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Alex Warren #3
Written to Death
Did you believe writing was a safe pastime?
It was scarcely the first time that bestselling author Sheila Armstrong had died on stage, but it would most certainly be the last. DCI Alex Warren and his girlfriend, DI Sandra McKinnon, return from a short holiday, but hardly manage to step from the plane before he’s called to investigate the suspicious death.
Sheila, a member of Eastfarm Writers, has been stabbed to death on stage in a school, during a rehearsal of a play she’d written. Her death mimics the plot. Within hours, Sandra is roped into investigating a series of crimes which appear to be mob-related. As the enquiries run in parallel, they struggle to make progress while supporting each other, both professionally and emotionally.
It was scarcely the first time that bestselling author Sheila Armstrong had died on stage, but it would most certainly be the last. DCI Alex Warren and his girlfriend, DI Sandra McKinnon, return from a short holiday, but hardly manage to step from the plane before he’s called to investigate the suspicious death.
Sheila, a member of Eastfarm Writers, has been stabbed to death on stage in a school, during a rehearsal of a play she’d written. Her death mimics the plot. Within hours, Sandra is roped into investigating a series of crimes which appear to be mob-related. As the enquiries run in parallel, they struggle to make progress while supporting each other, both professionally and emotionally.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
About the author
Zach Abrams
21 books144 followersHaving the background of a successful career in commerce and finance, Zach Abrams has spent many years writing reports, letters and presentations and it's only fairly recently he started writing novels. "It's a more honourable type of fiction," he declares.
His first novel 'Ring Fenced' was published in November 2011. This is a crime story with a difference, following one man's obsession with power and control.
After this he collaborated with Elly Grant to produce 'Twists and Turns' a book of short stories.
Zach's next novel, 'Made a Killing', is the first book in the Alex Warren series. It follows the investigation after the killing of a much hated criminal where an elephant tusk was used as the murder weapon was. This has been followed by 'A Measure of Trouble' where Alex's team are seeking the murderer of a CEO killed within the cask room of his whisky distillery. The third was published on 31 March 2015, 'Written to Death,' deals with a mysterious death during a writers' group meeting. - These are fast moving, gripping novels set in the tough crime-ridden streets of Glasgow.
Zach's quirky thriller, 'Source- A Fast Paced Financial Crime Thriller' has three investigative journalists travelling across the UK, Spain and France as they research corruption and sabotage in the banking sector while trying to cope with their own fraught personal lives.
@Offender of teh Faith' is the fourth Alex Warren Mystery and then '133 Hours' - a claustrophobic, psychological thriller is being launched in January 2020.
Alike his central character in 'Ring Fenced,' (Bemjamin Short), Zach Abrams completed his education in Scotland and went on to a career in accountancy, business and finance. He is married with two children. He plays no instruments but has an eclectic taste in music, although not as obsessive as Benjamin. Unlike Benjamin, he does not maintain mistresses, write pornography and (sadly) he does not have ownership of such a company. He is not a sociopath (at least by his own reckoning) and all versions of his life are aware of and freely communicate with each other.
More in keeping with 'Alex Warren', Zach was raised in Glasgow and has spent many years working in Central Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 22, 2019
I loved the beginning... Although this is book 3 of the series, I was immediately drawn into the lives of Sandra and Alex. It was a fast paced start that seemed to set the tone for a great book. Unfortunately, I knew from the moment I read 'tumor' who the murderer was! Maybe it was just me...
I kept on reading to the end to find out how Sandra's case would end - now that storyline I enjoyed. Only thing is there was one unexplained thing - why did Sheila contact Kevin? They assume it was unrelated, but I felt it was left hanging.
I may read another of the series because I like the characters...
I kept on reading to the end to find out how Sandra's case would end - now that storyline I enjoyed. Only thing is there was one unexplained thing - why did Sheila contact Kevin? They assume it was unrelated, but I felt it was left hanging.
I may read another of the series because I like the characters...
April 2, 2015
The new Alex Warren murder mystery by Zach Abrams, Written To Death, is wonderfully entertaining and exciting from beginning to end. Immediately upon his return from vacation, the skillful sleuth learns that a prominent member of a writing group has been stabbed to death at a local school. Suspicion points in many directions, as the decedent, Sheila Armstrong, has many enemies, including the victims of her savage book reviews. But Alex and his investigate partner, girl-friend Sandra, have gimlet eyes focused heavily on Sheila’s husband and his inamorata. The wheels of justice seem to be turning in a frightening wrong direction. The surprise ending is stunning, a return to harmony and justice, with a reminder that the cops can go wrong in terrible ways. I loved the witty dialogue, colorful characters, and various vernacular voices, not to mention the topography of Scotland. BBC would increase its already high ratings in America if it hired Abrams for a sharply etched murder mystery on television. I recommend this book to all mystery lovers!
