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DI Tom Blake #1
The Killer Shadow Thieves
Widowed detective DI Tom Blake sets off a chain of events that change his life forever, when the brutal murder of an alcoholic skinhead, and arrest of a vicious Turkish loan shark, unwittingly disrupts an international gang’s daring plans to steal the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard.
In a cruel twist of fate, Blake’s daughter is kidnapped and the trail propels the bereft detective on a personal quest to Miami to save her life. Operating outside the law, he enters into an illicit showdown with a mysterious artefacts Collector, almost costing him his life.
As the body count rises, Blake and his team struggle to unravel the conspiracy of a shadowy killer who leaves no trace. With only circumstantial evidence against each of the suspects, they hit a wall, until twenty-six-year-old photographs linking them to the murdered skinhead emerge. It seems the victim’s depraved past is the key to identifying the killer.
Can the police uncover the truth through all the lies and deception, and crack the case before someone else gets killed? And will they recover a legendary national treasure, worth millions, before it’s lost forever?
Fans of Mark Billingham's Tom Thorne will enjoy this book as will fans of Angela Marsons' Kim Stone.
In a cruel twist of fate, Blake’s daughter is kidnapped and the trail propels the bereft detective on a personal quest to Miami to save her life. Operating outside the law, he enters into an illicit showdown with a mysterious artefacts Collector, almost costing him his life.
As the body count rises, Blake and his team struggle to unravel the conspiracy of a shadowy killer who leaves no trace. With only circumstantial evidence against each of the suspects, they hit a wall, until twenty-six-year-old photographs linking them to the murdered skinhead emerge. It seems the victim’s depraved past is the key to identifying the killer.
Can the police uncover the truth through all the lies and deception, and crack the case before someone else gets killed? And will they recover a legendary national treasure, worth millions, before it’s lost forever?
Fans of Mark Billingham's Tom Thorne will enjoy this book as will fans of Angela Marsons' Kim Stone.
- GenresMystery
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2018
44 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Burgess
12 books36 followersAbout the author
J.F. Burgess writes addictive, twist-filled crime thrillers that keep readers up all night.
If you love gritty police procedurals packed with shocking reveals, morally complex detectives, and villains you’ll never forget — you’ve just found your next favourite author.
His bestselling DI Tom Blake series is set in the raw, industrial heart of Stoke-on-Trent, where dark secrets hide in plain sight. The DI Jessica Ryan books transport readers to the stunning but deadly beauty of the Peak District, where danger lurks behind every stone wall and misty ridge.
The first Blake novel, The Killer Shadow Thieves, has been downloaded over 10,000 times and smashed into the Amazon UK Crime Top 100.
Both series have grown to twelve novels, accumulating over 1.8 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and a loyal fan base on both sides of the Atlantic.
What readers are saying:
“Page-turning, tense crime mysteries with shocking twists that take you deep inside the criminal mind.”
Jonathan lives in Stoke-on-Trent, England, with his wife and grown-up daughter.
Start reading today — and discover why crime fans can’t put these books down.
Join his *VIP Reader's Club* to ensure you get all the special offers and forthcoming gripping crime stories, only available to VIP Club members. Pop your name on the list here...
https://jfburgess.com/
Facebook — Join him and other crime fans for a chat on his Facebook readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/JonBurgessWr...
J.F. Burgess writes addictive, twist-filled crime thrillers that keep readers up all night.
If you love gritty police procedurals packed with shocking reveals, morally complex detectives, and villains you’ll never forget — you’ve just found your next favourite author.
His bestselling DI Tom Blake series is set in the raw, industrial heart of Stoke-on-Trent, where dark secrets hide in plain sight. The DI Jessica Ryan books transport readers to the stunning but deadly beauty of the Peak District, where danger lurks behind every stone wall and misty ridge.
The first Blake novel, The Killer Shadow Thieves, has been downloaded over 10,000 times and smashed into the Amazon UK Crime Top 100.
Both series have grown to twelve novels, accumulating over 1.8 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and a loyal fan base on both sides of the Atlantic.
What readers are saying:
“Page-turning, tense crime mysteries with shocking twists that take you deep inside the criminal mind.”
Jonathan lives in Stoke-on-Trent, England, with his wife and grown-up daughter.
Start reading today — and discover why crime fans can’t put these books down.
Join his *VIP Reader's Club* to ensure you get all the special offers and forthcoming gripping crime stories, only available to VIP Club members. Pop your name on the list here...
https://jfburgess.com/
Facebook — Join him and other crime fans for a chat on his Facebook readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/JonBurgessWr...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 16, 2018
This is the beginning of a new crime series featuring DI Tom Blake. It starts with the murder of a skinhead and takes Blake to places he never thought he'd see.
The arrest of a Turkish loan shark puts an international gang's focus squarely on his back. Since he interrupted their plans for a huge heist, the man known as the Collector decides that Blake must also lose something ... or someone personal to him.
The body count rises and Blake, along with his team, try to get to the bottom of a vague conspiracy committed by a shadowy killer who leaves no clues behind.
There are a lot of credible characters to keep straight ... and suspects to keep the reader engaged. It's a page-turner with constant action and suspense. Blake is a terrific series character and I really look forward to reading what his next adventures may be.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The arrest of a Turkish loan shark puts an international gang's focus squarely on his back. Since he interrupted their plans for a huge heist, the man known as the Collector decides that Blake must also lose something ... or someone personal to him.
The body count rises and Blake, along with his team, try to get to the bottom of a vague conspiracy committed by a shadowy killer who leaves no clues behind.
There are a lot of credible characters to keep straight ... and suspects to keep the reader engaged. It's a page-turner with constant action and suspense. Blake is a terrific series character and I really look forward to reading what his next adventures may be.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 24, 2018
This is a really good thriller, great characters, a solid plot, believable storyline, interesting descriptive writing of the Potteries area the book is set in and a lively easy flow style of writing, the police procedural aspects were not boring and didnt get ‘bogged down’ and the story had a good start, middle and end.
Everything you need for a great book is there and makes it a fantastic debut
I would defintely say this is an author/series to watch and a very worthwhile read
Everything you need for a great book is there and makes it a fantastic debut
I would defintely say this is an author/series to watch and a very worthwhile read
November 6, 2018
A story for those who love police procedural novels, J.F. Burgess has created what feels like a true to life drama. With its local connects part of the appeal, the story follows DI Blake and DS Murphey as they try and solve a local murder as well as staying hot on the trail of a crime gang who are determined to steal the Staffordshire Hoard.
Thoughts
The plotline of this novel was interesting, with multiple threads and characters to hold onto it also requires some concentration. I was immediately rooting for DI Blake and DS Murphy and loved their on-page banter as well as the demonstrable respect that they had for each other as the story progresses. The introduction of all the characters was done incredibly well and held my interest, especially when the first murder occurred. The bad guys were suitably evil, however there was definitely some blurring of the lines which makes the characters multi-dimensional. The characters and their development throughout the novel are a definite highlight for me. As the story progressed, I was more drawn in and intrigued by what was going on. I also enjoyed (perhaps the wrong word) the family drama that was introduced and think that it made the characters more human, I was reading with my heart in my mouth when his daughter was kidnapped.
The ending is impressive and, whilst not obvious it is certainly solvable. I will say, however, that if you have an aversion to swearing then this probably isn’t the book for you. As with many books of this genre, action cannot be happening all the time. J.F. Burgess gives the reader time to calm down from the more active sequences towards the end, just before the big reveal.
I enjoyed this book and was fully immersed the majority of the time. I look forward to more books from Mr Burgess, especially if they are to be set in Stoke on Trent.
I was sent a free ecopy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review (all thoughts are my own)
Thoughts
The plotline of this novel was interesting, with multiple threads and characters to hold onto it also requires some concentration. I was immediately rooting for DI Blake and DS Murphy and loved their on-page banter as well as the demonstrable respect that they had for each other as the story progresses. The introduction of all the characters was done incredibly well and held my interest, especially when the first murder occurred. The bad guys were suitably evil, however there was definitely some blurring of the lines which makes the characters multi-dimensional. The characters and their development throughout the novel are a definite highlight for me. As the story progressed, I was more drawn in and intrigued by what was going on. I also enjoyed (perhaps the wrong word) the family drama that was introduced and think that it made the characters more human, I was reading with my heart in my mouth when his daughter was kidnapped.
The ending is impressive and, whilst not obvious it is certainly solvable. I will say, however, that if you have an aversion to swearing then this probably isn’t the book for you. As with many books of this genre, action cannot be happening all the time. J.F. Burgess gives the reader time to calm down from the more active sequences towards the end, just before the big reveal.
I enjoyed this book and was fully immersed the majority of the time. I look forward to more books from Mr Burgess, especially if they are to be set in Stoke on Trent.
I was sent a free ecopy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review (all thoughts are my own)
October 25, 2018
WOW, what a debut novel this is!!!!! It drew me in from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. It totally blew me away. Murder, drugs, money laundering, robbery, this book has it all. Amazing.
The characters are very likeable and real, well most of them are but a few I hated with a passion, exactly the way it should make you feel. DI Tom Blake, in particular, is a great character, also one of the main villains is Ibrahim Benzar who I couldn't help but like. He's a rogue but his heart is in the right place.
I don't want to say too much and give away spoilers but the author was very clever in certain parts of the book, genius in fact.
The ending .......... Perfect!!!!!!!
I do hope there is more to come from DI Blake, I think it would make a great series.
The characters are very likeable and real, well most of them are but a few I hated with a passion, exactly the way it should make you feel. DI Tom Blake, in particular, is a great character, also one of the main villains is Ibrahim Benzar who I couldn't help but like. He's a rogue but his heart is in the right place.
I don't want to say too much and give away spoilers but the author was very clever in certain parts of the book, genius in fact.
The ending .......... Perfect!!!!!!!
I do hope there is more to come from DI Blake, I think it would make a great series.
October 24, 2018
A very exciting debut novel, this is a police procedural set in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas but with a whole lot more. The story includes various criminal activities in the city's underbelly such as drug dealing and money lending, and together with a murder and an audacious plan to steal the famous Staffordshire Hoard DI Tom Blake and his team have their work cut out. The reader gets plenty of insights from police and villains alike, and the characters grow on you as the story progresses. My one criticism is that the main police character breaks the law very seriously at least three times during the book. On the first occasion he even confesses what he has done to his senior officer but receives no real punishment or dismissal which does not seem credible at all. The rest of the book feels very real although maybe a little bit too wordy in places. Overall I would recommend it.
October 25, 2018
This is the first novel by this author and it is a shocker! Brilliantly thought through and executed, the story has many threads woven together. For a while, I found it hard to keep track of the many characters, to remember who was who but I did master it as I got further into the book and became familiar with the various sections and peoples of those sections. I found that each character was clearly ‘visible’ to me; I knew exactly what their characters were like and even what they looked like, although the author never overdid the descriptions. I admit I didn’t like some of them but of course you’re not meant to like all of them. But I had a sneaking suspicion I did not like some of the ones I should have liked and I did like some of the ones I shouldn’t! Although perhaps it was more that I disapproved of some of the things done by the ‘goodies’ and admired the absolute cheek of a certain ‘baddie’. In some ways, it seems he is a baddie with a conscience, but on the other hand he is absolutely ruthless - an interesting contrast.
As crime stories go, this is certainly different. Some surprising things are done by certain characters and the ending is not a conventional ending of the usual crime novel. But I think that’s the attraction of this book, it doesn’t run true to form. Well done, Mr Burgess.
As crime stories go, this is certainly different. Some surprising things are done by certain characters and the ending is not a conventional ending of the usual crime novel. But I think that’s the attraction of this book, it doesn’t run true to form. Well done, Mr Burgess.
November 23, 2018
Brilliant
This is a new author ( to me anyway ) and the first crime thriller he has written and what a book it is as usual I won't bore you with the storyline you can find that on Amazon but it's a real page turner from start to finish and the ending is brilliant not the usual run of the mill at all if you want
to know why read the book its brilliant. The only thing I would point out is in the authors description he says he grew up in Stoke on Trent spent many years doing less than ideal jobs in and around the potteries five towns and we all know it's six towns but that's another story
This is a new author ( to me anyway ) and the first crime thriller he has written and what a book it is as usual I won't bore you with the storyline you can find that on Amazon but it's a real page turner from start to finish and the ending is brilliant not the usual run of the mill at all if you want
to know why read the book its brilliant. The only thing I would point out is in the authors description he says he grew up in Stoke on Trent spent many years doing less than ideal jobs in and around the potteries five towns and we all know it's six towns but that's another story
April 3, 2019
The Killer Shadow thieves by JF Burgess is a fantastic crime thriller.
DI Blake and DS Murphy are sent to investigate the murder of Barry Gibson at a local pub.
As the investigation unfolds there seems to be a few suspects but not enough evidence.
Also in the background, Ibrahim Benzar is plotting to steal the Staffordshire hoard from the Potteries museum. He meets his team to talk through the plans.
DI Blake’s daughter is kidnapped and so the time is ticking to find the missing pieces.
This is a gripping story of murder, a heist and lots of police chasing.
A true page turner maybe a movie or TV series in the making!
DI Blake and DS Murphy are sent to investigate the murder of Barry Gibson at a local pub.
As the investigation unfolds there seems to be a few suspects but not enough evidence.
Also in the background, Ibrahim Benzar is plotting to steal the Staffordshire hoard from the Potteries museum. He meets his team to talk through the plans.
DI Blake’s daughter is kidnapped and so the time is ticking to find the missing pieces.
This is a gripping story of murder, a heist and lots of police chasing.
A true page turner maybe a movie or TV series in the making!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
This is the first book in the DI Tom Blake series and is set in the Potteries area of Stoke.
The characters are believable and we follow them through murder, drugs, money laundering and much more besides!
It is an intense thriller that had me glued from start to finish. It has a bit of everything to keep you entertained.
An enjoyable start and I am looking forward to reading the second in the series, A Place of Reckoning.
The characters are believable and we follow them through murder, drugs, money laundering and much more besides!
It is an intense thriller that had me glued from start to finish. It has a bit of everything to keep you entertained.
An enjoyable start and I am looking forward to reading the second in the series, A Place of Reckoning.
December 14, 2018
A real who done it!
Just loved this book. The plot has so.many twists and turns. Keeps your interest the whole way. The characters are well developed and strong. You really need to pay attention to not get lost. Not all good guys are only good and bad guys only had a nice change. Will read further books from this author for sure.
Just loved this book. The plot has so.many twists and turns. Keeps your interest the whole way. The characters are well developed and strong. You really need to pay attention to not get lost. Not all good guys are only good and bad guys only had a nice change. Will read further books from this author for sure.
February 12, 2019
Wow what a journey. What a read kept me on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to the 2nd book. A great introduction and debut novel.
November 16, 2018
I will firstly thank the author for allowing me to read before release!
No spoilers
I really enjoyed reading this, it was thrilling and fast paced. Which is exactly what you want in crime fiction! The author did an excellent job at creating characters that you disliked and liked. I had to really question the police sometimes though lol.
I loved how descriptive of stoke it was, which I think made it even more fun to read.
This novel was well thought out and planned, as I did not expect the story to turn out the way it did. I am looking forward to the next books, and I think Jon is a real underdog of a writer!
No spoilers
I really enjoyed reading this, it was thrilling and fast paced. Which is exactly what you want in crime fiction! The author did an excellent job at creating characters that you disliked and liked. I had to really question the police sometimes though lol.
I loved how descriptive of stoke it was, which I think made it even more fun to read.
This novel was well thought out and planned, as I did not expect the story to turn out the way it did. I am looking forward to the next books, and I think Jon is a real underdog of a writer!
February 13, 2020
A very interesting and emotional book. DI Blake starts off on a case and it escalates when his daughter
is kidnapped. A mishap due to the release of his daughter lands her in a hospital where a tumor is found. Blake has his hands full trying to track down suspects who made a theft at a local museum worth millions plus his concern for his daughter where is is forced to go to America to get her treated.
Things dont work out as he had planned but the therapy works and his daughter is recovering allowing Blake to return to his investigations of the theft as well as a local murder.A well worth read.
is kidnapped. A mishap due to the release of his daughter lands her in a hospital where a tumor is found. Blake has his hands full trying to track down suspects who made a theft at a local museum worth millions plus his concern for his daughter where is is forced to go to America to get her treated.
Things dont work out as he had planned but the therapy works and his daughter is recovering allowing Blake to return to his investigations of the theft as well as a local murder.A well worth read.
June 16, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Look forward to the next one
April 21, 2025
Detective Inspector Tom Blake is trying to find the killer of a giant of a man, a brute of a man who is a skinhead whom no-one seemed to like. He picked an argument in a pub and then got into a fight and walked into the gents and was stabbed and died whilst being dragged to sit on the loo (toilet), the murderer climbed out of the window. There was so much blood around that Blake and his team couldn't find any decent dna to use, it was a gents toilet after all.
So to add to his woes, in a different part of Stoke on Trent, Ibrahim Benzar, a turkish national who is a multi millionaire is planning to steal from the local museum the famous Staffordshire Hoard. This was a treasure trove of solid gold and silver items dating back to the anglo saxon times. And worth a small fortune to him and his gang. He has an order to steal this by a guy called The Collector who lives in America. They plan to have a replica of each piece of the many hundreds there are, made to look and feel identical to the real hoard and stealing the real set and replacing with the fake set. This opereation had been going on for months, but one of their gang goes a little astray.
One of their gang is arrested and in order to get him back to use his expertise in the heist they kidnap Blakes's 16yr old daughter whilst she waiting at the bus stop to go to college and he gets a note to let the guy go, ie undo his handcuffs whilst he is about to be transferred from the police station to prison in their van. He actually does this and the guy goes free. His superior officer is raving mad and wants to know how on earth this can happen, and he tells him. They have kidnapped his daughter and they need him back. Now at this point I am livid, he's turned from being a good cop into an extremely bad cop and even tells his superior and his running mate Sergeant Murphy too. They actually go along with this.
And to make matters worse after Blake's daughter tries to escape her kidnappers and jumps out of their car and ends up hitting her head on the kerb and they drive off, is discovered to have a small brain tumour and she can only be saved by a very expensive operation in America, so Ibrahim sends Tom Blake 2 gold nuggets as he believed it was his henchmen who caused this to happen to her and for this to pay for her to travel to america and have her treatment there. But it wasn't, in the local hospital the doctors discovered it was a tumour which had been growing for sometime, so not down to Ibrahim's henchmen.
So Blake takes her to america for the operation and it's successful. However he meets The Collector to hand over the real gold nuggets and whilst going back to his car a biker guy holds him up and snatches the gold. Obviously he jumps into his hired car and follows the guy for miles before he crashes into the back of his car and drives him down a steep embankment and the guy is dead. Blake takes his nuggets back and next day hands them into pay for her operation. And nobody at Tom's hotel remarks about the state of the hire car nor does the rental firm either it seems, despite the papers saying that the police were looking for this car. Then they leave america for Tom Blake to get back to work to track down the Hoard thieves, which he is successful in and no more is said by anyone about his very illegal involvement in this robbery.
I have to say that after reading the latter half of the book and its condoning of the illegal behaviour of one of their officers in a massive heist and the killing of some of those who participated in it was not tolerable. And for the said officer being allowed to get away with it and receive 2 nuggets of pure gold worth a million or more I think, just pushed me over the edge and not wanting to read another book about this corrupt officer. He did receive a note from Ibrahim telling him not to breathe a word about their involvement, and Blake went on catching and interviewing those who were still alive about the robbery, and even getting them jailed. I downgraded this from a 4 to a 2, because not even that at the end could save a corrupt cop.
So to add to his woes, in a different part of Stoke on Trent, Ibrahim Benzar, a turkish national who is a multi millionaire is planning to steal from the local museum the famous Staffordshire Hoard. This was a treasure trove of solid gold and silver items dating back to the anglo saxon times. And worth a small fortune to him and his gang. He has an order to steal this by a guy called The Collector who lives in America. They plan to have a replica of each piece of the many hundreds there are, made to look and feel identical to the real hoard and stealing the real set and replacing with the fake set. This opereation had been going on for months, but one of their gang goes a little astray.
One of their gang is arrested and in order to get him back to use his expertise in the heist they kidnap Blakes's 16yr old daughter whilst she waiting at the bus stop to go to college and he gets a note to let the guy go, ie undo his handcuffs whilst he is about to be transferred from the police station to prison in their van. He actually does this and the guy goes free. His superior officer is raving mad and wants to know how on earth this can happen, and he tells him. They have kidnapped his daughter and they need him back. Now at this point I am livid, he's turned from being a good cop into an extremely bad cop and even tells his superior and his running mate Sergeant Murphy too. They actually go along with this.
And to make matters worse after Blake's daughter tries to escape her kidnappers and jumps out of their car and ends up hitting her head on the kerb and they drive off, is discovered to have a small brain tumour and she can only be saved by a very expensive operation in America, so Ibrahim sends Tom Blake 2 gold nuggets as he believed it was his henchmen who caused this to happen to her and for this to pay for her to travel to america and have her treatment there. But it wasn't, in the local hospital the doctors discovered it was a tumour which had been growing for sometime, so not down to Ibrahim's henchmen.
So Blake takes her to america for the operation and it's successful. However he meets The Collector to hand over the real gold nuggets and whilst going back to his car a biker guy holds him up and snatches the gold. Obviously he jumps into his hired car and follows the guy for miles before he crashes into the back of his car and drives him down a steep embankment and the guy is dead. Blake takes his nuggets back and next day hands them into pay for her operation. And nobody at Tom's hotel remarks about the state of the hire car nor does the rental firm either it seems, despite the papers saying that the police were looking for this car. Then they leave america for Tom Blake to get back to work to track down the Hoard thieves, which he is successful in and no more is said by anyone about his very illegal involvement in this robbery.
I have to say that after reading the latter half of the book and its condoning of the illegal behaviour of one of their officers in a massive heist and the killing of some of those who participated in it was not tolerable. And for the said officer being allowed to get away with it and receive 2 nuggets of pure gold worth a million or more I think, just pushed me over the edge and not wanting to read another book about this corrupt officer. He did receive a note from Ibrahim telling him not to breathe a word about their involvement, and Blake went on catching and interviewing those who were still alive about the robbery, and even getting them jailed. I downgraded this from a 4 to a 2, because not even that at the end could save a corrupt cop.
January 22, 2020
I finished The Killer Shadow Thieves late Monday night and I have to say it was a thoroughly entertaining read! I’m only sorry that it’s taken me this long to get around to reading it but, it was most definitely worth the wait.
J.F. Burgess is a new-to-me and local-to-me author. He came along to one of our Stoke-on-Trent Book Blogger/Author meet ups which was how I was introduced to his work. The fact that this book is set in Stoke-on-Trent made it all the more appealing to me. I was born in Stoke-on-Trent and have lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme for most of my life. I love it when I read a book featuring place’s I know so well as I can literally picture the characters there.
This book pretty much has it all if you love a police procedural crime thriller, as I do. When a man is murdered in the men’s toilets in a local pub it kicks off an investigation which leads to all sorts of criminal secrets being uncovered. The investigation also gets very personal when DI Tom Blake’s daughter is kidnapped. I loved the clever twist in this part of the story and totally empathised with Blake as he had no choice but to prioritise his daughter over his job. Blake is a very likeable character who has had his fair share of grief, having lost his wife and son already in a tragic car accident. He can’t lose his daughter too and I was praying with him that she would be okay.
This story features some seriously devious career criminals who don’t really care who they stamp on to get what they want. Some are more charismatic than others.
An elaborate plan is devised to steal the Staffordshire Hoard from Hanley Museum and sell it to a collector. Quite clever and ballsy to be honest. I was fascinated to follow one of the thieves around the museum, describing everything he saw, as it is a place very familiar to me. I almost felt like I was there with him, although I don’t fancy wandering around at night! If you haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit.
Anyway, will they pull off their risky plan and how do those involved link back to the murder and the kidnapping of Blake’s daughter?
This book is so full of surprising twists and turns I had no idea where it was going to lead, but I was as determined as Blake and his team to find out. I was completely gripped throughout this story and fascinated by the details. It’s a longish but easy read police procedural which easily hooked me in from the very beginning. Full of suspense and short chapters which add to the tension. There was no way I could just read a couple of chapters at a time. Once picked up it was a difficult one to put down. I highly recommend and look forward to book 2.
Many thanks to the author for my review copy.
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2020/01/2...
J.F. Burgess is a new-to-me and local-to-me author. He came along to one of our Stoke-on-Trent Book Blogger/Author meet ups which was how I was introduced to his work. The fact that this book is set in Stoke-on-Trent made it all the more appealing to me. I was born in Stoke-on-Trent and have lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme for most of my life. I love it when I read a book featuring place’s I know so well as I can literally picture the characters there.
This book pretty much has it all if you love a police procedural crime thriller, as I do. When a man is murdered in the men’s toilets in a local pub it kicks off an investigation which leads to all sorts of criminal secrets being uncovered. The investigation also gets very personal when DI Tom Blake’s daughter is kidnapped. I loved the clever twist in this part of the story and totally empathised with Blake as he had no choice but to prioritise his daughter over his job. Blake is a very likeable character who has had his fair share of grief, having lost his wife and son already in a tragic car accident. He can’t lose his daughter too and I was praying with him that she would be okay.
This story features some seriously devious career criminals who don’t really care who they stamp on to get what they want. Some are more charismatic than others.
An elaborate plan is devised to steal the Staffordshire Hoard from Hanley Museum and sell it to a collector. Quite clever and ballsy to be honest. I was fascinated to follow one of the thieves around the museum, describing everything he saw, as it is a place very familiar to me. I almost felt like I was there with him, although I don’t fancy wandering around at night! If you haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit.
Anyway, will they pull off their risky plan and how do those involved link back to the murder and the kidnapping of Blake’s daughter?
This book is so full of surprising twists and turns I had no idea where it was going to lead, but I was as determined as Blake and his team to find out. I was completely gripped throughout this story and fascinated by the details. It’s a longish but easy read police procedural which easily hooked me in from the very beginning. Full of suspense and short chapters which add to the tension. There was no way I could just read a couple of chapters at a time. Once picked up it was a difficult one to put down. I highly recommend and look forward to book 2.
Many thanks to the author for my review copy.
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2020/01/2...
January 8, 2022
DI Blake and his trusty sidekick DS Murphy arrest a joyrider on a seemingly normal day in the Potteries. What Tom Blake didn’t know was this was the trigger for a roller coaster series of events involving kidnapping, robbery, ancient artifacts and murder.
Don’t be put off by the odd title of this one, it is an extremely well written and perfectly paced police procedural thriller.
The story blurs the lines between what is deemed acceptable behaviour when the police are attempting to track down a killer and the local organised crime family are putting pressure on the lead detective. It asks the question, what would you do to save your daughter’s life?
The investigation procedural parts of the book are tightly written and entertaining. The central characters are all given their time in the spotlight. The background information and side stories add to the overall enjoyment.
As in real life not all police cases are tied up completely with a bow at the end but you’ll need to read the book to discover the outcome of the investigations.
DI Blake is a decent copper but is shown to have his flaws, not least his commitment to his remaining family.
The main antagonist is also well drawn and despite his criminal behaviour it is difficult not to like him on some level
Don’t be put off by the odd title of this one, it is an extremely well written and perfectly paced police procedural thriller.
The story blurs the lines between what is deemed acceptable behaviour when the police are attempting to track down a killer and the local organised crime family are putting pressure on the lead detective. It asks the question, what would you do to save your daughter’s life?
The investigation procedural parts of the book are tightly written and entertaining. The central characters are all given their time in the spotlight. The background information and side stories add to the overall enjoyment.
As in real life not all police cases are tied up completely with a bow at the end but you’ll need to read the book to discover the outcome of the investigations.
DI Blake is a decent copper but is shown to have his flaws, not least his commitment to his remaining family.
The main antagonist is also well drawn and despite his criminal behaviour it is difficult not to like him on some level
April 22, 2020
A gritty, realistic crime drama set in England
The Killer Shadow Thieves is set in Stoke, the Potteries area, which at times was described in a little too much detail for those readers who have no knowledge of the area. However it was a page turning read with the action moving internationally at times.
As a police procedural, the details did not get in the way of the story too much, which was great. The main character is a well rounded police officer who is easy to like. He’s not too perfect to dislike either, and comes across as a decent human being, despite his flaws.
The story involves two Turkish brothers who both set the page alight when they are involved in the storyline. There is a main storyline and other stories that keep your interest. The writing flows and makes it easy to remember where each character is within their stories.
It is a great debut. The story ends with a number of loose ends, which normally I dislike, but it sets the ground ready for a sequel.
The Killer Shadow Thieves is set in Stoke, the Potteries area, which at times was described in a little too much detail for those readers who have no knowledge of the area. However it was a page turning read with the action moving internationally at times.
As a police procedural, the details did not get in the way of the story too much, which was great. The main character is a well rounded police officer who is easy to like. He’s not too perfect to dislike either, and comes across as a decent human being, despite his flaws.
The story involves two Turkish brothers who both set the page alight when they are involved in the storyline. There is a main storyline and other stories that keep your interest. The writing flows and makes it easy to remember where each character is within their stories.
It is a great debut. The story ends with a number of loose ends, which normally I dislike, but it sets the ground ready for a sequel.
October 24, 2020
Short, sharp and jam packed chapters. Crime galore with murder, kidnapping and gang related thefts. Centered around DI Blake and top man Ibrahim. Double cross him and you won't be seen again. Is his time running out though? Cross DI Blake and you might be running for the rest of your life looking over your shoulder.
Great book that draws you in right from the start. I really liked the short chapters.
Great book that draws you in right from the start. I really liked the short chapters.
March 2, 2021
Would have been an excellent read if it hadn't been SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Names. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1 *
I could also have done without the sewer language 😠😝
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
I could also have done without the sewer language 😠😝
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
April 12, 2021
A very good read
A terrific plot with numerous twist and turns a variety of different crimes and all for the objective of achieving a major heist for a collector of antiques with a surprise at the end
A terrific plot with numerous twist and turns a variety of different crimes and all for the objective of achieving a major heist for a collector of antiques with a surprise at the end
June 20, 2021
A up duck..
This author is new to me. Having just finished my 1st of J F Burgees book's, I sit here in slight shock, (In a good way).
This fast paced narrative, great characters and plot, make it fit for The big screen. Highly recommended, if, you like a book to be gritty.
This author is new to me. Having just finished my 1st of J F Burgees book's, I sit here in slight shock, (In a good way).
This fast paced narrative, great characters and plot, make it fit for The big screen. Highly recommended, if, you like a book to be gritty.
November 30, 2024
The Killer Shadow Thieves
I found this on my Amazon Kindle recommendation,,I had just finished the first one and loved it so much I got it right away .
Tom Blake is a complex character but very likeable with it ..I loved the twists and turns in both stories ..
I found this on my Amazon Kindle recommendation,,I had just finished the first one and loved it so much I got it right away .
Tom Blake is a complex character but very likeable with it ..I loved the twists and turns in both stories ..
August 30, 2025
I thought that this was an okay read. The story seemed a little slow at times, there was limited action and mystery but a lot of detail. I found it difficult to like having a bent copper as the protagonist, but the author explored the motivations of the characters reasonably well.
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January 22, 2020Very interesting book hope he will do another about DI Tom Blake
May 22, 2020
Another brilliant book by this author, really hope there's a third book in the pipeline
February 19, 2021
Good read if a bit long
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March 14, 2021Brilliant book
Best book I have read for a long time. Loved it.
Highly recommended, difficult to put down. You won't get much sleep until you have finished reading this one!
Best book I have read for a long time. Loved it.
Highly recommended, difficult to put down. You won't get much sleep until you have finished reading this one!
July 21, 2021
Brilliant! Now I can read book 3 as I read the second in the series previously. You certainly won't be disappointed!
August 31, 2023
Good crime read with plenty of twists, sometimes struggled to keep up with the many characters. One plot twist which wasn’t resolved for me, must have missed that in the story.
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