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Crane & Anderson #1
Death Rites
THE VICTIMS
Two young girls. One found dazed and mute, but alive. The other one wasn't so lucky. She's dead.
THE DETECTIVE
Out of the army, out of a job and out of sorts. Can Crane climb out of his pit of misery and be useful again?
THE POLICEMAN
Well, you can trust a policeman. Can't you?
Two young girls. One found dazed and mute, but alive. The other one wasn't so lucky. She's dead.
THE DETECTIVE
Out of the army, out of a job and out of sorts. Can Crane climb out of his pit of misery and be useful again?
THE POLICEMAN
Well, you can trust a policeman. Can't you?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
82 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Cartmell
63 books169 followersI was a Primary School Teacher before leaving England to settle in Spain nearly five years ago. I previously worked in Sales, Marketing and Public Relations for large and small companies. I now write crime novels featuring Sgt Major Crane a detective in the Special Investigations Branch of the British Army, based on Aldershot Garrison. My inspiration for Sergeant Major Crane was my love of crime writing and my husband’s 22 years service in the British Army.
I attend a lively Writing Group who unashamedly meet at beautiful beach side cafes on the Costa del Sol.
I attend a lively Writing Group who unashamedly meet at beautiful beach side cafes on the Costa del Sol.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 25, 2016
BROOK COTTAGE BOOK TOURS PRESENT: RULES OF THE EARTH by WENDY CARTMELL 21 – 25 November, 2016
NOVEMBER 25, 2016 ~ JOLAMBERTWRITER ~ EDIT
51uu3t4mtlRULES OF THE EARTH
BY WENDY CARTMELL
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: 10th June 2016
Publisher: Costa Press
Sgt Major Crane is out of the army, out of a job and definitely out of sorts. So when DCI Anderson throws him a lifeline, Crane grabs it. A young girl has been found, dazed, bruised and mute. As Crane and Anderson try to find out what happened to her, another girl is found. But this time she’s dead…
Extract
Prologue
It was stifling inside the black hood and he was sure the pointed top was wilting in the heat; just as he was. The smell of the blood in the chalice was making him feel sick and, if he was honest, the last thing he wanted to do was to drink it. But the humiliation of not joining in the ceremony was probably worse than taking a drink. Just.
He and his fellow supplicants formed a semi-circle around an altar, upon which lay a young child: she was very much alive but drugged to keep her quiet while the bloodletting took place. Her long blond hair was in dramatic contrast to the plain black shift that she wore. Her face was white, lips flesh coloured and only the faintest rising and falling of her chest indicated that she was breathing. On the back of one hand was a needle that fitted snugly into her vein. Attached to the needle was a small plastic tube that allowed her precious blood to drip out into the chalice. She could have been asleep, instead of unconscious. Around her were placed seven candles, six black and one white, their flames guttering and smoking in the hot fetid air.
Normally children were banned from attending these rituals, the only exception being the Satanic baptism, which was specifically designed to involve infants, and such a baptism was taking place in the basement of a remote house in the dead of night. It was a ceremony deemed to be necessary to override any Christian or other religious ceremonies that the child may have been subjected to before joining the Satanic Church. He wasn’t so sure it was necessary himself, but then all the churches had their rules, didn’t they? He guessed it was no different to a Catholic first communion or a Jewish Bar Mitzvah and so he’d decided he may as well play along. Let’s face it he had nothing better to do that night. And as he was moving soon, he’d thought he’d better make the most of the last meeting he would be attending.
As the chalice was passed to him he muttered the rite: Cursed are the lambs of God for they shall be bled whiter than snow.
Taking the tiniest of sips but still gagging on the foul taste of the blood, he just about managed to swallow it instead of coughing it out and spraying it all over the child. Thankful that he’d managed to get through it, he passed the cup to the next in line. To be fair, the group had tried to adhere as closely to the ritual as they could, using the rules described in the Satanic rituals, or dramatic performances as they were sometimes called. They followed the suggestions of the clothing to be worn, the music to be used and actions to be taken. It was said that the pageantry and theatricality was intended to engage the participant’s senses on all levels. He could relate to that, for apart from the blood, the rest of it was definitely working for him.
All the males wore black robes and hoods but the young women were encouraged to make themselves attractive to the males present. As a result he was surrounded by a surfeit of black leather and rubber, long shiny thigh length boots and even the odd whip or two. Everyone wore the sign of sulphur around their necks. The intent of the women to stimulate sexual feelings amongst the men was exciting and he couldn’t wait for the bloody ceremony to be over, so they could get on with the really interesting part, the part that started once the ceremony ended.
The Church of Satan smashed all concepts of what a ‘church’ was supposed to be. It was a temple of indulgence, where one could openly defy the temples of abstinence that had previously been built. Rather than an unforgiving, unwelcoming place, as so many of the church’s built by religions that worshiped God were, theirs was a place where you could go to have fun. It was a religion based on self-indulgence, of carnality (of the here and now instead of the there and then), and, most importantly to him, of pleasure instead of self-denial
At last the final person drunk from the chalice, the welcome sound of the bell ringing nine times rang around the room, signalling the end of the ceremony. The formal part over, it was time for the only reason he was there. It was time for the fun to start….
MY REVIEW
DCI Anderson’s old friend Sgt Major Tom Crane has been discharged from the army after a bad accident requiring long term convalescence. At home and on medication, Crane is bored and tetchy. When a young mute girl dressed in a black shift and marked with strange symbols is found wandering, Anderson gets authorisation to co-opt Crane onto his team to help with the investigation. As the girl works with a child psychologist using drawing therapy, pieces of information begin to come to light. But when another child similarly dressed is found dead, the investigation takes on a completely different complexion. Could this be evidence of a Satanic group in the area? When Anderson’s attention is drawn to the erratic behaviour of one of his officers he decides to keep an eye on him. Has he anything to do with the case, or is he simply, as he insists, unwell?
This is my first Anderson and Crane novel and it in no way disappointed. It’s the sort of read that keeps you turning pages, wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed the interaction between Crane and Anderson and also the fact that the structure of the story enables you to see what’s happening from both the hunters’ and hunted’s perspective. A dark subject which was dealt with very well. Looking forward to reviewing Basic Element next month.
August 1, 2020
A young girl is found dazed and mute with strange markings on her arms, DI Anderson and retired Sgt Major Crane who was a S.I.B detective, work together with their team on a case that gets even weirder as more bodies turn up, a brilliant story with great characters, and well worth a read if you like gritty crime books.
December 23, 2017
Great read
I love the Crane series and Crane and Andersons friendship continues with this series. Great story, well written and I love the deepening of their friendship as the books continue on. Will definitely keep reading as they're so enjoyable.
I love the Crane series and Crane and Andersons friendship continues with this series. Great story, well written and I love the deepening of their friendship as the books continue on. Will definitely keep reading as they're so enjoyable.
March 20, 2018
I have just not sure been able only a my friend
As the chalice was passed to him he muttered the rite: Cursed are the lambs of God for they shall be bled whiter than snow.
As the chalice was passed to him he muttered the rite: Cursed are the lambs of God for they shall be bled whiter than snow.
April 4, 2019
Reasonable but the plot was too obvious
June 30, 2019
Looks as if this could turn in to a good series.
September 24, 2019
Terrible
Thought I would give it a try but never again. Possibly one of the worst most childish book I have ever read. Certainly never proof read either.
Thought I would give it a try but never again. Possibly one of the worst most childish book I have ever read. Certainly never proof read either.
August 5, 2020
Excellent
Good i enjoyed the book immensely and I would vrecommend it to anyone else who like me enjoys a good page turnerm
Good i enjoyed the book immensely and I would vrecommend it to anyone else who like me enjoys a good page turnerm
June 7, 2016
A very disturbing storyline.
“Oh No!” I shouted as I started reading this book (the first in a new series Crane & Anderson Book 1) Tom Crane has been declared medically unfit by the army after a serious accident. As I’ve come to know him through the cases he’s solved as a member of the Special Investigations Branch of the military police, I knew that him being “put out to grass” by the army was going to have a devastating effect on his family life and my sympathy immediately turned to Tina, his very patient and caring wife. But I needn’t have worried. DI Derek Anderson of the Aldershot Police, would never let his “partner” disappear because of an injury and when the police are faced with the discovery of a little girl, mute and wandering near a busy road, with a black cloak type dress on, henna drawings on her arm and puncture marks on her hand, Derek knows that without Tom’s help he is not going to be able to solve the case.
This is one of the most twisted, distressing cases that the two men have ever had to cope with. In fact, just reading it made me want to rush out and help and protect all innocent children from despicable, deranged and conniving adults. I don’t want to put a spoiler in by describing what they having to deal with and uncover, but rest assured, it’s a subject that we don’t discuss and in fact, many people don’t even acknowledge that it is practiced, but it is and Wendy Cartmell has taken this evil practice and put it into a storyline that is so powerful that I would encourage people to read the book to gain some kind of knowledge on this practice, because we can pretend that debased practice only existed in ancient times but it is still very much alive today.
Wendy Cartmell, you never cease to amaze me with your books. I wish I could stand on a soapbox somewhere – telling people know about your talent as a writer. So …………. Please, if you’ve somehow found this review, then please support this hugely imaginative author.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
“Oh No!” I shouted as I started reading this book (the first in a new series Crane & Anderson Book 1) Tom Crane has been declared medically unfit by the army after a serious accident. As I’ve come to know him through the cases he’s solved as a member of the Special Investigations Branch of the military police, I knew that him being “put out to grass” by the army was going to have a devastating effect on his family life and my sympathy immediately turned to Tina, his very patient and caring wife. But I needn’t have worried. DI Derek Anderson of the Aldershot Police, would never let his “partner” disappear because of an injury and when the police are faced with the discovery of a little girl, mute and wandering near a busy road, with a black cloak type dress on, henna drawings on her arm and puncture marks on her hand, Derek knows that without Tom’s help he is not going to be able to solve the case.
This is one of the most twisted, distressing cases that the two men have ever had to cope with. In fact, just reading it made me want to rush out and help and protect all innocent children from despicable, deranged and conniving adults. I don’t want to put a spoiler in by describing what they having to deal with and uncover, but rest assured, it’s a subject that we don’t discuss and in fact, many people don’t even acknowledge that it is practiced, but it is and Wendy Cartmell has taken this evil practice and put it into a storyline that is so powerful that I would encourage people to read the book to gain some kind of knowledge on this practice, because we can pretend that debased practice only existed in ancient times but it is still very much alive today.
Wendy Cartmell, you never cease to amaze me with your books. I wish I could stand on a soapbox somewhere – telling people know about your talent as a writer. So …………. Please, if you’ve somehow found this review, then please support this hugely imaginative author.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
November 27, 2016
I love it when I find a book that I absolutely whizz through in a day. A book that holds my attention right up until the very end. Rules of the Earth is one such book. The first book I've read by Wendy Cartmell and it won't be my last.
Sgt Major Crane has effectively been invalided out of the army. His injuries not the result of some conflict in a far away land........but embarrassingly to him, as a result of falling off the back of a lorry. Falling deeper into depression due to the new and unwanted life before him, filled with pain and a sense of no longer feeling he had any useful purpose, he is approached by his friend DCI Anderson, a police officer who has a rather unusual case. A young girl has been found. She refuses to speak and is covered in strange markings. And, someone has been draining her blood. Anderson wants Crane on the case with him. But, will Crane's confidence, and the constant pain from his injury allow him to take on this new challenge? It takes some clever play by Anderson and Crane's wife to make sure Crane is interested enough in the case to at least find out a bit more about it. Soon Crane's natural investigative skills and sheer curiosity quell the pain demons in his hip for a while.
This was a really interesting read. Quite early on it becomes apparent who the person of interest is that Crane and Anderson are after and it becomes a cat and mouse game fairly quickly. Can the bad guy outwit the formidable team of Crane and Anderson? I really enjoyed the interactions between Crane and Anderson and could almost imagine Crane desperate to hit Anderson with his walking stick! The plot was very cleverly woven throughout and the subject I found really interesting, if not a little disturbing. The writing style flowed easily and smoothly and the introductions of some secondary characters such as DC Douglas really added to the overall story. I liked this book a lot and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Sgt Major Crane has effectively been invalided out of the army. His injuries not the result of some conflict in a far away land........but embarrassingly to him, as a result of falling off the back of a lorry. Falling deeper into depression due to the new and unwanted life before him, filled with pain and a sense of no longer feeling he had any useful purpose, he is approached by his friend DCI Anderson, a police officer who has a rather unusual case. A young girl has been found. She refuses to speak and is covered in strange markings. And, someone has been draining her blood. Anderson wants Crane on the case with him. But, will Crane's confidence, and the constant pain from his injury allow him to take on this new challenge? It takes some clever play by Anderson and Crane's wife to make sure Crane is interested enough in the case to at least find out a bit more about it. Soon Crane's natural investigative skills and sheer curiosity quell the pain demons in his hip for a while.
This was a really interesting read. Quite early on it becomes apparent who the person of interest is that Crane and Anderson are after and it becomes a cat and mouse game fairly quickly. Can the bad guy outwit the formidable team of Crane and Anderson? I really enjoyed the interactions between Crane and Anderson and could almost imagine Crane desperate to hit Anderson with his walking stick! The plot was very cleverly woven throughout and the subject I found really interesting, if not a little disturbing. The writing style flowed easily and smoothly and the introductions of some secondary characters such as DC Douglas really added to the overall story. I liked this book a lot and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
February 15, 2017
A real page turner
The first in the Crane and Anderson, Death Rites proved to be a fast paced gripping read. Invalided out of the army Sgt Major Crane is now working as a consultant with a Major Crimes Unit, headed by his old friend, Chief Inspector Derek Anderson. The first case is a disturbing one, involving child abduction and satanic worship., leading Crane and Anderson in pursuit of a corrupt police officer. Death Rites had me gripped from the start and I am looking forward to reading more from Wendy Cartmell.
The first in the Crane and Anderson, Death Rites proved to be a fast paced gripping read. Invalided out of the army Sgt Major Crane is now working as a consultant with a Major Crimes Unit, headed by his old friend, Chief Inspector Derek Anderson. The first case is a disturbing one, involving child abduction and satanic worship., leading Crane and Anderson in pursuit of a corrupt police officer. Death Rites had me gripped from the start and I am looking forward to reading more from Wendy Cartmell.
November 21, 2016
Rules of The Earth is an easy read police drama set in the local, to me, town of Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. So I enjoyed reading about all the local settings, recognising many of them.
The book opens with a gruesome Satanic Baptism and the blood letting of a drugged child. Bethany has been kidnapped from Birmingham, brought to a hidden location, kept drugged and fed little in an underground location. However one day her captor is distracted when he leaves her and she finds the door unlocked and escapes, where she is later found wandering on the Ash Ranges. Traumatised and unable to speak, she is a puzzle to DI Anderson and his team at Aldershot police station.
Sgt Major Tom Crane has lost his career and life after an army accident. He's enjoyed a past working relationship with the civil police and Anderson really needs his help on the case. But Crane is in a lot of pain and a bad mental place right now. He doesn't want sympathy, nor does he want to end up on the rubbish heap of life. With a bit of persuation he agrees to help out as a civilian consultant and then the case gets moving.
A second child is kidnapped by the Satanic group, but things go wrong and a trail to the offenders begins to appear. However investigations are hampered by some personal issues for DS Bullock whose own actions divert the attention of some of the team.
A quick read for those who enjoy police crime thrillers or those with an interest in the setting location.
The book opens with a gruesome Satanic Baptism and the blood letting of a drugged child. Bethany has been kidnapped from Birmingham, brought to a hidden location, kept drugged and fed little in an underground location. However one day her captor is distracted when he leaves her and she finds the door unlocked and escapes, where she is later found wandering on the Ash Ranges. Traumatised and unable to speak, she is a puzzle to DI Anderson and his team at Aldershot police station.
Sgt Major Tom Crane has lost his career and life after an army accident. He's enjoyed a past working relationship with the civil police and Anderson really needs his help on the case. But Crane is in a lot of pain and a bad mental place right now. He doesn't want sympathy, nor does he want to end up on the rubbish heap of life. With a bit of persuation he agrees to help out as a civilian consultant and then the case gets moving.
A second child is kidnapped by the Satanic group, but things go wrong and a trail to the offenders begins to appear. However investigations are hampered by some personal issues for DS Bullock whose own actions divert the attention of some of the team.
A quick read for those who enjoy police crime thrillers or those with an interest in the setting location.
February 18, 2017
An amazing cast of characters in a very intriguing fast paced story! Love Crane!!
June 29, 2016
This book begins with Sgt. Major Crane having been injured and forcibly retired out of his beloved army…I was devastated! But then the story takes hold and you realize that Crane’s investigative skills have not been relegated to the back-burner, but alive and well, mostly thanks to his wife, Tina, and his friend DCI Anderson.
Two girls, one missing, one dead, their fates clearly related, and the Aldershot Police have no clues as to what’s happened to them. DCI Anderson calls upon his old friend, Sgt. Major Crane, to step in and assist in the investigation. This is a great beginning to a new twist on the Sgt. Major Crane series and I really look forward to the continuing series as I have read all of the previous books and I am a huge fan!
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however if I find an author whose work is exceptional, I will purchase their novels from that point forward. That is the case with Ms. Cartmell’s, this is a verified purchase. See all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Two girls, one missing, one dead, their fates clearly related, and the Aldershot Police have no clues as to what’s happened to them. DCI Anderson calls upon his old friend, Sgt. Major Crane, to step in and assist in the investigation. This is a great beginning to a new twist on the Sgt. Major Crane series and I really look forward to the continuing series as I have read all of the previous books and I am a huge fan!
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however if I find an author whose work is exceptional, I will purchase their novels from that point forward. That is the case with Ms. Cartmell’s, this is a verified purchase. See all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 29, 2016
I have enjoyed many of the Sgt. Major Crane books and when shown this spin-off, thought I’d give it a go.
This is a Police Procedural.
DI Anderson had an unusual case come to his attention. A young child had been found and was so traumatized that she was unable to speak. He sought the counsel of his friend, Tom Crane, a former Sgt. Major with the UK Army who was forced out on medical retirement. Reluctant at first, Crane finally consented to help. Will this duo be able to discover the source of the child’s trauma?
I enjoyed how Ms. Cartmell shared the relationship between these two male friends. One of the more common themes in this story was Crane’s pride versus Anderson’s need to help. Of course, neither would say their feelings outright.
This is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Adult Language, and hints of sexual situations.
This is a Police Procedural.
DI Anderson had an unusual case come to his attention. A young child had been found and was so traumatized that she was unable to speak. He sought the counsel of his friend, Tom Crane, a former Sgt. Major with the UK Army who was forced out on medical retirement. Reluctant at first, Crane finally consented to help. Will this duo be able to discover the source of the child’s trauma?
I enjoyed how Ms. Cartmell shared the relationship between these two male friends. One of the more common themes in this story was Crane’s pride versus Anderson’s need to help. Of course, neither would say their feelings outright.
This is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Adult Language, and hints of sexual situations.
September 6, 2017
Interesting premis for a gripping police thriller
Though I.think the plot would benefit from substantive research into Police procedures and legal practices - senior detectives would be unlikely to have jurisdiction to delete police records or the level of access nor is it likely that any lawyer without the requisite police station accreditation be able to attend a police interview or represent at interview. I think this could be much better than it is with character development and wider thinking around the plot - as it is, it should remain a shortly story rather than a novel unless the story is gripping or creates thrilling storyline
Though I.think the plot would benefit from substantive research into Police procedures and legal practices - senior detectives would be unlikely to have jurisdiction to delete police records or the level of access nor is it likely that any lawyer without the requisite police station accreditation be able to attend a police interview or represent at interview. I think this could be much better than it is with character development and wider thinking around the plot - as it is, it should remain a shortly story rather than a novel unless the story is gripping or creates thrilling storyline
December 11, 2016
DCI Anderson and Retired Sgt. Major Crane work together to solve the case of a missing girl. Little did they know that the case would evolve into much more. Satanic rituals and murders. New twists and turns send them scrambling to discover who is behind the crimes.
Rules of the Earth had plenty going on to keep me entertained. Great characters, good action, and some surprising discoveries. Can't wait to read more in the series.
Rules of the Earth had plenty going on to keep me entertained. Great characters, good action, and some surprising discoveries. Can't wait to read more in the series.
November 14, 2016
This is the second book I’ve read by Wendy Cartmell, and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the previous Sgt Crane novel, but I think this one takes it to another level. A real page turner full of great characters you really believe in, especially, the flawed, but likable Crane. Highly recommended and deserving 5 stars.
April 13, 2017
Rules of the Earth: a dark
disturbing detective thriller
Wendy Cartmell
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Sgt. Major Crane, an ex-military investigator, comes out of medical retirement and teams up with his police detective friend DCI Anderson to solve an English city’s mystery – a girl is found walking the streets, with an identity problem. She is also frightened out of her mind and doesn’t speak.
Under his jurisdiction, Anderson is baffled by the crime and asks Crane to help. In their first endeavor, with Anderson as the boss, Crane adds a new dimension to Anderson’s investigation team which seems to be lacking in ability.
This thriller dabbles into the occult that has produced the crime the child has survived. Then another child has been affected. Leading the team to fear, more children may be at risk.
The devil is closer than one may think. He is in a breakdown mode due to the fact he feels overwhelmed by his cult’s cohort’s inability, his family member’s pestering, and his unproductive work habits. In his breakdown, Crane and Anderson have their suspicions but can’t put their finger on the problem.
An unpredictable event occurs; Crane and Anderson go into action, and a thrilling ending leads you into the next book in this (Crane & Anderson Detective Series.) It’s as good as the Crane Series. Thumbs Up.
disturbing detective thriller
Wendy Cartmell
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Sgt. Major Crane, an ex-military investigator, comes out of medical retirement and teams up with his police detective friend DCI Anderson to solve an English city’s mystery – a girl is found walking the streets, with an identity problem. She is also frightened out of her mind and doesn’t speak.
Under his jurisdiction, Anderson is baffled by the crime and asks Crane to help. In their first endeavor, with Anderson as the boss, Crane adds a new dimension to Anderson’s investigation team which seems to be lacking in ability.
This thriller dabbles into the occult that has produced the crime the child has survived. Then another child has been affected. Leading the team to fear, more children may be at risk.
The devil is closer than one may think. He is in a breakdown mode due to the fact he feels overwhelmed by his cult’s cohort’s inability, his family member’s pestering, and his unproductive work habits. In his breakdown, Crane and Anderson have their suspicions but can’t put their finger on the problem.
An unpredictable event occurs; Crane and Anderson go into action, and a thrilling ending leads you into the next book in this (Crane & Anderson Detective Series.) It’s as good as the Crane Series. Thumbs Up.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews