Detective George Elms is out of prison, and the police force that put him there is in chaos. Now they want him back to lead the hunt for vicious cop killer Kane Forley. Only George can put together a team that will bring this criminal to justice. But perhaps his superiors are using George as bait, and they have some very dark secrets to hide.
But this is personal, and things spin out of control fast. Soon George will face one last race against time to save everyone who is close to him. And who can he trust to help him?
Charlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Detective George Elms is out of prison after being acquitted for the crimes he was alleged to have committed. He had served nine months in prison. The police force that arrested him now want him to help lead the hunt for vicious cop killer, Kane Forley. But are his superiors using George as bait? Quickly things spin out of control. George will have to race against time to save everyone close to him.who can George trust to save him?
This is the fourth book in the Langthorne series. This is the first book that I have read from it but I do think you need to read the other three books in order to get the back stories behind them all. This is a gritty, realistic, good paced and well written book about police corruption. The author has a nice style of writing. There is twist and turns all the way through and I found myself quickly caught up in the plot.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallacher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Detective George Elms has just spent 2 years in prison.. for a crime he didn't commit ... and the police force he worked for are the ones who put him there.
Kane Forley is a cop killer ... and he's on the loose. Many cops have died and many more are being targeted.
The powers that be think George is the only person who can stop this insane killing. No one knows who they can trust either inside or outside. But they know where George has and his supervisors know he is not a part of this diabolical scheme to rid the area of every cop possible.
But are they using George as bait? To what end?
This is an intense crime thriller, made more credible by an author who is an active police detective himself. This is part of a series and I highly recommend you start from the very beginning with BODILY HARM. The characters are deftly defined. Twists and turns abound .. and lead to an explosive ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books for the digital copy of this British Crime Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Having just read three extremely fast-paced and enthralling reads over the past few days I was so excited to read End Game, the final book in the Langthorne series. Unfortunately it didn’t meet my expectations and left me feeling a little disappointed. After the events in the previous novels, it felt tame in comparison and a little bit rushed.
It’s impossible to read End Game without first reading the other books in the series to get the full background. For George Elms this truly is the end game, he is finally out of prison and is hunting down the real cop killer who has so far managed to evade capture. It is a tense read full of danger and I rooted for George after all that we have seen him go through to get to this point. The true cop killer is evil however I felt that everything just became a little too easy for George and everything fell into place just that little too neatly. The tension started to dissipate the nearer I got to the end of the story when it should have been the other way around. I found myself rushing through the story just to get to the end of it.
I felt that the overall story didn’t contain the depth that the previous books did and characterisation suffered because of that. Perhaps the shortness of these books and how quick they were released means that they weren’t as polished or well-edited as they perhaps could have been. End Game was still a hugely enjoyable read and on the whole I would say that it was a satisfying ending to what has been a truly thrilling read but I finished it and was left wondering is that it? I expected more from this story especially after the previous three reads being such adrenaline-fuelled reading experiences. Still, I have no hesitation recommending this series overall to crime fans looking for something different than what they may be used to.
Rating 4.5 stars out of 5 This is the final book in the Langthorne series and I really wish I had had time to read Books 1-3 before this one as the book builds on events that happened in the previous books. So I would recommend that readers start at book 1 and read the books in sequence. The book begins with George Elms being released from prison and persuaded to jump back on the horse and carry on where he left off. The decision to involve himself back in the case leaves him in the bad books with his wife. At the same time his colleague, Barry also has wife problems as his wife fights a battle with cancer. There is a lot going on and the book moves at a fairly fast pace and I found I was floundering a bit with not having the background information. However, the book is very readable as stand-alone and the author has made an excellent job of ensuring that there is enough there for the reader to pick up the threads and make an educated guess at the preceding events. The characters are very complex but realistic and the tangled web unravels towards the end leading to a nerve racking conclusion that leaves the reader turning page after page. I found this an excellent read and I am looking forward to more from this author. Many thanks to Joffe books for the advance copy.
This is book four in the series, but my first encounter with the author and this character. I’m generally a read-em-in-order kind of gal, but this one grabbed my interest from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. I was able to follow the snippets of previous stories without too much difficulty. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher, and I’m voluntarily doing this review. I liked the story so much, however, I bought my own copy because I want a complete set of this author's works.
It's been a couple of weeks since I read this book. While none of the characters are still standing out in my little mind right now, I can still remember the story and the author's name (good signs for me). It was a fast and easy read for me and I would definitely look for the other books in this series or by the same author.
The case against alleged cop killer DS George Elms falls apart due to lack of evidence and he’s acquitted and released after nine months in prison. He just wants to get shut of the Langthorne police, but a new assistant Chief Constable wants to bring Elms back to help clean house. Turns out one of the highest ranking officers in the division was working with the real killer, and has now dropped off the radar. Elms isn’t thrilled with the prospect of working around people who will still think he’s dirty, still treat him like he’s dirty, but he knows he can make a difference. And the real killer wants Elms, wants him bad, and will stop at nothing to make him pay for perceived transgressions. Elms doesn’t trust anyone, and he shouldn’t – even those who seem helpful have reasons to lie and maintain the status quo.
This was a wild, gritty, action-packed, emotional rollercoaster thrill ride from the get go. In addition to Elms trying to bring in the bad guy, there are subplots involving an undercover police officer and his amoral, ladder-climbing police handler; and another cop with an unbearable home life situation that spills into his work. The ending was completely unexpected and made my heart pound.
Elms is an intriguing character – a sharp witted, brilliant detective who can still be brought to his knees by his little girl. Part of the reason he went to prison was to keep his wife and child safe from an unnamed, unseen enemy he can’t tell her about. She’s started to move on with her life and he doesn’t like that at all, but for him to come clean with her puts her in even more danger. She just wants a normal life and he can’t give that to her. He’s a tortured soul who ends up always making the right choices.
This is book four in the series, but my first encounter with the author and this character. I’m generally a read-em-in-order kind of gal, but this one grabbed my interest from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. I was able to follow the snippets of previous stories without too much difficulty. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher, and I’m voluntarily doing this review. I liked the story so much, however, I’m going to buy my own copy.
On the day that George Elms gets out of prison following his acquittal, he and his friend Emily Ryker go to a restaurant. There he is met by the new ACC Darren Lewis. ACC Lewis wants him back on the force at Langthorne House because he thinks the police officers will rally around him and follow his leadership. George is not so sure.
Meanwhile Helen Webb is on the run and trying to make a deal with Sol Alcani to escape the country with a new ID and 500,000 pounds.
George tells the assembled detectives that they are looking for a man named Kane Forley. He is the person they want for the vicious murders of police officers and the more recent kidnapping of wives of police officers.
This novel is packed with action. George Elms is trying to balance his deteriorating personal life with his reluctance to take on this job. George doesn’t know who to trust and many of the cops still hate or at least don’t trust him. Chasing Kane Forley all over the place and leaving Helen Webb to sort out herself, the police have their hands full. They still have some officers colluding with Forley, and then there is the Alcani family and their cronies. One highly placed detective is keeping quiet about the kidnapping of his wife, but the situation is a huge distraction from his job.
This is another very well written and plotted novel by Charlie Gallagher. I’ve read all of his novels thus far and have truly enjoyed them all. I’m very happy that George is out of prison as I like him very much. I only wish things were going better for him. The suspense starts immediately in this book for the reader doesn’t know if George is going to be enticed back into the police force or not. It continues and builds to a fever pitch at the conclusion of the book. The ending of this book is fast-paced, suspenseful and surprising. Very well done, Mr. Gallagher!
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe books for forwarding to me a copy of this most wonderful book to read.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of End Game, the fourth and I would assume final novel in the Langthorne series of police procedurals.
The first thing I will say is that this series is the continuation of one plot over 4 books so any reader would be advised to read the novels in order to get the best from End Game. Sergeant George Elms, the protagonist, is out of prison after being falsely accused of murder by his colleagues but rather than being allowed to slink off to lick his wounds ACC Darren Lewis wants him to lead the hunt for the cop killer, Dean Forley, and then rogue police officer, Helen Webb.
I thoroughly enjoyed End Game. It is not a long read, more of a novella, but it is high octane, mile a minute stuff and very addictive - I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. George is once more put through the mill but the highly intelligent but completely nuts ((a technical term) Dean Forley whose plans and manipulation drive the novel. I commend Mr Gallagher on his inventiveness and clever plotting.
George Elms has been a wonderful character. Over the series he has changed from a smart, happy man to a driven, untrusting shell of a man. With corruption rife at Langthorne station and a good few of his colleagues still believing him guilty he takes on a lone wolf role. It his his bitter determination and panic which drive the novel, especially when, once again his wife and family are threatened.
The Langthorne series has been a roller coaster ride of thrills, emotions, clever plotting and a birds eye view of the police mindset. End Game brings it to a conclusion with a rewarding, if somewhat unsettling ending and while I would like to read about George Elms in the aftermath of all the carnage I think this is the end for his character. I am looking forward to what Mr Gallagher will write next as he produces exciting novels.
End Game is another thrilling read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
You have to read the three book set before you read this book. They will keep you tied to your seat until you have read every exciting page. You will want to buy book four to see what it all means. Who will live and who will die.
When you start this journey of Charlie Gallagher's books, be prepared to look at a police force out of control. A murderer who is totally mad. How can one policeman save himself , his family and the reputation of the police force that badly needs help. Only through help of his friends and his dedication to the police force that has been a big part of his life and one that he has always been proud of. This is his chance to save their reputation as well as his life. Charlie Gallagher is a name to remember. If his future books are like this set of books then a new author will be with us for a long time.
A policeman’s wife is kidnapped as he watches her on his phone. There are some not-so-honest police in his force and he could be one of them. There have been murders of police and their families. A man undercover realises he could be in too deep and wants out, but is he too close and could it be too late. An interesting premise, an easy enough read and a decent plot. I would like to have seen a little more about the characters to give them more depth. Only one had a little background and then because his wife was involved in the plot. More depth to the main players to me gives them more character and brings them to life. A little more than the main story line and a little more to the ending would have earned an extra star. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
I will really have to stop reading this series of books by Charlie Gallagher! Once I pick these books up, nothing else matters other than reading them. This is book 4 in the George Elms series and I think, the best yet. More twists and action packed as George fights to capture the man responsible for murdering his colleagues. A great plot with believable characters and a good insight into the police mindset. I loved it. Thank you Net Galley and Joffe Books for my copy.
The final book in this series - definitely worth reading the other three first as the plot lines are carefully developed over the series, and it adds so much to it when you know what's gone on already! Thoroughly enjoyed the final instalment: as with the other three books I couldn't put it down at times, and had real moments of "oh my god!" throughout! Highly recommended!
Charlie Gallagher delivers once again in the fourth instalment of the Langthorne series!! I could not put this book down, the characters are so believable and I was once again rooting for George Elms!! Extremely well written, I'm so disappointed that I've finished this book as I was enjoying it so much!!!! Cannot recommend it highly enough!!
This has been my first dance with Charlie Gallagher and it certainly won’t be my last, End Game is the last in the series of the Langthorne Police Series, which I think is a shame as there is certainly a possibility for the series to advance further. I will be looking to read the first three books as soon as possible as to not feel that I missed something, therefore it would be recommended to read the series in order.
George Elms has spent the last two years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, on acquittal George returns to his position in the police force to assist in capturing the cop killer Kane Forley. How far will the investigation go and what consequences will George and his family suffer. Why is Kane so intent on taking everything George has and more. The investigation tests George’s boundaries, how far will he go to apprehend Kane and who will he take down with him. End Game moves at a swift pace, there is a definite plotline which is fairly easily to follow, even with no knowledge of the characters. I managed to pick up snippets of backstory which helped piece parts together and helped me to understand who the main characters were and how they ticked. I empathised with George and the situation he found himself in it was a tragic circumstance where he found the best place for himself was prison to the detriment of his family and friends who knew him. I also found George to be quite a gentle soul with a rough exterior which drew me into liking him.
End Game is a book which will drag you from beginning to end, unravelling the web of lies until the dramatic conclusion, leaving you asking the inevitable question of Why?
Thank you to Joffe Books, Charlie Gallagher and Jill Burkinshaw for the opportunity to read and review an advanced readers copy of End Game, in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens on the day George Elms is released from prison. He’s taken to a cafe to discuss returning to work temporarily with his boss. In the meantime, a man in an office is on a video call to his wife, when she is kidnapped. It quickly becomes apparent that it is no ordinary office, and the man in question is one of George’s colleagues. We are then taken on a thrilling ride to try to stop the man who is obsessed with killing cops.
This is the fourth and final book in the Langthorne series, and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the rest first. You are thrown straight into the action without much back story. However, there is enough written into the plot that you are quickly able to pick up the threads and at the very least guess what has happened previously.
I loved the characters, who are really well written. They are portrayed as normal people, who struggle to do what is morally right against what is right in terms of the law.
It was very much a page turner – I was really tired but struggled to put the book down! I look forward to reading more from this author.
*Thank you to Joffe Books for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
A very well written, fast paced thriller that I literally couldn't put down. Only drawback, it is the last in a series (hence Endgame) and it spoils the fun for at least the book before this if you read this one first. Nonthetheless I'm going to read the other Langthorne police books, as I enjoyed this hugely. Thanks to netgalley.com for the ARC.
My rating is 3.5 stars, due to the fact that this is the final installment in a 4 book series. It would have been better to have read 1-3 first, filling in the gaps and increasing my understanding of the story. That said, this is a thrilling, fast-paced book with a heart pounding ending. I would recommend readers to read the 3 previous books first, though. Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Absolutely amazing! This book will capture you all the way through from start to finish. Charlie makes a brilliant job of threading together several story lines and hopping from one situation to another. The suspense is awesome, you never know who will live and who will die. This is another book that no crime thriller reader should miss but read all four books in order for the greatest impact.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its definitely one that I would recommend and I gave the book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars! I loved the pace and the plot, it drew me along brilliantly and I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what would happen!! This book is the last in the series and whilst it can be read as a stand alone, I would really recommend that you read the whole series if you can. A fab read - make sure you grab your copy now!!!
This is my first book by this author but I will be reading the rest of the series. An amazing, thrilling and tantalizing book from start to finish. The twists and turns were akin to riding a rollercoaster, enjoying every second and not wanting it to end. A fully deserved 5* Thanks to Joffe books for giving me the opportunity to read this exciting book.
I got a much anticipated prelease copy of this book.. And like all the others in the Langthorne Series it was well worth the wait. This book,as the rest are is based around DS George Elms and his colleagues and their struggles against police corruption.The book is well written, pacey and has the ability to make you feel part of it. The author has an uncanny knack of just providing enough tantalising detail without overcooking the plot. Its fresh, realistic and shows human fragility good and bad. I can see only good things coming from this author. If you are reading this review and have not read the first three installments of this series, I would highly recommend that you do first,as it is a developing plot. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have.
AnN first class piece of writing. Well put together with a fast class action First time for me to read or have appear in a novel my football team Gillingham up the Gills
Great reading well developed characters, plot twists and turns galore. Each book kept you reading to find out what happens next. That poor cop went to hell and back to save the ones he loved
These stories keep getting better and better. No sooner does DS George Elms gets out of prison for killing a police officer, his boss, or ex-boss wants him back on the job. Things are going badly at the police force, and with George's personal life. George starts questioning who he can and cannot trust. Who will win the End Game? Read the book to find out. I would like to thank Joffe Books for allowing me the chance to read and review this book.
Having read the three books in the Langthorne trilogy this wraps up a lot of the loose ends left in the other books. This novel has all the suspense expected and is difficult to put down. A very good read!