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DCI Isaac Cook #2
Murder House
A corpse in the fireplace of an old house. It’s been there for thirty years, but who is it? It’s clearly murder, and what connection does the body have to the previous owners of the house? It was bound to be discovered eventually but was that what the murderer wanted? The main suspects are all old and dying, or already dead. There’s a motive, but what is it? Isaac Cook and his team have their work cut out trying to put the pieces together. Those who know are not talking out of an old-fashioned belief in that a family’s dirty laundry is not to be aired in public, and certainly not to a policeman - even if that means the murderer is never brought to justice!
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2017
About the author
Phillip Strang
224 books84 followersPhillip Strang is a crime fiction writer with over 150 novels published across multiple series. Born in Sydney, Australia, he has spent much of his life travelling extensively — installing telecommunication networks across remote regions of Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. That experience of working in difficult, culturally complex environments shapes his writing: his books are grounded in real places, real tensions, and believable characters under pressure.
His main series are DI Keith Tremayne (Salisbury and rural Wiltshire), DCI Isaac Cook (London), DI Sarah Lynch (Scottish Highlands), Natalie Campbell, Alex Harlan, and Maya Thorne. Between them, they span village murders, urban homicide, remote Highland crime, and beyond — all with the same focus on detectives who don't give up, whatever the politics thrown at them.
He is married and lives in Australia.
Find him on Facebook: facebook.com/PhillipStrangWriter and Instagram: instagram.com/phillipstrangauthor
His main series are DI Keith Tremayne (Salisbury and rural Wiltshire), DCI Isaac Cook (London), DI Sarah Lynch (Scottish Highlands), Natalie Campbell, Alex Harlan, and Maya Thorne. Between them, they span village murders, urban homicide, remote Highland crime, and beyond — all with the same focus on detectives who don't give up, whatever the politics thrown at them.
He is married and lives in Australia.
Find him on Facebook: facebook.com/PhillipStrangWriter and Instagram: instagram.com/phillipstrangauthor
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2024
Murder House is book two in the DCI Isaac Cook series by Phillip Strang. While reventorating an old house, the workers found a body behind the house's old fireplace. Due to the age of the corpse, it was hard for DCI Isaac Cook to decide if it was murder or who was the murderer and the identity of the corpus. The main suspects were too elderly ladies and their solicitors. The readers of Murder House will continue to follow the twists and turns in DCI Isaac Cook's investigation to discover what happens.
The Murder House is a good addition to this excellent series by Phillip Strang. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. I enjoy that Phillip Strang included social issues regarding older people in society in his plots. The Murder House is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of The Murder House, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Murder House will understand the problems that law enforcement officers have with having a romantic private life. Also, the readers of Murder House will learn about the consequences of jealousy.
I recommend this book.
The Murder House is a good addition to this excellent series by Phillip Strang. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. I enjoy that Phillip Strang included social issues regarding older people in society in his plots. The Murder House is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of The Murder House, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Murder House will understand the problems that law enforcement officers have with having a romantic private life. Also, the readers of Murder House will learn about the consequences of jealousy.
I recommend this book.
April 1, 2017
"Crime Investigative Mystery ... One of the Best!"
In this spine-chilling novel, Trevor and Sue Baxter have just moved to London from Manchester, England. The new home at 54 Bellevue Street is comfortable and they are happy with their choice. It's an old Victorian house, three levels. There is much restoration needed and it will take a lot of work and time. While working in a room, they discover the fireplace has been walled over. As they remove the panels covering it, they find human bones at the bottom of the pit. Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook and his partners, Gordon Windsor and Larry Hill, will be bringing this cold case back in order to pursue the murderer. Just who were the previous owners of this mansion? What was the motive? For the investigators this is like finding all the pieces of the puzzle. I've read the first two books in this series. They are each stand-alone thrillers, well-written, and spine tingling. The whole series is very intriguing. Highly recommend.
In this spine-chilling novel, Trevor and Sue Baxter have just moved to London from Manchester, England. The new home at 54 Bellevue Street is comfortable and they are happy with their choice. It's an old Victorian house, three levels. There is much restoration needed and it will take a lot of work and time. While working in a room, they discover the fireplace has been walled over. As they remove the panels covering it, they find human bones at the bottom of the pit. Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook and his partners, Gordon Windsor and Larry Hill, will be bringing this cold case back in order to pursue the murderer. Just who were the previous owners of this mansion? What was the motive? For the investigators this is like finding all the pieces of the puzzle. I've read the first two books in this series. They are each stand-alone thrillers, well-written, and spine tingling. The whole series is very intriguing. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2019
Phillip Strang - DCI Cook Thriller Series Bk 2 - Murder House - Reviewed - 4/16/19
Be sure to check the fireplace, 30 years doesn’t remove murder from the hearth.
A corpse in the fireplace of an old house. It’s been there for thirty years, but who is it? It’s clearly murder, and what connection does the body have to the previous owners of the house? It was bound to be discovered eventually but was that what the murderer wanted? The main suspects are all old and dying, or already dead. There’s a motive, but what is it? Isaac Cook and his team have their work cut out trying to put the pieces together. Those who know are not talking out of an old-fashioned belief in that a family’s dirty laundry is not to be aired in public, and certainly not to a policeman - even if that means the murderer is never brought to justice!
What did I like? I have finally finished the whole series and this was a dilly! I tried my darnest to figure out the killer but the author is so good that he kept it going till the end of the book, or at least for me he did. I really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next book.
What will you like? Well written and developed, unique characters, thought-provoking storyline, exciting action, exciting twists and turns with lots of emotions. Unbelievable ending with a curve that you won’t see coming. Excellent read with lots more action in the next eight books, everyone just as exciting as this one is. I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Be sure to check the fireplace, 30 years doesn’t remove murder from the hearth.
A corpse in the fireplace of an old house. It’s been there for thirty years, but who is it? It’s clearly murder, and what connection does the body have to the previous owners of the house? It was bound to be discovered eventually but was that what the murderer wanted? The main suspects are all old and dying, or already dead. There’s a motive, but what is it? Isaac Cook and his team have their work cut out trying to put the pieces together. Those who know are not talking out of an old-fashioned belief in that a family’s dirty laundry is not to be aired in public, and certainly not to a policeman - even if that means the murderer is never brought to justice!
What did I like? I have finally finished the whole series and this was a dilly! I tried my darnest to figure out the killer but the author is so good that he kept it going till the end of the book, or at least for me he did. I really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next book.
What will you like? Well written and developed, unique characters, thought-provoking storyline, exciting action, exciting twists and turns with lots of emotions. Unbelievable ending with a curve that you won’t see coming. Excellent read with lots more action in the next eight books, everyone just as exciting as this one is. I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
September 12, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, for some reason looking at his books on amazon today it isn't showing this particular set, just the individual books, so had to go to goodreads then click to come here which obviously does pull it up that way. The 3 as a set was nice, but I had forgotten just how much in general I dislike thrillers, and still not quite sure why this one as under 'thriller', seemed more of a murder mystery type in general, but not a cozy. Too many names and so on for me to keep up with too. THIS ABOVE SAYS #3, IT IS #2.
Murder House (Book 2) - A corpse in the fireplace of an old house. It's been there for thirty years, but who is it? It's clearly murder, and what connection does the body have to the previous owners of the house? It was bound to be discovered eventually but was that what the murderer wanted? The main suspects are all old and dying, or already dead. There's a motive, but what is it?Those who know are not talking out of an old-fashioned belief in that a family's dirty laundry is not to be aired in public, and certainly not to a policeman - even if that means the murderer is never brought to justice!
Murder is a Tricky Business (Book 1)
Murder House (Book 2)
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3)
Murder in Little Venice (Book 4)
Murder Without Reason (Book 5)
Murder House (Book 2) - A corpse in the fireplace of an old house. It's been there for thirty years, but who is it? It's clearly murder, and what connection does the body have to the previous owners of the house? It was bound to be discovered eventually but was that what the murderer wanted? The main suspects are all old and dying, or already dead. There's a motive, but what is it?Those who know are not talking out of an old-fashioned belief in that a family's dirty laundry is not to be aired in public, and certainly not to a policeman - even if that means the murderer is never brought to justice!
Murder is a Tricky Business (Book 1)
Murder House (Book 2)
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3)
Murder in Little Venice (Book 4)
Murder Without Reason (Book 5)
June 20, 2018
Murder House - a review by Rosemary Kenny
DCI Isaac Cook's latest investigation, in this 'heated-up' cold case, begins with the discovery of a mummified body in the hearth of an old house that's being renovated. Of course, being a thriller the victim's been murdered and with the number of suspects and body count ever mounting, DCI Cook has plenty of investigating to do, to take his mind off his recently-failed marriage.
Whose corpse is hidden in the fireplace? What relation was this person to the previous owners?
Who is Montague Grenfell and what secrets does he hide for the Richardson family?
How does he meet his untimely death? Who becomes the next Lord Penrith - and how?
What is the connection between Emily Solomon, Emma Hampshire and Lady Penrith?
Tragic events and long-hidden secrets separate families and divide loyalties, leaving DCI Cook to come under intense pressure from his commanding officer. This sizzling thriller by Phillip Strang will make you realise that the 'grass' of the upper-classes is not always greener than your own and eventually truth will out!
DCI Isaac Cook's latest investigation, in this 'heated-up' cold case, begins with the discovery of a mummified body in the hearth of an old house that's being renovated. Of course, being a thriller the victim's been murdered and with the number of suspects and body count ever mounting, DCI Cook has plenty of investigating to do, to take his mind off his recently-failed marriage.
Whose corpse is hidden in the fireplace? What relation was this person to the previous owners?
Who is Montague Grenfell and what secrets does he hide for the Richardson family?
How does he meet his untimely death? Who becomes the next Lord Penrith - and how?
What is the connection between Emily Solomon, Emma Hampshire and Lady Penrith?
Tragic events and long-hidden secrets separate families and divide loyalties, leaving DCI Cook to come under intense pressure from his commanding officer. This sizzling thriller by Phillip Strang will make you realise that the 'grass' of the upper-classes is not always greener than your own and eventually truth will out!
June 24, 2017
Murder House (DCI Cook Thriller Series Book 3) by Phillip Strang is filled with so many twists and turns you have to be sure you have your seatbelt on tight. A house is bought, a body is found in a fireplace and an investigation into a 30 year mystery is started. Who is the person found, who is the killer and why was the person killed? You have to read it to find out, I'm not telling. Once you pick up and begin reading this, you'll find it difficult to put it down until you read the last page. I now wait for the next book in this great series by Phillip Strang. I wish I could give more than 5 stars but since I can't then I give the 5 stars and highly recommend this book to everyone.
May 12, 2020
Long Winded
Terrible writing, and the storyline was so convoluted. Dragged on and on with too many characters involved, confusing the issue. The actual police officers kept returning to question the suspects so many times my head spun. Also DCI Cook's love life sounded more like a sex romp from one woman to another, yet he whined about wanting a good woman to have a stable relationship with. Won't be bothering with any more books from this author.
Terrible writing, and the storyline was so convoluted. Dragged on and on with too many characters involved, confusing the issue. The actual police officers kept returning to question the suspects so many times my head spun. Also DCI Cook's love life sounded more like a sex romp from one woman to another, yet he whined about wanting a good woman to have a stable relationship with. Won't be bothering with any more books from this author.
March 18, 2018
Better than the first of the series
The DCI Cook series seems to be improving. In this book the characters are more developed and the team had a better group dynamic. The investigations into multiple murders are very convoluted and you have to pay attention or you’ll get lost. The ending was a surprise but fitting.
The DCI Cook series seems to be improving. In this book the characters are more developed and the team had a better group dynamic. The investigations into multiple murders are very convoluted and you have to pay attention or you’ll get lost. The ending was a surprise but fitting.
June 3, 2021
Murder House
A very good police procedural with an interesting and eclectic cast of characters. A thirty year old murder only discovered by accident leading to a second murder seemingly unconnected but intricately tied into the first. Dark family secrets with their roots in the promiscuous and hedonistic sixties and seventies.
A very good police procedural with an interesting and eclectic cast of characters. A thirty year old murder only discovered by accident leading to a second murder seemingly unconnected but intricately tied into the first. Dark family secrets with their roots in the promiscuous and hedonistic sixties and seventies.
August 28, 2022
Extreme due diligence!
The corpse that had been walled into the fireplace thirty years ago and discovered by the renovating new owners is only the beginning! After working hard to identify the victim, they run into class distinctions, the very ages (elderly) of the possible suspects, and sadness within the department make this cold cade that nobody knew about a very hot issue. Great read!
The corpse that had been walled into the fireplace thirty years ago and discovered by the renovating new owners is only the beginning! After working hard to identify the victim, they run into class distinctions, the very ages (elderly) of the possible suspects, and sadness within the department make this cold cade that nobody knew about a very hot issue. Great read!
May 11, 2017
Murder served cold.
I found the narrative line to be a little disjointed, while I appreciate that investigations, especially investigations into a very cold case, require a lot of investigators, I keep getting lost in the links
I found the narrative line to be a little disjointed, while I appreciate that investigations, especially investigations into a very cold case, require a lot of investigators, I keep getting lost in the links
June 3, 2018
Dramatic
The problem I had with this book was keeping up with all the characters don't get me the storyline is fantastic but for me there were to many characters to keep up with a slow read at the beginning really took off in the climax 4 stars from me
The problem I had with this book was keeping up with all the characters don't get me the storyline is fantastic but for me there were to many characters to keep up with a slow read at the beginning really took off in the climax 4 stars from me
June 12, 2018
Convoluted and interminable
This book has far too many characters, shallowly contrived. The plot was convoluted and slogging. I can not recommend this title.
This book has far too many characters, shallowly contrived. The plot was convoluted and slogging. I can not recommend this title.
February 4, 2019
The character I liked the best from the first book isn't in this one although he is mentioned. Another abrupt ending.
July 10, 2020
I have read several of these not in order and have really enjoyed each one. Interesting characters in convoluted stories with entertaining dialog. What more could you ask for?
September 11, 2020
Hard boiled police procedural
May 20, 2021
Too many characters too much conjectures and it seems the peerage in the view of the author were only Pre occupied in fornicating , incest and orgies
But too fanciful for a story.
But too fanciful for a story.
June 10, 2021
Intrigue yet again throughout.
DCI Isaac Cook is one very brilliant Detective. Thorough in his work with a great team assisting him with his case solving.
DCI Isaac Cook is one very brilliant Detective. Thorough in his work with a great team assisting him with his case solving.
August 26, 2021
Really enjoying the series. Believable characters and interesting storyline.
March 27, 2022
A body in the fireplace??? Drinking and womanizing??? Sounds like a fun family – or families!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 26, 2023
I did not see that coming!! Very well done!! I am loving this series!!
August 9, 2017
A good mystery about a body hidden in a closed off fireplace and found 30yrs later. The story has a lot of players, so pay attention in the beginning. Once you have the who's who straight, dive in and you will not be disappointed. The story moves at a quick pace so you can finish it in one sitting.
March 31, 2017
When the Baxters, newly moved to London, bought the house at 54 Belleview Street, they were ill-prepared for the amount of fixing-up that would be required. They were even less prepared for the body found in one of the boarded up fireplaces.
DCI Isaac Cook and his murder investigation team are then tasked with solving a 30-year-old murder, a challenging case where the witnesses keep dying, and old secrets are well-hidden. An interesting peek into British social dynamics and police procedure, with plenty of false leads and red herrings that would be an even better mystery if there’d been more showing and less telling. The telling made it a bit of a slog, but on the whole it was rather enjoyable.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. I give it four stars.
DCI Isaac Cook and his murder investigation team are then tasked with solving a 30-year-old murder, a challenging case where the witnesses keep dying, and old secrets are well-hidden. An interesting peek into British social dynamics and police procedure, with plenty of false leads and red herrings that would be an even better mystery if there’d been more showing and less telling. The telling made it a bit of a slog, but on the whole it was rather enjoyable.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. I give it four stars.
April 13, 2017
I love a good British mystery and the occasional cozy, I only made it through 2/3 of this book and then had to call it quits due to complete boredom. Stilted writing and too much emphasis on the police characters dismal personal life and not enough time spent on the "mystery", in fact I really had a hard time finding the mystery in the drudgery of plodding through the office chatter among the police personnel. I seldom call it quits on any novel, but just could'nt bear to carry on. Needless to say, I will pass on any other books in this series, and this author.
December 10, 2017
I've come to love Phillip Strang's books this one s about a corpse found in a fireplace. It's been there 30yrs. The few suspects they have are dropping like flies. There are plenty of secrets and intrigue in this book. Just when I thought I knew who did it I find out I was wrong. Great twists and turns with a surprising ending. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews