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The Rules of Restraint
’One of the country's foremost experts on serial killers’ – The Scotsman
If we fight monsters, do we too become monsters…?
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands.
Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank – a unique therapeutic community prison, holding some of Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers – the place is descending into chaos.
An escape, then a suicide, followed by a string of murders in the prison has left in its wake fear and confusion among staff and prisoners alike.
Dr Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is called on – despite Munro’s initial cynicism – to shed some light on the case and create a profile of the killer.
In the meantime, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is brought in to work with her on his investigation.
The escapee, Bobby Lomas, dubbed ‘Varsity Blue’ for his string of killing young female students is considered to be at the heart of the case and Dr Crowther’s close relationship with him has not gone unnoticed.
As the death toll rises, Munro becomes increasingly anxious about Lomas’ whereabouts. His daughter has just started university and he hasn’t heard from her in days…
Written by the UK’s leading expert on serial killers, The Rules of Restraint is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end, with plenty of action and surprises along the way.
Praise for David Wilson
‘David Wilson is a real-life Cracker.’ – Leo McKinstry, Daily Express
‘A man not short of a controversial opinion or three’ – The Guardian
‘Lifts the lid on the social, institutional, political and economic contexts that make serial killing possible’ – John Muncie
‘…will undoubtedly stir up a great deal of debate’ – Roger Hood
David Wilson is a Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University. A former prison governor, he is a noted criminologist and expert on serial killers through his work with various British police forces, academic publications and books. David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries. His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform. David currently lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Anne, and their two children, Hugo and Fleur.
If we fight monsters, do we too become monsters…?
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands.
Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank – a unique therapeutic community prison, holding some of Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers – the place is descending into chaos.
An escape, then a suicide, followed by a string of murders in the prison has left in its wake fear and confusion among staff and prisoners alike.
Dr Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is called on – despite Munro’s initial cynicism – to shed some light on the case and create a profile of the killer.
In the meantime, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is brought in to work with her on his investigation.
The escapee, Bobby Lomas, dubbed ‘Varsity Blue’ for his string of killing young female students is considered to be at the heart of the case and Dr Crowther’s close relationship with him has not gone unnoticed.
As the death toll rises, Munro becomes increasingly anxious about Lomas’ whereabouts. His daughter has just started university and he hasn’t heard from her in days…
Written by the UK’s leading expert on serial killers, The Rules of Restraint is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end, with plenty of action and surprises along the way.
Praise for David Wilson
‘David Wilson is a real-life Cracker.’ – Leo McKinstry, Daily Express
‘A man not short of a controversial opinion or three’ – The Guardian
‘Lifts the lid on the social, institutional, political and economic contexts that make serial killing possible’ – John Muncie
‘…will undoubtedly stir up a great deal of debate’ – Roger Hood
David Wilson is a Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University. A former prison governor, he is a noted criminologist and expert on serial killers through his work with various British police forces, academic publications and books. David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries. His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform. David currently lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Anne, and their two children, Hugo and Fleur.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
21 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
David Wilson
25 books125 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Wilson is Professor of Criminology and founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University – one of the university’s “research centres of excellence”. He is the co-Editor of the prestigious Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, which is produced five times per year. Prior to taking up his academic appointment in September 1997, David was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prison Reform Trust, and between October 1983-April 1997 he worked as a Prison Governor.
David completed his PhD at Selwyn College Cambridge in 1983, and immediately joined HM Prison Service as Assistant Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. He worked as a Prison Governor at a variety of establishments, including HMYOIs Huntercombe and Finnamore Wood – where at the age of 29 he was the youngest governing Governor in the country – and at HMPs Grendon and Woodhill. At HMP Grendon he ran the sex offender treatment programme, and at HMP Woodhill he designed and managed the two specialist units for the 12 most disruptive prisoners in the penal system. This experience brought him into contact with some of the most notorious criminals in the country.
David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries.
His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform.
His first work of fiction is The Rules of Restraint.
David Wilson is Professor of Criminology and founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University – one of the university’s “research centres of excellence”. He is the co-Editor of the prestigious Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, which is produced five times per year. Prior to taking up his academic appointment in September 1997, David was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prison Reform Trust, and between October 1983-April 1997 he worked as a Prison Governor.
