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DC Gary Goodhew Mystery #7
Cambridge Black
A cold case waits to be solved . . . and a killer waits in the wings .
Amy was seven years old when her father was arrested for murder. His subsequent trial and conviction scarred her childhood and cast a shadow over her life until, twenty-two years later, new evidence suggests he was innocent and Amy sets out to clear his name.
But Amy is not the only person troubled by the past. DC Gary Goodhew is haunted by the day his grandfather was murdered and is still searching for answers, determined to uncover the truth about his grandfather's death and find his killer.
But, right now, someone is about to die. Someone who has secrets and who once kept quiet but is now living on borrowed time. Someone who will be murdered because disturbing the past has woken a killer.
Amy was seven years old when her father was arrested for murder. His subsequent trial and conviction scarred her childhood and cast a shadow over her life until, twenty-two years later, new evidence suggests he was innocent and Amy sets out to clear his name.
But Amy is not the only person troubled by the past. DC Gary Goodhew is haunted by the day his grandfather was murdered and is still searching for answers, determined to uncover the truth about his grandfather's death and find his killer.
But, right now, someone is about to die. Someone who has secrets and who once kept quiet but is now living on borrowed time. Someone who will be murdered because disturbing the past has woken a killer.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2017
About the author
Alison Bruce
36 books240 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Alison Bruce was born in Surrey, United Kingdom, and now lives in Cambridge.
Alison Bruce was born in Surrey, United Kingdom, and now lives in Cambridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 25, 2017
This is the seventh and last of this DC Gary Goodhew series set in Cambridge that I have followed from the very beginning. Gary at long last learns the truth of his grandfather's murder in 1992 as his grandmother and DI Marks come clean about what they know. He finds out that his grandparents found missing people and on occasion, helped to ensure their disappearance as is the case with the mysterious pregnant Melanie Franks. He finds a bracelet with what appears to be hair set into it amongst the belongings of his grandfather and sets out to discover who made it. This leads him to a local market trader who specialises in making such jewellery, Lorraine. Hours after Gary speaks to her, Lorraine is discovered murdered in an alley.
In 1991, Theo and Nadine die after an arson attack on the house they were in. Robert Buckingham is convicted of the crime. He is out of prison now and in his hospital bed he tells his daughter, Amy, that he was innocent. Amy is not prepared to let things lie and, with the aim of finding out more of what happened, secures a job with Neil Frampton, the father of Theo and her father's ex-business partner. It transpires that the three cases, Gary's grandfather's death, the arson attack that kills Theo and Nadine, and the present day murder of Lorraine are all interconnected. There are dark secrets, the strongest of emotions, a fear of discovery behind the crimes and present day danger for those involved. DS Kincaide is his usual nasty self as he endeavours to bully Sue Gully and his hatred of Gary has not abated in the least.
The author ties up all the loose ends in the series here. She weaves a compelling and complex set of storylines that keep the reader hooked. It is a well plotted tale that captures human frailties and the blind fury and madness of revenge. There are twists and plenty of suspense. I will miss this series. Thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
In 1991, Theo and Nadine die after an arson attack on the house they were in. Robert Buckingham is convicted of the crime. He is out of prison now and in his hospital bed he tells his daughter, Amy, that he was innocent. Amy is not prepared to let things lie and, with the aim of finding out more of what happened, secures a job with Neil Frampton, the father of Theo and her father's ex-business partner. It transpires that the three cases, Gary's grandfather's death, the arson attack that kills Theo and Nadine, and the present day murder of Lorraine are all interconnected. There are dark secrets, the strongest of emotions, a fear of discovery behind the crimes and present day danger for those involved. DS Kincaide is his usual nasty self as he endeavours to bully Sue Gully and his hatred of Gary has not abated in the least.
The author ties up all the loose ends in the series here. She weaves a compelling and complex set of storylines that keep the reader hooked. It is a well plotted tale that captures human frailties and the blind fury and madness of revenge. There are twists and plenty of suspense. I will miss this series. Thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
March 2, 2017
The Magnificent Seven?
DC Gary Goodhew current association as a detective in Cambridge appears to have finished. The author has taken us on a wonderful journey and Cambridge Black will bring his career to an end.
All fans of police procedurals dread the 'retirement' of the lead detective; is there life before Morse?
Some authors have looked at their police officer's earlier career in uniform like Arnaldur Indriðason acquainting his readers with a much younger Erlendur.
Retirement rarely works it seems; some just finish them off literally and fans grieve their passing.
What would Alison Bruce do? The author had a young detective at the start of his career how could she set him aside and resist demands to return later amid fans demands?
Well like me you will have to read this wonderful story marking the end of an era, leaving everyone at a crossroads. She has promised a new standalone shortly and is toying with a new series.
I am so pleased that Cambridge Black follows so closely on from her last novel, The Promise. It allowed Ratty to be buried with some dignity. "It was the funeral of that murdered homeless guy today .....”
However, a new reader wouldn't have guessed since the story is routed historically in an arson for which a man served his time in prison and his fresh start trying to make up for lost time with his daughter Amy. When he is rushed to hospital Amy tries to make sense of his life and her relationships with him and her Mum. This is quite brave since it is the first 10% and then what fans have been waiting for....."Sue Gully had curled up on Goodhew's sofa....”
No spoilers.
But don't rush these opening pages to resume Goodhew's story, this start is the crux of the novel and brilliantly lays the foundation for three inter-connected cases that Goodhew will represent on his wall as three circles like an upside triangle.
The clock is ticking, Marks is due to retire. DS Kincaide is plotting, trying to drive Gary out. Fortunately we find out Kincaide is not as clever as his Wife but he will stop at nothing to boost and save his career.
The heart of this story isn't just a swansong for Gary Goodhew but his jukebox remains centre stage. We could have 7 great albums if the soundtrack to each album was released. At its heart is a story about lost relationships between parents and their children. How each character balances their roles ultimately can mean the difference between life and death for them. Amy appears to enter the Lion's Den as she searches for proof of her Father's innocence she becomes more exposed and in danger as the truth about the fire is as relevant now as it always was and some secrets remain hidden. Amy has choices to make, be grown up and try to prove she is more than her immediate gene pool.
Meanwhile Gary is allowed one final chance to find out about his Grandfather's death before Marks leaves the force. How can he make a difference where others have failed to resolve this cold case, but then Goodhew is different, a loner, and a one off. More like both of his Grandparents then he thought and he was a witness to the crime, hiding under the bed.
This clever author launched Goodhew's story like a film script and as she travels around the locations of Cambridge you sense she has walked in everyone's shoes. In a classic movie tradition she has taken us from Blue to Black as the picture finally fades to black.
DC Gary Goodhew current association as a detective in Cambridge appears to have finished. The author has taken us on a wonderful journey and Cambridge Black will bring his career to an end.
All fans of police procedurals dread the 'retirement' of the lead detective; is there life before Morse?
Some authors have looked at their police officer's earlier career in uniform like Arnaldur Indriðason acquainting his readers with a much younger Erlendur.
Retirement rarely works it seems; some just finish them off literally and fans grieve their passing.
What would Alison Bruce do? The author had a young detective at the start of his career how could she set him aside and resist demands to return later amid fans demands?
Well like me you will have to read this wonderful story marking the end of an era, leaving everyone at a crossroads. She has promised a new standalone shortly and is toying with a new series.
I am so pleased that Cambridge Black follows so closely on from her last novel, The Promise. It allowed Ratty to be buried with some dignity. "It was the funeral of that murdered homeless guy today .....”
However, a new reader wouldn't have guessed since the story is routed historically in an arson for which a man served his time in prison and his fresh start trying to make up for lost time with his daughter Amy. When he is rushed to hospital Amy tries to make sense of his life and her relationships with him and her Mum. This is quite brave since it is the first 10% and then what fans have been waiting for....."Sue Gully had curled up on Goodhew's sofa....”
No spoilers.
But don't rush these opening pages to resume Goodhew's story, this start is the crux of the novel and brilliantly lays the foundation for three inter-connected cases that Goodhew will represent on his wall as three circles like an upside triangle.
The clock is ticking, Marks is due to retire. DS Kincaide is plotting, trying to drive Gary out. Fortunately we find out Kincaide is not as clever as his Wife but he will stop at nothing to boost and save his career.
The heart of this story isn't just a swansong for Gary Goodhew but his jukebox remains centre stage. We could have 7 great albums if the soundtrack to each album was released. At its heart is a story about lost relationships between parents and their children. How each character balances their roles ultimately can mean the difference between life and death for them. Amy appears to enter the Lion's Den as she searches for proof of her Father's innocence she becomes more exposed and in danger as the truth about the fire is as relevant now as it always was and some secrets remain hidden. Amy has choices to make, be grown up and try to prove she is more than her immediate gene pool.
Meanwhile Gary is allowed one final chance to find out about his Grandfather's death before Marks leaves the force. How can he make a difference where others have failed to resolve this cold case, but then Goodhew is different, a loner, and a one off. More like both of his Grandparents then he thought and he was a witness to the crime, hiding under the bed.
This clever author launched Goodhew's story like a film script and as she travels around the locations of Cambridge you sense she has walked in everyone's shoes. In a classic movie tradition she has taken us from Blue to Black as the picture finally fades to black.
April 13, 2018
Another excellent Gary Goodhew crime mystery. However, I think I will give him a miss for a while. Black Cambridge was very much like Cambridge Blue, so a bit predictable.
August 20, 2019
Thrilling
September 3, 2019
Selten war ich froher, dass eine Krimiserie endet.
Die Autorin war eine meiner ersten Entdeckungen als ich damals meinen ersten Kindle bekam. Ich hatte zwar schon eine Reihe englischsprachiger Bücher gelesen, aber damals ist es dann etwas eskaliert - bei einer so großen Auswahl konnte ich mich kaum mehr stoppen.
Über die gesamte Goodhew Serie wurde nicht nur ermittelt sondern auch immer ein Familiengeheimnis angedeutet, das im letzten Band dann schlussendlich gelöst wurde. Leider war es furchtbar unspektakulär und schnell abgekaspert, dass man gar nicht wusste, wie einem geschah.
Auch die Entscheidung zum Ende hin: huch, ich habe das Familiengeheimnis gelüftet, weswegen ich Cop geworden bin, jetzt habe ich keinen Lebenszweck mehr und bin einfach nur noch steinreicher Junge ohne Sozialleben und kündige um - nichts - zu machen. Also nee, das war kein Ende.
Die Autorin war eine meiner ersten Entdeckungen als ich damals meinen ersten Kindle bekam. Ich hatte zwar schon eine Reihe englischsprachiger Bücher gelesen, aber damals ist es dann etwas eskaliert - bei einer so großen Auswahl konnte ich mich kaum mehr stoppen.
Über die gesamte Goodhew Serie wurde nicht nur ermittelt sondern auch immer ein Familiengeheimnis angedeutet, das im letzten Band dann schlussendlich gelöst wurde. Leider war es furchtbar unspektakulär und schnell abgekaspert, dass man gar nicht wusste, wie einem geschah.
Auch die Entscheidung zum Ende hin: huch, ich habe das Familiengeheimnis gelüftet, weswegen ich Cop geworden bin, jetzt habe ich keinen Lebenszweck mehr und bin einfach nur noch steinreicher Junge ohne Sozialleben und kündige um - nichts - zu machen. Also nee, das war kein Ende.
March 23, 2017
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
This is the seventh book in the D.C. Goodhew series. At the end of Allison's last book The Promise Gary discovered his Grandfather (Joe) had been murdered when he was a small boy. The trauma of the death of Joe made Gary forget he was in the house at the time hiding under the bed.
In Cambridge Black Gary has been given permission by DCI Marks to investigate the murder again before he retires. Gary finds out his grandparents searched for missing people and if needed, helped them escape. His Grandma told him that that they had helped a young girl called Melanie Franks. After a mysterious fire where a girl called Nadine and her boyfriend Theo Frampton died, Joe desperately tries to find Melanie again. Gary finds a bangle in Joe's personal effects and visits a woman called Lorraine who made the bangle. That night she is murdered in a alley way.
Amy Lawrence discovers that her Dad Robert Buckingham was sent to prison when she was a child for the deaths of Nadine and Theo. After Robert has a heart attack he tells Amy that he was convicted but was innocent. Robert was the business partner of Theo's father Neil Frampton. He told her he had an affair with Nadine but dumped her when she became pregnant. Amy decides to investigates and asks for a job at Frampton's.
Gary discovers that the murders of Joe and Lorraine and the arson attack are linked and he needs to unravel it.
Gary's friend and colleague Sue Gully puts a transfer in to The Met. Arch enemy DS Kincaide is still jealous by Gary and wants him off his team once Marks has retired. He knows Gary will not feel threatened by him so he decides to intimidate Gary through Sue.
This book was complex with various interweaving threads. If you are new to the series I think you should start on book 1 so you can see the characters develop over time.
It is now time to bid Gary a fond farewell. I have enjoyed the series and will be sorry to see Gary go. Maybe he can return as a private detective which would be better for his maverick personality.
This is the seventh book in the D.C. Goodhew series. At the end of Allison's last book The Promise Gary discovered his Grandfather (Joe) had been murdered when he was a small boy. The trauma of the death of Joe made Gary forget he was in the house at the time hiding under the bed.
In Cambridge Black Gary has been given permission by DCI Marks to investigate the murder again before he retires. Gary finds out his grandparents searched for missing people and if needed, helped them escape. His Grandma told him that that they had helped a young girl called Melanie Franks. After a mysterious fire where a girl called Nadine and her boyfriend Theo Frampton died, Joe desperately tries to find Melanie again. Gary finds a bangle in Joe's personal effects and visits a woman called Lorraine who made the bangle. That night she is murdered in a alley way.
Amy Lawrence discovers that her Dad Robert Buckingham was sent to prison when she was a child for the deaths of Nadine and Theo. After Robert has a heart attack he tells Amy that he was convicted but was innocent. Robert was the business partner of Theo's father Neil Frampton. He told her he had an affair with Nadine but dumped her when she became pregnant. Amy decides to investigates and asks for a job at Frampton's.
Gary discovers that the murders of Joe and Lorraine and the arson attack are linked and he needs to unravel it.
Gary's friend and colleague Sue Gully puts a transfer in to The Met. Arch enemy DS Kincaide is still jealous by Gary and wants him off his team once Marks has retired. He knows Gary will not feel threatened by him so he decides to intimidate Gary through Sue.
This book was complex with various interweaving threads. If you are new to the series I think you should start on book 1 so you can see the characters develop over time.
It is now time to bid Gary a fond farewell. I have enjoyed the series and will be sorry to see Gary go. Maybe he can return as a private detective which would be better for his maverick personality.
April 12, 2017
An arson attack in 1991 forms the basis of secrets and lies that reverberate for more than the next two decades.
I haven’t read any of the previous DC Goodhew books and I have to say that didn’t affect my enjoyment at all as Cambridge Black works perfectly as a stand alone, although I would now like to go back and read them all because I enjoyed it so much and I would like to find out more about what brought DC Goodhew to his present position and relationships.
Cambridge Black has an incredibly well crafted plot so that I was kept guessing right to the end and making the connections between three seemingly disparate plots was hugely entertaining. I thought the way in which all the strands came together leading to what appears to be the final book in the series was extremely clever. The ending is so fast paced I had to make a conscious effort to slow down my reading to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Characters are varied and complex and I had to work quite hard to keep tabs on all the relationships which was an element I really enjoyed. Alison Bruce doesn’t patronise her readers, but has a sophisticated style that gradually reveals layers of deceit and untruth so that readers find out what is happening in tune with those in the narrative. I also thoroughly enjoyed the naturalistic quality of the direct speech and the small details that brought the text alive. I could picture the Cambridge settings so vividly.
Characters show the full range of human emotion, but in Cambridge Black it is revenge, deceit and anger that are so well defined. Whilst I found some actions totally reprehensible I could understand exactly why those involved behaved the way they did.
I felt Cambridge Black was a sophisticated, intelligent, well written and entertaining thriller that held my attention from the first word to the last. I only wish I had encountered DC Goodhew sooner and I’m looking forward to asking Alison more about him soon!
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/12/...
I haven’t read any of the previous DC Goodhew books and I have to say that didn’t affect my enjoyment at all as Cambridge Black works perfectly as a stand alone, although I would now like to go back and read them all because I enjoyed it so much and I would like to find out more about what brought DC Goodhew to his present position and relationships.
Cambridge Black has an incredibly well crafted plot so that I was kept guessing right to the end and making the connections between three seemingly disparate plots was hugely entertaining. I thought the way in which all the strands came together leading to what appears to be the final book in the series was extremely clever. The ending is so fast paced I had to make a conscious effort to slow down my reading to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Characters are varied and complex and I had to work quite hard to keep tabs on all the relationships which was an element I really enjoyed. Alison Bruce doesn’t patronise her readers, but has a sophisticated style that gradually reveals layers of deceit and untruth so that readers find out what is happening in tune with those in the narrative. I also thoroughly enjoyed the naturalistic quality of the direct speech and the small details that brought the text alive. I could picture the Cambridge settings so vividly.
Characters show the full range of human emotion, but in Cambridge Black it is revenge, deceit and anger that are so well defined. Whilst I found some actions totally reprehensible I could understand exactly why those involved behaved the way they did.
I felt Cambridge Black was a sophisticated, intelligent, well written and entertaining thriller that held my attention from the first word to the last. I only wish I had encountered DC Goodhew sooner and I’m looking forward to asking Alison more about him soon!
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/12/...
December 13, 2017
It was with trepidation that I picked up this novel, knowing we were heading for the conclusion of this series.
Alison has a great way of tying in plots with the local areas, cafes, places of interest and more so in Cambridge Black, when a well known café that is mentioned is now closed.
Nostalgia played a bit part in the storylines and trying to unravel the past crimes with the modern day and how they weaved together.
We are slowly led through the minds of various characters and how they are challenged by the past, their decisions and actions, and how it is reflecting on the present day.
The links that hold them together are as strong as they are fragile for others.
I wasn't sure how the final book was going to go, and I did find i had to concentrate on how the characters played their part, it is a story of finding out the truth and unravelling the past to come to a conclusion for the future.
It was lovey to have found out a bit more about Gary's Grandmother, and it was one of my favourite parts of this book.
I found it was a satisfactory ending to the series, but not one of my favourites, possibly because I enjoy a darker, gorier read. Maybe because whatever way the story went I knew it was the ending so it wouldn't be enjoyed as it should.
I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Cambridge through fact and fiction and Alison's eye for detail and turning a beautifully diverse City in to a hot bed of crime! Where you can be in a gorgeous open green setting and within minutes lured down a dark alley in to an eerie, claustrophobic street, then back in to the fresh air - if you are lucky.
If you enjoy police procedures, a bit of a bad boy in Gary with him not always following the lines to get his answers, but like true grit crime then this series is for you and I highly recommend it.
Alison has a great way of tying in plots with the local areas, cafes, places of interest and more so in Cambridge Black, when a well known café that is mentioned is now closed.
Nostalgia played a bit part in the storylines and trying to unravel the past crimes with the modern day and how they weaved together.
We are slowly led through the minds of various characters and how they are challenged by the past, their decisions and actions, and how it is reflecting on the present day.
The links that hold them together are as strong as they are fragile for others.
I wasn't sure how the final book was going to go, and I did find i had to concentrate on how the characters played their part, it is a story of finding out the truth and unravelling the past to come to a conclusion for the future.
It was lovey to have found out a bit more about Gary's Grandmother, and it was one of my favourite parts of this book.
I found it was a satisfactory ending to the series, but not one of my favourites, possibly because I enjoy a darker, gorier read. Maybe because whatever way the story went I knew it was the ending so it wouldn't be enjoyed as it should.
I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Cambridge through fact and fiction and Alison's eye for detail and turning a beautifully diverse City in to a hot bed of crime! Where you can be in a gorgeous open green setting and within minutes lured down a dark alley in to an eerie, claustrophobic street, then back in to the fresh air - if you are lucky.
If you enjoy police procedures, a bit of a bad boy in Gary with him not always following the lines to get his answers, but like true grit crime then this series is for you and I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2019
This book provides a very satisfactory ending to lots of cases and that was really very good. It took a little heroism and some rather good anti-bullying lessons but it also relied on solid police work too.
The first quarter to a half of the book is quite confusing, however, with lots of seemingly unconnected things going on. There are lots of cases and you really have to pay attention to see how they are linked. There is also quite a lot of information about Gary's family some of which is new even to him. I enjoyed that part of the book as much as the rest of it.
August 22, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
How disappointing that this is the last of the series. I have enjoyed the character of Gary Goodhew, the rebel of the police, who thinks and acts outside the box, to the frustration of DI Marks and the rage of DS Kincaide. Throughout this story the insidious anger of Kincaide pervades the case. He is committed to ruining Gary's career and those of the other police officers, especially Sue Gully, who are close to Gary. He bullies Sue with the knowledge that she is the daughter of a rapist, taunting her with the potential looks and comments that will arise once people know the truth. A true shit. It is this episode that will solve the mystery of Gary's grandfather's murder, 22 years earlier.
Amy Buckingham is obsessed with proving that her father, now released from prison did not set fire to a building that resulted in the deaths of Nadine Kendall and Theo Frampton. Be careful what you wish for. The ensuing investigation reveals that her mother, Geraldine was the real killer, and her intent had been to kill Nadine, with whom her husband Richard had been having an affair, and who had become pregnant. Richard had stopped having sex with Geraldine, while she was longing for another child. Richard and Neil had been business partners.
As Amy begins to work for Neil Frampton in order to gain information, she sets off more issues. Lorraine Martin knows more about the events that happened years before. As a struck-off midwife she provides those services for students who find themselves pregnant. She helps Nadine. She also knows about Melanie Franks, another woman who had an affair, with Neil Frampton, and became pregnant. Nadine's baby dies and is buried in the yard at Lorraine's home. Ellie, Gary's grandmother has an unusual bracelet with a baby's hair encased in it, made by Lorraine, a souvenir of his grandparents' work to help Melanie. Helping others with a variety of issues had been Joe and Ellie's work. Joe had helped Melanie disappear when she decided to keep the child she had contracted with the Frampton's to act as surrogate. Neil had wanted that child after having lost Theo in the fire. She has stayed hidden away, yet after two decades Neil still wants to know his child.
Neil and his employee Stan Mercer had killed Joe, Gary's grandfather when they sought out the whereabouts of Melanie. His grandfather had sustained a head wound before and it made him vulnerable to the hit that Neil had given him.
During this case Gary is again working outside the parameters of police boundaries. It stirs the anger in Kincaide who is constantly trying to get him into trouble. DI Marks likes Gary and while he objects to the lengths to which Gary will go, he wants him to solve the murder of his grandfather. There is race to find the killer of Lorraine Martin and Joe Goodhew before Marks retires in two weeks. Once solved Marks tells Kincaide that he is sorry he promoted him to DS for all is machinations and bullying. Sue confesses to the entire team her origins, thus thwarting Kincaide's attempt to blackmail her, and she is off for a new job at the Met. Gary resigns to move on having agreed with his grandmother, he is destined for greater things.
A thoroughly satisfying series.
How disappointing that this is the last of the series. I have enjoyed the character of Gary Goodhew, the rebel of the police, who thinks and acts outside the box, to the frustration of DI Marks and the rage of DS Kincaide. Throughout this story the insidious anger of Kincaide pervades the case. He is committed to ruining Gary's career and those of the other police officers, especially Sue Gully, who are close to Gary. He bullies Sue with the knowledge that she is the daughter of a rapist, taunting her with the potential looks and comments that will arise once people know the truth. A true shit. It is this episode that will solve the mystery of Gary's grandfather's murder, 22 years earlier.
Amy Buckingham is obsessed with proving that her father, now released from prison did not set fire to a building that resulted in the deaths of Nadine Kendall and Theo Frampton. Be careful what you wish for. The ensuing investigation reveals that her mother, Geraldine was the real killer, and her intent had been to kill Nadine, with whom her husband Richard had been having an affair, and who had become pregnant. Richard had stopped having sex with Geraldine, while she was longing for another child. Richard and Neil had been business partners.
As Amy begins to work for Neil Frampton in order to gain information, she sets off more issues. Lorraine Martin knows more about the events that happened years before. As a struck-off midwife she provides those services for students who find themselves pregnant. She helps Nadine. She also knows about Melanie Franks, another woman who had an affair, with Neil Frampton, and became pregnant. Nadine's baby dies and is buried in the yard at Lorraine's home. Ellie, Gary's grandmother has an unusual bracelet with a baby's hair encased in it, made by Lorraine, a souvenir of his grandparents' work to help Melanie. Helping others with a variety of issues had been Joe and Ellie's work. Joe had helped Melanie disappear when she decided to keep the child she had contracted with the Frampton's to act as surrogate. Neil had wanted that child after having lost Theo in the fire. She has stayed hidden away, yet after two decades Neil still wants to know his child.
Neil and his employee Stan Mercer had killed Joe, Gary's grandfather when they sought out the whereabouts of Melanie. His grandfather had sustained a head wound before and it made him vulnerable to the hit that Neil had given him.
During this case Gary is again working outside the parameters of police boundaries. It stirs the anger in Kincaide who is constantly trying to get him into trouble. DI Marks likes Gary and while he objects to the lengths to which Gary will go, he wants him to solve the murder of his grandfather. There is race to find the killer of Lorraine Martin and Joe Goodhew before Marks retires in two weeks. Once solved Marks tells Kincaide that he is sorry he promoted him to DS for all is machinations and bullying. Sue confesses to the entire team her origins, thus thwarting Kincaide's attempt to blackmail her, and she is off for a new job at the Met. Gary resigns to move on having agreed with his grandmother, he is destined for greater things.
A thoroughly satisfying series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2019
Cambridge Black is the seventh and last book in the DC Gary Goodhew Mystery series written by Alison Bruce and centered on Gary Goodhew, a Detective Constable in Cambridge Parkside Station.
Detective Constable Gary Goodhew finally succeeds in his quest to find out who murdered his grandfather. His boss Detective Inspector Marks goes into retirement knowing a major outstanding crime has been solved. Trainee Detective Constable Sue Gully, a potential love interest for Gary Goodhew's love interest, transfers to London, which lays the foundation for three inter-connected cases that Gary Goodhew will investigate.
This convoluted and intricate story reaches into the past with layer upon layer of lies, deceit, and treachery. At its heart is a story about relationships between parents and their children in some deeply flawed families. Bar the detectives – with the exception of the ambitious, but none-too-bright Detective Sergeant Michael Kincaide and his near-pathological hatred of everything Goodhew represents – most of the civilian characters are so unpleasant it is quite difficult to summon much enthusiasm for their problems or become overly invested in their outcomes.
Cambridge Black is written rather well. The narrative is as sophisticated, intelligent, well-written and entertaining as any that have gone before, albeit with an awful air of finality. Several of what have been ongoing storylines are brought to a conclusion at the same time as a successful current crime investigation.
Overall, the DC Gary Goodhew Mystery series is rather well written. I adored the main protagonist and his evolution throughout seven novels. Characterization and descriptions of the background strengthen the narration. It didn't hurt that Cambridge serves as the heart of the book and as a former Cantabrigian, it is wonderful to read about the city the series is based on. It brought back many happy memories about my undergraduate years and brought a bought of nostalgia when reading about certain places that I have visited. Having said that, I am glad that the series comes to an end – Cambridge is not a town where murders happen frequently.
All in all, Cambrdige Black is written rather well and is a strong conclusion to a wonderful series.
Detective Constable Gary Goodhew finally succeeds in his quest to find out who murdered his grandfather. His boss Detective Inspector Marks goes into retirement knowing a major outstanding crime has been solved. Trainee Detective Constable Sue Gully, a potential love interest for Gary Goodhew's love interest, transfers to London, which lays the foundation for three inter-connected cases that Gary Goodhew will investigate.
This convoluted and intricate story reaches into the past with layer upon layer of lies, deceit, and treachery. At its heart is a story about relationships between parents and their children in some deeply flawed families. Bar the detectives – with the exception of the ambitious, but none-too-bright Detective Sergeant Michael Kincaide and his near-pathological hatred of everything Goodhew represents – most of the civilian characters are so unpleasant it is quite difficult to summon much enthusiasm for their problems or become overly invested in their outcomes.
Cambridge Black is written rather well. The narrative is as sophisticated, intelligent, well-written and entertaining as any that have gone before, albeit with an awful air of finality. Several of what have been ongoing storylines are brought to a conclusion at the same time as a successful current crime investigation.
Overall, the DC Gary Goodhew Mystery series is rather well written. I adored the main protagonist and his evolution throughout seven novels. Characterization and descriptions of the background strengthen the narration. It didn't hurt that Cambridge serves as the heart of the book and as a former Cantabrigian, it is wonderful to read about the city the series is based on. It brought back many happy memories about my undergraduate years and brought a bought of nostalgia when reading about certain places that I have visited. Having said that, I am glad that the series comes to an end – Cambridge is not a town where murders happen frequently.
All in all, Cambrdige Black is written rather well and is a strong conclusion to a wonderful series.
May 8, 2020
I just finished this book, did not realise there is more before it, but will try hard to fix my mistake by getting to them asap.
In my opinion the book was very easy to read, in the good way. It starts off with building up the mystery layers of the story, going back to the past and coming back to the present to hit us with another fact. By the time I was maybe half-way I thought 'I should definitely read some more from this author, she has her unique way of provoking some questions and make your brain go over the details out of interest to catch something' if I can say it this way.
Unfortunately into the second half there were the unexpected discrepancies which you could notice while the police are speaking to the different people involved in the whole mess. You will notice the obvious lies and cover-ups from someone's mom for example, which were proven wrong literally in the next couple chapters by other one or two characters (I am really trying not to spoil it here, I am sorry). Even if this was done intentionally by the author, either to at least confuse the reader or completely make them believe a specific person did something/IT, I believe it could have been done in a more intelligent way. Or maybe I am too used to completely baffling mysteries from Agatha and don't like a single bit of 'obviously!'-ness anymore.
I would give this book a strong 4 stars though!
I am still impressed by the writing techniques and approach the author implemented on these first pages! It was a good ride, with quite a few and shocking discoveries along the way, things that were not expected and some very tangled relationships. Quite rich in this matter.
Respect to the author and I definitely will give Bruce's books a chance, I just hope she will master the 'untangling' part of it all and improve the detailing a bit so the readers do not feel stupid for noticing what is actually happening too early. It just steals the pleasure of you being baffled - who wants to resolve a mystery so early in the timeline and then just read the rest waiting for the police to catch up?
In my opinion the book was very easy to read, in the good way. It starts off with building up the mystery layers of the story, going back to the past and coming back to the present to hit us with another fact. By the time I was maybe half-way I thought 'I should definitely read some more from this author, she has her unique way of provoking some questions and make your brain go over the details out of interest to catch something' if I can say it this way.
Unfortunately into the second half there were the unexpected discrepancies which you could notice while the police are speaking to the different people involved in the whole mess. You will notice the obvious lies and cover-ups from someone's mom for example, which were proven wrong literally in the next couple chapters by other one or two characters (I am really trying not to spoil it here, I am sorry). Even if this was done intentionally by the author, either to at least confuse the reader or completely make them believe a specific person did something/IT, I believe it could have been done in a more intelligent way. Or maybe I am too used to completely baffling mysteries from Agatha and don't like a single bit of 'obviously!'-ness anymore.
I would give this book a strong 4 stars though!
I am still impressed by the writing techniques and approach the author implemented on these first pages! It was a good ride, with quite a few and shocking discoveries along the way, things that were not expected and some very tangled relationships. Quite rich in this matter.
Respect to the author and I definitely will give Bruce's books a chance, I just hope she will master the 'untangling' part of it all and improve the detailing a bit so the readers do not feel stupid for noticing what is actually happening too early. It just steals the pleasure of you being baffled - who wants to resolve a mystery so early in the timeline and then just read the rest waiting for the police to catch up?
February 27, 2017
This is the 7th and last in the series and it does quite a bit of rounding off so, although the main crime is complete within the book and, as such, could work as a stand alone, I would really recommend starting from book one and reading in order to get the full picture. Especially as, in this book, Gary finally learns the truth about his grandfather and what really happened. He also learns more about what exactly his grandparents used to do and this is intrinsically linked to the case that comes to light in this book.
Many years ago there was an arson attack on a house. Two people died. A suspect was identified, convicted and jailed. Fast forward and Robert Buckingham has served his time and has been released. He is on his way to meet his daughter when he is rushed to hospital. On his sick-bed, he tells his daughter, Amy, that he didn't do it. That someone else set that fire. Amy believes him and to facilitate her need to know the truth, gets herself a job with her father's old partner who also happens to be the father of one of the people killed in the fire. Meanwhile, Gary's grandmother tells him more about his grandfather and together they find something in his grandfather's possessions worth further investigation. He approaches Lorraine, a jeweller to ask questions of the bracelet they found, but not long after they talk, she is found dead and Gary is soon on the case. On further investigation Gary starts to realise that this murder could be linked back to the arson as well as having connections to his grandfather. It's time for both his grandmother and indeed DI Marks to knuckle down and tell the truth and allow Gary and his special skills loose on the cold cases.
This all sound rather convoluted and, in a way, it is. Here, the author has managed to weave an intricate story that not only reopens an old, believed already solved, case but also links that to a current murder as well as unearthing the final piece of the puzzle regarding Gary's grandfather's death. And she does it very well. There are secrets and lies, affairs, dysfunctional relationships, love, hate and revenge. And, if that wasn't enough, we have DS Kincaide still being his delightful bullying, nasty self getting his claws into both Gary and Sue. We follow twists and turns aplenty as the police and other characters cut through the lies, uncover the secrets and unearth the truth, all the way to what, for me, was a bit of a shocking ending regarding both the truth of the fire and indeed what happened to Gary's grandfather.
In this book, Gary really comes into his element. I was originally unsure about him as a character but as I finished each book, as I started to get to know him better, as the author allowed him to open up both to the reader and to other characters, I really started to get to like him. He is a bit of a funny fish but he is dogged and determined and won't give up until he gets to the truth. Even if that truth is painful. I am a bit sad that this is the end of the series. I do hope it's not the end of Gary for ever. Not now I know him better. I do believe I will miss him and all his strange little ways.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Many years ago there was an arson attack on a house. Two people died. A suspect was identified, convicted and jailed. Fast forward and Robert Buckingham has served his time and has been released. He is on his way to meet his daughter when he is rushed to hospital. On his sick-bed, he tells his daughter, Amy, that he didn't do it. That someone else set that fire. Amy believes him and to facilitate her need to know the truth, gets herself a job with her father's old partner who also happens to be the father of one of the people killed in the fire. Meanwhile, Gary's grandmother tells him more about his grandfather and together they find something in his grandfather's possessions worth further investigation. He approaches Lorraine, a jeweller to ask questions of the bracelet they found, but not long after they talk, she is found dead and Gary is soon on the case. On further investigation Gary starts to realise that this murder could be linked back to the arson as well as having connections to his grandfather. It's time for both his grandmother and indeed DI Marks to knuckle down and tell the truth and allow Gary and his special skills loose on the cold cases.
This all sound rather convoluted and, in a way, it is. Here, the author has managed to weave an intricate story that not only reopens an old, believed already solved, case but also links that to a current murder as well as unearthing the final piece of the puzzle regarding Gary's grandfather's death. And she does it very well. There are secrets and lies, affairs, dysfunctional relationships, love, hate and revenge. And, if that wasn't enough, we have DS Kincaide still being his delightful bullying, nasty self getting his claws into both Gary and Sue. We follow twists and turns aplenty as the police and other characters cut through the lies, uncover the secrets and unearth the truth, all the way to what, for me, was a bit of a shocking ending regarding both the truth of the fire and indeed what happened to Gary's grandfather.
In this book, Gary really comes into his element. I was originally unsure about him as a character but as I finished each book, as I started to get to know him better, as the author allowed him to open up both to the reader and to other characters, I really started to get to like him. He is a bit of a funny fish but he is dogged and determined and won't give up until he gets to the truth. Even if that truth is painful. I am a bit sad that this is the end of the series. I do hope it's not the end of Gary for ever. Not now I know him better. I do believe I will miss him and all his strange little ways.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 5, 2021
Excellent ending to a series that kept me hooked to the end.
It’s sad to think that this is the end of Goodhew with the Cambridge police but every good thing has to come to a close.
In this one, the mystery surrounding the death of Goodhew’s grandfather is resolve after a roller coaster ride linking murders from past and present. I would like another series starring Goodhew in his post police life as a private detective picking up where his grandparents stopped or a series about Sue Gully.
I loved that series and I’m sad to see it end while seeing it as an opportunity to discover another one. It also made me want to visit Cambridge to see the sites described throughout the series.
It’s sad to think that this is the end of Goodhew with the Cambridge police but every good thing has to come to a close.
In this one, the mystery surrounding the death of Goodhew’s grandfather is resolve after a roller coaster ride linking murders from past and present. I would like another series starring Goodhew in his post police life as a private detective picking up where his grandparents stopped or a series about Sue Gully.
I loved that series and I’m sad to see it end while seeing it as an opportunity to discover another one. It also made me want to visit Cambridge to see the sites described throughout the series.
October 18, 2019
As a Cambridge resident, I found it really annoying that the author is so specific about locations, but includes inaccuracies. For example, St Barnabas Road and Argyle Street both adjoin Mill Road, but on different sides of the railway, so it is not possible to ‘cut through’ from one to the other, as one character does. And when standing on Mill Road bridge, the trains going past are not returning from London, they are coming from Ely or Kings Lynn!
October 7, 2022
Kept me rethinking the plot, with twists, even though I did figure out, who the real culprits were, not long before they were revealed. Twists often came at last moment, and could change your perspective of the character or characters mentioned.
I do feel that the story is not complete, would have been good for the original suspect who was framed, to have been exonerated, and his daughters reaction to this.
Maybe there could be a follow up dealing with the aftermath, just a thought!
I do feel that the story is not complete, would have been good for the original suspect who was framed, to have been exonerated, and his daughters reaction to this.
Maybe there could be a follow up dealing with the aftermath, just a thought!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2018
Excellent series!
Well drawn characters. Cambridge as background and as a character. Wish the author would extend the series. Thank you Ms Bruce for well written and thought provoking stories. Well worth a read or listen at least once. Do wish all this series was available on audible.
Well drawn characters. Cambridge as background and as a character. Wish the author would extend the series. Thank you Ms Bruce for well written and thought provoking stories. Well worth a read or listen at least once. Do wish all this series was available on audible.
April 10, 2019
And so we come to the end. Gary and his colleagues investigate the murder of a jewellery maker shortly after Gary speaks to her in connection with his Grandfathers murder. This and the cold case of his Grandfathers murder and the solved case of arson predating that come together in an explosive climax to the story.
May 9, 2019
I didn’t enjoy this book . As the 7th book in a series ( and the first I have read), I didn’t engage with the characters and the explanations of the plot (while undoubtedly necessary) felt clumsy - especially in the first few chapters. To be fair it is probably not a good idea to start with the last of a series.
April 22, 2021
The concluding novel in the series by Alison Bruce
Gary Goodhew gets involved in one case which is interlinked to two other cases, which involve the death of his Grandfather.
He gets to find out what happened to his Grandfather and the secrets that have been hidden from him for many years.
An excellent conclusion to a thrilling story
Gary Goodhew gets involved in one case which is interlinked to two other cases, which involve the death of his Grandfather.
He gets to find out what happened to his Grandfather and the secrets that have been hidden from him for many years.
An excellent conclusion to a thrilling story
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April 15, 2023I was so sorry that this series came to an end. I would have loved more about Gary Goodhew and Sue Gulley, and to have seen Kincaide come a cropper at some stage. That said, I loved the book (and the whole series) and, as loose ends were finally tied up, Ms Bruce had the sense not to prolong the series as some authors do. An excellent book
May 10, 2017
I think the last couple of books in the series are better than the early ones. They are less confusing mostly because they seem to have less characters. I don't need to make diagrams to follow the plot. One criticism of this book is that the details at the very end could have been expanded a bit.
October 28, 2021
Another excellent Gary Goodhew story. Deliciously tangled, with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end. I love the her characters Alison Bruce has created and look forward to more.
October 22, 2017
Loved this book,the plot span the decades and answered questions that needed answering, what will happen next who knows but please don’t let it stop here 😀
May 26, 2018
If this is the last in the series, I will miss Gary greatly. I’m very fond of Cambridge, and these books bring it to my Northwest home in the U.S.
October 24, 2018
Think she was in a hurry to finish the aeries. Too bad I liked the character.
September 26, 2019
Good. There are two main plots; solving two crimes and solving the protagonist's identity crisis. I didn't enjoy the books as much as I enjoyed the other ones in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2020
Sorry to see him finish, would love to know what happens next, does he follow in his grandparents footsteps?
December 27, 2020
Fairly paced with all ends tied at the end...with surprises I hadn’t seen coming— did get a little tedious mid way
through and had to recapture the plot...
through and had to recapture the plot...
August 23, 2021
So sad to see this series finish.....thoroughly enjoyed the quirkiness of the main character and the relationships he had with his co-workers and family members.
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