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DI Mariner #3
Killer Lies
THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “WRITTEN IN BLOOD.”
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road. “Vengeance is mine” is scrawled in blood at the scene.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills five people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for him and his team?
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be threatened.
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road. “Vengeance is mine” is scrawled in blood at the scene.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills five people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for him and his team?
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be threatened.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2006
1851 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Chris Collett
24 books137 followersChris Collett grew up in a Norfolk seaside town where she worked in a boarding house (now defunct) a local bakery (closed down) and a crisp factory (razed to the ground). After leaving school, Chris moved to Liverpool to train as a teacher for children with learning disabilities, including autism. Now a recently retired university lecturer, Chris is married with two grown up children and lives in Birmingham, on DI Tom Mariner's 'patch'. She has published short stories, teaches creative and crime writing and is a manuscript assessor for the Crime Writers Association.
All 8 books of the DI Tom Mariner series are released in revised editions by Joffe Books, along with a new standalone: The Truth About Murder.
Find out more at www.chriscollettcrime.co.uk
All 8 books of the DI Tom Mariner series are released in revised editions by Joffe Books, along with a new standalone: The Truth About Murder.
Find out more at www.chriscollettcrime.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 24, 2018
I’ve not read the prior two books in this series and will admit I only picked it up because it takes place in Birmingham. The book starts off with three different crimes all in the space of a few pages.
One of crimes, a bomb going off in St. Martin’s church during Xmas season has a personal impact on DI Mariner and his significant other, Anna. They are there as individuals, not in an official capacity when the bomb explodes. It affects them in different ways which leads to a definite strain on the relationship. A second crime, the murder of an ex-MP Ryland, his wife and chauffeur, also ends up having a profound effect on Mariner.
Mariner is a very engaging character. Collett has done a good job of making him feel very real. He’s got some commitment issues and he’s not one for discussing his feelings, but he’s not damaged goods like so many other detectives in similar series.
The book takes place in the early 2000s. But to be honest, it feels very current with the increase in bombings taking place over the past few years.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s got a nice steady pace with lots of questions raised. I felt as confounded as Mariner trying to suss out what got Ryland killed. It’s a good engaging police procedural. I’ll definitely be checking out the first two in the series.
My thanks to netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of this novel.
One of crimes, a bomb going off in St. Martin’s church during Xmas season has a personal impact on DI Mariner and his significant other, Anna. They are there as individuals, not in an official capacity when the bomb explodes. It affects them in different ways which leads to a definite strain on the relationship. A second crime, the murder of an ex-MP Ryland, his wife and chauffeur, also ends up having a profound effect on Mariner.
Mariner is a very engaging character. Collett has done a good job of making him feel very real. He’s got some commitment issues and he’s not one for discussing his feelings, but he’s not damaged goods like so many other detectives in similar series.
The book takes place in the early 2000s. But to be honest, it feels very current with the increase in bombings taking place over the past few years.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s got a nice steady pace with lots of questions raised. I felt as confounded as Mariner trying to suss out what got Ryland killed. It’s a good engaging police procedural. I’ll definitely be checking out the first two in the series.
My thanks to netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of this novel.
January 13, 2018
Just when Mariner is getting his getting his life in order, he gets hit by one disaster after another. A woman's body is found and goes unidentified. A well-known politician, his wife, and driver are all shot and killed on the side of a lonely road. And finally, there's an explosion... just as Mariner and his girlfriend are about to enter a church. They were lucky .. others were not.
The only one of the crimes that the police seem interested in is the politician. They are saying that the driver was the target .. no need for Mariner and his team to get involved. But Mariner is nothing if not tenacious and does some investigating on his own.
The politician has been hoarding secrets for many years. The more Mariner investigates, the hotter it gets. His brake lines are cut. He is almost pushed onto train tracks. A tracking device is found on his car.
The one thing he knows for sure is that someone does not want his investigating and it may cost him his job ... and his life.
Although 3rd in a series, this is a terrific stand alone. There is just enough backstory to keep a reader from feeling like they are missing something. But as always ... I do recommend starting at the beginning.
Crime fiction is the literary genre that fictionalizes crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. This is a gratifying crime fiction with memorable characters. I really enjoy how the author combines the professional lives with the personal, making characters credible. The suspects, as well as motives, are many and varied and full of riveting twists and turns. This is a series that is well worth following.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of KILLER LIES. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The only one of the crimes that the police seem interested in is the politician. They are saying that the driver was the target .. no need for Mariner and his team to get involved. But Mariner is nothing if not tenacious and does some investigating on his own.
The politician has been hoarding secrets for many years. The more Mariner investigates, the hotter it gets. His brake lines are cut. He is almost pushed onto train tracks. A tracking device is found on his car.
The one thing he knows for sure is that someone does not want his investigating and it may cost him his job ... and his life.
Although 3rd in a series, this is a terrific stand alone. There is just enough backstory to keep a reader from feeling like they are missing something. But as always ... I do recommend starting at the beginning.
Crime fiction is the literary genre that fictionalizes crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. This is a gratifying crime fiction with memorable characters. I really enjoy how the author combines the professional lives with the personal, making characters credible. The suspects, as well as motives, are many and varied and full of riveting twists and turns. This is a series that is well worth following.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of KILLER LIES. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 20, 2018
'Killer Lies' is the 3rd book in the DI Mariner Series by author Chris Collett. This is my second read of a Chris Collett novel and enjoyed it very much. Lead character Tom Mariner is based in Birmingham which is an added interest to me as I am very familiar with many of the places mentioned in the novel.
They say things happen in threes, first a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer, the police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”. Secondly an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road. And thirdly a bomb explosion in the busy city kills five people, causing chaos and panic. Plenty for DI Mariner to investigate.
Works fine as a standalone, but based on this I intend to read many more. A very good Police procedural, very good plot and excellent characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Joffe Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
They say things happen in threes, first a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer, the police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”. Secondly an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road. And thirdly a bomb explosion in the busy city kills five people, causing chaos and panic. Plenty for DI Mariner to investigate.
Works fine as a standalone, but based on this I intend to read many more. A very good Police procedural, very good plot and excellent characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Joffe Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
Ker-BLAAAM!!! This novel shot straight out of the starting gates like a rocket and didn't let up it's anxiety driven thrills till the very last page. There was just soooo much happening with this novel, multiple criminal investigations were woven intricately with revelations regarding DI Tom Mariner's personal life. What starts out as a day thigh deep in sewage recovering a body wrapped in garbage bags ends with a life threatening bomb explosion amid Christmas shopping. And how is the murder of a prominent ex-politician, his wife and his driver linked to Mariner? What causes him to "go rogue" and start his own investigation, while secretively hiding it from his friends, colleagues and bosses? And is the paranoia in his head or is someone really out to get him?
I did become a bit bogged down in the middle of the book when the spooks (as in spies) and conspiracy theories raised their ugly heads, but that's just not my cup of tea and absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing or plot.
Amongst all the confusing investigations is both Tom and Anna's feelings that they are slowly drifting apart over their differing opinions concerning having a child. Will Tom finally push her away with his inability to share things ....... and will that same secrecy put his life in the balance? A Highly Recommended thrilling 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.
Ker-BLAAAM!!! This novel shot straight out of the starting gates like a rocket and didn't let up it's anxiety driven thrills till the very last page. There was just soooo much happening with this novel, multiple criminal investigations were woven intricately with revelations regarding DI Tom Mariner's personal life. What starts out as a day thigh deep in sewage recovering a body wrapped in garbage bags ends with a life threatening bomb explosion amid Christmas shopping. And how is the murder of a prominent ex-politician, his wife and his driver linked to Mariner? What causes him to "go rogue" and start his own investigation, while secretively hiding it from his friends, colleagues and bosses? And is the paranoia in his head or is someone really out to get him?
I did become a bit bogged down in the middle of the book when the spooks (as in spies) and conspiracy theories raised their ugly heads, but that's just not my cup of tea and absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing or plot.
Amongst all the confusing investigations is both Tom and Anna's feelings that they are slowly drifting apart over their differing opinions concerning having a child. Will Tom finally push her away with his inability to share things ....... and will that same secrecy put his life in the balance? A Highly Recommended thrilling 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.
February 27, 2020
This was a good book, just not great. This is a very crowded genre and it takes something special to stand out. The DI Mariner character is nice enough. The story picked up towards the end and got more gripping. The whole family thing finally came together but he should have told Anna the truth a lot sooner. I’ll try one more in the series.
September 18, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.
This was the 1st Tom Mariner book that I've read. But it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of action and complex characters. At first, I thought the story kind of ping-ponged around, not really settling and moving forward, but soon found some major portions to start coming together. There was at one out-of-the blue real coincidence and one thread left hanging (to be developed in a future book I hope). But for the most part the story made sense. I also had some questions about some of the relationships the characters were in, but hopefully will see them further developed / resolved in future books. That sort of writing can be addictive!
4.0 stars
This was the 1st Tom Mariner book that I've read. But it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of action and complex characters. At first, I thought the story kind of ping-ponged around, not really settling and moving forward, but soon found some major portions to start coming together. There was at one out-of-the blue real coincidence and one thread left hanging (to be developed in a future book I hope). But for the most part the story made sense. I also had some questions about some of the relationships the characters were in, but hopefully will see them further developed / resolved in future books. That sort of writing can be addictive!
4.0 stars
January 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Killer Lies, the third novel in the Birmingham based DI Tom Mariner series.
It's all going on in the run up to Christmas. Fresh (?) from excavating a murder victim from a sewer Tom is just outside the cathedral for the Force's carol concert when it explodes. At the same time the Met is investigating the shooting of a politician, his wife and chauffeur and find evidence linking them to Tom. He then receives a note linking him to the explosion. Is he paranoid?
I thoroughly enjoyed Killer Lies which has a well thought out plot with plenty of twists and turns. It is not the most believable I have read but it held my interest throughout as Tom follows various leads and theories before reaching a fairly dramatic conclusion (both Tom and the novel). This is the kind of novel I like to read - a police procedural with a linear, logical timeline and a third person narrative. It is easy to read and follow without being simple.
The plot does stretch credibility at times with several attempts on Tom's life and his links to the murdered politician, never mind his personal investigation but it's interesting, absorbing and occasionally tense. I like the fact that Tom has several viable suspects whom he gradually eliminates over the course of the novel and that Ms Collett manages to keep her perpetrator and motive well hidden until the dénouement.
Ms Collett does a good job with her characterisation, mixing the domestic and professional. Tom Mariner is a bit of a strange man and I sometimes struggle to understand why he is so well liked. He is reluctant to commit to his girlfriend, Anna, who wants to start a family and move to the countryside. His ambivalence on this subject and the massive secrets he is keeping from her start to cause a rift.
Killer Lies is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It's all going on in the run up to Christmas. Fresh (?) from excavating a murder victim from a sewer Tom is just outside the cathedral for the Force's carol concert when it explodes. At the same time the Met is investigating the shooting of a politician, his wife and chauffeur and find evidence linking them to Tom. He then receives a note linking him to the explosion. Is he paranoid?
I thoroughly enjoyed Killer Lies which has a well thought out plot with plenty of twists and turns. It is not the most believable I have read but it held my interest throughout as Tom follows various leads and theories before reaching a fairly dramatic conclusion (both Tom and the novel). This is the kind of novel I like to read - a police procedural with a linear, logical timeline and a third person narrative. It is easy to read and follow without being simple.
The plot does stretch credibility at times with several attempts on Tom's life and his links to the murdered politician, never mind his personal investigation but it's interesting, absorbing and occasionally tense. I like the fact that Tom has several viable suspects whom he gradually eliminates over the course of the novel and that Ms Collett manages to keep her perpetrator and motive well hidden until the dénouement.
