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DI Greco #4
Dark Angel
Love gripping crime fiction? Discover Detective Stephen Greco, a meticulous policeman with a messy personal life.
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which seems to have been lowering the crime rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
This gripping and fast-paced crime mystery ends with a series of shocking twists.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
THE DETECTIVES
DCI Stephen Greco is a meticulous policeman with a touch of O.C.D. Easy to admire, but difficult to like. He has created a new team after a personal tragedy threatened to end his career, and is struggling to care for his daughter.
DS Grace Harper is an ambitious young policewoman with excellent people skills. Like Greco, she is a single parent and tries to balance work and childcare.
THE SETTING
The Northern city of Manchester is a place of great diversity, from high-end restaurants and clubs for the moneyed classes to grim housing estates riven by crime and drugs.
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES BY THE BEST-SELLING WRITER HELEN H. DURRANT
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which seems to have been lowering the crime rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
This gripping and fast-paced crime mystery ends with a series of shocking twists.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
THE DETECTIVES
DCI Stephen Greco is a meticulous policeman with a touch of O.C.D. Easy to admire, but difficult to like. He has created a new team after a personal tragedy threatened to end his career, and is struggling to care for his daughter.
DS Grace Harper is an ambitious young policewoman with excellent people skills. Like Greco, she is a single parent and tries to balance work and childcare.
THE SETTING
The Northern city of Manchester is a place of great diversity, from high-end restaurants and clubs for the moneyed classes to grim housing estates riven by crime and drugs.
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES BY THE BEST-SELLING WRITER HELEN H. DURRANT
243 pages, ebook
Published January 26, 2018
711 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 28, 2018
EXCERPT: Suddenly she fell quiet. Something was floating in the water only inches away from her. She must have dislodged whatever it was from the bottom. Megan strained to see in the dark. It was weird. At first it looked like a bin bag full of festival rubbish. Moving closer, she thought it might be a piece of old wood. In the weak moonlight, its surface looked like bark.
'What on earth is it?' she looked up at Leon,who had taken several steps backwards.
'Don't go near, babe. Look. There.' He pointed.
Megan peered closer and recoiled, horrified. The dim light reflected off whitish bones. The remains of an arm and a hand were visible. Tendrils of dark hair floated like weed from what had once been a human head.
THE BLURB: Love gripping crime fiction? Discover Detective Stephen Greco, a meticulous policeman with a messy personal life.
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which seems to have been lowering the crime rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
This gripping and fast-paced crime mystery ends with a series of shocking twists.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
THE DETECTIVES
DCI Stephen Greco is a meticulous policeman with a touch of O.C.D. Easy to admire, but difficult to like. He has created a new team after a personal tragedy threatened to end his career, and is struggling to care for his daughter.
DS Grace Harper is an ambitious young policewoman with excellent people skills. Like Greco, she is a single parent and tries to balance work and childcare.
THE SETTING
The Northern city of Manchester is a place of great diversity, from high-end restaurants and clubs for the moneyed classes to grim housing estates riven by crime and drugs.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the fourth book by Helen Durrant that I have read, the second in the DI Greco series. My very favorite was Dark Murder, the first of this series.
I like Greco, mostly. He is OCD, has trouble relating to other people, but has this clinical ability to analyze situations and see things others miss. He doesn't really understand emotions. He knows how he should feel/react, but it just doesn't happen, which tends to cause havoc in his personal life. His team members see him as 'a bit of a cold fish'.
Durrant strikes a good balance between the police procedural and the private lives of the main characters. She writes consistently good books that won't disappoint. This, in particular, has a very clever twist that, despite the clues, I didn't see coming. And I have the feeling that we haven't seen the last of femme fatale Ava.
This is a series that it is preferable to read in order so that you get the full benefit of the character development and backgrounds.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dark Angel by Helen Durrant 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/...
'What on earth is it?' she looked up at Leon,who had taken several steps backwards.
'Don't go near, babe. Look. There.' He pointed.
Megan peered closer and recoiled, horrified. The dim light reflected off whitish bones. The remains of an arm and a hand were visible. Tendrils of dark hair floated like weed from what had once been a human head.
THE BLURB: Love gripping crime fiction? Discover Detective Stephen Greco, a meticulous policeman with a messy personal life.
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which seems to have been lowering the crime rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
This gripping and fast-paced crime mystery ends with a series of shocking twists.
If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Mel Sherratt, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will enjoy this exciting new crime fiction writer.
THE DETECTIVES
DCI Stephen Greco is a meticulous policeman with a touch of O.C.D. Easy to admire, but difficult to like. He has created a new team after a personal tragedy threatened to end his career, and is struggling to care for his daughter.
DS Grace Harper is an ambitious young policewoman with excellent people skills. Like Greco, she is a single parent and tries to balance work and childcare.
THE SETTING
The Northern city of Manchester is a place of great diversity, from high-end restaurants and clubs for the moneyed classes to grim housing estates riven by crime and drugs.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the fourth book by Helen Durrant that I have read, the second in the DI Greco series. My very favorite was Dark Murder, the first of this series.
I like Greco, mostly. He is OCD, has trouble relating to other people, but has this clinical ability to analyze situations and see things others miss. He doesn't really understand emotions. He knows how he should feel/react, but it just doesn't happen, which tends to cause havoc in his personal life. His team members see him as 'a bit of a cold fish'.
Durrant strikes a good balance between the police procedural and the private lives of the main characters. She writes consistently good books that won't disappoint. This, in particular, has a very clever twist that, despite the clues, I didn't see coming. And I have the feeling that we haven't seen the last of femme fatale Ava.
This is a series that it is preferable to read in order so that you get the full benefit of the character development and backgrounds.
Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dark Angel by Helen Durrant 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/...
July 7, 2020
This is the fourth book in the DCI Stephen Greco series by author Helen Durrant. This series gets better and better with every book.
Another fast paced novel that has a great mix of an exciting plot with lots of personal back stories surrounding the main characters. Stephen Greco has OCD and can be seen as grumpy and stand offish but he is a good detective.
The plot surrounds two men who break into a large house and steal money and a large amount of heroin. Just twenty four hours later they are discovered brutally murdered with all the signs of a drug land killing. The two victims had been helping out with a local community project that was apparently reducing the local crime rate. Greco discovers that there is a lot more to this case than first appears, there are several people that are not telling the whole truth.
Following a casual affair between Greco and his sergeant Grace Harper there is now an additional complication. Grace is pregnant leaving Greco unsure of his feelings and he must inform the boss.
This is a very good fast paced crime novel that will keep you guessing to the end.
Another fast paced novel that has a great mix of an exciting plot with lots of personal back stories surrounding the main characters. Stephen Greco has OCD and can be seen as grumpy and stand offish but he is a good detective.
The plot surrounds two men who break into a large house and steal money and a large amount of heroin. Just twenty four hours later they are discovered brutally murdered with all the signs of a drug land killing. The two victims had been helping out with a local community project that was apparently reducing the local crime rate. Greco discovers that there is a lot more to this case than first appears, there are several people that are not telling the whole truth.
Following a casual affair between Greco and his sergeant Grace Harper there is now an additional complication. Grace is pregnant leaving Greco unsure of his feelings and he must inform the boss.
This is a very good fast paced crime novel that will keep you guessing to the end.
April 15, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
This was the 1st book by Helen Durrant that I've read and I need to get my hands on her other books!
I really enjoyed this one. It moved along with some twists. The characters were very well developed and there was enough of their personal lives thrown in to slow the pace of the action to give my brain a chance to catch up.
While this was the 4th book in a series, enough info was given that it read as a stand alone without the feeling the writer was just filling pages with repeats and reiterations.
This was the 1st book by Helen Durrant that I've read and I need to get my hands on her other books!
I really enjoyed this one. It moved along with some twists. The characters were very well developed and there was enough of their personal lives thrown in to slow the pace of the action to give my brain a chance to catch up.
While this was the 4th book in a series, enough info was given that it read as a stand alone without the feeling the writer was just filling pages with repeats and reiterations.
February 3, 2018
This is not only my first book I have read in the DCI Greco series but it is also the first book I have read by the author. Shocking I know.
Whilst I wouldn’t say it was essential to have read the other books in the series, I did feel like I would have liked to have known Grace and Greco better. Where they are in their current relationship isn’t a very good one and I don’t think we necessarily see them in their best light. When it comes to their working lives though I couldn’t fault them.
The case they find themselves working on is a very brutal crime of which they need to solve quickly. When it comes to drugs being involved, you know right away that the dark underworld that these people are part of is one that you would never hope to find yourself in. Everyone has something to hide and it makes an even harder job for the team.
Like I mentioned earlier, because of what is going on in Grace’s and Greco’s personal lives, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about them. In a way I felt sorry for Greco as he is feeling trapped by Grace’s pregnancy and it is messing with his head. Grace I felt sorry for also but then I didn’t like how she was constantly forcing Greco’s hand. It certainly left me interested to see how their relationship had got to this point as well as finding out where both of them go from here. How both characters go about their work though I loved. Grace is strong willed and determined and I enjoyed reading of Greco’s working relationship with other colleagues and how they go about solving the case. It really does make for an entertaining read.
Dark Angel is a relatively quick read with a case that had me well and truly gripped. A story line that will hook you from the start that certainly holds some surprises in store for the reader. Look forward to reading more by the author.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Whilst I wouldn’t say it was essential to have read the other books in the series, I did feel like I would have liked to have known Grace and Greco better. Where they are in their current relationship isn’t a very good one and I don’t think we necessarily see them in their best light. When it comes to their working lives though I couldn’t fault them.
The case they find themselves working on is a very brutal crime of which they need to solve quickly. When it comes to drugs being involved, you know right away that the dark underworld that these people are part of is one that you would never hope to find yourself in. Everyone has something to hide and it makes an even harder job for the team.
Like I mentioned earlier, because of what is going on in Grace’s and Greco’s personal lives, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about them. In a way I felt sorry for Greco as he is feeling trapped by Grace’s pregnancy and it is messing with his head. Grace I felt sorry for also but then I didn’t like how she was constantly forcing Greco’s hand. It certainly left me interested to see how their relationship had got to this point as well as finding out where both of them go from here. How both characters go about their work though I loved. Grace is strong willed and determined and I enjoyed reading of Greco’s working relationship with other colleagues and how they go about solving the case. It really does make for an entertaining read.
Dark Angel is a relatively quick read with a case that had me well and truly gripped. A story line that will hook you from the start that certainly holds some surprises in store for the reader. Look forward to reading more by the author.
My thanks to Jill Burkinshaw and Joffe Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
March 20, 2018
Dark Angel is an engrossing crime thriller set in Manchester. It’s an area I live in, so I’m familiar with the book’s environment and have always easily related to Helen Durrant’s books. She maintains a high standard and uncomplicated, fluid writing style throughout every book I’ve read. With deft clarity, she led me through the twists and turns in Dark Angel’s plot without me having to scratch my head in consternation. The challenging relationship between DCI Greco and DS Grace Harper, who is carrying his child, was particularly authentic. I’ve been intrigued and entertained by the motley crew of criminals and gruesome murders in each of this author’s books, and Dark Angel is no exception. As a bonus, there’s a twist at the end that came as a total surprise.
I have nine Helen Durrant books on my Kindle. I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed four of them and intend to work my way through the other five. The author is prolific, so it’s comforting to know there are plenty more of her books to download when I’ve read all nine. I recall how sad I was as a teenager when I realised I’d read every Agatha Christie book and don’t want to feel like that again. Whenever I find an author I enjoy, I try to read their entire catalogue. Helen Durrant will always be one of those talented crime mystery authors high on my TBR list.
I have nine Helen Durrant books on my Kindle. I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed four of them and intend to work my way through the other five. The author is prolific, so it’s comforting to know there are plenty more of her books to download when I’ve read all nine. I recall how sad I was as a teenager when I realised I’d read every Agatha Christie book and don’t want to feel like that again. Whenever I find an author I enjoy, I try to read their entire catalogue. Helen Durrant will always be one of those talented crime mystery authors high on my TBR list.
January 26, 2018
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I am a massive fan of this author’s books so as soon as I saw that her latest release in the DCI Greco series – Dark Angel – was being released I jumped at the chance to read it and I had finished reading it within hours of it landing on my Kindle!
I love the team that DCI Greco has to support him and after the ending of the previous book I was interested to see what would happen in his relationship with Grace. The book did pull at my heart strings at times it took me through quite a few emotions.
The plot was strong and very relevant to what we see in the news on a regular basis at the moment. The writing style was superb as always and I flew through the pages. I loved the twists and turns that we had on the way to reach the ending which I saw coming in part but there was a sneaky twist.
I can honestly say that I loved it – it is another 5 star book from Helen and I cannot wait for her next release – Helen is one of favourite authors of her genre and I cannot recommend her books highly enough – you only have to look back through my reviews to see how brilliant her books are!!
I am a massive fan of this author’s books so as soon as I saw that her latest release in the DCI Greco series – Dark Angel – was being released I jumped at the chance to read it and I had finished reading it within hours of it landing on my Kindle!
I love the team that DCI Greco has to support him and after the ending of the previous book I was interested to see what would happen in his relationship with Grace. The book did pull at my heart strings at times it took me through quite a few emotions.
The plot was strong and very relevant to what we see in the news on a regular basis at the moment. The writing style was superb as always and I flew through the pages. I loved the twists and turns that we had on the way to reach the ending which I saw coming in part but there was a sneaky twist.
I can honestly say that I loved it – it is another 5 star book from Helen and I cannot wait for her next release – Helen is one of favourite authors of her genre and I cannot recommend her books highly enough – you only have to look back through my reviews to see how brilliant her books are!!
January 22, 2018
A young woman falls into a ditch trying to get away from her boyfriend at a festival. She gets up to find that next to her isn’t rubbish but a body. Meanwhile two small time thieves are given a tip of about a house to “visit”. They have bitten off more than they can chew and quickly turn up dead. One of them sent a picture of drugs to the police as “insurance” just before they met their untimely end. Why? A haulage firm is transporting more than they should however neither the police or customs have any idea of how it is being done. A cleverly thought out plot with enough turns to keep the flow. Characters which you easily take to and become alive through excellent descriptions and enough backstory to keep you interested without it taking over- which can be a fine balance. I like enough to give them life but not too much to distract from the main theme. Helen always does this extremely well. This is the fourth in a series but would stand alone quite easily. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 24, 2018
A gritty mystery crime thriller by this very popular writer who never fails to deliver and they just get better and better.
January 24, 2018
Usual series rules apply. For full enjoyment of this book, although the main story contained within is complete, it is best to start from the beginning and read in order. I believe that this is more important for this series as it does contain quite a bit more of the main characters' personal lives than most and so, if you go in cold, you will not get the best from this.
So, two young men burgle a rather upmarket house in a great area. They come away with a bundle of loot including money and jewellery and also, the golden prize, a rather significant amount of drugs. This they didn't take all that was there, just the majority. Not being completely clueless, they send pictures to certain people as a kind of insurance policy. Sadly, this didn't work out so well for them as within a day, both are violently murdered.
Enter Greko and his team to investigate. Still reeling from the shock announcement from Grace, Greko is trying to come to grips with how he is feeling and this does distract him somewhat from the matter at hand. This and the fact that Grace keeps disappearing from the team does unsettle the lot of them so the last thing they really want is a convoluted crime like this. But they get cracking and follow the leads. With secrets, lies, and duplicitous behaviour aplenty in this book, can Greko and the team manages to focus for long enough to cut through the noise and solve this rather interesting crime?
Boy did this book have a little bit of everything crime wise. I am not going to list all but I will go as far as to say that once the surface was scratched, there was so much else going on around and about - all deliciously interconnected and rather well plotted. I was especially intrigued as to how the festival part at the beginning would ever fit into the rest of it.
Pacing was good although, for me, the personal stuff did keep intruding into the crimes being solved somewhat. I appreciate and accept that in a series you do get quite a bit of the characters' personal stuff coming in. I mean, that's the point with main and recurring characters; development and interaction but for me, there is a balance and this book did cross that, albeit not too far. There was also a point to some of what was included that did speak to character development so it wasn't all dead air so to speak.
All in all though, this "intrusion" did not mar my enjoyment of this book too much as the storyline did keep my interest more than sufficiently with its twists, turns, double backs and blind alleys. Also, now that certain things have been kind of resolved in this book, hopefully the characters will be able to move on and concentrate more on their day jobs in the next!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, two young men burgle a rather upmarket house in a great area. They come away with a bundle of loot including money and jewellery and also, the golden prize, a rather significant amount of drugs. This they didn't take all that was there, just the majority. Not being completely clueless, they send pictures to certain people as a kind of insurance policy. Sadly, this didn't work out so well for them as within a day, both are violently murdered.
Enter Greko and his team to investigate. Still reeling from the shock announcement from Grace, Greko is trying to come to grips with how he is feeling and this does distract him somewhat from the matter at hand. This and the fact that Grace keeps disappearing from the team does unsettle the lot of them so the last thing they really want is a convoluted crime like this. But they get cracking and follow the leads. With secrets, lies, and duplicitous behaviour aplenty in this book, can Greko and the team manages to focus for long enough to cut through the noise and solve this rather interesting crime?
Boy did this book have a little bit of everything crime wise. I am not going to list all but I will go as far as to say that once the surface was scratched, there was so much else going on around and about - all deliciously interconnected and rather well plotted. I was especially intrigued as to how the festival part at the beginning would ever fit into the rest of it.
Pacing was good although, for me, the personal stuff did keep intruding into the crimes being solved somewhat. I appreciate and accept that in a series you do get quite a bit of the characters' personal stuff coming in. I mean, that's the point with main and recurring characters; development and interaction but for me, there is a balance and this book did cross that, albeit not too far. There was also a point to some of what was included that did speak to character development so it wasn't all dead air so to speak.
All in all though, this "intrusion" did not mar my enjoyment of this book too much as the storyline did keep my interest more than sufficiently with its twists, turns, double backs and blind alleys. Also, now that certain things have been kind of resolved in this book, hopefully the characters will be able to move on and concentrate more on their day jobs in the next!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 21, 2018
This is another of those stories where although you do not have to read the books that have come prior in order to understand the story - you will be missing out on a lot of information regarding the characters.
Normally, I am a big fan of this author and this series, however I feel as though this one was missing something that I can't quite put my finger on. The overall plot - the theft, the murders, the investigation etc was very much in line with the previous novels, and with this authors writing style. I will say that there was one crucial piece of information in the investigation that to me seemed a little - obvious - and because of that I feel as though it is unfathomable that the entire team missed it for as long as they did. Even with the obvious clues left behind, I feel as though someone somewhere along the line did not properly do their job or one loose end would have been tied up long before it was.
One of the big issues I had with this novel is the relationship - or lack thereof - between Greco and Grace. Their "relationship" has always seemed very one sided to me to begin with, but this pregnancy arc just killed it. I understand Grace wanting to tell their colleagues, just as I can understand why Greco was hesitant to do so. I feel like in this particular story Greco came across as even colder and more unfeeling than normal, whilst Grace came across as overly pushy. She kept saying "they agreed to have the child" when it couldn't be more obvious that Greco did not share the feelings she did. I felt like she kept pushing him more and more into something he didn't want simply because she had always fancied him. It was so far away from how they normally interacted with one another that it stuck out to me.
Even with those things, I still think this story will appeal to those who enjoy well written crime thriller novels that are full of unexpected twists.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Normally, I am a big fan of this author and this series, however I feel as though this one was missing something that I can't quite put my finger on. The overall plot - the theft, the murders, the investigation etc was very much in line with the previous novels, and with this authors writing style. I will say that there was one crucial piece of information in the investigation that to me seemed a little - obvious - and because of that I feel as though it is unfathomable that the entire team missed it for as long as they did. Even with the obvious clues left behind, I feel as though someone somewhere along the line did not properly do their job or one loose end would have been tied up long before it was.
One of the big issues I had with this novel is the relationship - or lack thereof - between Greco and Grace. Their "relationship" has always seemed very one sided to me to begin with, but this pregnancy arc just killed it. I understand Grace wanting to tell their colleagues, just as I can understand why Greco was hesitant to do so. I feel like in this particular story Greco came across as even colder and more unfeeling than normal, whilst Grace came across as overly pushy. She kept saying "they agreed to have the child" when it couldn't be more obvious that Greco did not share the feelings she did. I felt like she kept pushing him more and more into something he didn't want simply because she had always fancied him. It was so far away from how they normally interacted with one another that it stuck out to me.
Even with those things, I still think this story will appeal to those who enjoy well written crime thriller novels that are full of unexpected twists.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
May 28, 2018
I couldn't put this one down, I'm sorry it took me so long to start it! I've long been a fan of Helen H. Durrant's Calladine and Bayless books, but this is my first DI Greco. I can safely say this can be read as a standalone or an entry into the series, I wasn't lost at all, any prior references are explained enough that they're not a distraction.
First off, I have to say that Durrant is skilled in drawing in a reader completely into the world she creates, making the book so much more than a gripping mystery (as if that wasn't enough!), but also the frequently messy lives of the very compelling and realistic (if not flawed) characters. You end up with not only a thrilling case that keeps you turning pages, but also the can't-turn-away-train-wreck that is Greco's personal life. I like Greco, he's unemotional and methodical, traits that frequently cause problems with interpersonal relationships. Reading this, I was reminded Olympia Dukakis's line from Moonstruck ("Can I give you some advice? Don't s**t where you eat.") and boy, is that relevant to this book. Still, I felt for Greco, it was clear he was being pushed into something he didn't want and that never ends well.
But it's the case that takes front and center in the book, it got off to a running start with a body found at a music festival by a young woman before turning to the murders of two young men who got more than they bargained for when they burgled a house. The quick pace and many twists and turns kept me greedily turning page after page and that surprise ending left me gasping. An excellent read from start to finish, something I always expect from this author and definitely recommended for fans of gritty crime fiction.
First off, I have to say that Durrant is skilled in drawing in a reader completely into the world she creates, making the book so much more than a gripping mystery (as if that wasn't enough!), but also the frequently messy lives of the very compelling and realistic (if not flawed) characters. You end up with not only a thrilling case that keeps you turning pages, but also the can't-turn-away-train-wreck that is Greco's personal life. I like Greco, he's unemotional and methodical, traits that frequently cause problems with interpersonal relationships. Reading this, I was reminded Olympia Dukakis's line from Moonstruck ("Can I give you some advice? Don't s**t where you eat.") and boy, is that relevant to this book. Still, I felt for Greco, it was clear he was being pushed into something he didn't want and that never ends well.
But it's the case that takes front and center in the book, it got off to a running start with a body found at a music festival by a young woman before turning to the murders of two young men who got more than they bargained for when they burgled a house. The quick pace and many twists and turns kept me greedily turning page after page and that surprise ending left me gasping. An excellent read from start to finish, something I always expect from this author and definitely recommended for fans of gritty crime fiction.
January 24, 2018
At a music festival, a decomposing body is found. 5 months later, two men commit a burglary, stealing expensive jewellery and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
DCI Greco and his team return in this next instalment of the series to uncover a web of illicit dealings and deception –all of which are very current in today’s society.
This is the first book in the series that I had read and, overall, I did enjoy it – it had everything a gritty crime story should have. Admittedly, I think to get a deeper understanding of the characters, I should have read the previous books, however don’t let this put you off as Dark Angel can quite easily stand alone.
There was one thing that stopped me giving Dark Angel five stars – its predictability. Without giving too much away, I found myself knowing who the culprit was as soon as their family dynamics were divulged. That’s all I will say on that point. However, I am looking forward to catching up on the previous books in the series and will certainly read the ones to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this advanced copy.
DCI Greco and his team return in this next instalment of the series to uncover a web of illicit dealings and deception –all of which are very current in today’s society.
This is the first book in the series that I had read and, overall, I did enjoy it – it had everything a gritty crime story should have. Admittedly, I think to get a deeper understanding of the characters, I should have read the previous books, however don’t let this put you off as Dark Angel can quite easily stand alone.
There was one thing that stopped me giving Dark Angel five stars – its predictability. Without giving too much away, I found myself knowing who the culprit was as soon as their family dynamics were divulged. That’s all I will say on that point. However, I am looking forward to catching up on the previous books in the series and will certainly read the ones to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this advanced copy.
January 23, 2018
In this the fourth book in the DI Greco series we are drawn into a story which involves drugs blackmail and murder.
It opens with the discovery of a body in a ditch at a music festival, it has been there some time.
In what at first seems a totally unrelated incident a couple of young men are robbing an expensive property in Cheshire.
They have been given a tip that a haul of drugs are hidden there.
The owner of the property works for a haulage company that the police and customs have suspected of transporting drugs into the country but they have been unable to discover how.
When the picture of the drugs hidden in the house surfaces together with the mutilated bodies of the two thieves the race is on to solve the cases which now appear to be connected.
This is a very cleverly written plot with plenty twists and turns and possible suspects and a surprise at the end.
Couple that with the further insights into the lives of DI Greco and his team and you have another great read from Ms.Durrant.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
It opens with the discovery of a body in a ditch at a music festival, it has been there some time.
In what at first seems a totally unrelated incident a couple of young men are robbing an expensive property in Cheshire.
They have been given a tip that a haul of drugs are hidden there.
The owner of the property works for a haulage company that the police and customs have suspected of transporting drugs into the country but they have been unable to discover how.
When the picture of the drugs hidden in the house surfaces together with the mutilated bodies of the two thieves the race is on to solve the cases which now appear to be connected.
This is a very cleverly written plot with plenty twists and turns and possible suspects and a surprise at the end.
Couple that with the further insights into the lives of DI Greco and his team and you have another great read from Ms.Durrant.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
February 12, 2018
This is the fourth book in the series featuring DCI Greco and DS Grace Harper. This can be read as a standalone but you will then be missing out on how their relationship has developed over the last three books. The book begins with thieves breaking into a house and stealing drugs. They are then both found dead and mutilated, which forms the main plot of the book. Greco, Harper and their team have to solve this case. There is an interesting sub plot revolving around Greco’s and Harper’s relationship and her pregnancy. This is a book with a very strong plot, with plenty twists and turns to keep you guessing. A brilliant read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series,
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 26, 2018
Two young men have received a tip off and break into a house - they steal money, jewellery and a large quantity of heroin. They then send the police a photo of the heroin they left behind. The house owner is adamant that nothing has been stolen. The following day they’re both found brutally murdered. DI Greco and his team start the investigation but he’s distracted - his colleague DC Grace is pregnant with his child and he’s not sure how he feels about it. A really enjoyable read dealing with drug trafficking, murder and immigrant labour. Need to read more of this series.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Helen H Durrant for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Helen H Durrant for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2018
Dark angel by Helen h durant.
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which to have been lowering the rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
Omg a fantastic read. What a twist. Would never have guessed that. Jaw dropping read. 5*. Highly recommended.
Two young men break into an expensive house in Cheshire. They take money and jewellery — and a large amount of heroin. Within twenty-four hours they are found brutally murdered.
The killings have the hallmarks of a local drug baron. The two victims were also “angels” helping in a community project which to have been lowering the rate in the area.
Meanwhile, Detective Stephen Greco’s colleague and on-off girlfriend Grace is pregnant. He isn’t sure how he feels, and they haven’t told the boss.
Omg a fantastic read. What a twist. Would never have guessed that. Jaw dropping read. 5*. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2018
Dark Angel is the 4th book in the DCI Stephen Greco series. I was very eager to read this book after the cliffhanger in Greco's personal life in the previous book, Dark Trade. DCI Greco is becoming more likeable with each book. A great plot in this book which involves the brutal murder of 2 youths after a burglary. Whilst the investigation is underway another murder occurs. Several suspects in this investigation which kept me guessing throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed this well woven plot so much that I read the book in one sitting.
January 25, 2018
OH WOW fantastic read. detective stephen greco is told his girlfriend is pregnant coming as a surprise and shock to him. on the case of two men murdered after they stole money jewellery and herion greco thinks the case is solved. but new information changes everything. this is a fast pace book that will have you gripped. i loved it.
January 8, 2020
I really like Greco's character. In this story, Grace is pregnant by Greco. He isn't sure how he feels about it, but knows he wants to do the right thing. The heroin being smuggled into the country by a slumlord/drug kingpin is going on right there. Some horribly mutilated bodies turn up. I liked the character of Ava, a cool operator for sure. I hope there are more Greco novels coming.
January 24, 2018
Thank you Net Galley. The Inspector Greco series is a good, read anytime. It reads quick and easy with plenty of action to keep you hooked to the end.
January 27, 2018
My 5 star review will be posted when it is my stop on the #blogtour
December 30, 2018
Dark angel
Read quickly. Gripping story n twists. Didn't see the twin thing coming. Keep up the good work. Now going to find next book!!
Read quickly. Gripping story n twists. Didn't see the twin thing coming. Keep up the good work. Now going to find next book!!
October 18, 2020
I thought this was a great series of books. I enjoyed them all. Really good stories and interesting characters. I wouldn't mind reading further books in this series.
March 31, 2021
Finished another one, straight on to the next, very addictive stuff.
August 12, 2025
A good book
In this book Stephen and Grace are at the hospital having a scan. He is finding the coming baby not a happy event as it happened so quickly. He doesn't feel for Grace what she feels for him. Also there are a series of really macabre murders that need to be solved. But Grace isn't very well....
Highly recommended.
In this book Stephen and Grace are at the hospital having a scan. He is finding the coming baby not a happy event as it happened so quickly. He doesn't feel for Grace what she feels for him. Also there are a series of really macabre murders that need to be solved. But Grace isn't very well....
Highly recommended.
April 14, 2025
Well I was personally a bit disappointed with this book. I was hoping Greco and Grace would get together and be happy but it took a sad turn and he was blatant in his unhappiness over the situation.
August 5, 2024
This was the last story in the Stephen Greco series (box set) and it was sad, disturbing, clever and suspenseful.
The cast of characters suited the twisty plot while the sense of place was undeniable.
Well-written and engaging.
Recommended.
The cast of characters suited the twisty plot while the sense of place was undeniable.
Well-written and engaging.
Recommended.
February 5, 2018
The book starts with a decomposing body being found at a music festival and if I am honest I initially thought that this would be the main thread of the book. Whilst the body does play a part in the story it really begins with two local chancers breaking into a house and stealing some drugs whilst sending a picture of the location to the local police. When their bodies are found mutilated and dumped its clear they stole from the wrong people and the method of their murder pointed to a local drug baron.
DCI Stephen Greco and his team are sent to investigate the murders. Greco is a bit of an odd fish. Suffering from OCD he is also struggling with the fact that after a brief fling with his DS he has discovered that she is pregnant and he is not exactly happy about it. Although he has promised to support her he can’t hide this fact or the concern about how his superiors will view it or how it will affect his career or the team and at times this distracts him from the investigations. She on the other hand is excited about the prospect of having the child and eventually forces the issue out into the open.
The team seem to work well together and are more than capable of coping with the investigations with often little leadership from their distracted DCI, although when it looks like they might be stepping on the Vice Squads investigations into a haulage firm he backs his team 100% and refuses to be intimidated.
Everyone seems to have some kind of secret that makes the investigation hard but as a reader kept me hooked right to the end. As the story progressed and I discovered the backstory of some of the characters, I even felt moments of sympathy towards one of them despite the fact they were smack bang in the middle of the drug smuggling. As for the ending … well you think you know where its heading but there is a little hook that might just take you by surprise.
Dark Angel is the fourth book in the DCI Greco series but it is also the first one I have read. It works well as a stand alone as you get enough sense of the dynamic of the team and there is just enough of their personal lives dotted throughout the book for it not to matter if you have not read the first three books in the series. That being said now that I have discovered DCI Greco and his team, I look forward to the next instalment and intend to go back to the beginning to find out what I have missed.
DCI Stephen Greco and his team are sent to investigate the murders. Greco is a bit of an odd fish. Suffering from OCD he is also struggling with the fact that after a brief fling with his DS he has discovered that she is pregnant and he is not exactly happy about it. Although he has promised to support her he can’t hide this fact or the concern about how his superiors will view it or how it will affect his career or the team and at times this distracts him from the investigations. She on the other hand is excited about the prospect of having the child and eventually forces the issue out into the open.
The team seem to work well together and are more than capable of coping with the investigations with often little leadership from their distracted DCI, although when it looks like they might be stepping on the Vice Squads investigations into a haulage firm he backs his team 100% and refuses to be intimidated.
Everyone seems to have some kind of secret that makes the investigation hard but as a reader kept me hooked right to the end. As the story progressed and I discovered the backstory of some of the characters, I even felt moments of sympathy towards one of them despite the fact they were smack bang in the middle of the drug smuggling. As for the ending … well you think you know where its heading but there is a little hook that might just take you by surprise.
Dark Angel is the fourth book in the DCI Greco series but it is also the first one I have read. It works well as a stand alone as you get enough sense of the dynamic of the team and there is just enough of their personal lives dotted throughout the book for it not to matter if you have not read the first three books in the series. That being said now that I have discovered DCI Greco and his team, I look forward to the next instalment and intend to go back to the beginning to find out what I have missed.
January 27, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Dark Angel, the fourth novel to feature DCI Stephen Greco of Greater Manchester police.
The team are baffled to receive a picture of a fridge with heroin in it and an address but when they go looking for the sender, Vinnie Holt, neither he nor his best friend, Craig Riley are anywhere to be found. When they turn up they have been brutally murdered but there is no sign of the heroin or anything else they stole. As the team dig deeper they find the case has many tentacles and possibilities, not helped by Greco's distraction over what do about the baby he and Grace are expecting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Angel which has an absorbing plot, both professional and domestic. The maze of relationships in the novel is complicated but not difficult to follow and it is a great way to disguise the twists, most of which I didn't see coming. This is a cleverly plotted novel so it held my interest throughout. I particularly liked Ava Whitton's machinations and found myself rooting for her.
The novel works well as a standalone with its self contained plot but to get the best of the characterisation I would recommend reading the series in order. As it stands much of the novel is taken up with DS Grace Harper's pregnancy, the result of a "drunken fumble" with DCI Greco. They are not a couple but he's promised to support her. In actual fact he's more than ambivalent about it, seeing it as an obstacle to his career. It doesn't make for pleasant reading but is very realistic and it makes him hard to like.
Dark Angel is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
The team are baffled to receive a picture of a fridge with heroin in it and an address but when they go looking for the sender, Vinnie Holt, neither he nor his best friend, Craig Riley are anywhere to be found. When they turn up they have been brutally murdered but there is no sign of the heroin or anything else they stole. As the team dig deeper they find the case has many tentacles and possibilities, not helped by Greco's distraction over what do about the baby he and Grace are expecting.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Angel which has an absorbing plot, both professional and domestic. The maze of relationships in the novel is complicated but not difficult to follow and it is a great way to disguise the twists, most of which I didn't see coming. This is a cleverly plotted novel so it held my interest throughout. I particularly liked Ava Whitton's machinations and found myself rooting for her.
The novel works well as a standalone with its self contained plot but to get the best of the characterisation I would recommend reading the series in order. As it stands much of the novel is taken up with DS Grace Harper's pregnancy, the result of a "drunken fumble" with DCI Greco. They are not a couple but he's promised to support her. In actual fact he's more than ambivalent about it, seeing it as an obstacle to his career. It doesn't make for pleasant reading but is very realistic and it makes him hard to like.
Dark Angel is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 29, 2018
This is the first novel I have read by Helen H. Durrant and I have to say it's a massive hit with me. I looked at some reviews before I started it, some saying you need to read the other books in the series first and others saying it's a stand-alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't miss the information from the earlier books, BUT I will be going back to read the 3 before this one.
The story takes the reader from a muddy ditch, to a council estate in Manchester, to a posh area in Cheshire and finally to a garage in Poland. Each area adds to the story and what could be a convoluted plot is simple to follow, even though the reader feels battered by the number of twists. The outcome is a revelation, although I did notice that clues to it had been laid before me - I wasn't clever enough to decipher them.
Now for the characters - Detective Inspector Greco I liked him and felt sympathy for him on a human level. He is totally out of his comfort zone having a pregnant girlfriend and is too easily manipulated by all the women in his life - even his daughter. As a professional, he is a perfectionist and I don't find anything wrong with that.
Grace, his policewoman girlfriend, is unsure of his feelings and desperate to be his partner, although I wonder if she is doomed to disappointment.
The baddies - and there are numerous baddies - are very well-drawn with a cold-hearted top man who seems to run the whole of a section of Manchester, along with a number of more youthful offenders who often end up becoming the corpses.
If you like police procedural crime stories with a twisting storyline you will love this. Prepare for your mind to be stretched and blown!
The story takes the reader from a muddy ditch, to a council estate in Manchester, to a posh area in Cheshire and finally to a garage in Poland. Each area adds to the story and what could be a convoluted plot is simple to follow, even though the reader feels battered by the number of twists. The outcome is a revelation, although I did notice that clues to it had been laid before me - I wasn't clever enough to decipher them.
Now for the characters - Detective Inspector Greco I liked him and felt sympathy for him on a human level. He is totally out of his comfort zone having a pregnant girlfriend and is too easily manipulated by all the women in his life - even his daughter. As a professional, he is a perfectionist and I don't find anything wrong with that.
Grace, his policewoman girlfriend, is unsure of his feelings and desperate to be his partner, although I wonder if she is doomed to disappointment.
The baddies - and there are numerous baddies - are very well-drawn with a cold-hearted top man who seems to run the whole of a section of Manchester, along with a number of more youthful offenders who often end up becoming the corpses.
If you like police procedural crime stories with a twisting storyline you will love this. Prepare for your mind to be stretched and blown!
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