Burning Ambition

DCS Palmer & the Serial Murder Squad #7

by B.L. Faulkner

What is behind the murder of three prisoners in a security van on their way from court to jail? How did one of the prisoners get substituted on the way and why is a family of one of them wiped out? What did they know that had to be kept secret? DCS Palmer and the team find a wall of silence and a major crime family intent on one last major heist that would eclipse all others. An old adversary from Palmer's early days in CID shows his hand and bit by bit the team piece together the clues. Then just when it seems all over and ready to file in the 'solved' drawer Palmer finds something that blows it all open again leading to the major end twist. As usual with Palmer, his wife and nemesis neighbour Benji both have an input to the proceedings.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2018

About the author

Barry Faulkner was born into a family of South London petty criminals who ran with the Richardson's Crime Gang in the 60's-90's. Being the youngest his mother, a top fashion model, was determined he would not follow in the criminal footsteps of the rest of the family and enrolled him into the Morely Academy of Dramatic Art to pursue a career in acting. Sadly young Faulkner was asked to leave after three months when no acting ability had surfaced. He went onto become an advertising copywriter with the English branch of the US Agency Erwin Wasey Ruffraf and Ryan where he got lucky with some scripts he sent to the BBC TV and became a scriptwriter and editor for them and several ITV companies. During this time the DCS Palmer plots were amassed in various notebooks and three years ago Faulkner finally found time to write and publish them. His early insight into the criminal world of his family has added authenticity to the characters and plots that makes them credible and the pace keeps the reader glued to the end. His signature end twist will always surprise you. Check out his top rated crime blog at geezers2016.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Robert Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my first outing with Detective Chief Superintendent Palmer as his team piece together a baffling crime puzzle. While I haven’t read the first six books in the series, in no way did it spoil my understanding or enjoyment.

At the heart of the story is a direct, no-nonsense style that’s easy going and addictive, giving pace without sacrificing quality or content. I was drawn straight into a story filled with well-drawn and believable characters on both sides of the law. These elements gave the story realism and authenticity, which can be lacking in many police procedural crime novels.

Though a quick read, the story doesn’t skimp on suspense, tension or thrills, though I would have preferred a little more details about the characters. The action scenes are well-handled and though I anticipated the final twists, they still delivered.

If you like entertaining crime fiction without frills and artifice, I would recommend this series. I’m certainly going to read more of the books.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read from Barry Faulkner!

The satisfaction of four criminals sentenced to jail time soon melts into the ether as the security van is hijacked leaving four bodies behind. DCS Palmer soon discovers that only three of the bodies match the prisoners - so where is the fourth, and why was he rescued?

I'm a great fan of this series; Palmer has a record of solving cases and is dogged in his determination to keep that record. Geeta Singh and Palmer have a great working relationship and play to their strengths, and I love all the details of how they reach the conclusion. I'm always surprised and, due to the humour sprinkled throughout this series, always end up with a grin on my face. A sparkling series of mysteries which are terrifically entertaining. Five stars!

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another well researched and crafted story. Characters are so good you almost believe that you are reading a non fiction account of events that happened. More please.