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DCI Jack Lambert #1
Open Grave
DCI Jack Lambert is no stranger to inner demons, having struggled with his own since the admission about his sexuality.
When two bodies are discovered in an open grave, Lambert must put his personal worries aside and work the case. But when the body of a local thug shows up on the banks of the River Tyne, the DCI’s criminal past comes back to haunt him.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer claims that she is being stalked. Could there be a link to the killings?
As the bodies start to pile up, Lambert realises the motive lies in the past and that the killer is taunting them.
The clock is ticking. Can he catch the murderer, or will one of their own end up in an open grave?
When two bodies are discovered in an open grave, Lambert must put his personal worries aside and work the case. But when the body of a local thug shows up on the banks of the River Tyne, the DCI’s criminal past comes back to haunt him.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer claims that she is being stalked. Could there be a link to the killings?
As the bodies start to pile up, Lambert realises the motive lies in the past and that the killer is taunting them.
The clock is ticking. Can he catch the murderer, or will one of their own end up in an open grave?
325 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2018
111 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 12, 2018
This was a good start to what looks like is going to be a strong police procedural series.... whenever you start a new series it is a double edged sword.... if it’s good now you have another series commitment, and if it’s not... well no need to discuss that because this was good and I am really looking forward to see how the series develops....
DCI Jack Lambert is a bit different than a lot of characters that take the lead in the series... he is not an evil genius, he is more an average Joe.... he is also openly gay.... this has had a negative impact on his relationship with his wife and child, for obvious reasons, and this was somewhat discussed in the book... The diversity was nice and it wasn’t overplayed... his colleagues were a bit crude and sexist but they seemed to accept Jack completely.... it is an interesting opportunity to discuss some timely issues, curious to see where that goes? So Jack and his cohorts bumble their way through this investigation that involves two bodies in an open grave and a actress being stalked....
SO what do these two dead bodies with no known association and a stalker have in common? Or do they? And will Jack and crew figure it out before the body count goes up?The procedural part of this book was well plotted and I loved plane amateur detective along side Jack.... there is a lot of room for character growth in Jack as well as his cronies.... I am really looking forward to see where Jack and this series take us...
Absolutely recommend to fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals🚨
*** A huge thank you to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
DCI Jack Lambert is a bit different than a lot of characters that take the lead in the series... he is not an evil genius, he is more an average Joe.... he is also openly gay.... this has had a negative impact on his relationship with his wife and child, for obvious reasons, and this was somewhat discussed in the book... The diversity was nice and it wasn’t overplayed... his colleagues were a bit crude and sexist but they seemed to accept Jack completely.... it is an interesting opportunity to discuss some timely issues, curious to see where that goes? So Jack and his cohorts bumble their way through this investigation that involves two bodies in an open grave and a actress being stalked....
SO what do these two dead bodies with no known association and a stalker have in common? Or do they? And will Jack and crew figure it out before the body count goes up?The procedural part of this book was well plotted and I loved plane amateur detective along side Jack.... there is a lot of room for character growth in Jack as well as his cronies.... I am really looking forward to see where Jack and this series take us...
Absolutely recommend to fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals🚨
*** A huge thank you to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
September 23, 2018
'Open Grave' is the first book of the DCI Jack Lambert series set in and around Newcastle, UK and A. M. Peacock's debut novel. The location was one of the aspects that initially drew me in - one mention of the River Tyne and i'm sold. I know the Newcastle area very well having lived in the vicinity for years a while back. It's also pretty rare, even though it shouldn't be, that the investigators in a police procedural are described as wrestling with their sexuality and turn out to be gay. I am an advocate for more diverse books, so this thoroughly appealed to me. Jack Lambert is a fascinating character and I am eager to know more about him in upcoming books. The struggle regarding his sexuality adds a different facet to the whole case, I thought it was believably portrayed and felt authentic. He is the typical tough guy who is loveable and a big softie at heart. That definitely fits with the Geordie profile!
I found the writing style had a great flow to it, and the pace was ideal, with many twisty surprises in store for the reader. The references made to the local area made the book feel much more personal to me as I knew the places that were mentioned. The climax was really well done and satisfied me as a thriller reader. However, there were issues that could've been resolved by tighter editing - frequently people were referred to by different names e.g. PCC Nadine is referred to as Nadine Dorris, Nadine Doris and Nadine Guthrie, which makes no sense at all, and I have no idea how this escaped the eagle eyes of the editor and the author.
All in all, this was a compelling, veritable thrill ride and one that kept me entertained for the duration. There were a few minor issues but that didn't affect my overall appreciation of the book, and being a debut, this is a promising start to the authors career. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I found the writing style had a great flow to it, and the pace was ideal, with many twisty surprises in store for the reader. The references made to the local area made the book feel much more personal to me as I knew the places that were mentioned. The climax was really well done and satisfied me as a thriller reader. However, there were issues that could've been resolved by tighter editing - frequently people were referred to by different names e.g. PCC Nadine is referred to as Nadine Dorris, Nadine Doris and Nadine Guthrie, which makes no sense at all, and I have no idea how this escaped the eagle eyes of the editor and the author.
All in all, this was a compelling, veritable thrill ride and one that kept me entertained for the duration. There were a few minor issues but that didn't affect my overall appreciation of the book, and being a debut, this is a promising start to the authors career. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2018
I thought this was a really impressive debut. The author writes with such skill and authority that I would never have known it was his debut if I hadn’t read it in their bio information.
DCI Jack Lambert is a great protagonist. I like how the author has made his main character gay, of which you don’t come across often in a detective series. What I loved more however is that the story isn’t weighted down by the characters sexuality. We know sadly that even though we are in a modern society, people can still be very backwards when it comes to their views, of which I did worry that the actual crime element of the story would be drowned out. I didn’t need to worry though as though the author makes us aware, and will probably go further into peoples prejudices further down the line, the case that the team are working on is very much at the forefront of the story.
It is very much a race against time setting the tension and pace nicely for this novel. I like how we start off with not one but two bodies. I mean come on which crime fan doesn’t like a high body count? I know I certainly do.
Open Grave is a commendable start to a very promising new crime series. It has left me very eager to see where the author will go from here and what he has in store for us readers in the next book in the series. An enthralling read that will have you hooked from start to end.
DCI Jack Lambert is a great protagonist. I like how the author has made his main character gay, of which you don’t come across often in a detective series. What I loved more however is that the story isn’t weighted down by the characters sexuality. We know sadly that even though we are in a modern society, people can still be very backwards when it comes to their views, of which I did worry that the actual crime element of the story would be drowned out. I didn’t need to worry though as though the author makes us aware, and will probably go further into peoples prejudices further down the line, the case that the team are working on is very much at the forefront of the story.
It is very much a race against time setting the tension and pace nicely for this novel. I like how we start off with not one but two bodies. I mean come on which crime fan doesn’t like a high body count? I know I certainly do.
Open Grave is a commendable start to a very promising new crime series. It has left me very eager to see where the author will go from here and what he has in store for us readers in the next book in the series. An enthralling read that will have you hooked from start to end.
September 26, 2018
If you like to give your brain a workout, then this is definitely the book for you!
With the discovery of two bodies, DCI Jack Lambert has a new case to work on. When this is followed by another body found in the river, Jack's team has plenty to be getting on with. A local celebrity stalking is added to their workload - is there a link? With the press on his back and more bodies added, it's time for some good old-fashioned police footwork. Add in family issues, office politics, personal problems and Jack has more than enough to keep him busy.
DCI Jack Lambert is the type of detective who works the case and follows the clues. There is a lot of grunt work in this one and at times it's hard to work out where it's heading, but the results make it well worth hanging in there. This is a well thought out scenario; plenty to grab your attention and make sure you guess (wrongly) several times over! It's not an over-glamorous novel, but rather a well written, gritty, warts-and-all police procedural with gruesome details and overworked officers following the clues along with the odd hunch. There is a really good cast of characters in this one, but the personalities don't dominate - the story does. The result is exciting and gripping, and it's certainly a series I would like to follow in future. Fully recommended!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
With the discovery of two bodies, DCI Jack Lambert has a new case to work on. When this is followed by another body found in the river, Jack's team has plenty to be getting on with. A local celebrity stalking is added to their workload - is there a link? With the press on his back and more bodies added, it's time for some good old-fashioned police footwork. Add in family issues, office politics, personal problems and Jack has more than enough to keep him busy.
DCI Jack Lambert is the type of detective who works the case and follows the clues. There is a lot of grunt work in this one and at times it's hard to work out where it's heading, but the results make it well worth hanging in there. This is a well thought out scenario; plenty to grab your attention and make sure you guess (wrongly) several times over! It's not an over-glamorous novel, but rather a well written, gritty, warts-and-all police procedural with gruesome details and overworked officers following the clues along with the odd hunch. There is a really good cast of characters in this one, but the personalities don't dominate - the story does. The result is exciting and gripping, and it's certainly a series I would like to follow in future. Fully recommended!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
September 22, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was a good read but it didn’t really hook me in.
Jack Lambert is SIO on a murder case involving two bodies found in an open grave. The book goes on a bit too long without any tenable leads so I found I’d lost interest when they did eventually find the killer.
I really liked Watkins and his rapport with Lambert was good fun.
There are other storylines in this book and whilst the criminal world was related to Jack’s past, the celebrity being stalked was a bit of a red herring.
I might give the next book a go to see if it’s a more gripping story.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This was a good read but it didn’t really hook me in.
Jack Lambert is SIO on a murder case involving two bodies found in an open grave. The book goes on a bit too long without any tenable leads so I found I’d lost interest when they did eventually find the killer.
I really liked Watkins and his rapport with Lambert was good fun.
There are other storylines in this book and whilst the criminal world was related to Jack’s past, the celebrity being stalked was a bit of a red herring.
I might give the next book a go to see if it’s a more gripping story.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 9, 2018
Two bodies found in a deep grave and DCI Lambert wondered why the grave had been dug up and opened for all to see? The male and Female buried there had been there at least a week or two so this seemed very unusual. They have some considerable difficulty trying to identify the couple and their relationship to each other and all is not as it seems. coupled with an investigation into the stalking of a reality star he certainly has his work cut out for him. Not everyone in the station is a fan of Jacks as he seems to 'do his own thing' which resulted in near fatal consequences in his last case and since admitting his sexuality he put a strain on his relationship with Rosie the pathologist as he was dating her at the time. I loved the team and Jack himself and even though there was quite a few characters introduced I kept up well with them, asthis is a debut novel It looks very promising for the rest of the series and it's one I will be looking forward to.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of the book.
September 24, 2018
This is the start of a new police procedural series set in Newcastle (England) featuring DCI Jack Lambert. There is, of course, a serial killer, as well as the obligatory team dysfunction, broken relationships and tortured hero. It was quite good, but there was nothing particularly original here.
Two bodies have been found entwined, their shallow grave having been recently dug up to make their discovery inevitable. The victims did not appear to know each other, and had nothing in common. Jack Lambert has recently returned to work after recovering from injuries sustained in a previous serial killing case that left both he and the force bruised by press criticism, his confidence lost. Then a member of a local drug dealing gang, which Jack was involved with in his previous life, is found dead, and a pop star reports being stalked. Overworked and understaffed, Jack and his underlings, ice cold Christensen and borderline sex-pest Watkins, are getting nowhere even when more bodies show up, and have to battle hostile journalists and solicitors, office power struggles and try to get help from Jack’s angry ex, the pathologist, and alcoholic friend the psychological profiler. Throw in gang turf wars and a horribly unhealthy lifestyle and it’s no wonder Jack is having headaches...
I don’t really know Newcastle, apart from a few weekend visits in the very early 90s when my sister was studying there - and neither have I read much fiction set there - most of my UK based series seem to be set in London or Yorkshire. I like it when the location becomes almost another character, but this certainly didn’t suggest anything appealing about the place - it never seems to stop raining, for a start.
The plot was okay, with quite a lot of threads introduced, things ended up being wrapped up very quickly, as it’s not a particularly long book.
I was disappointed that the author missed the opportunity to take the main point of difference here - an openly gay detective who has recently come out, and go somewhere with it - maybe this is being kept for future books, but the hero is neither in any kind of active relationship nor even attracted to anyone. He doesn’t even really get any kind of grief or bullying for it, his colleagues just tip-toe around the subject, showing a sensitivity that doesn’t ring true compared to the rest of their behaviour (rampant sexism and misogyny, for example.)
I also kept feeling that I had missed an earlier book, with all the references to the Newcastle Knifer case that are made, but this is definitely the first in the series. I’ve read so many detective series that I’m used to the lead being a misunderstood genius, so Lambert being a complete dimwit felt a bit odd. He rushes into danger alone, on the say-so of a bad guy, not once but twice, and doesn’t really solve the case apart from one moment of insight.
I’m possibly being a bit hard on this, especially as it’s a first novel. I did enjoy reading it for the most part, the writing was fine although as others have mentioned, the ARC has some errors with names etc that have hopefully been corrected for publication, and there was a serious lack of spacing between sub-chapters that made it hard to follow at times. I probably would read the next one to see where Peacock takes his amiable Geordie hero, but the genre is crowded, and for those who don’t read as much crime fiction as I do, this is not the best out there.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review. Open Grave is published on 26.09.18.
Two bodies have been found entwined, their shallow grave having been recently dug up to make their discovery inevitable. The victims did not appear to know each other, and had nothing in common. Jack Lambert has recently returned to work after recovering from injuries sustained in a previous serial killing case that left both he and the force bruised by press criticism, his confidence lost. Then a member of a local drug dealing gang, which Jack was involved with in his previous life, is found dead, and a pop star reports being stalked. Overworked and understaffed, Jack and his underlings, ice cold Christensen and borderline sex-pest Watkins, are getting nowhere even when more bodies show up, and have to battle hostile journalists and solicitors, office power struggles and try to get help from Jack’s angry ex, the pathologist, and alcoholic friend the psychological profiler. Throw in gang turf wars and a horribly unhealthy lifestyle and it’s no wonder Jack is having headaches...
I don’t really know Newcastle, apart from a few weekend visits in the very early 90s when my sister was studying there - and neither have I read much fiction set there - most of my UK based series seem to be set in London or Yorkshire. I like it when the location becomes almost another character, but this certainly didn’t suggest anything appealing about the place - it never seems to stop raining, for a start.
The plot was okay, with quite a lot of threads introduced, things ended up being wrapped up very quickly, as it’s not a particularly long book.
I was disappointed that the author missed the opportunity to take the main point of difference here - an openly gay detective who has recently come out, and go somewhere with it - maybe this is being kept for future books, but the hero is neither in any kind of active relationship nor even attracted to anyone. He doesn’t even really get any kind of grief or bullying for it, his colleagues just tip-toe around the subject, showing a sensitivity that doesn’t ring true compared to the rest of their behaviour (rampant sexism and misogyny, for example.)
I also kept feeling that I had missed an earlier book, with all the references to the Newcastle Knifer case that are made, but this is definitely the first in the series. I’ve read so many detective series that I’m used to the lead being a misunderstood genius, so Lambert being a complete dimwit felt a bit odd. He rushes into danger alone, on the say-so of a bad guy, not once but twice, and doesn’t really solve the case apart from one moment of insight.
I’m possibly being a bit hard on this, especially as it’s a first novel. I did enjoy reading it for the most part, the writing was fine although as others have mentioned, the ARC has some errors with names etc that have hopefully been corrected for publication, and there was a serious lack of spacing between sub-chapters that made it hard to follow at times. I probably would read the next one to see where Peacock takes his amiable Geordie hero, but the genre is crowded, and for those who don’t read as much crime fiction as I do, this is not the best out there.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review. Open Grave is published on 26.09.18.
September 27, 2018
Open Grave is the first book featuring DCI Lambert.
Lambert appears to come across as a bit of a rogue, with a bit of a hidden past which sounds troubled. He is a DCI who appears to ignore rules that his superiors try to enforce.
The book is set in the South Shields area and if you are familiar with that area you will be able to pinpoint these areas as reference is made to these in the book.
Lambert is tasked to investigate the strange killings of both men and women, who are classed as coupled but are they? Even more bizarre is the way they are placed and where!
Running alongside this investigation is a stalker case against a reality star along with what appears to be possible gang crimes.
Overall, I found the book to be a good read and in some aspects was good that there were a couple of crimes running parallel with each other. However, found that once it got to the intricate details of the “open grave” killings was keen to see how the story progress. (I know I have a weird sense of humour).
I will be keeping a close eye on this author and cannot wait to see what the next book is like.
Lambert appears to come across as a bit of a rogue, with a bit of a hidden past which sounds troubled. He is a DCI who appears to ignore rules that his superiors try to enforce.
The book is set in the South Shields area and if you are familiar with that area you will be able to pinpoint these areas as reference is made to these in the book.
Lambert is tasked to investigate the strange killings of both men and women, who are classed as coupled but are they? Even more bizarre is the way they are placed and where!
Running alongside this investigation is a stalker case against a reality star along with what appears to be possible gang crimes.
Overall, I found the book to be a good read and in some aspects was good that there were a couple of crimes running parallel with each other. However, found that once it got to the intricate details of the “open grave” killings was keen to see how the story progress. (I know I have a weird sense of humour).
I will be keeping a close eye on this author and cannot wait to see what the next book is like.
September 27, 2018
I do love a good police procedural book and this one delivers.
The main character DCI Jack Lambert is not your stereotypical hero. He is openly gay, much to the dismay of his ex-wife, and he is growing a bit of paunch in his days but he is fascinating.
I will put my hands up I did struggle at times with the writing as there were quite a few characters in the team introduced at once and I lost track of who was who sometimes and had to re-read some passages. *Remember this is my opinion, and it will not be the same for everyone. It might just be my age lol.* Although this is the first book in the series, I felt that it could have been a second book with the backstory of a previous case of the Newcastle Knifer mentioned throughout and I felt that I was missing something, especially as this affects Jack directly.
However, I loved Jack! I loved his team! I love that this is a new series for me to get my teeth into and I look forward to seeing where the author goes with the series. I love the investigation that takes place and the two seemingly separate storylines of the stalker and the murders.
It was a compelling read with lots of twists and turns, and a good debut from the author. It does grab your attention and keep you turning the pages. And did I mention I love police procedural books. I love getting into the thick of the investigation, and ignoring the rules! Seeing if I pick up clues before them, not like I could do anything if I did!
The main character DCI Jack Lambert is not your stereotypical hero. He is openly gay, much to the dismay of his ex-wife, and he is growing a bit of paunch in his days but he is fascinating.
I will put my hands up I did struggle at times with the writing as there were quite a few characters in the team introduced at once and I lost track of who was who sometimes and had to re-read some passages. *Remember this is my opinion, and it will not be the same for everyone. It might just be my age lol.* Although this is the first book in the series, I felt that it could have been a second book with the backstory of a previous case of the Newcastle Knifer mentioned throughout and I felt that I was missing something, especially as this affects Jack directly.
However, I loved Jack! I loved his team! I love that this is a new series for me to get my teeth into and I look forward to seeing where the author goes with the series. I love the investigation that takes place and the two seemingly separate storylines of the stalker and the murders.
It was a compelling read with lots of twists and turns, and a good debut from the author. It does grab your attention and keep you turning the pages. And did I mention I love police procedural books. I love getting into the thick of the investigation, and ignoring the rules! Seeing if I pick up clues before them, not like I could do anything if I did!
May 22, 2019
Engrossing, captivating, gritty: I highly recommend Open Grave- a heck of a debut novel by A.M. Peacock!
This fab thriller will have you glued to your seat – with DCI Jack Lambert we stumble in the dark trying to find the killer & their motive – to prevent the next murder(s). With Lambert, we fail…
DCI Jack Lambert #1
Introduction
A man being tortured. He knows he won’t survive. All he wants is to protect his ‘Suzy.’ An open grave. Two bodies inside. One male, one female. The crazy thing is, they were deliberately dug op. Exposed for the world to see. For the Police and DCI Jack Lambert to find. A methodical killer. One with a mission…
Between his superior, Detective Superintendent Edwards, and the nail-in -his-coffin, reporter David Robson, Lambert barely has time to investigate the first findings. Already, Robson has a lead. Does he have a mole in the police station? Lambert trusts his detectives, be it for his DI, Jane Russell, who is keen (too keen) to make promotion, but still, there is this gnawing feeling that Robson knows too much.
With a pathologist who hates his guts due to their former relationship ending because of Lambert’s coming out of the closet, a not-too-keen-nor-forgiving public due to a previous case of a serial killer that he, in the eyes of many, screwed up, Lambert knows it is only a matter of time before the whole of Newcastle will be all over him.
As if he’s not enough on his plate, another body is found and a celebrity is being stalked …. combined with the open grave murders, Lambert and his team are in over their heads without any clue whatsoever as to the motive. Will they find the killer before the body count rises? Only time will tell…
My Thoughts
Wow! What a fantastic detective thriller! I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel because boy oh boy, it ticks all the boxes. A serial killer, lack of motive, tension and estranged relations both professionally and personally, an old-fashioned Superintendent whose way of conversation is shouting accusations, and a protagonist tortured by inner demons, bound together in this gritty thriller.
The author has created a highly believable cast of characters which had me even sympathising Superintendent Edwards. Even if he’s a bit of a bully, he’s not having a good time and that is nicely put. I admired Lambert for his patience towards his DI, Russell, who is too keen and too eager to be liked. At least, not by me!
Well-written, engaging, and not for the faint-hearted: ‘Open Grave,’ set against the darker side of Newcastle, is a thriller I highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/open-g...
This fab thriller will have you glued to your seat – with DCI Jack Lambert we stumble in the dark trying to find the killer & their motive – to prevent the next murder(s). With Lambert, we fail…
DCI Jack Lambert #1
Introduction
A man being tortured. He knows he won’t survive. All he wants is to protect his ‘Suzy.’ An open grave. Two bodies inside. One male, one female. The crazy thing is, they were deliberately dug op. Exposed for the world to see. For the Police and DCI Jack Lambert to find. A methodical killer. One with a mission…
Between his superior, Detective Superintendent Edwards, and the nail-in -his-coffin, reporter David Robson, Lambert barely has time to investigate the first findings. Already, Robson has a lead. Does he have a mole in the police station? Lambert trusts his detectives, be it for his DI, Jane Russell, who is keen (too keen) to make promotion, but still, there is this gnawing feeling that Robson knows too much.
With a pathologist who hates his guts due to their former relationship ending because of Lambert’s coming out of the closet, a not-too-keen-nor-forgiving public due to a previous case of a serial killer that he, in the eyes of many, screwed up, Lambert knows it is only a matter of time before the whole of Newcastle will be all over him.
As if he’s not enough on his plate, another body is found and a celebrity is being stalked …. combined with the open grave murders, Lambert and his team are in over their heads without any clue whatsoever as to the motive. Will they find the killer before the body count rises? Only time will tell…
My Thoughts
Wow! What a fantastic detective thriller! I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel because boy oh boy, it ticks all the boxes. A serial killer, lack of motive, tension and estranged relations both professionally and personally, an old-fashioned Superintendent whose way of conversation is shouting accusations, and a protagonist tortured by inner demons, bound together in this gritty thriller.
The author has created a highly believable cast of characters which had me even sympathising Superintendent Edwards. Even if he’s a bit of a bully, he’s not having a good time and that is nicely put. I admired Lambert for his patience towards his DI, Russell, who is too keen and too eager to be liked. At least, not by me!
Well-written, engaging, and not for the faint-hearted: ‘Open Grave,’ set against the darker side of Newcastle, is a thriller I highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/open-g...
September 30, 2018
Set in North East England, two bodies are found in a ditch. DCI Jack Lambert heads up the investigation.
The two bodies are identified as year old Jessica Lisbie and Travis Kane. Both had been reported as missing but enquiries ascertain that they did not know each other. Jack and his team are out in force to find the why, as well as they were, they met their deaths. Pathologist Rosie Lynnes joins the team with her own information, but the atmosphere is difficult after her relationship with Jack came to an abrupt end. Just after this event, he hears of a man who is missing, then found with some of his fingers missing. It becomes clear that Jack's demons are never far away.
Alongside this enquiry, wannabe celebrity star Nell Stevenson reports a stalker to the police. She also has a bundle of letters that have been sent to her. Although not in the same vein as the murders, it needs to be investigated.
Retired Psychologist Pritchard is requested back onto the force to help with working out what sort of person would do this. Two more bodies are found, and the hunt ramps up. Jacks nemesis reporter David Robson is one step ahead so a leak within the team seems likely, but who?
The third find sends them all into a desperate race to find what their connections are, especially as one of the bodies is that of chief suspect, as a stalker, to Nell Stevenson.
Jack had many dealings with local entrepreneur/gangster Dorian Mcguire. He fronts a fish business but it is widely known that drugs are much more his thing. He is repeatedly found to be squeaky clean.
There is a lot that goes on in this novel but the characters shine through. Old friends Pritchard and Jack Lambert work well together and despite difficulties in life getting in the way, they remain good friends. To reveal more of this would be a shame.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The two bodies are identified as year old Jessica Lisbie and Travis Kane. Both had been reported as missing but enquiries ascertain that they did not know each other. Jack and his team are out in force to find the why, as well as they were, they met their deaths. Pathologist Rosie Lynnes joins the team with her own information, but the atmosphere is difficult after her relationship with Jack came to an abrupt end. Just after this event, he hears of a man who is missing, then found with some of his fingers missing. It becomes clear that Jack's demons are never far away.
Alongside this enquiry, wannabe celebrity star Nell Stevenson reports a stalker to the police. She also has a bundle of letters that have been sent to her. Although not in the same vein as the murders, it needs to be investigated.
Retired Psychologist Pritchard is requested back onto the force to help with working out what sort of person would do this. Two more bodies are found, and the hunt ramps up. Jacks nemesis reporter David Robson is one step ahead so a leak within the team seems likely, but who?
The third find sends them all into a desperate race to find what their connections are, especially as one of the bodies is that of chief suspect, as a stalker, to Nell Stevenson.
Jack had many dealings with local entrepreneur/gangster Dorian Mcguire. He fronts a fish business but it is widely known that drugs are much more his thing. He is repeatedly found to be squeaky clean.
There is a lot that goes on in this novel but the characters shine through. Old friends Pritchard and Jack Lambert work well together and despite difficulties in life getting in the way, they remain good friends. To reveal more of this would be a shame.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
September 26, 2018
A very promising start to this new series. DCI Jack Lambert is a police detective with his fair share of dodgy secrets and bad decisions in his past, both personal and professional. But aside from all that he loves his job and is very good at it, even though he doesn't always stick rigidly to the rules. Still getting over a botched case last year where he was injured and a vicious killer nearly got away, he and his team are faced with a double murder. The recently deceased bodies of one man and one woman are discovered in a grave that has deliberately been re-opened. Whilst the detectives are searching for connections and motives, another pair of bodies is revealed. Jack has his work cut out, especially whilst also trying to solve the cases of the killing of a lad working for the local drug lord and the harassment of a local girl turned celebrity. It's a great story with lots of suspects and twists right up to the discovery of the killer and leaves the reader waiting keenly for the next book in the series.
August 10, 2022
I was fortunate to meet the author at the UK Bookcrossing UnCon in Newcastle in July and it was great hearing Adam talk about his character Jack Lambert and him reading from the second novel.
I have to admit I found the first book a bit stilted and the characters a bit one dimensional but I carried on as the second novels promises to be much better and he has obviously grown as a writer since.
I loved the setting in Newcastle and the North East and there is great potential for more.
I have to admit I found the first book a bit stilted and the characters a bit one dimensional but I carried on as the second novels promises to be much better and he has obviously grown as a writer since.
I loved the setting in Newcastle and the North East and there is great potential for more.
August 30, 2018
While this new series doesn't rate as one of the best I've read this year, I did enjoy the mystery. At times, I felt that certain sections were too long, with repetitive information not really necessary to the plot. With that said, I would be interested in reading the next in the series to see the growth of the characters and the story line.
Thank you #netgalley and #bloodhound books for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #bloodhound books for the eARC.
November 20, 2018
Great characters - something I can’t enjoy a book without - and a really well constructed plot. All makes for a proper page turner of a debut.
April 26, 2019
Slow to start but really good! Some good plot twists!
August 22, 2018
Open grave - A.M peacock
Published by Bloodhound Books
This book is set in the South Shields area in the present day. There’s plenty of references to the landmarks around, which helps set the atmosphere nicely. It starts with torture and then moves to gang killings, the stalking of a reality TV star and a serial killer. The stories aren’t linked but they really gel to build the atmosphere of a busy police department. The serial killer is the main story though, and he is killing couples and while they don’t know each other, they are then buried together. After a few weeks he uncovers them so they will be found in a slightly intimate pose.
DCI Jack Lambert is a likeable rogue, troubled by his past and had come out as gay, when he left his girlfriend (plus an ex-wife) and is plagued with headaches. He sometimes bypasses the rules too when following the investigations. The tension builds gradually and I just couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened, again and again.. It’s one of those books where you just lose track of time....brilliant.
There are great, rounded characters in DCI Jack Lambert, DS Watkins and DS Christensen....I’m hoping for more in a series....a gripping, arresting read.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
Published by Bloodhound Books
This book is set in the South Shields area in the present day. There’s plenty of references to the landmarks around, which helps set the atmosphere nicely. It starts with torture and then moves to gang killings, the stalking of a reality TV star and a serial killer. The stories aren’t linked but they really gel to build the atmosphere of a busy police department. The serial killer is the main story though, and he is killing couples and while they don’t know each other, they are then buried together. After a few weeks he uncovers them so they will be found in a slightly intimate pose.
DCI Jack Lambert is a likeable rogue, troubled by his past and had come out as gay, when he left his girlfriend (plus an ex-wife) and is plagued with headaches. He sometimes bypasses the rules too when following the investigations. The tension builds gradually and I just couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened, again and again.. It’s one of those books where you just lose track of time....brilliant.
There are great, rounded characters in DCI Jack Lambert, DS Watkins and DS Christensen....I’m hoping for more in a series....a gripping, arresting read.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
January 25, 2019
This book was a bit of a struggle, as it seemed to rely more on stereotypes than originality and was written by an author with an abundance of ideas who included every one of them. Yes, the police work on more than one case at a time but this is fiction and these detectives seemed to get gey more confused as the plot progressed!
Jack Lambert would have worked ok if he had been struggling with just one problem, for example his coming out as a newly declared gay man. He was however, difficult to like as the ubiquitous over-worked detective chief inspector who doesn't follow protocol, has a bitter ex-wife, a daughter he doesn't see enough of, an ailing, estranged father and a preferred sibling. He was, unfortunately, also joined by a failing profiler with the nowadays seemingly compulsory dementia suffering relative, and a junior detective who began as a stammering, nervous weakling before suddenly chatting up any female officer he encountered and drinking far more than necessary. Add to this a strong, silent type colleague, an ex-love interest he has to work with and the bitchy female who is obviously angling for his senior investigating officer gig and you have stereotype overload.
The main case would have stood better alone as it was the most successful part of the story with an unexpected ending. The two other threads only served to muddy the water and make the book over-long instead there could have been hints about his past as that storyline could have made a second book on its own, the third part regarding the celebrity stalker was, to my mind, totally unnecessary. The author wasnt helped by weak editing and continuity problems throughout which were annoying and distracting. Although others have given this book high praise I am afraid, for me it was a disappointing read when the murders themselves showed great promise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jack Lambert would have worked ok if he had been struggling with just one problem, for example his coming out as a newly declared gay man. He was however, difficult to like as the ubiquitous over-worked detective chief inspector who doesn't follow protocol, has a bitter ex-wife, a daughter he doesn't see enough of, an ailing, estranged father and a preferred sibling. He was, unfortunately, also joined by a failing profiler with the nowadays seemingly compulsory dementia suffering relative, and a junior detective who began as a stammering, nervous weakling before suddenly chatting up any female officer he encountered and drinking far more than necessary. Add to this a strong, silent type colleague, an ex-love interest he has to work with and the bitchy female who is obviously angling for his senior investigating officer gig and you have stereotype overload.
The main case would have stood better alone as it was the most successful part of the story with an unexpected ending. The two other threads only served to muddy the water and make the book over-long instead there could have been hints about his past as that storyline could have made a second book on its own, the third part regarding the celebrity stalker was, to my mind, totally unnecessary. The author wasnt helped by weak editing and continuity problems throughout which were annoying and distracting. Although others have given this book high praise I am afraid, for me it was a disappointing read when the murders themselves showed great promise.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 22, 2023
An easy enough read. The trend for detectives to have a weakness gets rather too easily subsumed into a novelty, a selling point or a USP and it can be rather tiresome. Jack Lambert for example has broken relationships around him. His ex-wife, daughter, his father (who took was closer to his ex-wife than Lambert), his ex-partner who ,carrying on the trend, is a work colleague and whose hatred for Lambert is strident and fuelled primarily by his coming out as gay to her during, well to be precise, at what proved to be the end of their relationship. Oh did I mention in passing that the Jack Lambert has come out. Its not that important really, except for the many references to it in the story. Oh and of course the dancing around the issue by his colleagues. Oh and the inadvertently inappropriate comments of his DSI, and his subsequent apologies. The colleague who offers to find him someone among her gay friends. Oh that. That was clearly integral to the murder and police investigation part of the story. Its nothing really. Not at all a USP. Hardly worth mentioning. Which it isn't. Hardly even appears in every chapter. The team he works with are reduced to a series of testing very minor figures loyally following the darting about from suspect to suspect.....to a different suspect until having suspected a good number of dead end non-perpetrator suspects they finally find the right one. There a blustering shout-first-think-later boss, who keels over part way through, a friendly old profiler with a drink problem and investigative interviews with various members of Biffer Bates's family and "wor lads" Lacking the complexity of a Joseph Knox, the humour and brilliant writing of a William Macintyre, the coherence of a Jane Casey but all in all very lucid and easy to read. As one character very succinctly warned me in Chapter One, "Its all a bit of a cliche, really. Isn't it"
November 3, 2018
Detective Chief Inspector Jack Lambert is struggling not only with a vicious knife attack that seriously wounded him several months ago but also with coming to grips with his coming out as gay and how others are handling this. In particular, his ex-partner, pathologist Rosie Lynnes is hurt and cannot forgive him for his treatment of her. Added to these difficulties, he has an ongoing problem with a local journalist and his immediate superior appears to be going to pieces.
In his team, there is an ambitious detective inspector who is keen to get into Jack's shoes. There is also his earlier relationship, before becoming a policeman, with a local crime boss; his father is dying, and he is scared he is losing contact with his daughter.
The scene is set in South Shields, about 3.7 miles south of Newcastle. Lambert is called to the site where two bodies lie in an open grave. With his team, they discover the names of the victims but can't find a link between them. The problems increase when two more bodies are found in yet another open grave. Retired criminal psychologist Frank Pritchard is called in to help the team solve the murders.
Into all of this comes Nell Stevens a local media personality who is being stalked and a missing person reported by his pregnant partner, who was known to work with the local crime boss. There's also talk of somebody trying to take over the boss's patch.
So there's plenty going on in South Shields.
The book is cleverly written and keeps the reader involved through to the very unexpected end. There are few clues as to who the murderer is, or in fact who the stalker is. The protagonist and his team are believable as are all the characters on the periphery.
I would certainly recommend this book to any mystery readers.
In his team, there is an ambitious detective inspector who is keen to get into Jack's shoes. There is also his earlier relationship, before becoming a policeman, with a local crime boss; his father is dying, and he is scared he is losing contact with his daughter.
The scene is set in South Shields, about 3.7 miles south of Newcastle. Lambert is called to the site where two bodies lie in an open grave. With his team, they discover the names of the victims but can't find a link between them. The problems increase when two more bodies are found in yet another open grave. Retired criminal psychologist Frank Pritchard is called in to help the team solve the murders.
Into all of this comes Nell Stevens a local media personality who is being stalked and a missing person reported by his pregnant partner, who was known to work with the local crime boss. There's also talk of somebody trying to take over the boss's patch.
So there's plenty going on in South Shields.
The book is cleverly written and keeps the reader involved through to the very unexpected end. There are few clues as to who the murderer is, or in fact who the stalker is. The protagonist and his team are believable as are all the characters on the periphery.
I would certainly recommend this book to any mystery readers.
August 27, 2018
Truly one of the worst books I have ever read!
The storyline made absolutely so sense and was a mismatch of subplots that were forced to intermingle with no real resolution for any of them.
Add to that the writing style of the author and I was bordering on furious at the end of the book that I have wasted a day reading it.
Some of my irritations listed below:
1. DS Watkins is referred to as Steven and Stephen throughout (picky... I know...)
2. New PCC Nadine is referred to as Nadine Guthrie, Nadine Dorris and Nadine Doris throughout.
3. There’s only so many times that I can read about rain hitting windscreens with various intensity before I start loosing the will to live.
4. EVERY chapter ends with a one sentence paragraph as if the author is trying (but failing) to leave a cliff hanger after every chapter.
5. Watkins is linked to having “romantic” interest in several females in the book, and also enjoys the porno mags found in several searches for missing males. Sexual harassment anyone??
6. Near on every female is described in terms of having a trim/enviable figure and “striking” eyes. Women have more about them than that...
On the whole, this book reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey in terms of the writing style and repetitive nature, only I doubt it will be as successful.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I can assure you that had I paid even 99p for this I would have been far more irritated!
The storyline made absolutely so sense and was a mismatch of subplots that were forced to intermingle with no real resolution for any of them.
Add to that the writing style of the author and I was bordering on furious at the end of the book that I have wasted a day reading it.
Some of my irritations listed below:
1. DS Watkins is referred to as Steven and Stephen throughout (picky... I know...)
2. New PCC Nadine is referred to as Nadine Guthrie, Nadine Dorris and Nadine Doris throughout.
3. There’s only so many times that I can read about rain hitting windscreens with various intensity before I start loosing the will to live.
4. EVERY chapter ends with a one sentence paragraph as if the author is trying (but failing) to leave a cliff hanger after every chapter.
5. Watkins is linked to having “romantic” interest in several females in the book, and also enjoys the porno mags found in several searches for missing males. Sexual harassment anyone??
6. Near on every female is described in terms of having a trim/enviable figure and “striking” eyes. Women have more about them than that...
On the whole, this book reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey in terms of the writing style and repetitive nature, only I doubt it will be as successful.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I can assure you that had I paid even 99p for this I would have been far more irritated!
October 17, 2018
DCI Jack Lambert is investigating the case of two bodies that have been discovered in an open grave, Additionally, the body of a local thug shows up on the banks of the River Tyne, the DCI’s past comes back to haunt him.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer is being stalked and has her house trashed. The bodies start to pile up with another set of bodies being found and no links between the victims are forthcoming. Its a race against time. Can Lambert catch the murderer before they strike again?
Whilst the premise of the story is okay, but its feels like the majority of detective novels, nothing new and the cover of book is like so many others too - silhouette. At times the description is flat, along with some of the characters. Its set in Newcastle but you don't really get that sense; no mention of the iconic bridges or the Angel of the North that I remember, just run down estates and quayside places. The stalking ends up with a disappointing ending and the profiler, whilst having personal issues, didn't help one little bit. Lamberts sexuality is touched on a number of times and his links to a criminal in his past.
There are a few issues with the layout as sometimes it jumps from one scene to the next but there is no paragraph break. One character is named inconsistency.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer is being stalked and has her house trashed. The bodies start to pile up with another set of bodies being found and no links between the victims are forthcoming. Its a race against time. Can Lambert catch the murderer before they strike again?
Whilst the premise of the story is okay, but its feels like the majority of detective novels, nothing new and the cover of book is like so many others too - silhouette. At times the description is flat, along with some of the characters. Its set in Newcastle but you don't really get that sense; no mention of the iconic bridges or the Angel of the North that I remember, just run down estates and quayside places. The stalking ends up with a disappointing ending and the profiler, whilst having personal issues, didn't help one little bit. Lamberts sexuality is touched on a number of times and his links to a criminal in his past.
There are a few issues with the layout as sometimes it jumps from one scene to the next but there is no paragraph break. One character is named inconsistency.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.
December 9, 2018
DCI Jack Lambert is no stranger to inner demons, having struggled with his own since the admission about his sexuality.
When two bodies are discovered in an open grave, Lambert must put his personal worries aside and work the case. But when the body of a local thug shows up on the banks of the River Tyne, the DCI’s criminal past comes back to haunt him.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer claims that she is being stalked. Could there be a link to the killings?
As the bodies start to pile up, Lambert realises the motive lies in the past and that the killer is taunting them.
The clock is ticking. Can he catch the murderer, or will one of their own end up in an open grave?
This debut novel from A.M. Peacock is well assured and confident. He's managed to write a page-turning crime novel, but also go against the genre tropes by having a gay detective. Although Lambert's sexuality isn't dwelled on, the fact that this character has risen to the ranks of DCI, receives jibes from his co-workers and has to think about how his lifestyle impacts on his wife and child; ok so there's the genre trope of 'complicated homelife' after all. Seriously though, Peacock has crafted a great police procedural and what promises to be a great new series for Bloodhound Books.
When two bodies are discovered in an open grave, Lambert must put his personal worries aside and work the case. But when the body of a local thug shows up on the banks of the River Tyne, the DCI’s criminal past comes back to haunt him.
Meanwhile, a local celebrity singer claims that she is being stalked. Could there be a link to the killings?
As the bodies start to pile up, Lambert realises the motive lies in the past and that the killer is taunting them.
The clock is ticking. Can he catch the murderer, or will one of their own end up in an open grave?
This debut novel from A.M. Peacock is well assured and confident. He's managed to write a page-turning crime novel, but also go against the genre tropes by having a gay detective. Although Lambert's sexuality isn't dwelled on, the fact that this character has risen to the ranks of DCI, receives jibes from his co-workers and has to think about how his lifestyle impacts on his wife and child; ok so there's the genre trope of 'complicated homelife' after all. Seriously though, Peacock has crafted a great police procedural and what promises to be a great new series for Bloodhound Books.
June 18, 2024
For a short book, it tried to do a lot.
WHAT WORKED
-Openly gay detective Jack Lambert, who is a personal fuck up and kind of a dumbass
-So I have affection for him
-Welcome to the club
-I liked that he's not super hot or super fit. He's let himself go a bit, his diet sucks, he constantly has a headache, and he never shaves
-Openly gay mob boss, though I kept picturing him with a Sopranos accent instead of a Geordie one
-Decent supporting cast
-Newcastle setting, with shitty council estates and people with overly-gelled hair
AND WHAT DIDN'T
-It takes a long time for the plot to GO anywhere. I kept reading because I liked the characters, but I also wanted them to GET ON WITH IT
-Definitely a first time author - a lot of characters "squeaked" or "spluttered" an awful lot. Especially the squeaking
-The ending sure is... an ending. The culprit just Very second season of BBC Sherlock
It's too bad this didn't turn into a series though. The author published a second book, but nothing since 2019, and I thought this had a lot of promise.
WHAT WORKED
-Openly gay detective Jack Lambert, who is a personal fuck up and kind of a dumbass
-So I have affection for him
-Welcome to the club
-I liked that he's not super hot or super fit. He's let himself go a bit, his diet sucks, he constantly has a headache, and he never shaves
-Openly gay mob boss, though I kept picturing him with a Sopranos accent instead of a Geordie one
-Decent supporting cast
-Newcastle setting, with shitty council estates and people with overly-gelled hair
AND WHAT DIDN'T
-It takes a long time for the plot to GO anywhere. I kept reading because I liked the characters, but I also wanted them to GET ON WITH IT
-Definitely a first time author - a lot of characters "squeaked" or "spluttered" an awful lot. Especially the squeaking
-The ending sure is... an ending. The culprit just Very second season of BBC Sherlock
It's too bad this didn't turn into a series though. The author published a second book, but nothing since 2019, and I thought this had a lot of promise.
November 26, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed a good British police procedural fiction. I’m a huge fan of all British crime/detective TV shows so when it comes to crime novels I gravitate towards the same.
“Open Grave” reminds me a bit of Vera, set in the same region. The book is well written and the pacing is just right. It definitely kept me guessing who the culprit is and while I’ve gone through, in my head, all the possible suspects I was mildly surprised at the end.
I also like the personal aspects of the characters intertwined with the plot, which makes the characters more interesting. I like that the main character is openly gay (you don’t see too much of this in modern crime fiction) and that he is still struggling with understanding what that means after coming out has somewhat created a chasm between him and those he cared about. That’s his reason for loneliness and why he threw himself 200% into his work.
This is a promising series and I can’t wait to read the next book (just too bad there hasn’t been any more published since the second book).
“Open Grave” reminds me a bit of Vera, set in the same region. The book is well written and the pacing is just right. It definitely kept me guessing who the culprit is and while I’ve gone through, in my head, all the possible suspects I was mildly surprised at the end.
I also like the personal aspects of the characters intertwined with the plot, which makes the characters more interesting. I like that the main character is openly gay (you don’t see too much of this in modern crime fiction) and that he is still struggling with understanding what that means after coming out has somewhat created a chasm between him and those he cared about. That’s his reason for loneliness and why he threw himself 200% into his work.
This is a promising series and I can’t wait to read the next book (just too bad there hasn’t been any more published since the second book).
October 6, 2018
I found this a really absorbing debut novel featuring DCI Jack Lambert and set in the north east of England. Jack appears to be a hard working Detective, coming to terms with his sexuality and I hope to get to know him better, fingers crossed, if there are more books in the series. He is faced with a double murder, the bodies of a man and woman embracing, are discovered in an open grave. As Jack and his team are investigating this another pair of bodies are found. Jack is also faced with a local celebrity being stalked. Jack has to solve these cases, trying to find a link between them both, whilst suffering from crippling headaches. This is a really fast paced thriller, with great characters and is a book that you can’t put down, hoping for more to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 25, 2018
More ripping yarn than police procedural.
Ran smoothly through some lengthy timescales as investigations proceeded and the team dynamic works.
However, Jack Lambert's interactions with authority (both on and MICRO-SPOILER off the force) seemed strange. I'm sure that some of the conversations he holds - whilst many of us wage slaves might imagine them - would get us shown the door. Jack, however, seems to always be in control of the situation.
The core plot is of a number of crimes being tackled by the same Major Incident Team, their resolution is credible and there is just enough cliffhanger to make me consider the next in the series.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
Ran smoothly through some lengthy timescales as investigations proceeded and the team dynamic works.
However, Jack Lambert's interactions with authority (both on and MICRO-SPOILER off the force) seemed strange. I'm sure that some of the conversations he holds - whilst many of us wage slaves might imagine them - would get us shown the door. Jack, however, seems to always be in control of the situation.
The core plot is of a number of crimes being tackled by the same Major Incident Team, their resolution is credible and there is just enough cliffhanger to make me consider the next in the series.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
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I really enjoyed the author’s writing style for this book. It made the story addictive and I thought the flow very excellent. As soon as I had started reading I was completely immersed in the story and I found it very hard to put down.
I thought that the characters worked together very well and I am really looking forward to seeing how their relationships change and strengthen as the series progresses.
I thought that the storyline was great, plenty to keep me fully engaged and entertained and I loved the setting for the book.
Four stars from me for this one, it is a great start to a new series that I am very much looking forward too!!
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style for this book. It made the story addictive and I thought the flow very excellent. As soon as I had started reading I was completely immersed in the story and I found it very hard to put down.
I thought that the characters worked together very well and I am really looking forward to seeing how their relationships change and strengthen as the series progresses.
I thought that the storyline was great, plenty to keep me fully engaged and entertained and I loved the setting for the book.
Four stars from me for this one, it is a great start to a new series that I am very much looking forward too!!
September 28, 2018
A great start to a brand new series, introduces the team perfectly and DCI Lambert. Well written and easy to read. I did feel that the case just went on and on as there was no leads until the final few chapters but the story was kept interesting for the reader with another case on the go and plenty to keep the reader hooked… Some scenes can be quite dark and brutal.
A brilliant ending and overall case, even if it did that them forever to figure it out! I enjoyed reading this one. I awarded a well deserved four stars. A great start to an upcoming series I am looking forward too… Bring on book two.
A brilliant ending and overall case, even if it did that them forever to figure it out! I enjoyed reading this one. I awarded a well deserved four stars. A great start to an upcoming series I am looking forward too… Bring on book two.
November 29, 2018
I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
There is Jack Lambert investigating the discovery of two bodies in an open grave. He must put aside his personal troubles and do everything possible to solve this case. Until the day a thug's body was found on the banks of Tyne and a celebrity was harassed. Except that time is running out and all his crimes could be linked.
A book read in one go, I immediately hooked on the story so captivating, addictive and full of suspense and twists and turns and with endearing characters. Looking forward to continuing this series.
There is Jack Lambert investigating the discovery of two bodies in an open grave. He must put aside his personal troubles and do everything possible to solve this case. Until the day a thug's body was found on the banks of Tyne and a celebrity was harassed. Except that time is running out and all his crimes could be linked.
A book read in one go, I immediately hooked on the story so captivating, addictive and full of suspense and twists and turns and with endearing characters. Looking forward to continuing this series.
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