David completed his PhD at Selwyn College Cambridge in 1983, and immediately joined HM Prison Service as Assistant Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. He worked as a Prison Governor at a variety of establishments, including HMYOIs Huntercombe and Finnamore Wood – where at the age of 29 he was the youngest governing Governor in the country – and at HMPs Grendon and Woodhill. At HMP Grendon he ran the sex offender treatment programme, and at HMP Woodhill he designed and managed the two specialist units for the 12 most disruptive prisoners in the penal system. This experience brought him into contact with some of the most notorious criminals in the country.
David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries.
His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform.
His first work of fiction is The Rules of Restraint.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 21, 2016
THE RULES OF RESTRAINT by David Wilson, UK’s leading expert on serial killers, is a gripping thriller that is sure to please. I was contacted and asked if I would like to read this novel, and I readily agreed.
This is a novel about crime and punishment. In this story we visit, Greenback, a prison that focuses on rehabilitation and houses Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers.
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands. Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank, the prison is descending into disorder.
Then there is an escape, a suicide and a string of murders and none of the crimes makes any sense, to both the staff and the prisoner!
Dr. Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is brought in (against Munro’s wishes) to create a profile of the killer, and assist with the case. Also, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is assigned to work with her on his case.
The plot was a little slow at times, but picks up towards the end. This is a good read. The Rules of Restraint will keep you guessing right to the end, with plenty of action along the way.
This is a novel about crime and punishment. In this story we visit, Greenback, a prison that focuses on rehabilitation and houses Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers.
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands. Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank, the prison is descending into disorder.
Then there is an escape, a suicide and a string of murders and none of the crimes makes any sense, to both the staff and the prisoner!
Dr. Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is brought in (against Munro’s wishes) to create a profile of the killer, and assist with the case. Also, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is assigned to work with her on his case.
The plot was a little slow at times, but picks up towards the end. This is a good read. The Rules of Restraint will keep you guessing right to the end, with plenty of action along the way.
February 28, 2017
An excellent read. Highly descriptive writing and an interesting plot. I was excited to read a novel penned by the man toted as "Britain's leading expert on serial killers" woo hoo! So, I turned to page one and the story began...
The Blurb:
If we fight monsters, do we too become monsters…?
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands.
Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank – a unique therapeutic community prison, holding some of Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers – the place is descending into chaos.
An escape, then a suicide, followed by a string of murders in the prison has left in its wake fear and confusion among staff and prisoners alike.
Dr Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is called on – despite Munro’s initial cynicism – to shed some light on the case and create a profile of the killer.
In the meantime, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is brought in to work with her on his investigation.
The escapee, Bobby Lomas, dubbed ‘Varsity Blue’ for his string of killing young female students is considered to be at the heart of the case and Dr Crowther’s close relationship with him has not gone unnoticed.
As the death toll rises, Munro becomes increasingly anxious about Lomas’ whereabouts. His daughter has just started university and he hasn’t heard from her in days…
Dr Kate Crowther is working in a prison where the perspective is to heal and learn from the many evil men inside. This prison philosophy is not upheld by everyone, it has it's enemies, some believing these prisoners are having an easy-time of it. Kate believes if she can understand these men, she can not only help heal them but do studies to prevent future crime.
Suddenly, the prison is turned into utter chaos with blood shed on all the walls. How did this happen? Who is making it happen? The entire ethos of the prison is in question. The book really keeps you guessing right from the first prison escape, there are plenty of twisty moments in this book. I was fascinated and desperate to know who was murdering within the prison walls. This book makes for a fast-paced read and an eagerness to know what is next.
The characters are fascinating in this novel, especially some of the darker ones. The ending is really good, I did NOT see that coming and give kudos to the author for a whizz-bang ending to this novel. 4.5 stars from me for The Rules of Restraint. Happy to read anything this author writes.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. All review opinions are entirely my own and totally unbiased.
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my VIP book reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
To enquire about my varied and affordable book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
The Blurb:
If we fight monsters, do we too become monsters…?
Donald Munro has something of a problem on his hands.
Just three months after taking over as governor of Greenbank – a unique therapeutic community prison, holding some of Britain’s most dangerous and notorious killers – the place is descending into chaos.
An escape, then a suicide, followed by a string of murders in the prison has left in its wake fear and confusion among staff and prisoners alike.
Dr Kate Crowther, the prison’s principal psychologist is called on – despite Munro’s initial cynicism – to shed some light on the case and create a profile of the killer.
In the meantime, Detective Inspector Nick Knight is brought in to work with her on his investigation.
The escapee, Bobby Lomas, dubbed ‘Varsity Blue’ for his string of killing young female students is considered to be at the heart of the case and Dr Crowther’s close relationship with him has not gone unnoticed.
As the death toll rises, Munro becomes increasingly anxious about Lomas’ whereabouts. His daughter has just started university and he hasn’t heard from her in days…
Dr Kate Crowther is working in a prison where the perspective is to heal and learn from the many evil men inside. This prison philosophy is not upheld by everyone, it has it's enemies, some believing these prisoners are having an easy-time of it. Kate believes if she can understand these men, she can not only help heal them but do studies to prevent future crime.
Suddenly, the prison is turned into utter chaos with blood shed on all the walls. How did this happen? Who is making it happen? The entire ethos of the prison is in question. The book really keeps you guessing right from the first prison escape, there are plenty of twisty moments in this book. I was fascinated and desperate to know who was murdering within the prison walls. This book makes for a fast-paced read and an eagerness to know what is next.
The characters are fascinating in this novel, especially some of the darker ones. The ending is really good, I did NOT see that coming and give kudos to the author for a whizz-bang ending to this novel. 4.5 stars from me for The Rules of Restraint. Happy to read anything this author writes.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. All review opinions are entirely my own and totally unbiased.
Thanks so much for reading my review! To follow more reviews, be alerted to awesome online author events and HUGE book giveaways and more come on over to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my VIP book reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
To enquire about my varied and affordable book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
January 30, 2017
The plot follows a series of incidents, both in and out with Greenbank Therapuetic Prison, that threaten to bring chaos to the regime and fear to all those involved. Right from the beginning we are introduced to a series of characters and sub plots within the book that both grab your attention and completely screw with your mind! Seriously at some points I found myself wondering if the pages were impregnated with some hallucogenics such was the effect! But I mean this in a good way as each of the plots connected and worked well together as well as referring to real life cases which made the reading experience even more convincing and true to life.
The Rules of Restraint dragged me hurtling at 100 mph through the chapters in my eagerness to work out what was going on; each scene playing out fast enough to keep my interest but not that fast that I lost the plot! There were so many twists and turns my head was spinning - but it made me feel like I was caught up in the whole storyline, the investigation and what was going on - sometimes this can cause confusion but there was something about this novel that engaged me from start to finish and I felt that I was at the same stage as the investigators all the way through - discovering as they discovered!
There were a number of key characters and at times I got a little confused as to who the narrator was in each scene but once I got my head around this then it worked well, I think the author done a fabulous job of getting inside the head of each of the characters and taking the reader right in there alongside him.
The Rules of Restraint is very much an exploration of the debate around the role of prison as a punishment - therapuetic approach V punitive apporach; a whydunnit not a whodunnit. The hierarchy of crimes within the prison population and the desire for retribution against those at the bottom of the ladder were all intelligently explored throughout this book.
I finished this book and had to start breathing again when I got to the last page, it took me a bit longer to read as I've been busy this week and that normally puts me off a book as I like to read over one or two days - but as I said before this book just had something that grabbed me and drew me in; it engaged me; it ticked all my boxes and I am hoping that there is another one coming out featuring Knight and Dr Crowther! It tantalised my tastebuds and I am hungry for more!
The Rules of Restraint dragged me hurtling at 100 mph through the chapters in my eagerness to work out what was going on; each scene playing out fast enough to keep my interest but not that fast that I lost the plot! There were so many twists and turns my head was spinning - but it made me feel like I was caught up in the whole storyline, the investigation and what was going on - sometimes this can cause confusion but there was something about this novel that engaged me from start to finish and I felt that I was at the same stage as the investigators all the way through - discovering as they discovered!
There were a number of key characters and at times I got a little confused as to who the narrator was in each scene but once I got my head around this then it worked well, I think the author done a fabulous job of getting inside the head of each of the characters and taking the reader right in there alongside him.
The Rules of Restraint is very much an exploration of the debate around the role of prison as a punishment - therapuetic approach V punitive apporach; a whydunnit not a whodunnit. The hierarchy of crimes within the prison population and the desire for retribution against those at the bottom of the ladder were all intelligently explored throughout this book.
I finished this book and had to start breathing again when I got to the last page, it took me a bit longer to read as I've been busy this week and that normally puts me off a book as I like to read over one or two days - but as I said before this book just had something that grabbed me and drew me in; it engaged me; it ticked all my boxes and I am hoping that there is another one coming out featuring Knight and Dr Crowther! It tantalised my tastebuds and I am hungry for more!
December 4, 2016
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Endeavour Press!
An entertaining novel about crime and punishment. Greenback is a prison that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment and the worst of the worst live together in not so perfect harmony. Then there is an escape, a suicide and a string of murders and none of the crimes seem to follow a pattern. I could't see where this was going, but neither did the people in charge of the inquiry. They follow the wrong clues and are fumbling in the dark for a while. This may be more like real investigations in real life and it was not a problem, as the bad guys - and there are many bad guys in a prison - were interesting characters. The plot was a little slow at times, but the rhythm picks up towards the end. This is a good read.
An entertaining novel about crime and punishment. Greenback is a prison that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment and the worst of the worst live together in not so perfect harmony. Then there is an escape, a suicide and a string of murders and none of the crimes seem to follow a pattern. I could't see where this was going, but neither did the people in charge of the inquiry. They follow the wrong clues and are fumbling in the dark for a while. This may be more like real investigations in real life and it was not a problem, as the bad guys - and there are many bad guys in a prison - were interesting characters. The plot was a little slow at times, but the rhythm picks up towards the end. This is a good read.
December 22, 2016
This is a fantastic read! The story grabs you from the prologue and keeps you entertained and excited for the next event! The characters are well crafted, with much detail. Characters are also given realistic, natural emotions in reaction to the events as they play out. All of these things combined make for an edge of your seat, can't put down, exciting story. I can't wait to see more from this writer!
December 5, 2016
I waited almost a week to start this book, but once I did, I could not put it down. There is a bit of a lag in the first half while all the pieces are being set up, but the final third does not disappoint. There are some predictable twists and turns along the way (like the who) but the why was nicely layered and rewarding. There is a rare misstep in the final chapter that did give me pause but the journey leading up to it was enjoyable enough to overlook. There is a soft opening for another entry in the Governor Munro series. If that happens, I would gladly return.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I love developed characters and these have to be some of the most developed characters with stories, flaws and problems making it seem that you could just walk out and meet these people walking along the street.
I experienced so much reading this including the hairs on my arms raising (I'll let you all discover where and why)
The blurb seemed interesting but the book was fantastic, I was hooked to it to a point I even made my eyes go funny at night trying to read it when I was too tired haha
But I recommend this book!
I love developed characters and these have to be some of the most developed characters with stories, flaws and problems making it seem that you could just walk out and meet these people walking along the street.
I experienced so much reading this including the hairs on my arms raising (I'll let you all discover where and why)
The blurb seemed interesting but the book was fantastic, I was hooked to it to a point I even made my eyes go funny at night trying to read it when I was too tired haha
But I recommend this book!
January 12, 2018
Despite the credentials of the author this book was, in my opinion, dull and lightweight.
The main characters were uninspiring and tedious, the story took too long to get going and unfortunately bored me senseless.
I have to admit that I didn’t manage to finish this book. I got it as part of my kindle unlimited subscription and have had it in my downloads for months. I’ve kept going back to it and giving it many more tries but it just didn’t hook me in at all which is a shame as I really wanted to like it.
The main characters were uninspiring and tedious, the story took too long to get going and unfortunately bored me senseless.
I have to admit that I didn’t manage to finish this book. I got it as part of my kindle unlimited subscription and have had it in my downloads for months. I’ve kept going back to it and giving it many more tries but it just didn’t hook me in at all which is a shame as I really wanted to like it.
December 28, 2016
I cannot say I've read a book like this before. For me 3/5.
Anyway I expected more from this book. I was a little bit disappointed because of expecting an amazing psycho thriller which make me read and read until the last words. It didn't happen. A prisoner has escaped and next stuffs started falling. A lot of people had on their hands blood. A private life of Munro entangled into a investigation. And you never know when a killer will hit. I waited on an epic capture of the murderer and no... this part was disappointing.
It wasn't the best book or the worst book, it was between. I like it but something was missing. I am so sorry for myself I don't like the book. I've already read a lot of books so I am quite a demaning reader, especially on detective books and murders but I think that book is really good for other readers, just not for me. Mr Wilson has shown a new view in this genre of books - exactly therapeutic sitting with prisoners, how the investigation influenced people's life in a future...
Anyway I expected more from this book. I was a little bit disappointed because of expecting an amazing psycho thriller which make me read and read until the last words. It didn't happen. A prisoner has escaped and next stuffs started falling. A lot of people had on their hands blood. A private life of Munro entangled into a investigation. And you never know when a killer will hit. I waited on an epic capture of the murderer and no... this part was disappointing.
It wasn't the best book or the worst book, it was between. I like it but something was missing. I am so sorry for myself I don't like the book. I've already read a lot of books so I am quite a demaning reader, especially on detective books and murders but I think that book is really good for other readers, just not for me. Mr Wilson has shown a new view in this genre of books - exactly therapeutic sitting with prisoners, how the investigation influenced people's life in a future...
May 8, 2017
It was okay. Took quite a while longer than normal to finish which is probably an indicator that I didn't find it completely gripping. I was interested to see how it ended, though I found the whole thing slightly unrealistic and quite far fetched. Was nice to see things from a prison point of view for once instead of the same old police detectives etc.
January 15, 2020
Great Read
Loved everything about this book Professor David Wilson at his best. As an avid reader of crime books this is one of the best I have read in a long time it keeps you gripped from beginning to end give it a try you will really enjoy it.
Loved everything about this book Professor David Wilson at his best. As an avid reader of crime books this is one of the best I have read in a long time it keeps you gripped from beginning to end give it a try you will really enjoy it.
April 6, 2022
An engaging page turner, of a thriller, with elements of RL events within the prison system.
Believable characters, good paced novel, however, the characters were confusing at times - it was difficult to know who was talking, hence the 4 starts. Otherwise a good read.
Believable characters, good paced novel, however, the characters were confusing at times - it was difficult to know who was talking, hence the 4 starts. Otherwise a good read.
March 17, 2017
Am I missing something?
I hardly dare post this review. My opinion of this book is so diametrically opposite to all the other reviews that I think I really must have missed something.
The plot was ok, a little farfetched but readable.
The characters, however, were a different kettle of fish. Every one of them spoke in convoluted, pretentious language and were continually spouting quotes from obscure literature. Perhaps I am not well-read enough to understand but, even so, I don't know a single person who speaks like this and I do know some intelligent people. I wonder how many serial killers and prison officers speak this way.
I found the book boring and long drawn out. It seemed to me to be just a vehicle for the author to show how clever he is (and probably to show how stupid people like me are)!
If you enjoy a believable story that is written in straightforward English, I would give this a miss. However, I am the only dissenting voice so perhaps the problem is mine.
I hardly dare post this review. My opinion of this book is so diametrically opposite to all the other reviews that I think I really must have missed something.
The plot was ok, a little farfetched but readable.
The characters, however, were a different kettle of fish. Every one of them spoke in convoluted, pretentious language and were continually spouting quotes from obscure literature. Perhaps I am not well-read enough to understand but, even so, I don't know a single person who speaks like this and I do know some intelligent people. I wonder how many serial killers and prison officers speak this way.
I found the book boring and long drawn out. It seemed to me to be just a vehicle for the author to show how clever he is (and probably to show how stupid people like me are)!
If you enjoy a believable story that is written in straightforward English, I would give this a miss. However, I am the only dissenting voice so perhaps the problem is mine.
February 6, 2018
*Abgebrochen*
Absolut das Interesse verloren.
Absolut das Interesse verloren.
December 30, 2016
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I received this book to give an honest review.
So I would have given this book a five star rating hands down. It was well written but aside from it being well written at times I felt confused as to whose p.o.v. I was in. So I dropped it to a four.
Though it all started to make sense towards the end.
With this story a prison called Greenbank is handling its prison differently. Trying more of a therapeutic way of trying to help the prisoners. That is until a new governor takes over and then things start going down hill. Prisoners are being murdered and one of them has escaped. What the heck is going on?
As the story goes on we learn that there is a reason this serial killer escaped as it was all part a plan that someone has put together. We meet Dr. Kate Crowther who is the prison psychologist and may have an insight on what is going through the prisoners head. When she joins D.I. Nick Knight and Governor Munro on a profile of who is behind it all, it is a surprise. Munro is dealing with a lot going on. His prison has been turned upside down and to make matters worse his daughter is missing and with the serial killer out there he is super worried. Could she be his next victim? It is a race against time to find her and that is when everything starts to make sense.
I can honestly say I wasn't expecting that turn of events towards the end but it was good how it all was wrapped up.
Now the pace was a bit slow at first but once we see Knight and Crowther start trying to figure out who is behind it all, everything started going to a steady pace.
I received this book to give an honest review.
So I would have given this book a five star rating hands down. It was well written but aside from it being well written at times I felt confused as to whose p.o.v. I was in. So I dropped it to a four.
Though it all started to make sense towards the end.
With this story a prison called Greenbank is handling its prison differently. Trying more of a therapeutic way of trying to help the prisoners. That is until a new governor takes over and then things start going down hill. Prisoners are being murdered and one of them has escaped. What the heck is going on?
As the story goes on we learn that there is a reason this serial killer escaped as it was all part a plan that someone has put together. We meet Dr. Kate Crowther who is the prison psychologist and may have an insight on what is going through the prisoners head. When she joins D.I. Nick Knight and Governor Munro on a profile of who is behind it all, it is a surprise. Munro is dealing with a lot going on. His prison has been turned upside down and to make matters worse his daughter is missing and with the serial killer out there he is super worried. Could she be his next victim? It is a race against time to find her and that is when everything starts to make sense.
I can honestly say I wasn't expecting that turn of events towards the end but it was good how it all was wrapped up.
Now the pace was a bit slow at first but once we see Knight and Crowther start trying to figure out who is behind it all, everything started going to a steady pace.
December 14, 2016
Reading the blurb for this book I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, having not read any prison related drama's I wasn't really sure what to expect. As I began to read I could see the prison as David Wilson describes the location and it's in mates.
At time I found the story boring but then the action would pick up and I wouldn't want to put it down. The characters and circumstances they found themselves in were easy to imagine and place.
As the prison fails into disarray and the body count mounts up outside the prison walls to Dc Knight, The governor of Greenbank and Kate the pretty physiologist are thrown into a race against time to solve the murders.
I enjoyed that all the characters all had back stories, that in away connected together and there was a reason behind everything they did. The ending of the book was also set up so you know that the main characters have more stories to tell and no doubt will in future novels.
I have given this book 4 out of five as thought it kept me interested at times I got board and not at all interested in what was going on. I look forward to reading more by this author as I am sure he will improve the more he publishes.
I received this book in return for an honest review from Caoimhe at Endeavor press
At time I found the story boring but then the action would pick up and I wouldn't want to put it down. The characters and circumstances they found themselves in were easy to imagine and place.
As the prison fails into disarray and the body count mounts up outside the prison walls to Dc Knight, The governor of Greenbank and Kate the pretty physiologist are thrown into a race against time to solve the murders.
I enjoyed that all the characters all had back stories, that in away connected together and there was a reason behind everything they did. The ending of the book was also set up so you know that the main characters have more stories to tell and no doubt will in future novels.
I have given this book 4 out of five as thought it kept me interested at times I got board and not at all interested in what was going on. I look forward to reading more by this author as I am sure he will improve the more he publishes.
I received this book in return for an honest review from Caoimhe at Endeavor press
December 17, 2016
I was contacted and asked if I would like to read this, of course I said yes. The author introduces you to a bevy of characters and in doing so gives you just enough to have you want to continue without actually pointing to any particular central member of the grouping. There is murder and mayhem and the fact that I had so many to look at for the possible instigator made the book worthy of the read.
I found that all the characters were flawed and at one point realize that not all those that are evil are confined behind prison cell doors. Some are on the other side of those doors. The prisoners in the book are the worst of the worst, then again you may find that there is a degree of compassion amongst the murders that does not exist amongst the keeper's of the keys. This made it thought provoking (at least for me). It will leave you wondering how easy it is to slip into that dark side we all carry within ourselves.
So please do yourself a favor by giving this book a read.
In the end you may find yourself thinking "I did not see that coming", I know I did.
I found that all the characters were flawed and at one point realize that not all those that are evil are confined behind prison cell doors. Some are on the other side of those doors. The prisoners in the book are the worst of the worst, then again you may find that there is a degree of compassion amongst the murders that does not exist amongst the keeper's of the keys. This made it thought provoking (at least for me). It will leave you wondering how easy it is to slip into that dark side we all carry within ourselves.
So please do yourself a favor by giving this book a read.
In the end you may find yourself thinking "I did not see that coming", I know I did.
December 21, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I'm a big crime fiction fan, and so when I got offered this book and read the blurb, I knew it was right up my street. The story starts with a therapeutic community prison. Munro has just been tasked to bring it into line with other prisons and he's already butted heads with the lead psychologist who is trying to work with the inmates to stop them from re-offending. When an inmate escapes, the whole thing starts to unravel. I enjoyed the book, though I found it a little predictable and sparse on occasion, hence the four star rating. However, it is a good book and it kept me engaged and turning the pages. I enjoyed it a lot and would be interested in reading more from Mr Wilson. Recommended to anyone who loves a good crime novel.
I'm a big crime fiction fan, and so when I got offered this book and read the blurb, I knew it was right up my street. The story starts with a therapeutic community prison. Munro has just been tasked to bring it into line with other prisons and he's already butted heads with the lead psychologist who is trying to work with the inmates to stop them from re-offending. When an inmate escapes, the whole thing starts to unravel. I enjoyed the book, though I found it a little predictable and sparse on occasion, hence the four star rating. However, it is a good book and it kept me engaged and turning the pages. I enjoyed it a lot and would be interested in reading more from Mr Wilson. Recommended to anyone who loves a good crime novel.
December 21, 2016
After reading the blurb to the story I knew, that this was a book I had to read and I was not disappointing. It’s a book about crime and being punished for it. Munro is the guvernor in a prison, where the inmates are the worst of the worst. But instead of thinking about punishment it’s all about rehabilitation. Then things start to happen (escape, suicide, murders) and Munro has no idea what to do and how things are related. I had no idea either and didn’t want to stop reading. Overall a good read. A little slow in the beginning, when it was more about character and world building. But towards the end things picked up and got intense. A book for everyone who enjoys reading crime novels.
***I received a copy of the book via NetGally in exchange for a fair review***
***I received a copy of the book via NetGally in exchange for a fair review***
December 28, 2016
I was offered an advanced copy of The Rules of Restraint by Endeavour Press in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Upon opening this book I knew almost immediately that I would love it. With a host of gritty characters that I loved to hate, this was definitely an emotive read.
Set in a prison, it becomes evident very quickly that good and evil aren't easily defined simply by which side of a locked door they are on! An escaped prisoner gets the ball rolling on a gripping storyline. Although it can seem a little confusing at times, you will be glad to have stuck with this book. It certainly helped pass the time for me on a long flight! David Wilson is an author that I look forward to hearing much more from in the future.
December 23, 2016
Crime and punishment
This book really makes you think about crime and punishment and whether violence truly begets violence. The story is about prisons and prisoners and those entrusted to keep the walls up. The characters are believable with faults of their own and the story moves along well albeit slowly sometimes. The book could have used a proof reader because punctuation is a huge problem. If you can get past that (I did) the story is worth reading.
This book really makes you think about crime and punishment and whether violence truly begets violence. The story is about prisons and prisoners and those entrusted to keep the walls up. The characters are believable with faults of their own and the story moves along well albeit slowly sometimes. The book could have used a proof reader because punctuation is a huge problem. If you can get past that (I did) the story is worth reading.
February 3, 2017
An excellent thriller with sound links to the real world and accurate images of prison life and the internal politics of the service. I am looking forward to the sequel. Mike Kirby.
An excellent thriller with sound links to the rel world, accurate images of prison life and the internal politics of the service. I am looking forward to the sequel.
Mike Kirby.
An excellent thriller with sound links to the rel world, accurate images of prison life and the internal politics of the service. I am looking forward to the sequel.
Mike Kirby.
March 26, 2017
I was contacted by the publisher and given the book to read for free in exchange for an honest review. The premise of the book was intriguing, and it started off well. However, I felt that the author never developed the characters thoroughly. In addition, I felt that the book did not flow well. It slowed down a third of the way in, however, it did pick up at the end. The characters were interesting, but I would have liked to have had more background on them, especially Lomas and Brock. That being said, I loved the psychological aspect and the prison setting. This author definitely has potential, and I would look forward to reading more of his books.
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