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Dead Blind
How do you identify a ruthless killer when you can’t even recognise your own face in a mirror?
Returning to work following an accident, Detective Inspector Ray Patrick refuses to disclose he now lives with face blindness - an inability to recognise faces.
As Ray deceives his team he is pulled into a police operation that targets an international trade in human organs. And when he attempts to bring the organisation down, Ray is witness to a savage murder.
But it’s a killer he will never remember.
The pressure mounts as Ray attempts to keep his secret and solve the case alone. With only his ex-wife as a confidant he feels progressively isolated.
Can he escape with his career and his life intact?
Dead Blind is a riveting standalone thriller. If you like your detectives flawed and human, and your plot taut, then you’ll love Rebecca Bradley’s nail-biting, hold-your-breath read.
Download Dead Blind to dive into the dark, tense and compelling world of DI Ray Patrick today!
For fans of Angela Marsons and Rob Bryndza.
Returning to work following an accident, Detective Inspector Ray Patrick refuses to disclose he now lives with face blindness - an inability to recognise faces.
As Ray deceives his team he is pulled into a police operation that targets an international trade in human organs. And when he attempts to bring the organisation down, Ray is witness to a savage murder.
But it’s a killer he will never remember.
The pressure mounts as Ray attempts to keep his secret and solve the case alone. With only his ex-wife as a confidant he feels progressively isolated.
Can he escape with his career and his life intact?
Dead Blind is a riveting standalone thriller. If you like your detectives flawed and human, and your plot taut, then you’ll love Rebecca Bradley’s nail-biting, hold-your-breath read.
Download Dead Blind to dive into the dark, tense and compelling world of DI Ray Patrick today!
For fans of Angela Marsons and Rob Bryndza.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
75 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Bradley
19 books264 followersRebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who lives in the UK with her family and her two cockapoo's Alfie and Lola. They keep her company while she writes. Rebecca needs to drink copious amounts of tea to function throughout the day and if she could, she would survive on a diet of tea and cake while committing murder on a regular basis, in her writing of course.
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
To download a FREE novella of THREE WEEKS DEAD visit her website at rebeccabradleycrime.com
You can always chat with her on Twitter where she can be found spending far too much of her time at @RebeccaJBradley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 15, 2018
I devoured this book over the weekend and enjoyed every single minute of it. It has a gritty police procedural storyline about the sale of body organs combined with the efforts of lead detective Ray Patrick attempting to overcome the condition of face blindness following a horrific car accident. There were many things I loved about this story. I could instantly feel the realism of the author's time in the force which added an authenticity to proceedings. I loved learning more about the condition Ray was facing and how he used identifiers to navigate his way through the working day. The cat and mouse game between Ray and the killer had me holding my breath with tension more than once and the climax was truly breathtaking. I am desperately hoping there will be more stories from Ray Patrick and his team as I would definitely like to follow him on his journey. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2018
Dead Blind is a really interesting read, with a premise that I hadn’t heard of. Prosopagnosia is essentially face-blindness, the inability to recognise a person’s face, and that’s what Detective Inspector Ray Patrick is suffering from in the aftermath of an accident while on duty.
This disorder has a huge impact on Ray’s life, and when he is put on an operation to catch the people responsible for illegal organ trading, it has the potential to ruin the entire investigation for him and his team.
I really enjoyed Dead Blind. Ray Patrick is a good character, and it is hard not to feel some sympathy towards him because of his condition. But on the other hand, I wanted to shout at him more than once because in not divulging his prosopagnosia, he puts so many people in danger.
I read this book with mounting frustration. Not in a bad way, just that the reader can see what is happening but Ray is so stubborn that he ends up with more and more hassle because he is hiding something big. It did add to the tension though, and I found myself willing him and the team on during the investigation.
Illegal organ trading is a tough subject, and I think it was dealt with quite well here. The story is well though out, and I liked the characters too. It was definitely a tense read, and I was eager to get to the end to see how it would all be tied up.
An interesting premise, with a real human dilemma at its core, Dead Blind was an intriguing and dark read.
Recommended for sure!
This disorder has a huge impact on Ray’s life, and when he is put on an operation to catch the people responsible for illegal organ trading, it has the potential to ruin the entire investigation for him and his team.
I really enjoyed Dead Blind. Ray Patrick is a good character, and it is hard not to feel some sympathy towards him because of his condition. But on the other hand, I wanted to shout at him more than once because in not divulging his prosopagnosia, he puts so many people in danger.
I read this book with mounting frustration. Not in a bad way, just that the reader can see what is happening but Ray is so stubborn that he ends up with more and more hassle because he is hiding something big. It did add to the tension though, and I found myself willing him and the team on during the investigation.
Illegal organ trading is a tough subject, and I think it was dealt with quite well here. The story is well though out, and I liked the characters too. It was definitely a tense read, and I was eager to get to the end to see how it would all be tied up.
An interesting premise, with a real human dilemma at its core, Dead Blind was an intriguing and dark read.
Recommended for sure!
May 8, 2018
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author.
WOWSERS! Where do I begin? Set in London (Stoke Newington) the reader is immediately faced with one hell of an ethical dilemma. There is fear, loss of control, relationships, the dark net, feelings of weakness, vulnerability, guilt, suspicions, exposure, doubt and the ever present search for justice seamlessly woven throughout the pages of this absolutely FASCINATING read!
With a great prologue to hook the reader, the intense, emotive and adrenaline fuelled start had me racing through the pages. I absolutely LOVED the premise of this story and wondered how Rebecca Bradley would pull off the believability factor. But she did. And now I want MORE! You certainly get a real sense of jeopardy in relation to the main character and the plot and I actually worried how Ray (MC) would be able to do his job as a police officer with Prosopagnosia – or face blindness. But OMFG – he managed it, even if he struggled and I didn’t find it far-fetched at all! BOOM!
DI Ray Patrick, along with his colleague (Elaine) are in an accident whilst in pursuit of a suspect. Fast forward 6 months later and Ray and Elaine are both back at work but he has a condition that not only places himself at risk, but also his colleagues and the public because even if he came face-to-face with an offender, he can’t recognise his/her face…or anyone’s face! OMFG! Cracks are forming in both Ray’s personal and professional life which leaves him questioning whether he can carry on with the job he loves and this makes him both vulnerable and more determined. I LOVED IT! Using his other senses and an ability to form recognition through other means, allows him to fool some people…but can he fool them all?
Poor Elaine, Ray’s colleague also returns to work and feels shut out by RAy. Despite this, she perseveres and is not afraid to challenge him. I found her to be loyal, and very likeable. She really went through the mill herself and knows her colleague is hiding something. Will she figure it out and reveal his secret? Well you will have to read the book to find out.
I also really liked Ray’s ex-wife, Helen. Despite her own anger towards the break up of their marriage, she put the kids first and supported Ray whilst trying to move on with her own life. I thought she was great in holding Ray to account and making him see the bigger picture.
Now what a storyline – and I am not going to spoil it and give it away but… – WTAF!? …and when you find out everything behind this, it makes for grim yet thrilling reading. The baddie in this book is well written and really made my skin crawl. I liked the game he was playing with Ray and wondered how far he could push his luck!
Would I recommend this read? Oh yeah- that would be an Ab-so-friggin- lutely!! I love Rebecca Bradley’s writing style and the way she brings her character’s alive on the pages. I found this story to be different, compelling, dark and absolutely a page-turner and hope that it does not remain a stand alone as I really want to see DI Ray Patrick back again!
WOWSERS! Where do I begin? Set in London (Stoke Newington) the reader is immediately faced with one hell of an ethical dilemma. There is fear, loss of control, relationships, the dark net, feelings of weakness, vulnerability, guilt, suspicions, exposure, doubt and the ever present search for justice seamlessly woven throughout the pages of this absolutely FASCINATING read!
With a great prologue to hook the reader, the intense, emotive and adrenaline fuelled start had me racing through the pages. I absolutely LOVED the premise of this story and wondered how Rebecca Bradley would pull off the believability factor. But she did. And now I want MORE! You certainly get a real sense of jeopardy in relation to the main character and the plot and I actually worried how Ray (MC) would be able to do his job as a police officer with Prosopagnosia – or face blindness. But OMFG – he managed it, even if he struggled and I didn’t find it far-fetched at all! BOOM!
DI Ray Patrick, along with his colleague (Elaine) are in an accident whilst in pursuit of a suspect. Fast forward 6 months later and Ray and Elaine are both back at work but he has a condition that not only places himself at risk, but also his colleagues and the public because even if he came face-to-face with an offender, he can’t recognise his/her face…or anyone’s face! OMFG! Cracks are forming in both Ray’s personal and professional life which leaves him questioning whether he can carry on with the job he loves and this makes him both vulnerable and more determined. I LOVED IT! Using his other senses and an ability to form recognition through other means, allows him to fool some people…but can he fool them all?
Poor Elaine, Ray’s colleague also returns to work and feels shut out by RAy. Despite this, she perseveres and is not afraid to challenge him. I found her to be loyal, and very likeable. She really went through the mill herself and knows her colleague is hiding something. Will she figure it out and reveal his secret? Well you will have to read the book to find out.
I also really liked Ray’s ex-wife, Helen. Despite her own anger towards the break up of their marriage, she put the kids first and supported Ray whilst trying to move on with her own life. I thought she was great in holding Ray to account and making him see the bigger picture.
Now what a storyline – and I am not going to spoil it and give it away but… – WTAF!? …and when you find out everything behind this, it makes for grim yet thrilling reading. The baddie in this book is well written and really made my skin crawl. I liked the game he was playing with Ray and wondered how far he could push his luck!
Would I recommend this read? Oh yeah- that would be an Ab-so-friggin- lutely!! I love Rebecca Bradley’s writing style and the way she brings her character’s alive on the pages. I found this story to be different, compelling, dark and absolutely a page-turner and hope that it does not remain a stand alone as I really want to see DI Ray Patrick back again!
July 3, 2020
After a terrible car accident, a police officer suffers brain damage which causes face blindness.
Rather than report it to his supervisor, he hides it and attempt to do his job.
Needless to say, he no longer recognizes anyone! Including his wife and kids!
Although face blindness is a true medical condition, his ability to get around his disability seems rushed and unrealistic. Fortunately, it flows with the story.
So, despite a few misgivings, this book gets four 🌟
Rather than report it to his supervisor, he hides it and attempt to do his job.
Needless to say, he no longer recognizes anyone! Including his wife and kids!
Although face blindness is a true medical condition, his ability to get around his disability seems rushed and unrealistic. Fortunately, it flows with the story.
So, despite a few misgivings, this book gets four 🌟
May 21, 2018
I recently had the pleasure of reading Fighting Monsters, the third book in the DI Hannah Robbins series written by ex-police detective turned author, Rebecca Bradley. I said in my review of Fighting Monsters how it was the first full novel by Bradley which I had read. I also said that I was keen to go back and read books one and two in that series, which (you’ve guessed it!) I haven’t done. But, in an effort to redeem myself, I have just completed Dead Blind, a brand new standalone from Bradley with a fascinating lead character in DI Ray Patrick.
‘Why so fascinating?’, you may be asking. DI Patrick was involved in a traumatic car accident whilst in pursuit of a killer. The accident resulted in several badly broken bones, a colleague who is scarred for life (which he feels 100% responsible for) and a knock to the head. Not just any old run-of-the-mill knock to the head though. Prosopagnosia. I obviously need to work on my knowledge of medical conditions as I had never heard of prosopagnosia. Even in layman’s terms, I was a bit unsure what ‘face blindness’ actually meant for the sufferer. Oh, the things I have learnt from reading this book.
At times my heart broke for Ray, the way he had to deal with situations that for the majority of us don’t require any real thought, things we take for granted; such as seeing your children, your partner, your friends and colleagues. I couldn’t help but put myself in Ray’s shoes as he approached situations which he knew were going to cause him problems. For example, any time he meets his long-term girlfriend. He knows it’s her because of her voice, her perfume, the smell of her shampoo, he recognises her clothes but when he looks at her face….nothing. There is no connection there. And imagine how difficult life would be if you were a senior police officer trying to catch a cold-blooded killer. Someone only you’ve seen, someone who killed a young man in front of you and someone you now have to pick out of an identity parade. This is the first time I have met a character with prosopagnosia and I thoroughly enjoyed what Bradley has done with him!
I liked Ray. I wanted to thump him at times though. I could see his reasons for wanting to keep his condition secret, and the story wouldn’t have had quite the same edge to it but flipping heck, man! I would be terrified to tell my employer something like that too (although my employer is my children, and they’d probably just shrug and carry on squabbling over whose turn it was to choose a television programme!). Sharing is caring, or something like that anyway! What I did love was the bubbling, will they/won’t they between Ray and his ex-wife, Helen. From Helen’s point of view, it seemed to be a fairly certain ‘they really won’t’ but I was never 100% sure, I *think* she could be tempted to rekindle her love affair with Ray, just for old times sake. I’m not a fan of any kind of romantic liaison in my crime reads but this one could be interesting…
The investigation Ray and his team were carrying out was an interesting one. This book is so much more about the characters rather the investigation, which was a rather pleasing change. After all, we know whodunit fairly early on. It’s just whether Ray can get his identifiers lined up in time to catch the killer, and exactly how long he can keep his condition a secret for…
Would I recommend this book? I would. I really enjoyed it and hope (fingers crossed) that Bradley has lots more adventures in store for Ray and his team. I want to read more about these characters; they intrigue me. I will be sad if my path doesn’t cross with DI Ray Patrick’s again. If you’re a fan of a character-driven police procedural then make sure you pick up a copy of Dead Blind. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, with Rebecca Bradley at the helm you get a certain amount of realism that others fail to achieve. Her experience as a police detective adds so much to the detail of the story. Slick, absolutely fascinating and very readable. Great stuff.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Dead Blind. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
‘Why so fascinating?’, you may be asking. DI Patrick was involved in a traumatic car accident whilst in pursuit of a killer. The accident resulted in several badly broken bones, a colleague who is scarred for life (which he feels 100% responsible for) and a knock to the head. Not just any old run-of-the-mill knock to the head though. Prosopagnosia. I obviously need to work on my knowledge of medical conditions as I had never heard of prosopagnosia. Even in layman’s terms, I was a bit unsure what ‘face blindness’ actually meant for the sufferer. Oh, the things I have learnt from reading this book.
At times my heart broke for Ray, the way he had to deal with situations that for the majority of us don’t require any real thought, things we take for granted; such as seeing your children, your partner, your friends and colleagues. I couldn’t help but put myself in Ray’s shoes as he approached situations which he knew were going to cause him problems. For example, any time he meets his long-term girlfriend. He knows it’s her because of her voice, her perfume, the smell of her shampoo, he recognises her clothes but when he looks at her face….nothing. There is no connection there. And imagine how difficult life would be if you were a senior police officer trying to catch a cold-blooded killer. Someone only you’ve seen, someone who killed a young man in front of you and someone you now have to pick out of an identity parade. This is the first time I have met a character with prosopagnosia and I thoroughly enjoyed what Bradley has done with him!
I liked Ray. I wanted to thump him at times though. I could see his reasons for wanting to keep his condition secret, and the story wouldn’t have had quite the same edge to it but flipping heck, man! I would be terrified to tell my employer something like that too (although my employer is my children, and they’d probably just shrug and carry on squabbling over whose turn it was to choose a television programme!). Sharing is caring, or something like that anyway! What I did love was the bubbling, will they/won’t they between Ray and his ex-wife, Helen. From Helen’s point of view, it seemed to be a fairly certain ‘they really won’t’ but I was never 100% sure, I *think* she could be tempted to rekindle her love affair with Ray, just for old times sake. I’m not a fan of any kind of romantic liaison in my crime reads but this one could be interesting…
The investigation Ray and his team were carrying out was an interesting one. This book is so much more about the characters rather the investigation, which was a rather pleasing change. After all, we know whodunit fairly early on. It’s just whether Ray can get his identifiers lined up in time to catch the killer, and exactly how long he can keep his condition a secret for…
Would I recommend this book? I would. I really enjoyed it and hope (fingers crossed) that Bradley has lots more adventures in store for Ray and his team. I want to read more about these characters; they intrigue me. I will be sad if my path doesn’t cross with DI Ray Patrick’s again. If you’re a fan of a character-driven police procedural then make sure you pick up a copy of Dead Blind. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, with Rebecca Bradley at the helm you get a certain amount of realism that others fail to achieve. Her experience as a police detective adds so much to the detail of the story. Slick, absolutely fascinating and very readable. Great stuff.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Dead Blind. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 28, 2018
Such a great concept! Bet a lot of writers are wishing they'd had this idea. And the international organ trafficking market is also really interesting and sad to investigate.
May 5, 2018
A fast-paced police procedural with the most original main character I've come across in years.
"How do you identify a ruthless killer when you can’t even recognise your own face in a mirror?
Returning to work following an accident, Detective Inspector Ray Patrick refuses to disclose he now lives with face blindness - an inability to recognise faces.
As Ray deceives his team he is pulled into a police operation that targets an international trade in human organs. And when he attempts to bring the organisation down, Ray is witness to a savage murder.
But it’s a killer he will never remember.
The pressure mounts as Ray attempts to keep his secret and solve the case alone. With only his ex-wife as a confidant, he feels progressively isolated.
Can he escape with his career and his life intact?"
For a long time I've been fascinated by a team of people employed by the Metropolitan Police as "Super Recognisers". They have the ability to recognise any face they have seen before even from the smallest detail or feature. Ray Patrick's accident has left him right at the other end of the spectrum, suffering from prosopagnosia or face blindness. His struggles with the condition that makes doing his job virtually impossible form the background to an exciting crime thriller that kept my attention throughout.
In creating the character of Ray the author has shown the skills previously exhibited in the excellent DI Hannah Robbins series - showing the human side of the various police officers involved in the story. As a veteran crime fiction fan my favourite authors are the ones who know how to do this and how to make me care at least as much about the characters as the plot and the outcome of the story.
Another thing that shone through in Dead Blind was how much effort the author has put into research. Always a reliable expert regarding police procedures, ex-police officer Rebecca Bradley has tapped into other sources this time, adding to the authenticity for the reader.
I highly recommend Dead Blind to all crime fiction fans. Thank you to the author for the early reader copy.
"How do you identify a ruthless killer when you can’t even recognise your own face in a mirror?
Returning to work following an accident, Detective Inspector Ray Patrick refuses to disclose he now lives with face blindness - an inability to recognise faces.
As Ray deceives his team he is pulled into a police operation that targets an international trade in human organs. And when he attempts to bring the organisation down, Ray is witness to a savage murder.
But it’s a killer he will never remember.
The pressure mounts as Ray attempts to keep his secret and solve the case alone. With only his ex-wife as a confidant, he feels progressively isolated.
Can he escape with his career and his life intact?"
For a long time I've been fascinated by a team of people employed by the Metropolitan Police as "Super Recognisers". They have the ability to recognise any face they have seen before even from the smallest detail or feature. Ray Patrick's accident has left him right at the other end of the spectrum, suffering from prosopagnosia or face blindness. His struggles with the condition that makes doing his job virtually impossible form the background to an exciting crime thriller that kept my attention throughout.
In creating the character of Ray the author has shown the skills previously exhibited in the excellent DI Hannah Robbins series - showing the human side of the various police officers involved in the story. As a veteran crime fiction fan my favourite authors are the ones who know how to do this and how to make me care at least as much about the characters as the plot and the outcome of the story.
Another thing that shone through in Dead Blind was how much effort the author has put into research. Always a reliable expert regarding police procedures, ex-police officer Rebecca Bradley has tapped into other sources this time, adding to the authenticity for the reader.
I highly recommend Dead Blind to all crime fiction fans. Thank you to the author for the early reader copy.
May 9, 2018
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This is the second book that I have recently that has used prosopagnosia or face blindness in the story and I have found them both absolutely fascinating!
This book is great, the main character suffers from face blindness, I can only imagine how had something like that would be but to have facial recognition as a main part of your job would be devastating - it is a brilliant addition to the plot. I was completely hooked and flew through the book as I needed to know what happened - it has great characters!!
A brilliant plot, well executed and thoroughly enjoyable - 5 stars!!
This is the second book that I have recently that has used prosopagnosia or face blindness in the story and I have found them both absolutely fascinating!
This book is great, the main character suffers from face blindness, I can only imagine how had something like that would be but to have facial recognition as a main part of your job would be devastating - it is a brilliant addition to the plot. I was completely hooked and flew through the book as I needed to know what happened - it has great characters!!
A brilliant plot, well executed and thoroughly enjoyable - 5 stars!!
October 10, 2018
Before I read Dead Blind I must admit I knew almost nothing about face blindness. Dead Blind is a fantastically gripping police procedural in its own right, but the way Rebecca Bradley weaves in the challenges and dilemmas DI Ray Patrick has to deal with after his accident - both personal and professional, emotional and practical - make this a doubly enthralling novel. (I should say that although I bought the ebook first, I was lucky enough to win the Audible version as well. I loved the narrator's delivery. Hugely well done all round.)
November 27, 2018
Action Thrillers
I love action thrillers. They are wonderful. If you agree, check out Dead Blind. It’ll run you up and down the block so fast you are sailing in the breeze.
I love action thrillers. They are wonderful. If you agree, check out Dead Blind. It’ll run you up and down the block so fast you are sailing in the breeze.
May 23, 2018
An absolutely fascinating premise for a book, but unfortunately did not live up to my hopes.
The author is a former police officer which made the station scenes and interactions between officers interesting as I'm sure they're extremely realistic. Unfortunately the writing let this novel down for me. The spelling and grammar mistakes were so rife as to repeatedly jerk me out of the story (I did have an advance copy, and I'm told they would all be weeded out before publication). The writing was jerky and staccato at times where the action needed to flow, whereas at other times the sentence was so long and full of clauses that I had to reread to wrap my head around which 'they' was which.
I found the contradictions of the main character too difficult to get past eg he wonders 'how to leave without hurting her' and so immediately picks a fight and storms out. Additionally he feels he 'needs eyes and ears' inside a scene, so selects himself, the one person with face-blindness, FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! I'm all in favour of characters making stupid mistakes, but they should at least have their own reason for those. I can think of either reasons for him making that decision, or alternative plot mechanics that result in him witnessing a murder that would, in my opinion, have worked so much better. A chapter or so after this I stopped reading.
A brilliant premise which, with a proper book editor, could have been a fabulous book.
The author is a former police officer which made the station scenes and interactions between officers interesting as I'm sure they're extremely realistic. Unfortunately the writing let this novel down for me. The spelling and grammar mistakes were so rife as to repeatedly jerk me out of the story (I did have an advance copy, and I'm told they would all be weeded out before publication). The writing was jerky and staccato at times where the action needed to flow, whereas at other times the sentence was so long and full of clauses that I had to reread to wrap my head around which 'they' was which.
I found the contradictions of the main character too difficult to get past eg he wonders 'how to leave without hurting her' and so immediately picks a fight and storms out. Additionally he feels he 'needs eyes and ears' inside a scene, so selects himself, the one person with face-blindness, FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! I'm all in favour of characters making stupid mistakes, but they should at least have their own reason for those. I can think of either reasons for him making that decision, or alternative plot mechanics that result in him witnessing a murder that would, in my opinion, have worked so much better. A chapter or so after this I stopped reading.
A brilliant premise which, with a proper book editor, could have been a fabulous book.
October 10, 2018
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
There are two gripping stories in this novel -- the primary one isn't the crime story (odd for a work of crime fiction), but it is the better executed of the two. Which isn't a slight to the secondary story, at least not intentionally.
Let's start with the crime -- DI Ray Patrick and his team are investigating an international organ smuggling ring. Every time I've run into this kind of story -- in print or on TV -- it has always been effective. Something about the idea of harvesting organs from people (who may or may not survive the process for at least awhile) to transplant into people who may or may not survive (given the less than ideal facilities for such activities) has always disturbed me. Then when my son was diagnosed with renal failure and we were told he'd need a kidney transplant, these kind of stories became more nightmarish for me. So yeah, basically, this was right up my alley.
Thankfully, he'd received his kidney a couple of weeks before I read this one, so it didn't end up costing me sleep. Incidentally, the facts and figures about transplants, the need for them and the lack of donors, etc. all lined up with everything we'd been told. Yes, there are differences in protocols between the two medical systems, but on the whole, what Patrick and the rest learned matched what I'd learned. When it comes to thins kind of thing in novels, I'm always wondering how much the author fudged and how much came from research -- I'm happy to say that Bradley got this right.
So this story -- from how the ring operates to how Patrick and the rest investigate is very satisfying.
Which leaves the primary story. Patrick comes back to work from a nasty automobile accident, mostly recovered from his physical injuries. But that's not the only injury he sustained. Patrick now is dealing with prosopagnosia, aka "face blindness." Through some clever guesswork, and a whole lot of luck, he's never revealed it to anyone other than his ex-wife (so she can help him with his kids). Now back at work, Patrick is attempting to hoodwink everyone into thinking he's okay, because he doesn't want to risk not losing his job.
On the one hand you want to see him pull off his silly scheme, on the other, you want to see him be the man of integrity everyone thinks he is and be honest with his colleagues and friends. Especially when Patrick's inability to discern or remember faces jeopardizes the investigation.
Watching Patrick try to remember people via other means while trying to lead an investigation, and deal with the ramifications of the disorder in his personal life gives the book its emotional weight. And it delivers that in spades.
Patrick's team is full of some pretty well-drawn characters, which also applies for the other people in his life -- grounding the more outlandish flavorings of the other stories. I enjoyed the read and found it gripping -- looking forward to seeing more from Bradley.
---
There are two gripping stories in this novel -- the primary one isn't the crime story (odd for a work of crime fiction), but it is the better executed of the two. Which isn't a slight to the secondary story, at least not intentionally.
Let's start with the crime -- DI Ray Patrick and his team are investigating an international organ smuggling ring. Every time I've run into this kind of story -- in print or on TV -- it has always been effective. Something about the idea of harvesting organs from people (who may or may not survive the process for at least awhile) to transplant into people who may or may not survive (given the less than ideal facilities for such activities) has always disturbed me. Then when my son was diagnosed with renal failure and we were told he'd need a kidney transplant, these kind of stories became more nightmarish for me. So yeah, basically, this was right up my alley.
Thankfully, he'd received his kidney a couple of weeks before I read this one, so it didn't end up costing me sleep. Incidentally, the facts and figures about transplants, the need for them and the lack of donors, etc. all lined up with everything we'd been told. Yes, there are differences in protocols between the two medical systems, but on the whole, what Patrick and the rest learned matched what I'd learned. When it comes to thins kind of thing in novels, I'm always wondering how much the author fudged and how much came from research -- I'm happy to say that Bradley got this right.
So this story -- from how the ring operates to how Patrick and the rest investigate is very satisfying.
Which leaves the primary story. Patrick comes back to work from a nasty automobile accident, mostly recovered from his physical injuries. But that's not the only injury he sustained. Patrick now is dealing with prosopagnosia, aka "face blindness." Through some clever guesswork, and a whole lot of luck, he's never revealed it to anyone other than his ex-wife (so she can help him with his kids). Now back at work, Patrick is attempting to hoodwink everyone into thinking he's okay, because he doesn't want to risk not losing his job.
On the one hand you want to see him pull off his silly scheme, on the other, you want to see him be the man of integrity everyone thinks he is and be honest with his colleagues and friends. Especially when Patrick's inability to discern or remember faces jeopardizes the investigation.
Watching Patrick try to remember people via other means while trying to lead an investigation, and deal with the ramifications of the disorder in his personal life gives the book its emotional weight. And it delivers that in spades.
Patrick's team is full of some pretty well-drawn characters, which also applies for the other people in his life -- grounding the more outlandish flavorings of the other stories. I enjoyed the read and found it gripping -- looking forward to seeing more from Bradley.
May 8, 2018
Well this book certainly opens with a bang – quite literally as DI Ray Patrick finds himself in a high-speed chase which ends badly and changes his life immeasurably. The accident has left him with a condition known as prosopagnosia, or face blindness, making it impossible to even recognise people he has known his entire life. In order to keep his job he hides his condition from both friends and colleagues and finds a way to manage his condition. All is well until he finds himself face to face with a killer and under pressure to make an i.d. on a suspect he knows he will never recognise. If you were in his shoes, what would you do?
I really enjoyed this latest thriller from Rebecca Bradley. There is absolutely no doubting her credentials when it comes to writing a police procedural, and she makes the world of criminal investigation accessible and entertaining. You get a sense of the authentic investigation without being bogged down in detail, but always given just enough to ensure that you understand what is happening.
With Ray Patrick she has created a really intriguing protagonist. You could tell from the opening chapter that he was focused and determined and the kind of guy who would not stop until he caught his man. Sadly he paid a very heavy price for this focus and it is this which forms a significant part of the story itself. I did sympathise with Ray, with his need to keep himself grounded in his job, and could understand to a point his reluctance to be honest about his condition. There were times I wanted to slap him and tell him to ‘fess up. One person did know the truth but he kept everyone else at arms length, partly through guilt, not allowing them the chance to help him. Perhaps a reflection of his pig-headed nature, perhaps fear. Didn’t make him unlikable, just should he had a softer, fallible side.
The way in which the face-blindness is represented in the book is very carefully and skilfully done. You get the sense of each interaction Ray had resulting in a quick double check, more detailed at first and then the quick signifiers which just drop into the text like a random thought. It works really well and despite what you might think, doesn’t slow down the story at all. And it is quite a story, Ray being immediately swept up in an investigation into the illegal trade of human organs and the world of the dark web. Very convincingly portrayed and kept just on the right side of darkness. Threat from the bad guys was ever present and the main antagonist, Rusnac, menacing without becoming a stereotype or cliché.
There are some great supplementary characters in this book and Rebecca Bradley does a great job in creating distinct personalities and voices, building a brilliant support team around Ray, even if they don’t actually know it. I’d actually be intrigued to read more from the team if Ms Bradley can find a way to maintain Ray’s career after the conclusion of this story. It was a book which kept me glued to the story, invested in Ray’s future and keeping everything crossed that he would find a way to nail the murderer. Tension and thrills ebbed and flowed throughout and I’d definitely recommend this book. Certainly fans of Ms Bradley’s other series will not be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this latest thriller from Rebecca Bradley. There is absolutely no doubting her credentials when it comes to writing a police procedural, and she makes the world of criminal investigation accessible and entertaining. You get a sense of the authentic investigation without being bogged down in detail, but always given just enough to ensure that you understand what is happening.
With Ray Patrick she has created a really intriguing protagonist. You could tell from the opening chapter that he was focused and determined and the kind of guy who would not stop until he caught his man. Sadly he paid a very heavy price for this focus and it is this which forms a significant part of the story itself. I did sympathise with Ray, with his need to keep himself grounded in his job, and could understand to a point his reluctance to be honest about his condition. There were times I wanted to slap him and tell him to ‘fess up. One person did know the truth but he kept everyone else at arms length, partly through guilt, not allowing them the chance to help him. Perhaps a reflection of his pig-headed nature, perhaps fear. Didn’t make him unlikable, just should he had a softer, fallible side.
The way in which the face-blindness is represented in the book is very carefully and skilfully done. You get the sense of each interaction Ray had resulting in a quick double check, more detailed at first and then the quick signifiers which just drop into the text like a random thought. It works really well and despite what you might think, doesn’t slow down the story at all. And it is quite a story, Ray being immediately swept up in an investigation into the illegal trade of human organs and the world of the dark web. Very convincingly portrayed and kept just on the right side of darkness. Threat from the bad guys was ever present and the main antagonist, Rusnac, menacing without becoming a stereotype or cliché.
There are some great supplementary characters in this book and Rebecca Bradley does a great job in creating distinct personalities and voices, building a brilliant support team around Ray, even if they don’t actually know it. I’d actually be intrigued to read more from the team if Ms Bradley can find a way to maintain Ray’s career after the conclusion of this story. It was a book which kept me glued to the story, invested in Ray’s future and keeping everything crossed that he would find a way to nail the murderer. Tension and thrills ebbed and flowed throughout and I’d definitely recommend this book. Certainly fans of Ms Bradley’s other series will not be disappointed.
December 30, 2018
What would you do if you work up from a serious accident and couldn’t recognise anybody? Further more desperate to return to a job you love and you witness murder only feet in front of you, but you are unable to identify the killer?
Hot off the tails of “Fighting Monsers” Rebecca Bradley’s latest novel “Face Blind” throws us into a game of cat and mouse, only the other side have an advantage.
The latest outing from Rebecca introduces us to a new characters and moves away from Nottingham and into the capital.
We are dropped straight in the action as DI Ray Patrick and his partner DS Elaine are in hot pursuit through the streets of London which ends in tragedy.
We zip forward six months and DI Patrick is returning to work, though he is physically and mentally fit he is hiding a secret diagnosis that threatens to end his policing career. He is suffering from a condition called Prosopagnosia or Face Blindness which means he doesn’t recognise anybody.
Like a school teacher at the beginning of every year he creates a desk plan of where everyone sits and their identifiable markers, to help him recognise his team. Which works until someone sits in a different place.
While Ray has been away his team have been investigate a case of illegal organ donation. When a young boy approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse, taking them straight to the head guy. The DI has his concerns about the meeting but is carried along by his colleagues with the promise of success and bringing a network down. But tragedy strikes and Ray witnesses it all but is unable to identify the killer.
Elaine realises there is something wrong with Ray but is heartbroken that he won’t share his problems and fears the worst. The only people who know the truth are Ray’s doctor and his Ex-wife Helen who still supports Ray even when he turns up at all hours and had left her because of the job he loves. Ray also has a new girlfriend who still seems to stick by him no matter how badly he treats her.
We meet a whole new range of characters in this book whose lives we get a sneak peek into, leaving me wondering if Rebecca plans to continue this series adding another string to her bow. Or is this the beginning of a new theme in Rebecca’s writing.
A well written book, showing us the lengths people will go to for a job they love when a medical diagnoses threats to end it all. A book whose main character I could relate to as I like anyone else suffering a chronic illness battle through our bad days for a job we love.
Hot off the tails of “Fighting Monsers” Rebecca Bradley’s latest novel “Face Blind” throws us into a game of cat and mouse, only the other side have an advantage.
The latest outing from Rebecca introduces us to a new characters and moves away from Nottingham and into the capital.
We are dropped straight in the action as DI Ray Patrick and his partner DS Elaine are in hot pursuit through the streets of London which ends in tragedy.
We zip forward six months and DI Patrick is returning to work, though he is physically and mentally fit he is hiding a secret diagnosis that threatens to end his policing career. He is suffering from a condition called Prosopagnosia or Face Blindness which means he doesn’t recognise anybody.
Like a school teacher at the beginning of every year he creates a desk plan of where everyone sits and their identifiable markers, to help him recognise his team. Which works until someone sits in a different place.
While Ray has been away his team have been investigate a case of illegal organ donation. When a young boy approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse, taking them straight to the head guy. The DI has his concerns about the meeting but is carried along by his colleagues with the promise of success and bringing a network down. But tragedy strikes and Ray witnesses it all but is unable to identify the killer.
Elaine realises there is something wrong with Ray but is heartbroken that he won’t share his problems and fears the worst. The only people who know the truth are Ray’s doctor and his Ex-wife Helen who still supports Ray even when he turns up at all hours and had left her because of the job he loves. Ray also has a new girlfriend who still seems to stick by him no matter how badly he treats her.
We meet a whole new range of characters in this book whose lives we get a sneak peek into, leaving me wondering if Rebecca plans to continue this series adding another string to her bow. Or is this the beginning of a new theme in Rebecca’s writing.
A well written book, showing us the lengths people will go to for a job they love when a medical diagnoses threats to end it all. A book whose main character I could relate to as I like anyone else suffering a chronic illness battle through our bad days for a job we love.
May 15, 2018
Dead Blind opens with DI Ray Patrick and his colleague Elaine pelting along the rain-lashed roads of Stoke Newington, on the tail of a vicious killer responsible for taking the lives of multiple young women. He slipped through their fingers before but now they will capture and arrest him. Ray and Elaine are determined to end it today. But unbeknownst to them, it will end in disaster. It will end in a collision that will have far-reaching consequences for both of them.
Now six months and a tricky recovery later, Ray is back at work. His bones have healed. His life mended. Everything is just as it should be. But that is only to the eyes of the casual observer. The collision that day robbed him of something even more important than six months work. He now suffers with a condition called prosopagnosia , in layman’s terms, face blindness, which renders him unable to recognise anyone. His children, his partner, his team all wear the faces of strangers. The only way he can determine who they are is by using identifiers: a scar, an accent, a perfume, a tone of voice. When Ray is thrown in at the deep end of a particularly gruesome case of organ trafficking, he must keep his condition quiet and deceive his friends and team to put a stop to it because if not he might be forced to medically retire. But after Ray comes face to face with the leader of the organisation, how will he ever be able to recognise him again? How can he risk his work and his life? But then how can he not? And more importantly how can he protect his family from the threat that looms over them?
Before reading Dead Blind, I had no idea a condition such as prosopagnosia even existed. So it was a surprise when I came across it for the first time in the blurb for this book. What a fantastic hook!! Rebecca Bradley has incorporated it into her story beautifully and seamlessly blends both the action with the emotion. DI Ray Patrick’s struggle to find the killer and leader of the organisation was one fraught with many challenges as you can imagine, each one bringing the reader further and further into this compelling, gripping story and inching Ray further and further into their hearts.
I was SO excited when Rebecca Bradley invited me to read and review her up and coming novel. Even more so when I read its gripping blurb. I’d just like to shout a massive thank you to her for allowing me to read!! Dead Blind is a fantastic new standalone! Perfect for her loyal fans and for readers itching to discover something new and unique!
Fast-paced. Compelling. Electrifying.
Now six months and a tricky recovery later, Ray is back at work. His bones have healed. His life mended. Everything is just as it should be. But that is only to the eyes of the casual observer. The collision that day robbed him of something even more important than six months work. He now suffers with a condition called prosopagnosia , in layman’s terms, face blindness, which renders him unable to recognise anyone. His children, his partner, his team all wear the faces of strangers. The only way he can determine who they are is by using identifiers: a scar, an accent, a perfume, a tone of voice. When Ray is thrown in at the deep end of a particularly gruesome case of organ trafficking, he must keep his condition quiet and deceive his friends and team to put a stop to it because if not he might be forced to medically retire. But after Ray comes face to face with the leader of the organisation, how will he ever be able to recognise him again? How can he risk his work and his life? But then how can he not? And more importantly how can he protect his family from the threat that looms over them?
Before reading Dead Blind, I had no idea a condition such as prosopagnosia even existed. So it was a surprise when I came across it for the first time in the blurb for this book. What a fantastic hook!! Rebecca Bradley has incorporated it into her story beautifully and seamlessly blends both the action with the emotion. DI Ray Patrick’s struggle to find the killer and leader of the organisation was one fraught with many challenges as you can imagine, each one bringing the reader further and further into this compelling, gripping story and inching Ray further and further into their hearts.
I was SO excited when Rebecca Bradley invited me to read and review her up and coming novel. Even more so when I read its gripping blurb. I’d just like to shout a massive thank you to her for allowing me to read!! Dead Blind is a fantastic new standalone! Perfect for her loyal fans and for readers itching to discover something new and unique!
Fast-paced. Compelling. Electrifying.
April 25, 2021
I read this book as part of my personal series of prosopagnosia readings. I was increasingly frustrated as I kept reading. Most face blind people have developmental prosopagnosia, which means that they were born with it or have had it for so long that they don't remember a time without it. Its prevalence is estimated to be of 2.5% of the general population, with many people having it and not knowing about it. They simply assume that they are bad with faces or socially awkward.
Acquired propsopagnosia, due to injury, like the one the main character of the book had, is rare.
I guess it is worse to have acquired prosopagnosia than developmental prosopagnosia, mainly because when you've lived with a condition all your life, you've adapted to it. When you lose an ability you had, it must be hard. The main character complained constantly about it, even if the story starts about six months after he developed the condition. He made quite a bit of drama about it. He kept saying that something was wrong in his head. He kept unnecessarily making his own life more complicated. He was scared his loved ones would reject him because of his condition (does this really happen?), and therefore, he pushed them away (but why?).
On a side note, most people can recognise others without seeing their faces. Think about seeing a friend from far away or a friend who is wearing a face mask, or closing your eyes when you are with your partner and enjoying their touch and their smell. You might need a confirmation (voice, gestures, postures, smell, etc.), but you still know. It is bad when you are not used to it, but it doesn't have to be that bad, even less so after six months of adaptation. Also, you don't need to say everyone's name when you talk to them, especially if you are not sure of who you are talking to.
Someone knocked on the main character's front door, and he was worried that he wouldn't know who it was. It struck me as strange that he didn't think about asking "who is it" before opening the door. Not that it would help in that particular scene, but... wouldn't it be normal to ask?
Also: "She was a woman; men were never meant to understand women". Really? Really?
Anyway, it was entertaining enough but too dramatic for my taste.
Acquired propsopagnosia, due to injury, like the one the main character of the book had, is rare.
I guess it is worse to have acquired prosopagnosia than developmental prosopagnosia, mainly because when you've lived with a condition all your life, you've adapted to it. When you lose an ability you had, it must be hard. The main character complained constantly about it, even if the story starts about six months after he developed the condition. He made quite a bit of drama about it. He kept saying that something was wrong in his head. He kept unnecessarily making his own life more complicated. He was scared his loved ones would reject him because of his condition (does this really happen?), and therefore, he pushed them away (but why?).
On a side note, most people can recognise others without seeing their faces. Think about seeing a friend from far away or a friend who is wearing a face mask, or closing your eyes when you are with your partner and enjoying their touch and their smell. You might need a confirmation (voice, gestures, postures, smell, etc.), but you still know. It is bad when you are not used to it, but it doesn't have to be that bad, even less so after six months of adaptation. Also, you don't need to say everyone's name when you talk to them, especially if you are not sure of who you are talking to.
Someone knocked on the main character's front door, and he was worried that he wouldn't know who it was. It struck me as strange that he didn't think about asking "who is it" before opening the door. Not that it would help in that particular scene, but... wouldn't it be normal to ask?
Also: "She was a woman; men were never meant to understand women". Really? Really?
Anyway, it was entertaining enough but too dramatic for my taste.
April 2, 2020
A Great British Police Thriller that’s Different.
Well I really enjoyed this book because it is so different to other British or even any police thrillers I have read. Rebecca Bradley has a masterpiece here and it is written well and tells the story of DI Ray Patrick who after a police chase and accident gets a condition called Prosopagnosia or “Face Blindness. A Condition which means Ray finds it impossible to recognise people’s faces even those closest to him to whom he hides it from the police, his colleagues, closest friends and even his now partner and children. Only his x wife knows but how can he perform with this condition. You both sympathise and feel frustrated as Ray finds himself returning back to work and put in a position where an undercover operation goes wrong and Ray finds himself face to face with the killer but can’t remember his face or details allowing him to go free! Ray leads the team investigating the killer but struggles with even identifying his own detectives. Ray’s determination and focus shines through but so does his frustration and his misguided avidness to trust those closest and his colleagues which makes him and intriguing and real life person.
I enjoyed the read and found the book griping and fascinatingly realistic. I highly recommend this story by Rebecca and will look out for more of her books if this has anything to go by.
Well I really enjoyed this book because it is so different to other British or even any police thrillers I have read. Rebecca Bradley has a masterpiece here and it is written well and tells the story of DI Ray Patrick who after a police chase and accident gets a condition called Prosopagnosia or “Face Blindness. A Condition which means Ray finds it impossible to recognise people’s faces even those closest to him to whom he hides it from the police, his colleagues, closest friends and even his now partner and children. Only his x wife knows but how can he perform with this condition. You both sympathise and feel frustrated as Ray finds himself returning back to work and put in a position where an undercover operation goes wrong and Ray finds himself face to face with the killer but can’t remember his face or details allowing him to go free! Ray leads the team investigating the killer but struggles with even identifying his own detectives. Ray’s determination and focus shines through but so does his frustration and his misguided avidness to trust those closest and his colleagues which makes him and intriguing and real life person.
I enjoyed the read and found the book griping and fascinatingly realistic. I highly recommend this story by Rebecca and will look out for more of her books if this has anything to go by.
May 16, 2018
Outstanding, thrilling and terifying in equal measures...
...a perfect cocktail to sit back with and enjoy.
I love this series, its gritty and raw. Crime thrillers often have protagonist who range from being alcoholic burn outs with attitude problems to so smooth its like they are Teflon coated. Not so with this series. The cast of charchters are relatable and likeable and largely because there infallibility and vulnerabilities play a large part in the how Rebecca has chosen to portray them.
Dead Blind deals with the terifying condition of 'Face Blindness.' I watched a movie some time ago that was based on the main charchter suffering from this condition so I had a little understanding of it, or thought I did! In reality I had no idea, how brutally and completly life changing it is and Rebecca has obviously put a lot of work in to research to be able to create such a terrific and exciting story line.
Congratulations Rebecca, outstanding and my favourite of the series so far. Really looking forward to finding out what's in-store for our Ray next x
...a perfect cocktail to sit back with and enjoy.
I love this series, its gritty and raw. Crime thrillers often have protagonist who range from being alcoholic burn outs with attitude problems to so smooth its like they are Teflon coated. Not so with this series. The cast of charchters are relatable and likeable and largely because there infallibility and vulnerabilities play a large part in the how Rebecca has chosen to portray them.
Dead Blind deals with the terifying condition of 'Face Blindness.' I watched a movie some time ago that was based on the main charchter suffering from this condition so I had a little understanding of it, or thought I did! In reality I had no idea, how brutally and completly life changing it is and Rebecca has obviously put a lot of work in to research to be able to create such a terrific and exciting story line.
Congratulations Rebecca, outstanding and my favourite of the series so far. Really looking forward to finding out what's in-store for our Ray next x
May 4, 2018
With thanks to the author for the copy received.I often hear about life changing injuries on the news but prosopagnosia was a condition I had never heard of. And I can’t imagine how devastating it would be to suddenly not recognise loved ones. Or be able to do your job. And Ray being able to recognise people was essential.
His emotions, guilt and frustrations were shown brilliantly. They were just as important to the storyline and the murder case that involved organ trafficking.
He was a character I warmed to as I read. I wished he could open up to his friends, colleagues and loved ones more and explain to them how it made him feel. But I understood the reasoning behind it. The loneliness it caused him and the feeling that he would lose the job he loved.
Whilst most of the novel concerns Ray there was a case to solve. His team was upset with the events that happened early on in the novel, and at Ray’s remoteness.
The case is important but my favourite part of the novel was Ray trying to accept that his life had changed. And him knowing that he had open up to people. It made me think about all the ones you hear of who have invisible illnesses, and how they cope with it.
A very interesting standalone novel that is different to everything else I have read recently.
September 15, 2018
I'm pretty critical of police fiction because most writers haven't ever worn the badge, swallowed their fear, and rushed through doorways on behalf of people they've never met. Bradley did an EXCEPTIONAL job of translating her real life, on-the-job experience into a BEAUTIFULLY ORIGINAL STORY. I can also vouch for the authenticity of her description of the rare, central medical affliction because of one of my personal relationships. Most cops I've worked with aren't known for their writing skills, but Bradley's storytelling and prose clearly show she's been doing this for a LONG time. I'm grateful to have found and read this story, and I'm very much looking forward to more from Rebecca Bradley! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
March 27, 2020
Explosive ending
I've read quite a few of Rebecca's books and enjoyed them all. This one was a free book and very much appreciated. How on earth do you recognise someone when you are face blind. Ray suffered from this very problem since an accident and only his ex wife knows. How does he hide it from his colleagues and find a killer, when he can't recognise him despite seeing him close up? Really well written with lots of suspense leading to an explosive ending. I'm going that there is a follow up because the only thing missing was Celestes' reaction to the news. Thank you so much Rebecca and I'm very happy to recommend Dead Blind. A must read.
I've read quite a few of Rebecca's books and enjoyed them all. This one was a free book and very much appreciated. How on earth do you recognise someone when you are face blind. Ray suffered from this very problem since an accident and only his ex wife knows. How does he hide it from his colleagues and find a killer, when he can't recognise him despite seeing him close up? Really well written with lots of suspense leading to an explosive ending. I'm going that there is a follow up because the only thing missing was Celestes' reaction to the news. Thank you so much Rebecca and I'm very happy to recommend Dead Blind. A must read.
April 18, 2024
What an interesting dilemma and concept. The fact that this is a true health condition is quite disturbing. Those who have it must despair. I did find this a little frustrating and a tad slow, I’m not sure whether it was because of the illness or the content, however I still enjoyed it. Great team work, good police procedure and dark activities such as trading organ resulting in deaths needs to be stamped out, I have heard that this is still happening across the world.
Is there going to be another in the series, I do hope so. It has been some time since Bradley published this so maybe not 🤔
Bradley’s DI Hannah Robbins’ series is brilliant.
Is there going to be another in the series, I do hope so. It has been some time since Bradley published this so maybe not 🤔
Bradley’s DI Hannah Robbins’ series is brilliant.
October 28, 2020
This book had a really interesting premise: a cop with face blindness witnesses a murder but can't identify the murderer--and while it's a competent thriller, for me it didn't quite live up to the premise. Part of the problem--again, for me; this might not bother other readers--is the writer's style, which is such frequent use of sentence fragments that it was difficult to tell whether it was intentional or just a lack of editing. The end was a little abrupt for me, as well. My rating for this book is extremely subjective, and others might find this a five-star read.
May 11, 2018
Dead Blind proves once again that Rebecca Bradley truly has found her niche, writing gritty, honest to god, police procedurals. She is also not afraid of what must have been a lot of research about a little known condition, face blindness, which affects the Detective involved in solving a nasty crime.
Ray and his colleague are involved in a nasty car accident which causes multiple visible injuries, however, despite a prolonged recovery period, he is left with an invisible disability which could more than likely end his career so he decides to try and keep his problem hidden.
I immediately found myself rooting for Ray, wanting him to find a way to stay in his job. Unfortunately, it soon becomes apparent there is a huge problem, when he actually comes face to face with the killer, who he is completely unable to remember or identify.
i know this is supposed to be a standalone book, but having such a gritty story with such well drawn characters does mean you become quite quickly attached and I am keen to see how Ray manages to move on from here.
Once again, Rebecca's history and working knowledge as a Detective immediately sets her apart from other writers as her experience is evident in the quality and depth of her writing.
Ray and his colleague are involved in a nasty car accident which causes multiple visible injuries, however, despite a prolonged recovery period, he is left with an invisible disability which could more than likely end his career so he decides to try and keep his problem hidden.
I immediately found myself rooting for Ray, wanting him to find a way to stay in his job. Unfortunately, it soon becomes apparent there is a huge problem, when he actually comes face to face with the killer, who he is completely unable to remember or identify.
i know this is supposed to be a standalone book, but having such a gritty story with such well drawn characters does mean you become quite quickly attached and I am keen to see how Ray manages to move on from here.
Once again, Rebecca's history and working knowledge as a Detective immediately sets her apart from other writers as her experience is evident in the quality and depth of her writing.
September 19, 2018
Such a clever idea - a detective with face-blindness after an accident, and his decision to keep it a secret. Rebecca Bradley excels at showing the relationships between this police team and the way they cope with tensions amongst themselves.
November 13, 2018
Rebecca Bradley is becoming one of my favorite authors! This is a realistic police procedural with a twist. Wasn't too sure if this was really going to work with the primary investigator suffering from "face blindness" but yes it did! Strong believable characters, good plot development.
January 10, 2020
This was not what I expected.
I didn't care for this book. Kind of boring, repetitive, and a common ending. Nothing spectacular.....predictable. Choose another book. Book is easily forgettable.
This author needs help and practice, practice, and practice in her writing.
I didn't care for this book. Kind of boring, repetitive, and a common ending. Nothing spectacular.....predictable. Choose another book. Book is easily forgettable.
This author needs help and practice, practice, and practice in her writing.
March 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this fast paced police procedural. It kept me engaged throughout. The main character is a bit different than usual, which made it very interesting. The storyline was well written and entertaining. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 18, 2021
Good story and characters. I would like to see this made into a series. However, the end was unsatisfying because it left the fate of the main character unresolved. Felts as if the author was interrupted and never got back to finishing the book.
March 16, 2023
As inspired as it’s title
Just dreadful. Boring, characters you can’t connect with, a plot that had more holes than a sieve, clunky writing and a main premise which is frankly ludicrous. Life is too short to waste on bad books, so do yourself a favour and give this one a miss.
Just dreadful. Boring, characters you can’t connect with, a plot that had more holes than a sieve, clunky writing and a main premise which is frankly ludicrous. Life is too short to waste on bad books, so do yourself a favour and give this one a miss.
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