Ms Collett does a good job with her characterisation, mixing the domestic and professional. Tom Mariner is a bit of a strange man and I sometimes struggle to understand why he is so well liked. He is reluctant to commit to his girlfriend, Anna, who wants to start a family and move to the countryside. His ambivalence on this subject and the massive secrets he is keeping from her start to cause a rift.
Killer Lies is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 24, 2018
This is the second Tom Mariner book I have read and I enjoyed it as much as the first. The book begins in a very dramatic fashion with bodies aplenty and a bomb exploding at the Cathedral just before the Police Carol Service is due to take place. The action continues all the way through the book but this isn't just a police procedural crime novel. The reader gains insights into Detective Inspector Mariner's character and background and the mystery of his unknown father is revealed. As his father is one of the bodies found at the beginning of the novel, Mariner attempts to solve the mystery for both professional reasons and personal ones, leading him into great danger.
Chris Collet is a wonderful writer and forces the reader to turn page after page until all is revealed. I enjoyed learning more about Tom and his relationship with Anna although I couldn't live with him! A series which musn't be missed!
Chris Collet is a wonderful writer and forces the reader to turn page after page until all is revealed. I enjoyed learning more about Tom and his relationship with Anna although I couldn't live with him! A series which musn't be missed!
January 22, 2018
The DI Tom Mariner series just gets better and better, I think the books are best read in order even though there is some background information on the characters. The plot is well thought out and brilliantly written and I particularly enjoyed the ending. Thank you for the ARC
January 20, 2018
This is book 3 in the DI Mariner series and I am lucky enough to have read the previous books. Although there is some background you would have missed I do feel this book will work well as stand alone.
A politician and his wife are murdered along with their bodyguard it isn't, strictly speaking, Mariner's case but he becomes involved on a personal level and that involvement becomes and obsession. Is there a cover up or are previous events causing Mariner to be irrational. Added to this his partner, Anna, is broody and wants more commitment than Tom is able to give. With his life becoming a car crash and someone out to get him will he be able to cope and deal with things rationally.
We get to know Mariner and Knox more in this book as both have personal problems to deal with and both are keeping secrets from everyone. They are complex characters that are realistic and very human.
Unfortunately there were parts of this book that didn’t really work for me. There is a case of a girl found in a sewer that pops up regularly throughout the book that I didn’t see the relevance of. I also worked out who the murderer was early on in the book so the 'twist' at the end was a bit of a let down. However, it is a pretty fast paced read that keeps the pages turning.
Looking forward to the next book.
A politician and his wife are murdered along with their bodyguard it isn't, strictly speaking, Mariner's case but he becomes involved on a personal level and that involvement becomes and obsession. Is there a cover up or are previous events causing Mariner to be irrational. Added to this his partner, Anna, is broody and wants more commitment than Tom is able to give. With his life becoming a car crash and someone out to get him will he be able to cope and deal with things rationally.
We get to know Mariner and Knox more in this book as both have personal problems to deal with and both are keeping secrets from everyone. They are complex characters that are realistic and very human.
Unfortunately there were parts of this book that didn’t really work for me. There is a case of a girl found in a sewer that pops up regularly throughout the book that I didn’t see the relevance of. I also worked out who the murderer was early on in the book so the 'twist' at the end was a bit of a let down. However, it is a pretty fast paced read that keeps the pages turning.
Looking forward to the next book.
January 21, 2018
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This is the third book in the DI Mariner series and it is a great addition to the series, the team are faced with a tough main case and living close to Birmingham with a husband in the Police Service, based in Birmingham, it does make you think what might happen - gave me plenty of food for thought.
I am a great fan and advocate of crime fiction books and this one had a great story but at times DI Mariner really wound me up in this book, I really wanted to give it higher but it has to be four stars from me for this one, I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say whilst he got on my nerves (polite way of saying it) it hasn't put me off at all and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
This is the third book in the DI Mariner series and it is a great addition to the series, the team are faced with a tough main case and living close to Birmingham with a husband in the Police Service, based in Birmingham, it does make you think what might happen - gave me plenty of food for thought.
I am a great fan and advocate of crime fiction books and this one had a great story but at times DI Mariner really wound me up in this book, I really wanted to give it higher but it has to be four stars from me for this one, I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say whilst he got on my nerves (polite way of saying it) it hasn't put me off at all and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
January 22, 2018
I discovered the series featuring DI Tom Mariner towards the end of last year and I was thrilled to learn that there were more books in the series to come. Even better was the fact that I was asked if I would like to read and review ‘Killer Lies’ as part of the blog tour. You can imagine my excitement although on seconds thoughts best not. The happy dance was not pretty. Anyway I digress slightly so back to the review I do go.
I must admit to having something of a soft spot for DI Mariner. He is a dedicated policeman, who has issues but he is trying to work through them. He has a few close friends but I get the impression that quite often he would be happy to be on his own. This book sees him discussing the next step with Anna, who is his significant other. Anna wants to move in together and have a baby, which Mariner doesn’t appear all that keen about. I did wonder if that was related to his own childhood. He was brought up by his mother but in later years they were estranged for a time. There was no sign of father and Mariner’s mother deflected the questions about his father. However, ‘Killer Lies’ sees Mariner discover who his father is. It comes as a bit of a shock for him and he feels the effects for quite a while. His biological father is somehow caught up in one of the cases mentioned in the synopsis but I don’t want to tell you which one because that would be giving away far too many spoilers. ‘Killer Lies’ sees Mariner and Anna go through a very traumatic event, as there is an explosion in the church, where the police carol service is going to be held. Mariner tries to help a young girl but to no avail as she dies. Her face haunts his thoughts and dreams for months afterwards and quite understandably too. The explosion makes Mariner very jumpy and he is over cautious when it comes to security for him and his loved ones. Again this is quite understandable. Mariner is a typical man in that he doesn’t like talking about his feelings or about his mental health, as that would be seen as an admission of failure. From the description of symptoms given, I would go so far as to say that Mariner is suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). DI Mariner likes to investigate fully and if something doesn’t sit right with him, then he won’t settle until it has been sorted, investigated or discounted. Will Mariner have a relationship with his new found family? Will Mariner get to the bottom of who targeted the politician and why? Will Mariner discover the cause of the explosion and why? Well for the answers to those questions and more you at just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you.
