the series. The author did a good job. Thanks.
Once I learned what a “sarnie” is, and quit worrying about what “parking up” meant, I began to enjoy this story. The characters were realistic and easy to relate to. This slice of life in a maverick police officer’s experience was sorta interesting: I liked the male chief Broderick and his coping with being a single dad. He seems like a good guy. The colleague of the main character was funny and typical. I agree that the villain was indeed swarmy-I would not have wanted to go on a date with him either. Sullivan herself seems reasonable enough and I am looking forward to more books in the series. The author did a good job. Thanks.
June 27, 2017
DISAPPOINTED
I liked the characters and was initially intrigued by the somewhat convoluted beginning, a lot of different directions for things to go just kind of tossed out there....then, I settled in for what appeared to be the beginning of an interesting tale. But, what I got was a really "blah" plot development with absolutely no tension and ludicrously simplistic developments leading to a too tidy ending - if only real police got cases that almost solved themselves! I'd love to see this author utilize these characters in a genuine, and interesting, crime story.
I liked the characters and was initially intrigued by the somewhat convoluted beginning, a lot of different directions for things to go just kind of tossed out there....then, I settled in for what appeared to be the beginning of an interesting tale. But, what I got was a really "blah" plot development with absolutely no tension and ludicrously simplistic developments leading to a too tidy ending - if only real police got cases that almost solved themselves! I'd love to see this author utilize these characters in a genuine, and interesting, crime story.
June 19, 2017
A very fine book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fine short book! The characters were believable, the action well written, the story line well thought out and a mystery that I didn't figure out until,as a reader, I was expected to. Very satisfying read all in all. The only problem I had was being an American reader the English slang was a little hard to understand. Didn't stop me from enjoying the book though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fine short book! The characters were believable, the action well written, the story line well thought out and a mystery that I didn't figure out until,as a reader, I was expected to. Very satisfying read all in all. The only problem I had was being an American reader the English slang was a little hard to understand. Didn't stop me from enjoying the book though.
July 29, 2017
This book caught my interest because of the location and being an American it sounded like a nice place to base a series of books. The subheading "Sullivan and Broderick" caught my attention. A pair of crime fighters. Yet, the book really didn't seem to pull them together that much. I was a little surprised as to who the prime suspect was in the story line. I will read the second book in the series and see how it continues to develop the characters.
January 2, 2026
I read this because it was set in Gibraltar 🇬🇮 The story was quite unrealistic and some of the narrative was strange. I can’t quite believe two officers would die so close together and there wouldn’t be a bigger response… however I did like the twist at the end and the link to history. Maybe it was so rushed because it was a novella? I like the detectives though and think I will try the next book
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