July 29, 2018
Written to Death is book number three in the series. Alex and Sandra are now a couple and have returned from a relaxing trip abroad. A good thing they had a chance to relax as when they land, they don’t even make it back to the apartment before each has another important case. Then they have to wonder if the overlap or is there some other connection? Why have the authorities let one suspect always buy his way out? Alex thinks he has his solved, but feels he has missed something. Sandra doesn’t exactly become careless, but in police work something unexpected can happen. Recommended for the mystery lover.
April 2, 2015
Written to Death by Zach Abrams is another gripping installment of An Alex Warren Murder Mystery. Filled with alluring action packed scenes and realistic characters, this story captured my attention from the first page and I wanted to know more! I love the authors easy writing style and explosive plot line. Easy to get absorbed into the twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way through.
Written to Death is a great addition to the series. A total escape into a mysterious thriller that had me reading with vigor. I loved the adventure and the drama than ensued. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Quote ~
“You imagine because we’re in a posh area that everything is sweetness and light. Well let me tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find every bit as much crime and debauchery in Giffnock as you will in Easterhouse or Drumchapel, the only difference is that here they’re better able to cover it up and they can afford better lawyers to protect them and keep their indiscretions under wraps.”
Written to Death is a great addition to the series. A total escape into a mysterious thriller that had me reading with vigor. I loved the adventure and the drama than ensued. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Quote ~
“You imagine because we’re in a posh area that everything is sweetness and light. Well let me tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find every bit as much crime and debauchery in Giffnock as you will in Easterhouse or Drumchapel, the only difference is that here they’re better able to cover it up and they can afford better lawyers to protect them and keep their indiscretions under wraps.”
June 29, 2018
Tragic accident or calculated murder?
When author, Sheila Armstrong dies while performing a scene from a short plzy she's written, Alex Warren and his team are called to investigate. Stabbed to death by what was supposed to be a fake knife, was this just a tragic accident or a case of wilful murder? There are many plot twists as Alex and his sergeant, Sanjay set to work in an attempt to untangle an intricate plot that seems to unearth more suspects with each passing day.
As usual, Zach Abrams presents a well written and thought out plot that touches on gang warfare, school age bullies and a whole writers club full of potential suspects. I followed the clues and was able to work out the surprising solution to the case, but to do so you will need to read every page, pick through every witness statement, and work out which parts of the case are dead end alleys. I was lucky enough to have some experience of forensics. Can you work it out without that experience? Whether you do or not I guarantee you'll have fun trying. An excellent read, well worth 5 stars.
When author, Sheila Armstrong dies while performing a scene from a short plzy she's written, Alex Warren and his team are called to investigate. Stabbed to death by what was supposed to be a fake knife, was this just a tragic accident or a case of wilful murder? There are many plot twists as Alex and his sergeant, Sanjay set to work in an attempt to untangle an intricate plot that seems to unearth more suspects with each passing day.
As usual, Zach Abrams presents a well written and thought out plot that touches on gang warfare, school age bullies and a whole writers club full of potential suspects. I followed the clues and was able to work out the surprising solution to the case, but to do so you will need to read every page, pick through every witness statement, and work out which parts of the case are dead end alleys. I was lucky enough to have some experience of forensics. Can you work it out without that experience? Whether you do or not I guarantee you'll have fun trying. An excellent read, well worth 5 stars.
August 21, 2015
A good crime thriller, which I enjoyed very much.
It was interesting and intriguing.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime novels.
I do intend to get the other books in the series, if I can.
I have also found a new author that I like.
Won this book in the Goodreads Firstread giveaway, thank you.
It was interesting and intriguing.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime novels.
I do intend to get the other books in the series, if I can.
I have also found a new author that I like.
Won this book in the Goodreads Firstread giveaway, thank you.
May 15, 2015
I have been waiting for this book, the third novel in the Alex Warren murder mystery series by Zach Abrams. This author belongs to a dozen or so of crime writers that are on the top of my list. This novel, just as the previous ones, is a fascinating mix of mystery, intelligent twists, interesting characters and entertaining dialogues. Unputdownable!
July 18, 2020
I listen to the audible book narrated by George Ellington and I must say I absolutely love this book serious and that now raider. I love Alex and Sandra‘s relationship and I love that Sandra’s case in this book stirs on the action and you don’t know what is related and what isn’t. Although I kind of figured out who the killer was halfway through I still didn’t want to stop reading as I wanted to see how it unfolded. That’s how good these books are., I love this Book series based in Scotland and I love the Scottish accent hence why I listen to the audible book LOL! If you love mystery I highly recommend this book.
February 27, 2020
Progresses the Series
The murder plot was not extremely sophisticated but it did have a big twist at the end. I did like the first two books in the series better. However their was some very good character development which was interesting and will add more depth to the characters in future books.
I’ve read the first two books in the series and after this I will read the 4th and see how good it is. If you are reading the series you should read this book. If you are not I recommend starting with #1.
The murder plot was not extremely sophisticated but it did have a big twist at the end. I did like the first two books in the series better. However their was some very good character development which was interesting and will add more depth to the characters in future books.
I’ve read the first two books in the series and after this I will read the 4th and see how good it is. If you are reading the series you should read this book. If you are not I recommend starting with #1.
April 7, 2019
This was my first Alex Warren mystery. I love police procedurals, and especially those taking place in Great Britain or Scotland. This one, I felt, was very well done. I enjoyed the relationship between Sandra and Alex, and the twists and turns and overlapping of their cases. It was a quick and entertaining read. I hope to go back and read the first two, as I am a stickler for reading a series in order!
September 19, 2021
Who dum it?
DCI Warren and his team are excellent. This reminds me of great teams like the 87th Precinct books. Suspicions abound as Alex’s investigation seems to link with that of his girlfriend Sandra. Lots of mayhem has happened but very little resolution is available. Higher ups in the police are withholding information. There are no easy answers. Fun shocking twist in Alex’s case that you don’t want to miss.
DCI Warren and his team are excellent. This reminds me of great teams like the 87th Precinct books. Suspicions abound as Alex’s investigation seems to link with that of his girlfriend Sandra. Lots of mayhem has happened but very little resolution is available. Higher ups in the police are withholding information. There are no easy answers. Fun shocking twist in Alex’s case that you don’t want to miss.
October 30, 2022
All the world’s a stage …
My third read of a Zach Abrams novel. I admit that I did suspect the who was responsible for the murderer about a third of the way through. But that took nothing away from the ‘drama’ still to ensue. Alex, Sandra, Sanjay and the others are fully fleshed out, although the reader doesn’t need to have read the previous books, as the intro correctly informs. So, on to book four for me …
My third read of a Zach Abrams novel. I admit that I did suspect the who was responsible for the murderer about a third of the way through. But that took nothing away from the ‘drama’ still to ensue. Alex, Sandra, Sanjay and the others are fully fleshed out, although the reader doesn’t need to have read the previous books, as the intro correctly informs. So, on to book four for me …
March 10, 2018
Best one of the series
I'm seeing the characters getting fleshed out more, and the plot lines are a bit meatier. Still have to laugh about what a prig Warren is and his lectures lol. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the 4th!
I'm seeing the characters getting fleshed out more, and the plot lines are a bit meatier. Still have to laugh about what a prig Warren is and his lectures lol. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the 4th!
November 5, 2018
At the reheasal of her own play Sheila Armstrong is killed by a fellow actor. DCI Alex Warren has arrived just in time from his holiday to take charge of his team, meanwhile girlfriend DI Sandra McKinnon has her own case to solve.
Enjoyable story
Enjoyable story
February 12, 2019
I enjoyed most of this book, but at the end it went to a deus ex machina
September 8, 2020
Another good book in the series, although if I am truthful, I preferred the first two. Hasn't stopped me purchasing the fourth one though and intend to start reading that today.
March 6, 2024
Case involving a murder that happened during a play. Turns out, the murder victim wasn't that well liked, so there were multiple possibilities.
October 1, 2021
Play rehearsal, author has written the scene, that became real. People around, but no one saw, the third knife, that was used. The plot flows, and Alex is all business, cutting vacation time short. Good plot, and you like the characters. First I have read by him, and will look for more.
October 3, 2015
Good
the relationship between two police officers.they both had had seperate murder cases going and they were starting there personal relationship
the relationship between two police officers.they both had had seperate murder cases going and they were starting there personal relationship
November 20, 2015
Good English police procedural. This story hits the ground running and you quickly have not one but two separate investigations. The book is well paced and has several nice twists in it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews