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The Blake Harte Mysteries #5
Spotlight
Life is stressful for Detective Sergeant Blake Harte. Not only must he come to terms with his difficult new Inspector at the station, but then his parents suddenly turn up on his doorstep – and his mother does not approve of his new boyfriend, and his relationship with Harrison soon begins to suffer.
Meanwhile, Harmschapel police station is in pursuit of two drug dealers. These two men have proven difficult to apprehend before, but then the case takes a sudden and inexplicable turn. One night, during a high speed car chase, the two suspects completely vanish into thin air, before Blake’s eyes.
While trying to fathom how it is possible for a car to seemingly evaporate in the middle of a tunnel, one of the suspects turns up dead, in equally bizarre circumstances. Blake is soon faced with more questions than answers, and the killer may be about to strike a lot closer to home…
Meanwhile, Harmschapel police station is in pursuit of two drug dealers. These two men have proven difficult to apprehend before, but then the case takes a sudden and inexplicable turn. One night, during a high speed car chase, the two suspects completely vanish into thin air, before Blake’s eyes.
While trying to fathom how it is possible for a car to seemingly evaporate in the middle of a tunnel, one of the suspects turns up dead, in equally bizarre circumstances. Blake is soon faced with more questions than answers, and the killer may be about to strike a lot closer to home…
130 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2017
38 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 11, 2021
I do so like this series. It is just plain good fun. This author is so talented. He treats the readers to an intelligent...not easy to solve mystery, but you will have a great time trying. There is a dash of romance, along with a great cast of characters. In fact, these characters are strong enough to hold up their part of the story while never taking anything away from Blake and Harrison. What we have is a story that is absolutely perfectly balanced. Robert Innes provides just enough tension for us to be worried that things will go wrong, even though we know without a doubt that Blake just has to save Harrison, and that good will, as always...prevail. It will have you turning the pages to see how it will all be explained. So... what will improve this wonderful series? Longer books with a bit more Blake and Harrison time. But it’s hard to improve on perfection.
February 11, 2018
This was a let-down, to be honest. After book #4 I already thought I was done with this series, only to then go and buy this one, luckily for only 0.99$. I just saw that now it's 3.66$ and that's way too expensive. There are editing faults again and I think it's quite more like a novella.
However, what I disliked the most was the fact that for me the relationship isn't progressing. Yes, they now live together, but for me they could also be father and son, there is no chemistry, no intimacy - and no, I don't need a sex-scene every few pages, but a little bit of that should be there. (I might be wrong, but I think they didn't even kiss.) So, that part of a relationship is still missing and I don't think that it will be in future books.
Add to that the fact that this time the solution was rather stupid. I don't want to spoil it for other readers, but I was left rather unsatisfied.
Note to self: Anke, you are finally and totally done with this series!!!
However, what I disliked the most was the fact that for me the relationship isn't progressing. Yes, they now live together, but for me they could also be father and son, there is no chemistry, no intimacy - and no, I don't need a sex-scene every few pages, but a little bit of that should be there. (I might be wrong, but I think they didn't even kiss.) So, that part of a relationship is still missing and I don't think that it will be in future books.
Add to that the fact that this time the solution was rather stupid. I don't want to spoil it for other readers, but I was left rather unsatisfied.
Note to self: Anke, you are finally and totally done with this series!!!
May 1, 2021
Spotlight (Blake Harte 5) by Robert Innes
Published by the author 2017
Four stars
I enjoy this series, with its focus on the small English country town of Harmschapel, where Blake Harte has retreated to find some inner peace. As with all my favorite detective fiction, this book mixes the professional and the personal. This time, with Blake frustrated in his attempts to catch a drug-dealing father and son, he is further aggravated by the arrival of an American detective from London, who meddles with his case; while his mother and father (Stephanie and Colin Harte) arrive unannounced and begin to interfere with his relationship with Harrison Baxter.
Fascinatingly, there is a strong theme of parenting that runs through this story, interconnecting various parts of the plot, and providing some startling moments of poignancy and even pathos. It is a sobering reminder that even bad parents love their children. Sometimes.
This particular episode left me hungry for more of this series, as much because I want to know how Blake and Harrison’s coupledom evolves as my interest in whatever crime Blake Harte will have to deal with.
Published by the author 2017
Four stars
I enjoy this series, with its focus on the small English country town of Harmschapel, where Blake Harte has retreated to find some inner peace. As with all my favorite detective fiction, this book mixes the professional and the personal. This time, with Blake frustrated in his attempts to catch a drug-dealing father and son, he is further aggravated by the arrival of an American detective from London, who meddles with his case; while his mother and father (Stephanie and Colin Harte) arrive unannounced and begin to interfere with his relationship with Harrison Baxter.
Fascinatingly, there is a strong theme of parenting that runs through this story, interconnecting various parts of the plot, and providing some startling moments of poignancy and even pathos. It is a sobering reminder that even bad parents love their children. Sometimes.
This particular episode left me hungry for more of this series, as much because I want to know how Blake and Harrison’s coupledom evolves as my interest in whatever crime Blake Harte will have to deal with.
November 21, 2017
Blake has a lot to deal with in this fifth book in the series. He has a new boss who's something of a bully, a case of a drug dealer that's going nowhere, a boastful idiot of an American detective that he has to work with, and an unexpected visit from his parents. With all of this, his relationship with Harrison is on shaky ground and he's dealing with a great sorrow from years ago. How will it all resolve? To be honest, I have gotten to the point that I don't much care and that's a shame. I truly wanted to like this series but as I've read each book, I find that I like the characters but they're so one-dimensional that it's frustrating to continue. The police work is too obvious and there's no challenge for the reader. Oh well. Into every reader's life some bad books must fall.
January 23, 2025
This one's a bit augughhhh. I did like the introduction of Blake's parents which leant some development to the relationship, but the solution doesn't make a whole lot of sense. That aside, it's pretty easy to see where the mystery is going but still takes a while to get there. The ending is pretty exciting, at least.
December 31, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Spotlight before it was released.
This book or perhaps it's more of a novella, is both very similar to the previous books in the series and yet very different. Again there is a baffling case to solve that is not immediately obvious and Blake & Harrison are struggling with their personal and family life.
I think because this book is so short, the madcap mystery works. If you look closely enough it doesn't really hold up, it's a bit far fetched but because it's a short book it's perfectly fine. Sometimes it's nice not to have all of those intricate details in a mystery story. As well as this, it leaves time to introduce the new characters. There's the chancer - the American detective who is on secondment to help out on the case. He really reminds me of one of the cops in the Beastie Boys video Sabotage. He's so stereotypical it's almost comical but again it works in this book. We are instantly on Blake's side when he wonders why this "big shot" ends up in Harmschapel. As for Blake's new boss Angel, well all I could picture was Guy Henry as Henrik Hanssen in Holby City, sitting there at his desk with an eyebrow raised. (Severe apologies to the author if this is so not what you were going for with the character). I just don't know what to make of the new boss. I'm sad of the reason why he's there and I really do dislike him but every so often, I can just picture him there looming and saying the right thing. I'm so conflicted and this is what I love about the series. Just like Hanssen, I the boss has to sometimes makes decisions that might not be the popular choice but they carry it out because they feel it's the best for the team. I don't think he acted out of malice to be a dick to Blake, I really do think that he had good intentions (even though it paved the road to hell). I can't wait to read the rest of the series to see if he will trust Blake more.
To sum up, overall it was a really enjoyable read. Yes there were some very suspect police procedures, baffling backstories and a crazy car chance but somehow it just worked!
This book or perhaps it's more of a novella, is both very similar to the previous books in the series and yet very different. Again there is a baffling case to solve that is not immediately obvious and Blake & Harrison are struggling with their personal and family life.
I think because this book is so short, the madcap mystery works. If you look closely enough it doesn't really hold up, it's a bit far fetched but because it's a short book it's perfectly fine. Sometimes it's nice not to have all of those intricate details in a mystery story. As well as this, it leaves time to introduce the new characters. There's the chancer - the American detective who is on secondment to help out on the case. He really reminds me of one of the cops in the Beastie Boys video Sabotage. He's so stereotypical it's almost comical but again it works in this book. We are instantly on Blake's side when he wonders why this "big shot" ends up in Harmschapel. As for Blake's new boss Angel, well all I could picture was Guy Henry as Henrik Hanssen in Holby City, sitting there at his desk with an eyebrow raised. (Severe apologies to the author if this is so not what you were going for with the character). I just don't know what to make of the new boss. I'm sad of the reason why he's there and I really do dislike him but every so often, I can just picture him there looming and saying the right thing. I'm so conflicted and this is what I love about the series. Just like Hanssen, I the boss has to sometimes makes decisions that might not be the popular choice but they carry it out because they feel it's the best for the team. I don't think he acted out of malice to be a dick to Blake, I really do think that he had good intentions (even though it paved the road to hell). I can't wait to read the rest of the series to see if he will trust Blake more.
To sum up, overall it was a really enjoyable read. Yes there were some very suspect police procedures, baffling backstories and a crazy car chance but somehow it just worked!
October 24, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
When I pick a book written by Robert Innes I can be sure I am blown away. His crimes cases are nothing but full of suspense, thrill and unbelivable twists which make you speechless at first.
This book is dealing with a new crime case but the side story is revealing character development & continues events from the first book. I recommend to read the other books before otherwise a lot of details are probably are missing or you don't enjoy it the way I did.
As I said, Robert Innes is a master in creating cases which appear unbelievable, not able to solve at all but with Blake there is a character who really has skills.
This time he is threaten by a new colleague and a new chef. I admit I had to much rage while reading. Robert Innes really was capable of creating character you really don't like, which gives the story the spice and I loved it.
From the first to the last page I hold my breath. Really rare I could calm down and take a deep breath because the actions are going on and on, event after event, spiked with new revealings, new twists, new details.
But not only work related had the book thrilling elements, which influenced Barker's and Harrison's happy time together as a couple. We meet Barker's parents and lets say: it isn't a super pleasant visit.
The books is captivating and I really was sad it ends because I couldn't stop reading. 5 out of 5 stars. Robert Innes should be on your list if you love crime cases and investigation stories, combined with a main character who is in a relationship with a charming guy.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
When I pick a book written by Robert Innes I can be sure I am blown away. His crimes cases are nothing but full of suspense, thrill and unbelivable twists which make you speechless at first.
This book is dealing with a new crime case but the side story is revealing character development & continues events from the first book. I recommend to read the other books before otherwise a lot of details are probably are missing or you don't enjoy it the way I did.
As I said, Robert Innes is a master in creating cases which appear unbelievable, not able to solve at all but with Blake there is a character who really has skills.
This time he is threaten by a new colleague and a new chef. I admit I had to much rage while reading. Robert Innes really was capable of creating character you really don't like, which gives the story the spice and I loved it.
From the first to the last page I hold my breath. Really rare I could calm down and take a deep breath because the actions are going on and on, event after event, spiked with new revealings, new twists, new details.
But not only work related had the book thrilling elements, which influenced Barker's and Harrison's happy time together as a couple. We meet Barker's parents and lets say: it isn't a super pleasant visit.
The books is captivating and I really was sad it ends because I couldn't stop reading. 5 out of 5 stars. Robert Innes should be on your list if you love crime cases and investigation stories, combined with a main character who is in a relationship with a charming guy.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
June 24, 2020
3.5 - Tensions Rise in Delightful Gay Cozy British Mystery Series
I really enjoy good cozy British mysteries, whether on PBS or on page. Maybe even because of some of the irritating characters, it still was an enjoyable continuation in Robert Innes' series of cozy gay mysteries, each a standalone with an impossible crime, and in the background the developing relationship between DS Harte and Harrison.
So, how could a criminal's car just vanish in front of you in a chase, then one of suspects found hanging, in a room locked from the inside? Again, a unique twist behind it (that I sort of figured out), but there were also a few too many convenient inconveniences, just so Harte didn't find out what he needed to in time. Yet I did like how Innes also structured this a bit differently, beginning with a suspenseful scene, then flashing back two days before, and building up to the same scene at 75% in, but now with many clues falling into place.
As in any cozy mystery, it's not just about the mystery; and I enjoyed the other elements. The quaint village. A cast of new and familiar colorful characters. An easy read, with also a manner of phrasing that isn't in error but a dialect that made me feel a part of the locale.
Continuing on. While "cozy," an edginess brought on by some new irritating characters and resulting frictions, and some in danger of becoming caricatures (by this point needed more nuance and depth). On the other hand, a likable gay DS getting settled in his new job and town. An equally likable new partner. Yet a developing gay relationship that refreshingly did not take center stage but was just a part of the story and life.
And a classic culmination, put best by DS Harte himself, "Thanks for coming everybody. I'm sorry to make this all so cliched [I'm not], but in this instance, I'm afraid it was necessary." So again in the colloquial vernacular, the ending did brought closure to the mystery, and the epilogue had set me up nicely for the next one.
I really enjoy good cozy British mysteries, whether on PBS or on page. Maybe even because of some of the irritating characters, it still was an enjoyable continuation in Robert Innes' series of cozy gay mysteries, each a standalone with an impossible crime, and in the background the developing relationship between DS Harte and Harrison.
So, how could a criminal's car just vanish in front of you in a chase, then one of suspects found hanging, in a room locked from the inside? Again, a unique twist behind it (that I sort of figured out), but there were also a few too many convenient inconveniences, just so Harte didn't find out what he needed to in time. Yet I did like how Innes also structured this a bit differently, beginning with a suspenseful scene, then flashing back two days before, and building up to the same scene at 75% in, but now with many clues falling into place.
As in any cozy mystery, it's not just about the mystery; and I enjoyed the other elements. The quaint village. A cast of new and familiar colorful characters. An easy read, with also a manner of phrasing that isn't in error but a dialect that made me feel a part of the locale.
Continuing on. While "cozy," an edginess brought on by some new irritating characters and resulting frictions, and some in danger of becoming caricatures (by this point needed more nuance and depth). On the other hand, a likable gay DS getting settled in his new job and town. An equally likable new partner. Yet a developing gay relationship that refreshingly did not take center stage but was just a part of the story and life.
And a classic culmination, put best by DS Harte himself, "Thanks for coming everybody. I'm sorry to make this all so cliched [I'm not], but in this instance, I'm afraid it was necessary." So again in the colloquial vernacular, the ending did brought closure to the mystery, and the epilogue had set me up nicely for the next one.
October 25, 2017
Another enjoyable mystery
Author Robert Innes has written another mystery for readers to enjoy. SPOTLIGHT is the 5th book in THE BLAKE HARTE MYSTERIES series.
How did the car they were pursuing in a high-speed chase just disappear?
How was a young man murdered when he was the only person found in an inaccessible room that was locked
shut with a padlock from the inside?
Blake Harte will need to find the answers to these questions if he is going to solve this case... (while dealing with his unsupportive new boss, an arrogant police consultant who has been assigned as his partner and the lead-officer for this case, and the unexpected visit of his parents. And to top it all off --> his mother is being very vocal about her disapproval of Blake's live-in boyfriend, Harrison.)
Author Robert Innes has written another mystery for readers to enjoy. SPOTLIGHT is the 5th book in THE BLAKE HARTE MYSTERIES series.
How did the car they were pursuing in a high-speed chase just disappear?
How was a young man murdered when he was the only person found in an inaccessible room that was locked
shut with a padlock from the inside?
Blake Harte will need to find the answers to these questions if he is going to solve this case... (while dealing with his unsupportive new boss, an arrogant police consultant who has been assigned as his partner and the lead-officer for this case, and the unexpected visit of his parents. And to top it all off --> his mother is being very vocal about her disapproval of Blake's live-in boyfriend, Harrison.)
May 31, 2018
Another solid installment in the series.
Any agro was with the brought in detective and boss man Angel, as well as Blake’s mother.
Blake is ‘passed over’ for Woolf the pet of Angel, and both are fairly unprofessional really.
Eventually Blake wakes up to the fact that not only is Woolf obnoxious, he may hold clues to solving the whole drugs chase they are on.
Harrison bumbles around, stumbles over key info, struggles to get the info to Blake until it is too late.
Blakes mum is a nightmare of meddlesome ‘I’m always right’ Englishness!
Any romance between Blake and Harrison is well a truly buried beneath finding drug dealers, sorting out Woolf and dodging mum. Would like to see a bit more of them deveoping in the next one.
Any agro was with the brought in detective and boss man Angel, as well as Blake’s mother.
Blake is ‘passed over’ for Woolf the pet of Angel, and both are fairly unprofessional really.
Eventually Blake wakes up to the fact that not only is Woolf obnoxious, he may hold clues to solving the whole drugs chase they are on.
Harrison bumbles around, stumbles over key info, struggles to get the info to Blake until it is too late.
Blakes mum is a nightmare of meddlesome ‘I’m always right’ Englishness!
Any romance between Blake and Harrison is well a truly buried beneath finding drug dealers, sorting out Woolf and dodging mum. Would like to see a bit more of them deveoping in the next one.
January 1, 2018
I had the amazing opportunity to read this book in advance, I was so excited when I got the email with instructions on how to download it. I’m a little sad I. How I feel about this one, I have loved every book in this series but this one I definitely loved less then the others, for some reason I wasn’t as enthralled with this plot as I have been in all the others, the plot for this seemed a little more far reaching then others. I’m still giving it 4 stars because of the characters and I think the next will be more of a hit with me
March 29, 2018
After reading the previous book in this series, I was prepared to call it quits if this book was not better. Fortunately, the author seems to be back in the saddle. The relationships were integral to the story and the writing was back to be light and funny and the core group of characters were shown to be caring people, always a plus.
In this book we learn more about DS Harte when his parents come to visit and we learn who Bethany is. The mystery in this book was decent and presented in an interesting manner. This book I can recommend to those who like light, fast reads.
In this book we learn more about DS Harte when his parents come to visit and we learn who Bethany is. The mystery in this book was decent and presented in an interesting manner. This book I can recommend to those who like light, fast reads.
October 20, 2017
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this! Robert Innes has done it again. Not only is the crime mind-boggling to figure out (I never do with his books), but we also got to see some of Blake's family, and experience more of a relationship-view of Harrison and Blake. I really enjoyed this book and I am really enjoying the direction this series is going in. I like each book more than the last and it's come along way in just five books! Would highly recommend.
October 23, 2017
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review....
I have followed this series from the beginning and have enjoyed each book. The writing is superb and each mystery keeps you guessing until the end, as a good mystery should.
Mr. Innes gives us true to life characters and situations and each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading all 5 in order. Book 6 cannot come soon enough.
I have followed this series from the beginning and have enjoyed each book. The writing is superb and each mystery keeps you guessing until the end, as a good mystery should.
Mr. Innes gives us true to life characters and situations and each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading all 5 in order. Book 6 cannot come soon enough.
July 15, 2024
Another great entry in the Blake Harte Mysteries. This one involved Harrison again big time as he sort of sleuthed his way into trouble. I love a good obnoxious foil character and this one was an American too, which was doubly fun. These books are such quick reads but are really well formed and satisfying. Definitely like a Sunday evening TV 'cozy mystery', 'who done it'! I will come back for more to be sure.
August 19, 2025
3.5
A super quick read, more like a novella. It felt a bit rushed but I was glad to see everything tied together and didn't leave you with too many questions.
I did enjoy it but feel like I missed out some background as this is the first book of the series that I have read and it's the 5th in the series. I still found it easy to follow so it could certainly be read as a stand alone. I'm going to continue along with the series and see what happens!
A super quick read, more like a novella. It felt a bit rushed but I was glad to see everything tied together and didn't leave you with too many questions.
I did enjoy it but feel like I missed out some background as this is the first book of the series that I have read and it's the 5th in the series. I still found it easy to follow so it could certainly be read as a stand alone. I'm going to continue along with the series and see what happens!
November 1, 2017
Enjoyed this, although there was little interaction between Harrison and Blake which I missed. I really didn't like Blakes mother and don't feel that the reasons behind her actions were justified. She didn't redeem herself in my eyes. Yet again I loved the crime/mystery element and the villain was written really well.
November 3, 2017
Absolutely love this series
This is a wonderful whodunit series and I just can't get enough of Blake and Harrison. Intrigue, suspense, humor and love all in the pages of this book and the four that came before. Looking forward to the next book by this author. Definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
This is a wonderful whodunit series and I just can't get enough of Blake and Harrison. Intrigue, suspense, humor and love all in the pages of this book and the four that came before. Looking forward to the next book by this author. Definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
January 2, 2018
Spotlight
I love this mystery series but could the author give poor Harrison a break already? That guy is taking a beating. I love the mystery of this series and the twists and turns it takes. Can't wait for the next one!
I love this mystery series but could the author give poor Harrison a break already? That guy is taking a beating. I love the mystery of this series and the twists and turns it takes. Can't wait for the next one!
October 24, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews