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DS Lasser #16
Shadows Cast
Summer and for once the blistering sun is beaming down on Wigan, warming the bones of the locals and igniting the fury of a monster. A killer is on the loose, someone whose fury matches the heat of the sun.
Someone is on a crusade, looking for the guilty and determined to cleanse the streets no matter what the cost.
As the heat builds, and the bodies start to surface, Lasser finds himself trying to discover the identity of the killer who seems to attack randomly and with devastating force. The investigation will lead him into the downtrodden world of the homeless, a world where kids are living rough, huddled together, trying to stay below the radar of the authorities.
But now they have more pressing concerns as the killer stalks the baking streets, and Lasser is faced with the reality of the town he lives in. A reality where life is cheap, and those most vulnerable are mere pawns in a much bigger game of life and death.
Someone is on a crusade, looking for the guilty and determined to cleanse the streets no matter what the cost.
As the heat builds, and the bodies start to surface, Lasser finds himself trying to discover the identity of the killer who seems to attack randomly and with devastating force. The investigation will lead him into the downtrodden world of the homeless, a world where kids are living rough, huddled together, trying to stay below the radar of the authorities.
But now they have more pressing concerns as the killer stalks the baking streets, and Lasser is faced with the reality of the town he lives in. A reality where life is cheap, and those most vulnerable are mere pawns in a much bigger game of life and death.
- GenresThriller
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2018
68 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Robin Roughley
47 books152 followersRob Roughley lives in the North West of England (God's coal bunker,the land of the wedding cake made by placing three meat pies on top of one another and whippets on lengths of string)
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 18, 2018
Well I know that I shouldn’t wish my time away but from finishing the last Lasser book until now I have been counting down the days until this was on the market and boy it was worth waiting for!
There are many sides to Wigan in these stories from the mansions and the council estates, from hit men to druggies but this story goes one further, to the kids living on the streets. Just the sad stories of them was enough to bring a lump to my throat but Robin Roughley knows how to twist my emotions further and take it all to a darker place. So welcome to Wigan’s finest, in the shape of Lasser and Co. to the most vulnerable and the ones that the system let slip through their fingers.
It is summer time in Wigan and the heat is making everyone a little more fractious than normal, ha right you say, ok Bannister is his normally grumpy self, with his wife Suzanne and the girls Kelly and Belle being the only people who can really wrap him round their little fingers. The girls particular play quite a major part in this story as Belle knows all too well the dangers on the streets for the homeless.
DS Lasser is firmly on the rung of the ladder that he wants to be on. He is a people person which shines in this story as there is an addition to the Lasser household. The old Lasser seemed like he was coming back bit by bit. Not that he would every want to forget what has happened in the past but Odette and him seem to be getting back some of their magic together.
The memory of Susan Coyle is never far away though in this book from the memorial service to the mental torment that still comes to bite Lasser in the butt at every opportunity. I could physically feel the hurt that he was going through, like a slap in the face or that splash of a puddle when a car drives past that you aren’t expecting it. It is always those times that get him the most.
This is a dark and disturbing look at our modern society, there is violence from different angles and for different reasons. It is horrific and moving in the same moment as Robin Roughley plays with your mind and manipulates your feelings.
There are some extraordinary characters in this book that have lost their way, a brilliant story, yet again, with a superb ending. All round a brilliant stand alone and awesome can’t be touched series!
There are many sides to Wigan in these stories from the mansions and the council estates, from hit men to druggies but this story goes one further, to the kids living on the streets. Just the sad stories of them was enough to bring a lump to my throat but Robin Roughley knows how to twist my emotions further and take it all to a darker place. So welcome to Wigan’s finest, in the shape of Lasser and Co. to the most vulnerable and the ones that the system let slip through their fingers.
It is summer time in Wigan and the heat is making everyone a little more fractious than normal, ha right you say, ok Bannister is his normally grumpy self, with his wife Suzanne and the girls Kelly and Belle being the only people who can really wrap him round their little fingers. The girls particular play quite a major part in this story as Belle knows all too well the dangers on the streets for the homeless.
DS Lasser is firmly on the rung of the ladder that he wants to be on. He is a people person which shines in this story as there is an addition to the Lasser household. The old Lasser seemed like he was coming back bit by bit. Not that he would every want to forget what has happened in the past but Odette and him seem to be getting back some of their magic together.
The memory of Susan Coyle is never far away though in this book from the memorial service to the mental torment that still comes to bite Lasser in the butt at every opportunity. I could physically feel the hurt that he was going through, like a slap in the face or that splash of a puddle when a car drives past that you aren’t expecting it. It is always those times that get him the most.
This is a dark and disturbing look at our modern society, there is violence from different angles and for different reasons. It is horrific and moving in the same moment as Robin Roughley plays with your mind and manipulates your feelings.
There are some extraordinary characters in this book that have lost their way, a brilliant story, yet again, with a superb ending. All round a brilliant stand alone and awesome can’t be touched series!
February 19, 2018
I have really enjoyed all the previous Lasser stories, but this latest one was the most depressing book ever. Wigan ,poor town with hoards of homeless rough sleepers, and scores of abused children on the streets, all of them thieving or scavenging through bins for food. Even the revellers were drinking to block out the sad reality of their miserable lives. Throw in the recurring mention of a murdered cop and a starving ,freezing pensioner ( where did her pension go) and you have the picture, somehow the crime story was subsumed by the utter deprivation of its setting. Not my kind of reading for pleasure.
January 17, 2018
Here is my review for Shadows Cast by Robin Roughley: 5+*
What a tumultuous ride this book is. It is becoming increasingly harder to rate Robins books because constant, well deserved 5*’s do not reveal how much he is still growing not only as a first class crime fiction writer but also as a social commentator. The Lasser series usually has a dual storyline. In this instance this is built around homelessness, poverty and foodbanks & individuals reactions to this situation. It informs through the story the fact that there are many strands to even attempting an understanding of the reasons behind this hidden shame of 21st century Britain. I have never before felt extremely uneasy at my frequent trips to an M&S food hall.
Of course all of this is immersed in yet another wonderful tale involving Lasser & the team. The continuing development of these characters has taken them beyond 3D & into real characters that you not only laugh with but cry for. The story itself is a tribute to a previous character who fell in the line of duty & this gave another poignant strand to the book.
As always these novels highlight that the line between good & evil, criminal & innocent is mostly blurred. Crimes & murders are normally perpetrated by people of all walks of life & background. Of course there also others that really are evil.
Robin Roughley’s books are never formulaic. Many of the top names in crime fiction would do well to read his books & give themselves a shake.
I feel that this is the best in the series so far as it evokes so many emotions in me on many levels. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
Well done yet again Robin. 5*
What a tumultuous ride this book is. It is becoming increasingly harder to rate Robins books because constant, well deserved 5*’s do not reveal how much he is still growing not only as a first class crime fiction writer but also as a social commentator. The Lasser series usually has a dual storyline. In this instance this is built around homelessness, poverty and foodbanks & individuals reactions to this situation. It informs through the story the fact that there are many strands to even attempting an understanding of the reasons behind this hidden shame of 21st century Britain. I have never before felt extremely uneasy at my frequent trips to an M&S food hall.
Of course all of this is immersed in yet another wonderful tale involving Lasser & the team. The continuing development of these characters has taken them beyond 3D & into real characters that you not only laugh with but cry for. The story itself is a tribute to a previous character who fell in the line of duty & this gave another poignant strand to the book.
As always these novels highlight that the line between good & evil, criminal & innocent is mostly blurred. Crimes & murders are normally perpetrated by people of all walks of life & background. Of course there also others that really are evil.
Robin Roughley’s books are never formulaic. Many of the top names in crime fiction would do well to read his books & give themselves a shake.
I feel that this is the best in the series so far as it evokes so many emotions in me on many levels. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
Well done yet again Robin. 5*
March 25, 2018
Shadows Cast: A riveting Lasser novel( DS Lasser Book 16) by Robin Roughley
Oh what a magnificent ride, I could hardly stop to eat. All the characters are amazing and DS Lasser is a man you really want to know. It's good to see strong male characters, I love it. This is a wonderful read for all. You should read this to understand the problems and fears our homeless have and how to better care for them. Homeless people are worthy to know, most are very intelligent and above all caring toward each other. It's a problem we all have and are all responsible to do something about. Please read this book. The mystery is good, the people are exciting.
