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Willis/Carter #6
Cold Revenge
GRIPPING AND FAST-PACED CRIME FICTION FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FROZEN GRAVE When 15-year-old Heather Phillips disappeared in 2000, convicted criminal Jimmy Douglas was tried for her murder. But even though Heather’s blood was discovered in his van, Douglas was acquitted on insufficient evidence. Heather’s body was never found. Now, suddenly, the killings have started again. From his cell, Douglas is playing a cat and mouse game with DS Ebony Willis and DS Dan Carter. To find this copycat murderer, they must first understand what really happened to Heather, and follow a gruesome trail into Douglas’ past as the killer gets ready to pounce again . . . Praise for Lee Weeks‘One of the best crime novels I’ve read in a long time’ Anna Smith, author of Kill Me Twice‘A gritty and atmospheric read’ Closer‘Bursts off the page like arterial spray from a newly slaughtered body’ Daily Mail
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2017
14 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Lee Weeks
15 books90 followersI was born in Devon of Welsh parents. My father was a detective, my mother a nurse. I left school with just one O level in Art and by seventeen I was living in Sweden.
I loved reading Henry Miller whilst listening to Neil Young. I travelled in France and settled in Germany at twenty-one, where I worked in a bar. I came back to the UK to study for a year or two and then went to live in Hong Kong. There I fell into the hands of triads.
A detective once told me to go home and I really should have listened him, I would have saved myself a near-death experience, but then I would never have had the material for my books.
Years later, one marriage down and two children fledged, I am writing my stories. Some are based on my life, all carry a part of me and my experiences.
Taken from Author's Amazon page
I loved reading Henry Miller whilst listening to Neil Young. I travelled in France and settled in Germany at twenty-one, where I worked in a bar. I came back to the UK to study for a year or two and then went to live in Hong Kong. There I fell into the hands of triads.
A detective once told me to go home and I really should have listened him, I would have saved myself a near-death experience, but then I would never have had the material for my books.
Years later, one marriage down and two children fledged, I am writing my stories. Some are based on my life, all carry a part of me and my experiences.
Taken from Author's Amazon page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 22, 2018
Many thanks to Goodreads and Simon and Schuster for my free copy of Cold Revenge.
For me this was one of those crime thrillers that's all about the plot . It's certainly fast paced but I found the characterisations to have no depth. The main villain of the novel was the only one that sustained my interest but rather than having a sense of menace and horror, he just came across as sleazy.
With frank descriptions of sex and violence we are in Mo Hayder territory here,just nowhere near as good.
Disappointing.
However, judging by all the other reviews, l am very much in the minority. Clearly, Cold Revenge was not for me.
For me this was one of those crime thrillers that's all about the plot . It's certainly fast paced but I found the characterisations to have no depth. The main villain of the novel was the only one that sustained my interest but rather than having a sense of menace and horror, he just came across as sleazy.
With frank descriptions of sex and violence we are in Mo Hayder territory here,just nowhere near as good.
Disappointing.
However, judging by all the other reviews, l am very much in the minority. Clearly, Cold Revenge was not for me.
November 24, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for a review copy of Cold Revenge, the sixth novel to feature DS Ebony Willis and DCI Dan Carter of the Met's MIT 17.
The team is called out to the body of a murdered woman found in a lake. When they establish her identity things get very complicated because she is Millie Stephens, former disciple of Jimmy Douglas, a Charles Manson like psychopath who held sway over a group of young acolytes. Douglas is serving time for rape but not murder as the case against him for the murder of Heather Phillips in 2000 collapsed when no body was found. The team wonder if Douglas's imminent release, Heather's fate and Millie's murder are all linked.
I enjoyed Cold Revenge which is a complicated maze of relationships and cruelty, although having said that it is not difficult to follow. I must admit that I guessed a couple of the key twists early on which probably helped my understanding but did not mar my enjoyment as the action comes thick and fast. The first half of the novel has a dual timeline, split between the present day investigation and the events of 2000 when Heather disappeared. It makes for a choppy read but with all the disciples no commenting now and then it is the only way to give the reader enough information to understand the present.
