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Sam Williams #2
No One Will Hear
Four murders
Four messages
One chance to catch a killer.
Renowned human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier lies dead, her body mutilated, her killer unknown. For DI Olivia Martins and her team, it’s a mystery. For the victim’s daughter Lizzy, a poet and academic with a shaky grasp on reality, it’s a tragedy. But for Sam Williams, the man Elizabeth fired a decade ago and hasn’t spoken to since, it’s a whole new world of pain.
Elizabeth’s death has stirred a sleeping past back to life. Former clients are darkening Sam’s door, old enemies returning, ancient cases reopening. It doesn’t help that DI Martins is on his case, the press are dogging his every step, and his girlfriend’s behaviour is increasingly erratic. But Elizabeth’s murder is just the start.
As Sam reluctantly digs his way back into the past, more truths will crumble into lies. More certainties will shade to doubt. And more innocent people will die.
Four messages
One chance to catch a killer.
Renowned human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier lies dead, her body mutilated, her killer unknown. For DI Olivia Martins and her team, it’s a mystery. For the victim’s daughter Lizzy, a poet and academic with a shaky grasp on reality, it’s a tragedy. But for Sam Williams, the man Elizabeth fired a decade ago and hasn’t spoken to since, it’s a whole new world of pain.
Elizabeth’s death has stirred a sleeping past back to life. Former clients are darkening Sam’s door, old enemies returning, ancient cases reopening. It doesn’t help that DI Martins is on his case, the press are dogging his every step, and his girlfriend’s behaviour is increasingly erratic. But Elizabeth’s murder is just the start.
As Sam reluctantly digs his way back into the past, more truths will crumble into lies. More certainties will shade to doubt. And more innocent people will die.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2018
138 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 29, 2018
It starts with Elizabeth Maurier's death .. or rather, her murder. This brings back a lot of memories for Sam, especially when he's called and requested to attend the hearing of the will.
Sam is paired with another of Elizabeth's circle, and a man that Sam really has a problem with. According to the will, they are to work together, along with her daughter, Lizzy, to put together a memoir of her life.
All of a sudden, Sam finds old enemies darkening his doorstep, Lizzy seems to be not all there, but then she has just lost her controlling mother. Sam's girlfriend is having issues of her own and Sam is puzzled. A new reporter is stalking Sam.
And then he discovers that Elizabeth wasn't the only victim of a serial killer. The police want Sam nowhere around as he tends to get in the way. His only ally is a rookie Constable.
This is a rather complex story told entirely by Sam. I did like that his back story was examined in great detail. I also like that he forgets that he is still a lawyer, but his way of looking at things is more like an investigator.
There are several main characters and it took awhile to understand how they fit in the story and with each other. Once everything starts blending together, the mystery becomes highly suspenseful. The ending was quite a surprise. This is second in a series, but reads well as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the Author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the advanced digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Sam is paired with another of Elizabeth's circle, and a man that Sam really has a problem with. According to the will, they are to work together, along with her daughter, Lizzy, to put together a memoir of her life.
All of a sudden, Sam finds old enemies darkening his doorstep, Lizzy seems to be not all there, but then she has just lost her controlling mother. Sam's girlfriend is having issues of her own and Sam is puzzled. A new reporter is stalking Sam.
And then he discovers that Elizabeth wasn't the only victim of a serial killer. The police want Sam nowhere around as he tends to get in the way. His only ally is a rookie Constable.
This is a rather complex story told entirely by Sam. I did like that his back story was examined in great detail. I also like that he forgets that he is still a lawyer, but his way of looking at things is more like an investigator.
There are several main characters and it took awhile to understand how they fit in the story and with each other. Once everything starts blending together, the mystery becomes highly suspenseful. The ending was quite a surprise. This is second in a series, but reads well as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the Author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the advanced digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 27, 2018
Sam Williams is back and within the first few pages I was reminded of how much I like this character. Not a lot of time has passed since events from the previous book Dead North but if Sam thought he’d have some time to recover from all that has happened, he’s sorely mistaken.
It all begins with the murder of his former boss, renowned lawyer Elizabeth Maurier. To Sam’s surprise, he finds out he’s mentioned in Elizabeth’s will. But this is just the start of a whole can of worms about to be opened and to find out the truth, Sam will have to work with his nemesis, David Brooks-Powell.
On top of that, Sam’s girlfriend Claire is acting very, very strangely. As a journalist, she’s caught up in her own investigation centred around someone smuggling young girls into the country, who are subsequently sold and the victims of unspeakable crimes. But her story is going nowhere as her editor thwarts her at every turn and she’s becoming increasingly morose.
Sam is just such an incredibly likeable character. For a lawyer, he’s not at all what you’d expect him to be. Not the stuffy suit and tie kind of man but a tad on the quirky side. He’s determined, has great instincts and is quite perceptive. Although maybe not so much where his girlfriend is concerned. Taking on the job of helping out with Elizabeth’s memoirs is really just an excuse to give himself something to do. His lawyer career isn’t exactly blossoming and there are only so many hours in the day when he can pretend to be working on something important.
The past is coming back to haunt Sam. Someone seems to have been pulling strings for years and there are some seriously murky waters to wade through with old enemies resurfacing, skeletons in closets and a case that has haunted Sam for ages. Full of intrigue and suspense but also some chuckles, this story had me absolutely hooked. Honourable mention to Vicki Coleman. I do so hope we’ll see more from her in future.
No One Will Hear is a well-paced story full of twists and turns and with a multitude of secrets to uncover. Some I figured out myself, some I didn’t see coming at all. But it all ends in a race to an immensely unexpected finish that made me yell the words “Why would you do that?!” at my Kindle. In a perverse sort of way, I really quite like it when an author manages to pull the rug from under my feet like that.
This is a fantastic addition to the series and I’m so glad joining the blog tour for the previous instalment allowed me to be introduced to these books and to Sam Williams. I’m incredibly excited to see where Joel Hames takes this series next!
It all begins with the murder of his former boss, renowned lawyer Elizabeth Maurier. To Sam’s surprise, he finds out he’s mentioned in Elizabeth’s will. But this is just the start of a whole can of worms about to be opened and to find out the truth, Sam will have to work with his nemesis, David Brooks-Powell.
On top of that, Sam’s girlfriend Claire is acting very, very strangely. As a journalist, she’s caught up in her own investigation centred around someone smuggling young girls into the country, who are subsequently sold and the victims of unspeakable crimes. But her story is going nowhere as her editor thwarts her at every turn and she’s becoming increasingly morose.
Sam is just such an incredibly likeable character. For a lawyer, he’s not at all what you’d expect him to be. Not the stuffy suit and tie kind of man but a tad on the quirky side. He’s determined, has great instincts and is quite perceptive. Although maybe not so much where his girlfriend is concerned. Taking on the job of helping out with Elizabeth’s memoirs is really just an excuse to give himself something to do. His lawyer career isn’t exactly blossoming and there are only so many hours in the day when he can pretend to be working on something important.
The past is coming back to haunt Sam. Someone seems to have been pulling strings for years and there are some seriously murky waters to wade through with old enemies resurfacing, skeletons in closets and a case that has haunted Sam for ages. Full of intrigue and suspense but also some chuckles, this story had me absolutely hooked. Honourable mention to Vicki Coleman. I do so hope we’ll see more from her in future.
No One Will Hear is a well-paced story full of twists and turns and with a multitude of secrets to uncover. Some I figured out myself, some I didn’t see coming at all. But it all ends in a race to an immensely unexpected finish that made me yell the words “Why would you do that?!” at my Kindle. In a perverse sort of way, I really quite like it when an author manages to pull the rug from under my feet like that.
This is a fantastic addition to the series and I’m so glad joining the blog tour for the previous instalment allowed me to be introduced to these books and to Sam Williams. I’m incredibly excited to see where Joel Hames takes this series next!
June 25, 2018
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of No One Will Hear. Sam Williams is still down on his luck, still self deprecating, interesting, mostly likeable, a little quirky and deliciously human - we see more of his personal relationships with his long suffering partner and past colleagues which, for me, was added interest in this gem of a read
I loved Dead North (Sam Williams, #1) and this is even better! The writing is, as always, spot on: Intelligent, engaging, tense and actually forces you to keep those pages turning. We learn a lot more about Sam's past and his time working for the now dead human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier, the woman who sacked him ten years earlier. It's a roller coaster ride with intrigue, mystery, deception and fabulous, fabulous characters and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Although this would read perfectly well as a stand-alone you'll be missing a treat if you don't read Dead North first.
5 MASSIVE stars and I'm now champing at the bit for the next Sam Williams story!
Read and reviewed for my book club - this review is, as always, my honest opinion and thoughts.
I loved Dead North (Sam Williams, #1) and this is even better! The writing is, as always, spot on: Intelligent, engaging, tense and actually forces you to keep those pages turning. We learn a lot more about Sam's past and his time working for the now dead human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier, the woman who sacked him ten years earlier. It's a roller coaster ride with intrigue, mystery, deception and fabulous, fabulous characters and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Although this would read perfectly well as a stand-alone you'll be missing a treat if you don't read Dead North first.
5 MASSIVE stars and I'm now champing at the bit for the next Sam Williams story!
Read and reviewed for my book club - this review is, as always, my honest opinion and thoughts.
October 23, 2018
I got this as a e book from tbc reviews. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
July 3, 2018
‘No One Will Hear’ ( Sam Willams Book 2 ) published by Mainsail Books on July 23rd
Hey, soooooo no stopping and it was straight into the 2nd book in this series with Sam Williams and even after a few hours break it was good to see him again, I liked him and his un conformist ways just as much...his personality and at times insecurities make him a really interesting character to read about and to ‘be in’ a story with
This book continues on from ‘Dead North’ but in such a way it can be a stand alone book as what has gone before is explained and so either way the reader is covered
The story is again a fast paced thriller which this time involves secrets, cut off body parts, a dying wish and human trafficking ( amongst other things ) all with a largish cast of enticing yet real life characters, brilliantly observed and described, as the author does so well
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to Sam’s return ( I may have a little crush 😃 ) seriously though a great second book and real ‘down to the nail’ exciting read
Hey, soooooo no stopping and it was straight into the 2nd book in this series with Sam Williams and even after a few hours break it was good to see him again, I liked him and his un conformist ways just as much...his personality and at times insecurities make him a really interesting character to read about and to ‘be in’ a story with
This book continues on from ‘Dead North’ but in such a way it can be a stand alone book as what has gone before is explained and so either way the reader is covered
The story is again a fast paced thriller which this time involves secrets, cut off body parts, a dying wish and human trafficking ( amongst other things ) all with a largish cast of enticing yet real life characters, brilliantly observed and described, as the author does so well
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to Sam’s return ( I may have a little crush 😃 ) seriously though a great second book and real ‘down to the nail’ exciting read
July 3, 2018
Sam Williams is a character I’m growing to like more with each book he features in. He has been bequeathed the task of compiling the life story of his ex-boss, the woman who sacked him and who has been murdered. He has to work with an old enemy, and the woman’s daughter. This seems to be a wild goose chase with obstructive police, smarmy bigwigs and a mentally fragile woman. He discovers there have been more murders and then Sam’s girlfriend starts to behave out of character. The story can stand alone, I think, but more will fall into place for the reader who has read Dead North first. There’s so much happening here and it’s all important to the plot. I love the intricacy of these stories. A Sam Williams story is always a guaranteed good read.
June 2, 2020
This is the second outing for Sam Williams, a down-on-his-luck lawyer, who seems to find himself solving cases before the police do.
This time Sam is asked to research and write the memoirs of Elizabeth Maurier, a recently murdered lawyer who was Sam’s employer and mentor until she sacked him ten years ago.
He is teamed up with Elizabeth’s daughter, Lizzie, and his former colleague and nemesis David Brooks-Powell. Sam does not relish the task, but his research leads him to reinvestigate one of his earlier very successful cases and before long he suspects this case may not have been as cut and dried as he thought.
Events take a turn for the worse as Sam’s girlfriend Claire starts acting strangely, the DI investigating Elizabeth’s murder dislikes Sam intently and resents his intrusion, and a persistent journalist seems to dog his every move.
I loved this book. The characters are engaging and quirky. The story moves along at a rapid pace and there are twists and turns aplenty.
I especially loved the Christie references as I am an Agatha Christie addict. But most of all the book was different and fresh.
I listened to this book via Audible and the narrator, Andrew Calverley was excellent. His command of a range of accents was masterly!
I look forward to book 3 in the series.
This time Sam is asked to research and write the memoirs of Elizabeth Maurier, a recently murdered lawyer who was Sam’s employer and mentor until she sacked him ten years ago.
He is teamed up with Elizabeth’s daughter, Lizzie, and his former colleague and nemesis David Brooks-Powell. Sam does not relish the task, but his research leads him to reinvestigate one of his earlier very successful cases and before long he suspects this case may not have been as cut and dried as he thought.
Events take a turn for the worse as Sam’s girlfriend Claire starts acting strangely, the DI investigating Elizabeth’s murder dislikes Sam intently and resents his intrusion, and a persistent journalist seems to dog his every move.
I loved this book. The characters are engaging and quirky. The story moves along at a rapid pace and there are twists and turns aplenty.
I especially loved the Christie references as I am an Agatha Christie addict. But most of all the book was different and fresh.
I listened to this book via Audible and the narrator, Andrew Calverley was excellent. His command of a range of accents was masterly!
I look forward to book 3 in the series.
May 28, 2020
What a marvellous turn of events. No One Will Hear picks up where Dead North finished. Sam Williams is back in London, and despite the shocking incidents in Manchester, he is still a somewhat shallow and callow man. He's holding on to old grudges and falls back into familiar patterns. However, as the story plays out, circumstances force Sam to grow up, to stop his tendency towards narcissism and look at the bigger picture. This Sam does, and I wanted to jump up and cheer when he stepped up and became the kind of man you can depend on. Although the plot line around Claire, his girlfriend, is probably considered the minor sub plot, it had a huge impact on me. I wasn't sure how Sam Williams would cope with Claire in her new state. It was so overwhelmingly gratifying to see a writer who allowed his character to grow and develop into a more substantial, deeper, thoughtful man. I loved it and ensures that I will stick with Sam Williams forever. Andrew Calverley delivers a perfect performance and his comic timing guarantees we get the most from Joel Hames' dark and witty humour. A delightful book that I'm thrilled to recommend.
July 27, 2018
No One Will Hear is the second book in the wonderful Sam Williams series, and in my opinion, it’s the best so far. It starts off where book 1 (Dead North) ended, but you can read this as a stand alone.
Once again we get to follow Sam Williams as he’s catapulted into a world of lies, trickery and murders. As with the first book, No One Will Hear is filled with suspense, dry humour and sudden twists and turns. There were a few superb surprises, and such moments are ALWAYS welcomed.
If you enjoy a good crime thriller, then this is a book for you - you won’t be disappointed!
Once again we get to follow Sam Williams as he’s catapulted into a world of lies, trickery and murders. As with the first book, No One Will Hear is filled with suspense, dry humour and sudden twists and turns. There were a few superb surprises, and such moments are ALWAYS welcomed.
If you enjoy a good crime thriller, then this is a book for you - you won’t be disappointed!
December 11, 2018
I am loving this series and loving our Sam . Another fast paced story set only a few weeks from where the first one ended making it easy to get totally absorbed . My thanks to tbc reviewers for my chance to read .
November 25, 2018
No One Will Hear is the second book in the wonderful Sam Williams series, and leaves off from the First one. Its a thriller, and can also be read as a stand alone. This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it, and didnt find myself lost despite not reading the first one yet. How ever, I intend to do so at a later date. I enjoyed the variety of characters and the authors style of writing. Would read more of his books.
July 31, 2018
On leaving Sam at the end of the last book, we found out that his old boss and the person that had been trying to get hold of him throughout his Manchester adventure, had been murdered. Book two continues almost straight away as Sam is summoned to the reading of Elizabeth Maurier's will and is appalled to learn that he has been bequethed the task of working with his old nemesis along with Elizabeth's daughter to compile her memoirs. Getting no sympathy from his girlfriend Claire who pretty much tells him he has nothing better to do, Sam reluctantly goes and meets up with Elizabeth's daughter Lizzy David Brooks-Powell to start work on the memoirs and thats when the can of worms opens!!
If you enjoyed the fast-paced complex Dead North then this is much of the same, if not better. Excellent characters throughout for the most part, but as much as I love Sam, I could happily give him a bloody good shake for not paying more attention to his girlfriend!!
Bring in Part 3!!
If you enjoyed the fast-paced complex Dead North then this is much of the same, if not better. Excellent characters throughout for the most part, but as much as I love Sam, I could happily give him a bloody good shake for not paying more attention to his girlfriend!!
Bring in Part 3!!
July 2, 2018
After reading Dead North (#1) and going back to read the introductory novellas I couldn't wait to get started on the second instalment featuring Sam Williams and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Still down on his luck, as well as himself, and with work running dry this book picks up straight from the last one without a breather!
The murder of Sam's ex boss opens a huge can of worms, starting with the reading of the will which sees Sam requested to work with his nemesis. If this wasn't bad enough the investigation is throwing up secret's, lies and cover up's. As well as having to deal with all this his personal life is once again causing concern.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sam's latest adventure and waiting to see if it all came good at the end. There are also some really funny moments which had me laughing out loud.
Fabulous 5 stars. Looking forward to number 3.
Still down on his luck, as well as himself, and with work running dry this book picks up straight from the last one without a breather!
The murder of Sam's ex boss opens a huge can of worms, starting with the reading of the will which sees Sam requested to work with his nemesis. If this wasn't bad enough the investigation is throwing up secret's, lies and cover up's. As well as having to deal with all this his personal life is once again causing concern.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sam's latest adventure and waiting to see if it all came good at the end. There are also some really funny moments which had me laughing out loud.
Fabulous 5 stars. Looking forward to number 3.
June 23, 2020
The first book in this series was superb, and this second book certainly didn't disappoint, This time Sam Williams is back in London when he becomes embroiled in the investigation into the murder of his old boss, and several other women.
The plot is fairly complex, but not so much that I got lost. It is fast paced and twisty with moments of dark humour. I love the character of Sam Williams. He always seems to be down on his luck, is self deprecating, but is always determined to get to the bottom of things. We learn more about Sam's girlfriend, Claire, and discover she has her own secrets. DI Roarke has a small cameo in this book, and he too is struggling with problems in his personal life. I hope we meet him again in future books.
Brilliant narration by Andrew Calverley made this a perfect listen.
The plot is fairly complex, but not so much that I got lost. It is fast paced and twisty with moments of dark humour. I love the character of Sam Williams. He always seems to be down on his luck, is self deprecating, but is always determined to get to the bottom of things. We learn more about Sam's girlfriend, Claire, and discover she has her own secrets. DI Roarke has a small cameo in this book, and he too is struggling with problems in his personal life. I hope we meet him again in future books.
Brilliant narration by Andrew Calverley made this a perfect listen.
August 1, 2018
A very interesting crime novel where the investigator, unofficial though he may be, Sam Williams, is as much in focus as the murder that was committed.
Elizabeth Maurier, who was responsible for Sam's success before she isolated him from her firm and triggered his downfall, is now dead. Trying to make sense of the gruesome crime and the fact that he is one of the people she willed to write her memoirs, Sam struggles to juggle his work and his personal life issues.
With the investigating DI hating him and his partner Claire behaving increasingly weirdly, he has his work cut out for him.
A story in which the mystery builds up slowly but retains the interest.
Elizabeth Maurier, who was responsible for Sam's success before she isolated him from her firm and triggered his downfall, is now dead. Trying to make sense of the gruesome crime and the fact that he is one of the people she willed to write her memoirs, Sam struggles to juggle his work and his personal life issues.
With the investigating DI hating him and his partner Claire behaving increasingly weirdly, he has his work cut out for him.
A story in which the mystery builds up slowly but retains the interest.
August 3, 2018
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I really enjoyed this book, it gripped me from the start right through to the brilliant ending and it is certainly a book I will be recommending!!
I loved the characters in the book, they were well developed and their interaction was completely on point. The writing style and pace was spot on and it made sure I kept fully engaged with the story.
I loved how the plot unravelled and the ending was perfect for the story – DI Martins is a brilliant character and I love a strong female lead!
Five stars from me – very highly recommended!! A thrilling read!!
I really enjoyed this book, it gripped me from the start right through to the brilliant ending and it is certainly a book I will be recommending!!
I loved the characters in the book, they were well developed and their interaction was completely on point. The writing style and pace was spot on and it made sure I kept fully engaged with the story.
I loved how the plot unravelled and the ending was perfect for the story – DI Martins is a brilliant character and I love a strong female lead!
Five stars from me – very highly recommended!! A thrilling read!!
August 1, 2018
After finishing Dead North, I was a bit worried about reading No One Will Hear in case it disappointed. I needn’t have worried! The mark of a good author is making sure the stories and themes don’t appear formulaic. No such worries with Joel Hames novels as No One Will Hear, although the second in the series, easily stands alone as a great read. The plotting is complex and the characters compelling. Sam Williams has to confront aspects of his past. Not something he is keen to do, but when it impacts on the investigation, he is given little choice. Excellent read.
May 28, 2020
After the death of a human rights lawyer Sam is pulled into a mystery of four murders and how and why his old boss was murdered. Are the cases linked and as Sam starts to get under the collar of a resident DI and his relationship seems to be falling apart Sam has to open up some dark stories from his past that he thought he had locked away for ever.
This is a fast paced thriller and I really enjoyed it. I also thought the narrator had a lovely tone which added to the enjoyment
This is a fast paced thriller and I really enjoyed it. I also thought the narrator had a lovely tone which added to the enjoyment
July 13, 2020
Audiobook review
Because of furlough it’s taken longer to get some listening time to finish this book. Thanks to furlough I got to extend this excellent book!
It’s got the thriller & mayhem filling I really enjoy.
The characters are full on, some you will really like, a couple you probably won’t like. Exactly what a book needs.
The narrator was spot on, really enjoyed the telling of this book.
Because of furlough it’s taken longer to get some listening time to finish this book. Thanks to furlough I got to extend this excellent book!
It’s got the thriller & mayhem filling I really enjoy.
The characters are full on, some you will really like, a couple you probably won’t like. Exactly what a book needs.
The narrator was spot on, really enjoyed the telling of this book.
July 24, 2018
When Elizabeth Maurier, a human rights lawyer is found dead. This brings up things from the past for Sam Williams. Afterall, she fired him ten years earlier and they haven't spoke to each other since. Not good for Sam, his past is coming to his present now. His girl friend is acting strangely and
DI Olivia Martins is on his case, the press is everywhere he goes. Things are not looking good for Sam at all. Can he get things back in order and find the killer? You will have to read the book to find out.
DI Olivia Martins is on his case, the press is everywhere he goes. Things are not looking good for Sam at all. Can he get things back in order and find the killer? You will have to read the book to find out.
November 19, 2018
Sam Williams is a lawyer whose former employer Elizabeth Maurier is found dead and mutilated.
Sam is asked to compile a history of her and her life's work.
Three more murders happen, suspicons are aroused with Sam even doubting his own girlfriend.
A fast paced book with many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Sam is asked to compile a history of her and her life's work.
Three more murders happen, suspicons are aroused with Sam even doubting his own girlfriend.
A fast paced book with many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
July 23, 2018
No one will hear by Joel Hammes.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Sam Williams is back. I love Sam's character. Brooks-Powell is with him trying to find out who killed Maxine.I was surprised who died. I cannot wait for the next part of this series. 5*.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Sam Williams is back. I love Sam's character. Brooks-Powell is with him trying to find out who killed Maxine.I was surprised who died. I cannot wait for the next part of this series. 5*.
July 10, 2020
Really enjoyed this. Great carachter development and plot progress. Also really enjoyed the narration and the variety of voices the reader used.
July 20, 2018
No one will hear Joel Hames
I read this book as I had enjoyed Sam Williams exploits in Dead North. This book has a slower pace but that is a good thing as Dead North was quite frantic. Here Sam is on home ground so we learn more about his partner Claire and their relationship. Sam is an unusual blend of a charecter- not a policeman but an almost out of work lawyer who has a photographic memory. The first victim in this book is his ex employer, who was trying to contact him in the days before her murder.
I enjoyed this book but I thought the story dragged a bit in the middle. I'm glad I persisted as the pace picked up into the latter part. Happy to give 4 stars and look forward to the next Sam Williams book
I read this book as I had enjoyed Sam Williams exploits in Dead North. This book has a slower pace but that is a good thing as Dead North was quite frantic. Here Sam is on home ground so we learn more about his partner Claire and their relationship. Sam is an unusual blend of a charecter- not a policeman but an almost out of work lawyer who has a photographic memory. The first victim in this book is his ex employer, who was trying to contact him in the days before her murder.
I enjoyed this book but I thought the story dragged a bit in the middle. I'm glad I persisted as the pace picked up into the latter part. Happy to give 4 stars and look forward to the next Sam Williams book
July 23, 2018
Just finished the second book in this series and wasn’t disappointed. Sam Williams is a character who is best described as a loveable rogue! He appears to be a brilliant lawyer who is a little bit down on his luck. The death of a previous employer let’s us into a bit more of the back story of
Sam without being boring or repetitive. A rollercoaster read which had me gripped to the end. Definitely looking forward to book 3!
Sam without being boring or repetitive. A rollercoaster read which had me gripped to the end. Definitely looking forward to book 3!
May 31, 2020
This is the second in the Sam Williams series and I think they are best read in order but it will work as a stand alone, although they do reference the events of the first book.
Sam's ex-boss has been ringing him, but he hasn't picked up the calls. Then she's dead, murdered and he is left a "bequest" to write her memoir with her daughter, and another ex-colleague, whom he had recently sued!
Meanwhile things are not so good on the home front, Clare is struggling with her new boss, her long running story, and has now got a life coach whom Sam doesn't quite trust. Their relationship is not at a high point.
The story is fast paced, the characters credible and it isn't easy to see what is coming.
This is well-told, with a dry humour and eye for detail.
The narration was very good and I think his voice fits very well with the story.
5 stars from me.
Sam's ex-boss has been ringing him, but he hasn't picked up the calls. Then she's dead, murdered and he is left a "bequest" to write her memoir with her daughter, and another ex-colleague, whom he had recently sued!
Meanwhile things are not so good on the home front, Clare is struggling with her new boss, her long running story, and has now got a life coach whom Sam doesn't quite trust. Their relationship is not at a high point.
The story is fast paced, the characters credible and it isn't easy to see what is coming.
This is well-told, with a dry humour and eye for detail.
The narration was very good and I think his voice fits very well with the story.
5 stars from me.
July 26, 2018
What a fantastic thriller! I love it! Two arch enemies. A will. A murder most vile. Somehow, this forces the two to work together. But Sam Williams has problems of his own. Will he be able to solve them or will he delve his own grave? Follow me and find out…
| Introduction |
Sam Wlliams #2
Elizabeth Maurier has been murdered. She has “left a legacy of justice, of noble service to the law, she has left memories of the battles she fought..” Sam Williams wonders why he has to attend the hearing of the will from his former mentor and boss. It is not like they were still friends. Or even colleagues. Among the people present, he spots David Brooks-Powell, his arch enemy. The one who reported him. The reason Sam challenged his former boss in court. As it happens, Lizzie Maurier’s mother wanted her memories written and the people she chose to compose them are.. yes, you can guess.
| Storyline |
Sam is furious but gets no sympathy from his girlfriend, Claire who pointedly informs him that he has nothing better to do anyway. Reluctantly, he meets up with Brooks-Powell and Lizzie. And finds out why Lizzie is so desperate a book about her mother should be written. But there is also something unexpected. A DI who hates his guts, accompanied by a DC, Colman, who apparently feels different and spills the beans about the victim’s horrific mutilation. ‘No one will hear.’ what message is that? Truth be told, Sam is more interested in the murder than writing the memories and when a trip to the police station reveals shocking evidence he knows he cannot let go. On top of that, things at home are not so great, Claire is growing distant and it looks like she has had it with him…
As Sam is trying to make sense of the words and the murder, he is pursued by a journalist, helped by a Colman and definitely not by her DI, as well as a so-called friend, he finds himself in high circles, manipulative behaviour and no idea of who to trust… Meanwhile, the situation with Claire is getting worse and he fails to understand what is going on. But Sam would not be Sam if he did not put his big foot in about every door he can think of in order to find out the devious mind behind Elizabeth Maurier’s murder. Does he jeopardise everything and for what? A murder investigation he should have left to the police? It is certainly not for his old boss’s memories or for the pleasure of working together with Brooks-Powell! But things get worse and now lives are at stake… is Sam able to prevent it?
| My Thoughts |
What a fab thriller this is! I enjoyed reading it. ‘No One Will Hear’ is engrossing and captivating and well-written. The author takes you with him on Sam’s path to find out the truth or better still, Sam’s way of not dealing with the important issues in his life. Until it is too late…
This is the first book in the Sam Williams series I have read and there were references to earlier cases, in Manchester, but all in all, this second instalment is good to be read as a standalone. I did have a bit of difficulty with one of the characters as I could not fully understand where he came from – but it was somewhat explained later in the book. If this character is also part of the first book, perhaps I would have known but it hardly deterred from reading on. To be honest, I read it in one session as I simply could not stop! It was a late, late night but boy, it was worth it! Entertaining, enjoyable, gripping and at times chilling – ‘No One Will Hear’ is a cracker and the Sam Williams series one to watch out for!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/no-one...
| Introduction |
Sam Wlliams #2
Elizabeth Maurier has been murdered. She has “left a legacy of justice, of noble service to the law, she has left memories of the battles she fought..” Sam Williams wonders why he has to attend the hearing of the will from his former mentor and boss. It is not like they were still friends. Or even colleagues. Among the people present, he spots David Brooks-Powell, his arch enemy. The one who reported him. The reason Sam challenged his former boss in court. As it happens, Lizzie Maurier’s mother wanted her memories written and the people she chose to compose them are.. yes, you can guess.
| Storyline |
Sam is furious but gets no sympathy from his girlfriend, Claire who pointedly informs him that he has nothing better to do anyway. Reluctantly, he meets up with Brooks-Powell and Lizzie. And finds out why Lizzie is so desperate a book about her mother should be written. But there is also something unexpected. A DI who hates his guts, accompanied by a DC, Colman, who apparently feels different and spills the beans about the victim’s horrific mutilation. ‘No one will hear.’ what message is that? Truth be told, Sam is more interested in the murder than writing the memories and when a trip to the police station reveals shocking evidence he knows he cannot let go. On top of that, things at home are not so great, Claire is growing distant and it looks like she has had it with him…
As Sam is trying to make sense of the words and the murder, he is pursued by a journalist, helped by a Colman and definitely not by her DI, as well as a so-called friend, he finds himself in high circles, manipulative behaviour and no idea of who to trust… Meanwhile, the situation with Claire is getting worse and he fails to understand what is going on. But Sam would not be Sam if he did not put his big foot in about every door he can think of in order to find out the devious mind behind Elizabeth Maurier’s murder. Does he jeopardise everything and for what? A murder investigation he should have left to the police? It is certainly not for his old boss’s memories or for the pleasure of working together with Brooks-Powell! But things get worse and now lives are at stake… is Sam able to prevent it?
| My Thoughts |
What a fab thriller this is! I enjoyed reading it. ‘No One Will Hear’ is engrossing and captivating and well-written. The author takes you with him on Sam’s path to find out the truth or better still, Sam’s way of not dealing with the important issues in his life. Until it is too late…
This is the first book in the Sam Williams series I have read and there were references to earlier cases, in Manchester, but all in all, this second instalment is good to be read as a standalone. I did have a bit of difficulty with one of the characters as I could not fully understand where he came from – but it was somewhat explained later in the book. If this character is also part of the first book, perhaps I would have known but it hardly deterred from reading on. To be honest, I read it in one session as I simply could not stop! It was a late, late night but boy, it was worth it! Entertaining, enjoyable, gripping and at times chilling – ‘No One Will Hear’ is a cracker and the Sam Williams series one to watch out for!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/no-one...
August 1, 2018
I was keen to read the second in the Sam Williams series, as I had really enjoyed this unconventional character first unleashed in Hames’ book, Dead North. No-one Will Hear can be comfortably read as a stand-alone as sufficient backstory is given to allow the reader to understand Sam Williams’ state of mind.
No-One Will Hear also offers an insight into the world that Sam Williams used to inhabit; a high earning lawyer who left under something of a cloud. Now his erstwhile boss, Elizabeth Maurier, has been found dead and Wiliams, to his surprise, has been asked to attend the probate session for the will reading.
He soon finds out why he is there. Lizzie Maurier, Elizabeth’s daughter and David Brooks-Powell, his nemesis from the firm have all been charged with writing Elizabeth’s memoirs as a last request. Elizabeth has been murdered, but can her memoirs have any bearing on her untimely death?
The police are not at all helpful. DI Olivia Martins wants to know why Elizabeth was calling Sam in the week leading up to her death, but Sam didn’t take those calls and simply doesn’t know. Martins doesn’t like him and warns him off, but that of course is enough to pique his curiosity. DC Vicki Colman, on the other hand, might be a little green in the job, but she reckons they need Sam’s help to find out more about the victim. They meet clandestinely and Sam hears about the horrific mutilation of Elizabeth’s body together with words written on the wall that say. ‘No one will hear.’
Meanwhile, as Sam tries to delve deeper into the lives of Elizabeth, Lizzzie and Brookes-Powell, he fails to notice that his long suffering girlfriend, Claire, is moving further away from him and has her own problems that Sam just isn’t listening to.
To add to his woes, Sam is now also being pursued by a tabloid hack, who is following him everywhere. Sam begins to think the murder must relate to a case he dealt with when he was with Elizabeth’s firm, but can it be as straightforward as that? Certainly there are some highly placed influencers interested in how this investigation is playing out.
Multi-layered, full of intrigue and with 4 messages and 4 murders to solve, Joel Hames has written another fast paced and intelligent thriller where the clues are unravelled in a series of wholly unexpected twists and turns.
Intense, twisted and gripping this is a novel that builds to a shocking climax as Sam finally untangles all the plot strands from this complex tapestry of violence and corruption.
Characterisation is strong, and there’s a thread of self-deprecating humour throughout, which helps to make Sam all the more a rounded if not always empathetic, character.
Verdict: A strong and intelligent plot led murder mystery with engaging characters and a dark heart.
No-One Will Hear also offers an insight into the world that Sam Williams used to inhabit; a high earning lawyer who left under something of a cloud. Now his erstwhile boss, Elizabeth Maurier, has been found dead and Wiliams, to his surprise, has been asked to attend the probate session for the will reading.
He soon finds out why he is there. Lizzie Maurier, Elizabeth’s daughter and David Brooks-Powell, his nemesis from the firm have all been charged with writing Elizabeth’s memoirs as a last request. Elizabeth has been murdered, but can her memoirs have any bearing on her untimely death?
The police are not at all helpful. DI Olivia Martins wants to know why Elizabeth was calling Sam in the week leading up to her death, but Sam didn’t take those calls and simply doesn’t know. Martins doesn’t like him and warns him off, but that of course is enough to pique his curiosity. DC Vicki Colman, on the other hand, might be a little green in the job, but she reckons they need Sam’s help to find out more about the victim. They meet clandestinely and Sam hears about the horrific mutilation of Elizabeth’s body together with words written on the wall that say. ‘No one will hear.’
Meanwhile, as Sam tries to delve deeper into the lives of Elizabeth, Lizzzie and Brookes-Powell, he fails to notice that his long suffering girlfriend, Claire, is moving further away from him and has her own problems that Sam just isn’t listening to.
To add to his woes, Sam is now also being pursued by a tabloid hack, who is following him everywhere. Sam begins to think the murder must relate to a case he dealt with when he was with Elizabeth’s firm, but can it be as straightforward as that? Certainly there are some highly placed influencers interested in how this investigation is playing out.
Multi-layered, full of intrigue and with 4 messages and 4 murders to solve, Joel Hames has written another fast paced and intelligent thriller where the clues are unravelled in a series of wholly unexpected twists and turns.
Intense, twisted and gripping this is a novel that builds to a shocking climax as Sam finally untangles all the plot strands from this complex tapestry of violence and corruption.
Characterisation is strong, and there’s a thread of self-deprecating humour throughout, which helps to make Sam all the more a rounded if not always empathetic, character.
Verdict: A strong and intelligent plot led murder mystery with engaging characters and a dark heart.
July 31, 2020
Note: Even though this is Book 2 in the series, it works pretty well as a stand alone novel.
It’s better than Book 1, which was just so-so for me. Our main character, Sam, isn’t as whiny as in the first story. He’s still rather sarcastic in his observations of people and places but he’s starting to show a bit of depth in this story. Not much depth, mind, but some. I have hopes that Sam can eventually become a balanced person. Right now, he’s still pretty self-centered.
The plot was better too. Maybe it’s because I like the mix of the past messing with the present. It brings up all sorts of problems for Sam – unresolved feelings, unresolved issues, old enemies popping up at inconvenient times, etc. Sam has to face some questionable choices he made in the past since they are smacking him in the face now.
The ladies were a little better. In book 1, they were present for roll call but not much else. Here, well, the two main ladies, Lizzy & Claire, are pretty much balls of emotion for the entire book. They were tiring. However, we do have a few other ladies that put in a better showing. Also, I do want to give a nod to Claire in that she’s living with self-centered Sam while dealing with a deeply personal trauma all while working on an intense journalistic story. (Perhaps Claire should get her own spin off series?). Since we see everything through Sam’s eyes, he see her as moody, emotional, irrational, etc. So that colors all of Claire’s narrative. And I still don’t like how Sam has a wandering eye. He doesn’t act on it but he’s clearly not fully committed to Claire either. Tinkle or get off the pot Sam!
The pacing was a little slow in some places but over all, it kept things moving along well. I was surprised by a small twist at the end. Our bad guy, who came off as creepy right from the beginning so we knew there was something up with him all along, well, he had a few surprises up his sleeves. I liked that there was this extra bit of manipulation to uncover, giving the ending an extra thrill. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Andrew Calverley does make a good Sam. He’s got Sam’s sarcastic attitude done to a T. For the most part, he has unique voices for all the characters, though one emotional lady sounds pretty much like the next emotional lady. The pacing was good and there were no technical issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
It’s better than Book 1, which was just so-so for me. Our main character, Sam, isn’t as whiny as in the first story. He’s still rather sarcastic in his observations of people and places but he’s starting to show a bit of depth in this story. Not much depth, mind, but some. I have hopes that Sam can eventually become a balanced person. Right now, he’s still pretty self-centered.
The plot was better too. Maybe it’s because I like the mix of the past messing with the present. It brings up all sorts of problems for Sam – unresolved feelings, unresolved issues, old enemies popping up at inconvenient times, etc. Sam has to face some questionable choices he made in the past since they are smacking him in the face now.
The ladies were a little better. In book 1, they were present for roll call but not much else. Here, well, the two main ladies, Lizzy & Claire, are pretty much balls of emotion for the entire book. They were tiring. However, we do have a few other ladies that put in a better showing. Also, I do want to give a nod to Claire in that she’s living with self-centered Sam while dealing with a deeply personal trauma all while working on an intense journalistic story. (Perhaps Claire should get her own spin off series?). Since we see everything through Sam’s eyes, he see her as moody, emotional, irrational, etc. So that colors all of Claire’s narrative. And I still don’t like how Sam has a wandering eye. He doesn’t act on it but he’s clearly not fully committed to Claire either. Tinkle or get off the pot Sam!
The pacing was a little slow in some places but over all, it kept things moving along well. I was surprised by a small twist at the end. Our bad guy, who came off as creepy right from the beginning so we knew there was something up with him all along, well, he had a few surprises up his sleeves. I liked that there was this extra bit of manipulation to uncover, giving the ending an extra thrill. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Andrew Calverley does make a good Sam. He’s got Sam’s sarcastic attitude done to a T. For the most part, he has unique voices for all the characters, though one emotional lady sounds pretty much like the next emotional lady. The pacing was good and there were no technical issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
October 8, 2018
This is the second book in the Sam Williams series, and begins almost straight after the end of the first book, Dead North, but also works well as a standalone. So it would maybe be a good idea to read Dead North first, but if you haven't, don't be put off reading this one - you'll be fine.
In Dead North, I fell a little bit in love with Sam Williams, and I'm happy to say that continued into this book. He's still down on his luck with just one client, things aren't great at home, and he's just discovered he has to help compile a memoir of a deceased employer he hadn't seen for 10 years. But there's something about Sam and I admire his doggedness and determination to get to the bottom of things. But in this case, will it come at a cost?
I was sorry not to see more Roarke in this story but very clearly he had his own thing going on, and I'm sure we'll hear more from Roarke in the future. In this book, Sam gets to spar with David Brooks-Powell, a man with whom he has a chequered past, and it was really interesting to see their relationship build throughout the book. I found myself quite cross and irritated with Claire in the early part of the book, but then, oh gosh, I felt really guilty about my negative thoughts. But I liked her having a bigger part in the story.
This tale starts as a bit of a slow burner, but the pace quickens as the story progresses. You need to stay focused, as there is a reasonable size cast of characters, but they all contribute to the story. All them are beautifully drawn and described, but the standouts for me, other than Sam, are Trawden because he's so complex, and Vicky Coleman, because she's feisty and brave, and not afraid to do the right thing. But DI Martins? She's got some issues, I think!
This is a fabulous story, beginning with a murder, but taking in so much more. It's hard to say too much more without giving away spoilers. But I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes an intelligent thriller with a great plot.
In Dead North, I fell a little bit in love with Sam Williams, and I'm happy to say that continued into this book. He's still down on his luck with just one client, things aren't great at home, and he's just discovered he has to help compile a memoir of a deceased employer he hadn't seen for 10 years. But there's something about Sam and I admire his doggedness and determination to get to the bottom of things. But in this case, will it come at a cost?
I was sorry not to see more Roarke in this story but very clearly he had his own thing going on, and I'm sure we'll hear more from Roarke in the future. In this book, Sam gets to spar with David Brooks-Powell, a man with whom he has a chequered past, and it was really interesting to see their relationship build throughout the book. I found myself quite cross and irritated with Claire in the early part of the book, but then, oh gosh, I felt really guilty about my negative thoughts. But I liked her having a bigger part in the story.
This tale starts as a bit of a slow burner, but the pace quickens as the story progresses. You need to stay focused, as there is a reasonable size cast of characters, but they all contribute to the story. All them are beautifully drawn and described, but the standouts for me, other than Sam, are Trawden because he's so complex, and Vicky Coleman, because she's feisty and brave, and not afraid to do the right thing. But DI Martins? She's got some issues, I think!
This is a fabulous story, beginning with a murder, but taking in so much more. It's hard to say too much more without giving away spoilers. But I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes an intelligent thriller with a great plot.
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