To say that reading ‘Killer Lies’ is addictive has to be the understatement of the week, in fact the understatement of the month!! I was gripped by the story from the very first word on the very first page. I basically couldn’t put the book down from the moment I picked it up and I just read all day. I didn’t notice how quickly the time and the page numbers were flying past. Before I knew what was happening it was dark and I had finished the book. Usually I am easily distracted whilst I read but not in this case. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. Within a short space of time we have a discovery of a body in the sewer, the assassination of a politician and his wife as well as his chauffeur and to crown it all, there is an explosion in the church. I was so not expecting the explosion to happen and when I read about it, I certainly felt that it was an OMG moment. I literally couldn’t believe my eyes and I almost had to read through my fingers as I dreaded what was going to happen next. ‘Killer Lies’ took me through a whole range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, from hope to despair, from excitement to dread, from courage to fear and well you get the picture. I really felt as though I had been through the emotional wringer and I was in need of a bit of ‘recovery time’. ‘Killer Lies’ certainly left me with a book hangover- bookworms will know exactly what I mean by that.
In short, I totally, utterly and absolutely LOVED reading ‘Killer Lies’ and I can’t wait to read more books in the series featuring DI Tom Mariner. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait too long. I would definitely recommend this book, series and author to anybody. ‘Killer Lies’ was certainly one hell of a book. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is an easily well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I must admit to having something of a soft spot for DI Mariner. He is a dedicated policeman, who has issues but he is trying to work through them. He has a few close friends but I get the impression that quite often he would be happy to be on his own. This book sees him discussing the next step with Anna, who is his significant other. Anna wants to move in together and have a baby, which Mariner doesn’t appear all that keen about. I did wonder if that was related to his own childhood. He was brought up by his mother but in later years they were estranged for a time. There was no sign of father and Mariner’s mother deflected the questions about his father. However, ‘Killer Lies’ sees Mariner discover who his father is. It comes as a bit of a shock for him and he feels the effects for quite a while. His biological father is somehow caught up in one of the cases mentioned in the synopsis but I don’t want to tell you which one because that would be giving away far too many spoilers. ‘Killer Lies’ sees Mariner and Anna go through a very traumatic event, as there is an explosion in the church, where the police carol service is going to be held. Mariner tries to help a young girl but to no avail as she dies. Her face haunts his thoughts and dreams for months afterwards and quite understandably too. The explosion makes Mariner very jumpy and he is over cautious when it comes to security for him and his loved ones. Again this is quite understandable. Mariner is a typical man in that he doesn’t like talking about his feelings or about his mental health, as that would be seen as an admission of failure. From the description of symptoms given, I would go so far as to say that Mariner is suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). DI Mariner likes to investigate fully and if something doesn’t sit right with him, then he won’t settle until it has been sorted, investigated or discounted. Will Mariner have a relationship with his new found family? Will Mariner get to the bottom of who targeted the politician and why? Will Mariner discover the cause of the explosion and why? Well for the answers to those questions and more you at just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you.
To say that reading ‘Killer Lies’ is addictive has to be the understatement of the week, in fact the understatement of the month!! I was gripped by the story from the very first word on the very first page. I basically couldn’t put the book down from the moment I picked it up and I just read all day. I didn’t notice how quickly the time and the page numbers were flying past. Before I knew what was happening it was dark and I had finished the book. Usually I am easily distracted whilst I read but not in this case. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. Within a short space of time we have a discovery of a body in the sewer, the assassination of a politician and his wife as well as his chauffeur and to crown it all, there is an explosion in the church. I was so not expecting the explosion to happen and when I read about it, I certainly felt that it was an OMG moment. I literally couldn’t believe my eyes and I almost had to read through my fingers as I dreaded what was going to happen next. ‘Killer Lies’ took me through a whole range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, from hope to despair, from excitement to dread, from courage to fear and well you get the picture. I really felt as though I had been through the emotional wringer and I was in need of a bit of ‘recovery time’. ‘Killer Lies’ certainly left me with a book hangover- bookworms will know exactly what I mean by that.
In short, I totally, utterly and absolutely LOVED reading ‘Killer Lies’ and I can’t wait to read more books in the series featuring DI Tom Mariner. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait too long. I would definitely recommend this book, series and author to anybody. ‘Killer Lies’ was certainly one hell of a book. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is an easily well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 17, 2018
The great thing about Chris Collett’s novels is that they are always fascinating. She really does her research and comes up with a storyline which is totally different to anything you may have read before and each one of her DI Mariner books has, so far, grabbed my attention and kept me totally absorbed.
They also concentrate more on Mariner’s private life, with less of the police work and more of the private, off the books, investigative work which always tends to get him into trouble, difficulties and more often as not grave danger. This one is no exception and once again we find him trying to unravel personal problems whilst still trying to carry out his official duties, going off the radar and communicating with no-one, not even his very understanding partner Anna. The whole story had me very involved and once more I found it hard to put the book down, despite having loads of other things that needed doing.
Interestingly, this story concentrated on an on-going theme that seems to have popped up superficially in the two previous novels – the one of Mariner’s unknown father. However, this time he finds out who that person is and the whole revelation totally consumes him and leads to him being targeted by someone who wants him dead. The climatic ending is nail biting and kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to read faster and faster to get to the end and hopefully see the DI rescued. The side stories, which as always, are both interesting and lend a touch of relief to the main story, are amusing and hopefully will continue well into the future novels.
I would like to thank Joffe Books for sending me this advance review copy and giving me a change to read yet another of this author’s brilliant novels and I certainly look forward to the next one in the series. Of course, the ending of this one implied that Mariner may change his ways – but hopefully that won’t be the case and we will be treated to more of his antics to keep us immersed.
They also concentrate more on Mariner’s private life, with less of the police work and more of the private, off the books, investigative work which always tends to get him into trouble, difficulties and more often as not grave danger. This one is no exception and once again we find him trying to unravel personal problems whilst still trying to carry out his official duties, going off the radar and communicating with no-one, not even his very understanding partner Anna. The whole story had me very involved and once more I found it hard to put the book down, despite having loads of other things that needed doing.
Interestingly, this story concentrated on an on-going theme that seems to have popped up superficially in the two previous novels – the one of Mariner’s unknown father. However, this time he finds out who that person is and the whole revelation totally consumes him and leads to him being targeted by someone who wants him dead. The climatic ending is nail biting and kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to read faster and faster to get to the end and hopefully see the DI rescued. The side stories, which as always, are both interesting and lend a touch of relief to the main story, are amusing and hopefully will continue well into the future novels.
I would like to thank Joffe Books for sending me this advance review copy and giving me a change to read yet another of this author’s brilliant novels and I certainly look forward to the next one in the series. Of course, the ending of this one implied that Mariner may change his ways – but hopefully that won’t be the case and we will be treated to more of his antics to keep us immersed.
April 23, 2024
I am working my way through a binge listen to this series as it is so good. The characters are well developed, and everything works. There is also a side tangent which is really moving.
Although it could be a standalone read, it gets better as a series listen
The narration really works.
Another great find on the audible plus catalogue
Although it could be a standalone read, it gets better as a series listen
The narration really works.
Another great find on the audible plus catalogue
January 15, 2018
3 and 1 / 2 stars
DI Tom Mariner is getting his life in order. With a new girlfriend and being happy for the first time in a very long while, all is going well for him.
But then there are the bodies that keep falling all over his patch. Three people are found dead on the side of a road. It is a retired MP and his wife and their driver. Jumping to conclusions, the police at first believe that it is the driver’s shady past that brings tragedy to this couple and the driver. Also, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a sewer. Her identity remains unknown. The Birmingham police name her “Madeline.” The other investigators tell Tom there is no need to concern himself with this case, as they seem inordinately focused on the driver.
As the investigations into these crimes progress, an explosion occurs and five people are killed. All this busy-ness puts a damper on Tom’s good mood – with Christmas just days away.
Tom’s life is in danger when his car is tampered with and someone attempts to kill him a second time. His car is bugged so Tom knows someone is following him with malicious intent.
This book is full of surprises and interesting twists. It is well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the book. DI Mariner is still the almost off-putting individual. I really don’t believe I like him. He is too draining.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
DI Tom Mariner is getting his life in order. With a new girlfriend and being happy for the first time in a very long while, all is going well for him.
But then there are the bodies that keep falling all over his patch. Three people are found dead on the side of a road. It is a retired MP and his wife and their driver. Jumping to conclusions, the police at first believe that it is the driver’s shady past that brings tragedy to this couple and the driver. Also, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a sewer. Her identity remains unknown. The Birmingham police name her “Madeline.” The other investigators tell Tom there is no need to concern himself with this case, as they seem inordinately focused on the driver.
As the investigations into these crimes progress, an explosion occurs and five people are killed. All this busy-ness puts a damper on Tom’s good mood – with Christmas just days away.
Tom’s life is in danger when his car is tampered with and someone attempts to kill him a second time. His car is bugged so Tom knows someone is following him with malicious intent.
This book is full of surprises and interesting twists. It is well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the book. DI Mariner is still the almost off-putting individual. I really don’t believe I like him. He is too draining.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
March 30, 2018
killer lies by Chris Collette.
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills 5 people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for his team.
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be at risk.
a very enjoyable read. lots of action. 4*.
Merged review:
killer lies by Chris Collette.
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills 5 people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for his team.
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be at risk.
a very enjoyable read. lots of action. 4*.
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills 5 people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for his team.
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be at risk.
a very enjoyable read. lots of action. 4*.
Merged review:
killer lies by Chris Collette.
Just when DI Tom Mariner seems to be settling down with his new girlfriend . . . everything kicks off.
First, a badly decomposed body of a young woman is found in a Birmingham sewer. The police can’t identify her and dub her “Madeleine.”
Then an important politician and his wife are shot on an isolated road.
And finally, a bomb explosion in the busy city kills 5 people, causing chaos and panic.
Can Detective Mariner and his team get to the bottom of crimes that will come very close to home for his team.
Mariner will need to bend the rules and risk everything to get to the truth. And in a thrilling conclusion, his own life will be at risk.
a very enjoyable read. lots of action. 4*.
January 13, 2018
A body is found at the rear of a car. The passengers inside looking like they are awaiting the return of the driver-only they too have both been shot. Tom is attending the local carol service in the cathedral when on their way there is an explosion. He is getting anonymous notes which imply, to him, that he could be the target. In all those dignitaries? Maybe he is just being paranoid. As ever this grips you from the start and draws you in. Chris has the talent of bringing characters to life and a plot to keep you turning the pages. A background thread personal to Mariner brings the real Tom even more to life as does his relationship with his girlfriend and the trial and tribulations of normal life. A fairly complicated plot with twists and turns (nothing too difficult to follow) which kept me interested right to the very end. I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next instalment.
January 27, 2018
Another great book by Chris Collett. Another great story about DCI Tom Mariner. This story was a bit more personal for DCI Mariner, and it showed his vulnerable side. However, it also showed his ability as a great detective too.
DCI Mariner and his girlfriend Ann are getting more serious in their relationship. It’s almost Christmas and they are headed to a Christmas pageant with members of the Police department where Mariner works. Anna wants to do a little more shopping before heading over, so she and Tom send Knox and his new girlfriend, Selina ahead and will meet them there. Just before they get to the church there is an explosion in the church and they are blasted backwards. They are the lucky ones, they are able to get up and move around. Tom goes into the see what he can do to help those who were not as lucky. It’s a devastating site when he gets in the church and it is not something he can get over quickly or easily.
Aside from this case where Mariner is trying to find out what happened and why, he is contacted by an old friend from another precinct who is working a murder case in the London area. A high-profile couple, Geoff and Diana Ryland, are killed in their limousine and their driver, James O’Connor, is found dead outside the car. The man inside the car worked for the Judicial Review Commission, the JRC. Mariner’s friend, Dave Flynn contacted him to give him some photos that were found in Mr. Ryland’s home when it was searched for clues as to who might have killed them. Most of the photos are of Tom Mariner as a young boy. Tom Mariner was raised by his mother and never knew his father, he had been wanting to know who his father was for years. Now he knows. The trouble is that it can get him killed, and almost does.
This story had a lot of twists and surprises. I love DCI Mariner and his tenacity when trying to solve a case. He doesn’t give up easily. This book left me with a few more questions than answers though, and I hope that the next book answers those questions.
DCI Mariner and his girlfriend Ann are getting more serious in their relationship. It’s almost Christmas and they are headed to a Christmas pageant with members of the Police department where Mariner works. Anna wants to do a little more shopping before heading over, so she and Tom send Knox and his new girlfriend, Selina ahead and will meet them there. Just before they get to the church there is an explosion in the church and they are blasted backwards. They are the lucky ones, they are able to get up and move around. Tom goes into the see what he can do to help those who were not as lucky. It’s a devastating site when he gets in the church and it is not something he can get over quickly or easily.
Aside from this case where Mariner is trying to find out what happened and why, he is contacted by an old friend from another precinct who is working a murder case in the London area. A high-profile couple, Geoff and Diana Ryland, are killed in their limousine and their driver, James O’Connor, is found dead outside the car. The man inside the car worked for the Judicial Review Commission, the JRC. Mariner’s friend, Dave Flynn contacted him to give him some photos that were found in Mr. Ryland’s home when it was searched for clues as to who might have killed them. Most of the photos are of Tom Mariner as a young boy. Tom Mariner was raised by his mother and never knew his father, he had been wanting to know who his father was for years. Now he knows. The trouble is that it can get him killed, and almost does.
This story had a lot of twists and surprises. I love DCI Mariner and his tenacity when trying to solve a case. He doesn’t give up easily. This book left me with a few more questions than answers though, and I hope that the next book answers those questions.
January 26, 2018
This is the third book in the series by Chris Collett featuring Tom Mariner. It opens as Tom and his partner Anne, joined by his colleague Tom Knox and his partner, attend a service at the cathedral at which a bomb explodes. This leaves Tom with PTSD and Tom’s partner with a partial leg amputation. Tom is clearly reeling from the bomb explosion – on coming round he aided the recovery effort and was left traumatised by the sights and sounds and not least the death of a girl he comforted whist they tried in vain to release her.
On the home front Tom is more or less living with Anna although he retains his own cottage (part of this he rents out). Anna’s brother is currently in a care facility thus releasing Anna from some of her day to day obligations. Anna’s mind is on starting a family and Tom is slowly coming round to the idea until they were caught up in the bomb explosion.
On the work front Tom’s office is dealing with the discovery of a body found in a sewer, obviously the bomb and Tom also learns of the murder of a politician and his wife and his driver.
Tom then discovers that he is the illegitimate child of the politician and he determines to discover more. What follows is what amounts to a private investigation of those linked to the politician, his history and his work. Set against this are several rather serious attempts on his life and deterioration in his relationship with Anne.
All in all, a completely different type of police story as it focuses on Tom’s private life and looks at the reality of PTSD and the corrosive effects on relationships. Fascinating. I can’t say it was a thrilling, nail-biting read but it was certainly well worth reading, thought provoking and satisfying. I heartily recommend it.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
On the home front Tom is more or less living with Anna although he retains his own cottage (part of this he rents out). Anna’s brother is currently in a care facility thus releasing Anna from some of her day to day obligations. Anna’s mind is on starting a family and Tom is slowly coming round to the idea until they were caught up in the bomb explosion.
On the work front Tom’s office is dealing with the discovery of a body found in a sewer, obviously the bomb and Tom also learns of the murder of a politician and his wife and his driver.
Tom then discovers that he is the illegitimate child of the politician and he determines to discover more. What follows is what amounts to a private investigation of those linked to the politician, his history and his work. Set against this are several rather serious attempts on his life and deterioration in his relationship with Anne.
All in all, a completely different type of police story as it focuses on Tom’s private life and looks at the reality of PTSD and the corrosive effects on relationships. Fascinating. I can’t say it was a thrilling, nail-biting read but it was certainly well worth reading, thought provoking and satisfying. I heartily recommend it.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
January 26, 2018
So this is the third of the DI Tom Mariner series and the second I’ve read but it could easily be read as a stand alone without you missing very much.
The story starts with a farmer finding MP Sir Geoffrey Ryland, his wife and his driver shot to death in a secluded spot, a message; Vengence is mine, daubed in blood on the window of the car. Elsewhere, Mariner set to deliver a speech at the annual Christmas carol service when the world around him explodes, literally.
Suffering from the aftermath of the explosion, Mariner is trying to concentrate on a case involving a young woman found in a sewer but a phone call from an old colleague turns his fragile world upside down and he becomes obsessed with Geoffrey Ryland’s case.
Another fantastic book from Chris Collett, that starts with a heck of a bang!
Mariner is still a bit of a headstrong loner, who refuses to let anyone into his inner world, not even his partner Anna, torturing himself over things he can’t control. I still like him even though he frustrates me so much! I kept thinking just talk to someone, tell them what’s going on, but of course he never does! Also he and Anna are considering having children, I’d love to see him as a dad!
There’s also a huge revelation about Mariner in the book, but I’m not going to spoil it for you, you’ll just have to read it and see.
There’s lots of conspiracy theories, about dodgy policemen and drug dealers even the government gets accused of covering up Geoffrey Ryland’s murder. It was so cleverly plotted I genuinely had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed.
My attention did waver a little in the middle, but it quickly pulled me back in and built to a tension packed, satisfying ending.
Overall an explosive read that will keep you guessing until the end.
The story starts with a farmer finding MP Sir Geoffrey Ryland, his wife and his driver shot to death in a secluded spot, a message; Vengence is mine, daubed in blood on the window of the car. Elsewhere, Mariner set to deliver a speech at the annual Christmas carol service when the world around him explodes, literally.
Suffering from the aftermath of the explosion, Mariner is trying to concentrate on a case involving a young woman found in a sewer but a phone call from an old colleague turns his fragile world upside down and he becomes obsessed with Geoffrey Ryland’s case.
Another fantastic book from Chris Collett, that starts with a heck of a bang!
Mariner is still a bit of a headstrong loner, who refuses to let anyone into his inner world, not even his partner Anna, torturing himself over things he can’t control. I still like him even though he frustrates me so much! I kept thinking just talk to someone, tell them what’s going on, but of course he never does! Also he and Anna are considering having children, I’d love to see him as a dad!
There’s also a huge revelation about Mariner in the book, but I’m not going to spoil it for you, you’ll just have to read it and see.
There’s lots of conspiracy theories, about dodgy policemen and drug dealers even the government gets accused of covering up Geoffrey Ryland’s murder. It was so cleverly plotted I genuinely had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed.
My attention did waver a little in the middle, but it quickly pulled me back in and built to a tension packed, satisfying ending.
Overall an explosive read that will keep you guessing until the end.
March 21, 2019
This story starts with the discovery of the bodies of a prominent politician, his wife and driver, who had all been shot. Then DI Tom Mariner finds the body of a young woman in a sewer. Then as Tom and his girlfriend approach a church, it explodes showering them with debris. Combined with the impending retirement of his boss, and a tense relationship with his girlfriend and her autistic brother, it all adds up to a difficult Christmas. Then someone from Special Branch hands an envelope full of photos of himself from early childhood to recently that had been found in the pocket of the murdered politician. Apparently, this man was Tom’s father but had abandoned Tom and his mother at birth. Given this relationship, Tom starts investigating his father and the circumstances around his death. But then more murders and threats to himself convinces Tom that something is seriously wrong with the official investigation. Can Tom find out what happened? And can he do this before more lives are lost? Including his own? And what about his personal relationship?
The story started with the different threads slowly being revealed. Then as Tom commits himself to privately investigating his father’s murder, the tension rises, particularly as the relationship with his girlfriend appears to be rocky. The further I read, the more interesting and frustrating the story became, and the harder it became to put it down. I felt Tom’s frustration as the leads turned him from suspect to suspect. But still the ending came as a surprise. I gave the story 4.5 stars.
The story started with the different threads slowly being revealed. Then as Tom commits himself to privately investigating his father’s murder, the tension rises, particularly as the relationship with his girlfriend appears to be rocky. The further I read, the more interesting and frustrating the story became, and the harder it became to put it down. I felt Tom’s frustration as the leads turned him from suspect to suspect. But still the ending came as a surprise. I gave the story 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
Setting: Birmingham, West Midlands; early 2000's.
This is the third book in the series featuring Detective Inspector Tom Mariner of West Midlands Police.
Mariner's personal life and back-story play a large part in this episode. Having virtually moved in with his new girlfriend, the pair are discussing having children - until a shocking event on a night out in Birmingham city centre causes him to re-evaluate all that he held dear.
The investigation into the discovery of a dead woman in the sewers effectively takes a back seat to his personal issues and the murder of a prominent MP, his wife and chauffeur on an Oxfordshire country lane. Although the case is outside Tom's jurisdiction, a revelation concerning Tom's previously- unidentified father causes him to launch his own investigation into the death....
This was another excellent book in the series: great characters and unpredictable storylines made for a great read so I am pleased that I have several more of this series available on Kindle - 8.5/10.
This is the third book in the series featuring Detective Inspector Tom Mariner of West Midlands Police.
Mariner's personal life and back-story play a large part in this episode. Having virtually moved in with his new girlfriend, the pair are discussing having children - until a shocking event on a night out in Birmingham city centre causes him to re-evaluate all that he held dear.
The investigation into the discovery of a dead woman in the sewers effectively takes a back seat to his personal issues and the murder of a prominent MP, his wife and chauffeur on an Oxfordshire country lane. Although the case is outside Tom's jurisdiction, a revelation concerning Tom's previously- unidentified father causes him to launch his own investigation into the death....
This was another excellent book in the series: great characters and unpredictable storylines made for a great read so I am pleased that I have several more of this series available on Kindle - 8.5/10.
September 22, 2019
*My Favorite Case So Far*
This case turns out to be the most personal case for DI Tom Mariner, this is the case where he finds out who his father is and sadly he never gets to speak to him. With tragedy comes lots of emotions and the culprit for the murders on the case he is secretly working on, motivated by his personal connection is
right under his nose. Tom is a bit of a maverick and follows his nose he is assigned to another case but he goes off on his own to pursue his own investigation. He has let his sergeant into a little about what he is working on and when Tom goes missing can his sergeant piece things together on time.......
His relationship with Anna is troubling him as talk of babies are on the card, she is all in committed but he is not so sure. But with Tom piecing things together when he becomes in danger will he be able to really let go and make things right with Anna.....
This case turns out to be the most personal case for DI Tom Mariner, this is the case where he finds out who his father is and sadly he never gets to speak to him. With tragedy comes lots of emotions and the culprit for the murders on the case he is secretly working on, motivated by his personal connection is
right under his nose. Tom is a bit of a maverick and follows his nose he is assigned to another case but he goes off on his own to pursue his own investigation. He has let his sergeant into a little about what he is working on and when Tom goes missing can his sergeant piece things together on time.......
His relationship with Anna is troubling him as talk of babies are on the card, she is all in committed but he is not so sure. But with Tom piecing things together when he becomes in danger will he be able to really let go and make things right with Anna.....
November 2, 2020
It all gets personal in this third outing for Tom Mariner. Faced with problems in his relationship, an explosion that could have killed him and a killing that’s a little closer to home than he first realises, he takes some time off duty to get to the truth of some family issues.
His determination to discover the truth leads him on a personal mission that could also hold the key to a murder. Unfortunately, there were so many characters involved, I was never quite sure who was who, which spoiled my enjoyment. The pace also slowed before picking up once more as the climax approached.
While it all made sense in the end, it would have helped if the author placed a few character reminders here and there, instead of relying on their first names.
While this was more of a personal story than a police procedural, it remains an interesting addition to the series. I’m interested to find out how Mariner will develop and deal with the issues in the next book.
His determination to discover the truth leads him on a personal mission that could also hold the key to a murder. Unfortunately, there were so many characters involved, I was never quite sure who was who, which spoiled my enjoyment. The pace also slowed before picking up once more as the climax approached.
While it all made sense in the end, it would have helped if the author placed a few character reminders here and there, instead of relying on their first names.
While this was more of a personal story than a police procedural, it remains an interesting addition to the series. I’m interested to find out how Mariner will develop and deal with the issues in the next book.
October 24, 2017
Not a bad thriller, didn't keep me as gripped as some do but still held my interest enough to keep me reading 'til the end! While it's a certainly a crime novel the focus is very much on the personal life of Mariner. The discovery of a connection between the murder victims & Mariner means Mariner makes some surprise discoveries about his past which have a knock-on effect with his relationship with girlfriend Anna.
I'll happily read more in this series, though I wasn't a fan of Anna (don't really understand her attitude to her brother, maybe I need to read an earlier book), plus I have an inkling that the relationship between Mariner & his new DCI (introduced at the end of the book) could cause sparks - or maybe that's wishful thinking on my part....
I'll happily read more in this series, though I wasn't a fan of Anna (don't really understand her attitude to her brother, maybe I need to read an earlier book), plus I have an inkling that the relationship between Mariner & his new DCI (introduced at the end of the book) could cause sparks - or maybe that's wishful thinking on my part....
October 14, 2018
This book gives us an interesting hook into the next one in the series. Meeting your new boss for the first time by flashing a bare backside at her can only lead to an interesting relationship.
This was an incredible read, quite different from the usual books in this genre. With its overtones of political intrigue and police corruption it was much more than a local investigation and it had a much darker tone than previous books in the series. It answered a number of questions for Tom Mariner but the outcome was not what he would have wanted. There were however a number of possibilities to be explored in future books.
I have already downloaded the next book in the series and am looking forward to getting started on it.
This was an incredible read, quite different from the usual books in this genre. With its overtones of political intrigue and police corruption it was much more than a local investigation and it had a much darker tone than previous books in the series. It answered a number of questions for Tom Mariner but the outcome was not what he would have wanted. There were however a number of possibilities to be explored in future books.
I have already downloaded the next book in the series and am looking forward to getting started on it.
January 6, 2025
A woman’s body has been found in a pipe. A prominent political figure and his wife have been found murdered in their car somewhere down south. And then a bomb explodes killing a child within touching distance of DI Mariner. These events turn out to be extremely personal to our hero - but why? Is someone out to kill him? In vengeance for what? Or is this PTSD-induced paranoia. One irritation is the number of people who call Sir Geoffrey Ryland by the name Mr Ryland rather than Sir Geoffrey and that grated with this knight for a while 😂😂 But another good yarn with a slightly rushed conclusion but sufficient backstory to convince me to move straight onto book 4
January 31, 2018
DI Tom Mariner works in Birmingham area. Has found a decomposed body of a woman. Is going into a church with his partner Anna as a bomb goes off inside. He holds the hand of a 10 year old while she dies so she will not be alone. Gives him much thought of being a parent and having that happen to your child. Sir Geoff Ryland and his wife plus the chauffeur are killed on a country road. He is not on the case but he finds things out that make him just not able to stay away from the case. This takes him down a number of roads with people who knew his mother before he was born. A must read.
March 15, 2018
3.5* rounded up.
Not at all about the dead Albanian woman found in a sewer, but instead all about Tom finding out who his (recently murdered) father was. Not telling Anna anything about this, he then sets out (on an unofficial basis) to overturn the police view of the motive behind his father's death. I am going off Tom (see his attitude on meeting Helena James), who doesn't at all deserve Anna, although I suspect she is about to find out she is pregnant.
Anyway, the murderer tried out to be (once again) the character who had no other real reason to be in the story.
Not at all about the dead Albanian woman found in a sewer, but instead all about Tom finding out who his (recently murdered) father was. Not telling Anna anything about this, he then sets out (on an unofficial basis) to overturn the police view of the motive behind his father's death. I am going off Tom (see his attitude on meeting Helena James), who doesn't at all deserve Anna, although I suspect she is about to find out she is pregnant.
Anyway, the murderer tried out to be (once again) the character who had no other real reason to be in the story.
March 24, 2021
DI Mariner is still having problems making up his mind in respects to Anne and marriage and children. Work wise, they are investigating a body found in a bin bag in the sewer and when a member of the government and his wife and driver are found shot on a country road Mariner gets himself involved when a acquaintance from another agency working the case shows him some photos of himself found in the dead officials belongings. This opens up a whole new world for Mariner and his history. Still great reading and I am on the #5 of the box set.
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