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DI Bob Valentine #4
Her Cold Eyes
She's missing, and her mother knows who to blame. But nobody's listening. When the case falls to DCI Bob Valentine, however, he has no choice but to listen. Haunted by the girl's cold gaze and her mother's hurt, the detective soon finds himself at the center of the most harrowing investigation of his police career. Uncovering a ring of ritualistic abuse that leads to the highest echelons of a degraded and Satanic society, Valentine wonders how the world could contain such evils. And then the bodies start to mount. And the demons' defenders appear. Can the detective fight on so many fronts? Can he even hope to find the missing, never mind the guilty? "Her Cold Eyes" is a harrowing journey down the most twisting, turning rabbit hole, where the screams from below might just be preferable to the ones above.
- GenresCrime
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Tony Black
77 books115 followersTony Black is the author of more than 20 books, most recently Her Cold Eyes. He has been nominated for eight CWA Daggers and was runner up in The Guardian's Not the Booker prize for The Last Tiger.
He has written three crime series, a number of crime novellas and two collections of short stories. His acclaimed author interviews series was collected under the title, Hard Truths.
His novella, The Ringer, was adapted for the stage and the Ayr Gaiety performance can be found on YouTube.
A former Young Journalist of the Year, he still writes for the press regularly.
For more information, and the latest news visit his website at: www.tonyblack.net or his blog: www.pulppusher.blogspot.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter or Linked-In.
He has written three crime series, a number of crime novellas and two collections of short stories. His acclaimed author interviews series was collected under the title, Hard Truths.
His novella, The Ringer, was adapted for the stage and the Ayr Gaiety performance can be found on YouTube.
A former Young Journalist of the Year, he still writes for the press regularly.
For more information, and the latest news visit his website at: www.tonyblack.net or his blog: www.pulppusher.blogspot.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter or Linked-In.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 20, 2019
This was a Paperback version.
I found this novel was absolutely totally Unputdownable. I loved every minute of Her Cold Eyes.
The police procedure was absolutely fantastic. I related to all the police, in the story specially DCI Bob Valentine. A fifteen year old school girl Abbie McGarvie goes missing. Her mother had said that her kids were under ritual abuse, but nobody believed her accusations. Abbie is found dead from a road traffic accident. She had been found naked apart from a pair of tennis shoes on. A lot happens in this novel but I don’t want to disclose any more details as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read this page turner. Tony black is the author of fifteen novels. This is my first book by Tony Black and I’m now waiting for his next book out to review. If you are going to buy one thriller, make it Her Cold Eyes.
May 7, 2018
well, this is certainly a hard one to review. much like many crime/mystery/thriller books i've been reading recently, there wasn't much of a mystery, and it was more about the thriller aspect.
this book is dark. it's dark as shit. it's an unending fall into the blackest of abysses, and if you have any sort of trigger you should probably look away now because this book has it all: paedophilia, child abuse, gang rape, murder, satanic rituals, cannibalism, etc. none of it is described in a lot of detail, but if you're sensitive to that sort of thing then stay away.
i'm going to say what i say with all these types of books: it would have been good if there was a mystery. but it wasn't. we know who did it. we know what happened, and there isn't any Big Twists along the way.
it had potential, but it failed to deliver, and the ending just left me feeling miserable and bereft, and not in a good way like when you read a brilliant book with a tragic ending. it all seemed a little half-formed, as though the author had the plot down but couldn't figure out a way to make it mysterious.
basically, i'm really, really disliking all these books cropping up that are non-mystery thrillers, because at the end of the day, most of the enjoyment lies in figuring out who did it. that's just a personal preference, though.
this book is dark. it's dark as shit. it's an unending fall into the blackest of abysses, and if you have any sort of trigger you should probably look away now because this book has it all: paedophilia, child abuse, gang rape, murder, satanic rituals, cannibalism, etc. none of it is described in a lot of detail, but if you're sensitive to that sort of thing then stay away.
i'm going to say what i say with all these types of books: it would have been good if there was a mystery. but it wasn't. we know who did it. we know what happened, and there isn't any Big Twists along the way.
it had potential, but it failed to deliver, and the ending just left me feeling miserable and bereft, and not in a good way like when you read a brilliant book with a tragic ending. it all seemed a little half-formed, as though the author had the plot down but couldn't figure out a way to make it mysterious.
basically, i'm really, really disliking all these books cropping up that are non-mystery thrillers, because at the end of the day, most of the enjoyment lies in figuring out who did it. that's just a personal preference, though.
April 4, 2019
Such a harrowing thing to happen to Abbie - only too real
May 5, 2018
The fourth book in the increasingly impressive Bob Valentine series - now a DCI and still in frontline policing, despite his (shopaholic) wife's wish that he return to the Scottish Police College as a tutor. Her desire is understandable, given what happened to Valentine at the finale of the last book. However, she came across to me as a kind of cold, grasping figure (perhaps a job of her own would distract her from spending her husband's earnings, and give her her own to spend!) As a result of her lack of support, Bob uses his elderly father, who lives in an extension to their house, as his very wise sounding board.
Tony Black's books impressive me more every time I read one - his cases are topical; his team are reasonably normal (not victims of some horrific crime from the past which propelled them towards a career in the police); and the case develops nicely - although if cosy crime's your thing, this one's perhaps best avoided as there's some pretty stomach-churning descriptions of devil worshipping and child abuse and conditioning. Initially I must admit I was sceptical about claims that so many high-heid-yins were involved in this, but then I recall some of the headlines we've seen over the past few years and it becomes shockingly feasible.
If you're looking for a new Tartan Noir fix, check Tony out, particularly the Bob Valentine series, although all his books are well worth a read. They're speedy reads, and don't outstay their welcome, unlike so many books recently. Perfect reading for a long journey or a weekend away. And remember Black's name - if you're not familiar with him and his team, you should seek him out. Being set in Ayr also gives the series something a wee bit different - it makes a change from the cities.
Highly recommended.
Tony Black's books impressive me more every time I read one - his cases are topical; his team are reasonably normal (not victims of some horrific crime from the past which propelled them towards a career in the police); and the case develops nicely - although if cosy crime's your thing, this one's perhaps best avoided as there's some pretty stomach-churning descriptions of devil worshipping and child abuse and conditioning. Initially I must admit I was sceptical about claims that so many high-heid-yins were involved in this, but then I recall some of the headlines we've seen over the past few years and it becomes shockingly feasible.
If you're looking for a new Tartan Noir fix, check Tony out, particularly the Bob Valentine series, although all his books are well worth a read. They're speedy reads, and don't outstay their welcome, unlike so many books recently. Perfect reading for a long journey or a weekend away. And remember Black's name - if you're not familiar with him and his team, you should seek him out. Being set in Ayr also gives the series something a wee bit different - it makes a change from the cities.
Highly recommended.
January 15, 2020
You can just tell the author is a massive Tory
April 25, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Black and White Publishing for a review copy of Her Cold Eyes, the fourth novel to feature DCI Bob Valentine of Ayr Police.
When a teenager is knocked down and killed on a country road near Ayr Bob and the team suspect something more than an accident, not just because she is naked apart from white tennis shoes. When she is identified as missing school girl, Abbie McGarvie, and that her mother had alleged that she was being abused by an occultist group things take a turn for the worse.
Her Cold Eyes is an interesting read. I can't really call it enjoyable as the subject matter is too horrific for that. It is told from two points of view, that of Bob and the current investigation and that of Abbie, explaining the events that led up to her death.
I have very mixed reactions to this novel so I'll start with the good. I live in the area so I could picture most of the locations which is always an added bonus in a novel and I love Mr Black's writing style which is very readable and down to earth. Nothing ever seems out of place or superfluous and the pacing is even, logical and addictive. The characters are well drawn and fairly normal, if you exclude Bob's supernatural visions but as they are few and add little to the ongoing investigation it is easy to brush over them (I'm not a believer). I also like the outcome of the novel which seems very realistic.
The plot is where I come unstuck with the novel. The idea of a paedophile ring in the corridors of power is highly believable and probably true but add in sadistic satanism to the mix and it's a suspension of disbelief too far. The descriptions of the cult's practices are like something out of a horror novel and are deeply distressing so it is not a novel for the faint hearted. The navel gazing about good vs evil in the world today smacks of conspiracy theory and the ancient prophecies about the devil returning. It's a load of tosh to me.
It pains me to rate a Tony Black novel at 3* as I have enjoyed his other work but Her Cold Eyes did not work for me.
When a teenager is knocked down and killed on a country road near Ayr Bob and the team suspect something more than an accident, not just because she is naked apart from white tennis shoes. When she is identified as missing school girl, Abbie McGarvie, and that her mother had alleged that she was being abused by an occultist group things take a turn for the worse.
Her Cold Eyes is an interesting read. I can't really call it enjoyable as the subject matter is too horrific for that. It is told from two points of view, that of Bob and the current investigation and that of Abbie, explaining the events that led up to her death.
I have very mixed reactions to this novel so I'll start with the good. I live in the area so I could picture most of the locations which is always an added bonus in a novel and I love Mr Black's writing style which is very readable and down to earth. Nothing ever seems out of place or superfluous and the pacing is even, logical and addictive. The characters are well drawn and fairly normal, if you exclude Bob's supernatural visions but as they are few and add little to the ongoing investigation it is easy to brush over them (I'm not a believer). I also like the outcome of the novel which seems very realistic.
The plot is where I come unstuck with the novel. The idea of a paedophile ring in the corridors of power is highly believable and probably true but add in sadistic satanism to the mix and it's a suspension of disbelief too far. The descriptions of the cult's practices are like something out of a horror novel and are deeply distressing so it is not a novel for the faint hearted. The navel gazing about good vs evil in the world today smacks of conspiracy theory and the ancient prophecies about the devil returning. It's a load of tosh to me.
It pains me to rate a Tony Black novel at 3* as I have enjoyed his other work but Her Cold Eyes did not work for me.
April 6, 2023
DI Bob Valentine is on the case of a missing girl.
Difficult book to score and review, because though I quite enjoyed some of it, it wasn’t without issue.
It’s not a book in which the story progresses with any great tempo, which is not a problem for me if what is slowing the progression is of any interest. Unfortunately there are a few too many clunky references to the silliness of modern times, which, whilst I agree with his observations, are often not very well integrated. But the flat pace isn’t the only reason I often disengaged from what should have been a gripping read given the harrowing nature of the story, I just couldn’t get on board with any of the characters. Dialogue has its job in creating character, but here, I often found myself looking back to see who was speaking, as many spoke with the same voice. And as for time? I didn’t know where, or when I was. I felt I was in some unreal ‘Midsomer Murders’ world where computers and mobile phones are not to be mentioned unless imperative to the proceedings; fine I would normally say, suits me, but it just makes a modern crime novel feel unreal. I hate it when people get all pernickety over ‘errors,’ but I can’t stop myself here: what is it with references to the DVLC (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Centre). It became the DVLA (Agency) back in 1990 – I know, I worked there! Am I foolishly missing something? Yes, he’s clearly a cop coming to the end of his career and no doubt doesn’t do change, but a cop who regularly has to deal with the Agency? Really? Using a term thirty years after its extinction! Come on!
Wow, that paragraph went on a bit longer than anticipated. The novel’s not bad (hence the 3 stars). It has its moments. If you’re on a long journey and are in need of distraction, it may serve your purpose, but it’s not going to linger long in the memory despite the appalling crimes - I found little in the way of excitement, conflict, or tension.
Difficult book to score and review, because though I quite enjoyed some of it, it wasn’t without issue.
It’s not a book in which the story progresses with any great tempo, which is not a problem for me if what is slowing the progression is of any interest. Unfortunately there are a few too many clunky references to the silliness of modern times, which, whilst I agree with his observations, are often not very well integrated. But the flat pace isn’t the only reason I often disengaged from what should have been a gripping read given the harrowing nature of the story, I just couldn’t get on board with any of the characters. Dialogue has its job in creating character, but here, I often found myself looking back to see who was speaking, as many spoke with the same voice. And as for time? I didn’t know where, or when I was. I felt I was in some unreal ‘Midsomer Murders’ world where computers and mobile phones are not to be mentioned unless imperative to the proceedings; fine I would normally say, suits me, but it just makes a modern crime novel feel unreal. I hate it when people get all pernickety over ‘errors,’ but I can’t stop myself here: what is it with references to the DVLC (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Centre). It became the DVLA (Agency) back in 1990 – I know, I worked there! Am I foolishly missing something? Yes, he’s clearly a cop coming to the end of his career and no doubt doesn’t do change, but a cop who regularly has to deal with the Agency? Really? Using a term thirty years after its extinction! Come on!
Wow, that paragraph went on a bit longer than anticipated. The novel’s not bad (hence the 3 stars). It has its moments. If you’re on a long journey and are in need of distraction, it may serve your purpose, but it’s not going to linger long in the memory despite the appalling crimes - I found little in the way of excitement, conflict, or tension.
May 3, 2018
This is another one of those authors that I seemed to have by passed and waited until book four in the DI Valentine series before I have finally pickled one up to read.
Again, I had to ask if I would have missed out any information regarding the characters and yes I had, but it did not in anyway spoil the novel. In fact it piqued my interest and I shall now read the previous novel to find out what happened to DI Valentine!
So who is Di Valentine? DI Valentine is now a Detective Chief Inspector, returning to work after a leave of absence. Married with two children, his wife is not best pleased at his return and their relationship is somewhat difficult. You just knew that his life was not going to get any easier both at home and at work and it was interesting to see how Black would balance the two sides of Valentine. It was almost as if as his marriage plunged into the depths of disrepair then so the murder investigation intensified and I did wonder if he would survive.
I loved Valentine’s sidekick DI McCormack, a strong woman who could easily have crumbled at what she had to deal with but maintained a professional poise throughout. She also had to deal with being promoted over a male colleague which was perhaps Black’s way of addressing the gender equality issue in the police force. If that was the intention then it was done very well.
Other characters both hinder and help with the investigation and there was something a little mysterious about DI Davis, brought in because of his prior knowledge of ritualistic abuse, that had me intrigued. I couldn’t quite work out what he was upto and his actions certainly provided the surprise and one of the high points of the novel.
The investigation into the Abbie’s murder and the uncovering of rites, rituals and abuse was pretty hard to read in some places. Black does not stint on details and it is hard to believe that a lot of what he has written does and has happened in societies around the world.
What made the story that much more chilling were the chapters narrated by Abbie and I could sense her fear and absolute horror at what was going to happen to her. It was great that Black didn’t portray her as weak and helpless, she had strength of mind, unwilling to accept that this would be her fate and to be brainwashed into the ways and rites of the others. I liked that she was the one that could ultimately, even though she was dead, bring about the downfall of the litany of abuse, and maybe prevent it happening to others through her actions.
The pace of the novel is unrelenting. From the first to the last page Black never let me, the reader, rest with revelation after revelation increasing the intensity and sheer horror of the ritualistic abuse. The last few pages are fast and furious with the odd shock or to adding to the high drama and the ending left me wondering just what DI Valentine would get upto next
Her Cold Eyes was a great introduction to Scottish Noir and I shall definitely be revisiting very soon.
Again, I had to ask if I would have missed out any information regarding the characters and yes I had, but it did not in anyway spoil the novel. In fact it piqued my interest and I shall now read the previous novel to find out what happened to DI Valentine!
So who is Di Valentine? DI Valentine is now a Detective Chief Inspector, returning to work after a leave of absence. Married with two children, his wife is not best pleased at his return and their relationship is somewhat difficult. You just knew that his life was not going to get any easier both at home and at work and it was interesting to see how Black would balance the two sides of Valentine. It was almost as if as his marriage plunged into the depths of disrepair then so the murder investigation intensified and I did wonder if he would survive.
I loved Valentine’s sidekick DI McCormack, a strong woman who could easily have crumbled at what she had to deal with but maintained a professional poise throughout. She also had to deal with being promoted over a male colleague which was perhaps Black’s way of addressing the gender equality issue in the police force. If that was the intention then it was done very well.
Other characters both hinder and help with the investigation and there was something a little mysterious about DI Davis, brought in because of his prior knowledge of ritualistic abuse, that had me intrigued. I couldn’t quite work out what he was upto and his actions certainly provided the surprise and one of the high points of the novel.
The investigation into the Abbie’s murder and the uncovering of rites, rituals and abuse was pretty hard to read in some places. Black does not stint on details and it is hard to believe that a lot of what he has written does and has happened in societies around the world.
What made the story that much more chilling were the chapters narrated by Abbie and I could sense her fear and absolute horror at what was going to happen to her. It was great that Black didn’t portray her as weak and helpless, she had strength of mind, unwilling to accept that this would be her fate and to be brainwashed into the ways and rites of the others. I liked that she was the one that could ultimately, even though she was dead, bring about the downfall of the litany of abuse, and maybe prevent it happening to others through her actions.
The pace of the novel is unrelenting. From the first to the last page Black never let me, the reader, rest with revelation after revelation increasing the intensity and sheer horror of the ritualistic abuse. The last few pages are fast and furious with the odd shock or to adding to the high drama and the ending left me wondering just what DI Valentine would get upto next
Her Cold Eyes was a great introduction to Scottish Noir and I shall definitely be revisiting very soon.
April 24, 2018
This really is a grim book, and I must say I’m sure in this day and age things like this go on. You only have to read about the scandals within the BBC to realise how things are covered up, although the author was very sympathetic to the reader in the detail. We could use our imagination without it being too graphic. I think the ending was the only way forward so to speak, and I do hope Tony is going to write some more Bob Valentine books. Can’t say too much without giving the plot away.
I wouldn’t say it gave me nightmares, but it was food for thought.
I felt sure I’d read some of Tony’s books before, the main character seemed familiar but I really don’t recollect any of the storylines. I think I shall go back to the beginning and read the whole lot.
My thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.
I wouldn’t say it gave me nightmares, but it was food for thought.
I felt sure I’d read some of Tony’s books before, the main character seemed familiar but I really don’t recollect any of the storylines. I think I shall go back to the beginning and read the whole lot.
My thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.
December 5, 2024
This is my first DCI Valentine thriller, it was dark, gritty, well written.
DCI Valentine becomes embroiled in a horrific case about a circle of high powered Satanists who abuse and murder young girls, as the story unfolds, and now the bodies are mounting up…Very atmospheric, you could taste the fear in this grim tale, very difficult to put down, I have already ordered my next DCI Bob Valentine.
DCI Valentine becomes embroiled in a horrific case about a circle of high powered Satanists who abuse and murder young girls, as the story unfolds, and now the bodies are mounting up…Very atmospheric, you could taste the fear in this grim tale, very difficult to put down, I have already ordered my next DCI Bob Valentine.
April 27, 2018
Newly promoted to DCI Bob valentine is just back from holiday when he is handed a harrowing case when a young girl his hit by a HGV near a secluded estate could the cases be connected
This is Bob valentine at his best would highly recommend
This is Bob valentine at his best would highly recommend
May 3, 2018
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This story is very dark and gritty but very well written and I loved it!!
The book does cover some tough subjects, they are dealt with very well, but the book won't be for everyone. I thought that the characters were great and they give the story a really added edge that made it an excellent read for me and it is definitely up there with my best reads of the year so far.
Five stars from me, an excellent thriller and very highly recommended!!
This story is very dark and gritty but very well written and I loved it!!
The book does cover some tough subjects, they are dealt with very well, but the book won't be for everyone. I thought that the characters were great and they give the story a really added edge that made it an excellent read for me and it is definitely up there with my best reads of the year so far.
Five stars from me, an excellent thriller and very highly recommended!!
July 3, 2018
Brilliant Read.
August 13, 2018
Grim material but a great read
October 18, 2018
Well written with decent character development, but it’s really too dark for my complete enjoyment.
April 21, 2020
Good read
Got this book as a free download and though was a bit difficult reading at times because of the plot and content was well written and will read more from this author
Got this book as a free download and though was a bit difficult reading at times because of the plot and content was well written and will read more from this author
July 20, 2022
Sort of like a pizza gate story line! Pretty rubbish to be honest, felt like there was lots of police jargon and not much of a story line.
July 23, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley, Black and White Publishing, and Tony Black for the opportunity to read and review a copy of Her Cold Eyes.
Definitely not a book for the faint-hearted. I enjoyed reading this novel though. It kept me on the edge of my seat right until the very end.
Definitely well worth a read for fans of the genre.
Definitely not a book for the faint-hearted. I enjoyed reading this novel though. It kept me on the edge of my seat right until the very end.
Definitely well worth a read for fans of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews