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The Shout
He hunts. He kills. He burnsVicky Lewis is a force to be reckoned not yet thirty and already crew manager in the London Fire Brigade, she's destined for great things.But when she enters a burning building to save a man's life and leaves it with catastrophic injuries, all that changes. She's shunted over to the Fire Investigation Unit, where she's forced to team up with cantankerous veteran Des Farmer, aka the Grouch.When Vicky stumbles across the Grouch's off-the-books investigation into the fiery deaths of a series of young, blonde women, she decides to join him in his search for the truth.The answer is close - perhaps too close. Vicky's already been burnt once, and now she's playing with fire . . .************PRAISE FOR STEPHEN LEATHER'A master of the thriller genre'Irish Times'As tough as British thrillers get . . . gripping'Irish Independent'The sheer impetus of his story-telling is damned hard to resist'Sunday Express
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2018
125 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 25, 2018
If you love programmes like London’s Burning, you are going to LOVE this book.
Vicky is a brilliant character. Her dad was a fire fighter and she has followed on in his footsteps. She loves being a fire fighter and it’s what she lives for. I really felt for her when she gets injured in action as her injuries are horrific and leave her badly scarred. I love how she doesn’t let that stop her though and she does her best to get on with her life.
Des is another great character. One of those really miserable loners who just wants to be left alone to do his job. Having Vicky thrust upon him is something he definitely isn’t happy with and he certainly lives up to his nickname The Grouch.
You can’t help but enjoy the working relationship that starts to build up between both characters. There is a lot of mutual respect between both and I really enjoyed seeing that respect grow.
It was really fascinating to find out more about fires and how they are investigated. I certainly learned a thing or two and it will have you rushing to check that your smoke alarms are in good working order!
The Shout is an intense and gripping read that I couldn’t put down. It is an edge of your seat, nail biting type of read. My only gripe is that this is supposed to be a stand alone novel of which this could easily become a gripping crime thriller series. With such great characters it would be a shame not to see more of them. To quote Oliver Twist, “Please sir, I want some more?”
My thanks to Bookbridgr and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Vicky is a brilliant character. Her dad was a fire fighter and she has followed on in his footsteps. She loves being a fire fighter and it’s what she lives for. I really felt for her when she gets injured in action as her injuries are horrific and leave her badly scarred. I love how she doesn’t let that stop her though and she does her best to get on with her life.
Des is another great character. One of those really miserable loners who just wants to be left alone to do his job. Having Vicky thrust upon him is something he definitely isn’t happy with and he certainly lives up to his nickname The Grouch.
You can’t help but enjoy the working relationship that starts to build up between both characters. There is a lot of mutual respect between both and I really enjoyed seeing that respect grow.
It was really fascinating to find out more about fires and how they are investigated. I certainly learned a thing or two and it will have you rushing to check that your smoke alarms are in good working order!
The Shout is an intense and gripping read that I couldn’t put down. It is an edge of your seat, nail biting type of read. My only gripe is that this is supposed to be a stand alone novel of which this could easily become a gripping crime thriller series. With such great characters it would be a shame not to see more of them. To quote Oliver Twist, “Please sir, I want some more?”
My thanks to Bookbridgr and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 6, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
After her crew are called out to a fire at an abandoned hotel Vicky Lewis, a crew manager in the London Fire Department suffers horrific injuries. The hotel, it turns out isn’t abandoned and squatters are residing on the top floor. In the line of duty during the attempt to put out the fire and rescue the trapped squatters, the floor of the room that Vicky is in collapses leaving her trapped and seriously injured.
On her return to the Fire Department some months later, Vicky, against her own will is moved over to the Fire Investigation Unit where she is partnered up with the Fire Investigator Des Farmer.
Whilst working with Farmer, Lewis inadvertently uncovers his off-the-record and after hours investigation into what he believes to be a series of deaths. House fires that have been deemed to have been accidental are the cause of death but each case has the same type of victim, a young blonde female. Finding Farmer’s investigation to be plausible Lewis agrees to help him in his search to uncover the killer.
As a character, Vicky Lewis is likeable, driven, determined and she doesn’t let her injuries define her.
Des Farmer aka the Grouch is a dinosaur and old school in his views and way of thinking. Farmer is curmudgeonly with a gruff demeanour who is also rather a misogynist with some of his views. However, he does have respect for Lewis and her accomplishments and quite surprisingly, I found him to be likeable in his own grouchy sort of way.
It takes a long time and you find yourself approximately half-way through the book before the Grouch’s off-the-record investigation into the series of deaths comes to light and is revealed. Then, it’s very much in the background until the last 100 pages before finally coming to the fore in the last few chapters. For me, personally, I’d have liked to have seen the investigation play a more prominent role in the overall book.
Another slight issue, I felt that the conclusion came about quite abruptly and I would have preferred a slightly longer build-up to the finale and the subsequent reveal of the killer. Though that’s not to say that it isn’t well done by Leather, it is and you’ll find yourself turning the pages to find out who the killer is……and then letting out a ‘hell yeah‘ because you guessed correctly and that doesn’t happen very often!😂
Those two slight issues aside, I was thoroughly engaged during the whole of my time spent reading The Shout.
Throughout the book, there are interspersed chapters that switch from the main focus of Lewis and Farmer and instead, give us a glimpse into the mind of the killer. From these chapters, we derive that the killer knows a lot about fire. This little insight works well as there are a few characters during the course of the story who due to that knowledge of fire are possible suspects and could all be the killer.
Out of the suspects, I did have an inclining who the actual killer might be and surprisingly, as I mentioned earlier in the review, I was right. There are perhaps a few clues for the more nuanced thriller reader but as it’s only a genre that I dabble in I didn’t pick up on them and it was more a gut feeling of ‘yeah, it’s probably you‘ that I had whilst reading about a certain character.
There are lots of descriptions of fires, how they start, the causes, prevention, fire-fighting techniques, etc and the main focus in The Shout is on fire investigation as you follow Lewis and Farmer to a variety of scenes that all involved fires. On the surface and admittedly, to some, that may well sound dull, fire safety training kids! Remember, fire is hot!😂🔥 To me, it didn’t and simply put, it’s not. Investigating the fires alongside Lewis and Farmer is really interesting and it also gives you the chance to get to know the duo better.
Leather mentions both the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the King’s Cross fire. Two absolutely devastating real-life events. The story in The Shout is well crafted, entirely realistic and believable but, it’s only a work of fiction with fictitious characters. The mention of those two tragic real-life events makes the book feel real. As such, it really brings home the horrors of fire and will make you think about the dangers that firefighters face.
Whether intentional or not on Leather’s behalf, reading The Shout deepens your appreciation of the fire services and the heroes/heroines that are the firefighters who risk their own lives to put out fires and save other people’s lives.
The Shout is a standalone book and when you come to the end, everything gets tied up neatly. However, saying that, I enjoyed the duo of Lewis and Farmer and while admittedly, I don’t know how it would work I’d be quite happy to read future releases with them both as characters.
The Shout ignites from the first page and I found it to be compulsive reading that kept me riveted throughout the whole of its 400 page length.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
After her crew are called out to a fire at an abandoned hotel Vicky Lewis, a crew manager in the London Fire Department suffers horrific injuries. The hotel, it turns out isn’t abandoned and squatters are residing on the top floor. In the line of duty during the attempt to put out the fire and rescue the trapped squatters, the floor of the room that Vicky is in collapses leaving her trapped and seriously injured.
On her return to the Fire Department some months later, Vicky, against her own will is moved over to the Fire Investigation Unit where she is partnered up with the Fire Investigator Des Farmer.
Whilst working with Farmer, Lewis inadvertently uncovers his off-the-record and after hours investigation into what he believes to be a series of deaths. House fires that have been deemed to have been accidental are the cause of death but each case has the same type of victim, a young blonde female. Finding Farmer’s investigation to be plausible Lewis agrees to help him in his search to uncover the killer.
As a character, Vicky Lewis is likeable, driven, determined and she doesn’t let her injuries define her.
Des Farmer aka the Grouch is a dinosaur and old school in his views and way of thinking. Farmer is curmudgeonly with a gruff demeanour who is also rather a misogynist with some of his views. However, he does have respect for Lewis and her accomplishments and quite surprisingly, I found him to be likeable in his own grouchy sort of way.
It takes a long time and you find yourself approximately half-way through the book before the Grouch’s off-the-record investigation into the series of deaths comes to light and is revealed. Then, it’s very much in the background until the last 100 pages before finally coming to the fore in the last few chapters. For me, personally, I’d have liked to have seen the investigation play a more prominent role in the overall book.
Another slight issue, I felt that the conclusion came about quite abruptly and I would have preferred a slightly longer build-up to the finale and the subsequent reveal of the killer. Though that’s not to say that it isn’t well done by Leather, it is and you’ll find yourself turning the pages to find out who the killer is……and then letting out a ‘hell yeah‘ because you guessed correctly and that doesn’t happen very often!😂
Those two slight issues aside, I was thoroughly engaged during the whole of my time spent reading The Shout.
Throughout the book, there are interspersed chapters that switch from the main focus of Lewis and Farmer and instead, give us a glimpse into the mind of the killer. From these chapters, we derive that the killer knows a lot about fire. This little insight works well as there are a few characters during the course of the story who due to that knowledge of fire are possible suspects and could all be the killer.
Out of the suspects, I did have an inclining who the actual killer might be and surprisingly, as I mentioned earlier in the review, I was right. There are perhaps a few clues for the more nuanced thriller reader but as it’s only a genre that I dabble in I didn’t pick up on them and it was more a gut feeling of ‘yeah, it’s probably you‘ that I had whilst reading about a certain character.
There are lots of descriptions of fires, how they start, the causes, prevention, fire-fighting techniques, etc and the main focus in The Shout is on fire investigation as you follow Lewis and Farmer to a variety of scenes that all involved fires. On the surface and admittedly, to some, that may well sound dull, fire safety training kids! Remember, fire is hot!😂🔥 To me, it didn’t and simply put, it’s not. Investigating the fires alongside Lewis and Farmer is really interesting and it also gives you the chance to get to know the duo better.
Leather mentions both the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the King’s Cross fire. Two absolutely devastating real-life events. The story in The Shout is well crafted, entirely realistic and believable but, it’s only a work of fiction with fictitious characters. The mention of those two tragic real-life events makes the book feel real. As such, it really brings home the horrors of fire and will make you think about the dangers that firefighters face.
Whether intentional or not on Leather’s behalf, reading The Shout deepens your appreciation of the fire services and the heroes/heroines that are the firefighters who risk their own lives to put out fires and save other people’s lives.
The Shout is a standalone book and when you come to the end, everything gets tied up neatly. However, saying that, I enjoyed the duo of Lewis and Farmer and while admittedly, I don’t know how it would work I’d be quite happy to read future releases with them both as characters.
The Shout ignites from the first page and I found it to be compulsive reading that kept me riveted throughout the whole of its 400 page length.
March 2, 2018
Love Stephen's books. Unfortunately I found this pretty bad. Yes the info about fire fighting was interesting..BUT I could help thinking that the conversation was like something out of "Fireman Sam". It was just soo mundane and boring. I tried to finish it but after about half way through I couldn't go on. I will though look out for his next Jack Nightingale or Dan Shepherd book. Feel like a traitor writing this but have to be honest.
July 27, 2018
what a great book, when a firefighter is hurt in a building fire she is posted to the fire investigation team and meets a grumpy old guy thats looking into a series of fires, as they hunt the fire starter down the action begins
a fantastic read
a fantastic read
January 3, 2018
Perhaps the wrong choice of book to enjoy in front of the fire over Christmas given how well researched and realistic this was!
A female Firefighter is side-lined due to injuries received fighting a fire. She is re-assigned to an investigation team led by a cantankerous manager who wants her there as about as much as she wants to be. Despite Vicky Lewis being desperate to getting back to proper fire-fighting, she warms (see what I did there?) to the new role and discovers that her boss is convinced that a serial killer is setting fires to cover the evidence. Vicky agrees and together they start to investigate while being worried that the skills shown by the killer might only be known to members of the Fire Service.
It’s Stephen Leather, so you know the research will be good and the story excellent. And in this both are true, the details in terms of fire-fighting techniques and equipment provides total depth and realism to the story. Those who would have preferred a Spider Shepherd or Jack Nightingale story, should remember that the author started out with many top notch thrillers and this is another in an astonishing list of great British thrillers.
Check your smoke alarm, settle back and enjoy.
A female Firefighter is side-lined due to injuries received fighting a fire. She is re-assigned to an investigation team led by a cantankerous manager who wants her there as about as much as she wants to be. Despite Vicky Lewis being desperate to getting back to proper fire-fighting, she warms (see what I did there?) to the new role and discovers that her boss is convinced that a serial killer is setting fires to cover the evidence. Vicky agrees and together they start to investigate while being worried that the skills shown by the killer might only be known to members of the Fire Service.
It’s Stephen Leather, so you know the research will be good and the story excellent. And in this both are true, the details in terms of fire-fighting techniques and equipment provides total depth and realism to the story. Those who would have preferred a Spider Shepherd or Jack Nightingale story, should remember that the author started out with many top notch thrillers and this is another in an astonishing list of great British thrillers.
Check your smoke alarm, settle back and enjoy.
March 3, 2018
A shout is a station's call to go fight a fire. The book begins with a shout that throws the world of tough-girl firefighter Vicky Lewis into darkness and later results in her becoming a reluctant fire investigator.
Through her fast-tracked training, the reader is treated to a clinic on the causes and behaviors of structure fires. Just as we're wondering about the point of this mini course, the new knowledge leads Vicky to second-guess the investigation of the blaze that had forever changed her own life.
Under the tutelage of a gruff, seasoned boss, Vicky enters the world of two types of fire starter -- both deadly, but with starkly different motives.
As the puzzle pieces begin to fit together, Vicky has to draw on two kinds of toughness in order to find the truth -- and stay alive.
Excellent work by Stephen Leather.
Through her fast-tracked training, the reader is treated to a clinic on the causes and behaviors of structure fires. Just as we're wondering about the point of this mini course, the new knowledge leads Vicky to second-guess the investigation of the blaze that had forever changed her own life.
Under the tutelage of a gruff, seasoned boss, Vicky enters the world of two types of fire starter -- both deadly, but with starkly different motives.
As the puzzle pieces begin to fit together, Vicky has to draw on two kinds of toughness in order to find the truth -- and stay alive.
Excellent work by Stephen Leather.
May 11, 2018
Another Scorcher from Stephen Leather !
This is a book about Vicky's transition from being a firefighter to a fire investigator. Stephen Leather always tells a great tale and yet again he hits the mark. The characters and set pieces are real and believable. The Shout is very detailed and its a credit to the author who has obviously done thorough research.
Stephen Leather is my favourite thriller author and cannot wait for Tall Order in July 2018.
This is a book about Vicky's transition from being a firefighter to a fire investigator. Stephen Leather always tells a great tale and yet again he hits the mark. The characters and set pieces are real and believable. The Shout is very detailed and its a credit to the author who has obviously done thorough research.
Stephen Leather is my favourite thriller author and cannot wait for Tall Order in July 2018.
August 1, 2023
2,5/5
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
First things first, I think it was way too long of a story. A lot of descriptions were completely unnecessary and there were many times when one thing was described several times, just in a bit different words.
I could divide this book into four parts.
The first, the beginning, was good; I enjoyed Vicky's backstory and how the huge fire was portrayed.
The second part, the majority of the book, was so unnecessary; there was nothing happening and I didn't enjoy it at all.
The third part, a little before the ending, was also pretty good; a lot was happening and it was interesting.
The fourth part, the ending, was a bit disappointing; it was predictable and it was lacking something.
Overall, I don't know if I would recommend this book to anyone.
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
First things first, I think it was way too long of a story. A lot of descriptions were completely unnecessary and there were many times when one thing was described several times, just in a bit different words.
I could divide this book into four parts.
The first, the beginning, was good; I enjoyed Vicky's backstory and how the huge fire was portrayed.
The second part, the majority of the book, was so unnecessary; there was nothing happening and I didn't enjoy it at all.
The third part, a little before the ending, was also pretty good; a lot was happening and it was interesting.
The fourth part, the ending, was a bit disappointing; it was predictable and it was lacking something.
Overall, I don't know if I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 24, 2025
The Shout was a middle-of-the-road read for me, with parts I thoroughly enjoyed and others that fell flat. The author clearly knows their stuff when it comes to firefighting, or they did their research well. It was refreshing to follow the logical steps of the characters without getting lost in overly detailed explanations. The writing wasn’t intensely descriptive and hit that perfect balance to allow readers to paint their own mental picture without lingering unnecessarily on one scene or idea.
While the firefighting elements were incredibly strong, the story of the serial killer felt weak in comparison. As someone who doesn’t usually take much interest in murder mysteries, I found the firefighting aspect far more compelling. The book could have worked better as a multi-part series, delving into the main character’s experiences, trauma, recovery, and future investigations. It was disappointing to see such a rich character and world built up, only to feel like it didn’t reach its full potential.
While the firefighting elements were incredibly strong, the story of the serial killer felt weak in comparison. As someone who doesn’t usually take much interest in murder mysteries, I found the firefighting aspect far more compelling. The book could have worked better as a multi-part series, delving into the main character’s experiences, trauma, recovery, and future investigations. It was disappointing to see such a rich character and world built up, only to feel like it didn’t reach its full potential.
March 21, 2020
the characters were really well rounded, the writing was lovely and easy to read yet intelligent, and i appreciate firefighters a lot more after being enlightened. i really enjoyed the plot, however if the ending was a teeny weeny bit less obvious, i would have given it five. a definite highly recommend though. seems to be a trend that stephens in literature write great books, lmao
January 18, 2019
Just finished this one wow what a book. Loved this I was bloody hooked couldn't shop reading xxx 😁💖📚
September 27, 2025
2.5 stars
June 28, 2018
I think it is one of the best books written by Stephen Leather. It is very fast flowing and hits the ground running from the first page. It is exciting, thrilling with humour in the right places and an excellent story told by a superb storyteller.
It seems to be extremely well researched with how fires start and spread along with how they are put out and then investigated and makes it great reading.
The characters are excellent and very believable, with The Grouch being my favourite – he is grumpy, rude, cantankerous, sexist but very likeable.
The Shout keeps you on the edge of your seat and the 400-odd pages just fly by. It is a scorching-hot read that I can highly recommend.
It seems to be extremely well researched with how fires start and spread along with how they are put out and then investigated and makes it great reading.
The characters are excellent and very believable, with The Grouch being my favourite – he is grumpy, rude, cantankerous, sexist but very likeable.
The Shout keeps you on the edge of your seat and the 400-odd pages just fly by. It is a scorching-hot read that I can highly recommend.
July 1, 2018
Very Good
Well worth the read - could not put it down - great plot and very easy to read - storyline is the authors usual mastermind
Well worth the read - could not put it down - great plot and very easy to read - storyline is the authors usual mastermind
January 25, 2018
A great thriller and a good insight into the London Fire Brigade’s operations
The book opens with Emma Fox, a thirty-something blonde, being raped and killed and the crime covered up by the perpetrator setting what later would appear to be an accidental fire. In other words, perhaps the perfect murder!
Vicky Lewis is a crew manager of the London Fire Brigade, and when she answers ‘a shout’ to a fire she is unaware of the risks and danger that will face her. In doing her job, she is badly injured and has to endure months on the sidelines. When she returns to work, she finds that she is not able to go back to her normal job but is shunted into Fire Investigation. No longer at the front line, Vicky has to adjust to her new role and surroundings.
Upon arrival at the Fire Investigation office, Vicky is confronted by Watch Manager Desmond Farmer, who is nicknamed ‘The Grouch’. In his own time, Farmer has been looking into a series of ‘accidental’ deaths, and eventually, Vicky finds herself assisting him in his search.
Stephen Leather has written a very good thriller which I devoured in less than 24 hours. Not only has he set out a clever plot, but he has written a social commentary on the London Fire Brigade and perhaps the difficulties of women in the service. He has clearly done a great deal of research and it shows. The story flows seamlessly and the main strands are cleverly interwoven. At the same time, he provides day-by-day accounts of the Brigade’s operations and the risks undertaken on behalf of the public.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book and look forward to Stephen Leather’s next.
Sméagol
Breakaway reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
The book opens with Emma Fox, a thirty-something blonde, being raped and killed and the crime covered up by the perpetrator setting what later would appear to be an accidental fire. In other words, perhaps the perfect murder!
Vicky Lewis is a crew manager of the London Fire Brigade, and when she answers ‘a shout’ to a fire she is unaware of the risks and danger that will face her. In doing her job, she is badly injured and has to endure months on the sidelines. When she returns to work, she finds that she is not able to go back to her normal job but is shunted into Fire Investigation. No longer at the front line, Vicky has to adjust to her new role and surroundings.
Upon arrival at the Fire Investigation office, Vicky is confronted by Watch Manager Desmond Farmer, who is nicknamed ‘The Grouch’. In his own time, Farmer has been looking into a series of ‘accidental’ deaths, and eventually, Vicky finds herself assisting him in his search.
Stephen Leather has written a very good thriller which I devoured in less than 24 hours. Not only has he set out a clever plot, but he has written a social commentary on the London Fire Brigade and perhaps the difficulties of women in the service. He has clearly done a great deal of research and it shows. The story flows seamlessly and the main strands are cleverly interwoven. At the same time, he provides day-by-day accounts of the Brigade’s operations and the risks undertaken on behalf of the public.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book and look forward to Stephen Leather’s next.
Sméagol
Breakaway reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
February 18, 2018
Stephen Leather used to write for Londons Burning, and it shows in here. This is the story of Vicky Lewis, a firefighter who ends up seriously injured during a fire. Due to internal politics, she's pushed off to the fire investigation unit, in the hope she will resign.
Along with her boss, Des Farmer, also known as the grouch they investigate the causes of fires. Unknown to Vicky Des is also investigating a set of fatal fires, all of which are down as accidents but he's convinced there's a serial killer on the loose.
The characters are well drawn, Vicky is wonderful and I wouldn't mind seeing more of her. Des is a bit of a grouch with his heart in the right place, and comes across a little too two dimensional. The story though is immaculately researched, the technical detail is wonderful, and to be honest is the main positive. Strangely the mystery really isn't. It's fairly obvious who the killer is, and the side plot about the fire that injured her just feels bolted on.
It's not Leathers best book, but it's certainly not his worse, and if he can now come up with some good story lines for her, Vicky could quite easily come back.
Along with her boss, Des Farmer, also known as the grouch they investigate the causes of fires. Unknown to Vicky Des is also investigating a set of fatal fires, all of which are down as accidents but he's convinced there's a serial killer on the loose.
The characters are well drawn, Vicky is wonderful and I wouldn't mind seeing more of her. Des is a bit of a grouch with his heart in the right place, and comes across a little too two dimensional. The story though is immaculately researched, the technical detail is wonderful, and to be honest is the main positive. Strangely the mystery really isn't. It's fairly obvious who the killer is, and the side plot about the fire that injured her just feels bolted on.
It's not Leathers best book, but it's certainly not his worse, and if he can now come up with some good story lines for her, Vicky could quite easily come back.
April 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Whilst this wasn’t a bad book, Stephen has done so much better. I actually breezed through this excellently narrated 10-hour audio book but was left feeling a little underwhelmed. I felt the first 3/4 was a bit too ‘informational’ demonstrating just how well Stephen had done his research although I must admit I think I actually learned a lot as a result!
The last part, however, which had a climax of sorts, proved to be a bit too predictable and the second time the actual perp’s character was mentioned I’d already put my money on them.
Worth a read for the insights and tidbits of the fire service but not his greatest piece.
Also, the MI6 selection anecdote was a hoot! Nice work.
Whilst this wasn’t a bad book, Stephen has done so much better. I actually breezed through this excellently narrated 10-hour audio book but was left feeling a little underwhelmed. I felt the first 3/4 was a bit too ‘informational’ demonstrating just how well Stephen had done his research although I must admit I think I actually learned a lot as a result!
The last part, however, which had a climax of sorts, proved to be a bit too predictable and the second time the actual perp’s character was mentioned I’d already put my money on them.
Worth a read for the insights and tidbits of the fire service but not his greatest piece.
Also, the MI6 selection anecdote was a hoot! Nice work.
May 11, 2018
To start with this reminded me of James Patterson's "Invisible". It took me a while to get into this novel and I think there was possibly a bit too much early on about different ranks and insignia within the LFB. They weren't really necessary. I think I'd have preferred it if we got past the accident a bit faster. But, once that was done, it moved quite quickly and I enjoyed it more. I did guess the identity of the serial killer from the moment they were introduced, though.
So, something a bit different, but probably didn't appeal to me as much as previous Stephen Leather novels.
So, something a bit different, but probably didn't appeal to me as much as previous Stephen Leather novels.
February 22, 2018
Fantastic!
Just what you would expect from Steven Leather, a gripping fantastically written page Turner that had me hooked from the first chapter!
I totally disagree with earlier reviews of this book saying it read like a LFB manual that is utterly rubbish! I would recommend this book to all its as good as any of Stephens books. I do hope there will be a part 2?
10 out of 10 again.
Thank you.
Just what you would expect from Steven Leather, a gripping fantastically written page Turner that had me hooked from the first chapter!
I totally disagree with earlier reviews of this book saying it read like a LFB manual that is utterly rubbish! I would recommend this book to all its as good as any of Stephens books. I do hope there will be a part 2?
10 out of 10 again.
Thank you.
January 29, 2018
The Shout
Another excellent read.
So much research into the intracies of the fire and rescue service, obviously drawn from his work on "London's Burning"
Looking forward to the next Spider Shepherd story, which I believe comes out in July.
Another excellent read.
So much research into the intracies of the fire and rescue service, obviously drawn from his work on "London's Burning"
Looking forward to the next Spider Shepherd story, which I believe comes out in July.
February 19, 2018
Good story
A good story from Stephen Leather. A little too easy to guess who is the serial killer but still takes nothing away from a thourghly entertaining story.
In some ways a bit of a tribute to the work done by the Fire Services.
A good story from Stephen Leather. A little too easy to guess who is the serial killer but still takes nothing away from a thourghly entertaining story.
In some ways a bit of a tribute to the work done by the Fire Services.
March 18, 2018
I almost gave up on this after the very lengthy description (32 pages) of the fire in chapter 2. The story picked up after this but was not as good as other books I have read by Stephen Leather.
March 30, 2018
Exciting tale
A fast paced story with believable characters. Details of fire fighting and investigations provide an interesting milieu as the story develops
A fast paced story with believable characters. Details of fire fighting and investigations provide an interesting milieu as the story develops
April 1, 2018
Literally unputdownable...can’t remember the last book that gripped me so much from beginning to end.
Now need to get hold of more books by this author
Now need to get hold of more books by this author
April 1, 2018
I may be biased, but almost every Stephen Leather book I just put down. Loads to learn while strung through a great story. As usual. Loved it.
October 14, 2018
Vicky Lewis is called to what she thinks is an ordinary fire at an empty old hotel but it turns out there are squatters. Ignoring advice and going against protocol, she stays behind to save a man’s life when the ceiling gives way and she ends up with terrible burns.
Unable to sack her the fire brigade shift her to somewhere that nobody will see her, the Fire Investigation Unit. Her boss Des Farmer, otherwise known as the Grouch makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there and must prove herself.
After a drunken night out, Vicky stumbles across The Grouch’s off the books investigation into the deaths of several women. All blonde. Not too old, not too young. There’s a serial killer and he has a type. Can they stop him before he kills again?
It’s been a number of year since I read a Stephen Leather book and it’s nice to pick one up again. This is a complete stand-alone, so you don’t need to worry about any other books, I don’t know if it’s going to be turned into a series but I kind of hope so.
The Shout is a quite gritty and realistic novel, that does contain some graphic violence and exceptionally nerve racking scenes.
I liked Vicky. She’s bold, brave and takes no prisoners! Even though the side of her face is badly burned, as is her left hand, all she wants to do is be a fire fighter. She also still lives at home with her mum which I found quite endearing.
Then we have The Grouch, who at first with his sexist attitude (he thinks there’s no place in the fire brigade for women) and old fashioned ways annoyed me but he kind of grows on you as the novel goes on and you see he is a good fire investigator.
There seems to be a good attention to detail with the fire fighting and fire investigation aspects of the novel, obviously I’m not a fire fighter so I can’t say whether it’s completely accurate but it was certainly interesting. It also show some of the reality of living with burns which gave it a more authentic feel.
My only issue is the ending felt rushed. Everything was rounded off nicely but I mean I’d already read 400 pages, a few more wouldn’t have hurt, just to give it a more satisfying ending.
This book also reminded me of one I’d read earlier in the year called Dead Watch written by Steve Liszka (a real life fire fighter) and I’d recommend if you enjoy The Shout you should check that one out too.
Unable to sack her the fire brigade shift her to somewhere that nobody will see her, the Fire Investigation Unit. Her boss Des Farmer, otherwise known as the Grouch makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there and must prove herself.
After a drunken night out, Vicky stumbles across The Grouch’s off the books investigation into the deaths of several women. All blonde. Not too old, not too young. There’s a serial killer and he has a type. Can they stop him before he kills again?
It’s been a number of year since I read a Stephen Leather book and it’s nice to pick one up again. This is a complete stand-alone, so you don’t need to worry about any other books, I don’t know if it’s going to be turned into a series but I kind of hope so.
The Shout is a quite gritty and realistic novel, that does contain some graphic violence and exceptionally nerve racking scenes.
I liked Vicky. She’s bold, brave and takes no prisoners! Even though the side of her face is badly burned, as is her left hand, all she wants to do is be a fire fighter. She also still lives at home with her mum which I found quite endearing.
Then we have The Grouch, who at first with his sexist attitude (he thinks there’s no place in the fire brigade for women) and old fashioned ways annoyed me but he kind of grows on you as the novel goes on and you see he is a good fire investigator.
There seems to be a good attention to detail with the fire fighting and fire investigation aspects of the novel, obviously I’m not a fire fighter so I can’t say whether it’s completely accurate but it was certainly interesting. It also show some of the reality of living with burns which gave it a more authentic feel.
My only issue is the ending felt rushed. Everything was rounded off nicely but I mean I’d already read 400 pages, a few more wouldn’t have hurt, just to give it a more satisfying ending.
This book also reminded me of one I’d read earlier in the year called Dead Watch written by Steve Liszka (a real life fire fighter) and I’d recommend if you enjoy The Shout you should check that one out too.
August 18, 2018
Nearly halfway through and it's still blah blah blah, now he's blathering on about Breaking Bad and how to make Methamphetamine and what happens when it blows up. I gave up (@ around 45%)when they start blahing on about the MC's hero dad. We know he's a hero you've told us that a few times already Stephen. Before that explanations about how a commercial kitchen could catch fire. OK I get it the MC is a newby at fire investigations and she needs to learn the ropes - but I don't. I don't need to be handheld through all the procedures, the author could have covered this in a few paragraphs. Halfway through and the serial killer has hardly appeared so I guess once he does and he gets going with the serial killing and the fire starting. I'm guessing the whole thing will be swiftly wrapped up and the killer apprehended in the last quarter of the book. Life is too short to wait for it.
Maybe this is an early book and the author was getting into his stride, trying to find his voice - but at the moment his voice is a monotone drone, boring the socks off me so I had to end it. Maybe if the was a paperback I would have ceremoniously burnt it to give it a fitting end.
My advice - don't bother.
Maybe this is an early book and the author was getting into his stride, trying to find his voice - but at the moment his voice is a monotone drone, boring the socks off me so I had to end it. Maybe if the was a paperback I would have ceremoniously burnt it to give it a fitting end.
My advice - don't bother.
June 30, 2019
I picked this book up on a whim from the library after I was interested about a serial killer using fire to cover his tracks and the fire investigators who are the only ones who know.
Things I liked:
-the premise
- firefighters after serial killers? Yes please!
- the main character, Vicky, as she deals with a life-changing injury.
- how Vicky figures out who the murderer is and confronts him
- Vicky's put down about women being in the front line in the fire service
- basically Vicky
Things I didn't like:
- 'she knows I only treat her badly because I respect her and if she doesn't know that, then she isn't the woman I thought she was' paraphrased from something Vicky's mentor said to another guy. Basically, Des is chauvinist and treats Vicky like a gopher, getting her to pick him up all the time because he likes her car and makes comments about women not needing to be in the firefighter service but it's okay because he respects her. He doesn't show it and only tells people behind her back but it's okay because he has a heart of gold.
- the graphic rape scenes
- how the serial killer only shows in the last quarter of the book
- basically Des
This was a real mixed bag for me. 3 stars!
Things I liked:
-the premise
- firefighters after serial killers? Yes please!
- the main character, Vicky, as she deals with a life-changing injury.
- how Vicky figures out who the murderer is and confronts him
- Vicky's put down about women being in the front line in the fire service
- basically Vicky
Things I didn't like:
- 'she knows I only treat her badly because I respect her and if she doesn't know that, then she isn't the woman I thought she was' paraphrased from something Vicky's mentor said to another guy. Basically, Des is chauvinist and treats Vicky like a gopher, getting her to pick him up all the time because he likes her car and makes comments about women not needing to be in the firefighter service but it's okay because he respects her. He doesn't show it and only tells people behind her back but it's okay because he has a heart of gold.
- the graphic rape scenes
- how the serial killer only shows in the last quarter of the book
- basically Des
This was a real mixed bag for me. 3 stars!
September 18, 2019
I like Stephen Leather and have always enjoyed his books. One about the London Fire Brigade so different characters and a different approach but still enjoyable. Vicky Lewis is quite badly burnt in the rescue of a squatter from a burning building. After some time in recuperation she is looking forward to going back to her station and going back to firefighting. The powers that be at LFB think otherwise and shunt her off to “Fire Investigations” under the watchful eye of Des “The Grouch” Farmer. Vicky, as determined as ever, decides if she has to be there she has to be the best!! The developing relationship between her and Des brings a smile to your face and Des does his best to grow her knowledge and education of Fire Investigations. During these investigations a number of issues become apparent both with Vicky’s rescue of the squatter and some deaths from Fire’s that Des has been looking at again. Good take, well written and enjoyable
October 5, 2020
Steven Leather's books are always good and 'The Shout' was no exception. Fast paced, interesting and compelling the book held my attention and was difficult to put down.
It is clear that Leather did his homework on this one and the back story felt authentic.
The reason that this is not five stars is that, when all is said and done, it is a typical serial killer story. You know the kind...
1. We have a serial killer with a specific victim type and methodology
2. The police ( investigators) are clueless / baffled
3. The main character gets targeted by the killer
4. The identity of the killer is revealed (and it's not exactly a surprise)
The book's biggest downfall is that it was extremely predictable. Whilst this did not spoil my enjoyment, it does put this book firmly in the 'been there, done that' pile.
It is clear that Leather did his homework on this one and the back story felt authentic.
The reason that this is not five stars is that, when all is said and done, it is a typical serial killer story. You know the kind...
1. We have a serial killer with a specific victim type and methodology
2. The police ( investigators) are clueless / baffled
3. The main character gets targeted by the killer
4. The identity of the killer is revealed (and it's not exactly a surprise)
The book's biggest downfall is that it was extremely predictable. Whilst this did not spoil my enjoyment, it does put this book firmly in the 'been there, done that' pile.
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