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Langthorne #5
Missing
In a busy town centre, a woman and a young boy are snatched from the street.
A few miles away, a man stands on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off. Sergeant Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is trying to talk him down, but he dare not get too close. This man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
These two events will have consequences for everyone they touch. And Shaun Carter is forced to make heartbreaking choices as he faces a vicious criminal network.
As the situation spirals out of control, Shaun asks for help from his maverick police colleague George Elms.
A few miles away, a man stands on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off. Sergeant Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is trying to talk him down, but he dare not get too close. This man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
These two events will have consequences for everyone they touch. And Shaun Carter is forced to make heartbreaking choices as he faces a vicious criminal network.
As the situation spirals out of control, Shaun asks for help from his maverick police colleague George Elms.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2017
1254 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
34 books590 followersCharlie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 10, 2017
A woman and a young boy are snatched off the street in the busy town centre of Langthorne. A man stands at the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off. Sargent Shaun Carter is trying to talk him down. The man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
This book is tense from the beginning. It is fast paced, action packed, and a utterly gripping thriller. The plot line has been well thought out and believable. The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride and does not let you off again until the end. I've only recently read books by the author and I will certainly read more in the future.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is tense from the beginning. It is fast paced, action packed, and a utterly gripping thriller. The plot line has been well thought out and believable. The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride and does not let you off again until the end. I've only recently read books by the author and I will certainly read more in the future.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
A car speeds up, masked men jump out, a woman and her young son are forced into their car.
Shaun Carter, a Sergeant and police negotiator is trying to talk a man off the edge of a viaduct. Carter knows this guy, he's talked to him before. He's depressed and has been diagnosed with a life-changing disease.
And then he starts to talk to Carter. He says that 'someone' has his ex-wife and son and they will be killed unless he follows exactly what the rules are. When he has finished telling Carter what 'they' want him to know, he turns around and jumps.
At the same time, he's listening to his radio, and its scratchy voice is talking about a woman and her son who have called. She tells police they were abducted and now the men have turned them loose.
Only ... this woman and son are not his ex-wife and son.
Carter has been warned ... do not tell anyone what they have asked him to do. He must not report to the police or his family will be killed.
So ask yourself .... to what lengths would you go to save your family ... provided they aren't already dead.
Carter is about to find out.
This is an extremely satisfying police thriller. Twists along the way are surprisingly scary and can turn the reader inside out with suspense. Carter is a solid guy, on the side of justice, until he's asked to act outside his moral principles in order to save his family.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of MISSING. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 20, 2017
Blog tour review
What wouldn't you do to get your family back?
In a busy town centre.a woman and young boy are snatched from the street.
A few miles away,a man is standing on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off.Police negotiator Shaun Carter is trying to talk him down,but he dare not get too close,this man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
These two events will have consequences for everyone they touch.And Shaun Carter is forced to make heartbreaking choices as he faces a vicious criminal network.
As the situation spirals out of control,Shaun finds he has to ask for help from his maverick police colleague George Elms.
This gripping thriller is voiced by Shaun,George,Emily Ryker and a number of other characters who are secondary characters but still very important to the story.Although the story is voiced by a number of characters it is easy to follow and flows along nicely.
I really liked George and his colleague Emily,they worked well together and the banter between them was very funny at times.I also liked Shaun despite some of his actions,he was a desperate,scared man who found himself caught up in a situation that he had no control over.The characters in this story where believable and realistic,the main villain really was a twisted,evil,nasty person.
This gripping,fast paced,twist packed thriller opens with a action paced abduction scene that is so intense and shocking it's takes your breath away.The pacing of the story is perfect,you have the breath taking opening,the urgent intensity of George and Emily's investigations,Shaun`s desperate quest to get his ex wife and ten year old son back safely,all of which lead up too a very intense satisfying conclusion.
Although this book is part of a series and there are references to events from the previous books,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.I haven't read any of the previous books but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this fast paced,gripping thriller.
Many thanks to Joffe publication and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review and an opportunity to be part of the blog tour
What wouldn't you do to get your family back?
In a busy town centre.a woman and young boy are snatched from the street.
A few miles away,a man is standing on the edge of a viaduct ready to throw himself off.Police negotiator Shaun Carter is trying to talk him down,but he dare not get too close,this man is the only person who has the answers needed to find the missing.
These two events will have consequences for everyone they touch.And Shaun Carter is forced to make heartbreaking choices as he faces a vicious criminal network.
As the situation spirals out of control,Shaun finds he has to ask for help from his maverick police colleague George Elms.
This gripping thriller is voiced by Shaun,George,Emily Ryker and a number of other characters who are secondary characters but still very important to the story.Although the story is voiced by a number of characters it is easy to follow and flows along nicely.
I really liked George and his colleague Emily,they worked well together and the banter between them was very funny at times.I also liked Shaun despite some of his actions,he was a desperate,scared man who found himself caught up in a situation that he had no control over.The characters in this story where believable and realistic,the main villain really was a twisted,evil,nasty person.
This gripping,fast paced,twist packed thriller opens with a action paced abduction scene that is so intense and shocking it's takes your breath away.The pacing of the story is perfect,you have the breath taking opening,the urgent intensity of George and Emily's investigations,Shaun`s desperate quest to get his ex wife and ten year old son back safely,all of which lead up too a very intense satisfying conclusion.
Although this book is part of a series and there are references to events from the previous books,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.I haven't read any of the previous books but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this fast paced,gripping thriller.
Many thanks to Joffe publication and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review and an opportunity to be part of the blog tour
September 22, 2017
Sergeant Sean Carter has a pride in what he does because he can literally save lives. Sean is often on call to talk down people from the ledge of a building when they have the intension of jumping off and ending it all. Some times nothing will stop them but at others there can’t really be a better feeling than to know you have saved another person’s life. Sean is a pretty cool and level-headed guy, well he was until he was called out to a jumper for the second time and heard the terrifying message that the bloke gave him.
Charlie Gallagher certainly knows how to catch a reader’s attention and keep it until the end. This story opens up just so many moral dilemmas, as my brain went into overdrive trying to think if I would have done anything differently. To be honest I don’t think that I would. I couldn’t even bring myself to think of the torment that was going on in Sean’s mind to enable him to mentally cope with the situation. Each chapter I wondered how far Sean would go.
There are some quite heavy scenes which relate round one particular vile drug. I mean bloody hell this is some pretty bad stuff I’m talking about, even reading about it had me mouth open in horror at its effect. Now I know that this bloke was no angel but he scared me senseless.
There are some super characters in the story, DS George Elms was one, a character that has been in previous books in this series, although I haven’t read them. which didn’t spoil the enjoyment of this in any way. George is a brilliant character and felt solid from me first meeting him. He is very methodical, charming and has quite a humour besides being a good friend and brilliant officer. I never felt over whelmed with either the people in the story or the plot itself. It was perfectly executed.
This story for me was the whole package of entertainment. I loved it. Very shockingly brilliant!
Charlie Gallagher certainly knows how to catch a reader’s attention and keep it until the end. This story opens up just so many moral dilemmas, as my brain went into overdrive trying to think if I would have done anything differently. To be honest I don’t think that I would. I couldn’t even bring myself to think of the torment that was going on in Sean’s mind to enable him to mentally cope with the situation. Each chapter I wondered how far Sean would go.
There are some quite heavy scenes which relate round one particular vile drug. I mean bloody hell this is some pretty bad stuff I’m talking about, even reading about it had me mouth open in horror at its effect. Now I know that this bloke was no angel but he scared me senseless.
There are some super characters in the story, DS George Elms was one, a character that has been in previous books in this series, although I haven’t read them. which didn’t spoil the enjoyment of this in any way. George is a brilliant character and felt solid from me first meeting him. He is very methodical, charming and has quite a humour besides being a good friend and brilliant officer. I never felt over whelmed with either the people in the story or the plot itself. It was perfectly executed.
This story for me was the whole package of entertainment. I loved it. Very shockingly brilliant!
September 9, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Missing, the fifth novel in the Langthorne series of police procedurals.
Sergeant Sean Carter is called out to talk a suicide down but things don't go as planned. Bobby Leonard tells Sean that his wife and son have been kidnapped and to get them back he'll have to carry out some tasks, starting with getting his girlfriend to let a lorry pass through customs unchecked. Looking for a plan B in case it all goes wrong he consults the only man with experience in this sort of thing, DS George Elms.
Wow! What a high octane read. There is action aplenty and some serious twists, especially at the end, I defy anyone to see coming. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. Mr Gallagher is a serving police officer so the detail on procedure is excellent even if George doesn't stick too it too often but I sincerely hope that Missing is a work of imagination and not based on his real life experiences because it is violent and the criminals very smart.
As this is very much a plot driven novel the characterisation doesn't need to be more developed than the plot requires so it isn't. Having read the first four novels in the series, which are basically about George's trials and tribulations it makes a refreshing change to see him able to act without pressure or danger.
I like the banter between him and his colleagues as it is amusing, natural and a relief from the tension of Sean's predicament and the resulting action.
Missing is an exciting read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Sergeant Sean Carter is called out to talk a suicide down but things don't go as planned. Bobby Leonard tells Sean that his wife and son have been kidnapped and to get them back he'll have to carry out some tasks, starting with getting his girlfriend to let a lorry pass through customs unchecked. Looking for a plan B in case it all goes wrong he consults the only man with experience in this sort of thing, DS George Elms.
Wow! What a high octane read. There is action aplenty and some serious twists, especially at the end, I defy anyone to see coming. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. Mr Gallagher is a serving police officer so the detail on procedure is excellent even if George doesn't stick too it too often but I sincerely hope that Missing is a work of imagination and not based on his real life experiences because it is violent and the criminals very smart.
As this is very much a plot driven novel the characterisation doesn't need to be more developed than the plot requires so it isn't. Having read the first four novels in the series, which are basically about George's trials and tribulations it makes a refreshing change to see him able to act without pressure or danger.
I like the banter between him and his colleagues as it is amusing, natural and a relief from the tension of Sean's predicament and the resulting action.
Missing is an exciting read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 25, 2017
It is only a few months since I described Charlie Gallagher as the new boy in town. Since then he has obviously worked furiously as Missing is his fifth book.
The situation is one everyone has heard of. One that produces hyper vigilant parents in danger of wrapping their children in cotton wool and still dropping them off at school when they are sixteen (I avoided the cotton wool and got mine bus passes at fourteen).
Once again Charlie Gallagher has crafted 'real' characters; faults and all. He gives readers a horrible scenario and builds on that with a series of aftershocks that would set anyone reeling.
Then he lets Pandora drop in a wee bit of hope...or is it all part of the twisted game?
Situations that are alluded to early on are allowed to unfurl bit by bit. Even so it can mess with your head - like chinese whispers you can't be sure you have grasped the right meaning.
There is good news/bad news for CG. I worked out whodunnit...or whodidn'tdunnit...but only a couple of chapters before the end...and I still got it a bit wrong.
I love books like this.
I was fortunate that the publisher provided me with an unproofed ARC in return for this honest review. Thank you.
The situation is one everyone has heard of. One that produces hyper vigilant parents in danger of wrapping their children in cotton wool and still dropping them off at school when they are sixteen (I avoided the cotton wool and got mine bus passes at fourteen).
Once again Charlie Gallagher has crafted 'real' characters; faults and all. He gives readers a horrible scenario and builds on that with a series of aftershocks that would set anyone reeling.
Then he lets Pandora drop in a wee bit of hope...or is it all part of the twisted game?
Situations that are alluded to early on are allowed to unfurl bit by bit. Even so it can mess with your head - like chinese whispers you can't be sure you have grasped the right meaning.
There is good news/bad news for CG. I worked out whodunnit...or whodidn'tdunnit...but only a couple of chapters before the end...and I still got it a bit wrong.
I love books like this.
I was fortunate that the publisher provided me with an unproofed ARC in return for this honest review. Thank you.
September 8, 2017
A man is about to jump off a bridge and commit suicide. In the town centre, a vehicle is being ploughed through the busy high street coming to rest in a cafe. The two incidents are linked and Sergeant Shaun Carter is the thread between the two- or so he thinks until the kidnapped persons are released and not who he thought they were. Shaun turns to George to help him out as George has had his own issues in the past as is an experienced Sergeant. This story gripped me from the start and I liked George who came out as a trustworthy, reliable chap with a sense of humour. A couple of gory scenes but otherwise a brilliant , cleverly written, easy read that I didn’t want to put down. I look forward to more from this author.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
September 28, 2017
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Wow I absolutely loved this book. I read End Game and thought that was really good although I felt a little disadvantaged by not having read the previous books in the series. This book works very well as stand-alone having read the Langthorne series would be a bonus as you have the history to George Elms but you can soon pick up due to the excellent way Charlie Gallagher has written this book.
What would you do to save your family? Shaun Carter is forced to find out when he turns out as negotiator to talk down a man threatening to jump off the viaduct. He soon learns that he has talked this man down before and that him being on call was no coincidence. What follows is a sequence of events that forces Shaun Carter into actions he wouldn’t normally consider in an attempt to get his Son and estranged Wife back unharmed.
George Elms is quietly minding his own business in a pokey back office with a coffee machine for company when he finds himself in the middle of the chaos that Shaun’s life has become. Can he save the day again?
You have to love George Elms he has his own way of getting results he is a compassionate man that has an inbuilt need to help people and in this book Shaun is the person on the receiving end of George’s help.
This is a fast paced gripping read I just kept turning page after page until I, unfortunately, reached THE END. There are sadistic, murderous drug lords, abductions and dodgy drugs all thrown in to create a twisty turny thriller with curve balls and shockers a many. A brilliant read I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Well worth the 5 stars I just wish I could give it more.
Wow I absolutely loved this book. I read End Game and thought that was really good although I felt a little disadvantaged by not having read the previous books in the series. This book works very well as stand-alone having read the Langthorne series would be a bonus as you have the history to George Elms but you can soon pick up due to the excellent way Charlie Gallagher has written this book.
What would you do to save your family? Shaun Carter is forced to find out when he turns out as negotiator to talk down a man threatening to jump off the viaduct. He soon learns that he has talked this man down before and that him being on call was no coincidence. What follows is a sequence of events that forces Shaun Carter into actions he wouldn’t normally consider in an attempt to get his Son and estranged Wife back unharmed.
George Elms is quietly minding his own business in a pokey back office with a coffee machine for company when he finds himself in the middle of the chaos that Shaun’s life has become. Can he save the day again?
You have to love George Elms he has his own way of getting results he is a compassionate man that has an inbuilt need to help people and in this book Shaun is the person on the receiving end of George’s help.
This is a fast paced gripping read I just kept turning page after page until I, unfortunately, reached THE END. There are sadistic, murderous drug lords, abductions and dodgy drugs all thrown in to create a twisty turny thriller with curve balls and shockers a many. A brilliant read I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Well worth the 5 stars I just wish I could give it more.
December 29, 2017
Another great, fast paced read by Charlie Gallagher. I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys police procedurals.
Thanks to Joffe Books for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Joffe Books for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
This book sounded like a solid choice and, even better, it was part of a series. I liked the fact the author was a "front line police officer" for over 10 years, so I expected a large degree of authenticity. However, reading the book I never once got the impression the writer had any first hand police experience. It seemed to me the author relied on things like the repeated use of acronyms such as ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) to portray realism of police-work. Some of these acronyms, such as OCG on page 200, remained a mystery to me. But we're told the author is indeed a police officer so I'll accept it, or at least try to. However, a book doesn't seem to be the correct platform to make his laborious complainants about police cuts and lack of resources. Nothing interesting here; I can watch Sky news for this.
The plot I found quite unrealistic from the outset. The abduction scene and what the criminals were able to do was beyond credible. To me not only was it nonsense that a criminal king-pin could secure an accomplice a particular job in the UK Customs but then we're told that the selection process for the position is akin to that of the police. The story is loaded with this type of imagination-stretching nonsense.
The police procedural element is equally poor with little real investigation. One officer goes semi rogue making all the wrong decisions and try as I might, I disliked this character more and more with every non policeman-like move he made. A second officer did his own thing throughout and another does...well, nothing it seemed.
Eventually, when the bodies start to pile up the rogue and the renegade realise they might have made an error or two and should have played as a team.
Summary: A very generous 3 stars but I can't recommend the book and nor can I face any more by this author.
The plot I found quite unrealistic from the outset. The abduction scene and what the criminals were able to do was beyond credible. To me not only was it nonsense that a criminal king-pin could secure an accomplice a particular job in the UK Customs but then we're told that the selection process for the position is akin to that of the police. The story is loaded with this type of imagination-stretching nonsense.
The police procedural element is equally poor with little real investigation. One officer goes semi rogue making all the wrong decisions and try as I might, I disliked this character more and more with every non policeman-like move he made. A second officer did his own thing throughout and another does...well, nothing it seemed.
Eventually, when the bodies start to pile up the rogue and the renegade realise they might have made an error or two and should have played as a team.
Summary: A very generous 3 stars but I can't recommend the book and nor can I face any more by this author.
October 1, 2017
A woman and a child kidnapped.. A man ready to jump off a ledge to his death.. Damn, this book jumps straight in with the action!
Shoutout to NetGalley for letting me read this book🙌🏻
I liked the storyline here, things aren't as they seem.. And the twists here kind of gave me whiplash 🙈 My emotions were running high through the whole book.. Especially during the scene in ..(I'm trying not to spoil anything).. the hotel with the order he is given.. Damn 😕😯
I really liked the characters too. George I really loved, I just thought he was great.
Overall a really good book, definitely worth a read 👌🏻💜
Shoutout to NetGalley for letting me read this book🙌🏻
I liked the storyline here, things aren't as they seem.. And the twists here kind of gave me whiplash 🙈 My emotions were running high through the whole book.. Especially during the scene in ..(I'm trying not to spoil anything).. the hotel with the order he is given.. Damn 😕😯
I really liked the characters too. George I really loved, I just thought he was great.
Overall a really good book, definitely worth a read 👌🏻💜
December 15, 2018
Wow just wow, what an excellent piece of writing that I could not put down. So much action so you really could not imagine what was coming next. Love the characters and of course the setting, very local to Folkestone I feel! Lol I can see many of Charlie’s books appearing on TV as the drama is constant. Really looking forward to the next book.
May 11, 2019
Gripping
Another gripping and fantastic read! I was glad to have another instalment of George Elm's life after the last series. This book is dreams from the start. The twists and turns and the entangled lives of criminals keep you turning the pages.
Another gripping and fantastic read! I was glad to have another instalment of George Elm's life after the last series. This book is dreams from the start. The twists and turns and the entangled lives of criminals keep you turning the pages.
November 30, 2018
Thank you Charlie Gallagher!
Yet another brilliant novel from Charlie. You hardly have time to take your breath the whole way through! There is always something happening and it is so easy to become totally engrossed and lose track of time, I certainly did! The style of writing reminds me so much of Simon Kernick who is another excellent author. I can't wait to read more like this!
Yet another brilliant novel from Charlie. You hardly have time to take your breath the whole way through! There is always something happening and it is so easy to become totally engrossed and lose track of time, I certainly did! The style of writing reminds me so much of Simon Kernick who is another excellent author. I can't wait to read more like this!
March 7, 2019
Charlie Gallagher, his books just get better and better. From first to last page had me gripped. Fantastic
October 2, 2018
All of his books are great they keep you guessing all they way to the very end. please keep them coming.
September 7, 2017
Another superb book that takes you on a roller coaster ride, this author never fails to impress. Attention to detail is second to none and the storyline is riveting. One of my favourite authors.
September 29, 2018
Good read
Enjoyable read. A story based around Canterbury, a place I know. The story was filled with twists and turns with an unexpected ending.
Enjoyable read. A story based around Canterbury, a place I know. The story was filled with twists and turns with an unexpected ending.
September 21, 2018
Oh boy, Charles Gallagher certainly knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, his novel just flows, without you wanting to put the book down. It’s a very very well written book and storyline is brilliant. Praise again for Charles Gallagher who only seems to get better and better, although I genuinely didn’t think he could. Highly recommend you read his books.
November 10, 2018
Fantastic
Another brilliant book featuring George Elms. Couldn't put it down. Really gripping full of twists and turns. Charlie Gallagher is my new favourite author
Another brilliant book featuring George Elms. Couldn't put it down. Really gripping full of twists and turns. Charlie Gallagher is my new favourite author
September 10, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
A car careens through a busy street ending up crashed into a shop window. A man jumps out and kidnaps a woman and her young son at gunpoint.
Sergeant Shaun Carter gets a call out on a Sunday to a repeat jumper. He knows the man from before. The man tells him that his ex-wife and ten-year old son have been taken and all he has to do is “some things” for the kidnappers and then they’ll let his wife and son go free.
Jess Norris who is Shaun’s girlfriend is in charge of the port. The kidnappers want her to let a certain lorry through the port without an inspection. Shaun is to call her and tell her without telling her anything else.
Shaun is surprised and devastated to learn that the woman and boy who were rescued at an abandoned farmhouse were not his relatives. So where are they? He goes to the morgue to examine the suicide’s body, he finds listening devices. He also meets George Elms. He calls George later in the evening and asks for his help. They meet and Shaun tells all. George convinces Shaun to go with him to meet Sergeant Emily Ryker who is currently assigned to the drugs task force and is an old friend of George’s.
We meet a murderous drug dealer. One of his victims escapes and later is arrested by the police. Upon questioning him, they learn that he was smuggled into the country on a lorry carrying tomatoes. Connections are made.
Shaun finally gets contacted by the people who have his family. He is directed to a seedy hotel to pick up a package and go to a certain room. He is directed to do something awful. He is then directed to locate a certain person and deliver him to the man who is directing this whole nightmare.
We speed toward the denouement with action and much emotion.
I was so pleased to see George’s return to this novel. I really like him. He’s all too human, kind and generous to those who know him. He’s a wonderful character who has a rather unconventional approach to policing. This novel is extremely well written and plotted, as are all of Charlie Gallagher’s books. The suspense starts out immediately and continues to build throughout the book. Mr. Gallagher has a way with the creation of his characters. They are so real. I felt like I was there at every scene described in brilliant detail.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
A car careens through a busy street ending up crashed into a shop window. A man jumps out and kidnaps a woman and her young son at gunpoint.
Sergeant Shaun Carter gets a call out on a Sunday to a repeat jumper. He knows the man from before. The man tells him that his ex-wife and ten-year old son have been taken and all he has to do is “some things” for the kidnappers and then they’ll let his wife and son go free.
Jess Norris who is Shaun’s girlfriend is in charge of the port. The kidnappers want her to let a certain lorry through the port without an inspection. Shaun is to call her and tell her without telling her anything else.
Shaun is surprised and devastated to learn that the woman and boy who were rescued at an abandoned farmhouse were not his relatives. So where are they? He goes to the morgue to examine the suicide’s body, he finds listening devices. He also meets George Elms. He calls George later in the evening and asks for his help. They meet and Shaun tells all. George convinces Shaun to go with him to meet Sergeant Emily Ryker who is currently assigned to the drugs task force and is an old friend of George’s.
We meet a murderous drug dealer. One of his victims escapes and later is arrested by the police. Upon questioning him, they learn that he was smuggled into the country on a lorry carrying tomatoes. Connections are made.
Shaun finally gets contacted by the people who have his family. He is directed to a seedy hotel to pick up a package and go to a certain room. He is directed to do something awful. He is then directed to locate a certain person and deliver him to the man who is directing this whole nightmare.
We speed toward the denouement with action and much emotion.
I was so pleased to see George’s return to this novel. I really like him. He’s all too human, kind and generous to those who know him. He’s a wonderful character who has a rather unconventional approach to policing. This novel is extremely well written and plotted, as are all of Charlie Gallagher’s books. The suspense starts out immediately and continues to build throughout the book. Mr. Gallagher has a way with the creation of his characters. They are so real. I felt like I was there at every scene described in brilliant detail.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
October 22, 2018
Missing by Charlie Gallagher
Although I ended up enjoying this book it took time for me to become totally hooked. I was delighted to find favourite characters appearing and from that moment it went from okay to great. There were many occasions which left my heart in my mouth and my stomach in knots. The conclusion, as always, was a time when I couldn’t put my kindle down. Thanks for another great read Charlie.
Although I ended up enjoying this book it took time for me to become totally hooked. I was delighted to find favourite characters appearing and from that moment it went from okay to great. There were many occasions which left my heart in my mouth and my stomach in knots. The conclusion, as always, was a time when I couldn’t put my kindle down. Thanks for another great read Charlie.
September 13, 2017
Sgt Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is called out to a man threatening to throw himself from a viaduct.
At the same time a vehicle is speeding through the busy town centre, finally crashing through a teashop frontage.
Two men leap out and grab a woman and young boy and bundle them away at gunpoint.
The jumper on the viaduct informs Shaun that his ex wife and son have been kidnapped and in order to get them back he must do something for the kidnappers.
This involves Shauns new girlfriend who is in charge at the port allowing a lorry to freely pass through.
If only it was that easy.
Nothing is so simple and things go from bad to worse even with Shaun bringing Detective George Elms into his confidence.
This book moves along at a rapid speed, the suspense starts at page one and doesn`t stop until the very end.
I was gripped from the beginning. Once again Mr Gallagher has given us great characters, a convincing plot and his detail brought the whole book to life.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, no hesitation in awarding it 5*
At the same time a vehicle is speeding through the busy town centre, finally crashing through a teashop frontage.
Two men leap out and grab a woman and young boy and bundle them away at gunpoint.
The jumper on the viaduct informs Shaun that his ex wife and son have been kidnapped and in order to get them back he must do something for the kidnappers.
This involves Shauns new girlfriend who is in charge at the port allowing a lorry to freely pass through.
If only it was that easy.
Nothing is so simple and things go from bad to worse even with Shaun bringing Detective George Elms into his confidence.
This book moves along at a rapid speed, the suspense starts at page one and doesn`t stop until the very end.
I was gripped from the beginning. Once again Mr Gallagher has given us great characters, a convincing plot and his detail brought the whole book to life.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, no hesitation in awarding it 5*
February 18, 2025
Setting: Kent, UK; present day. Great crime thriller as Sergeant Shaun Carter, a police negotiator, is targeted by a criminal gang. A high-profile kidnapping in the centre of Canterbury has seemed to place the officer's ex-wife and son in mortal danger unless he does what he is told. Unable to tell his colleagues, he turns to maverick cop George Elms for assistance and so begins a breakneck chase to follow the criminals' instructions whilst secretly trying to find out who they are. Set in the fictional south coast town of Langthorne, action also takes place in Canterbury and Dover. What I couldn't really understand is the choice of 'Lennokshire' as the name of the police force! Really??!! Why not call it 'South Coast Police' or something that sounds a bit more realistic and English?! That quibble aside, this was a great and gripping read - 9/10.
Many thanks to the publishers, Joffe Books, for a free ARC version of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Many thanks to the publishers, Joffe Books, for a free ARC version of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 19, 2017
Sergeant Shaun Carter has been called to Langthorne Viaduct to negotiate with someone who's threatening to jump. When he arrives he realises that it's the same person that he talked down a few weeks earlier. However, this time the jumper has instructions for Shaun from an unknown person - do as they say and his ex-wife and son will come to no harm. Shaun can't stop the man from jumping but realises that the his family are still captive. He turns to the only man he thinks he can help him - George Elms. Rollercoaster of a read which kept me gripped from the beginning. Love Charlie Gallagher's writing.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2017
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This book is tense right from the first few pages, you are gripped and it barely lets you go at the end of the book, I definitely thought about the plot after it had finished and you do find yourself considered the question initially posed - what wouldn't you do to get your family back? It is set at a fantastic pace, I loved the writing style and the whole thing really drew me in - there were so many twists and turns that I couldn't guess what was coming next - this was a cracking book and I thoroughly enjoyed it - 5 stars from me and looking forward to more of the same.
This book is tense right from the first few pages, you are gripped and it barely lets you go at the end of the book, I definitely thought about the plot after it had finished and you do find yourself considered the question initially posed - what wouldn't you do to get your family back? It is set at a fantastic pace, I loved the writing style and the whole thing really drew me in - there were so many twists and turns that I couldn't guess what was coming next - this was a cracking book and I thoroughly enjoyed it - 5 stars from me and looking forward to more of the same.
September 11, 2017
This is the latest book from Charlie Gallagher and he just keeps improving. Up with the best writers of police procedural, this one did not disappoint me. I always feel like I have lost a friend when i reach the last page! Another roller coaster ride with a believable plot and real characters who have their own faults. George Elms is back, along with Shaun Carter, whose wife and son have been kidnapped. Very well written, with a touch of gore, a sure fire winner from this author. Many thanks to Joffe Books and Net Galley for my ARC.
May 28, 2020
MISSING. by Charlie. Gallagher A tense story from the first page, and one wonders what the connections are. A car out of control, then a woman and her son forced into a car. A woman thrown off a bridge, was it her, the husband is devastated, and where is son. Once again Charlie has written a gripping thriller, and readers will delight in this latest book. Given ARC by Joffee for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
September 11, 2017
Yet another compelling & completely unputdownable rollercoaster of a book!!!
I was completely drawn in from page 1 & once again totally invested in the characters!! Read this in a day as could not put it down!! Was totally gutted when I finished as I enjoyed it so much!! Can't wait to see what's next from Charlie Gallagher - what an author!!!!
I was completely drawn in from page 1 & once again totally invested in the characters!! Read this in a day as could not put it down!! Was totally gutted when I finished as I enjoyed it so much!! Can't wait to see what's next from Charlie Gallagher - what an author!!!!
September 26, 2017
The main thing that drew me to this book, apart from being a big fan of Charlie’s previous books, is that it is based in Canterbury, where I live, and surrounding areas, so I knew that it would be a good and enjoyable read.
The book starts off with a bang when a woman and boy are shopping in Canterbury city centre and a car smashes through the coffee shop where they are resting and kidnap them at gunpoint. The story then switches to Sergeant Shaun Carter who is trying to talk to a suicidal man, and trying to stop him from jumping off a viaduct in another local town.
After this strong start the story carries on at a nail-biting pace as we follow Shaun through the case. There are lots of twist and turns straight from the outset involving the woman and boy and throughout where we are sent thinking one thing and then something happens, which changes the whole direction.
I really enjoyed the book and thought it was well written, the fact it was set around my local area made it all the more enjoyable.
The book starts off with a bang when a woman and boy are shopping in Canterbury city centre and a car smashes through the coffee shop where they are resting and kidnap them at gunpoint. The story then switches to Sergeant Shaun Carter who is trying to talk to a suicidal man, and trying to stop him from jumping off a viaduct in another local town.
After this strong start the story carries on at a nail-biting pace as we follow Shaun through the case. There are lots of twist and turns straight from the outset involving the woman and boy and throughout where we are sent thinking one thing and then something happens, which changes the whole direction.
I really enjoyed the book and thought it was well written, the fact it was set around my local area made it all the more enjoyable.
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