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The Enzo Files #3
Blacklight Blue
After solving two of the cold cases from the book by Parisian journalist Roger Raffin, Scottish scholar and amateur detective Enzo MacLeod finds himself confronting a diagnosis of a terminal illness and attacks by someone out to destroy everything he cares about and frame him for murder, just as he launches a probe into the sixteen-year-old murder of a rent boy. (Mystery & Detective)
465 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
March 28, 2019
Despite my ongoing grumbles about Enzo, I had to give this one a 5-Star rating. Before I say why, let’s go back to Enzo . . .
I admit that he only made one major blunder in this novel, but it was a whopper. The main reason I was ultimately satisfied is because his oldest daughter, Kirsty, tore into him quite efficiently so I wasn’t left feeling alone in my quarrel with him. Talk about a man who makes insensible decisions! He is brilliant in the forensic field, but for the love of goodness who doesn’t charge their cell phone when they are being pursued by someone intent on killing them? And instead of taking steps to protect himself and his family (who are alarmingly at risk), he chooses to anesthetize himself with booze and a bar pick-up. Yes, he had recently received a system-shocking diagnosis from a medical specialist, but – hello? These are your daughters in crisis! They need their father’s skills sharp and extant to find this killer before one or both of them become a name on a tombstone. And where is his intellect when his poor judgement and ill-timed choices only lead everyone into more danger? I’m not even going to go there.
Whew. Okay, I got that off my chest. So after all that, why did I still feel the need to give this one 5 Stars?
For starters, right from the very first page the pace was blistering. I mean, this was a race against the clock: everyone in the family is being threatened from several different directions and in several different ways, and all of it defies logic or reason.
As a forensics specialist, Enzo relies on facts and logic – although intuition can come into play at times. Yet, logic doesn’t seem to be working this case. Enzo methodically follows a trail, and it leads directly to the killer in the third cold case that Roger Raffin wrote about in his book. Enzo has solved the first two (in the previous two books), but this third one is baffling. It makes sense that the killer wants to distract him and/or get rid of him before Enzo can pull the official curtains back on his identity, yet there are inexplicable incidents that tease glimpses of other shadowy figures, other hazy events – and there is more to this mystery than facts or logic can explain.
The pace never eases up in this novel and it gave my busy brain a workout that was substantial and energizing. I had my somewhat vague and all-encompassing suspicions, and one of them was verified by the end. How could it not be? I threw dozens of snowballs against the garage wall – one of them was bound to stick.
Although the last Enzo novel (#2 out of 6 in the series) ended with a faint cliff-hanger, the end of this novel left me stuck on a narrow ledge about 3 feet below the cliff. There is no way I will miss reading #4, ‘despite my ongoing grumbles about Enzo . . .’
I admit that he only made one major blunder in this novel, but it was a whopper. The main reason I was ultimately satisfied is because his oldest daughter, Kirsty, tore into him quite efficiently so I wasn’t left feeling alone in my quarrel with him. Talk about a man who makes insensible decisions! He is brilliant in the forensic field, but for the love of goodness who doesn’t charge their cell phone when they are being pursued by someone intent on killing them? And instead of taking steps to protect himself and his family (who are alarmingly at risk), he chooses to anesthetize himself with booze and a bar pick-up. Yes, he had recently received a system-shocking diagnosis from a medical specialist, but – hello? These are your daughters in crisis! They need their father’s skills sharp and extant to find this killer before one or both of them become a name on a tombstone. And where is his intellect when his poor judgement and ill-timed choices only lead everyone into more danger? I’m not even going to go there.
Whew. Okay, I got that off my chest. So after all that, why did I still feel the need to give this one 5 Stars?
For starters, right from the very first page the pace was blistering. I mean, this was a race against the clock: everyone in the family is being threatened from several different directions and in several different ways, and all of it defies logic or reason.
As a forensics specialist, Enzo relies on facts and logic – although intuition can come into play at times. Yet, logic doesn’t seem to be working this case. Enzo methodically follows a trail, and it leads directly to the killer in the third cold case that Roger Raffin wrote about in his book. Enzo has solved the first two (in the previous two books), but this third one is baffling. It makes sense that the killer wants to distract him and/or get rid of him before Enzo can pull the official curtains back on his identity, yet there are inexplicable incidents that tease glimpses of other shadowy figures, other hazy events – and there is more to this mystery than facts or logic can explain.
The pace never eases up in this novel and it gave my busy brain a workout that was substantial and energizing. I had my somewhat vague and all-encompassing suspicions, and one of them was verified by the end. How could it not be? I threw dozens of snowballs against the garage wall – one of them was bound to stick.
Although the last Enzo novel (#2 out of 6 in the series) ended with a faint cliff-hanger, the end of this novel left me stuck on a narrow ledge about 3 feet below the cliff. There is no way I will miss reading #4, ‘despite my ongoing grumbles about Enzo . . .’
June 18, 2017
This series keeps getting better. Book one was good, book two was better and this one, book 3, was better still. I am holding out great hopes for book 4!
Enzo's pursuit of ancient cold cases continues and in Blacklight Blue he is pursued by someone intent on stopping him from uncovering the truth. His life is threatened several times and quite a few innocent people die along the way as a result. There is a nice little twist at the end when we discover that not everyone is as innocent as they seem.
One criticism I had of the previous book in the series, The Critic, was that the author overloaded the book with details that were not necessary. He does not do that this time even though he must have researched topics like haemophilia before he started writing. This time he manages to give the reader what is needed to understand the story and no more.
The book finished with the identities of two major threats to Enzo's life unsolved so I look forward to more excitement in the next book, Freeze Frame.
Enzo's pursuit of ancient cold cases continues and in Blacklight Blue he is pursued by someone intent on stopping him from uncovering the truth. His life is threatened several times and quite a few innocent people die along the way as a result. There is a nice little twist at the end when we discover that not everyone is as innocent as they seem.
One criticism I had of the previous book in the series, The Critic, was that the author overloaded the book with details that were not necessary. He does not do that this time even though he must have researched topics like haemophilia before he started writing. This time he manages to give the reader what is needed to understand the story and no more.
The book finished with the identities of two major threats to Enzo's life unsolved so I look forward to more excitement in the next book, Freeze Frame.
March 27, 2022
Book 3 in the Enzo Macleod series published 2008.
An entertaining 4 star read.
After reading book two in this series, and being disappointed with it, I almost decided not to read any of the others. But, as you can see, I reneged and I’m so glad I did. This was such a great read.
If complex characters are what you’re after there is none better than Enzo Macleod. A complex man with an even more complex life. A life that is just about to get even more complex.
Someone is trying to kill Enzo but to make sure he’s getting the message people near and dear to him are being threatened and killed.
Why this is happening has Enzo completely in the dark. All he knows, or cares about, is finding this madman before anyone else dies.
Enzo’s background is in crime scene analysis, which is just as well, because if this madman is to be stopped Enzo will need ever bit of his renowned expertise. His expertise is about all that Enzo has going for him. He is no longer a young man and the people he is up against seem to be young, fit, strong and dangerous.
So, does the old Lion still have it in him? His daughters certainly hope he does.
With twists galore and the tension building as the end nears this was a hard book to put down.
Peter May’s ability to paint pictures with words added so much to my overall enjoyment of this story.
An entertaining 4 star read.
After reading book two in this series, and being disappointed with it, I almost decided not to read any of the others. But, as you can see, I reneged and I’m so glad I did. This was such a great read.
If complex characters are what you’re after there is none better than Enzo Macleod. A complex man with an even more complex life. A life that is just about to get even more complex.
Someone is trying to kill Enzo but to make sure he’s getting the message people near and dear to him are being threatened and killed.
Why this is happening has Enzo completely in the dark. All he knows, or cares about, is finding this madman before anyone else dies.
Enzo’s background is in crime scene analysis, which is just as well, because if this madman is to be stopped Enzo will need ever bit of his renowned expertise. His expertise is about all that Enzo has going for him. He is no longer a young man and the people he is up against seem to be young, fit, strong and dangerous.
So, does the old Lion still have it in him? His daughters certainly hope he does.
With twists galore and the tension building as the end nears this was a hard book to put down.
Peter May’s ability to paint pictures with words added so much to my overall enjoyment of this story.
December 31, 2020
Enzo MacLeod had just been given shocking health news when he received a panicked phone call from his daughter Kirsty. Someone was trying to kill her – Enzo headed immediately to be by her side. But when both his and Kirsty’s credit cards wouldn’t work, and Kirsty’s flat had been ransacked, plus her best friend killed when it was directed at her, Enzo knew someone was trying to halt his search for a long ago killer – one of the cold cases he was working on.
Holed up in a safe house high up in the snowy mountains, were Kirsty and Sophie, Enzo’s other daughter, plus both boyfriends and a student of Enzo’s – he knew they were in danger as the killer attempted to stop Enzo in his tracks. But gradually Enzo drew closer to his quarry. Would he reach him before the killer reached them? Could he be stopped?
Blacklight Blue is the 3rd in the Enzo Files by Peter May and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Twists, turns – I was shocked by the unexpected ending! A great read with May’s usual dour characters; wonderful descriptions (of snow capped landscapes; rushing trains through vast country sides) which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Holed up in a safe house high up in the snowy mountains, were Kirsty and Sophie, Enzo’s other daughter, plus both boyfriends and a student of Enzo’s – he knew they were in danger as the killer attempted to stop Enzo in his tracks. But gradually Enzo drew closer to his quarry. Would he reach him before the killer reached them? Could he be stopped?
Blacklight Blue is the 3rd in the Enzo Files by Peter May and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Twists, turns – I was shocked by the unexpected ending! A great read with May’s usual dour characters; wonderful descriptions (of snow capped landscapes; rushing trains through vast country sides) which kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
June 17, 2021
Blacklight Blue is the third book in the Enzo Macleod Investigation series by Scottish journalist, screenwriter and author, Peter May. It all happens very quickly: a nasty prognosis from his oncologist, an attempt on his daughter Kirsty’s life, then he and Kirsty are mugged, and their credit cards stop working. The gym of his daughter Sophie’s boyfriend is burnt down, and then Enzo is arrested for murder.
Of course, Enzo has not murdered anyone, but there is trace evidence and his alibi falls apart. Whoever is trying to frame him, though, hasn’t counted on the loyalty of his family, close friends and his star student, Nicole. And when he learns how the victim was killed, he understands that the murderer is the perpetrator of another of the unsolved cases from Roger Raffin’s book.
To keep those he loves (and their attachments) safe, Enzo moves the whole group to a vacant alpine house in Miramont owned by a woman who picked him up in a bar. From there, Nicole uses her tech skills to learn more while Enzo connects with the retired police commissaire and gets to examine seventeen-year-old evidence. Using modern technology, a voice recording, a bottle of pills and human secretions on a sweater provide information previously unavailable.
What follows for Enzo is quite a lot of travel, to Paris, London, Spain and southern France, as he traces a 1992 assassination to a 1986 identity theft to a 1970 kidnapping before a dramatic climax at a cable car station in a deserted ski resort. As well as demonstrating the title technique, May gives the reader a peek into the workings of the French Foreign Legion, and shows how expertise in spoken language can pinpoint the speaker’s origins.
While he is no doubt feeling a little sorry for himself at the time, Enzo does allow himself to be rather easily led by his male appendage, and even though he finds the murderer, if not the motive, in a third case from Raffin’s book, it seems there are now two parties with Enzo Macleod in their sights, so there’s plenty of scope for further books in the series; fans will be looking forward to #4, Freeze Frame.
Of course, Enzo has not murdered anyone, but there is trace evidence and his alibi falls apart. Whoever is trying to frame him, though, hasn’t counted on the loyalty of his family, close friends and his star student, Nicole. And when he learns how the victim was killed, he understands that the murderer is the perpetrator of another of the unsolved cases from Roger Raffin’s book.
To keep those he loves (and their attachments) safe, Enzo moves the whole group to a vacant alpine house in Miramont owned by a woman who picked him up in a bar. From there, Nicole uses her tech skills to learn more while Enzo connects with the retired police commissaire and gets to examine seventeen-year-old evidence. Using modern technology, a voice recording, a bottle of pills and human secretions on a sweater provide information previously unavailable.
What follows for Enzo is quite a lot of travel, to Paris, London, Spain and southern France, as he traces a 1992 assassination to a 1986 identity theft to a 1970 kidnapping before a dramatic climax at a cable car station in a deserted ski resort. As well as demonstrating the title technique, May gives the reader a peek into the workings of the French Foreign Legion, and shows how expertise in spoken language can pinpoint the speaker’s origins.
While he is no doubt feeling a little sorry for himself at the time, Enzo does allow himself to be rather easily led by his male appendage, and even though he finds the murderer, if not the motive, in a third case from Raffin’s book, it seems there are now two parties with Enzo Macleod in their sights, so there’s plenty of scope for further books in the series; fans will be looking forward to #4, Freeze Frame.
March 27, 2019
My favorite in this series so far. As Enzo has intended to proceed with investigating all of the cold cases in Raffin’s book, after two successful solutions, the third case comes chillingly upon him through an attack on a loved one. He becomes immediately immersed in this case but now with great urgency. This time there is an active killer aimed at him and those he cares for. The case is not really cold.
Of course, the connections will take time and care to build and, along the way, Enzo will have to free himself of carefully created murder charges aimed at him. All in all another great read from Peter May who reveals his deep knowledge of France, French culture and the countryside so beautifully described throughout the series.
Of course, the connections will take time and care to build and, along the way, Enzo will have to free himself of carefully created murder charges aimed at him. All in all another great read from Peter May who reveals his deep knowledge of France, French culture and the countryside so beautifully described throughout the series.
April 6, 2018
Excellent story, told in episodes from 1970, 1986, 1992 & 2008. this book moves at an incredible pace, with a fantastic ending.
I had previously read some of the Lewis trilogy and not been to impressed. But having read book 3 of the Enzo series, I will definitely be looking out for previous and following episodes. So much more my kind of story.
I had previously read some of the Lewis trilogy and not been to impressed. But having read book 3 of the Enzo series, I will definitely be looking out for previous and following episodes. So much more my kind of story.
September 18, 2020
They headed north and west out of (Strasbourg) in the BMW that Raffin had rented…there were signposts to places like Hagenau, Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken. Ghost names from a German past, punctuating an Alsatian landscape where men had fought and died for the right to fly a flag, and pay their taxes to another master.
Blacklight Blue is the third book in the Enzo Macleod series, with the one-time Scottish forensic expert, now biologist based at Cahors in Southern France, working the 7 unsolved French murders featured in Paris journalist Roger Raffin’s book. It opens in 1970 with the abduction of an English toddler from a hotel on the Spanish Costa Brava, then moves to the unsolved killing of a Paris rent-boy in 1992, and switches to the present day (November 2008). Success at solving the first 3 crimes has brought unwelcome attention on Macleod and his immediate family: a girlfriend killed with Macleod placed at the scene, a daughter almost killed and an arson attack. The family regroups to a village east of Aurillac in the Auverne – taking advantage of a chance acquaintance of Macleod, who is not all she seems.
Of the 5 out of 6 books I have read, I enjoyed this one the least. Too much infighting, with too many coincidences gave it an uneven feel. Rescued by the forensics and, of course, the wonderful descriptions of places in France and Spain, and background on the French Foreign Legion. The denouement in the ski resort of Le Lioran in the Monts du Cantal was a classic, leaving a threat of unfinished business.
Blacklight Blue is the third book in the Enzo Macleod series, with the one-time Scottish forensic expert, now biologist based at Cahors in Southern France, working the 7 unsolved French murders featured in Paris journalist Roger Raffin’s book. It opens in 1970 with the abduction of an English toddler from a hotel on the Spanish Costa Brava, then moves to the unsolved killing of a Paris rent-boy in 1992, and switches to the present day (November 2008). Success at solving the first 3 crimes has brought unwelcome attention on Macleod and his immediate family: a girlfriend killed with Macleod placed at the scene, a daughter almost killed and an arson attack. The family regroups to a village east of Aurillac in the Auverne – taking advantage of a chance acquaintance of Macleod, who is not all she seems.
Of the 5 out of 6 books I have read, I enjoyed this one the least. Too much infighting, with too many coincidences gave it an uneven feel. Rescued by the forensics and, of course, the wonderful descriptions of places in France and Spain, and background on the French Foreign Legion. The denouement in the ski resort of Le Lioran in the Monts du Cantal was a classic, leaving a threat of unfinished business.
July 17, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Enzo series and another very good story. This time it is personal for Enzo, someone is setting out to destroy him and everyone close to him. With strong evidence making him the prime suspect for a local murder he has some fast work to do to try and clear his name and keep his daughters safe.
Great location, strong characters and a wonderful plot, a very good book - start with book one in the series if you are new to Peter May.
Great location, strong characters and a wonderful plot, a very good book - start with book one in the series if you are new to Peter May.
July 3, 2017
Jedná se o už čtvrtou knihu od Petera Maye, kterou jsem přečetl. A současně třetí ze série Acta Enzo. Musím říct, že May opět nezklamal - není pochyb, že je mým současně velice oblíbeným autorem detektivek. Akorát mě pěkně štve, že tento díl skončil velice otevřeně a pokračování bude v prodeji až na podzim. No, ještě že knih May napsal spoustu, takže si to můžu mezitím kompenzovat například čínskými thrillery nebo trilogií z ostrova Lewis.
July 26, 2022
Amazon offered this one to me for 99 cents, so of course I read it. Literally a bang for my buck. The storyline keeps you on edge of seat throughout as there is the safety of Kristy, Enzo's daughter, besides himself. Danger upfront and also unexpected - coming from all sides. This was masterfully plotted and seemed to me the best I have read from the series.
November 23, 2015
I think I have a new favourite Enzo Macleod novel. Whilst not my favourite Peter May book, it is certainly my favourite Enzo novel (of the first three, at least).
For me, this book was much more engaging than the first two in the series. I have been enjoying the Enzo series, and yet up until this point they have been missing something. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was until we reached this book. Thus far, Enzo has merely been trying to solve the notorious crimes of France, but now he is facing real trouble as well. People are out to get him. People are determined to make his life difficult. There was a little bit of this in the last one, yet it was not to the same degree as in this book. This time, Enzo’s entire case is hindered by difficulties he is facing. After all, when the story starts with his daughter almost being killed followed shortly after by a diagnosis of an incurable disease, you know you’re in for a good read.
Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t perfect. The Enzo stories are still taking a backseat to the Lewis books. Yet this book really starts to show what Peter May is capable of.
You have his trademark ability to set the scene, his wonderful descriptions of the locale. We have seen this in the first two books and in this one Peter May continues to show off his ability. We have the interesting characters. Following on from the multiple perspectives seen in book two, this one follows even more characters. Do not fret, as it has not reached the point of confusion. Enzo is still our main point of focus, yet we do get to see what is happening with more characters as the story progresses. We get to see how other characters working things out, making the links.
Unfortunately, some of the links are fairly obvious. The underlying story was wonderful – there are so many interwoven layers, all wonderfully connected – yet certain aspects of the present day were clear from the get go. You just knew what to expect of certain characters. You just knew the plot twists waiting around the corner with some of the characters in this book. All the details are fun to read about; however, I would have enjoyed it even more if some of the links had not been screaming me in the face from the moment characters were introduced. That being said, there is so much drama going on involving so many of the characters that some of the things will be fairly obvious to readers of the genre.
As I said, though, it is the best in the series so far. There is so much more to this one.
Although, I’m not one hundred percent sure how I feel about the revelation made at the very end of the book. On the one hand, it is certainly an interesting twist that will keep me guessing throughout the next few books; on the other hand, it seemed a bit too much. It’s only a small thing – very much a personal thing – but I’m not sure where I stand with it.
Of course, I’ll be carrying on with this series. I need to know what comes next for Enzo Macleod!
For me, this book was much more engaging than the first two in the series. I have been enjoying the Enzo series, and yet up until this point they have been missing something. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was until we reached this book. Thus far, Enzo has merely been trying to solve the notorious crimes of France, but now he is facing real trouble as well. People are out to get him. People are determined to make his life difficult. There was a little bit of this in the last one, yet it was not to the same degree as in this book. This time, Enzo’s entire case is hindered by difficulties he is facing. After all, when the story starts with his daughter almost being killed followed shortly after by a diagnosis of an incurable disease, you know you’re in for a good read.
Don’t get me wrong, the book isn’t perfect. The Enzo stories are still taking a backseat to the Lewis books. Yet this book really starts to show what Peter May is capable of.
You have his trademark ability to set the scene, his wonderful descriptions of the locale. We have seen this in the first two books and in this one Peter May continues to show off his ability. We have the interesting characters. Following on from the multiple perspectives seen in book two, this one follows even more characters. Do not fret, as it has not reached the point of confusion. Enzo is still our main point of focus, yet we do get to see what is happening with more characters as the story progresses. We get to see how other characters working things out, making the links.
Unfortunately, some of the links are fairly obvious. The underlying story was wonderful – there are so many interwoven layers, all wonderfully connected – yet certain aspects of the present day were clear from the get go. You just knew what to expect of certain characters. You just knew the plot twists waiting around the corner with some of the characters in this book. All the details are fun to read about; however, I would have enjoyed it even more if some of the links had not been screaming me in the face from the moment characters were introduced. That being said, there is so much drama going on involving so many of the characters that some of the things will be fairly obvious to readers of the genre.
As I said, though, it is the best in the series so far. There is so much more to this one.
Although, I’m not one hundred percent sure how I feel about the revelation made at the very end of the book. On the one hand, it is certainly an interesting twist that will keep me guessing throughout the next few books; on the other hand, it seemed a bit too much. It’s only a small thing – very much a personal thing – but I’m not sure where I stand with it.
Of course, I’ll be carrying on with this series. I need to know what comes next for Enzo Macleod!
May 14, 2015
Not a patch on the Lewis trilogy. Are you sure this is the same author?
January 4, 2021
Blacklight Blue is book three in the Enzo Macleod by Peter May. Enzo MacLeod professor at University at Cahors teaching forensic medicine. Enzo believed his expertise would allow him to solve seven cold cases motion in the book by French journalist Roger Raffin. However, Enzo was starting to investigate the third cases when strange things were happening around Enzo. One he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, arrested and his daughter attack and nearly killed. Enzo started to think someone out to destroy him, and before that happens, he began to investigate. The readers of Blacklight Blue will continue to follow Enzo to find out what happens.
I do enjoy books by Peter May, and Blacklight Blue continue this tradition. Blacklight Blue's plot engaged from the first page, and I could not put the book down. I love Peter May's portrayal of Blacklight Blue's characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Blacklight Blue was well written and researched by Peter May. I like the way Peter May describes Blacklight Blue's settings that compliment the plot of this book.
Blacklight Blue's readers will understand the importance of having accurate medical records. Blacklight Blue's readers will also understand how devastating for the person when someone is trying to frame them for murder.
I recommend this book.
I do enjoy books by Peter May, and Blacklight Blue continue this tradition. Blacklight Blue's plot engaged from the first page, and I could not put the book down. I love Peter May's portrayal of Blacklight Blue's characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Blacklight Blue was well written and researched by Peter May. I like the way Peter May describes Blacklight Blue's settings that compliment the plot of this book.
Blacklight Blue's readers will understand the importance of having accurate medical records. Blacklight Blue's readers will also understand how devastating for the person when someone is trying to frame them for murder.
I recommend this book.
August 18, 2015
I have put this book down after having read the first fifty odd pages and having enjoyed the first two Enzos. The opening is so preposterous that at the moment I can't be bothered with it. The 'life turned upside down' with credit cards stopped, doctors appointments faked etc etc is such a cliche that I am surprised that Peter May used it. I hope to return to it later when perhaps I am feeling less judgemental. After all I have the next two waiting to be read.
I picked this up again. I still find the initial framing of Enzo difficult to follow as I do his speedy release from police custody on bail. Do the French police really allow bailed suspects to swan about all over the country and, indeed, leave the country. Still a fairly exciting thriller, but perhaps I am being generous with 3* incidentally, the final twist was pretty predictable the
I picked this up again. I still find the initial framing of Enzo difficult to follow as I do his speedy release from police custody on bail. Do the French police really allow bailed suspects to swan about all over the country and, indeed, leave the country. Still a fairly exciting thriller, but perhaps I am being generous with 3* incidentally, the final twist was pretty predictable the
June 13, 2016
I don't know why I bother with the Enzo books. I hate Enzo. And I think they are quite badly written! During the book I was almost shouting at how obvious things were. No spoilers, but if you've read it, I mean the Portsmouth thing.
September 5, 2015
Implausible rubbish. I liked others on the series but this was so appalling it has put me off the whole genre. Avoid!!!
April 10, 2018
Třetí díl AE se docela slibně rozjížděl a nějakou dobu jsem si myslela, že tentokrát u mě třeba sáhne i k více hvězdám než jeho předešlé části. Což o to, je to stále lehce čtivé a odsýpá to pěkně, zápletka byla zajímavá, ale čekala jsem, že by z ní autor mohl vyždímat daleko víc. Na rozuzlení jsem přišla docela brzy a nechápu, jak to mohli zúčastnění přehlédnout, navíc úplný konec mě zklamal, protože nanaplnil ten pomyslný džbán pointy až po okraj, ale jako by zůstal někde ve třech čtvrtinách. Občas se všichni zúčastnění včetně hlavního hrdiny chovají dost nelogicky (mají mobily, proboha, tak proč s nimi spoustu věcí nevyřeší), Enzo navíc nemít kolem sebe všechny, co mu pomáhají, by byl úplně ztracený. Líbil se mi motiv uneseného dítěte, tam jsem zahlédla střípky toho, co mě zaujalo například na Lewiské sérii. Ale jinak opět spíš průměr.
September 1, 2021
Meh. The mystery here is less intriguing than in the former two. Hot ladies still throw themselves at the sad old man with the thin ponytail and khakis. Everyone still wants to kill Enzo. Women breast boobily. And this time it ends on a cliffhanger, with no answers. Thank goodness it's so fast-paced!
September 7, 2023
Of the 6 books in the series this probably my favourite , Enzo is a likeable hero with many foibles and shortcomings one of which is that in virtually every book he gets chased through dark and narrow streets by a possible assailant 😄, not they same one obviously, but Peter May clearly thinks that a good chase is an essential part of any story. The plot in Blacklight Blue is very clever with many different twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
May 12, 2022
Läser nästan aldrig deckare men nyttigt att byta genre ibland! Delar av boken gillade jag ändå, framförallt skurkens historia. Men annars var storyn stundtals rätt så förutsägbar och upplösningen otillfredsställande. Det kan också ha spelat in att detta tydligen var tredje boken om Enzo (förvisso fristående) varför flera karaktärer inte riktigt introducerades för mig som ny läsare.
September 8, 2024
Does what it says in the tin. Some good plot twists and character development in this, the third of a series. It’s fast paced, it’s evocative when it comes to location in France, Spain and U.K., and it’s got a good plot.
December 26, 2021
Den tredje boken i serien om den tidligere kriminalteknikeren Enzo McCloud, og hans forsøk på å løse syv av Frankrikes største uløste kriminalgåter er en skikkelig opptur! Første bok «Ualminnelige mennesker» er en genistrek av en kriminalroman, mens andre bok «Kritikeren» var en stor skuffelse. I «Blodets bånd» er Peter May tilbake i storslag, og historien er kjempespennende fra begynnelse til slutt. Fartsfylt, overraskende, drivende og interessant på alle plan. Her er det så mange uforutsigbare plott-twister at en kan bli svimmel av mindre, og etterforskningen drives videre med stadig nye skremmende detaljer, og i et tempo som gjør at det aldri blir kjedelig.
Den tredje saken til Enzo blir utvilsomt også den mest sammensatte og krevende av dem så langt, og han kastes fra skanse til skanse også på det personlige planet. Det han selv, døtrene hans, og samboerne deres blir utsatt for i denne boka kan vel nærmest kalles en nådeløs vendetta. Her er de i konstant fare, og det er et heseblesende kappløp om å klare å finne drapsmannen før han utsletter dem alle.
Boka er nok litt krevende for dem som blir forvirret av veldig sammensatte plott, og her er det mange franske krinkelkroker i både språk og vendinger som krever at du er konsentrert. Men, du verden så gøy det var å se at det potensialet som serien la opp til i første bok ikke ble skuslet bort likevel. Nå ser jeg virkelig fram til de siste fire bøkene i denne serien som May altså skrev før han slo gjennom med «Svarthuset» og «Lewis-brikkene».
Den tredje saken til Enzo blir utvilsomt også den mest sammensatte og krevende av dem så langt, og han kastes fra skanse til skanse også på det personlige planet. Det han selv, døtrene hans, og samboerne deres blir utsatt for i denne boka kan vel nærmest kalles en nådeløs vendetta. Her er de i konstant fare, og det er et heseblesende kappløp om å klare å finne drapsmannen før han utsletter dem alle.
Boka er nok litt krevende for dem som blir forvirret av veldig sammensatte plott, og her er det mange franske krinkelkroker i både språk og vendinger som krever at du er konsentrert. Men, du verden så gøy det var å se at det potensialet som serien la opp til i første bok ikke ble skuslet bort likevel. Nå ser jeg virkelig fram til de siste fire bøkene i denne serien som May altså skrev før han slo gjennom med «Svarthuset» og «Lewis-brikkene».
July 23, 2008
Another excellent story in May's series following the adventures of the crusty scot Enzo MacLeod, former ace forensic scientist. Living now in France, Enzo struggles with relationships with his two daughters, and abruptly with several coordinated attacks on his relatively well-ordered life.
This novel is the third in May's excellent cold case series. A French writer has done a book about a series of old unsolved murders and a reward has been offered for any one who can solve the cases. But unlike earlier efforts, here the target seems to be striking preemptively at Enzo and his family.
A crime novel with more than the usual twists and elements that are not what they appear on the surface. Enzo answers a lot of questions in the course of determining who killed a man named Lambert. But there is a lot more of substance in this emotional tale. It will entertain, mystify and perplex, right up to the very end.
July 15, 2019
Peter May’s Blacklight Blue, the 3rd book in the Enzo Macleod series is like reading an adult version of Scooby-Doo. Like Scooby-Doo there are multiple characters running around all of whom are superfluous. This band of amateur sleuths embarks on another unsolved mystery, this one potentially tied to someone trying to kill Enzo to ensure that he does not solve the murder.
The plot leap frogs from France, to Germany to Spain and England in pursuit of a mystery man who seems to defy the laws of science in his ability to track Enzo from country to country. The title refers to a forensic technique that allows Enzo to identify the killer almost a decade after the crime which is preciously why the killer is pursuing him.
Although the premise has promise, as with Scooby-Doo, it all just becomes cloyingly benign and annoyingly predicable.
TD is neutral.
The plot leap frogs from France, to Germany to Spain and England in pursuit of a mystery man who seems to defy the laws of science in his ability to track Enzo from country to country. The title refers to a forensic technique that allows Enzo to identify the killer almost a decade after the crime which is preciously why the killer is pursuing him.
Although the premise has promise, as with Scooby-Doo, it all just becomes cloyingly benign and annoyingly predicable.
TD is neutral.
February 12, 2010
A professional killer threatens Enzo MacKenzie, an Italian/Scot with a background in forensic science. He travels from France to Spain to solve the murders the killer commits, and discovers secrets about his family in the meantime. I loved this character. Great writing and it Simon Vance is a terrific reader.
May 12, 2015
If the French police are so useless at following leads and solving crimes why wasn't Enzo just disposed of on the first page? It would have saved a great deal of trouble and expense on the part of the unknown assailants?
September 6, 2019
First one I have read in the Enzo series and probably the last... just didn’t like Enzo as main character and lots of questionable decisions - Staying at Anna’s house...Mobile phone charge.... Felt like a chore to finish this one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2016
Tak, už jsem myslela, že bude konec a ono ne. Vypadá to, že nakonec budu muset přečíst všech pět dílů, aby se to všechno nějak rozuzlilo. I když další, leta nevyřešený případ, byl vyřešen.
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