Oh what a magnificent ride, I could hardly stop to eat. All the characters are amazing and DS Lasser is a man you really want to know. It's good to see strong male characters, I love it. This is a wonderful read for all. You should read this to understand the problems and fears our homeless have and how to better care for them. Homeless people are worthy to know, most are very intelligent and above all caring toward each other. It's a problem we all have and are all responsible to do something about. Please read this book. The mystery is good, the people are exciting.
January 18, 2018
Blistering
Can't believe this is book 16 in this series as we start off it's a blistering summers day in Wigan and off we go straight into murder and mayhem as with all the books this one has two stories running along side of each other this delves into the world of the homeless and the unfortunate who have to rely on food banks I won't give any spoiler's but there's a good twist at the end well worth a read like I said this is book 16 and I hope there is many more to come
Can't believe this is book 16 in this series as we start off it's a blistering summers day in Wigan and off we go straight into murder and mayhem as with all the books this one has two stories running along side of each other this delves into the world of the homeless and the unfortunate who have to rely on food banks I won't give any spoiler's but there's a good twist at the end well worth a read like I said this is book 16 and I hope there is many more to come
January 19, 2018
Shadows Cast
Book 16 in the series and had me hooked from start to finish.I love Lasser and co storylines are always brilliant ,this one made me more aware of homelessness and I must admit in parts made me cry.It is many years since I lived in and around Wigan and I hope things are not as bad as portrayed here but I fear they probably are.If so I sincerely hope they change for the better who knows maybe this book will help .
Book 16 in the series and had me hooked from start to finish.I love Lasser and co storylines are always brilliant ,this one made me more aware of homelessness and I must admit in parts made me cry.It is many years since I lived in and around Wigan and I hope things are not as bad as portrayed here but I fear they probably are.If so I sincerely hope they change for the better who knows maybe this book will help .
January 21, 2018
Once again a truly enjoyable book couldn't put it down looking forward to the next one i. Would recommend the lasser books to anyone haven't read one which as not been a page turned love the characters shadows cast was a great book with a good twist and ending
This book was just like the other lasser books page Turner would recommend any one to read can't wait for the next one
This book was just like the other lasser books page Turner would recommend any one to read can't wait for the next one
January 24, 2018
obin Roughley
Shadows Cast
This is book 16 in this fantastic series.
Follow Lasser, Odette and Bannister in their quest to catch the baddies.
A story of murder and homeless , this is a riveting read from start to end, so much so I was shouting at some of the Cast. Roll on the next book.
5+* 24 January 2018
Shadows Cast
This is book 16 in this fantastic series.
Follow Lasser, Odette and Bannister in their quest to catch the baddies.
A story of murder and homeless , this is a riveting read from start to end, so much so I was shouting at some of the Cast. Roll on the next book.
5+* 24 January 2018
January 31, 2018
This is the first review I felt totally compelled to write,
What an incredible roller coaster of a read. I am sure
I cannot be the only one to be taken in by Jamie turning
out to be a girl (lady) and what a tormented mind we
found in Joseph, the end though heart rending was
totally appropriate.
More please from this wonderful author and DS Lasser.
What an incredible roller coaster of a read. I am sure
I cannot be the only one to be taken in by Jamie turning
out to be a girl (lady) and what a tormented mind we
found in Joseph, the end though heart rending was
totally appropriate.
More please from this wonderful author and DS Lasser.
February 1, 2018
Superb read
Once again another superb read from Robin Roughley.
If you have never read a Lasser novel then start here, you will be hooked.
An old fashioned cop in a modern day Wigan out to save the world, I would not miss a book they are fabulous.
Whether I would ever visit Wigan mind you is a different matter.
Roll on number 17.
Once again another superb read from Robin Roughley.
If you have never read a Lasser novel then start here, you will be hooked.
An old fashioned cop in a modern day Wigan out to save the world, I would not miss a book they are fabulous.
Whether I would ever visit Wigan mind you is a different matter.
Roll on number 17.
March 15, 2018
The best yet!
5* reading throughout. I love this series and feel like I really know the charchters. This book had me on the edge of my seat the build up to the conclusion, with twists you just don't see coming.
Quite an emotional storyline, certainly makes you think. Great book from start to finish, cant wait for book 17? X
5* reading throughout. I love this series and feel like I really know the charchters. This book had me on the edge of my seat the build up to the conclusion, with twists you just don't see coming.
Quite an emotional storyline, certainly makes you think. Great book from start to finish, cant wait for book 17? X
August 4, 2020
Shadows Cast ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another Lasser novel. I have enjoyed all so far though I guessed about the characters story before it played out ,then again I read that many mystery books so no wonder I guessed though there was p!entry of action & I look forward to reading as many more as I can ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another Lasser novel. I have enjoyed all so far though I guessed about the characters story before it played out ,then again I read that many mystery books so no wonder I guessed though there was p!entry of action & I look forward to reading as many more as I can ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 26, 2018
Love love love Lasser!
Lasser is such a great character, easily one of my favorites. He has such heart, as do all the characters in the series; I feel as though I know them. So glad to have stumbled on to this series!!
Lasser is such a great character, easily one of my favorites. He has such heart, as do all the characters in the series; I feel as though I know them. So glad to have stumbled on to this series!!
February 7, 2018
Amazing story
Started reading and found it hard to put down. The circumstances broke my heart. Thanks for sharing your stories with those of us who have never experienced the trauma of being homeless. Ann
Started reading and found it hard to put down. The circumstances broke my heart. Thanks for sharing your stories with those of us who have never experienced the trauma of being homeless. Ann
March 2, 2018
PLEASE use a proof reader!
As usual for this author, the story is strong and the characters are mostly well developed, although Odette is less so. However the grammatical errors and word omissions drive me mad, and I am in no way a perfectionist.
As usual for this author, the story is strong and the characters are mostly well developed, although Odette is less so. However the grammatical errors and word omissions drive me mad, and I am in no way a perfectionist.
September 10, 2018
Ok
It was ok but could do with a good edit. The police came across as idiots .It lacked reality in police procedure .No one would have got away with treating colleagues or other professionals in the ride nasty manner some of the main make characters did .
It was ok but could do with a good edit. The police came across as idiots .It lacked reality in police procedure .No one would have got away with treating colleagues or other professionals in the ride nasty manner some of the main make characters did .
April 22, 2020
Better and better!
Loved this story, the attention to detail paints a picture in my head that puts me right there as the story unfolds, and the use of pre ious characters continues to be well done, thank you once again Mr Roughley. And on to the next one.
Loved this story, the attention to detail paints a picture in my head that puts me right there as the story unfolds, and the use of pre ious characters continues to be well done, thank you once again Mr Roughley. And on to the next one.
November 11, 2021
Fantastic
These books just keep getting better and better. I advise starting from book 1 to experience the complete joy that these books are. The characters are so vivid and I feel like I know them. On to the next……..
These books just keep getting better and better. I advise starting from book 1 to experience the complete joy that these books are. The characters are so vivid and I feel like I know them. On to the next……..
January 23, 2018
Another Winner
This is the 16th Lasser Novel and I am certainly not getting Bored with them .in this outing The Homeless are brought in with a Vigilante .. Gripping Stuff
This is the 16th Lasser Novel and I am certainly not getting Bored with them .in this outing The Homeless are brought in with a Vigilante .. Gripping Stuff
January 27, 2018
Wow
What a read you have done it again Robin loved the story line about homeless kids and Joseph and his daughter .
There was no other way with the ending
Want more please xx
What a read you have done it again Robin loved the story line about homeless kids and Joseph and his daughter .
There was no other way with the ending
Want more please xx
January 31, 2018
Shadows Cast D'S Lasser series
Well what can I say 😊 about this book five stars plus have read every book in this series and I can't get enough they get better every time awesome
Well what can I say 😊 about this book five stars plus have read every book in this series and I can't get enough they get better every time awesome
March 28, 2018
Great to have another slice of Lasser and this did not disappoint.
July 28, 2018
Brilliant
Just love this series, please keep them coming. No need for spoiler's just buy a copy and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.
Just love this series, please keep them coming. No need for spoiler's just buy a copy and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.
March 23, 2023
I'm losing it... not such a strong storyline
Trying next book, hopefully better
Trying next book, hopefully better
August 4, 2024
what a heart wrenching story really hits home especially at this time of year Wigan was even on the news about homelessness .Also with the extremes some will go to survive !a sad story was told of a damaged father after his wife was murdered and finding his lost daughter sad ending .The Author really brings you into the book i say again a great series
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews