Darkening woodland, a typical Wigan night, the wind blowing the rain hammering down and someone dies badly. This is only the start of a series of events that will have Lasser and the team locked in a battle with someone who is seemingly killing at random. But things are not always as they appear and Lasser soon learns that the killer is harbouring a deep seated hatred a hatred that spans years and is now totally out of control. As if that weren't bad enough Lasser's personal life is about to go into free fall, as he realises that things are changing and he can do nothing to stop the inevitable heartache and despair that will follow. Riven by torment he tries to concentrate on the case in hand as his dreams are shattered. But things are about to get a whole lot worse as he battles his way to the truth, hoping against hope that somewhere along the line salvation will be found. And all the time the killer hides in the shadows seeking revenge while the black dog follows Lasser every step of the way.
Rob Roughley lives in the North West of England (God's coal bunker,the land of the wedding cake made by placing three meat pies on top of one another and whippets on lengths of string) He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors. If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you. However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try. 1 The Needle House 2 The Way that it Falls 3 Tethered to the Dead. 4 Twisted Coming soon: 5 More Equal than Others 6 Vanished Beneath 7 Riven 8 Bad Self
Well I didn’t know whether to cheer for the victor or feel afraid for every man in Wigan in the opening pages. All I knew for sure was that a slime ball had met his deserving end and the one that gave out his ultimate punishment had enjoyed it too much. What a start! Wigan had acquired another psycho that was on a mission and that meant Lasser and Co. were really going to have their work cut out. This was one ultra fit lady and I don’t mean the way she looked. How I love this series as every single story is just so very unique. As darkness falls on the outskirts of Wigan a new game has begun. But looking the part and being able to deliver the goods are two different things, especially when you throw in the real McCoy with a lady that could give Lara Croft a run for her money. Bloody hell this was game on! An absolute belting story that kept making me cheer on the wrong person for the right reasons. The deaths were happening pretty regular, including one of an innocent young woman. As Lasser’s personal life seems to take yet another nose drive he throws himself even more into work. Boy has he got low self-esteem issues! He definitely doesn’t see what others see. There are some huge changes on the horizon for a lot of the team and at one point it had me go weak at the knees! The novel is quite lengthy at over 500 pages but one that you can’t help but keep pace with, although I did slow and savour one or two moments. It all has a very happening now feel about it, the trends, the darker side into internet uses and some of the sad people in society that the system is definitely letting slip through the net and not getting the help they need. With a few new threads well and truly set, the next Lasser book already has some pretty exciting possibilities lined up. This is the 17th book in the series, not to mention a couple of extra spin offs and each time I finish I long for the next. The Lasser books are still my number one series. Next please!
My reviews of Robin Roughleys books must be very boring. The reason is I love every one of them. As soon as I receive one of his books everything, shopping, housework etc goes on hold. I must admit though, this has to be my favourite. I laughed, cried and ended up with a great big smile on my face.
As usual I will end with my plea, hurry up with Lasser 18.
He's done it again, the master of your emotions draws you into the story, to hold you captivate until the last word. I've had the Same feeling after finishing each book in this series, absolutely convinced he would find it impossible to improve on the last one. How wrong can you be?
The story grabs your imagination from the first page, a heartstopping speedy Chase through a wet dark woodland, scary, definitely, as the predator is determined to catch his prey, a young lady, running for her life.
Next minute, I was laughing like a loon, at the banter between the three main characters. Then I was weeping like a heartbroken child, followed by unbelievable anger. But that's the result of fantastic writing, by an author who reaches all the senses others miss.
This plot and storyline is explosive in so many ways, yet also beautifully gentle and emotional. Truly a mind grabbing and exciting British Crime Novel, not to be missed, if your into edge of your seat reading. Robin Roughley is the master at taking you through, all your emotions at breakneck speed, then slowing you down to a gentle trot, a very very clever storyteller!
The regular characters Lasser, Bannister, Odette etc are all on top form as always, New characters are extremely well thought out, some testing your patience, others pulling on you sympathy. Brilliant writing and exciting read!!!
Well I have to say this is the best one yet. I just love Lasser and the team and the fact the villains get their just deserts. This is how it should be. I was pleased to see Plymouth making a fleeting appearance too.
The storyline was very well written and I, for one, wasn’t sorry for the victims. They deserved everything they got, for years they thought they’d got away with it and it came back to haunt them. As they say, karma is a bitch.
I always feel sad when I’ve finished one if robins books as there’s always plenty to get your teeth into and lots to read and, I for one, can’t wait for the next one.
Book 17 in this series I can't believe it we start off straight into the action a woman being chased through the woods by what seems a crazed man but there is a twist when he catches her then off we go into the world of lasser and company as usual we have more than one angle to follow just to keep you turning the pages the book has one thing in common with all the others in that it's brilliant and for all lasser followers a real twist on the last few pages
Robin Roughley Blood Bought If like me you enjoy this series of books you will love this book 17 . From start to end it’s action all the way. Will Lasser and Odette get it together or not. Is he beginning to lose the plot or is he just so full on. I could not put this book down and it’s definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. 5* 29 May 2018
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a read was transfixed from the beginning and the plot was sensational loved it .......and then ........wow Plymouth is in it ....did I punch the air ......but honestly once again Robin has made it a winner and so pleased Lasser has found someone who might accept him...I know I would
Lasser rampages through Wigan in his usual no nonsense manner. Great to have Bannister on board as his partner giving the rest of the team a back seat. So many bodies, racking up chapter by chapter as you feel totally sympathetic towards the main perpetrator, almost egging her on.
Not good police procedurals, so full of violence and murder constantly the reader would think she was reading about American detectives. The author really also overestimates the explodibility of human skulls, which he is Constantine popping like grapes.
How does Robin do it? Every time I’m thinking how can he find a different plot and make it amazing....but he does! I cannot find enough superlatives to describe this book. If you haven’t read the series start at book 1 you will not be disappointed!
This is a cracker of a book. One of, if not his best, to date. There is a virtual parade of all his exes but that in no way detracts from the solving of a nasty vicious crime. More please!
Number 17 in the series and they keep on getting better and better,brilliant storyline and all my favourite chatacters.Kept me interested from the first page to the last please keep them coming Mr Roughley and thank goodness things are looking up for Lasser.
I have read this series from start to finish. Maintained it's interesting plots, characters and fast pace throughout all seventeen books. Enjoyed it so much. Can't wait for more to come out.. Robin Roughley is absolutely a writer to follow.
I o be everything Robin writes. I think this was s my favourite Ladder book. The way he intertwined he characters yet told stories within a story was brilliant
I have read the entire series and it was the best series I have ever read . I hope lesser finally finds happiness. But I really hope this is not the last i hear from them.
Not a page turner but a good story and nice to read about a female victim getting revenge. I'm told the next two 18 & 19 are gripping, so, on with the next!
What to say about a Great Series. First off get Lasser some boots! He falls far too much. Wow, Wigan and area get lots and lots of rain. I don't want to finish this series. Robin Roughley is a genius. Each book so different in crime. Very well written and scenic. I will read his next series with gusto.
What can I say 😊about this book definitely give stars these books just get better every time I know I will have to read it again and hope book 18 is out soon brilliant