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Langthorne #2
Panic Button
“...A man is stood in front of me with a gun. He has a message for us all. He will come for us. He will come for all of us, one by one. Until it is finished...”
A police officer is called to an emergency on a blazing hot day in Langthorne. He is forced to read out these words live on police radio. Then he is shot dead.
Someone is killing the officers of the Langthorne Police one by one. And in a sadistic twist he makes each victim push their radio panic button before they die, thus broadcasting their last moments to the entire force.
And as the police face this ruthless adversary, Detective George Elms is in no fit state to help. What is the connection between ruthless former officer Ed Kavski and the wave of killings? And can their boss Helen Webb do anything to stop the carnage?
DS George Elms has lost almost everything. Now they will try to take away the little he has left.
Previously published as No Miracles
A police officer is called to an emergency on a blazing hot day in Langthorne. He is forced to read out these words live on police radio. Then he is shot dead.
Someone is killing the officers of the Langthorne Police one by one. And in a sadistic twist he makes each victim push their radio panic button before they die, thus broadcasting their last moments to the entire force.
And as the police face this ruthless adversary, Detective George Elms is in no fit state to help. What is the connection between ruthless former officer Ed Kavski and the wave of killings? And can their boss Helen Webb do anything to stop the carnage?
DS George Elms has lost almost everything. Now they will try to take away the little he has left.
Previously published as No Miracles
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2014
854 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
33 books586 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 1, 2017
Thanks to Joffe Books, Netgalley and Charlie Gallagher for a copy of Panic Button in exchange for an honest review.
Panic Button is the second book in Charlie Gallagher’s series featuring Detective Sergeant George Elms. (My review for Bodily Harm, the first book, is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) I definitely recommend reading Bodily Harm first to fully appreciate the second book. Like its predecessor, Panic Button is an authentic, suspenseful read that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. At less than 200 pages, it’s also a quick read but a lot happens in those pages.
From the start, Panic Button races along, full of action and tension - the action almost never slows down. Someone has a vendetta against the Langthorne Police and, in a short period of time, three police officers find themselves face to face with a gunman who demands that they press the panic button on their radios. They are then forced to read a disturbing and threatening message before being gunned down. Their fellow officers are left helpless as they listen to their colleagues die. A fourth officer is killed later in the day outside the Langthorne police station. This time, there is no broadcast but the killer leaves a radio at the scene. In a shocking twist, the radio belongs to George Elms who, after the events of Bodily Harm, has been suspended indefinitely. I won't go into detail about what precipitated his suspension to avoid spoiling the first book.
George is not quite himself after his suspension and most of his former colleagues seem only too eager to pronounce him guilty. Part of me is angry that the police fall for what seemed so obviously a set up but the other part of me understands the fear and the need to act fast in situations like this - anything to get bottom of the situation and stop the threat. Unfortunately, George is treated rather poorly by people he used to work with on a daily basis. Almost no one is on his side. Disappointingly, Chief Superintendent Helen Webb is also against George and is steadfast in her belief of his guilt.
The question is: why would anyone hate George so much that they would concoct such an elaborate plan to frame him for the murders of four police officers? Who did he tick off so much that they would be so hell bent on revenge?
Tense and exciting, Panic Button is an interesting and unexpected continuation of George Elms’ story. It’s dark and disturbing. I got a bit choked up as the officers in the police station react to first the panic buttons being pressed and then to their fellow officers’ murderers being broadcast over the radio. The horror and devastation are palpable.
I would recommend this series to readers who like the darker side of police procedurals. Panic Button has a fast-moving plot that takes the reader to some unexpected and dark places. George Elms is a great character and he is made even more complex this time around. The book, like the first one, ends with a cliffhanger but they are being released pretty close together so there will not be a long wait for the next book. I look forward to the third installment to see how things get resolved for George.
March 4, 2017
This is the second book in this series and it is just as good as the first, even though it is a quick read at just 200 pages. Police are being killed by a very sick individual and once again George Elms is right in the thick of it, but this time for all the wrong reasons. It is this situation that makes this such a fast and gritty read. George has been suspended after his last case but that does nothing to change the fact that he soon becomes the main suspect in this one, hunted by the very team he works for. This was such an exciting read, full of suspence and tension that I cannot wait for the third book that is due for release soon. I would suggest you read the books in order so you have a better appreciation of the charcters and you will be dying to find out what happens to George, another five star read for me.
May 18, 2020
the start was brilliant. cops are being killed one after the other. very realistic, action packed and great writing. but than it started to drag.it was not bad but not as good as the start. and the end was not good, left with sort of question mark -what is all about. in a way a miss as many ways original, full with force but sort of lost direction.
February 15, 2017
Intense, action-packed, tense, and quick. It fits a lot of story and action into these pages. I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series first, which is great. You'll be able to enjoy it much more as a continuation. I'm absolutely looking forward to the next one, especially with how this one ended.
Police officers are being murdered, and forced to press the rarely used emergency button on their radio right before their death. That means their fellow officers all hear their last breath immediately after chilling words that speak of the death of more of their own to come. Intense! The only little shred of evidence found after the death of several officers is a radio left behind at one of the crime scenes... George Elm's radio. He's been off the force since the events of the first book, and insists he has nothing to do with the murders. He spends most of his time nowadays drunk and seeing his wife and small child less and less, certainly not responsible. This is all he needs... clearly someone wants him to take the blame. But who?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and and Joffe Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Police officers are being murdered, and forced to press the rarely used emergency button on their radio right before their death. That means their fellow officers all hear their last breath immediately after chilling words that speak of the death of more of their own to come. Intense! The only little shred of evidence found after the death of several officers is a radio left behind at one of the crime scenes... George Elm's radio. He's been off the force since the events of the first book, and insists he has nothing to do with the murders. He spends most of his time nowadays drunk and seeing his wife and small child less and less, certainly not responsible. This is all he needs... clearly someone wants him to take the blame. But who?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and and Joffe Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
February 19, 2018
Straight after reading Bodily Harm, the first in the Langthorne series, I immediately downloaded Panic Button because I couldn’t wait to continue reading. Whilst only a relatively short read at around 200 pages (and only 89% on Kindle), it was an adrenaline-fuelled read from start to finish and the pace didn’t let up once. All action, no filler is how I would describe Charlie Gallagher’s books so far.
You really do have to read Bodily Harm before this book, knowing the history of the characters will certainly heighten the enjoyment experienced. The opening here is both exhilarating and exciting (and a little bit scary). Police officers around Langthorne are being shot dead, with their murders being broadcast to every officer in the force via their personal emergency radios. This causes a meltdown across the county with police officers fearing for their lives, and local criminals making the most of the lack of police presence. In the frame is George Elms who so far has been the main character in this series and one who in the first book I really liked. To say any more would be giving away spoilers but once again Charlie kept me on my toes and whilst I was convinced I knew who was behind these killings, I felt that would have been cheap and lazy storytelling so I enjoyed the surprise that Charlie had up his sleeve.
Characterisation is brilliant here. Whilst on the one hand it would be disgusting for something like this to happen to George in real life, it’s also an example of just how easy it can be for somebody to frame you and effectively ruin your life and continue to do so. I want to say that the police here are just naive and quick to jump to conclusions, but the conclusions that they jump to concerning George do actually make some sense. The cast of supporting characters are strong also, particularly Helen Webb one of George’s superiors. I enjoyed a scene in the book concerning her and her husband (read it to find out what this is). Normally in crime fiction an author is afraid to kill off a main character or to push the boundaries a little further than we are used to. Charlie has no such fears and I was constantly on edge wondering just which police officer was going to die next. The thought of your local police force essentially being held to ransom and a whole county being terrified is quite scary. I’m not sure what procedures would be put into place should this happen in real life, but for the sake of storytelling this was a fantastic tale.
All in all this is shaping up to be a great series and each book ends on a kind of cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more and so once again I’ll be moving straight on to the next one and, as with Bodily Harm, I will be recommending Panic Button to those who want something different to what the crime genre usually offers, and that’s exactly what this brilliant series delivers.
You really do have to read Bodily Harm before this book, knowing the history of the characters will certainly heighten the enjoyment experienced. The opening here is both exhilarating and exciting (and a little bit scary). Police officers around Langthorne are being shot dead, with their murders being broadcast to every officer in the force via their personal emergency radios. This causes a meltdown across the county with police officers fearing for their lives, and local criminals making the most of the lack of police presence. In the frame is George Elms who so far has been the main character in this series and one who in the first book I really liked. To say any more would be giving away spoilers but once again Charlie kept me on my toes and whilst I was convinced I knew who was behind these killings, I felt that would have been cheap and lazy storytelling so I enjoyed the surprise that Charlie had up his sleeve.
Characterisation is brilliant here. Whilst on the one hand it would be disgusting for something like this to happen to George in real life, it’s also an example of just how easy it can be for somebody to frame you and effectively ruin your life and continue to do so. I want to say that the police here are just naive and quick to jump to conclusions, but the conclusions that they jump to concerning George do actually make some sense. The cast of supporting characters are strong also, particularly Helen Webb one of George’s superiors. I enjoyed a scene in the book concerning her and her husband (read it to find out what this is). Normally in crime fiction an author is afraid to kill off a main character or to push the boundaries a little further than we are used to. Charlie has no such fears and I was constantly on edge wondering just which police officer was going to die next. The thought of your local police force essentially being held to ransom and a whole county being terrified is quite scary. I’m not sure what procedures would be put into place should this happen in real life, but for the sake of storytelling this was a fantastic tale.
All in all this is shaping up to be a great series and each book ends on a kind of cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more and so once again I’ll be moving straight on to the next one and, as with Bodily Harm, I will be recommending Panic Button to those who want something different to what the crime genre usually offers, and that’s exactly what this brilliant series delivers.
May 18, 2018
I really like this author’s point of view, in terms of a seemingly accurate police procedural. He writes the suspenseful portions very well. I look forward to continuing on with the series, as there is a bit of a cliffhanger. I docked a star because the book felt a little short, and certainly the characters could be more developed, but surely that will come in time as the author grows. I very much enjoy the banter between several of the characters, clever, funny, likable.
February 8, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Panic Button, the second novel to feature DS George Elms of the Langthorne police.
Four police officers have been separately killed point blank in one day and evidence left at one scene put the suspended George Elms firmly in the picture as chief (and only) suspect.
Panic Button is a short but tense and exciting read as George tries to prove his innocence and the police try to make a case. It should be noted that this is book 2 in the series and while it will stand alone many of the characters from book 1, Bodily Harm, make a re-appearance and reference is made to its events so I would recommend reading the series in order, especially as this novel ends in a cliffhanger, setting the reader up for book 3.
The novel is go, go, go from the first page with relentless action and a fair amount of violence. It does not paint a pretty picture of the police with corrupt officers, senior officers determined to protect their career at any cost and officers prepared to leap to judgement without the facts.
The plot is interesting in the detail of operational constraints (there doesn't seem to be any) and is quite scary at the way armed officers seem to roam the countryside like paramilitaries. I'm less convinced by George Elm's actions which do not seem realistic.
I enjoyed Panic Button and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Four police officers have been separately killed point blank in one day and evidence left at one scene put the suspended George Elms firmly in the picture as chief (and only) suspect.
Panic Button is a short but tense and exciting read as George tries to prove his innocence and the police try to make a case. It should be noted that this is book 2 in the series and while it will stand alone many of the characters from book 1, Bodily Harm, make a re-appearance and reference is made to its events so I would recommend reading the series in order, especially as this novel ends in a cliffhanger, setting the reader up for book 3.
The novel is go, go, go from the first page with relentless action and a fair amount of violence. It does not paint a pretty picture of the police with corrupt officers, senior officers determined to protect their career at any cost and officers prepared to leap to judgement without the facts.
The plot is interesting in the detail of operational constraints (there doesn't seem to be any) and is quite scary at the way armed officers seem to roam the countryside like paramilitaries. I'm less convinced by George Elm's actions which do not seem realistic.
I enjoyed Panic Button and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
February 17, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This is a great book by a very good writer. Charlie Gallagher knows how to tell it like it is and create a great deal of tension in creating his stories.
Someone is shooting police offers in the most public way – over their own police radios.
Since I won’t give too much away, this review will be brief.
The police are sure they have a viable suspect. They are so certain that they arrest him in the most vicious manner. But, what if he didn’t do it?
The ending of the book was a huge disappointment. (Which is why the book got 4 and 1 / 2 stars instead of 5.) I wanted something different to happen. But, I guess we don’t always get what we want, eh?
Enough said, I want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
This is a great book by a very good writer. Charlie Gallagher knows how to tell it like it is and create a great deal of tension in creating his stories.
Someone is shooting police offers in the most public way – over their own police radios.
Since I won’t give too much away, this review will be brief.
The police are sure they have a viable suspect. They are so certain that they arrest him in the most vicious manner. But, what if he didn’t do it?
The ending of the book was a huge disappointment. (Which is why the book got 4 and 1 / 2 stars instead of 5.) I wanted something different to happen. But, I guess we don’t always get what we want, eh?
Enough said, I want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
March 6, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley.
This book hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Action galore. I was all set to give this five stars and then I got to the last page.....cliffhanger. Oh how I HATE cliffhangers!! Well, there went that five star review. I won't be reading any more of this author's books.
This book hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Action galore. I was all set to give this five stars and then I got to the last page.....cliffhanger. Oh how I HATE cliffhangers!! Well, there went that five star review. I won't be reading any more of this author's books.
April 18, 2017
This is the second in a series featuring DS George Elms and in this case I definitely would recommend reading the first book (Bodily Harm)
I love the fact this is written by a serving Detective; it seems so much more realistic. It's full-on action from the off with very little let-up throughout.
While on suspension from his previous case, George finds himself named as prime suspect in the very current case where even his colleagues and friends doubt his innocence. Can he find evidence to clear his name? Who is setting him up? And why?
If you don't like cliffhangers then here's your advanced warning to have book 3 (Blood money) at the ready!
Thanks to Joffe books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love the fact this is written by a serving Detective; it seems so much more realistic. It's full-on action from the off with very little let-up throughout.
While on suspension from his previous case, George finds himself named as prime suspect in the very current case where even his colleagues and friends doubt his innocence. Can he find evidence to clear his name? Who is setting him up? And why?
If you don't like cliffhangers then here's your advanced warning to have book 3 (Blood money) at the ready!
Thanks to Joffe books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2017
Panic button by Charlie Gallagher is a mystery and thriller read.
"A man is stood in front of me with a gun. He has a message for us all. He will come for us. He will come for us all, one by one. Until it's finished."
This is what a police officer says when told to push his panic button live on police radio. Then he is shot dead. OMG. Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved the story. Hooked from page one. Had me stumped. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
"A man is stood in front of me with a gun. He has a message for us all. He will come for us. He will come for us all, one by one. Until it's finished."
This is what a police officer says when told to push his panic button live on police radio. Then he is shot dead. OMG. Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved the story. Hooked from page one. Had me stumped. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
October 8, 2018
d.I hope there is a follow up book to this book with a better ending. I give the book two stars
I will not read anymore of his books if they end this way. It was inconclusive. Was not happy with it.
I will not read anymore of his books if they end this way. It was inconclusive. Was not happy with it.
November 30, 2018
Book 2 of this taught, action-packed, heart-string tugging, anxiety producing British police procedural finds Detective George Elms on the wrong end of the law, suspected in killing at least four police officers in a fit of revenge. Someone is killing Langthorne cops, making them push their radio panic buttons before they die, broadcasting their last moments to the entire force. The powers that be are trying to nail Elms for the crimes – everyone is panicked and he’s a convenient target, especially since he mistakenly fatally shot one of his team, and his commander died in that carnage as well.
I must admit I couldn’t finish this book, but I'm giving it three stars for the portion I did read (if I could have finished it, I'd have given it at least four). I made it to the 70% mark, but had to stop. It was too hard a read, and gave me too much anxiety. I really bonded with Elms in the first book, so much so that I immediately bought this one and plunged into reading. It’s a very well written depiction of a police officer on a downward spiral after a terrible tragedy that unjustly blackened his good name. I was angry and sad on his behalf, and I wanted to go punch his superiors, as well as some vile criminals who were torturing him. Kudos to the author, ‘though, for making me care so much about a character in such a short time.
Gallagher, a sitting police officer in the UK, does an excellent job of showing what’s in the officers heads, and what the victims are experiencing. His depiction of office politics rings true, and his skill at scene-setting makes me feel like I’m right there with Elms, facing unendurable choices and having to choose who and what I love more. Just because I personally couldn’t finish this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go, particularly fans of dark, gritty British police procedurals. I will say the endings are disturbingly abrupt, but they do set the stage for the next installment.
P.S., I cheated and read the end of this one, just so I could find out what happened to Elms. And I read the synopsis for the next one, and it was intriguing enough to make me want to read it too. After a little emotional recovery break.
I must admit I couldn’t finish this book, but I'm giving it three stars for the portion I did read (if I could have finished it, I'd have given it at least four). I made it to the 70% mark, but had to stop. It was too hard a read, and gave me too much anxiety. I really bonded with Elms in the first book, so much so that I immediately bought this one and plunged into reading. It’s a very well written depiction of a police officer on a downward spiral after a terrible tragedy that unjustly blackened his good name. I was angry and sad on his behalf, and I wanted to go punch his superiors, as well as some vile criminals who were torturing him. Kudos to the author, ‘though, for making me care so much about a character in such a short time.
Gallagher, a sitting police officer in the UK, does an excellent job of showing what’s in the officers heads, and what the victims are experiencing. His depiction of office politics rings true, and his skill at scene-setting makes me feel like I’m right there with Elms, facing unendurable choices and having to choose who and what I love more. Just because I personally couldn’t finish this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go, particularly fans of dark, gritty British police procedurals. I will say the endings are disturbingly abrupt, but they do set the stage for the next installment.
P.S., I cheated and read the end of this one, just so I could find out what happened to Elms. And I read the synopsis for the next one, and it was intriguing enough to make me want to read it too. After a little emotional recovery break.
January 5, 2022
In this second novel in the DS George Elms series, all hell breaks loose in Langthorne when a killer starts to murder police officers. He presses the emergency button on their radios so the police can hear the last 10 seconds of the officer’s life.
When a police radio, belonging to George Elms, is found beside a detective, murdered near to the police station, he’s immediately under suspicion. His behaviour in the previous novel has left him suspended from duty, with a broken marriage and a drink problem. His violent arrest is only a taste of what’s to come as George fights to prove his innocence and protect his family from harm.
It’s gritty, harrowing account of an unknown assassin spreading panic throughout the local police force. The story is tense, exciting and fast paced as the violence escalates towards the climax, where the novel stops abruptly, without resolving many of the key issues. I’m guessing these will be addressed in the next story.
I have to admit here and now, as well written and tense as the narrative was, it didn’t engage me. It wasn’t the violence or delivery of events, which were well-written. I’m also prepared to suspend disbelief in view of what was happening, but I struggled with the characterisation, especially the chief, Helen Webb, and many of the police officers involved. They were as cold as the killer. In fact, the whole story was bleak and despairing, concluding with an ending that left so much unresolved.
It’s a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series.
When a police radio, belonging to George Elms, is found beside a detective, murdered near to the police station, he’s immediately under suspicion. His behaviour in the previous novel has left him suspended from duty, with a broken marriage and a drink problem. His violent arrest is only a taste of what’s to come as George fights to prove his innocence and protect his family from harm.
It’s gritty, harrowing account of an unknown assassin spreading panic throughout the local police force. The story is tense, exciting and fast paced as the violence escalates towards the climax, where the novel stops abruptly, without resolving many of the key issues. I’m guessing these will be addressed in the next story.
I have to admit here and now, as well written and tense as the narrative was, it didn’t engage me. It wasn’t the violence or delivery of events, which were well-written. I’m also prepared to suspend disbelief in view of what was happening, but I struggled with the characterisation, especially the chief, Helen Webb, and many of the police officers involved. They were as cold as the killer. In fact, the whole story was bleak and despairing, concluding with an ending that left so much unresolved.
It’s a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series.
January 19, 2020
Webb is unwinding.
Crooked cops, killer cops, good cops killed & scapegoat cop.
Who wears the white hats? Or are they all shades of grey?
George Elms has been suspended for eighteen months following an accidental shooting of one of his team.
Now someone is killing decent officers & George is put in the frame, although a loose fit & he is released on restricted bail.
For some that is not enough, they want him dead. It will tie up loose ends and the ambitions of those who need him out of the picture will be achieved. The perfect fall guy.
George was in a bad place, having moved into a bedsit after his drinking gets out of control & affects his family.
Now they are also under threat, things start to unravel further & Webb is losing control - the inside man is killed & the bent copper whose original aim was to control drug distribution for the rough part of town is confident.
George makes a suprising statement & he hopes it will be enough to keep his wife & daughter safe.
Crooked cops, killer cops, good cops killed & scapegoat cop.
Who wears the white hats? Or are they all shades of grey?
George Elms has been suspended for eighteen months following an accidental shooting of one of his team.
Now someone is killing decent officers & George is put in the frame, although a loose fit & he is released on restricted bail.
For some that is not enough, they want him dead. It will tie up loose ends and the ambitions of those who need him out of the picture will be achieved. The perfect fall guy.
George was in a bad place, having moved into a bedsit after his drinking gets out of control & affects his family.
Now they are also under threat, things start to unravel further & Webb is losing control - the inside man is killed & the bent copper whose original aim was to control drug distribution for the rough part of town is confident.
George makes a suprising statement & he hopes it will be enough to keep his wife & daughter safe.
March 1, 2019
Skoda, ze som si to neuvedomila pred citanim, ze je to druha cast zo serie a niektore veci neboli poriadne vysvetlene a viac menej to navazuje na tu prvu cast.
Ked su zastreleni traja clenovia policie, zacina nahanacka s casom, aby nasli vraha a neprisli dalsi policajti o zivot. A ked stopy vedu k ich byvalemu kolegovi /pricina v tej prvej knihe/, kazdy ma v tom jasno. No George je v tom nevinne a bude musiet urobit nemyslitelne, aby zachranil svoju rodinu.
Nebolo to zle, najma ten zaver bol napinavy, ale velka skoda toho, ze som nesla zaradom. Plus, pozor SPOJLER, ale asi to nikto citat nebude, kedze je to v ANJ
George musi zastrelit jednu policajtku, inak pride jeho dcera a manzelka o zivot, a on to spravi. A este k tomu to bola jeho kamoska a bola aj tehotna....A bolo to v takej situacii, ze ten vrah mu povedal, ze ak ju nezastreli, jeho komplic potom zabije jeho rodinu.
Ja by som mu neverila, ze ma komplica a zastrelila by som jeho.
Ked su zastreleni traja clenovia policie, zacina nahanacka s casom, aby nasli vraha a neprisli dalsi policajti o zivot. A ked stopy vedu k ich byvalemu kolegovi /pricina v tej prvej knihe/, kazdy ma v tom jasno. No George je v tom nevinne a bude musiet urobit nemyslitelne, aby zachranil svoju rodinu.
Nebolo to zle, najma ten zaver bol napinavy, ale velka skoda toho, ze som nesla zaradom. Plus, pozor SPOJLER, ale asi to nikto citat nebude, kedze je to v ANJ
George musi zastrelit jednu policajtku, inak pride jeho dcera a manzelka o zivot, a on to spravi. A este k tomu to bola jeho kamoska a bola aj tehotna....A bolo to v takej situacii, ze ten vrah mu povedal, ze ak ju nezastreli, jeho komplic potom zabije jeho rodinu.
Ja by som mu neverila, ze ma komplica a zastrelila by som jeho.
July 31, 2023
Charlie Gallagher is an awesome cop book writer. there is no doubt about that. I've read many of the Maddie Ives books and they have that sense of realness that some others don't. Having said that, the langthorne series has this thing... the ending of the first book I loved because it was realistic for me (I HATED what happened but I loved that that could actually be what would happen under similar circumstances). This one was a book that grips you all the time, but that ending. I mean... I don't know if that could have actually happened with everyone being suspicious of that one person and the breakdown and... I don't know. It left me confused. Good thing is, I'll now have to read the next book in the series to get some closure (something this one does for Book 1). So I'll give it four stars because it is greatly written and because, despite that confusing ending, it wasn't necessarily a bad one.
January 21, 2023
Shocking Events
This book began with a series of horrific acts of domestic terrorism that rocked the constabulary community that despite being the bulwark against fear, panic, and terror.
The tension is relentless, never imagining such reprehensible conduct keeps the reader riveted to the page. The killer and conspirators are remorseless. The suspense ratchets up as the subjects of the hunt are mercifully slaughtered. The dread is palpable - none feel safe as the search for the monster committing these outrageous acts. An assassin has created a seething hatred for the fiend responsible for the torturous murders by an evil mind. How is it possible for all of these terrible things to happen?
An enraged violent mob seeks retribution and retaliation against the one held responsible - the turns and twists in this book are astonishing!
This book began with a series of horrific acts of domestic terrorism that rocked the constabulary community that despite being the bulwark against fear, panic, and terror.
The tension is relentless, never imagining such reprehensible conduct keeps the reader riveted to the page. The killer and conspirators are remorseless. The suspense ratchets up as the subjects of the hunt are mercifully slaughtered. The dread is palpable - none feel safe as the search for the monster committing these outrageous acts. An assassin has created a seething hatred for the fiend responsible for the torturous murders by an evil mind. How is it possible for all of these terrible things to happen?
An enraged violent mob seeks retribution and retaliation against the one held responsible - the turns and twists in this book are astonishing!
November 9, 2023
Police procedure? So the former police commander who committed suicide sent an email detailing how inspector Jacobs led him astray into criminal territory, with names Yet with all that information Helen (promoted to chief)sides with the criminals instead of her own officer and proceeds to help destroy his life at the bequest of the murderer. Than she continues hounding her own officer who is on disability for almost two years as she continues to work with and listens to the murderous criminal. It seems Mr Gallagher thinks all upper echelon of the police force is either corrupt or stupid. It's becoming an unbearable soap opera. Into book three as I read about the same innocent officer being almost beaten to death on orders of the prison guards. I'm not making this up Mr Gallagher is, unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2019
This book grabs you from the first page and it doesn't let go until the last, it's the perfect continuation from "Bodily Harm" a sadistic killer is is shooting Police officers, and as they are dying presses there red panic button so that those receiving hear there dying breath, DS George Elms is back, and those who where out to get him in Bodily Harm, are still after him, I'm not a fan of cliff hanger endings, but I'm sure that the 3rd book "Blood Money" will go on to explain it, and I can't wait to read it, I finished this one in 7hrs even though I was cooking the Sunday roast, It is a brilliant book and I didn't want to put it down, Thank you Charlie Gallagher for writing such amazing books.
December 3, 2019
This is my third book in a week by Charlie Gallagher and it did not disappoint! Fast, furious pace with a gripping plot! I couldn’t put it down. So, why only four stars? Honestly, because I didn’t want or like the cliffhanger finish. I wanted to have things sorted out at least a bit for George Elms and his family and although I can understand that the intention is to get the reader to immediately get the next book in the series (which I did) - I don’t want to it be because I need to hear the end of the story - I want it to be because I can’t wait to hear the next story!! Charlie Gallagher’s books are amazing and he doesn’t need to do this.
Having said all that - don’t be put off by my review - I highly recommend you read this author if you haven’t already!
Having said all that - don’t be put off by my review - I highly recommend you read this author if you haven’t already!
August 2, 2019
So realistic, I was dreading who was next
What a rollercoaster ride and so shocking. I had to keep telling myself that it wasn't real because the shocking twists just seem to hit you at every turn. I am totally hooked on this series and even though I currently have quite a few other books waiting to be read, I am now intent on getting through the George Elms series first. The inside knowledge that Charlie has, just adds to the intensity of the detail in the series, making it feel so real. I found myself thinking, please don't kill this person off. So now on to number 3 and another few sleepless nights. Very highly recommended.
What a rollercoaster ride and so shocking. I had to keep telling myself that it wasn't real because the shocking twists just seem to hit you at every turn. I am totally hooked on this series and even though I currently have quite a few other books waiting to be read, I am now intent on getting through the George Elms series first. The inside knowledge that Charlie has, just adds to the intensity of the detail in the series, making it feel so real. I found myself thinking, please don't kill this person off. So now on to number 3 and another few sleepless nights. Very highly recommended.
October 13, 2021
I sure didn't see all this coming!
Another c!if changed of an ending! More twists and turns that a high mountain road. Makes one wonder how anyone can come out of this in a good way. But with 5 more booms to go in this series, I would have too assume that come out of this little mess George does. What I still haven't quite figured out is the why. It's obvious for some, but there are some that I just don't know why they want this man gone. But I am sure it will co.e out in a future book. In the meantime it has me hanging on. Again Charlie Gallagher has taken me prisoner to another one of his series. And I won't be free until I read the last page of book 7!
Another c!if changed of an ending! More twists and turns that a high mountain road. Makes one wonder how anyone can come out of this in a good way. But with 5 more booms to go in this series, I would have too assume that come out of this little mess George does. What I still haven't quite figured out is the why. It's obvious for some, but there are some that I just don't know why they want this man gone. But I am sure it will co.e out in a future book. In the meantime it has me hanging on. Again Charlie Gallagher has taken me prisoner to another one of his series. And I won't be free until I read the last page of book 7!
May 28, 2020
The panic button was pressed and police officer forced to read a note. Four now have been instantly killed, the space and time were close, was it more than one. When Inspector Cutter was killed right outside the station, brings then up short and questioning, do they have a dirty cop. Few knew he would be leading the investigation. It put fear in all of them. The plot is thick with tension and fear, well done.
August 11, 2020
Left me breathless
Poor George. Will things work out for him in the next sequel? I hope so.
Once again this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I was rooting for George. Badly beating up by the 'pistol' squad who then dragged him back to the police station to be interrogated for the murder of three policemen. The force were out for George's blood. What or who made them believe that George was guilty of these horrific crimes?
On to the next sequel.
Poor George. Will things work out for him in the next sequel? I hope so.
Once again this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I was rooting for George. Badly beating up by the 'pistol' squad who then dragged him back to the police station to be interrogated for the murder of three policemen. The force were out for George's blood. What or who made them believe that George was guilty of these horrific crimes?
On to the next sequel.
July 10, 2025
Wow, this was certainly a violent story, the second in the box set I have. George is still central to the story but not as we'd expect.
Police officers are being shot...
I thought it was well-written but the plot annoying because of corruption, stupidity, ignorance, assumptions and poor policing - though, of course, made for great storytelling, tension and suspense.
It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Recommended.
Police officers are being shot...
I thought it was well-written but the plot annoying because of corruption, stupidity, ignorance, assumptions and poor policing - though, of course, made for great storytelling, tension and suspense.
It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Recommended.
June 9, 2019
Not sure!
I read this as part of the Langthorne Series 1-3. Took about 40% before I realised. Not sure this is verbatim as the version in the LAnghorne Series, but comes to an abrupt end. Other stories need to be included to complete the tale. Corruption comes across, and the requirement of level thinking doesn't come across, in the police force.
I read this as part of the Langthorne Series 1-3. Took about 40% before I realised. Not sure this is verbatim as the version in the LAnghorne Series, but comes to an abrupt end. Other stories need to be included to complete the tale. Corruption comes across, and the requirement of level thinking doesn't come across, in the police force.
August 23, 2019
Oh No
This book is so exciting it made me feel like I had gotten on A runaway train. Panic button left me totally speechless. I could never catch up. The twists and turns threw me and there was no way I could have guessed what would happen next. I can't wait to read more about my hero. I hope he wins!
This book is so exciting it made me feel like I had gotten on A runaway train. Panic button left me totally speechless. I could never catch up. The twists and turns threw me and there was no way I could have guessed what would happen next. I can't wait to read more about my hero. I hope he wins!
June 5, 2020
OMG! THIS ONE IS OFF TO A ROARING START, HOW HORRIBLE. WHATS HAPPENING TO GEORGE MAKES ME WANT TO CRY FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY, I’M REALLY NOT LIKING THIS ONE BIT. POOR GEORGE, SHIT! I THINK THE STORYLINE WAS WAY OVER THE TOP WITH VIOLENCE AND ALL THAT GEORGE HAS TO ENDURE. AS I’M READING THIS I WONDERED, IS EVERY COP IN THIS SERIES A CROOK, THEY OUT NUMBER THE GOOD GUYS. DANG IT! ;D
May 18, 2023
Extremely disappointed. I really like George but how much can happen to one person?! How much abuse can one body possibly take? Also, really don't like when the criminal is always getting away with everything. Leaving the readers with cliffhangers twice in as many books, I won't be reading the next in this series.
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