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DI Tudor Manx #1
Anglesey Blue
MURDER. BETRAYAL. REVENGE.
It’s not the homecoming Detective Inspector Tudor Manx was expecting, but solving the case is just the start of his problems.
Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has come to Island of Anglesey hoping for a quiet life.
But his hopes are dashed when a brutally mutilated body is found crucified to the bow of a fishing boat sending shockwaves through the peaceful community.
Manx’s faces pressure to solve the case quickly equipped with an inexperienced team.
Is the body a message or a premonition of more murders to come?
Adding to his mounting problems, Manx’s troubled past returns to haunt him. Manx left the island after the disappearance of his younger sister, Miriam; a cold case that still remains unsolved.
Can Manx solve the case before the body count rises?
How will he cope when he is forced to choose between his family and his duty as a police officer?
This is the first book in the thrilling new DI Tudor Manx series.
It’s not the homecoming Detective Inspector Tudor Manx was expecting, but solving the case is just the start of his problems.
Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has come to Island of Anglesey hoping for a quiet life.
But his hopes are dashed when a brutally mutilated body is found crucified to the bow of a fishing boat sending shockwaves through the peaceful community.
Manx’s faces pressure to solve the case quickly equipped with an inexperienced team.
Is the body a message or a premonition of more murders to come?
Adding to his mounting problems, Manx’s troubled past returns to haunt him. Manx left the island after the disappearance of his younger sister, Miriam; a cold case that still remains unsolved.
Can Manx solve the case before the body count rises?
How will he cope when he is forced to choose between his family and his duty as a police officer?
This is the first book in the thrilling new DI Tudor Manx series.
458 pages, ebook
First published September 30, 2016
841 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 23, 2024
This writing in this book is uneven, which is probably why it left me underwhelmed. The plot was pretty good and the setting has potential, though I’m not sure the author made the most of it. The author tries at times to be witty, but since the effort is inconsistent, it often struck a discordant note. Interestingly, some of the side characters are better drawn than the protagonist.
The plot kept me going to the end, which, sadly, dragged on far too long. There was a teaser at the end which would have tempted me to read the next book in the series - if I had felt more engaged with the main character.
On to the next book!
The plot kept me going to the end, which, sadly, dragged on far too long. There was a teaser at the end which would have tempted me to read the next book in the series - if I had felt more engaged with the main character.
On to the next book!
March 9, 2017
This is the first in a brand new crime series.
The setting is one that makes this crime series for me stand out on it’s own. Personally I have not read many, if any, set in Wales. The Island of Anglesey I have to say certainly added a touch or darkness as well as coldness to the whole story. The parts to do with the sea certainly sent a chill through me and made me want to snuggle up under a blanket where I was safe and warm.
There is certainly an abundance of characters in this novel. I would say that some were right characters but don’t think that would make sense as it’s a novel so of course there are characters in it. I mean that for different reasons some stand out more than others as their personalities came to life more than some of the others.
Manx is your stereo typical detective that has a past. Though he may have a past and be troubled, he still has something that will appeal to readers and I am looking forward to getting to know him and his team better over the series.
The story has a lot of the elements I would expect from a crime novel and the pace was steady which picked up towards the end. I think once finished it will have readers eager for more.
Anglesey Blue is a solid start for the first book in a new series. I think this is a series that will certainly go from strength to strength as the characters develop and grow.
My Thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The setting is one that makes this crime series for me stand out on it’s own. Personally I have not read many, if any, set in Wales. The Island of Anglesey I have to say certainly added a touch or darkness as well as coldness to the whole story. The parts to do with the sea certainly sent a chill through me and made me want to snuggle up under a blanket where I was safe and warm.
There is certainly an abundance of characters in this novel. I would say that some were right characters but don’t think that would make sense as it’s a novel so of course there are characters in it. I mean that for different reasons some stand out more than others as their personalities came to life more than some of the others.
Manx is your stereo typical detective that has a past. Though he may have a past and be troubled, he still has something that will appeal to readers and I am looking forward to getting to know him and his team better over the series.
The story has a lot of the elements I would expect from a crime novel and the pace was steady which picked up towards the end. I think once finished it will have readers eager for more.
Anglesey Blue is a solid start for the first book in a new series. I think this is a series that will certainly go from strength to strength as the characters develop and grow.
My Thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
March 21, 2018
3.5 stars
March 19, 2018
After working in London for a number of years, DI Tudor Manx returns to his home turf of Anglesey and a new team of detectives. It really is a matter of get to know the team as you go because what Manx thought was going to be a more even paced and steady career on the Isle isn’t quite going to plan. A phone call on a stormy night has him heading towards the harbour and the first of a calling card with a message. A man’s body has been crucified on the front of a boat with something lodged in his throat.
Now although this is the first victim it won’t be the last as more prominent well-known and respected figures from the Isle are subsequently discovered in diverse places with very distinctive methods of murdering them, but it isn’t the only thing that links the victims. At each of their homes a new illegal drug is discovered, one that is being locally referred to as Anglesey Blue. The police are baffled and don’t know if these are clues to taunt them or warnings to other people. The more facts that the team uncover seems to complicate the investigation rather than point them in any direction to solve these murders.
Now this book is a police procedural but I soon became engrossed in the team as individuals. I have to say I love DI Tudor Manx’s name. It is so unforgettable. At first he seemed like I may be meeting him after his peak, after all he was returning to Anglesey to have a more steadier pace than he had in London. What I got was a pretty well experienced DI that was methodical, clever and not afraid to push beyond his and everyone else’s limits. He had bad memories on the Isle that he had fled from along with a bitter sister and a mother that struggled to cope with daily existence. Now at the wrong side of 35 it was time to face home and family again.
There are some very strong characters in this book besides some big scary blokes that could make me improve my running times very quickly. I loved the focus on the investigation and how it all began to come together and increase its intensity, just an all round brilliant story. So frightening how easy it is sitting on the knife-edge to make a life or potential death decision. It just makes me shudder. A super start to the Tudor Manx’s series. Brilliant end to a brilliant book!
Now although this is the first victim it won’t be the last as more prominent well-known and respected figures from the Isle are subsequently discovered in diverse places with very distinctive methods of murdering them, but it isn’t the only thing that links the victims. At each of their homes a new illegal drug is discovered, one that is being locally referred to as Anglesey Blue. The police are baffled and don’t know if these are clues to taunt them or warnings to other people. The more facts that the team uncover seems to complicate the investigation rather than point them in any direction to solve these murders.
Now this book is a police procedural but I soon became engrossed in the team as individuals. I have to say I love DI Tudor Manx’s name. It is so unforgettable. At first he seemed like I may be meeting him after his peak, after all he was returning to Anglesey to have a more steadier pace than he had in London. What I got was a pretty well experienced DI that was methodical, clever and not afraid to push beyond his and everyone else’s limits. He had bad memories on the Isle that he had fled from along with a bitter sister and a mother that struggled to cope with daily existence. Now at the wrong side of 35 it was time to face home and family again.
There are some very strong characters in this book besides some big scary blokes that could make me improve my running times very quickly. I loved the focus on the investigation and how it all began to come together and increase its intensity, just an all round brilliant story. So frightening how easy it is sitting on the knife-edge to make a life or potential death decision. It just makes me shudder. A super start to the Tudor Manx’s series. Brilliant end to a brilliant book!
March 2, 2017
Well, lets start at the beginning of this book. The cover. It's certainly a scroll-stopper. I'm a sucker for lighthouses and anything coast based. A brilliant image that does its' job in selling it.
This story introduces us to Tudor Manx. Manx is the usual mix of a middle aged police officer with a murky past. Recently transferred back to a police station in his old stomping ground on the island of Anglesey. Not even given time to get his feet under the table and there is an horrific murder. It's up to Manx to find out who it is, who's done it and why.
Dylan Jones has used his writing to great effect here as his descriptive powers were extremely helpful in allowing me to visualise Anglesey as it's not a place i've ever been. This actually is unusual in itself, having a police/crime series set in Wales. I enjoyed this and look forward to more of it.
This book is consistent throughout, with a plot line that will keep you going with lots of twists.
It's a good start to a new series. I feel it's one that will keep on growing and improving with each book. I look forward to finding out more about our main character, Manx and the rest of his team. I feel there is more to this man than there first appears.
This story introduces us to Tudor Manx. Manx is the usual mix of a middle aged police officer with a murky past. Recently transferred back to a police station in his old stomping ground on the island of Anglesey. Not even given time to get his feet under the table and there is an horrific murder. It's up to Manx to find out who it is, who's done it and why.
Dylan Jones has used his writing to great effect here as his descriptive powers were extremely helpful in allowing me to visualise Anglesey as it's not a place i've ever been. This actually is unusual in itself, having a police/crime series set in Wales. I enjoyed this and look forward to more of it.
This book is consistent throughout, with a plot line that will keep you going with lots of twists.
It's a good start to a new series. I feel it's one that will keep on growing and improving with each book. I look forward to finding out more about our main character, Manx and the rest of his team. I feel there is more to this man than there first appears.
March 1, 2017
Manx is on the case!
Gritty & good characters, getting to know the new people and looking forward to watching this series grow. It's going to get better & better & be hard to put down.
Gritty & good characters, getting to know the new people and looking forward to watching this series grow. It's going to get better & better & be hard to put down.
February 2, 2019
I think it is more of a very high 3.5 rounded up to a 4.
I felt the end was a bit long but when I got there I realised why it was.
I felt the end was a bit long but when I got there I realised why it was.
June 4, 2017
Formulaic pot boiler
It is an OK read but has all the hall marks of a tv writer with one eye on a tv series on BBC Wales - it is all a bit of a Hinterland clone. Some terrible copy editing and proof reading distract from the story. A good editor could have tightened the whole thing up and made a much stronger story out of it as there is a basis of a good book here - it has been left open as planned for more books in the series so hopefully the publishers will do a better job for their author.
It is an OK read but has all the hall marks of a tv writer with one eye on a tv series on BBC Wales - it is all a bit of a Hinterland clone. Some terrible copy editing and proof reading distract from the story. A good editor could have tightened the whole thing up and made a much stronger story out of it as there is a basis of a good book here - it has been left open as planned for more books in the series so hopefully the publishers will do a better job for their author.
June 28, 2017
Dramatic cliffs that drop down to small bays. Sandy beaches unspoiled by over-development. A few ancient monuments and megalithic tombs left behind by early settlers and Druids. The island of Anglesey in North Wales sounds like an idyllic spot doesn't it? One rather famous couple certainly thought so, making one of the island's farmhouses their first home when they could have chosen to live in a castle (the family has a few of them going spare). Prince William and his bride Kate lived there for three years declaring when they left, that Anglesey had a special place in their hearts.
Detective Inspector Tudor Manx, the protagonist of Anglesey Blue by Dylan H Jones has a rather more complex attitude to his homeland. He remembers some of his youthful experiences with great affection, especially summer holidays spent at the seaside and the year he worked at the fairground. But that was also the year his younger sister disappeared. His relationship with his mother and other sister fell apart as a result. After which he couldn't wait to get away.
Now, twenty years later, he's back to take up a new role heading the island's small, and rather inexperienced, team of detectives. He finds there is trouble in paradise. The island is suffering from falling property prices, the dwindling appeal of the traditional seaside holiday and an active drug scene. When a body is discovered bound to a boat as if crucified, then two more bodies are discovered in quick succession and a powerfully addictive new drug comes onto the scene, Manx comes under pressure to prove he's the right man for the job. What follows is a solidly-plotted police procedural novel with plenty of opportunities for Manx to ignore all his boss's instruction to avoid “maverick, Lone Ranger fuckery” as he tries to keep one step ahead of a drug baron and his henchmen.
Anglesey Blue is the first outing for this DI in what is planned to be a series located on the island. Given this is such a crowded market in literature, the challenge is to bring something fresh to the table. Two things hold the key to success. One is the character of Manx himself who has to be more than a sum of cliched attributes. The other is the setting which has to feel like a place inhabited by real people rather than just a stage for crime. I’d say Dylan Jones has succeeded on both fronts.
He gives Manx a few quirks - like the fact he drives a completely impractical seven-litre Mark 3 Jensen, smokes cigars rather than cigarettes and has a very limited wardrobe.
"Manx’s choice of wardrobe had always been uncomplicated and predictable, a limit colour palette of white Oxford shirt, a slim, black necktie left loose at the collar, black straight-legged jeans, a black sports leather jacket (either work, linen or leather, depending on the weather) and back, chisel-toe Blundstone books which he purchased off the internet directly from the factory in Tasmania."
Dylan Jones makes Manx a man of action, someone who often puts his own life at risk, but also a tenacious, methodical guy who continuously revisits his case notes, searching for anything he might have missed. Not for Manx is the kind of light bulb moment beloved of the scriptwriters of television detective series; but the “mundane reality of police work. The day-to-day grind, exhausting every avenue and cul-de-sac” kind of detective work. In part this attention to detail could be connected to the fact he’d left his last job with the Met in London under something of a cloud; the nature of which is never fully disclosed.
This is not the only unresolved mystery in Anglesey Blue; we also never get to know exactly what happened to Manx’s sister. The sense of mystery which remains by the end of the novel is one of the attractions of this novel for me; I don’t want everything tied up with a ribbon. It also cleverly leaves the door open for future episodes.
Of course Anglesey Blue isn’t solely about Manx. He’s supported by an array of colourful characters from the bright rookie policewoman Delyth Morris to the hostile Detective Sergeant Maldwyn Nader, a man prone to sudden outbreaks of extreme violence and the forensic scientist Ashton Bevan who loves dropping hints he knows all of Manx’s secrets. All of these have the potential to blossom as the series develops.
As for the setting, it's enticingly atmospheric. Mists roll in across the Irish sea, obscuring the small inlets and islands and robbing the landscape of form and colour but then the sun breaks through, enticing holidaymakers to the beaches and the coastal resorts in search of "sand between the toes pleasure and dirty postcard innuendos." Descriptions of the main settlements and Manx's encounters with some of the sceptical inhabitants provide a lot of the local colour which is then supplemented by a few in-jokes about the difficulties of the Welsh language. They give a fresh feel to this novel, making it an entertaining read with the promise of more to come.
Detective Inspector Tudor Manx, the protagonist of Anglesey Blue by Dylan H Jones has a rather more complex attitude to his homeland. He remembers some of his youthful experiences with great affection, especially summer holidays spent at the seaside and the year he worked at the fairground. But that was also the year his younger sister disappeared. His relationship with his mother and other sister fell apart as a result. After which he couldn't wait to get away.
Now, twenty years later, he's back to take up a new role heading the island's small, and rather inexperienced, team of detectives. He finds there is trouble in paradise. The island is suffering from falling property prices, the dwindling appeal of the traditional seaside holiday and an active drug scene. When a body is discovered bound to a boat as if crucified, then two more bodies are discovered in quick succession and a powerfully addictive new drug comes onto the scene, Manx comes under pressure to prove he's the right man for the job. What follows is a solidly-plotted police procedural novel with plenty of opportunities for Manx to ignore all his boss's instruction to avoid “maverick, Lone Ranger fuckery” as he tries to keep one step ahead of a drug baron and his henchmen.
Anglesey Blue is the first outing for this DI in what is planned to be a series located on the island. Given this is such a crowded market in literature, the challenge is to bring something fresh to the table. Two things hold the key to success. One is the character of Manx himself who has to be more than a sum of cliched attributes. The other is the setting which has to feel like a place inhabited by real people rather than just a stage for crime. I’d say Dylan Jones has succeeded on both fronts.
He gives Manx a few quirks - like the fact he drives a completely impractical seven-litre Mark 3 Jensen, smokes cigars rather than cigarettes and has a very limited wardrobe.
"Manx’s choice of wardrobe had always been uncomplicated and predictable, a limit colour palette of white Oxford shirt, a slim, black necktie left loose at the collar, black straight-legged jeans, a black sports leather jacket (either work, linen or leather, depending on the weather) and back, chisel-toe Blundstone books which he purchased off the internet directly from the factory in Tasmania."
Dylan Jones makes Manx a man of action, someone who often puts his own life at risk, but also a tenacious, methodical guy who continuously revisits his case notes, searching for anything he might have missed. Not for Manx is the kind of light bulb moment beloved of the scriptwriters of television detective series; but the “mundane reality of police work. The day-to-day grind, exhausting every avenue and cul-de-sac” kind of detective work. In part this attention to detail could be connected to the fact he’d left his last job with the Met in London under something of a cloud; the nature of which is never fully disclosed.
This is not the only unresolved mystery in Anglesey Blue; we also never get to know exactly what happened to Manx’s sister. The sense of mystery which remains by the end of the novel is one of the attractions of this novel for me; I don’t want everything tied up with a ribbon. It also cleverly leaves the door open for future episodes.
Of course Anglesey Blue isn’t solely about Manx. He’s supported by an array of colourful characters from the bright rookie policewoman Delyth Morris to the hostile Detective Sergeant Maldwyn Nader, a man prone to sudden outbreaks of extreme violence and the forensic scientist Ashton Bevan who loves dropping hints he knows all of Manx’s secrets. All of these have the potential to blossom as the series develops.
As for the setting, it's enticingly atmospheric. Mists roll in across the Irish sea, obscuring the small inlets and islands and robbing the landscape of form and colour but then the sun breaks through, enticing holidaymakers to the beaches and the coastal resorts in search of "sand between the toes pleasure and dirty postcard innuendos." Descriptions of the main settlements and Manx's encounters with some of the sceptical inhabitants provide a lot of the local colour which is then supplemented by a few in-jokes about the difficulties of the Welsh language. They give a fresh feel to this novel, making it an entertaining read with the promise of more to come.
August 28, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, the first in a series starring DI Tudor Manx.
This was a solid police procedural and I liked that Tudor Manx was a flawed human being like the rest of us. In fact, I think there is a lot more about his past history that needs to be revealed and I will enjoy reading all about it in future books. I also liked that this book was set in Wales and that local accents and the like were included in the book as well, it added to the colour of the story and gave it more complexity and depth. The secondary characters were also well fleshed out and enjoyable to read about.
The bodies keep on piling up for DI Manx and trying to identify them and figure out exactly why they died and who did the killing, is something that will keep him awake plenty of nights. Then there is the added burden of a new drug entering the local community and having to walk that tightrope of job versus family.....
This was a highly recommended read from me, I give it solid 4 stars. It loses half a star because of the many spelling/formatting/grammatical errors which are very distracting. I don't normally deduct points for such things but I counted 53 errors :( It is a real shame because it is a great book!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Thank you to THE Book Club.
This was a solid police procedural and I liked that Tudor Manx was a flawed human being like the rest of us. In fact, I think there is a lot more about his past history that needs to be revealed and I will enjoy reading all about it in future books. I also liked that this book was set in Wales and that local accents and the like were included in the book as well, it added to the colour of the story and gave it more complexity and depth. The secondary characters were also well fleshed out and enjoyable to read about.
The bodies keep on piling up for DI Manx and trying to identify them and figure out exactly why they died and who did the killing, is something that will keep him awake plenty of nights. Then there is the added burden of a new drug entering the local community and having to walk that tightrope of job versus family.....
This was a highly recommended read from me, I give it solid 4 stars. It loses half a star because of the many spelling/formatting/grammatical errors which are very distracting. I don't normally deduct points for such things but I counted 53 errors :( It is a real shame because it is a great book!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Thank you to THE Book Club.
March 10, 2017
I love the main character Manx Tudor, he's tenacious and has a devilish wit. I was drawn to this book because it's set in Anglesey and what's not to love about beautiful Wales, even if this is a dark, intricate tale.
Some scenes had me hiding behind my fingers at times, great characterisation and very well written throughout. A steady pace throughout and I look forward to reading more in this wonderful series.
Some scenes had me hiding behind my fingers at times, great characterisation and very well written throughout. A steady pace throughout and I look forward to reading more in this wonderful series.
May 20, 2018
Enjoyed this debut police procedural very much. Tudor Manx, besides having a great name, is an interesting character and will develop well over the next books from Jones. To Manx, the story of the sale of 'Anglesey Blue' pills on the island will crash home in a painful and ultimately sad way. With complex characters and a believable plot, it is a recommended book.
March 11, 2017
review to follow
March 16, 2017
Detective Tudor Manx-Williams returns to Anglesey after many years away, mainly working in London. The author paints a vivid picture of the beauty of the area.
Soon after Manx arrives, he receives a telephone call reporting a boat adrift in the harbour. There is a storm raging, so he knows that this will not be straightforward.
When he arrives on the scene, he sees that there is a body tethered to the boat. With no ID on the body, Manx realises this may well take time. After a report to the police about a missing man, they are able to ascertain who he is. An antique dealer, no less, and one who has copious amounts of pills stashed in his home.
The next victim Dick Roberts, is found hanged. More pills are found. The third is GP Dr Simon Vaughn. None of it makes any sense and what connects them are
little blue pills, aptly named Anglesey Blue.
We are introduced to Shanni, who has always been a ducker and diver, who finds himself up to his neck in trouble. In the past, he has been a small-time dealer but this time he is approached and left with no choice but to push the Anglesey Blue pills that are new on the market. They are cheap and very addictive.
After Shanni's first consignment have been sold, he is prepared to hand over the £25,000 promised. Only that is not enough....... things get very serious and dangerous.
Manx is an atypical middle-aged policeman with history.
This, the first, in the Manx series sets the pace. I look forward to reading more.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
Soon after Manx arrives, he receives a telephone call reporting a boat adrift in the harbour. There is a storm raging, so he knows that this will not be straightforward.
When he arrives on the scene, he sees that there is a body tethered to the boat. With no ID on the body, Manx realises this may well take time. After a report to the police about a missing man, they are able to ascertain who he is. An antique dealer, no less, and one who has copious amounts of pills stashed in his home.
The next victim Dick Roberts, is found hanged. More pills are found. The third is GP Dr Simon Vaughn. None of it makes any sense and what connects them are
little blue pills, aptly named Anglesey Blue.
We are introduced to Shanni, who has always been a ducker and diver, who finds himself up to his neck in trouble. In the past, he has been a small-time dealer but this time he is approached and left with no choice but to push the Anglesey Blue pills that are new on the market. They are cheap and very addictive.
After Shanni's first consignment have been sold, he is prepared to hand over the £25,000 promised. Only that is not enough....... things get very serious and dangerous.
Manx is an atypical middle-aged policeman with history.
This, the first, in the Manx series sets the pace. I look forward to reading more.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
March 7, 2017
I really enjoyed the start of this, although there were a few too many wrapping-up scenarios at the end. Humorous, lively, atmospheric description of Anglesey, with a very contemporary slant, rather than the more historical or mythical Celtic slant which I was expecting. Manx and Gwen are great characters, and overall there was a great interaction within the police team.
March 22, 2017
A pretty hefty story - very gruesome in places and with a raft of characters but I read through to the end with a lot of enjoyment.
One problem though - the formatting is a little skewed - the indents are not consistent which I found unusual. Some chapters (eg 20) have tiny, almost negligible indents, others have wide ones, and there are some whose indents vary through the chapter (eg 21). It was a little off-putting at times.
However, I look forward to the next book in the series.
One problem though - the formatting is a little skewed - the indents are not consistent which I found unusual. Some chapters (eg 20) have tiny, almost negligible indents, others have wide ones, and there are some whose indents vary through the chapter (eg 21). It was a little off-putting at times.
However, I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 13, 2017
This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was impressed at how well his descriptions of locations blended with the plot, without sacrificing pace. The story is gritty and set somewhere the author seems to know well, as you feel transported to where the investigation is taking place.
Manx is an interesting character. I enjoyed learning about him as the book progressed. I also liked the fact that this book/series is set in Wales. It makes a nice change to have novels set in a lesser known location.
Overall an enjoyable, well paced read.
Manx is an interesting character. I enjoyed learning about him as the book progressed. I also liked the fact that this book/series is set in Wales. It makes a nice change to have novels set in a lesser known location.
Overall an enjoyable, well paced read.
August 31, 2024
Didn't work for me
I can't really find anything glaringly specific that I disliked, but as a whole this really didn't work for me. I found it a hard slog.
The characters didn't engage me. The plot dragged. It felt clichéd and dated.
I thought it captured Anglesey well.
I can't really find anything glaringly specific that I disliked, but as a whole this really didn't work for me. I found it a hard slog.
The characters didn't engage me. The plot dragged. It felt clichéd and dated.
I thought it captured Anglesey well.
February 25, 2017
Tudor Manx is back on the island after quarter of a century. He remembers his mother tongue in part but things have changed otherwise. Drugs are now a part of island life for some and when a body is found nailed to a boat things start to move in a direction no-one could have foreseen. Anglesey Blues are causing havoc. I love books where the characters come to life, either through their actions of how the book is written so we get to know them perhaps through their background or personal life, as well as “in at the crime” side of things. You can’t help but like Manx. He is tenacious, has a warped sense of humour but deep down is a real good guy that you want on your side. A gritty story with excellent descriptions, and a plot to keep you engrossed.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
July 7, 2017
For me a slow start which quickly gathered pace. A good read but as a person whose first language is Welsh - I just wish that someone had proof read the book first - too many mistakes in the Welsh!!
December 18, 2018
Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, England. DI Tudor Manx-Williams (Sr. Crime Scene officer, Anglesey PD) was enjoying his pint.
Anglesey Air Ambulance. 2 men had been pulled out of the water & taken to the hospital.
DI Manx-Williams was making his inquiry’s.
Frank Bingham (coxswain) was his 1st. stop.
1 male washed ashore at Town Beach, Rhosenegir. He is still alive.
Very valuable input from Frank.
PC Kevin Priddle (North Wales Constabulary) shouted but Dick Roberts (husband, fisherman) was not answering his door.
There was a noise/stench coming from the shed.
He was hanging from the rafters.
Richard Hardacre (ME) was examining the corpse.
Ernie Stokes (aka John Doe, Stokes’ antique owner) had died from asphyxiation before he was tied to the boat.
What were Scuttler & Shanni discussing?
DI Manx-Williams & PC Delyth “Del” Morris (f) went to pay Nerys (f, cleaning lady, waitress) a visit.
Beaumaris. Stokes Antiques Emporium Church St. Was the next stop for the 2.
Ashton Bevan (forensics lead) & the other team members had arrived.
Benllech caravan park/campground. Manx-Williams went to pay Sherri Vaughn (Simon’s wife) a visit.
Did Callum “Cal” David Blackwell (son) kill Stokes, & Dr Simon Vaughn (45+, GP). Did he know something about Dick Roberts's suicide?
Will they get the PPL that are making/selling Anglesey Blue (illegal drug)?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Bloodhound Book; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Anglesey Air Ambulance. 2 men had been pulled out of the water & taken to the hospital.
DI Manx-Williams was making his inquiry’s.
Frank Bingham (coxswain) was his 1st. stop.
1 male washed ashore at Town Beach, Rhosenegir. He is still alive.
Very valuable input from Frank.
PC Kevin Priddle (North Wales Constabulary) shouted but Dick Roberts (husband, fisherman) was not answering his door.
There was a noise/stench coming from the shed.
He was hanging from the rafters.
Richard Hardacre (ME) was examining the corpse.
Ernie Stokes (aka John Doe, Stokes’ antique owner) had died from asphyxiation before he was tied to the boat.
What were Scuttler & Shanni discussing?
DI Manx-Williams & PC Delyth “Del” Morris (f) went to pay Nerys (f, cleaning lady, waitress) a visit.
Beaumaris. Stokes Antiques Emporium Church St. Was the next stop for the 2.
Ashton Bevan (forensics lead) & the other team members had arrived.
Benllech caravan park/campground. Manx-Williams went to pay Sherri Vaughn (Simon’s wife) a visit.
Did Callum “Cal” David Blackwell (son) kill Stokes, & Dr Simon Vaughn (45+, GP). Did he know something about Dick Roberts's suicide?
Will they get the PPL that are making/selling Anglesey Blue (illegal drug)?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Bloodhound Book; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 7, 2022
4 red stars. Definitely gritty/gruesome - not for the faint of heart. So if you can't read detailed descriptions of violence, this isn't for you. This reminded me a lot of the Cormoran Strike series by "Robert Galbraith." But without the humor and love interest. Tudor Manx is hard-boiled, jaded even, and carrying a lot of baggage from his past. Despite all that, I think he is likeable. There is hope for him! Other characters are well-developed and I hope they will become regulars: officers Morris "Minor", Kevin Priddle, Maldwyn Nader, and potential future love-interest (?) bar-tender/ beautician Gwen and her son Owain. I enjoyed the Anglesey setting, and all the references to things Welsh. Yes, there were errors and inconsistencies. I hope the sequels will be better edited. (Yechid dda? Not quite.... But then, Manx has been away from Wales for a long time...)
I started this on Kindle last year, and then decided to start over with the audiobook narrated by Malk Williams. I've tried other books set in Wales with narrators that had no clue how to pronounce Welsh place names, never mind replicate a passable Welsh accent. Malk did a pretty good job, although not so much on the North Walian local characters. Close enough for jazz, as they say, and close enough for a character that has been gone from Anglesey for many years.
Description: Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has returned to his childhood home Anglesey hoping for a quiet life. But his hopes are dashed when a brutally mutilated body is found crucified to the bow of a fishing boat sending shockwaves through the peaceful community. Manx faces pressure to solve the case quickly equipped with an inexperienced team. Is the body a message or a premonition of more murders to come? Adding to his mounting problems, Manx’s troubled past returns to haunt him. Can Manx solve the case before the body count rises? How will he cope when he is forced to choose between his family and his duty as a police officer?
I started this on Kindle last year, and then decided to start over with the audiobook narrated by Malk Williams. I've tried other books set in Wales with narrators that had no clue how to pronounce Welsh place names, never mind replicate a passable Welsh accent. Malk did a pretty good job, although not so much on the North Walian local characters. Close enough for jazz, as they say, and close enough for a character that has been gone from Anglesey for many years.
Description: Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has returned to his childhood home Anglesey hoping for a quiet life. But his hopes are dashed when a brutally mutilated body is found crucified to the bow of a fishing boat sending shockwaves through the peaceful community. Manx faces pressure to solve the case quickly equipped with an inexperienced team. Is the body a message or a premonition of more murders to come? Adding to his mounting problems, Manx’s troubled past returns to haunt him. Can Manx solve the case before the body count rises? How will he cope when he is forced to choose between his family and his duty as a police officer?
March 4, 2017
Picking up a book by an author I have never read before is always a bit of a thrill for me. You can read the book blurb or you can have a story recommended by a friend, but it is not until you start to read a book for yourself that you can know if you are going to enjoy the next few hundred pages. I knew from pretty early on in Anglesey Blue that I was going to enjoy it.
First there is DI Tudor Manx, adjusting to life in Anglesey after a transfer from London (and under a bit of a cloud within the force), he gives the reader an outsiders-eye view on life in the town. His team are a relatively inexperienced bunch of coppers – life in small town Wales doesn’t seem to compare to that of London’s Met police so Manx will have to drive, encourage and motivate his colleagues if they are to make any progress with a murder enquiry.
Yup Murder. There is a decidedly dark tone to Anglesey Blue which I delighted in. Bodies cropped up, a particularly nasty drug dealer (with his hired muscle) is looking to establish new distribution channels on the island for their new drug of choice. Manx and his team will have their work cut out but for a reader it is a highly entertaining challenge.
One of the best ways to hook me in a story is to have great dialogue between the characters, not just the conversations which will drive a police investigation but the chat amongst colleagues and friends. Dylan H Jones absolutely nails this for me – the station chatter, the flirtatious barmaid, the meeting of parents concerned about drugs on the island…it was so well written that I wanted to keep reading as I was enjoying not just the crimes and investigations but the camaraderie amongst the characters.
There are many crime novels out there to choose from but miss Anglesey Blue at your peril, it’s a gem.
First there is DI Tudor Manx, adjusting to life in Anglesey after a transfer from London (and under a bit of a cloud within the force), he gives the reader an outsiders-eye view on life in the town. His team are a relatively inexperienced bunch of coppers – life in small town Wales doesn’t seem to compare to that of London’s Met police so Manx will have to drive, encourage and motivate his colleagues if they are to make any progress with a murder enquiry.
Yup Murder. There is a decidedly dark tone to Anglesey Blue which I delighted in. Bodies cropped up, a particularly nasty drug dealer (with his hired muscle) is looking to establish new distribution channels on the island for their new drug of choice. Manx and his team will have their work cut out but for a reader it is a highly entertaining challenge.
One of the best ways to hook me in a story is to have great dialogue between the characters, not just the conversations which will drive a police investigation but the chat amongst colleagues and friends. Dylan H Jones absolutely nails this for me – the station chatter, the flirtatious barmaid, the meeting of parents concerned about drugs on the island…it was so well written that I wanted to keep reading as I was enjoying not just the crimes and investigations but the camaraderie amongst the characters.
There are many crime novels out there to choose from but miss Anglesey Blue at your peril, it’s a gem.
June 7, 2017
Tudor Manx has returned to Anglesey Island to be the local detective inspector. All he is looking for is a quiet life even though he has a past in Anglesey. But that though is shot when a man is found tied to a boat during a storm. Everyone wants him to quickly solve the murder but Manx has a crew of inexperienced officers helping him and he is worried that this might be the beginning to more murders than just a onetime affair. But then another man is discovered and a third. All three are linked to a large amount of blue pills called Anglesey Blue, a cheap and highly addictive drug that is starting out in the market.
I loved Tudor Manx. He is transferred to Anglesey Island and just wants some quiet. But his past is there as a reminder, his mother and sister don’t like him and the death of his other sister has never been solved. But then he will have his hands full when it is clear that someone is planning on running drugs through the island. Manx is definitely going to have his hands full.
I loved this story. You can’t help but feeling for Manx, he has a rough past, and has his hands full trying to get his new force up to speed to deal with the murders. I loved the setting in Wales and the description had me feeling like I was walking right there with Manx. The mystery was great and kept my attention the whole time. I loved how the pacing stayed pretty well the same until the end when you slide into the end with break neck speed.
This is a wonderful new mystery series that I loved and will be keeping it on my bookshelf. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Manx in the next book.
I received Anglesey Blue from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
I loved Tudor Manx. He is transferred to Anglesey Island and just wants some quiet. But his past is there as a reminder, his mother and sister don’t like him and the death of his other sister has never been solved. But then he will have his hands full when it is clear that someone is planning on running drugs through the island. Manx is definitely going to have his hands full.
I loved this story. You can’t help but feeling for Manx, he has a rough past, and has his hands full trying to get his new force up to speed to deal with the murders. I loved the setting in Wales and the description had me feeling like I was walking right there with Manx. The mystery was great and kept my attention the whole time. I loved how the pacing stayed pretty well the same until the end when you slide into the end with break neck speed.
This is a wonderful new mystery series that I loved and will be keeping it on my bookshelf. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Manx in the next book.
I received Anglesey Blue from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
August 18, 2019
Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has come to the Isle of Anglesey, where he grew up and still has family, hoping for a quiet life. A brutally-mutilated body is found lashed to the bow of a fishing boat, sending shockwaves through the community, and putting Manx under pressure to solve the case pronto with an inexperienced team. Max is also plagued by the cold-case disappearance of his younger sister many years ago. He feels the weight of judgment, both personal and professional, for not being able to solve the case. He was in his teens at the time, and he hates himself for not being able to save her.
I liked everything about this book – the writing, the setting, the story, the characters, the crime-solving, the day-to-day police work. The author does a great job of scene setting (“Manx recognized the scrawny outline of PC Priddle, looking in his high visibility vest like an under-filled, neon windsock” and “It was seven-thirty in the evening, and a heavy darkness had been poured, like a thick stew, over the island.”) I could almost feel the cold and the exhaustion of the officers as they worked. Watching Manx have to make hard choices as he works the case made me like the character even more. Manx is not a cookie-cutter fictional cop, but a dimensional character with a complicated backstory and flaws that make him all the more human. The author doesn’t have a law enforcement background, although the writing made me think he did, but he did grow up on Anglesey just like Manx.
This story put me in mind of the Shetland series and the new Two Rivers set by Ann Cleeves, and the works of Joy Ellis. If you like them, give this a go.
I liked everything about this book – the writing, the setting, the story, the characters, the crime-solving, the day-to-day police work. The author does a great job of scene setting (“Manx recognized the scrawny outline of PC Priddle, looking in his high visibility vest like an under-filled, neon windsock” and “It was seven-thirty in the evening, and a heavy darkness had been poured, like a thick stew, over the island.”) I could almost feel the cold and the exhaustion of the officers as they worked. Watching Manx have to make hard choices as he works the case made me like the character even more. Manx is not a cookie-cutter fictional cop, but a dimensional character with a complicated backstory and flaws that make him all the more human. The author doesn’t have a law enforcement background, although the writing made me think he did, but he did grow up on Anglesey just like Manx.
This story put me in mind of the Shetland series and the new Two Rivers set by Ann Cleeves, and the works of Joy Ellis. If you like them, give this a go.
May 1, 2018
I have had this for a while before I decided to actually read it and I am very pleased I did. The characters are very interesting, especially Manx, who has more baggage than a cargo ship. However unlike other authors Jones does not immediately go full flow into the back story but slowly gives little insights that do not detract from the main story. There is a fair amount of "heavy thinking" in the narrative from Manx, but where this normally drives me mad, I actually read it all and found it rather interesting and profound which took me by surprise. All the characters were believable, as was the storyline. I'm sure I'm not the only one that had trouble with the Welsh, but there wasn't too much and it would not have been authentic without it.
There were some spelling and grammatical errors but very few in comparison to other e books I've read recently. I did have a bit of an issue with the mixture of American terminology and spelling, but as he is a resident of both I can understand it I suppose, although it is one of my pet peeves with books to be honest, the Brits are expected to read American terminology but the Americans can't read English? Surely this is being unfair to the USA, that they can't work it out? Sorry, rant over.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone, so much so that I bought number two immediately and am now off to read that!
There were some spelling and grammatical errors but very few in comparison to other e books I've read recently. I did have a bit of an issue with the mixture of American terminology and spelling, but as he is a resident of both I can understand it I suppose, although it is one of my pet peeves with books to be honest, the Brits are expected to read American terminology but the Americans can't read English? Surely this is being unfair to the USA, that they can't work it out? Sorry, rant over.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone, so much so that I bought number two immediately and am now off to read that!
June 10, 2018
4/4.5*
Winter has arrived in Anglesey for DI Tudor Manx.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely will be getting the rest of the series - book 2 Spring has already been published.
I got this book because the characters name, Manx, is my nationality so was interested in why the name and also I have distant cousins in Beaumaris.
So, a police investigation story - with lots of gruesome murders, nasty underworld characters, a plethora of sad souls at the bottom of the drug food chain being manipulated and exploited by the ones further up. Police with back stories, some resolved most not.
An enigmatic MC - we get glimpses of Manx’s past (though I need to age a character the inconsistency I found here was a bit annoying - he reads fifties, but clues of 16 in 98 put him at 30’s but he left Anglesey 34 yrs ago so putting him back in 50’s - not vital to the plot, only my need) but the reason he left the met and his sister’s disappearance remain unresolved and I guess will be a theme in the series. As too will Nader.
Lots of great place descriptions, masses of plot twists and character twists. A Jensen Intrrceptor! No easy policing either - gritty, unfit cops!
Really enjoyed this!
Winter has arrived in Anglesey for DI Tudor Manx.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely will be getting the rest of the series - book 2 Spring has already been published.
I got this book because the characters name, Manx, is my nationality so was interested in why the name and also I have distant cousins in Beaumaris.
So, a police investigation story - with lots of gruesome murders, nasty underworld characters, a plethora of sad souls at the bottom of the drug food chain being manipulated and exploited by the ones further up. Police with back stories, some resolved most not.
An enigmatic MC - we get glimpses of Manx’s past (though I need to age a character the inconsistency I found here was a bit annoying - he reads fifties, but clues of 16 in 98 put him at 30’s but he left Anglesey 34 yrs ago so putting him back in 50’s - not vital to the plot, only my need) but the reason he left the met and his sister’s disappearance remain unresolved and I guess will be a theme in the series. As too will Nader.
Lots of great place descriptions, masses of plot twists and character twists. A Jensen Intrrceptor! No easy policing either - gritty, unfit cops!
Really enjoyed this!
August 8, 2017
You've got to love a character called Tudor Manx; what a name! Took me a while to really get in to the book, but once I was in, I was gripped. It's well written and fast moving with appropriately convoluted characters with their own secrets and agendas. But, but, but, whilst I enjoyed all the Welsh names, maybe some help with pronunciation would be useful for those of us who don't have a clue, (Moelfre? Amlwch?). There were a lot of names, and after a while I was aggravated that I didn't belong to the club of people who know how to say them. The biggest niggle for me was the mistakes. Maybe the ebook wasn't formatted correctly, or the proof reader was having an off day or maybe both. The capital letter at the start of each chapter was often on a completely separate line to the rest of the word, on one occasion it was on the preceding page, most irritating! There were sentences repeated erroneously and many typos, (e.g. it's a 'rogue' state not a rouge state, ehat instead of what, rizal instead of rizla). I accept I'm a bit of a pedant, and I accept there will always be one or two mistakes that slip through the net, but this book had far too many. It is therefore a testament to how much I enjoyed the story that I gave 4 stars and I will definitely read the next book, which we get a taste of at the end of this one.
May 10, 2017
So looking forward to seeing what Dylan H Jones has in store for DI Tudor Manx. I love my thriller and mystery books and was a bit dubious (as I always am) when reading a book by a new author or reading a book by an author I have not read before.
This book had me at the cover, I loved the lighthouse on the front with the mysterious storm clouds etc in the background. I also liked the setting as I don't think many books in mysteries and thrillers are set in Wales.
The characters within this book are gritty and interesting and the story line was one that kept me on the edge of my seat to the extent that I did not put the book down (apart from sleeping) until I had read it all.
I must admit to guessing one of the characters might have a connection to Manx about a third of the way through the book, but that did not stop me from still being surprised when Manx found out.
So looking forward to another book and seeing where Manx goes next.
This book had me at the cover, I loved the lighthouse on the front with the mysterious storm clouds etc in the background. I also liked the setting as I don't think many books in mysteries and thrillers are set in Wales.
The characters within this book are gritty and interesting and the story line was one that kept me on the edge of my seat to the extent that I did not put the book down (apart from sleeping) until I had read it all.
I must admit to guessing one of the characters might have a connection to Manx about a third of the way through the book, but that did not stop me from still being surprised when Manx found out.
So looking forward to another book and seeing where Manx goes next.
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