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DC Ian Bradshaw #4
The Chosen Ones
Eva Dunbar wakes in a large metal box. She has no idea who has taken her. She has no way out . . .
Eva isn't the first young woman to disappear. Detective Ian Bradshaw, leading the search, has no leads - and precious little time.
When at last a body is found, the police hope the tragic discovery might at least provide a clue that will help them finally find the kidnapper.
But then they identify the body - and realise the case is more twisted than they ever imagined . . .
The Chosen Ones is the dark and compelling new novel from Howard Linskey.
Eva isn't the first young woman to disappear. Detective Ian Bradshaw, leading the search, has no leads - and precious little time.
When at last a body is found, the police hope the tragic discovery might at least provide a clue that will help them finally find the kidnapper.
But then they identify the body - and realise the case is more twisted than they ever imagined . . .
The Chosen Ones is the dark and compelling new novel from Howard Linskey.
464 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
64 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Howard Linskey
31 books251 followersABOUT ME
A bit about me and my books. I am an author with Canelo, currently writing a series of William Shakespeare mysteries. The first is 'A Serpent In The Garden' which sees Will forced to look into the mysterious death of a lady in Elizabethan London. .
I am also the author of a series of books set in the north east of England, featuring journalists Tom Carney & Helen Norton with detective Ian Bradshaw, who all appear in ‘The Chosen Ones’, ‘The Search’, 'Behind Dead Eyes’ and ‘No Name Lane' and the standalones, 'Alice Teale Is Missing', 'Don't Let Him In' and The Inheritance'.
My WW2 historical novels include ‘Hunting the Hangman’, which tells the true story of the assassination of Nazi General, Reinhard Heydrich, and ‘Ungentlemanly Warfare’. The latter features SOE agents, Harry Walsh and Emma Stirling and OSS agent, Sam Cooper.
My earlier novels, the David Blake books, have been optioned for TV by Harry Potter producer, David Barron. The Times newspaper voted 'The Drop' one of its Top Five Thrillers of the Year and 'The Damage' one of its Top Summer Reads. Both books broke into the top five Amazon Kindle chart.
I’m honoured to be the ghost writer of ‘Surviving Hell’ which tells the true story of former Para, Nick Dunn, one of the Chennai Six, who were wrongfully imprisoned in India for years, having committed no crime, and 'Surviving Hell', the autobiography of Princess Diana's former bodyguard, Lee Sansum.
On a far lighter note, I am also the writer behind ‘The Little Book Of Pintfulness’ a mindfulness spoof, which comprehensively proves that life is just better with beer. Please read responsibly.
Prior to becoming a full-time author, I led a series of different lives with a number of jobs, including barman, journalist, catering manager and marketing manager for a celebrity chef, as well as in a variety of sales and account management roles. I can confirm that writing books definitely beats working for a living.
I started writing many moons ago and was first published in the Newcastle United football fanzine, 'The Mag'. I then became a journalist and wrote for regional newspapers. I have also written for magazines and web sites and was once the English Premier League football correspondent for a Malaysian magazine. I've stopped all of that nonsense now, preferring to make up stuff instead and call myself an author.
I'm originally from Ferryhill in County Durham but, like most of the people I grew up with, I left the north east in search of work and never quite made it back. I am now settled in Hertfordshire with my lovely wife Alison and wonderful daughter Erin.
I'm still a long-suffering Newcastle United fan and can only assume that Mike Ashley is a punishment inflicted upon us for all of the crimes we committed in our past lives.
I am represented by the best Literary Agent in the UK, Phil Patterson at Marjacq. Catherine Pellegrino looks after my foreign rights there. If you are Brad Pitt and you wish to play David Blake in a movie then Leah Middleton takes care of Film and TV rights:
Marjacq Scripts Ltd
The Space
235 High Holborn
London WC1V 7LE
+44 (0) 20 7935 9499
F +44 (0) 20 7935 9115
enquiries@marjacq.com
A bit about me and my books. I am an author with Canelo, currently writing a series of William Shakespeare mysteries. The first is 'A Serpent In The Garden' which sees Will forced to look into the mysterious death of a lady in Elizabethan London. .
I am also the author of a series of books set in the north east of England, featuring journalists Tom Carney & Helen Norton with detective Ian Bradshaw, who all appear in ‘The Chosen Ones’, ‘The Search’, 'Behind Dead Eyes’ and ‘No Name Lane' and the standalones, 'Alice Teale Is Missing', 'Don't Let Him In' and The Inheritance'.
My WW2 historical novels include ‘Hunting the Hangman’, which tells the true story of the assassination of Nazi General, Reinhard Heydrich, and ‘Ungentlemanly Warfare’. The latter features SOE agents, Harry Walsh and Emma Stirling and OSS agent, Sam Cooper.
My earlier novels, the David Blake books, have been optioned for TV by Harry Potter producer, David Barron. The Times newspaper voted 'The Drop' one of its Top Five Thrillers of the Year and 'The Damage' one of its Top Summer Reads. Both books broke into the top five Amazon Kindle chart.
I’m honoured to be the ghost writer of ‘Surviving Hell’ which tells the true story of former Para, Nick Dunn, one of the Chennai Six, who were wrongfully imprisoned in India for years, having committed no crime, and 'Surviving Hell', the autobiography of Princess Diana's former bodyguard, Lee Sansum.
On a far lighter note, I am also the writer behind ‘The Little Book Of Pintfulness’ a mindfulness spoof, which comprehensively proves that life is just better with beer. Please read responsibly.
Prior to becoming a full-time author, I led a series of different lives with a number of jobs, including barman, journalist, catering manager and marketing manager for a celebrity chef, as well as in a variety of sales and account management roles. I can confirm that writing books definitely beats working for a living.
I started writing many moons ago and was first published in the Newcastle United football fanzine, 'The Mag'. I then became a journalist and wrote for regional newspapers. I have also written for magazines and web sites and was once the English Premier League football correspondent for a Malaysian magazine. I've stopped all of that nonsense now, preferring to make up stuff instead and call myself an author.
I'm originally from Ferryhill in County Durham but, like most of the people I grew up with, I left the north east in search of work and never quite made it back. I am now settled in Hertfordshire with my lovely wife Alison and wonderful daughter Erin.
I'm still a long-suffering Newcastle United fan and can only assume that Mike Ashley is a punishment inflicted upon us for all of the crimes we committed in our past lives.
I am represented by the best Literary Agent in the UK, Phil Patterson at Marjacq. Catherine Pellegrino looks after my foreign rights there. If you are Brad Pitt and you wish to play David Blake in a movie then Leah Middleton takes care of Film and TV rights:
Marjacq Scripts Ltd
The Space
235 High Holborn
London WC1V 7LE
+44 (0) 20 7935 9499
F +44 (0) 20 7935 9115
enquiries@marjacq.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
June 29, 2018
Eva Dunbar wakes up to find herself in a large metal crate with no obvious way out. The door is extremely heavy and securely locked from the outside, but how did she get here? Where is she, and why? Author, Howard Linskey brings Eva's dark and terrifying nightmare right into our very living rooms in this well crafted thriller/police procedural.
DCI Ian Bradshaw joins forces with freelance journalists Tom and Helen to investigate Eva's disappearance, after it becomes clear that she's not the first girl to go missing for no apparent reason.
Tom and Helen mainly make a living selling stories to mainstream newspapers and magazines, but from time to time they help Detective Bradshaw, who’s team is constantly understaffed and overworked. The three of them make for a pretty good team, given that their primary aim in life is digging for the truth. This latest case though, will lead them all into unimaginable danger.
Oh my, this was a claustrophobic plot that draws the reader in, and drags them (sometimes unwillingly) into a subterranean world of terror. There is an air of menace throughout that heightens incredibly, as our three main protagonists get ever nearer to solving the mystery of the missing girls. The subject matter is dark and disturbing, but Howard Linskey writes with great skill to produce a terrifying but compelling read.
* Thank you to Netgalley, and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*
DCI Ian Bradshaw joins forces with freelance journalists Tom and Helen to investigate Eva's disappearance, after it becomes clear that she's not the first girl to go missing for no apparent reason.
Tom and Helen mainly make a living selling stories to mainstream newspapers and magazines, but from time to time they help Detective Bradshaw, who’s team is constantly understaffed and overworked. The three of them make for a pretty good team, given that their primary aim in life is digging for the truth. This latest case though, will lead them all into unimaginable danger.
Oh my, this was a claustrophobic plot that draws the reader in, and drags them (sometimes unwillingly) into a subterranean world of terror. There is an air of menace throughout that heightens incredibly, as our three main protagonists get ever nearer to solving the mystery of the missing girls. The subject matter is dark and disturbing, but Howard Linskey writes with great skill to produce a terrifying but compelling read.
* Thank you to Netgalley, and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*
July 3, 2018
One of the reasons I like this series is that is set in Durham, a city I have lived in. This is the fourth in the series featuring DS Ian Bradshaw, a cop who has established the working of cases with journalists, Tom Carney and Helen Norton. It is 1997, and Durham Constabulary is suffering from a reputational knock after one officer is publicly outed as corrupt and 8 are suspended for the same reason. The police are short of manpower which is how Bradshaw finds himself the sole person on the investigation of the disappeared women in the region, five women have gone missing in the last six months. He manages to bring on board Tom and Helen, but it is difficult to get a handle on the case. The body of a woman, missing for 18 years, is discovered out in the open and she physically resembles the most recent woman taken, Eva. Is this a coincidence?
One woman, the desperately disorientated Sarah had claimed she had been imprisoned underground and had managed to get away. She was never believed and she died, suffering from renal and liver failure. The narrative goes back and forth in time with the abductor through the 70s, 80s and the 90s and recounts the experience of Eva, the most recent woman taken by the abductor. The trio look into the missing women, trying to work out if there are any connections. Tom finds himself reacquainted with an old flame, Jenna Ellison, a woman being blackmailed about her shadowy past. Bradshaw and his boss, DCI Kane, find themselves under the malevolent gaze of the man expected to succeed the Chief Constable, will their careers survive? Bradshaw, Tom and Helen find themselves in desperate danger as they begin to get closer to the truth.
Linskey writes a compelling crime thriller set in the tail end of the 1990s with an interesting group of characters that you cannot help but find interesting. There are unacknowledged feelings between Helen and Tom, although I am not certain that Tom really wants to do anything about this. He is busy with a much younger girlfriend, Penny, a student. I was fascinated by the history of secret bunkers in the country from the cold war years and how the religious survivalist abductor made use of them to keep the taken women in. This is an entertaining and absorbing read of a series I have developed a fondness for. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
One woman, the desperately disorientated Sarah had claimed she had been imprisoned underground and had managed to get away. She was never believed and she died, suffering from renal and liver failure. The narrative goes back and forth in time with the abductor through the 70s, 80s and the 90s and recounts the experience of Eva, the most recent woman taken by the abductor. The trio look into the missing women, trying to work out if there are any connections. Tom finds himself reacquainted with an old flame, Jenna Ellison, a woman being blackmailed about her shadowy past. Bradshaw and his boss, DCI Kane, find themselves under the malevolent gaze of the man expected to succeed the Chief Constable, will their careers survive? Bradshaw, Tom and Helen find themselves in desperate danger as they begin to get closer to the truth.
Linskey writes a compelling crime thriller set in the tail end of the 1990s with an interesting group of characters that you cannot help but find interesting. There are unacknowledged feelings between Helen and Tom, although I am not certain that Tom really wants to do anything about this. He is busy with a much younger girlfriend, Penny, a student. I was fascinated by the history of secret bunkers in the country from the cold war years and how the religious survivalist abductor made use of them to keep the taken women in. This is an entertaining and absorbing read of a series I have developed a fondness for. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
June 22, 2018
DC Ian Bradshaw #4
Eva Dunbar wakes up in a large metal box. She has no idea how she got there or who had taken her. Eva is not the first person to disappear. Detective Ian Bradshaw has no leads.
When a body is found, the police hope the discovery will at least provide a clue that will help them find the kidnapper. This book features Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist Tom Clancy. Bradshaw seems to get the jobs no one else wants to do. This is a fast paced, tense, gripping roller coaster of a read with many twists thrown in. With multiple points of view, we are always finding out something new. I have not read any of this authors work before, and this is the fourth book in the series. I do think this book can be read as a standalone, but have I missed out on something by not reading the rear of the books in this series? I will have to read the rest of the books in the series to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Howard Linskey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Eva Dunbar wakes up in a large metal box. She has no idea how she got there or who had taken her. Eva is not the first person to disappear. Detective Ian Bradshaw has no leads.
When a body is found, the police hope the discovery will at least provide a clue that will help them find the kidnapper. This book features Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist Tom Clancy. Bradshaw seems to get the jobs no one else wants to do. This is a fast paced, tense, gripping roller coaster of a read with many twists thrown in. With multiple points of view, we are always finding out something new. I have not read any of this authors work before, and this is the fourth book in the series. I do think this book can be read as a standalone, but have I missed out on something by not reading the rear of the books in this series? I will have to read the rest of the books in the series to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Howard Linskey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2018
The Chosen Ones by Howard Linskey is a dark, scary police procedural story.
Young women are disappearing and DI Bradshaw has to investigate if they have gone of their own accord or been taken or kidnapped.
This is the fourth book in the series and I felt that I was missing the background of the professionals involved and I think this spoilt my enjoyment of the book a little.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for inviting me to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Young women are disappearing and DI Bradshaw has to investigate if they have gone of their own accord or been taken or kidnapped.
This is the fourth book in the series and I felt that I was missing the background of the professionals involved and I think this spoilt my enjoyment of the book a little.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for inviting me to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2018
DC Ian Bradshaw #4
Eva Dunbar wakes in a large metal box. She has no idea how she got there or who had taken her. Eva is not the first person to disappeared. Detective Ian Bradshaw has no leads.
When a body is found, the police hope the discovery will at least provide a clue that will help them find the kidnapper. This book features Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist Tom Carney. Bradshaw seems to get the jobs no one else wants to do. This is a fast paced, tense, gripping roller coaster of a ride with many twists thrown in. With multiple points of view, we are always finding out something new. I have not read any of this authors work before, and this is the fourth book in the series. I do think it can be read as a standalone, but have I missed out on something by not reading the other books in this series first? I will have to read the rest of the books in this series to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Howard Linskey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Eva Dunbar wakes in a large metal box. She has no idea how she got there or who had taken her. Eva is not the first person to disappeared. Detective Ian Bradshaw has no leads.
When a body is found, the police hope the discovery will at least provide a clue that will help them find the kidnapper. This book features Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist Tom Carney. Bradshaw seems to get the jobs no one else wants to do. This is a fast paced, tense, gripping roller coaster of a ride with many twists thrown in. With multiple points of view, we are always finding out something new. I have not read any of this authors work before, and this is the fourth book in the series. I do think it can be read as a standalone, but have I missed out on something by not reading the other books in this series first? I will have to read the rest of the books in this series to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Howard Linskey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
A pretty middle of the road mystery/thriller. I haven't read any other books in this series but I don't think it's necessary. If I had read the others in the series I might have felt more connected to the main characters but I don't think it would have changed my rating.
There is a mention of police corruption pretty early on and the reader is quickly aware that Ian Bradshaw is 'one of the good guys'. I find police corruption and good and bad cops a bit frustrating I don't believe anyone is completely good. We don't get any recap on previous cases but a little bit of background information on the characters. Ian Bradshaw was a decent enough character with his humour and sarcasm but I didn't connect with him.
For some reason the author felt the need to throw in random bits of politics which I didn't enjoy. The plot as a whole was fine, nothing new or special but ok. I found the side plot line pretty boring though and the main plot line tied up much to quickly. I was confused when there was only about 50 pages left and no conclusion. The ending felt like a rush and very convenient I'm not too interested in continuing with this series.
There is a mention of police corruption pretty early on and the reader is quickly aware that Ian Bradshaw is 'one of the good guys'. I find police corruption and good and bad cops a bit frustrating I don't believe anyone is completely good. We don't get any recap on previous cases but a little bit of background information on the characters. Ian Bradshaw was a decent enough character with his humour and sarcasm but I didn't connect with him.
For some reason the author felt the need to throw in random bits of politics which I didn't enjoy. The plot as a whole was fine, nothing new or special but ok. I found the side plot line pretty boring though and the main plot line tied up much to quickly. I was confused when there was only about 50 pages left and no conclusion. The ending felt like a rush and very convenient I'm not too interested in continuing with this series.
June 22, 2018
This was completely my cup of tea - seriously, if the amazing and rather creepy cover and the enticing synopsis don't pique your interest then it ain't for you. Having not read the previous books in the series I cannot comment on those but I do think this works well as a standalone - of course, you are not privy to the backstory and relationship building that went on in those but the story here is self-contained.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist, Tom Clancy. They worked together like a well-oiled machine and I look forward to starting from book one and getting to know the characters pasts.
Eve Dunbar wakes in a metal box that has been buried underground and seems to have no way to escape the dark, cramped conditions. She is not the first to go missing but the police have precious little to go on. That is, until they find a body which they hope will at least point them in the direction of the kidnapper and help them to deliver justice. But it apppears that nothing is what it seems.
The story flows really well and I found the prose to be easy-to-read and follow. There is the use of misdirection and the finale is excellent. It is written in short sharp chapters that make it even more difficult to put down, the pace is quick but not overly so and I liked that it was told from multiple POV as it let's us see proceedings from various different perspectives.
One last point - I appreciated the setting - Durham - as it is close to where i live and I know it quite well.
Many thanks to Penguin - Michael Joseph for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Detective Ian Bradshaw and journalist, Tom Clancy. They worked together like a well-oiled machine and I look forward to starting from book one and getting to know the characters pasts.
Eve Dunbar wakes in a metal box that has been buried underground and seems to have no way to escape the dark, cramped conditions. She is not the first to go missing but the police have precious little to go on. That is, until they find a body which they hope will at least point them in the direction of the kidnapper and help them to deliver justice. But it apppears that nothing is what it seems.
The story flows really well and I found the prose to be easy-to-read and follow. There is the use of misdirection and the finale is excellent. It is written in short sharp chapters that make it even more difficult to put down, the pace is quick but not overly so and I liked that it was told from multiple POV as it let's us see proceedings from various different perspectives.
One last point - I appreciated the setting - Durham - as it is close to where i live and I know it quite well.
Many thanks to Penguin - Michael Joseph for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2018
This is the first DS Bradshaw novel that I have read, and it certainly will not be the last. I enjoyed this book in its entirety and was hooked from the first paragraph.
At the start of the book, Eva is “imprisoned in a large metal box”, with a bed, a lamp and a bible, unaware of how she got there. Her captor, masked and carrying a shotgun, informs her that “If you listen to him (Father), you’ll be saved.”
A scheduled BBC documentary exposing eight corrupt policemen in the Durham Constabulary has left the police very short-handed. So, when Bradshaw is assigned to look into the disappearances of five young women over the preceding six months by himself, he is able to convince his boss of the need to bring in his investigative journalist friends, Tom and Helen, to give him much needed assistance. There is no reason for the women to go missing. Their friends and families – as well as the police – are completely bamboozled. “Good girls” like these five do not take off without telling some-one where they are going.
Jenna has a stalker – will she be the next to disappear? Then, the body of an emaciated older female is discovered. Could she possibly be linked to Ian Bradshaw’s case?
Bradshaw’s investigation is hampered by police politics – not always connected to corruption, but certainly cases of advanced covering-of-one’s-backside. Helen’s and Tom’s private lives are complicated, and they do not seem to be communicating with each other as much as they should.
The villain of the book is mentally ill, rather than intrinsically evil. He believes the Apocalypse is coming, and only he and the women he keeps with him – once conversant with his interpretation of God’s word – will be saved. The abductions are actions of mercy and necessity – if only the women would see it that way.
The imprisoned Eva is a particularly strong woman, who never gives up, however bleak her future appears to be. When her fleeting chances of escape are quashed, she turns to the Bible: “If she could convince the man to sit with her and teach her about the Bible and his twisted world view, maybe she could make some form of connection with him.”
All the characters in this book, and the story-lines, are really believable and well filled out. The investigation(s) – of course, there is more than one going on – do not run smoothly, and time may be running out for the missing women. Bradshaw, Helen and Tom are very sympathetic characters, and you really want them to succeed. When they are put in danger (as is inevitable in police procedurals), your heart is in your mouth. The story is too realistic for a happy ending to be assumed, so the tension keeps up right to the end, through some really major plot twists.
I can recommend this book unreservedly to anyone who likes crime novels or thrillers.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
At the start of the book, Eva is “imprisoned in a large metal box”, with a bed, a lamp and a bible, unaware of how she got there. Her captor, masked and carrying a shotgun, informs her that “If you listen to him (Father), you’ll be saved.”
A scheduled BBC documentary exposing eight corrupt policemen in the Durham Constabulary has left the police very short-handed. So, when Bradshaw is assigned to look into the disappearances of five young women over the preceding six months by himself, he is able to convince his boss of the need to bring in his investigative journalist friends, Tom and Helen, to give him much needed assistance. There is no reason for the women to go missing. Their friends and families – as well as the police – are completely bamboozled. “Good girls” like these five do not take off without telling some-one where they are going.
Jenna has a stalker – will she be the next to disappear? Then, the body of an emaciated older female is discovered. Could she possibly be linked to Ian Bradshaw’s case?
Bradshaw’s investigation is hampered by police politics – not always connected to corruption, but certainly cases of advanced covering-of-one’s-backside. Helen’s and Tom’s private lives are complicated, and they do not seem to be communicating with each other as much as they should.
The villain of the book is mentally ill, rather than intrinsically evil. He believes the Apocalypse is coming, and only he and the women he keeps with him – once conversant with his interpretation of God’s word – will be saved. The abductions are actions of mercy and necessity – if only the women would see it that way.
The imprisoned Eva is a particularly strong woman, who never gives up, however bleak her future appears to be. When her fleeting chances of escape are quashed, she turns to the Bible: “If she could convince the man to sit with her and teach her about the Bible and his twisted world view, maybe she could make some form of connection with him.”
All the characters in this book, and the story-lines, are really believable and well filled out. The investigation(s) – of course, there is more than one going on – do not run smoothly, and time may be running out for the missing women. Bradshaw, Helen and Tom are very sympathetic characters, and you really want them to succeed. When they are put in danger (as is inevitable in police procedurals), your heart is in your mouth. The story is too realistic for a happy ending to be assumed, so the tension keeps up right to the end, through some really major plot twists.
I can recommend this book unreservedly to anyone who likes crime novels or thrillers.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 13, 2018
Another terrific addition to this series from Howard Linskey- I’m a big fan not only of his writing but also his wonderful mix of police procedural and psychological thriller always with a deliciously dark and creepy premise which is certainly the case with The Chosen Ones.
Taken and held underground with no hope of escape or aid- just imagine. That is what Eva faces here, meanwhile our trusted crew race to discover what has happened to her and others. Then an awful discovery changes the way they look at the case..
The group dynamic in the series is one of its huge strengths as we get different life experiences and ways of working. I’m especially fond of Helen, one of those hugely engaging and realistic female protagonists you can genuinely get behind.
This authors depth of perception when weaving the web of interpersonal relationships is truly excellent and the mix of journalism and police is cleverly satisfying.
The plot was tension filled as ever with that page turning quality we all look for in our crime fiction. Brilliantly readable and utterly compelling. Also downright scary on occasion. Love It.
Recommended.
Taken and held underground with no hope of escape or aid- just imagine. That is what Eva faces here, meanwhile our trusted crew race to discover what has happened to her and others. Then an awful discovery changes the way they look at the case..
The group dynamic in the series is one of its huge strengths as we get different life experiences and ways of working. I’m especially fond of Helen, one of those hugely engaging and realistic female protagonists you can genuinely get behind.
This authors depth of perception when weaving the web of interpersonal relationships is truly excellent and the mix of journalism and police is cleverly satisfying.
The plot was tension filled as ever with that page turning quality we all look for in our crime fiction. Brilliantly readable and utterly compelling. Also downright scary on occasion. Love It.
Recommended.
August 21, 2022
You wake up in a metal box, you are wearing someone else's clothes. There is no escape. The box is opened and you are confronted with a big man wearing a homemade grotesque mask. You scream and this is only the beginning.
This is a hell of a powerful read, dark, chilling and very hard to put down. I read this book in one sitting and only came up for breath after I had turned the last page. Another knew author for me and I can't believe this book has been sat in my not read library for so long. Shame on me. A very happy reader.
This is a hell of a powerful read, dark, chilling and very hard to put down. I read this book in one sitting and only came up for breath after I had turned the last page. Another knew author for me and I can't believe this book has been sat in my not read library for so long. Shame on me. A very happy reader.
July 1, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for a review copy of The Chosen Ones, the fourth novel to feature DS Ian Bradshaw of Durham police and journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton.
Durham police think they may have a problem as five young women have recently gone missing, but with no evidence of a crime and nothing to link them, nobody is sure what to do. DS Ian Bradshaw is drafted in to replace the current team and he promptly recruits Tom Carney and Helen Norton to help his solo endeavours.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen Ones which is a compulsive read with some excellent, surprising twists. Both the plotting and pacing had me enthralled as I raced through it to get some answers. Add in some good characterisation, a dash of police politics and some humourous dialogue and you almost get the perfect read. I say almost because the shifting point of view in both the narrative and the timeline are a bit distracting and it means that the investigative team is forever playing catchup with what the reader knows. The novel opens in the 1997 present day with Eva trapped in a metal box and then moves to Ian and his investigation into her disappearance. It switches back and forward, even within chapters, throughout the novel and is interlarded with the kidnapper's history over the years. Fortunately these episodes are dated to give the reader a sense of time. It can get a bit confusing if you're not concentrating but the compulsive theme of trying to find the girls mitigates, to some extent, all the switching about.
I really enjoy the characterisation in this series. All three are smart and dedicated and are obviously very close which adds warmth to a dark novel. The Helen and Tom will they, won't they situation continues from Helen's point of view and adds a certain piquancy to their relationship but it's like background noise as Tom's attention is elsewhere.
The Chosen Ones is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending. 4.5*
Durham police think they may have a problem as five young women have recently gone missing, but with no evidence of a crime and nothing to link them, nobody is sure what to do. DS Ian Bradshaw is drafted in to replace the current team and he promptly recruits Tom Carney and Helen Norton to help his solo endeavours.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen Ones which is a compulsive read with some excellent, surprising twists. Both the plotting and pacing had me enthralled as I raced through it to get some answers. Add in some good characterisation, a dash of police politics and some humourous dialogue and you almost get the perfect read. I say almost because the shifting point of view in both the narrative and the timeline are a bit distracting and it means that the investigative team is forever playing catchup with what the reader knows. The novel opens in the 1997 present day with Eva trapped in a metal box and then moves to Ian and his investigation into her disappearance. It switches back and forward, even within chapters, throughout the novel and is interlarded with the kidnapper's history over the years. Fortunately these episodes are dated to give the reader a sense of time. It can get a bit confusing if you're not concentrating but the compulsive theme of trying to find the girls mitigates, to some extent, all the switching about.
I really enjoy the characterisation in this series. All three are smart and dedicated and are obviously very close which adds warmth to a dark novel. The Helen and Tom will they, won't they situation continues from Helen's point of view and adds a certain piquancy to their relationship but it's like background noise as Tom's attention is elsewhere.
The Chosen Ones is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending. 4.5*
October 17, 2018
A new author to me, and a book which I began reading without realising it was part of a series. It read well despite that, and the dynamic between the detective and two investigative journalists engaged me enough to make me want to read the series from the beginning. The writing flows well and the plot is nicely paced, but I felt some of the dialogue was a little unnatural.
July 5, 2018
Oh wow! This book should have a warning that says don’t read when alone because believe me I was bricking it. Even the room I was reading in seemed to get smaller and the hot weather didn’t help with my already raised temperature and adrenaline fuelled mind. Wakening in a box, one solid can’t get out of box. I can’t imagine how Eva’s mind could be processing all this but slowly it did and worst of all she knew she wasn’t the first.
Oh boy, I didn’t know if I wanted to know who could do this to a young woman or what had happened to the previous tenant. Now there are some real nutters, some are born that way and some are made and now and again there is a mix of the two. This certainly felt like the third choice. I kept telling myself that the fear of the unknown is usually worse than the reality but I was wrong, big style wrong. OMG!
There is of course life going on outside the box as the story darts from the past to present day as I heard the thoughts of different characters, including those of the abductor. This book had taken over my thoughts as everything else had seemed to close down. It makes you feel the isolation and gawd damn it I was so frustrated as to why Eva was being kept prisoner.
This is the fourth D.S. Ian Bradshaw novel and back to help the over worked, under staffed police officer was Tom Carney and Helen Norton, both independent investigatory journalists. What a beaut team they made! I loved the humour, the hint of romance and the my shovel is bigger than yours for digging up clues to what the hell was going on! that just bounced between them.
This is one all round totally satisfying book to read. A real heart in your mouth finale that is truly a belter! Although I originally got this book through the Publisher, Penguin Random House and NetGalley. I have purchased this book it really is cracking.
Oh boy, I didn’t know if I wanted to know who could do this to a young woman or what had happened to the previous tenant. Now there are some real nutters, some are born that way and some are made and now and again there is a mix of the two. This certainly felt like the third choice. I kept telling myself that the fear of the unknown is usually worse than the reality but I was wrong, big style wrong. OMG!
There is of course life going on outside the box as the story darts from the past to present day as I heard the thoughts of different characters, including those of the abductor. This book had taken over my thoughts as everything else had seemed to close down. It makes you feel the isolation and gawd damn it I was so frustrated as to why Eva was being kept prisoner.
This is the fourth D.S. Ian Bradshaw novel and back to help the over worked, under staffed police officer was Tom Carney and Helen Norton, both independent investigatory journalists. What a beaut team they made! I loved the humour, the hint of romance and the my shovel is bigger than yours for digging up clues to what the hell was going on! that just bounced between them.
This is one all round totally satisfying book to read. A real heart in your mouth finale that is truly a belter! Although I originally got this book through the Publisher, Penguin Random House and NetGalley. I have purchased this book it really is cracking.
July 6, 2018
My thanks to Netgalley, and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC. Although I have been somewhat delinquent in taking so much time to finish the book; reading coincided with TV coverage of the 2018 Football World Cup, Queens, Eastbourne and Wimbledon tennis... So little time to read, but finish I have and what a cracking read this has been. I had not come across Detective Ian Bradshaw before - a pity, as this appears to be number four in a series. His talents are required to investigate the disappearance of a number of women, appointed SIO following the suspension of eight detectives suspected of fraud within the drug world. He enlists the help of Tom and Helen, two investigative journalists who apparently have helped him on previous cases. This association fits like a glove and these two put me in mind so much of Tommy and Tuppence Beresford.
The investigation is fraught with danger as we follow the incarceration of a woman - kidnapped and kept in a metal container. It's a horrific experience for her and indeed others who have suffered the same fate. Where are they being held? Could their location be underground? Who is the captor? Is there a religious element here? There is such a claustrophobic atmosphere in the plot that has alarming consequences for our three key protagonists.
Howard Linksey has written a compelling thriller, which I should have completed much earlier because its that good. Highly recommended.
The investigation is fraught with danger as we follow the incarceration of a woman - kidnapped and kept in a metal container. It's a horrific experience for her and indeed others who have suffered the same fate. Where are they being held? Could their location be underground? Who is the captor? Is there a religious element here? There is such a claustrophobic atmosphere in the plot that has alarming consequences for our three key protagonists.
Howard Linksey has written a compelling thriller, which I should have completed much earlier because its that good. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2018
Over the years young women have been going missing in North East England. No one saw or heard from them again. Without any leads the police have had little to go on. But when a body is discovered in the woods, the police are hopeful it will hold new clues leading them to whoever is responsible.
The Chosen Ones is the fourth book in a series featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw and investigative journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton. The detective/journalist combo was hugely enjoyable and I felt it worked extremely well. They each brought something new to the table and it really was a refreshing change. All three were likeable characters with whom the reader could empathise and identify.
Although I hadn't read the previous three books, I didn't feel I was missing any pieces. In fact had I not known, I wouldn't have guessed it was part of a series. Everything was explained clearly and succinctly.
The writing was a pleasure to read and flowed exceptionally well. Yes, there were one or two typos, but they can be forgiven. The main characters had depth without unnecessary padding which, in my opinion, is a massive bonus. It was a thrilling fast-paced read. One which takes you on a dangerous journey into the subterranean lair of a madman. It was excellent and a series I hope to revisit soon.
* My thanks to Howard Linskey, NetGalley and Penguin UK for providing me with a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: https://bit.ly/2Lx3wPa
The Chosen Ones is the fourth book in a series featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw and investigative journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton. The detective/journalist combo was hugely enjoyable and I felt it worked extremely well. They each brought something new to the table and it really was a refreshing change. All three were likeable characters with whom the reader could empathise and identify.
Although I hadn't read the previous three books, I didn't feel I was missing any pieces. In fact had I not known, I wouldn't have guessed it was part of a series. Everything was explained clearly and succinctly.
The writing was a pleasure to read and flowed exceptionally well. Yes, there were one or two typos, but they can be forgiven. The main characters had depth without unnecessary padding which, in my opinion, is a massive bonus. It was a thrilling fast-paced read. One which takes you on a dangerous journey into the subterranean lair of a madman. It was excellent and a series I hope to revisit soon.
* My thanks to Howard Linskey, NetGalley and Penguin UK for providing me with a copy of this book.
Read my review on my blog: https://bit.ly/2Lx3wPa
June 21, 2018
There’s a lot to get your teeth in to with this book. Detective Ian Bradshaw and the journalist Tom Carney are a good duo and they always seem to do the unexpected which I really enjoy. The things that get thrown at them! Ian Bradshaw is a good cop as he’s nor one of the group and does things his own way. I like that and he and Tom work together very well indeed.
This case - a girl trapped in a steel box under ground. There’s a lot of fear and claustrophobia throughout the book and it’s chillingly good. Why would someone kidnap girls like this? You get a really chilling insight when the girl at the start of the book who’s been kidnapped thinks back as to how she got into this situation.
There’s subplots and subplots all around. Makes you realise what the police are faced with at times. Brutal.
A note on the setting - I do like the fact these books are set in and around Durham. Proper up north you might say. You can really imagine these policeman walking around the Durham streets. Maybe they do...
This case - a girl trapped in a steel box under ground. There’s a lot of fear and claustrophobia throughout the book and it’s chillingly good. Why would someone kidnap girls like this? You get a really chilling insight when the girl at the start of the book who’s been kidnapped thinks back as to how she got into this situation.
There’s subplots and subplots all around. Makes you realise what the police are faced with at times. Brutal.
A note on the setting - I do like the fact these books are set in and around Durham. Proper up north you might say. You can really imagine these policeman walking around the Durham streets. Maybe they do...
August 11, 2018
I didn't realise that this was book 4 of the DC Bradshaw series until I logged it into my goodreads account to record my reading progress, and was a little disappointed about this at first as I prefer not to join a series part way through. That said though, don't let this put you off from the book as it worked really well as a standalone.
The book begins with latest kidnap victim Eva waking up in a metal container with no means of escape. We have no idea why or where she is or even who has put her there which I found worked very well as you really get that unsettled feeling, maybe even bordering on a sense of panic which Eva must have felt at that point. Chapter two introduces us to shopkeeper Jenna who has recently bought her new business and is quietly trying to settle in to the community without making any waves. I have to admit I was a little bemused as to where the story was going with this introduction, unless Jenna was going to be next on the abductor's hit list? I was just going to have to wait and see.
The story continues on to introduce the detectives and other members of the team who would eventually be involved in Eva and Jenna's lives. Bradshaw is tasked with reviewing the cold case of several women who had disappeared some years before, seemingly unrelated yet surely too much of a coincidence not to be linked. The story ticks along steadily with updates on what happens to Eva during her captivity, the events Bradshaw and the team are influenced by in their investigation including the discovery of a murder victim who seems to be part of the case but can't quite be fitted into the puzzle, and then the suspension of several local detectives on charges of misconduct. How on earth all this was all linked I couldn't fathom.
The mystery is kept quite well under wraps for a large part of the book until eventually and in unexpected manner the big reveal comes to pass. The tension has built steadily through the chapters to this point and there is a flurry of adrenalin and action as the possibility of Eva being freed becomes a reality. The other elements which make up the tale all come into focus and I found this a satisfying book overall with some interesting characters and an unusual timescale which make the book stand out from the norm. I'm certainly interested in looking for other titles in the series having read this one.
The book begins with latest kidnap victim Eva waking up in a metal container with no means of escape. We have no idea why or where she is or even who has put her there which I found worked very well as you really get that unsettled feeling, maybe even bordering on a sense of panic which Eva must have felt at that point. Chapter two introduces us to shopkeeper Jenna who has recently bought her new business and is quietly trying to settle in to the community without making any waves. I have to admit I was a little bemused as to where the story was going with this introduction, unless Jenna was going to be next on the abductor's hit list? I was just going to have to wait and see.
The story continues on to introduce the detectives and other members of the team who would eventually be involved in Eva and Jenna's lives. Bradshaw is tasked with reviewing the cold case of several women who had disappeared some years before, seemingly unrelated yet surely too much of a coincidence not to be linked. The story ticks along steadily with updates on what happens to Eva during her captivity, the events Bradshaw and the team are influenced by in their investigation including the discovery of a murder victim who seems to be part of the case but can't quite be fitted into the puzzle, and then the suspension of several local detectives on charges of misconduct. How on earth all this was all linked I couldn't fathom.
The mystery is kept quite well under wraps for a large part of the book until eventually and in unexpected manner the big reveal comes to pass. The tension has built steadily through the chapters to this point and there is a flurry of adrenalin and action as the possibility of Eva being freed becomes a reality. The other elements which make up the tale all come into focus and I found this a satisfying book overall with some interesting characters and an unusual timescale which make the book stand out from the norm. I'm certainly interested in looking for other titles in the series having read this one.
June 25, 2018
Eva wakes up in a box with no memory of how she got there, meanwhile PC Ian Bradshaw is investigating seemingly unlinked cases of women who have disappeared. But when an unexpected body is discovered, it seems the case is bigger than once thought…
I must admit I haven’t read any of the previous books in the Ian Bradshaw series but this did not detract from the book in any way. The book works well as a standalone piece and was actually a good introduction which has inspired me to look out for others in the series.
The series itself centres on 3 main characters – Tom and Helen who are investigative journalists and PC Ian Bradshaw who employs them to help on cases - this is unusual but actually quite refreshing in a detective series. The three of them work well together and each have their part to play in keeping the plot going at a good pace. There were lots of smaller threads of the plot as well as side plotlines which kept me interested throughout. As well as jumping perspective between the three main characters, the story also includes other character perspectives as well including victim Eva Dunbar which was truly chilling. My only criticism would be in the current e-book format the narrative changes perspective with little warning which seemed abrupt and could be a little confusing at times.
I enjoyed the underground setting for the crimes – which we find out in the acknowledgments is partially based in a true location. It’s a creepy setting and one which stays with you long after you have closed the book. Also the fact the series itself is set in Durham is an interesting and unusual choice as well as being close to home.
Overall I really enjoyed The Chosen Ones – it’s a chilling read with a great setting that is nicely paced with interesting and realistic main characters. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for inviting me to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, go to: www.kindig.co.uk
I must admit I haven’t read any of the previous books in the Ian Bradshaw series but this did not detract from the book in any way. The book works well as a standalone piece and was actually a good introduction which has inspired me to look out for others in the series.
The series itself centres on 3 main characters – Tom and Helen who are investigative journalists and PC Ian Bradshaw who employs them to help on cases - this is unusual but actually quite refreshing in a detective series. The three of them work well together and each have their part to play in keeping the plot going at a good pace. There were lots of smaller threads of the plot as well as side plotlines which kept me interested throughout. As well as jumping perspective between the three main characters, the story also includes other character perspectives as well including victim Eva Dunbar which was truly chilling. My only criticism would be in the current e-book format the narrative changes perspective with little warning which seemed abrupt and could be a little confusing at times.
I enjoyed the underground setting for the crimes – which we find out in the acknowledgments is partially based in a true location. It’s a creepy setting and one which stays with you long after you have closed the book. Also the fact the series itself is set in Durham is an interesting and unusual choice as well as being close to home.
Overall I really enjoyed The Chosen Ones – it’s a chilling read with a great setting that is nicely paced with interesting and realistic main characters. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK – Michael Joseph for inviting me to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, go to: www.kindig.co.uk
June 16, 2018
This is the fourth book in the series featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw and the journalist Tom Carney. I’ve read the previous three in the series and I loved them all and it was with some excitement that I picked up the new book in the series. I was not to be disappointed because I absolutely flipping well loved reading ‘The Chosen Ones’ but more about that in a bit.
I love the character of Detective Ian Bradshaw. He is a career policeman, who tends to get all the crappy jobs to do. Those crappy sorts of jobs that nobody expects him to be able to investigate, never mind complete. He isn’t that popular within his team because he isn’t what you could call one of those typical ‘blokey’ type men whose aims are to pull women and get hammered (or rather tipsy to put it another way). I don’t think that Bradshaw is all that fussed about being promoted, he just wants to be able to go to work, do his job and then return home at the end of the day. Bradshaw has established a friendship of sorts with a local journalist called Tom Carney, whose character I also love. This friendship is mutually beneficial in the fact that Bradshaw gets crucial information via Carney that he wouldn’t normally get as a police officer because a lot of people feel more comfortable speaking to a journalist rather than the police. Also people don’t want to be seen as being ‘grasses’ within their local community. Not only that but police officers are bound by rules and regulations whereas journalists can (and have) get information any way they choose and by any means. Carney helps Bradshaw investigate cases, Carney gets information that he wouldn’t normally be privy to and when the case is over, Carney gets the inside scoop on the case. A journalist can often probe deeper than a police officer can ever hope to. A win win situation all round. Tom has an assistant called Helen Norton and they share a house. Tom fancies Helen who fancies Tom but neither have told the other exactly how they feel. Tom has moved on and is seeing a girl called Penny, who is quite a bit younger than him. Helen is so very jealous and to say that Penny and Helen don’t see eye to eye is an understatement.
Oh boy ‘The Chosen Ones’ was certainly one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read. There are twists and turns aplenty with the odd unexpected moment that when it happens, hits you in the gut and leaves you stunned. There are several different sub plots to this book which feed seamlessly into the main plot. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. The story starts in an unusual way in that we meet a girl who is being held captive, where she mentally retraces her steps up to her abduction. This first chapter had me hooked on the book before I reached the bottom of the first page and reading ‘The Chosen Ones’ soon became an addiction. I just needed to read on and on to see how the story played out, whether Bradshaw, Carney and Norton were still in one piece at the end of the book and I needed to know who was abducting and imprisoning the young girls and why. I binge read this book over the course of a couple of days which so worked with this book because I got a real sense of the intensity and urgency of the police investigation and the desperation that the captive girls were feeling. The page numbers flew past in a blur and at speed and in what felt like next to no time at all, I finished the book which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the characters, the story, the author’s writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I especially loved where the book is set and that is in County Durham , which in my opinion is the best county in the best area of England. I class County Durham as it used to be from the Tees to the Tyne. Okay I might be biased given that I live in County Durham but there you go. It is so refreshing to read a book set in an area with which I am familiar and where I grew up. I find that most books set in the North seem to be set in Manchester or Sheffield.
To conclude I have to say that ‘The Chosen Ones’ is a blooming good book and it is my favourite book of the series to far. The series featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw, journalist Tom Carney and journalist Helen Norton just gets better and better and goes from strength to strength. ‘The Chosen Ones’ is destined to become a bestseller and the author deserves huge success. I would definitely recommend this series to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I love the character of Detective Ian Bradshaw. He is a career policeman, who tends to get all the crappy jobs to do. Those crappy sorts of jobs that nobody expects him to be able to investigate, never mind complete. He isn’t that popular within his team because he isn’t what you could call one of those typical ‘blokey’ type men whose aims are to pull women and get hammered (or rather tipsy to put it another way). I don’t think that Bradshaw is all that fussed about being promoted, he just wants to be able to go to work, do his job and then return home at the end of the day. Bradshaw has established a friendship of sorts with a local journalist called Tom Carney, whose character I also love. This friendship is mutually beneficial in the fact that Bradshaw gets crucial information via Carney that he wouldn’t normally get as a police officer because a lot of people feel more comfortable speaking to a journalist rather than the police. Also people don’t want to be seen as being ‘grasses’ within their local community. Not only that but police officers are bound by rules and regulations whereas journalists can (and have) get information any way they choose and by any means. Carney helps Bradshaw investigate cases, Carney gets information that he wouldn’t normally be privy to and when the case is over, Carney gets the inside scoop on the case. A journalist can often probe deeper than a police officer can ever hope to. A win win situation all round. Tom has an assistant called Helen Norton and they share a house. Tom fancies Helen who fancies Tom but neither have told the other exactly how they feel. Tom has moved on and is seeing a girl called Penny, who is quite a bit younger than him. Helen is so very jealous and to say that Penny and Helen don’t see eye to eye is an understatement.
Oh boy ‘The Chosen Ones’ was certainly one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read. There are twists and turns aplenty with the odd unexpected moment that when it happens, hits you in the gut and leaves you stunned. There are several different sub plots to this book which feed seamlessly into the main plot. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. The story starts in an unusual way in that we meet a girl who is being held captive, where she mentally retraces her steps up to her abduction. This first chapter had me hooked on the book before I reached the bottom of the first page and reading ‘The Chosen Ones’ soon became an addiction. I just needed to read on and on to see how the story played out, whether Bradshaw, Carney and Norton were still in one piece at the end of the book and I needed to know who was abducting and imprisoning the young girls and why. I binge read this book over the course of a couple of days which so worked with this book because I got a real sense of the intensity and urgency of the police investigation and the desperation that the captive girls were feeling. The page numbers flew past in a blur and at speed and in what felt like next to no time at all, I finished the book which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the characters, the story, the author’s writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I especially loved where the book is set and that is in County Durham , which in my opinion is the best county in the best area of England. I class County Durham as it used to be from the Tees to the Tyne. Okay I might be biased given that I live in County Durham but there you go. It is so refreshing to read a book set in an area with which I am familiar and where I grew up. I find that most books set in the North seem to be set in Manchester or Sheffield.
To conclude I have to say that ‘The Chosen Ones’ is a blooming good book and it is my favourite book of the series to far. The series featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw, journalist Tom Carney and journalist Helen Norton just gets better and better and goes from strength to strength. ‘The Chosen Ones’ is destined to become a bestseller and the author deserves huge success. I would definitely recommend this series to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 23, 2018
*** Find this review and others on my blog! ***
First of all, thank you to Penguin Random House UK for sending me a copy if this book! As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own!
Going into this, I had no idea that this was actually the fourth book that had been written featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw and Journalist Tom Carney. However, it was one of those great books in a series that didn’t elude much to what had happened in previous books which was great as it meant that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any character development from those previous books. In fact, I thought that Tom Carney and his partner Helen Norton got a very good introduction to who they were and what they did so there was no confusion will how they fitted in with DC Bradshaw.
This book was told from several different perspectives; DC Bradshaw, Tom and Helen, Eva (the girl who wakes up in a container) and Jenna are a few and we also get some chapters which are told in the past. This may sound very confusing however I found that the differing perspectives and also the flicking back into the past was very well done. Every character that was used got a full introduction, so we knew what was going on. Jenna’s character was one that I wasn’t sure about at first as I had no idea where she was going to fit into the story until that was explained a few chapters in. It was fantastic getting to hear chapters from Eva’s perspective; Eva is the most recent girl who has been taken and she wakes up in a container and we get to follow her and her experience with her captor and trying to figure out what he wants from her and how she could possibly escape from him. I love it when we get to the victim’s perspective of things; I was really rooting for her to find a way out and we also got to see a few chapters told from the captor’s perspective and being able to collate these 2 viewpoints together really made for a great experience. I was hoping that Eva would find a way out, as mentioned before, but because of being able to see the captor’s perspective, we also got to see the possibilities of what may happen to her which really made it all that more suspenseful.
I enjoyed that the main plot point was obviously the abductions and figuring out who had taken them and getting them back in time. There were also quite a few other plots/back storylines happening in the background. As mentioned we had Jenna who is trying to deal with being blackmailed which does link into the story very well! We are also dealing with problems within the police force as it has been brought to attention that there are some corrupt police officers within the force which is causing an obvious media storm and DS Bradshaw has to ensure that he handles the current investigation well, so he doesn’t rock the boat anymore. There is also the police election to elect the Chief constable which hits a few bumps along the way and makes things slightly more difficult for Bradshaw again. Then we also get the personal issues with Helen and her ex-fiancée Peter as she is debating getting back together with him whilst also pondering her personal feelings for another person. I know it sounds like there is a lot going on and there is, but wow it was done so well. I was able to follow along with everything that was going on in the background and also keep up with the main storyline.
This was a great Crime-Thriller book which was so suspenseful, and I really struggled with putting it down to get stuff done! It definitely made me want to read the previous books that include DS Bradshaw and Tom Carney because I loved the dynamic between them and the writing itself in the chosen ones was just fantastic. It’s such a gripping and dark read which had great character dynamics and was full of suspense; I struggled to put it down. I definitely recommend picking this up if you’re a fan of crime and crime thriller books as it really is a great read and I gave this 5/5 stars!
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First of all, thank you to Penguin Random House UK for sending me a copy if this book! As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own!
Going into this, I had no idea that this was actually the fourth book that had been written featuring Detective Ian Bradshaw and Journalist Tom Carney. However, it was one of those great books in a series that didn’t elude much to what had happened in previous books which was great as it meant that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any character development from those previous books. In fact, I thought that Tom Carney and his partner Helen Norton got a very good introduction to who they were and what they did so there was no confusion will how they fitted in with DC Bradshaw.
This book was told from several different perspectives; DC Bradshaw, Tom and Helen, Eva (the girl who wakes up in a container) and Jenna are a few and we also get some chapters which are told in the past. This may sound very confusing however I found that the differing perspectives and also the flicking back into the past was very well done. Every character that was used got a full introduction, so we knew what was going on. Jenna’s character was one that I wasn’t sure about at first as I had no idea where she was going to fit into the story until that was explained a few chapters in. It was fantastic getting to hear chapters from Eva’s perspective; Eva is the most recent girl who has been taken and she wakes up in a container and we get to follow her and her experience with her captor and trying to figure out what he wants from her and how she could possibly escape from him. I love it when we get to the victim’s perspective of things; I was really rooting for her to find a way out and we also got to see a few chapters told from the captor’s perspective and being able to collate these 2 viewpoints together really made for a great experience. I was hoping that Eva would find a way out, as mentioned before, but because of being able to see the captor’s perspective, we also got to see the possibilities of what may happen to her which really made it all that more suspenseful.
I enjoyed that the main plot point was obviously the abductions and figuring out who had taken them and getting them back in time. There were also quite a few other plots/back storylines happening in the background. As mentioned we had Jenna who is trying to deal with being blackmailed which does link into the story very well! We are also dealing with problems within the police force as it has been brought to attention that there are some corrupt police officers within the force which is causing an obvious media storm and DS Bradshaw has to ensure that he handles the current investigation well, so he doesn’t rock the boat anymore. There is also the police election to elect the Chief constable which hits a few bumps along the way and makes things slightly more difficult for Bradshaw again. Then we also get the personal issues with Helen and her ex-fiancée Peter as she is debating getting back together with him whilst also pondering her personal feelings for another person. I know it sounds like there is a lot going on and there is, but wow it was done so well. I was able to follow along with everything that was going on in the background and also keep up with the main storyline.
This was a great Crime-Thriller book which was so suspenseful, and I really struggled with putting it down to get stuff done! It definitely made me want to read the previous books that include DS Bradshaw and Tom Carney because I loved the dynamic between them and the writing itself in the chosen ones was just fantastic. It’s such a gripping and dark read which had great character dynamics and was full of suspense; I struggled to put it down. I definitely recommend picking this up if you’re a fan of crime and crime thriller books as it really is a great read and I gave this 5/5 stars!
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June 22, 2018
This being the fourth in the series, usual series rules apply. Although the main story is self-contained, one of the big things about this series in my opinion is the dynamic between the three main characters and so, to get the best from them and their interconnected backstories, it would be better to start from book one and read in order.
Well, king of the unsolvable case, Ian Bradshaw, is once again called upon to take up the reins of the stalled investigation into missing women. Again, as usual, he is not given anyone from the force to help him so he call upon investigative journalist duo Tom and Helen to assist him. With lots of background to sift through, it soon becomes evident why the case had stalled.
Meanwhile, we here from Eva who wakes up in a large metal box with little idea of where she is or what happened, let along who took her. We follow her as she tries to come to terms with her situation and watch as she tries her best to escape.
And then a body turns up which, when identified, throws a big spanner into everything.
Oh my! I absolutely love this series. The author has managed to write a police procedural series incorporating a very decent psychological bent. Two of my favourite things in books. In incorporating journalists into assisting with a live case, he has created a great dynamic, one which really works. But the best thing about these books is that there is not just one case to be solved. As with real life, nobody really focuses on just the one ongoing thing to be investigated. Here we have a couple of really juicy sub and side plots. This is quite an achievement in itself as it is somewhat of a skill to keep the main plot going in amongst the offshoots but here, the minor storylines complement the main investigation very well, neither distraction from or overshadowing it. And the way that everything is brought together satisfactorily at the end left me wholly satisfied.
The characters are also developing very nicely, the dynamic between them flows well over the series. They work well together personally and professionally, remaining true to life with their bickering and the odd argument along the way.
With no superfluous padding and short punchy chapters from multiply viewpoints, this book zips along at a merry pace, the action ramping up towards the brilliant finale. A finale that left me wondering what's next for our terrible trio. Can't wait to find out!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Well, king of the unsolvable case, Ian Bradshaw, is once again called upon to take up the reins of the stalled investigation into missing women. Again, as usual, he is not given anyone from the force to help him so he call upon investigative journalist duo Tom and Helen to assist him. With lots of background to sift through, it soon becomes evident why the case had stalled.
Meanwhile, we here from Eva who wakes up in a large metal box with little idea of where she is or what happened, let along who took her. We follow her as she tries to come to terms with her situation and watch as she tries her best to escape.
And then a body turns up which, when identified, throws a big spanner into everything.
Oh my! I absolutely love this series. The author has managed to write a police procedural series incorporating a very decent psychological bent. Two of my favourite things in books. In incorporating journalists into assisting with a live case, he has created a great dynamic, one which really works. But the best thing about these books is that there is not just one case to be solved. As with real life, nobody really focuses on just the one ongoing thing to be investigated. Here we have a couple of really juicy sub and side plots. This is quite an achievement in itself as it is somewhat of a skill to keep the main plot going in amongst the offshoots but here, the minor storylines complement the main investigation very well, neither distraction from or overshadowing it. And the way that everything is brought together satisfactorily at the end left me wholly satisfied.
The characters are also developing very nicely, the dynamic between them flows well over the series. They work well together personally and professionally, remaining true to life with their bickering and the odd argument along the way.
With no superfluous padding and short punchy chapters from multiply viewpoints, this book zips along at a merry pace, the action ramping up towards the brilliant finale. A finale that left me wondering what's next for our terrible trio. Can't wait to find out!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 30, 2018
I hadn’t realised this book was the fourth in a series when I started to read it, I always prefer to read a series in order to get the background of the main characters but this book did a good job of summarising any gaps and I don’t feel my reading experience suffered as a result of missing the earlier episodes.
The Chosen Ones follows Detective Ian Bradshaw and his helpers, journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton, as they try to unravel a case that nobody else wants to touch. Young women have been disappearing and Bradshaw is tasked with finding any link between the missing and ultimately solving the case. When the body of a much older woman who has been missing for eighteen years shows up in horrific circumstances, the team start to wonder if there are links between the cases.
What unfolds is the tale of a highly disturbed individual who believes he is “saving” the women he abducts. With twists and turns along the way we are lead along the path of a seriously warped culprit and follow the team’s desperate attempts to find him and his victims.
This my first book by Howard Linskey and I really did enjoy it. It is well paced and super tense throughout and although the format of writing in the present and flashing back to the past is well used, it works perfectly in this novel. I did guess some of the twists but do you know, this didn’t affect my appreciation of the story. I think sometimes when you ready as many detective thrillers as I have you develop rather a knack for working these things out! The whole plot, although somewhat unbelievable at times, builds to a crescendo which is utterly unputdownable – which is just how such a novel should be. I was happy to suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the story and that says a lot I think.
I also found myself liking the main characters Ian, Tom and Helen and wanting to know more about them. Safe to say I will be reading any new books in this series and I will be looking to find the time to read the previous ones also.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #PenguinBooks for a copy of #TheChosenOnes in return for an honest review.
The Chosen Ones follows Detective Ian Bradshaw and his helpers, journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton, as they try to unravel a case that nobody else wants to touch. Young women have been disappearing and Bradshaw is tasked with finding any link between the missing and ultimately solving the case. When the body of a much older woman who has been missing for eighteen years shows up in horrific circumstances, the team start to wonder if there are links between the cases.
What unfolds is the tale of a highly disturbed individual who believes he is “saving” the women he abducts. With twists and turns along the way we are lead along the path of a seriously warped culprit and follow the team’s desperate attempts to find him and his victims.
This my first book by Howard Linskey and I really did enjoy it. It is well paced and super tense throughout and although the format of writing in the present and flashing back to the past is well used, it works perfectly in this novel. I did guess some of the twists but do you know, this didn’t affect my appreciation of the story. I think sometimes when you ready as many detective thrillers as I have you develop rather a knack for working these things out! The whole plot, although somewhat unbelievable at times, builds to a crescendo which is utterly unputdownable – which is just how such a novel should be. I was happy to suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the story and that says a lot I think.
I also found myself liking the main characters Ian, Tom and Helen and wanting to know more about them. Safe to say I will be reading any new books in this series and I will be looking to find the time to read the previous ones also.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #PenguinBooks for a copy of #TheChosenOnes in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
Eva wakes and finds herself entombed in some weird chamber, not knowing she's not the only one who has been in this situation. Policeman Ian along with reporters Tom and Helen have to solve this mystery, which proves difficult. The idea was very creepy and disturbing - who doesn't have a horror of being trapped? A mix of goodies and baddies in this tale, some likeable and others not so much. The ARC was confusing at times, no proper breaks, so concentration is needed as it flits from one character and time to another, all on the same page! A good story for those who enjoy police procedure books.
June 26, 2018
" Yeah " I have found an author of gritty northern crime that I haven't read before. This book is the fourth in a series about Detective Ian Bradshaw with journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton. The two journalists have a knack of routing out information that the police would find hard to get hold of so they make a great team. Although it's the fourth in the series there was just enough background information for it to work well as a stand alone but obviously the series would be best read in order which is something I now aim to do.
February 10, 2019
This was a quick pick from my library and the blurb made it sound interesting.
I liked it but definitely didn't love it. It's a solid crime thriller but it's not a stand out book. If you like this genre you will probably enjoy it although it's the 4th in a series. Having said that I didn't feel it spoilt my enjoyment by not having read the earlier books. If I come across the earlier books I'd be happy to read them but I certainly won't be actively seeking them out.
I liked it but definitely didn't love it. It's a solid crime thriller but it's not a stand out book. If you like this genre you will probably enjoy it although it's the 4th in a series. Having said that I didn't feel it spoilt my enjoyment by not having read the earlier books. If I come across the earlier books I'd be happy to read them but I certainly won't be actively seeking them out.
June 19, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Although this is the first in this series I have read the story really grabbed me.
The characters kept me engaged and the story line has a real twist to the ending.
A really good read.
Although this is the first in this series I have read the story really grabbed me.
The characters kept me engaged and the story line has a real twist to the ending.
A really good read.
July 20, 2018
Police detective Ian Bradshaw and his journalist allies Tom and Helen investigate the disappearance of 5 women from their area which links to cases of missing women going back a couple of decades. Great page turner with plenty of tension and interesting characters.
December 27, 2018
More in my next Good Reads blog at https://www.sandiwallace.com/blog/ for December and January combined.
June 26, 2018
Great series, best so far.
September 22, 2025
love a good English copper mystery
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