Although Ebony is the main protagonist Jimmy Douglas casts a long shadow. Ms Weeks does a good job of painting him as a manipulative, sadistic psychopath within the confines of a plot driven novel. His crimes are horrific and are described in more detail than some readers will be comfortable with but without these descriptions he would not have the same menace so they are graphic but necessary. I like the fact that his narcissism and overweening self confidence finally trip him up.
Cold Revenge is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
The team is called out to the body of a murdered woman found in a lake. When they establish her identity things get very complicated because she is Millie Stephens, former disciple of Jimmy Douglas, a Charles Manson like psychopath who held sway over a group of young acolytes. Douglas is serving time for rape but not murder as the case against him for the murder of Heather Phillips in 2000 collapsed when no body was found. The team wonder if Douglas's imminent release, Heather's fate and Millie's murder are all linked.
I enjoyed Cold Revenge which is a complicated maze of relationships and cruelty, although having said that it is not difficult to follow. I must admit that I guessed a couple of the key twists early on which probably helped my understanding but did not mar my enjoyment as the action comes thick and fast. The first half of the novel has a dual timeline, split between the present day investigation and the events of 2000 when Heather disappeared. It makes for a choppy read but with all the disciples no commenting now and then it is the only way to give the reader enough information to understand the present.
Although Ebony is the main protagonist Jimmy Douglas casts a long shadow. Ms Weeks does a good job of painting him as a manipulative, sadistic psychopath within the confines of a plot driven novel. His crimes are horrific and are described in more detail than some readers will be comfortable with but without these descriptions he would not have the same menace so they are graphic but necessary. I like the fact that his narcissism and overweening self confidence finally trip him up.
Cold Revenge is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 22, 2017
I love discovering an author who is new to me. Although this is the sixth book in the DS Ebony Weeks series I did not feel that I was in any way disadvantaged coming in afresh to the series midway as this is a stand-alone story (although I assume her police colleagues and friends are consistent throughout the series).
Lee writes very well and the book has me gripped from the first few pages. Although the book was overly graphic for my tastes at times, which is why I have given the book a four rather than five star rating, I really enjoyed the storyline and found it easy to follow inspite of there being a multitude of different characters introduced in the plot (some even referred to by different names either having been giving new police identities or referred to by nicknames!) I find this a sign of an excellent author when they can do this in such a way as to not confuse the reader (as with lessor writers I’ve found myself flicking back pages thinking “who is X,Y, Z again?”.
I would recommend this book to fans of good talent and police crime thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lee writes very well and the book has me gripped from the first few pages. Although the book was overly graphic for my tastes at times, which is why I have given the book a four rather than five star rating, I really enjoyed the storyline and found it easy to follow inspite of there being a multitude of different characters introduced in the plot (some even referred to by different names either having been giving new police identities or referred to by nicknames!) I find this a sign of an excellent author when they can do this in such a way as to not confuse the reader (as with lessor writers I’ve found myself flicking back pages thinking “who is X,Y, Z again?”.
I would recommend this book to fans of good talent and police crime thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2020
I've not read a book by this author before and have to say I'm not sure if I will read another. It was a slow start and started to pick up and, lots of detail and grounding but not a huge amount happening. One part where Ebony was seeing a prisoner was all too similar to silence of the lambs. Then with only 4 chapters until the end everything happened, so quickly, it didn't really have much impact as was over as soon as it started, little detail (unlike the rest of the book) and then finished. The ending felt incredibly rushed, there was little explanation in regard to Millie, the ending didn't make much sense at all as to the why behind it all.
April 14, 2018
Not great but not bad
A great book and story but after halfway through it just got boring and slow, and I was glad to see the end
A great book and story but after halfway through it just got boring and slow, and I was glad to see the end
November 22, 2017
“Cold Revenge” is the sixth instalment of the Willis/Carter series of books by Lee Weeks.
Seventeen years ago a young girl, Heather Phillips, goes missing, presumed murdered, and she is never found. Jimmy Douglas is the prime suspect and is currently serving time for the abduction and rape of another young woman. At the time of Heather’s disappearance Jimmy was like a modern day Charles Manson complete with his disciples.
Now Jimmy’s disciples are being murdered - are these murders a simple act of revenge or something more. It’s up to Detectives Carter and Willis and the other MIT17 team members to find out who is committing these crimes and the reason behind them.
Lee Weeks weaves a tight story that is gripping and moves quickly. There are many characters in this book (both new and existing from previous books in the series) but Weeks never loses control of them or what they are doing. Just when you think you’ve got the story solved Weeks turns the tale in another direction without being neither contrived nor ridiculous.
Even though this is the sixth book in the series, and there are some continuing back stories, you do not have to of read the other books to understand what is going on. If anything Weeks provides enough back story to keep the reader not only informed but also with enough intrigue to go back and read the other books. The existing characters do not feel stale in any way.
As a big fan of this series (I read the first five in a row at the end of 2016) I was looking forward to reading this latest instalment and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed! Needless to say I’m very much looking forward to book seven in the series!
“Cold Revenge” gets four manipulative cult leaders out of five.
Seventeen years ago a young girl, Heather Phillips, goes missing, presumed murdered, and she is never found. Jimmy Douglas is the prime suspect and is currently serving time for the abduction and rape of another young woman. At the time of Heather’s disappearance Jimmy was like a modern day Charles Manson complete with his disciples.
Now Jimmy’s disciples are being murdered - are these murders a simple act of revenge or something more. It’s up to Detectives Carter and Willis and the other MIT17 team members to find out who is committing these crimes and the reason behind them.
Lee Weeks weaves a tight story that is gripping and moves quickly. There are many characters in this book (both new and existing from previous books in the series) but Weeks never loses control of them or what they are doing. Just when you think you’ve got the story solved Weeks turns the tale in another direction without being neither contrived nor ridiculous.
Even though this is the sixth book in the series, and there are some continuing back stories, you do not have to of read the other books to understand what is going on. If anything Weeks provides enough back story to keep the reader not only informed but also with enough intrigue to go back and read the other books. The existing characters do not feel stale in any way.
As a big fan of this series (I read the first five in a row at the end of 2016) I was looking forward to reading this latest instalment and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed! Needless to say I’m very much looking forward to book seven in the series!
“Cold Revenge” gets four manipulative cult leaders out of five.
February 5, 2018
Cold Revenge
By Lee Weeks
Cold Revenge is the sixth in the series starring DS Ebony Willis and DS Dan Carter. However it can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve not read the previous books....but certainly will now I’ve read this cracker of a thriller!
A body of a woman is discovered by a dog walker on the banks of the river Lea. Her throat slit - a murder investigation under way. The body is that of heroin user and prostitute Millie Stephens. Millie has a past - she was linked to the disappearance of a schoolgirl Heather Phillips back in 2000. Millie was part of a gang who worshipped a man called Jimmy Douglas - trialed unsuccessfully for the murder of Heather, but found guilty for the rape of a Rachel McKinney, and still serving time - due to be released within months. The team have to decide whether this is just an opportunist killing of a prostitute, or whether it links back to her past.
This story was fast paced throughout. I had ideas about what happened to Heather, but didn’t know until the very end if I was correct - I was! But it still didn’t spoil the story for me. The present day killings were harder to determine. I found the kidnap kept the pace going and I liked the way the story jumped from past to present day. Thoroughly enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to any crime/thriller reader
5/5 shiny bright stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
By Lee Weeks
Cold Revenge is the sixth in the series starring DS Ebony Willis and DS Dan Carter. However it can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve not read the previous books....but certainly will now I’ve read this cracker of a thriller!
A body of a woman is discovered by a dog walker on the banks of the river Lea. Her throat slit - a murder investigation under way. The body is that of heroin user and prostitute Millie Stephens. Millie has a past - she was linked to the disappearance of a schoolgirl Heather Phillips back in 2000. Millie was part of a gang who worshipped a man called Jimmy Douglas - trialed unsuccessfully for the murder of Heather, but found guilty for the rape of a Rachel McKinney, and still serving time - due to be released within months. The team have to decide whether this is just an opportunist killing of a prostitute, or whether it links back to her past.
This story was fast paced throughout. I had ideas about what happened to Heather, but didn’t know until the very end if I was correct - I was! But it still didn’t spoil the story for me. The present day killings were harder to determine. I found the kidnap kept the pace going and I liked the way the story jumped from past to present day. Thoroughly enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend to any crime/thriller reader
5/5 shiny bright stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 7, 2018
This will be a sort review as I'm jet lagged. this was a good book and very easy to read it was never boring and I would recommend it. The only dissapointments for me were that I felt the last paragraph on page 359 made No sense. why on earth would Maxwell do that. The other two things that I disliked that made no sense to me were *spoiler*.....
so Saul helps Heather move away and start a new life, now her and Ash have been writing letters to each other for months. So why couldn't she send Ash a letter letting him know she was ok, even if she wanted to never see him again and wanted a new start. It seems to me Heather ruined his life more than Jimmy. Maybe he could of put his past behind him if he knew she was ok. I mean he'd already moved back home.
confirmation of what happened to Millie as well would of helped she was just a lose end never explained. I understand at leat I think I do that her killing was a coincidence but I would of still liked to of known who or at least why.
so Saul helps Heather move away and start a new life, now her and Ash have been writing letters to each other for months. So why couldn't she send Ash a letter letting him know she was ok, even if she wanted to never see him again and wanted a new start. It seems to me Heather ruined his life more than Jimmy. Maybe he could of put his past behind him if he knew she was ok. I mean he'd already moved back home.
confirmation of what happened to Millie as well would of helped she was just a lose end never explained. I understand at leat I think I do that her killing was a coincidence but I would of still liked to of known who or at least why.
December 12, 2024
I love a good crime thriller but this wasn't one of them. Plodding through this book was like crossing a muddy field, slow-going and messy. I usually like novels set in two time zones but I don't think it worked here. It was just confusing.
The plot wasn't bad... a poor man's Manson gang... but the execution was poor. I didn't relate to any of the characters and there were more questions at the end than answers. How did Ash get out of it all and why wasn't he told about Heather? Who killed Millie? Why kill off two of the good guys?
I picked up this book in a library sale, not knowing it was part of a series. Clearly one needed to have read earlier books to understand the main protagonist better and I suppose I could go back and search for them. However, life is short and I have better things to do.
The plot wasn't bad... a poor man's Manson gang... but the execution was poor. I didn't relate to any of the characters and there were more questions at the end than answers. How did Ash get out of it all and why wasn't he told about Heather? Who killed Millie? Why kill off two of the good guys?
I picked up this book in a library sale, not knowing it was part of a series. Clearly one needed to have read earlier books to understand the main protagonist better and I suppose I could go back and search for them. However, life is short and I have better things to do.
June 16, 2022
So full of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting!
It was kinda slow to start and for me to get into but as soon as it picked up I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There were 2 major plot twists that I absolutely loved and did honestly work. They weren't so outlandish that you sit thinking wtf, they worked and left you open mouthed and shocked
I found that the end felt quite rushed, a lot happened in a few very short chapters. It somehow still worked and had a satisfying ending, I do wish the final scenes had started a bit earlier so they could have been more detailed and feel less rushed
Massively enjoyed reading and trying to piece things together over the two timelines - it was set in the present and flashbacks to the past where the original crimes happened
It was kinda slow to start and for me to get into but as soon as it picked up I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There were 2 major plot twists that I absolutely loved and did honestly work. They weren't so outlandish that you sit thinking wtf, they worked and left you open mouthed and shocked
I found that the end felt quite rushed, a lot happened in a few very short chapters. It somehow still worked and had a satisfying ending, I do wish the final scenes had started a bit earlier so they could have been more detailed and feel less rushed
Massively enjoyed reading and trying to piece things together over the two timelines - it was set in the present and flashbacks to the past where the original crimes happened
January 30, 2018
Well written, and I suspect well researced, if you are looking for a good police procedureal with an intriguing story line and a wide cast of believable characters this book is a good choice. One thing that may have held me back a bit was coming in at book 6 of the series, so I was missing some back story. That said the main protaginists were well formed, and there were some great twists in the closing section. Well worth a read. NB for the sake of transparency this was a review copy received free in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 10, 2018
This was a random pick up from the library for a holiday read but thoroughly enjoyed it. Read in a day on a rather rainy camping trip.
My first job one in the series and didn’t feel I’d suffered by missing the first ones despite this not being something I usually do. I will go back and read the rest.
Reminded me of Val McDermid in plot but found the police pairing quite novel. Viewed them as equal with the lack of usual hierarchical couplings.
My first job one in the series and didn’t feel I’d suffered by missing the first ones despite this not being something I usually do. I will go back and read the rest.
Reminded me of Val McDermid in plot but found the police pairing quite novel. Viewed them as equal with the lack of usual hierarchical couplings.
February 26, 2018
As always fantastic books, some spoilers so don't read any further.....
I am surprised by the move onto new story with absolutely no reference to what the characters went through from cold killers, also no mention of Robbo and Pam just bringing in new characters like Hector? First time I have felt confused with Lee Weeks books and for that only 4 stars this time x
I am surprised by the move onto new story with absolutely no reference to what the characters went through from cold killers, also no mention of Robbo and Pam just bringing in new characters like Hector? First time I have felt confused with Lee Weeks books and for that only 4 stars this time x
March 27, 2022
Liked the book as it was very griping but found it unrealistic that Heather never reached out to the police or to Ash to let them know she was okay. Millie’s murder wasn’t properly explained either. Did Ash do it? If not, who did? Finally, while the book is quite long and detailed, the ending happens very quickly with many subplots left unexplained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
Didn't want this book to end
It was great one of the best books I have read in a long time and I have read a lot of books. The story was great. It had so much going on but you don't get confused it all just fits into place.
It was great one of the best books I have read in a long time and I have read a lot of books. The story was great. It had so much going on but you don't get confused it all just fits into place.
February 26, 2018
it was very slow in the beginning but things accelerated fast i think. i liked i a lot, couldn't put the book down when i reached the middle from the thriller and excitement.
i am going back o read the first book f the series as this was my first one to read.
i am going back o read the first book f the series as this was my first one to read.
April 20, 2018
A great read. One of the best crime novels I have read. Some graphic detail in parts but needed to show how brutal Jimmy Douglas and his disciples are. A chilling read that had me hooked from start to finish.
June 7, 2019
Beginning with all sexual descriptions made me nearly give up as thought it was just going to be crude rubbish . But I carried on and am glad I did . Turned out to be a well written gripping novel with believable characters .
January 26, 2021
A great read. I would've given 5 stars if I hadn't seen the 'twist' coming, and if there had been more explanation regarding Millie. This is my first DC Willis book, and it's fine to read as a stand alone.
January 20, 2018
Excellent
February 8, 2018
I won this book on a goodread giveaway. Cold ,brutal,sexual and evil . Great storyline and characters
if you can handle it.
if you can handle it.
March 3, 2018
Great read
Another great book from Lee weeks. Well worth a read .this series are brilliant. Keep up the good work Lee weeks
Another great book from Lee weeks. Well worth a read .this series are brilliant. Keep up the good work Lee weeks
March 12, 2018
'Twist' a little predictable but still a good read.
May 11, 2018
Excellent
September 2, 2018
Another gripping story by Lee Weeks. With unexpected twists.
October 8, 2018
Laboured in places but good plot & worth the effort overall
October 28, 2019
Really enjoy this book good story kept you hanging to see what happened to Ash and Heather
January 12, 2020
Back to good form after the disappointment of Cold Killers.
Could have been five stars, if there hadn't been so many editing/proofreading errors.
Could have been five stars, if there hadn't been so many editing/proofreading errors.
January 20, 2020
This has been such a good series, pity there are not any others.
May 27, 2021
Enjoyed this fast paced thriller. Couldn't help but feel the ending was a little rushed, but otherwise an excellent read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews