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The Leighton Jones Mysteries #1
The Girl on the Bus
A retired detective and a young woman are about to face their worst fears.
Vicki Reiner is emotionally isolated and craves the fleeting happiness she experienced in the years prior to her college graduation. In an attempt to recapture this, she invites her old friend, Laurie, for a break at her deserted beachside home. However, despite booking an online bus ticket, her friend never shows up.
Unable to accept the bizarre circumstances of the disappearance, Vicki approaches the police who dismiss her concerns before enlisting the reluctant help of Leighton Jones - a newly retired detective who is haunted by the death of his teenage daughter.
Despite trying to remain detached from the case, Leighton is drawn to Vicki and her search for justice.
The unlikely pair face numerous obstacles but using a combination of methods they track down the answers across the dusty freeways of North America. Soon Vicki and Leighton will find themselves in grave danger.
Will they ever discover what happened to Laurie?
And can they both escape with their lives?
Vicki Reiner is emotionally isolated and craves the fleeting happiness she experienced in the years prior to her college graduation. In an attempt to recapture this, she invites her old friend, Laurie, for a break at her deserted beachside home. However, despite booking an online bus ticket, her friend never shows up.
Unable to accept the bizarre circumstances of the disappearance, Vicki approaches the police who dismiss her concerns before enlisting the reluctant help of Leighton Jones - a newly retired detective who is haunted by the death of his teenage daughter.
Despite trying to remain detached from the case, Leighton is drawn to Vicki and her search for justice.
The unlikely pair face numerous obstacles but using a combination of methods they track down the answers across the dusty freeways of North America. Soon Vicki and Leighton will find themselves in grave danger.
Will they ever discover what happened to Laurie?
And can they both escape with their lives?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2015
439 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
N.M. Brown
7 books31 followersNorman has enjoyed writing for more than two decades. He has always considered a combination of decent fiction and good coffee as providing the best way to unwind and slip out of ordinary life for a while.
Having grown up Central Scotland, he studied English at Stirling University, where he began penning poetry, drama scripts and short stories. However, his real commitment to writing resulted from spending a snowy winter attending a series of fireside writing workshops in Perth.
Norman’s love of crime fiction led him to create the weary detective Leighton Jones. Having based his debut novel around this character, Norman felt so intrigued by him that he decided to give Jones at least two more outings.
He has found the way in which readers respond to Leighton humbling, and Norman is very appreciative that they enjoy reading about the character just as much as he enjoys writing about him.
Having grown up Central Scotland, he studied English at Stirling University, where he began penning poetry, drama scripts and short stories. However, his real commitment to writing resulted from spending a snowy winter attending a series of fireside writing workshops in Perth.
Norman’s love of crime fiction led him to create the weary detective Leighton Jones. Having based his debut novel around this character, Norman felt so intrigued by him that he decided to give Jones at least two more outings.
He has found the way in which readers respond to Leighton humbling, and Norman is very appreciative that they enjoy reading about the character just as much as he enjoys writing about him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 3, 2017
I bought this one on a whim. The title made me smile—for some reason it struck me as rather spoofy rather than an attempt at “me too, me too” as most books with “Girl” titles are doing. The cover was great, the blurb sounded good, and it only cost 99 cents, so I took the plunge.
This is a simple book. There are no literary gymnastics on display. It’s a straight up tale without a myriad of threads to work through and try to put together. There is no constant back and forth through time. There are no alternating points of view. Plain old 3rd person narrative. Kinda nice…
Leighton Jones was an average cop at best. His career took a downward turn after a certain traumatic event. His boss didn’t like him for unfair reasons. He is forced into early retirement at age 60. Vicki, a young woman in her early 20s, is worried about her friend Laurie. Laurie was taking a bus to visit Vicki, but never showed up. The police force isn’t impressed that there is a crime involved, so Vicki asks Leighton for help. Leighton isn’t terribly impressed either, but what the hell.
What we have here is a little gem of a book. Its strong points are the pure creepiness of the story and the touching (platonic) relationship that develops between Leighton and Vicki. These two folks are damaged, and we get to know them pretty well. I was impressed with how fleshed out these characters are considering the novel is only 208 pages. The creepy titer stays strong throughout this macabre read. We never find out much about the baddies, which bothered me at first, but after thinking about it, I think Mr. Brown handled this beautifully. I also want to point out that the author does a fabulous job with the hot, dusty, arid setting of southern California. I could practically feel the sweat pouring off my brow and the grittiness of my irritated eyes. I could almost see the wavy mirages hovering over the long endless highways.
And that bus.
Shudder.
I highly recommend The Girl on the Bus for those looking for a fast, sinister, atmospheric read. Don’t get hung up on the title. Trust me, I enjoyed this book more than The Girl on the Train and never had the desire to pick up Gone Girl. I have my eye on this publishing house, Bloodhound Books. They only have about 48 authors and 60 books in their stable, all thrillers or crime fiction. I have now read 3-4 of them, all winners. I tried to scan their website last night looking for another little treasure, but it was a very slow go as almost every cover and title made me stop to read the synopsis. They don’t seem to use Net Galley, but their prices are rock bottom. Keep your eyes on Bloodhound Books. They are rapidly becoming a favorite publisher of mine.
This is a simple book. There are no literary gymnastics on display. It’s a straight up tale without a myriad of threads to work through and try to put together. There is no constant back and forth through time. There are no alternating points of view. Plain old 3rd person narrative. Kinda nice…
Leighton Jones was an average cop at best. His career took a downward turn after a certain traumatic event. His boss didn’t like him for unfair reasons. He is forced into early retirement at age 60. Vicki, a young woman in her early 20s, is worried about her friend Laurie. Laurie was taking a bus to visit Vicki, but never showed up. The police force isn’t impressed that there is a crime involved, so Vicki asks Leighton for help. Leighton isn’t terribly impressed either, but what the hell.
What we have here is a little gem of a book. Its strong points are the pure creepiness of the story and the touching (platonic) relationship that develops between Leighton and Vicki. These two folks are damaged, and we get to know them pretty well. I was impressed with how fleshed out these characters are considering the novel is only 208 pages. The creepy titer stays strong throughout this macabre read. We never find out much about the baddies, which bothered me at first, but after thinking about it, I think Mr. Brown handled this beautifully. I also want to point out that the author does a fabulous job with the hot, dusty, arid setting of southern California. I could practically feel the sweat pouring off my brow and the grittiness of my irritated eyes. I could almost see the wavy mirages hovering over the long endless highways.
And that bus.
Shudder.
I highly recommend The Girl on the Bus for those looking for a fast, sinister, atmospheric read. Don’t get hung up on the title. Trust me, I enjoyed this book more than The Girl on the Train and never had the desire to pick up Gone Girl. I have my eye on this publishing house, Bloodhound Books. They only have about 48 authors and 60 books in their stable, all thrillers or crime fiction. I have now read 3-4 of them, all winners. I tried to scan their website last night looking for another little treasure, but it was a very slow go as almost every cover and title made me stop to read the synopsis. They don’t seem to use Net Galley, but their prices are rock bottom. Keep your eyes on Bloodhound Books. They are rapidly becoming a favorite publisher of mine.
April 28, 2017
This book had me right from the start. It's one of those books that once started you are seriously going to struggle to put back down again.
Leighton is a retired detective who is a bit of a loner. He chances on Vicki when leaving the police station one day. Vicki takes to the kindly ex detective as he seems to be the only one genuinely taking her seriously. there on in, the pair decide to take matters into their own hands and look into Laura's disappearance themselves.
I liked the relationship that builds through out the story between the two main characters. In a way I think they both are gaining something from the other person being there and I don't mean just the case. It's almost like a father/daughter relationship as well as them both having a strong respect for each other. It was something that by the end of the story made me really emotional.
I don't want to say to much about the story itself as I think the less you know the better as there were certainly a few omg moments as well as parts that made the hairs on my arms stand up.
The Girl On The Bus is a great story full of suspense and intrigue. It would make a belter of a film. It made me think of The Hitch Hiker though it is a very different story line. There certainly is a mixture of genres, as in crime, suspense, thriller and horror. It was the perfect blend and I am dying to read more by the author.
Leighton is a retired detective who is a bit of a loner. He chances on Vicki when leaving the police station one day. Vicki takes to the kindly ex detective as he seems to be the only one genuinely taking her seriously. there on in, the pair decide to take matters into their own hands and look into Laura's disappearance themselves.
I liked the relationship that builds through out the story between the two main characters. In a way I think they both are gaining something from the other person being there and I don't mean just the case. It's almost like a father/daughter relationship as well as them both having a strong respect for each other. It was something that by the end of the story made me really emotional.
I don't want to say to much about the story itself as I think the less you know the better as there were certainly a few omg moments as well as parts that made the hairs on my arms stand up.
The Girl On The Bus is a great story full of suspense and intrigue. It would make a belter of a film. It made me think of The Hitch Hiker though it is a very different story line. There certainly is a mixture of genres, as in crime, suspense, thriller and horror. It was the perfect blend and I am dying to read more by the author.
April 30, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I have to admit, the title of this one put me off initially. I know many of us are sick of titles with the ubiquitous Girl in it, but when I read the blurb I was intrigued enough to set my feelings of hesitation aside. I’m really glad I didn’t let something as silly as a title put me off as this was a fast paced, scary and intense read.
There are several viewpoints in this book and quite a few characters, but not too many that the story gets convoluted. The two main characters are Vicki and Leighton, she’s a young woman who is concerned when her friend that’s due to visit never arrives and he is a recently retired detective with a painful past. I liked both of them and enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve over the course of the book.
This was an absorbing read, I was really wrapped up in the whole thing, I kept thinking about what I would do if a loved one stepped on a bus and vanished into thin air. I think I would have the dogged persistence just like Vicki and I would search until I found answers. When she and Leighton did uncover the truth I was horrified, shocked and completely creeped out. I don’t want to say too much more about exactly why I felt those emotions, you need to read it for yourself and then we can chat! I only wish there would’ve been a bit more detail about the killer and they way they operated but overall it was a unique read that had me hooked.
I have to admit, the title of this one put me off initially. I know many of us are sick of titles with the ubiquitous Girl in it, but when I read the blurb I was intrigued enough to set my feelings of hesitation aside. I’m really glad I didn’t let something as silly as a title put me off as this was a fast paced, scary and intense read.
There are several viewpoints in this book and quite a few characters, but not too many that the story gets convoluted. The two main characters are Vicki and Leighton, she’s a young woman who is concerned when her friend that’s due to visit never arrives and he is a recently retired detective with a painful past. I liked both of them and enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve over the course of the book.
This was an absorbing read, I was really wrapped up in the whole thing, I kept thinking about what I would do if a loved one stepped on a bus and vanished into thin air. I think I would have the dogged persistence just like Vicki and I would search until I found answers. When she and Leighton did uncover the truth I was horrified, shocked and completely creeped out. I don’t want to say too much more about exactly why I felt those emotions, you need to read it for yourself and then we can chat! I only wish there would’ve been a bit more detail about the killer and they way they operated but overall it was a unique read that had me hooked.
May 12, 2017
First off, let me say this. As a reader, we often get asked if we judge a book by its cover. The answer is yes, yes we do. Let's be honest. However I, as a reader, also sometimes judge a book by its title. I did it with this one and disregarded it as I really didn't want to read yet another book about a girl who's gone, on a train or a plane, or any other mode of transportation. But I kept seeing great reviews around the blogging community and I trust my blogger buddies so I got curious and decided to check this one out. I'm so glad I did because I would have missed out on something truly great otherwise. By the end of the first chapter, I settled down on my comfy sofa in the knowledge that this was going to be one heck of a ride.
Vicki is trying to recapture the happiness she felt before her college graduation by inviting her old roommate Laurie to come stay with her for a while. Laurie books a bus ticket online but never arrives at her destination. Vicki tries to report her friend missing but the police don't take her seriously. When weeks later, Laurie still hasn't shown up, Vicki turns to newly retired detective Leighton Jones for help.
I really enjoyed this highly unusual pairing. What was really interesting was not only are they investigation this intriguing case but they also both grow as people. Excellent character development throughout.
And then there's the bus. I can't say much more about that. It drives. Not on its own, obviously. That would have been a whole other level of weird. Throughout the book, I kept telling myself I'd never get on a bus again. Then the ending happened and I laughed. Not because it's funny but because it's just insanely brilliant and really got the point across. Well played, sir!
The Girl On The Bus is a well crafted, gripping and engrossing thriller that I couldn't put down. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't turn the pages quick enough. I can't wait to see what Norman M. Brown comes up with next!
Vicki is trying to recapture the happiness she felt before her college graduation by inviting her old roommate Laurie to come stay with her for a while. Laurie books a bus ticket online but never arrives at her destination. Vicki tries to report her friend missing but the police don't take her seriously. When weeks later, Laurie still hasn't shown up, Vicki turns to newly retired detective Leighton Jones for help.
I really enjoyed this highly unusual pairing. What was really interesting was not only are they investigation this intriguing case but they also both grow as people. Excellent character development throughout.
And then there's the bus. I can't say much more about that. It drives. Not on its own, obviously. That would have been a whole other level of weird. Throughout the book, I kept telling myself I'd never get on a bus again. Then the ending happened and I laughed. Not because it's funny but because it's just insanely brilliant and really got the point across. Well played, sir!
The Girl On The Bus is a well crafted, gripping and engrossing thriller that I couldn't put down. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't turn the pages quick enough. I can't wait to see what Norman M. Brown comes up with next!
April 28, 2017
I’m not gonna lie I read the title to this book and went into the reading of it with little enthusiasm. Not another faded copy of a copy, trying to jump on a bandwagon.
The prologue disabused me of any notion that this fine novel lacked originality within two pages. The prologue, which is exceptional, is strong in emotions and embraces a deep sense of unease. Brown conveys the rising panic of losing a child vividly. As a result, the reader’s concern is genuine and deep. Very skilfully done.
Written in third-person, past tense throughout, Brown’s novel steps on every expectation you may have from its title. Strong writing unveils unflinching acts of violence that take place in confined settings which should be safe for the characters but aren’t, building the menace the book practically seeps. Descriptive, without being overly-flowery, details of settings and people elevate this work above its peers. Brown has succeeded in writing a wholly immersive plot that punches you in the gut whilst drawing concern, fear and very real emotion from his readers.
Anything but formulaic, the story is well planned and imaginative in its execution. It’s also riddled with believable characters whose actions are in keeping with the challenges and their personalities.
As is common in the genre, a little too much exposition at times for my tastes, but this is a minor complaint amongst an accomplished piece of fiction.
The finale was very good, but I particularly enjoyed the prologue which was first-rate.
Cheeky, humorous and displaying some superb foreshadowing all in one go, it was an unexpected nod to the readers and a high point in a book that whilst tightly plotted, did not take itself too seriously.
The prologue disabused me of any notion that this fine novel lacked originality within two pages. The prologue, which is exceptional, is strong in emotions and embraces a deep sense of unease. Brown conveys the rising panic of losing a child vividly. As a result, the reader’s concern is genuine and deep. Very skilfully done.
Written in third-person, past tense throughout, Brown’s novel steps on every expectation you may have from its title. Strong writing unveils unflinching acts of violence that take place in confined settings which should be safe for the characters but aren’t, building the menace the book practically seeps. Descriptive, without being overly-flowery, details of settings and people elevate this work above its peers. Brown has succeeded in writing a wholly immersive plot that punches you in the gut whilst drawing concern, fear and very real emotion from his readers.
Anything but formulaic, the story is well planned and imaginative in its execution. It’s also riddled with believable characters whose actions are in keeping with the challenges and their personalities.
As is common in the genre, a little too much exposition at times for my tastes, but this is a minor complaint amongst an accomplished piece of fiction.
The finale was very good, but I particularly enjoyed the prologue which was first-rate.
Cheeky, humorous and displaying some superb foreshadowing all in one go, it was an unexpected nod to the readers and a high point in a book that whilst tightly plotted, did not take itself too seriously.
April 27, 2017
The Girl On The Bus is easily one of the most tense books I have read in a while. I felt like my heart was in my throat the entire time I was reading as events unfolded and I wondered just how two people so unlike each other would be able to stop the killings.
Vicki and Leighton are two very dissimilar people who come together following the disappearance of Vicki's friend. Though different in background and age, they are both slightly broken and they find in each other something that draws them together and want to help the other, The characters are incredibly complex and you grow to care for both of them as they go on the journey to solve Laurie's disappearance.
The story is terrifying and it is quite easily imaginable to happen in the real world. I will genuinely will be double thinking and checking any travel arrangements I make in the future. I also felt it was a very unique idea and one I haven't come across in a book before so it felt really fresh and exciting.
How the book is written too is extremely clever, though it's from multiple POVs (point of views) and slightly different time lines, you always know who, what and where you are with which is incredibly hard to do.
I really don't want to spoil this for anyone, so everyone just needs to go out and read it so that I can then talk about this with other people!
Vicki and Leighton are two very dissimilar people who come together following the disappearance of Vicki's friend. Though different in background and age, they are both slightly broken and they find in each other something that draws them together and want to help the other, The characters are incredibly complex and you grow to care for both of them as they go on the journey to solve Laurie's disappearance.
The story is terrifying and it is quite easily imaginable to happen in the real world. I will genuinely will be double thinking and checking any travel arrangements I make in the future. I also felt it was a very unique idea and one I haven't come across in a book before so it felt really fresh and exciting.
How the book is written too is extremely clever, though it's from multiple POVs (point of views) and slightly different time lines, you always know who, what and where you are with which is incredibly hard to do.
I really don't want to spoil this for anyone, so everyone just needs to go out and read it so that I can then talk about this with other people!
April 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Vicki's friend disappears when she does not arrive after booking a bus trip to visit her. From the beginning Vicki suspects foul play and after meeting newly retired cop Leighton, she convinces him to help her discover the truth. Soon others go missing after booking tickets on this particular bus line, something very sinister is at play. Well written, full of tension and suspense this is a story that grabs you from the beginning and does not let up. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2017
Holy cow, what a book!!! This was a rollercoaster of a story, from start to finish, and I absolutely loved it.
Vicki's friend Laurie goes missing after getting on a bus.....and that is just the start of it. This book, on the surface, is a creepy thriller, quite graphic in places. However, it is a multi-layered book and I absolutely love the friendship that Vicki and Leighton build up in amongst trying to solve the case of Vicki's missing friend, it is an integral part of the story. I liked both Leighton and Vicki very much, I could really relate to them as people. I have to confess to some tears whilst reading this novel as well.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I hope it won't be the last.
Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to Bloodhound Books.
Vicki's friend Laurie goes missing after getting on a bus.....and that is just the start of it. This book, on the surface, is a creepy thriller, quite graphic in places. However, it is a multi-layered book and I absolutely love the friendship that Vicki and Leighton build up in amongst trying to solve the case of Vicki's missing friend, it is an integral part of the story. I liked both Leighton and Vicki very much, I could really relate to them as people. I have to confess to some tears whilst reading this novel as well.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I hope it won't be the last.
Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to Bloodhound Books.
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June 7, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2018)!💝
Blurb:
A retired detective and a young woman are about to face their worst fears.
Vicki Reiner is emotionally isolated and craves the fleeting happiness she experienced in the years prior to her college graduation. In an attempt to recapture this, she invites her old friend, Laurie, for a break at her deserted beachside home. However, despite booking an online bus ticket, her friend never shows up.
Unable to accept the bizarre circumstances of the disappearance, Vicki approaches the police who dismiss her concerns before enlisting the reluctant help of Leighton Jones - a newly retired detective who is haunted by the death of his teenage daughter.
Despite trying to remain detached from the case, Leighton is drawn to Vicki and her search for justice.
The unlikely pair face numerous obstacles but using a combination of methods they track down the answers across the dusty freeways of North America. Soon Vicki and Leighton will find themselves in grave danger.
Will they ever discover what happened to Laurie?
And can they both escape with their lives?
Blurb:
A retired detective and a young woman are about to face their worst fears.
Vicki Reiner is emotionally isolated and craves the fleeting happiness she experienced in the years prior to her college graduation. In an attempt to recapture this, she invites her old friend, Laurie, for a break at her deserted beachside home. However, despite booking an online bus ticket, her friend never shows up.
Unable to accept the bizarre circumstances of the disappearance, Vicki approaches the police who dismiss her concerns before enlisting the reluctant help of Leighton Jones - a newly retired detective who is haunted by the death of his teenage daughter.
Despite trying to remain detached from the case, Leighton is drawn to Vicki and her search for justice.
The unlikely pair face numerous obstacles but using a combination of methods they track down the answers across the dusty freeways of North America. Soon Vicki and Leighton will find themselves in grave danger.
Will they ever discover what happened to Laurie?
And can they both escape with their lives?
June 5, 2018
Woahh I devoured this book in one sitting. it was so good
What a book it is fast paced but it will have you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen.
This is my first book by this author and will not be my last.
the story is about Vicki whos friend Laurie goes missing when she is coming to stay with Vicki.
Vicki goes to the police but they don't seem to be taking her seriously, but a retired cop Leighton Listens to her side of the story at first he tries to stay away from her, but he is drawn to helping her.
Great story loved the writing and can't wait for the next book.
What a book it is fast paced but it will have you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen.
This is my first book by this author and will not be my last.
the story is about Vicki whos friend Laurie goes missing when she is coming to stay with Vicki.
Vicki goes to the police but they don't seem to be taking her seriously, but a retired cop Leighton Listens to her side of the story at first he tries to stay away from her, but he is drawn to helping her.
Great story loved the writing and can't wait for the next book.
June 7, 2018
Collaborative Predators
In the endemic rape culture of our time, reaching to the highest levels of power, this thriller plays on the fear of what it would be like if gangs of rapist/killers collaborated in large groups to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Technology, with attendant social media interaction, also adds a terrifying dimension. The area of hot, dry, Southern California desert country seems realistic, though the language used is sometimes British, rather than American English. Speaking of English, the writer also murders the language, with uncorrected word order reversals, wrong words that are homonyms, incorrect past tense usages, misspellings and other errors. I was able to finish the book, but required rest and refreshment to recover from the damage this book did to my beloved mother tongue. I recommend the author spend a good session with Strunk and White in hand, before publishing a new edition.
In the endemic rape culture of our time, reaching to the highest levels of power, this thriller plays on the fear of what it would be like if gangs of rapist/killers collaborated in large groups to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Technology, with attendant social media interaction, also adds a terrifying dimension. The area of hot, dry, Southern California desert country seems realistic, though the language used is sometimes British, rather than American English. Speaking of English, the writer also murders the language, with uncorrected word order reversals, wrong words that are homonyms, incorrect past tense usages, misspellings and other errors. I was able to finish the book, but required rest and refreshment to recover from the damage this book did to my beloved mother tongue. I recommend the author spend a good session with Strunk and White in hand, before publishing a new edition.
May 29, 2023
The premise of the book sounded intriguing but the book did not live up to the intrigue. I did keep reading expecting more to happen, but story lines were left unfinished and the main characters were not well developed. I also kept getting distracted by inconsistencies in the setting (California) and the use of British spellings and phrases - and using the metric system to measure distances.
January 13, 2024
Dear Lord. I am trapped inside because of a blizzard or I would not have finished this book. Way too many problems to list. Just so bad.
June 30, 2020
This book surprised me, in a very good way. Firstly, I would echo other reviewers by saying don't let the title put you off - I don't read a lot of crime/thrillers, but even I know the the world didn't need one more book with 'the girl' in the title. Thankfully, the title is maybe the only cringe-worthy part of the book.
I was impressed by how much backstory, detail, and motivation the author was able to provide for his two main characters (and many side characters) in very short spurts that kept the pace of the story going without feeling at all bogged down in exposition. I cared especially about Leighton's story within a few paragraphs of meeting him - that's good writing! That being said, I would have happily read a longer version of this story, an extra 50-100 pages, that would have allowed for a little more fleshing out of the characters and more details about the killers and their history. The ending felt very rushed.
Leighton's character was wonderful. He is not the grizzled, hardened detective 'coming back for just one more job' cliche I was expecting. His kindness and genuine desire to help Vicki were so appealing - I enjoyed watching their friendship develop so quickly, in a way that didn't feel forced.
Definitely worth a read!
I was impressed by how much backstory, detail, and motivation the author was able to provide for his two main characters (and many side characters) in very short spurts that kept the pace of the story going without feeling at all bogged down in exposition. I cared especially about Leighton's story within a few paragraphs of meeting him - that's good writing! That being said, I would have happily read a longer version of this story, an extra 50-100 pages, that would have allowed for a little more fleshing out of the characters and more details about the killers and their history. The ending felt very rushed.
Leighton's character was wonderful. He is not the grizzled, hardened detective 'coming back for just one more job' cliche I was expecting. His kindness and genuine desire to help Vicki were so appealing - I enjoyed watching their friendship develop so quickly, in a way that didn't feel forced.
Definitely worth a read!
May 7, 2017
Firstly, I would like to once again thank Bloodhound Books, N M Brown and Sarah Hardy, for the ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I should start by confessing that this book made me glad I don’t have to travel by bus in America and determined never to travel on a coach on my own!
Now I admit I’m easily scared. So the fact this book scared me, freaked me out a little and has made my phobia of coach travel worse, won’t surprise my friends.
The Girl On The Bus did more than enough to scare me, but wasn’t full of gratuitous violence for which I was very grateful. I think dedicated, hardcore thriller readers might wish this book had more shock factor, but for me it delivered the perfect balance.
The characterisation was interesting, with a young female protagonist and an older male lead to balance the partnership out. Vicki is a depressed, insecure IT expert looking for her missing friend and Leighton a recently retired detective, seeking relief from memories that haunt him. They make an unusual and original partnership and I loved that at the point they meet, both are in need of friendship and its this that binds them into the novels two main characters. We don’t get to learn much about the supporting cast, but that worked, because they were there to provide the drama and by not fleshing them out, the writer avoided the story being overly cluttered.
Its an easy read and I think it will appeal to those thriller readers who find darker novels not to their liking. It doesn’t seek to freak the reader out with glory details, leaving much to the readers imagination.
Its what I most liked about the book, the ease of reading, the likeable characters and the plausible storyline. There are so many different types of thrillers, some are gritty and dark and that’s not to everyone’s taste. The Girl On The Bus will appeal to those who like a thriller that entertains and doesn’t seek to horrify them with detailed descriptions of the victims untimely deaths.
I would certainly read more by this author. But no trains please, I’m running out of transport options!
I should start by confessing that this book made me glad I don’t have to travel by bus in America and determined never to travel on a coach on my own!
Now I admit I’m easily scared. So the fact this book scared me, freaked me out a little and has made my phobia of coach travel worse, won’t surprise my friends.
The Girl On The Bus did more than enough to scare me, but wasn’t full of gratuitous violence for which I was very grateful. I think dedicated, hardcore thriller readers might wish this book had more shock factor, but for me it delivered the perfect balance.
The characterisation was interesting, with a young female protagonist and an older male lead to balance the partnership out. Vicki is a depressed, insecure IT expert looking for her missing friend and Leighton a recently retired detective, seeking relief from memories that haunt him. They make an unusual and original partnership and I loved that at the point they meet, both are in need of friendship and its this that binds them into the novels two main characters. We don’t get to learn much about the supporting cast, but that worked, because they were there to provide the drama and by not fleshing them out, the writer avoided the story being overly cluttered.
Its an easy read and I think it will appeal to those thriller readers who find darker novels not to their liking. It doesn’t seek to freak the reader out with glory details, leaving much to the readers imagination.
Its what I most liked about the book, the ease of reading, the likeable characters and the plausible storyline. There are so many different types of thrillers, some are gritty and dark and that’s not to everyone’s taste. The Girl On The Bus will appeal to those who like a thriller that entertains and doesn’t seek to horrify them with detailed descriptions of the victims untimely deaths.
I would certainly read more by this author. But no trains please, I’m running out of transport options!
June 15, 2018
GAB The Girl on the Bus is a sequel to Carpenter Road though completely stand alone. We again ride shotgun with Leighton Jones as he tries to round up the bad guys. Now retired from the Oceanside Police Force, Leighton is compelled to help Vicki Reiner discover what happened to her college friend Laurie Ann Taylor who vanished somewhere along the bus route between Barstow and Encondido, where Vicki was to pick her up.
This is another novel by N.M. Brown that is hard to put aside before you finish the last word. It is a very compelling, exciting read. The characters are well drawn and Leighton is a lovable bear of an ex-cop who will charm you if you aren't careful. I look forward to more from this author.
This is another novel by N.M. Brown that is hard to put aside before you finish the last word. It is a very compelling, exciting read. The characters are well drawn and Leighton is a lovable bear of an ex-cop who will charm you if you aren't careful. I look forward to more from this author.
May 6, 2017
This story kept me up all night.... would you get on this bus..
Vicki Reiner a lonely young woman with deep emotional issues decides to ask a friend from the past to join her for a week at her beach house. Laurie her friend is delighted at the invitation and agrees on the trip .Laurie from a different side of the tracks goes online and sees a company that sells cheaper tickets.On the day Laurie is due to arrive its a no show at the meeting place.Vicki decides to phone Laurie and swears she hears her phone ringing but Laurie is nowhere to be found Vicki goes to the police station the very same day a senior police officer is retiring..This officer Leighton Jones ,trying to be kind gives her his card when he sees how upset she is over her friends disappearance.... thinking there may have been a mix up or some other reason..,perhaps Laurie never left or got on the bus...When Vicki turns up three weeks later Leighton agrees to help her..Only Laurie has dissapeared not turning up for work again...Just disappeared completely.. As they decide to work together ...something so evil and so chilling is happening other people are going missing....Can Leighton and Vicki find the truth about what happened to Laurie? This story will make your skin crawl absolutely terrifying ..at the same time you can't put it down...The man in the Hawaiian shirt and a few of the other characters scared the pants off me..As the story drew to the end..which I honestly didn't think it would end that way ...I wanted to sctream my lungs out for Vicki ...Leighton ...dear Leighton.. This is a book that will pull you in to the dark dark side...A brilliant, emotional ,love love love book.
Vicki Reiner a lonely young woman with deep emotional issues decides to ask a friend from the past to join her for a week at her beach house. Laurie her friend is delighted at the invitation and agrees on the trip .Laurie from a different side of the tracks goes online and sees a company that sells cheaper tickets.On the day Laurie is due to arrive its a no show at the meeting place.Vicki decides to phone Laurie and swears she hears her phone ringing but Laurie is nowhere to be found Vicki goes to the police station the very same day a senior police officer is retiring..This officer Leighton Jones ,trying to be kind gives her his card when he sees how upset she is over her friends disappearance.... thinking there may have been a mix up or some other reason..,perhaps Laurie never left or got on the bus...When Vicki turns up three weeks later Leighton agrees to help her..Only Laurie has dissapeared not turning up for work again...Just disappeared completely.. As they decide to work together ...something so evil and so chilling is happening other people are going missing....Can Leighton and Vicki find the truth about what happened to Laurie? This story will make your skin crawl absolutely terrifying ..at the same time you can't put it down...The man in the Hawaiian shirt and a few of the other characters scared the pants off me..As the story drew to the end..which I honestly didn't think it would end that way ...I wanted to sctream my lungs out for Vicki ...Leighton ...dear Leighton.. This is a book that will pull you in to the dark dark side...A brilliant, emotional ,love love love book.
June 30, 2019
The third & final book in the detective Leighton Jones series.
This one finds Leighton aged 60 & retired from the force, grieving for his daughter Annie who died in a car accident sometime between Book 2 & this one.
Leighton gets involved with the case of a missing girl that took a coach trip to see her old friend but never arrived...... from this, the story grows and Leighton discovers much more going on.
The book revisits Leighton’s relationship with his bully ex-boss ending is strong. Highly recommended.
First two books are called 1) Toys in the Dust & 2) Carpenter Road
This one finds Leighton aged 60 & retired from the force, grieving for his daughter Annie who died in a car accident sometime between Book 2 & this one.
Leighton gets involved with the case of a missing girl that took a coach trip to see her old friend but never arrived...... from this, the story grows and Leighton discovers much more going on.
The book revisits Leighton’s relationship with his bully ex-boss ending is strong. Highly recommended.
First two books are called 1) Toys in the Dust & 2) Carpenter Road
June 14, 2018
WOW!!! Must read if you like thrilling murder mysteries
It took me approx. 2 1/2 hours to reads this book. I simply could not put it down! Way too go M.M. Brown! I just downloaded Carpenter Road and can't wait to start reading it. I love, love the way you write. Consider me a die hard fan from now on!!! Keep the books coming. Thank you so much for making my miserable life exciting.
It took me approx. 2 1/2 hours to reads this book. I simply could not put it down! Way too go M.M. Brown! I just downloaded Carpenter Road and can't wait to start reading it. I love, love the way you write. Consider me a die hard fan from now on!!! Keep the books coming. Thank you so much for making my miserable life exciting.
May 15, 2017
imagine booking a ticket for a bus and getting an exceptional deal. Sometime that deal is not all its car ked up to be.
this story follows a girl who is trying to grace her friend who has not turned up when she has planned to visit.
more and more people go.missing after booking this cheap trip.
Vicki enlists the help of a retired detective to try and track down her missing friend but what they discover is frightening.
I really enjoyed this book and believe me I will never be taking up any special offers which pop up when booking public transport tickets.
this story follows a girl who is trying to grace her friend who has not turned up when she has planned to visit.
more and more people go.missing after booking this cheap trip.
Vicki enlists the help of a retired detective to try and track down her missing friend but what they discover is frightening.
I really enjoyed this book and believe me I will never be taking up any special offers which pop up when booking public transport tickets.
June 1, 2017
Really good read
Leighton and Vickie were so real to me that it made this book very good. Kudos to the author !!when you can relate to the main characters and the story is great, you have it all.
Leighton and Vickie were so real to me that it made this book very good. Kudos to the author !!when you can relate to the main characters and the story is great, you have it all.
April 15, 2019
Sadness
I followed Detective Leighton through his investigations that were always undermined by his "all-knowing" superiors. Here again is another example of no good cop goes unpunished. But now that he is "retired" I will miss his sweet soul, caring ways and investigative ways. So long friend!
I followed Detective Leighton through his investigations that were always undermined by his "all-knowing" superiors. Here again is another example of no good cop goes unpunished. But now that he is "retired" I will miss his sweet soul, caring ways and investigative ways. So long friend!
May 17, 2017
Excellent easy read and full of twists and turns. I would highly recommend
May 25, 2017
Fanfastic thriller
Amazing read! Keeps you on the edmge of your seat. Kept turning page after page to get to the next mystery.
Amazing read! Keeps you on the edmge of your seat. Kept turning page after page to get to the next mystery.
May 25, 2017
Multiple serial killers!
Thrilling is an understatement for this tale of a young woman whose friend goes missing and a recently retired homicide detective and the incredibly terrifying mobile band of sadistic killers they slowly discover but cannot convince anyone else that they exist.
Thrilling is an understatement for this tale of a young woman whose friend goes missing and a recently retired homicide detective and the incredibly terrifying mobile band of sadistic killers they slowly discover but cannot convince anyone else that they exist.
June 28, 2017
The Girl on the Bus
This is a very exciting book full of suspense. Loved it . It is a real thriller. This is the kid of book you just can't put down. Worth reading
This is a very exciting book full of suspense. Loved it . It is a real thriller. This is the kid of book you just can't put down. Worth reading
May 8, 2018
Gripping
A good thriller with enough twists to keep you interested in the storyline and the characters from beginning to the end.
A good thriller with enough twists to keep you interested in the storyline and the characters from beginning to the end.
June 26, 2018
Good mystery with a twist
I never imagined what could be on that bus. I will avoid them like Jaws made me avoid the ocean
I never imagined what could be on that bus. I will avoid them like Jaws made me avoid the ocean
May 4, 2017
Straight away the prologue grabbed my attention and to be honest this book managed to hold it all the way through. There is a great mix of thrills, suspense and a mystery running right through. I was trying to figure out what was happening but then I just let myself get carried along with the plot.
The characters are intriguing and it was great to see Vicki and Leighton join forces. They each had distinct personalities although they did have vulnerabilities that gave them something in common. Due to this it actually made them work so well together and make such a great team. I found myself even more engrossed in the story as they begin to unravel the clues to discover the truth. I especially loved Vicki's sheer determination to find out what happened to her friend.
I thought the premise was quite a creepy idea and it just works so well in this book, the killers are brutal and you really wouldn't want to come face to face with them. There is also some emotion within the story as Leighton is still struggling to come to terms with his grief. I guess this made his connection to Vicki more believable and it was lovely to see a friendship form.
Unsettling at times with just a sprinkling of horror if it had been a movie I would have been hiding behind a cushion at certain points! There were moments where it was so full of suspense that I was reading as if my life depended on it.
The Girl on the Bus is a dark and intriguing story that had me hooked from the very first page!
Thank you to N.M. Brown & Bloodhound Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The characters are intriguing and it was great to see Vicki and Leighton join forces. They each had distinct personalities although they did have vulnerabilities that gave them something in common. Due to this it actually made them work so well together and make such a great team. I found myself even more engrossed in the story as they begin to unravel the clues to discover the truth. I especially loved Vicki's sheer determination to find out what happened to her friend.
I thought the premise was quite a creepy idea and it just works so well in this book, the killers are brutal and you really wouldn't want to come face to face with them. There is also some emotion within the story as Leighton is still struggling to come to terms with his grief. I guess this made his connection to Vicki more believable and it was lovely to see a friendship form.
Unsettling at times with just a sprinkling of horror if it had been a movie I would have been hiding behind a cushion at certain points! There were moments where it was so full of suspense that I was reading as if my life depended on it.
The Girl on the Bus is a dark and intriguing story that had me hooked from the very first page!
Thank you to N.M. Brown & Bloodhound Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 26, 2017
Good book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book having read it in one day. Great storyline and believable characters. Great suspense, thoroughly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book having read it in one day. Great storyline and believable characters. Great suspense, thoroughly recommend.
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