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DCI Sophie Allen #6
Evil Crimes
A young man's body is spotted in the stormy sea off Dancing Ledge in Dorset.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.
A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
DCI Sophie Allen races against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.
A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
DCI Sophie Allen races against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
640 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 6, 2017
EXCERPT: . . . I think she's convinced herself that there might be something wrong, and she wants to nip it in the bud before we have another death on our hands. If it is the same woman behind these two deaths, then she's right to push hard. Killers can soon get addicted to what they do. The boss is worried that she might have already chosen another victim. If that's the case, it's a race and we're handicapped because there's so much we don't yet know.
THE BLURB: A young man's body is spotted in the stormy sea off Dancing Ledge in Dorset.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.
A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
DCI Sophie Allen races against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
MY THOUGHTS: How have I previously missed out on Michael Hambling? How many times have I said that I wished someone would give me a strong female lead detective who isn't carrying loads of baggage and lives a relatively normal life? A female Alan Banks.
Well, here she is. DCI Sophie Allen is happily married to the father of her two daughters, one coming up eighteen, the other a little older. She has a great relationship with both her daughters and with her mother, who’s quite a colorful character. She works well with her team. A nice woman who gets the job done. A breath of fresh air!
And if you think that sounds boring, you'd be wrong. The characters are well portrayed, the plot unusual and interesting. I liked this so much that I am planning to gorge myself on the earlier books in the series over the Christmas break.
And, in case you are wondering, Evil Crimes works perfectly well as a stand alone.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Evil Crimes by Michael Hambling for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
THE BLURB: A young man's body is spotted in the stormy sea off Dancing Ledge in Dorset.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.
A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
DCI Sophie Allen races against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
MY THOUGHTS: How have I previously missed out on Michael Hambling? How many times have I said that I wished someone would give me a strong female lead detective who isn't carrying loads of baggage and lives a relatively normal life? A female Alan Banks.
Well, here she is. DCI Sophie Allen is happily married to the father of her two daughters, one coming up eighteen, the other a little older. She has a great relationship with both her daughters and with her mother, who’s quite a colorful character. She works well with her team. A nice woman who gets the job done. A breath of fresh air!
And if you think that sounds boring, you'd be wrong. The characters are well portrayed, the plot unusual and interesting. I liked this so much that I am planning to gorge myself on the earlier books in the series over the Christmas break.
And, in case you are wondering, Evil Crimes works perfectly well as a stand alone.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Evil Crimes by Michael Hambling for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 29, 2017
This is the 6th book in the DCI Sophie Allen series.
A middle aged woman commits suicide and the police have now closed the case. Her brother later discovers her diary and it contains strange notes about someone named H. He takes it to the police. A man's body is found in the sea in Dancing Ledge, Dorset. Had he lost his footing? Was he pushed? Or is it another suicide?
This is another good read from the author. The pace is steady and the plot is good. The book is full of twists and it has a satisfying ending. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Michael Hambling for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A middle aged woman commits suicide and the police have now closed the case. Her brother later discovers her diary and it contains strange notes about someone named H. He takes it to the police. A man's body is found in the sea in Dancing Ledge, Dorset. Had he lost his footing? Was he pushed? Or is it another suicide?
This is another good read from the author. The pace is steady and the plot is good. The book is full of twists and it has a satisfying ending. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Michael Hambling for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2017
After the body of a young man is spotted in the stormy sea of Dancing Ledge In Dorset,Detective Sophie Allen and her team finds themselves caught up in a complex case involving blackmail,secrets,lies,manipulation and murder.
They soon discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.The connection between the two cases seems to be a strikingly attractive female student.As the team probes deeper into the deaths alarming facts slowly come to light.
Sophie and her team race against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
This is a fast paced,twist packed,well written,gripping thriller that is quite dark at times.The plot is Intreguing and keep me guessing and frantically turning the pages,totally engrossed in the story that was unfolding before my eyes.The characters where a diverse,mixed bag of well developed,realistic personalities.I liked Sophie and her team,they worked well together and it made a nice change that they socialized outside of work as well.My absolute favourite character was Sergeant Rose Simons,her witty and sarcastic comments where really funny,she wasn't in the book enough for my liking.
Although this is the sixth book in the series,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.I haven't read any of the previous titles but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this riveting thriller.
Many thanks to Joffe book and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
They soon discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier.The connection between the two cases seems to be a strikingly attractive female student.As the team probes deeper into the deaths alarming facts slowly come to light.
Sophie and her team race against time to uncover the tragic secrets behind the crimes and stop any more deaths.
This is a fast paced,twist packed,well written,gripping thriller that is quite dark at times.The plot is Intreguing and keep me guessing and frantically turning the pages,totally engrossed in the story that was unfolding before my eyes.The characters where a diverse,mixed bag of well developed,realistic personalities.I liked Sophie and her team,they worked well together and it made a nice change that they socialized outside of work as well.My absolute favourite character was Sergeant Rose Simons,her witty and sarcastic comments where really funny,she wasn't in the book enough for my liking.
Although this is the sixth book in the series,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.I haven't read any of the previous titles but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this riveting thriller.
Many thanks to Joffe book and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
November 29, 2017
Book 6 in this crime thriller series has Sophie Allen and her team investigating suicides that could actually have been murder.
One young man fell off a cliff's ledge. An older woman was found hanging from a beam in her home. The only thing they had in common was a woman with long red hair.
The more they dig, the more facts come to light. And then another death takes them all by surprise.
Although part of a series, this one does quite well as a stand alone. I would recommend starting with the first book ..perhaps a marathon reading. It's a terrific way of getting to know not only Sophie, but her entire team.
The author has done a great job with characterization. Narratives and conversations are smooth flowing with a great deal of credibility. There are twists and turns leading to a startling conclusion. Crime buffs will immensely enjoy this one.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
One young man fell off a cliff's ledge. An older woman was found hanging from a beam in her home. The only thing they had in common was a woman with long red hair.
The more they dig, the more facts come to light. And then another death takes them all by surprise.
Although part of a series, this one does quite well as a stand alone. I would recommend starting with the first book ..perhaps a marathon reading. It's a terrific way of getting to know not only Sophie, but her entire team.
The author has done a great job with characterization. Narratives and conversations are smooth flowing with a great deal of credibility. There are twists and turns leading to a startling conclusion. Crime buffs will immensely enjoy this one.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 9, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
I received an ARC of this novel directly from the author and publisher Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
The sixth book in the series, I was dropped into the deep end a bit with no prior knowledge of the characters but I feel this book works quite well as a standalone, although it's killing me to know more about the character Rae. I've never come across a trans character in a novel that is so completely normal and the author has done an exemplary job in creating a character so life-like and compelling.
To say I was completely riveted by this story would be an understatement! The plot was enticing and fresh, and once I'd "opened" the book I couldn't put it down. (Save for day to day living, which was really rude to interrupt 😂) The pacing was tight, which was one of the reasons the book was such a quick read, the other being the incredibly life-like characters of the investigation team - all completely normal with no hangups or damaged psyches, which is the first time I've come across that in a police procedural/crime series. It was so refreshing to just concentrate on the crimes themselves.
And what of Harriet? Firstly, although she was a manipulative antagonist, I couldn't help but be intrigued by her story. Then as the novel progressed and I began to understand the reasons for her behaviour I started feeling a little sorry for the shitty life fate had dealt her. Then all of a sudden, right out of left field, the author hit me with a stunning twist that left me completely shocked! What happened and who is ultimately guilty of the crime? Well, you'll just have to find out for yourself - you won't be disappointed!!
I'm now off to add the first two of the author's series to my TBR list.
I received an ARC of this novel directly from the author and publisher Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
The sixth book in the series, I was dropped into the deep end a bit with no prior knowledge of the characters but I feel this book works quite well as a standalone, although it's killing me to know more about the character Rae. I've never come across a trans character in a novel that is so completely normal and the author has done an exemplary job in creating a character so life-like and compelling.
To say I was completely riveted by this story would be an understatement! The plot was enticing and fresh, and once I'd "opened" the book I couldn't put it down. (Save for day to day living, which was really rude to interrupt 😂) The pacing was tight, which was one of the reasons the book was such a quick read, the other being the incredibly life-like characters of the investigation team - all completely normal with no hangups or damaged psyches, which is the first time I've come across that in a police procedural/crime series. It was so refreshing to just concentrate on the crimes themselves.
And what of Harriet? Firstly, although she was a manipulative antagonist, I couldn't help but be intrigued by her story. Then as the novel progressed and I began to understand the reasons for her behaviour I started feeling a little sorry for the shitty life fate had dealt her. Then all of a sudden, right out of left field, the author hit me with a stunning twist that left me completely shocked! What happened and who is ultimately guilty of the crime? Well, you'll just have to find out for yourself - you won't be disappointed!!
I'm now off to add the first two of the author's series to my TBR list.
February 28, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
While I enjoyed the story, the characters felt somewhat flat to me. I have not read the previous books in the series, so that may be partly why the characters (Sophie in particular) felt underdeveloped. There was also some politically "correctness" / aspects that I felt detracted from the story line as well.
It was a good story though and moved along at a decent pace.
While I enjoyed the story, the characters felt somewhat flat to me. I have not read the previous books in the series, so that may be partly why the characters (Sophie in particular) felt underdeveloped. There was also some politically "correctness" / aspects that I felt detracted from the story line as well.
It was a good story though and moved along at a decent pace.
December 3, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Michael and it is part of a series. It does work very well as stand-alone and his website has a very informative section on the characters which enabled me to learn about them before reading the book.
The story begins with a suicide pact, or is it? From there the intrigue begins and continues all the way through the book to a jaw dropping finale. There are twists and turns with plenty of false leads that all work together very well to create a story that has the reader continuing to turn the pages.
In the background there are issues that are examined and discussed that bring a very interesting human aspect to the characters and the story.
The book is very well written and an excellent read. I will certainly be reading the back list to this series and look forward to the next book.
The story begins with a suicide pact, or is it? From there the intrigue begins and continues all the way through the book to a jaw dropping finale. There are twists and turns with plenty of false leads that all work together very well to create a story that has the reader continuing to turn the pages.
In the background there are issues that are examined and discussed that bring a very interesting human aspect to the characters and the story.
The book is very well written and an excellent read. I will certainly be reading the back list to this series and look forward to the next book.
December 6, 2017
*Thank you to Jill Burkinshaw and the team at Joffe Books for the copy which I received in exchange for an honest review*
A body is found in what appears to be a suicide in the stormy seas. Sophie Allen and her team are called to investigate, and while investigating find some clues that link it to an earlier suicide. They begin to get suspicious, especially as a striking young female is involved. Were they suicides? Is the young woman a murderer? Or is she being manipulated or framed?
This is the sixth book in the series, and although it can easily be read as a standalone, I did feel I had missed a little just at the very start. It’s clear Sophie and an early witness to the suicide in the sea have some history, but it didn’t affect the story.
There were several things I really liked about the book. Firstly, I liked that Sophie was given a family, and family dramas were played out throughout the storyline. I also liked that one of Sophie’s junior members of the team, Rae, was a transgender character. It’s not something you come across a lot in crime fiction.
It’s a good meaty plot for you to get your teeth stuck into, a mix of psychological thriller and police procedural.
A body is found in what appears to be a suicide in the stormy seas. Sophie Allen and her team are called to investigate, and while investigating find some clues that link it to an earlier suicide. They begin to get suspicious, especially as a striking young female is involved. Were they suicides? Is the young woman a murderer? Or is she being manipulated or framed?
This is the sixth book in the series, and although it can easily be read as a standalone, I did feel I had missed a little just at the very start. It’s clear Sophie and an early witness to the suicide in the sea have some history, but it didn’t affect the story.
There were several things I really liked about the book. Firstly, I liked that Sophie was given a family, and family dramas were played out throughout the storyline. I also liked that one of Sophie’s junior members of the team, Rae, was a transgender character. It’s not something you come across a lot in crime fiction.
It’s a good meaty plot for you to get your teeth stuck into, a mix of psychological thriller and police procedural.
February 5, 2022
It was interesting; it was more of a generalized picture of an unsavory position and the deaths associated with it than a standard murder mystery. I have been reading these criminal mysteries of DCI Sophie Allen by Michael Hambling, and this is the sixth of them, and I am noticing that they are all distinct and have different emphases and details of crime overall to point out. I am currently reading the seventh (which will probably take ANOTHER month…) before I finish with the eighth (it takes me a LONG time to actually read due to my vision and difficulty following written words). I overall enjoy these books. The consistency in character amongst the main people is strongly appreciated, while there is available to be an element of surprise.
November 30, 2024
3.5 stars
This audiobook was just an ok read for me, but nothing to write home about.
The main character female is a young college girl who is a hot mess (to say the least). The chapter where she utters complete nonsense for several pages about did me in though.
This audiobook was just an ok read for me, but nothing to write home about.
The main character female is a young college girl who is a hot mess (to say the least). The chapter where she utters complete nonsense for several pages about did me in though.
February 11, 2021
Another brilliant story, loads of twists and I’m really enjoying the continuing stories of the constant characters.
December 9, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this book, it was a well written crime thriller with an excellent plot!
This is the first book that I have by this author but I liked it so much that I have downloaded the rest of the series to catch up - it can easily be read as a stand alone but I do love picking up a new series so was delighted when I found this one!
The plot is great and I loved the pace, the story is easily believable and I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and I do love a good crime book. Five stars from me, I really enjoyed it!!
I really enjoyed this book, it was a well written crime thriller with an excellent plot!
This is the first book that I have by this author but I liked it so much that I have downloaded the rest of the series to catch up - it can easily be read as a stand alone but I do love picking up a new series so was delighted when I found this one!
The plot is great and I loved the pace, the story is easily believable and I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and I do love a good crime book. Five stars from me, I really enjoyed it!!
November 19, 2017
Evil crimes by Michael Hambling.
A young man's body is spotted in the stormy sea off Dancing Ledge in Dorset.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier. A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
A fantastic read with great characters. Didn't expect that. 4*. Netgalley and joffe books.
A young man's body is spotted in the stormy sea off Dancing Ledge in Dorset.
Did he lose his footing in the gale force winds and fall in? Or is there a more sinister cause of death?
Detective Sophie Allen's team discover some curious links to a suicide that happened six months earlier. A strikingly attractive female student connects the cases. Alarming facts slowly come to light as the team probes more deeply.
Is the young woman as evil as she seems or is someone else manipulating her?
A fantastic read with great characters. Didn't expect that. 4*. Netgalley and joffe books.
December 13, 2017
Okay dokey folks I have a confession to make. Although I have all of Michael Hambling’s books on my ever increasing and dangerously teetering ‘TBR’ (to be read) pile, I haven’t actually read one before. Please don’t hate me. When I was asked if I would like to take part in the blog tour for his latest release ‘Evil Crimes’, I grabbed the opportunity because it meant that I could familiarise myself with his work. Boy oh boy am I glad that I did because I now realise just what it is I have been missing out on. I LOVED this book but more about that in a bit.
DCI Sophie Allen is one likeable police officer. She’s in her forties and lives at home with her husband. They seem to get on really well , which seems like a rarity in crime novels. DCI Allen is considered to be the font of all knowledge as regards violent crime and murder within the Dorset area. Something for which she is very well qualified to be. DCI Allen holds a degree in law but uniquely she also has a Masters degree in criminal psychology. She can say what makes criminals tick but she also knows the law and how it can punish the perpetrators of crime. Sophie Allen is the sort of boss that I would want to work for- she is kind, supportive, always ready to lend an ear to those who need it, she’s ready with tea, sympathy and advice, she doesn’t hesitate to stick up for members of her team when the need arises but she also comes down hard on those members of her team, who screw up. DCI Sophie Allen is like a mother hen and her team are her chicks. Sophie is one heck of a strong woman. It’s obvious that she has secrets in her past but she tries not to allow them to affect her present day or future.
I have to say that the villain in this story is somewhat chilling and I could not believe the ease with which she or he sought out a victim and how they managed to get the victim under their spell. The villain displayed a chilling indifference to his/ her victims and I couldn’t believe the ease with which the villain managed to blend in to society. I guess this book shows that you can’t take anybody at face value and you don’t know what lurks beneath the surface.
Every once in a while I discover a new author, I read their book, I find out just what it is I have been missing all these years and I can’t understand why I haven’t read their work before. Well I felt this way about ‘Evil Crimes’ and it’s author. Rest assured that now I have discovered just how good this author is, reading the rest of his books is now a priority. I was hooked from the very first word on the very first page and I was enthralled until the last word on the last page. It was almost as if the book had cast a spell on me. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted when I read a book but not in this case. Once I picked up ‘Evil Crimes’ that was it, I just became addicted to reading it. It was almost as if my Kindle became glued to my hand as the book went everywhere with me. I was that into the story that I didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased to finish the book as I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the writing style and the story so much that I just wanted it to continue. I liked the way that the author places more emphasis on the psychological aspects of crime and not the blood and guts aspect. You really get a sense of what makes a criminal tick, which I found so very interesting because my dream job is being a criminal psychologist.
In short I loved this book and I can’t wait to read what comes next for DCI Sophie Allen and her team. In the meantime though, I will just content myself with catching up with the previous books in the series. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to anyone. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is an easy and very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
DCI Sophie Allen is one likeable police officer. She’s in her forties and lives at home with her husband. They seem to get on really well , which seems like a rarity in crime novels. DCI Allen is considered to be the font of all knowledge as regards violent crime and murder within the Dorset area. Something for which she is very well qualified to be. DCI Allen holds a degree in law but uniquely she also has a Masters degree in criminal psychology. She can say what makes criminals tick but she also knows the law and how it can punish the perpetrators of crime. Sophie Allen is the sort of boss that I would want to work for- she is kind, supportive, always ready to lend an ear to those who need it, she’s ready with tea, sympathy and advice, she doesn’t hesitate to stick up for members of her team when the need arises but she also comes down hard on those members of her team, who screw up. DCI Sophie Allen is like a mother hen and her team are her chicks. Sophie is one heck of a strong woman. It’s obvious that she has secrets in her past but she tries not to allow them to affect her present day or future.
I have to say that the villain in this story is somewhat chilling and I could not believe the ease with which she or he sought out a victim and how they managed to get the victim under their spell. The villain displayed a chilling indifference to his/ her victims and I couldn’t believe the ease with which the villain managed to blend in to society. I guess this book shows that you can’t take anybody at face value and you don’t know what lurks beneath the surface.
Every once in a while I discover a new author, I read their book, I find out just what it is I have been missing all these years and I can’t understand why I haven’t read their work before. Well I felt this way about ‘Evil Crimes’ and it’s author. Rest assured that now I have discovered just how good this author is, reading the rest of his books is now a priority. I was hooked from the very first word on the very first page and I was enthralled until the last word on the last page. It was almost as if the book had cast a spell on me. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted when I read a book but not in this case. Once I picked up ‘Evil Crimes’ that was it, I just became addicted to reading it. It was almost as if my Kindle became glued to my hand as the book went everywhere with me. I was that into the story that I didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased to finish the book as I knew how the story ended but I was enjoying the writing style and the story so much that I just wanted it to continue. I liked the way that the author places more emphasis on the psychological aspects of crime and not the blood and guts aspect. You really get a sense of what makes a criminal tick, which I found so very interesting because my dream job is being a criminal psychologist.
In short I loved this book and I can’t wait to read what comes next for DCI Sophie Allen and her team. In the meantime though, I will just content myself with catching up with the previous books in the series. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to anyone. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is an easy and very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 18, 2025
In »Evil Crimes« von Michael Hambling begleiten wir erneut Detective Sophie Allen und ihr Team von der Bournemouth Police in Südengland, die sich mit einem Mordfall unter Studenten auseinandersetzen und Schwierigkeiten haben, Opfer von Tätern zu unterscheiden.
Sophie Allen, die Ermittlerin, und ihre Kollegen begeben sich nach Devon, um eine Serie von schrecklichen Verbrechen zu untersuchen, die verheerende Konsequenzen haben.
Wird der Körper eines jungen Mannes, gefunden in der wilden See bei Dancing Ledge in Dorset, Stoff für einen Küstenkrimi aus der Reihe um Sophie Allen sein? War es der Wind, der ihn ins Wasser geschubst hat, oder steckt hier ein mysteriöses Geheimnis dahinter?
Sophie Allens Spürnasen-Truppe stolpert über ein Knäuel an kryptischen Hinweisen, die bis zu einem Selbstmord vor einem halben Jahr zurückreichen. Plötzlich taucht eine Studentin auf, deren Attraktivität fast so auffällig ist wie die Verbindungen zwischen den Fällen. Je tiefer das Team gräbt, desto mehr Fakten tauchen auf, die so alarmierend sind, dass selbst Sherlock Holmes vor Neid erblassen würde.
Ist die junge Dame wirklich so finster drauf, oder tanzt sie nach der Pfeife von jemand anderem? DCI Sophie Allen rennt gegen die Uhr, um die düsteren Geheimnisse hinter den Verbrechen zu lüften und weitere Katastrophen zu vermeiden.
»Evil Crimes« ist bereits der sechste von momentan dreizehn Krimis um Sophie Allen und der Autor wird immer besser darin aus den anfänglichen Cosy Crime Romanen einen brisanten Thriller zu machen. Spannung und verzwickte Ermittlungen sind garantiert. Zudem wird alles mit privaten Problemen des Figurenensembles angereichert. Obwohl in diesem Roman zu Beginn etwas weit im Privatbereich ausgeholt wurde und der Autor sich erst in die Ermittlungen hinainschrewiben musste.
Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass die Regionen in Südengland nicht nur für ihre malerischen Landschaften bekannt sind, sondern auch für ein bemerkenswertes Team, das unserer Protagonistin zur Seite steht. Die verdächtigen Charaktere, die sich unter den Studenten tummeln, bringen ihre eigenen psychischen Herausforderungen mit, was die Sache nur noch kniffliger macht. Oftmals gehen die Vermutungen in die falsche Richtung – wer hätte gedacht, dass … der Täter ist?
Der Roman war mir schon sehr vertraut und ich kann ihn wärmstens weiterempfehlen.
Teilt diesen Blogbeitrag auf Social Media, damit auch eure Freunde die spannenden Geschichten aus Südengland genießen können!
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2025
Sophie Allen, die Ermittlerin, und ihre Kollegen begeben sich nach Devon, um eine Serie von schrecklichen Verbrechen zu untersuchen, die verheerende Konsequenzen haben.
Wird der Körper eines jungen Mannes, gefunden in der wilden See bei Dancing Ledge in Dorset, Stoff für einen Küstenkrimi aus der Reihe um Sophie Allen sein? War es der Wind, der ihn ins Wasser geschubst hat, oder steckt hier ein mysteriöses Geheimnis dahinter?
Sophie Allens Spürnasen-Truppe stolpert über ein Knäuel an kryptischen Hinweisen, die bis zu einem Selbstmord vor einem halben Jahr zurückreichen. Plötzlich taucht eine Studentin auf, deren Attraktivität fast so auffällig ist wie die Verbindungen zwischen den Fällen. Je tiefer das Team gräbt, desto mehr Fakten tauchen auf, die so alarmierend sind, dass selbst Sherlock Holmes vor Neid erblassen würde.
Ist die junge Dame wirklich so finster drauf, oder tanzt sie nach der Pfeife von jemand anderem? DCI Sophie Allen rennt gegen die Uhr, um die düsteren Geheimnisse hinter den Verbrechen zu lüften und weitere Katastrophen zu vermeiden.
»Evil Crimes« ist bereits der sechste von momentan dreizehn Krimis um Sophie Allen und der Autor wird immer besser darin aus den anfänglichen Cosy Crime Romanen einen brisanten Thriller zu machen. Spannung und verzwickte Ermittlungen sind garantiert. Zudem wird alles mit privaten Problemen des Figurenensembles angereichert. Obwohl in diesem Roman zu Beginn etwas weit im Privatbereich ausgeholt wurde und der Autor sich erst in die Ermittlungen hinainschrewiben musste.
Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass die Regionen in Südengland nicht nur für ihre malerischen Landschaften bekannt sind, sondern auch für ein bemerkenswertes Team, das unserer Protagonistin zur Seite steht. Die verdächtigen Charaktere, die sich unter den Studenten tummeln, bringen ihre eigenen psychischen Herausforderungen mit, was die Sache nur noch kniffliger macht. Oftmals gehen die Vermutungen in die falsche Richtung – wer hätte gedacht, dass … der Täter ist?
Der Roman war mir schon sehr vertraut und ich kann ihn wärmstens weiterempfehlen.
Teilt diesen Blogbeitrag auf Social Media, damit auch eure Freunde die spannenden Geschichten aus Südengland genießen können!
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2025
December 7, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Evil Crimes, the sixh novel o feature DCI Sophie Allen of the Dorset Police.
Sophie and the team are called out to a suspicious death where a body is found in the sea at the botom of a steep cliff. While they are trying to figure out if it was suicide or an accident certain anomalies come to their attention which make them think it might be murder. When DS Barry Marsh remembers a case he consulted on a few monhs ago that had certain similariies the hunt is on o find H, the common denominator.
I thoroughly enjoyed Evil Crimes which is another solid addition to a great series I have been reading for years (the first three were originally published under different titles). I like a good police procedural and this is an excellent example with its emphasis on the investigative process. This is a necessity in the novel as the reader initially has more information than the team. Normally I prefer to watch the investigation unfold with the detectives and have the same information as they do but not in this case. Mr Hambling has judged his information flow very well and there are still surprises in every chapter and a great twist towards the end. It held my attention throughout and I read it in one sitting.
I like the characters and the closeknit team Mr Hambling has created. Sophie is very obviously the leader through both her intelligence and intuition and warm, strong personality. It is very pleasant to read a novel with a strong, capable 40 something woman with no hangups and little baggage as a protagonist. It means the plot is strong enough not to need the more usual character gimmicks. The other team members, Barry Marsh and Rae Gregson, bring their own strengths which make the team highly effective and close enough to socialise outside of work.
Evil Crimes works well as a stand alone but there are some references to past events which may trouble some readers but not enough to have much impact on the plot. I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Sophie and the team are called out to a suspicious death where a body is found in the sea at the botom of a steep cliff. While they are trying to figure out if it was suicide or an accident certain anomalies come to their attention which make them think it might be murder. When DS Barry Marsh remembers a case he consulted on a few monhs ago that had certain similariies the hunt is on o find H, the common denominator.
I thoroughly enjoyed Evil Crimes which is another solid addition to a great series I have been reading for years (the first three were originally published under different titles). I like a good police procedural and this is an excellent example with its emphasis on the investigative process. This is a necessity in the novel as the reader initially has more information than the team. Normally I prefer to watch the investigation unfold with the detectives and have the same information as they do but not in this case. Mr Hambling has judged his information flow very well and there are still surprises in every chapter and a great twist towards the end. It held my attention throughout and I read it in one sitting.
I like the characters and the closeknit team Mr Hambling has created. Sophie is very obviously the leader through both her intelligence and intuition and warm, strong personality. It is very pleasant to read a novel with a strong, capable 40 something woman with no hangups and little baggage as a protagonist. It means the plot is strong enough not to need the more usual character gimmicks. The other team members, Barry Marsh and Rae Gregson, bring their own strengths which make the team highly effective and close enough to socialise outside of work.
Evil Crimes works well as a stand alone but there are some references to past events which may trouble some readers but not enough to have much impact on the plot. I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
December 10, 2017
I read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
The book cover says “A gripping crime thriller full of twists”, boy is that a statement! This book took right off on the first page and kept me turning the pages right up through the end. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book and I read it in one day. This is the sixth book in a the series, but it is a standalone book. I have not read the previous books in this series.
There are three suicides that have happened over a course of five years, with two of those being within six months of each other and recent. The first one is discovered after the investigation of the third suicide that just happened. There is one common denominator in the suicides, but it will take some digging and true investigative work to find this common denominator and then find out the rest of the details of the deaths and how they are linked. DCI Sophie Allen and her team will link everything together eventually. DCI Sophie is a smart investigator who doesn’t let up when she is on a case. She seems to have an ability to read people and figure out if she should push or back off. Her and her team work very well together and they are all very good at what they do.
If you like a book that will keep your mind reeling throughout and even after, then this book is a good book to pick up. Just be prepared to not want to put it down. I give this book a 5 star rating and look forward to reading more of Michael Hambling’s books in the future.
The book cover says “A gripping crime thriller full of twists”, boy is that a statement! This book took right off on the first page and kept me turning the pages right up through the end. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book and I read it in one day. This is the sixth book in a the series, but it is a standalone book. I have not read the previous books in this series.
There are three suicides that have happened over a course of five years, with two of those being within six months of each other and recent. The first one is discovered after the investigation of the third suicide that just happened. There is one common denominator in the suicides, but it will take some digging and true investigative work to find this common denominator and then find out the rest of the details of the deaths and how they are linked. DCI Sophie Allen and her team will link everything together eventually. DCI Sophie is a smart investigator who doesn’t let up when she is on a case. She seems to have an ability to read people and figure out if she should push or back off. Her and her team work very well together and they are all very good at what they do.
If you like a book that will keep your mind reeling throughout and even after, then this book is a good book to pick up. Just be prepared to not want to put it down. I give this book a 5 star rating and look forward to reading more of Michael Hambling’s books in the future.
June 11, 2021
Evil Crimes by Michael Hambling
This is another gripping and original crime story in the brilliant DCI Sophie Allen series.
When questions are raised about a couple of suspected suicides, the local police call in DCI Sophie Allen. It doesn’t take long for her to connect them to a suspect and the investigation moves across the border into Exeter University. Liaison with the local police becomes strained when the main suspect is murdered and the case takes an unexpected turn.
Everything I love about this series is here in abundance – another original storyline, the relationships between the team members and families that keep everyone strong and focused, and a twisting plot that throws up a few surprises along the way. The writing is tight, the pace pitch perfect and at the heart of it all is Sophie Allen. She’s charismatic, empathetic, determined, clever and tough. She never loses sight of what and who matters.
While you can read this sixth story in the series as a standalone, you will never get the full benefit of just how good these stories and characters are unless you start from the beginning.
This is another gripping and original crime story in the brilliant DCI Sophie Allen series.
When questions are raised about a couple of suspected suicides, the local police call in DCI Sophie Allen. It doesn’t take long for her to connect them to a suspect and the investigation moves across the border into Exeter University. Liaison with the local police becomes strained when the main suspect is murdered and the case takes an unexpected turn.
Everything I love about this series is here in abundance – another original storyline, the relationships between the team members and families that keep everyone strong and focused, and a twisting plot that throws up a few surprises along the way. The writing is tight, the pace pitch perfect and at the heart of it all is Sophie Allen. She’s charismatic, empathetic, determined, clever and tough. She never loses sight of what and who matters.
While you can read this sixth story in the series as a standalone, you will never get the full benefit of just how good these stories and characters are unless you start from the beginning.
December 6, 2017
This is the first book by Michael Hambling that I've read and I fully intend reading all of the others. The story stands alone and the reader has no need to read the earlier books in order to thoroughly enjoy the story. It begins with what would appear to be a double suicide pact which becomes the murder of one of the would-be suicides by the other. Immediately, the reader is hooked and then, when the reader discovers that this isn't the first 'suicide' witnessed by a young lady with long red hair, one is grabbed by the nose and has to read on to the end.
Sophie Allen is a dedicated detective with a nose for false and misleading trails and the glimpses of her private life leave one wanting more. Fast-paced, with immaculate police procedure and more twists and turns than a bowl of spaghetti, this book leaves the reader with questions in their head about human nature and the propensity for evil, but forever grateful for our 'boys (and girls!) in blue.
Sophie Allen is a dedicated detective with a nose for false and misleading trails and the glimpses of her private life leave one wanting more. Fast-paced, with immaculate police procedure and more twists and turns than a bowl of spaghetti, this book leaves the reader with questions in their head about human nature and the propensity for evil, but forever grateful for our 'boys (and girls!) in blue.
December 31, 2017
In this installment of the fantastic series, DCI Sophie Allen and her squad, as well as cops in other jurisdictions, track a serial killer the likes of which they’d never seen before. There’s a huge twist a little past halfway, where it seems the investigation is over, but it continues on to a great climax that I would not have expected.
Even without all the newcomers in other parts of the country, there’s a lot of detectives to keep track of, and I’ve read every book in the series! Even though that’s realistic, I wish there could have been less people to keep track of. But that’s a minor point.
The writing is as smooth as ever, Sophie is as spectacular as ever, and Rae’s really making her mark. I like that Rae’s transition, while mentioned a few times, isn’t treated as a big deal. But more than anything, it takes an excellent writer to make you have sympathy for the story’s devil.
I’m not going to say this is the best of the series, but it is my favorite.
Even without all the newcomers in other parts of the country, there’s a lot of detectives to keep track of, and I’ve read every book in the series! Even though that’s realistic, I wish there could have been less people to keep track of. But that’s a minor point.
The writing is as smooth as ever, Sophie is as spectacular as ever, and Rae’s really making her mark. I like that Rae’s transition, while mentioned a few times, isn’t treated as a big deal. But more than anything, it takes an excellent writer to make you have sympathy for the story’s devil.
I’m not going to say this is the best of the series, but it is my favorite.
November 14, 2018
A young man commits suicide. Or did he? 6 months prior a woman commits suicide. Or did she? DCI Allen has to fight to prove that not only were these deaths not suicides but that there is a connection. Lucky for her, as in past cases, she has the support of a strong team, and combined they are able to track down the common link. But as they get closer and closer, they realize the story isn't as simple or as easy as they think it is. In addition to a compelling mystery, Mr. Hambling brought the personal stories back to play a larger role in this story after leaving them in the background for the past few books. While I am okay with letting the mysteries take the forefront most of the time, I really like the characters having deep background stories. I look forward to continuing their stories as well as seeing what crimes DCI Allen solves in the future!
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
Interesting read
I was not sure how to take this book for a bit of it, but once I got into it, I was all in. I don't think it was the story, i had a let going on. It was a very intense, strange and dark subject matter, that pulled the reader in quickly. How often do you have a serial killer that murdered by suicide? But once you get deeper, its uglier than that. I would day there would be a slight trigger warning for people of past childhood abuse, and mental health issues. Which are both very prevalent I think. I guessed who the murderer was about halfway through the book, if wasn't blatant, I just guessed by a couple of comments. But it want set in done in my mind. I really ended up liking this book, love that they chose not to celebrate the end of there case like normal, and just scary on. I'm looking forward to reading there next book in this series, because if i remember correctly this one has some special twists to it.
I was not sure how to take this book for a bit of it, but once I got into it, I was all in. I don't think it was the story, i had a let going on. It was a very intense, strange and dark subject matter, that pulled the reader in quickly. How often do you have a serial killer that murdered by suicide? But once you get deeper, its uglier than that. I would day there would be a slight trigger warning for people of past childhood abuse, and mental health issues. Which are both very prevalent I think. I guessed who the murderer was about halfway through the book, if wasn't blatant, I just guessed by a couple of comments. But it want set in done in my mind. I really ended up liking this book, love that they chose not to celebrate the end of there case like normal, and just scary on. I'm looking forward to reading there next book in this series, because if i remember correctly this one has some special twists to it.
Read
May 17, 2020Not gripping but still good
Suicides are the main topic. Too much detail would give the "twists " away . This starts in DCI Allen ' s county with a dead young man found in the sea. Did he jump or was he pushed ? A young woman was seen on a higher path than a group of walkers . Wanting to find her is one of the first things on the to do list . Everything is kept at a low level vs the usual hustle and bustle of a murder . Eventually they end up in Exeter, which is beautifully described . I feel there was too many unanswered questions about Hattie , perhaps the author felt it would cause too many problems for her mother .
Suicides are the main topic. Too much detail would give the "twists " away . This starts in DCI Allen ' s county with a dead young man found in the sea. Did he jump or was he pushed ? A young woman was seen on a higher path than a group of walkers . Wanting to find her is one of the first things on the to do list . Everything is kept at a low level vs the usual hustle and bustle of a murder . Eventually they end up in Exeter, which is beautifully described . I feel there was too many unanswered questions about Hattie , perhaps the author felt it would cause too many problems for her mother .
February 21, 2018
Top marks for Sophie and her team.
I always wait until I've read the story a second time before reviewing it. The first time round gives me the story but the second time fills it out to what it should be and this method has succeeded yet again. Michael has shown the value of family support in all his stories so, Sophie' s team, which must include her own family are shown to be as equally important to the story line as her colleagues (extended family according to how I read Sophie 's attitude to them all). Looking forward to the next instalment.
I always wait until I've read the story a second time before reviewing it. The first time round gives me the story but the second time fills it out to what it should be and this method has succeeded yet again. Michael has shown the value of family support in all his stories so, Sophie' s team, which must include her own family are shown to be as equally important to the story line as her colleagues (extended family according to how I read Sophie 's attitude to them all). Looking forward to the next instalment.
July 9, 2019
Mysteries that make you think
The Sophie Allen mysteries are hard to put down but sometimes you just have to. Hambling does such a good job of creating the personalities of his characters that some of the criminals are such monsters that you just need to step away for a moment. Not that there was anything grotesquely graphic. No, Hambling creates characters with such depth, both bad guys and good that one is left pondering the human condition. Well worth reading and the series is best read in order.
The Sophie Allen mysteries are hard to put down but sometimes you just have to. Hambling does such a good job of creating the personalities of his characters that some of the criminals are such monsters that you just need to step away for a moment. Not that there was anything grotesquely graphic. No, Hambling creates characters with such depth, both bad guys and good that one is left pondering the human condition. Well worth reading and the series is best read in order.
July 21, 2024
“Evil crimes” es el sexto de los casos de homicidios para el equipo de Sophie Allen. En esta ocasión un hombre joven es encontrado muerto bajo un acantilado. Su muerte y los hechos que acontecen alrededor de la misma, muestran similitudes con antiguos casos de “supuestos” suicidios. Todo parece apuntar a una joven pelirroja, Hattie, la cual tiene o ha tenido algún tipo de relación con todas estas personas fallecidas.
Como los anteriores, libro que se lee muy fácil y que genera mucha intriga a lo largo de toda su trama.
Como los anteriores, libro que se lee muy fácil y que genera mucha intriga a lo largo de toda su trama.
June 7, 2022
With DCI Sophie Allen having suspicious suicides on her patch that also involve people from another patch, she has rather more complications than she’d like in this book. However, it soon becomes apparent that they are not welcome in the neighbouring patch. Despite finding out pretty early on what was happening with the suicides, it takes a lot more investigation to close the case. A fantastic and must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
Intense Procedural
Evil Crimes makes the point that crimes can be solved, but the problems that caused the crimes cannot be solved. This is a fine police procedural, not so much character driven, but conflict driven even among the police. The character development is great; the description of the countryside carries the storyline. Fine pacing. This is a very good addition to the series.
Evil Crimes makes the point that crimes can be solved, but the problems that caused the crimes cannot be solved. This is a fine police procedural, not so much character driven, but conflict driven even among the police. The character development is great; the description of the countryside carries the storyline. Fine pacing. This is a very good addition to the series.
March 10, 2018
Great suspense!
If you want a story with interesting characters, a riveting plot, and tons of suspense, try this one! It's a winner! I can't wait to read more about Sophie Allen, who seems, thankfully and as another reviewer pointed out, a real normal person free of a ton of baggage! Write some more, Mr. H!
If you want a story with interesting characters, a riveting plot, and tons of suspense, try this one! It's a winner! I can't wait to read more about Sophie Allen, who seems, thankfully and as another reviewer pointed out, a real normal person free of a ton of baggage! Write some more, Mr. H!
May 28, 2018
Suicide or Murder
A fabulous read that gives so much information. Do you feel sorry for the victims of course. As the story unfolds the empathy for the perpetrator also starts to arise. If only help had been given, understanding and care. Then the final twist when you have no sympathy for the perpetrator at all.
I really hope that another book follows soon.
A fabulous read that gives so much information. Do you feel sorry for the victims of course. As the story unfolds the empathy for the perpetrator also starts to arise. If only help had been given, understanding and care. Then the final twist when you have no sympathy for the perpetrator at all.
I really hope that another book follows soon.
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