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DI Fenchurch #6
Kill the Messenger
A brutal murder. A haunted detective. A case that unearths monsters.
When a young woman is killed, squashed between a London bus and a white van, DI Simon Fenchurch is called in to investigate, soon discovering the case has deeper roots than initially appears.
With new gangs wrestling to take over east London and a fresh wave of innocent victims exploited by new monsters, Fenchurch must work with old friends and new foes to unpick a web of lies and deceit.
As Fenchurch and his wife Abi struggle to reconnect with their daughter, Fenchurch comes face to face with his worst nightmare — the man who allegedly abducted Chloe eleven years ago, now out having served time for another murder. But is Fenchurch just playing to his own prejudices? Is he looking for the real killer? And will he have to pay a high price to catch a brutal murderer?
When a young woman is killed, squashed between a London bus and a white van, DI Simon Fenchurch is called in to investigate, soon discovering the case has deeper roots than initially appears.
With new gangs wrestling to take over east London and a fresh wave of innocent victims exploited by new monsters, Fenchurch must work with old friends and new foes to unpick a web of lies and deceit.
As Fenchurch and his wife Abi struggle to reconnect with their daughter, Fenchurch comes face to face with his worst nightmare — the man who allegedly abducted Chloe eleven years ago, now out having served time for another murder. But is Fenchurch just playing to his own prejudices? Is he looking for the real killer? And will he have to pay a high price to catch a brutal murderer?
312 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2019
498 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 27, 2020
This confused me initially as it went back to the previous book, which for me made it a little disjointed. However, as I read more, it was easier and did make sense. To be honest, this wasn’t one of my favourite books for DI Fenchurch, as there were a lot of characters and I had to keep reminding myself who they were, this may be just me and not the writing style, as I do love Ed James’ books. I’m glad that Fenchurch and Mulholland made up their differences and I’m hoping there will be more to follow developing this relationship. I’m not sure that I agreed with the ending, as I think that Desmond Webster got away with the murders (literally) and there’s too much distrust with Holly, his daughter. I’m loving how Simon, Abi, Chloe and Al are growing as a family ❤️. Now to DCI Fenchurch !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
Not the best of the Fenchurch books, definitely easier to read if you have read the previous books, but an overly complex plot. The impulsive Fenchurch character begins to lack credibility and his promotion to DCI seems ridiculous
January 13, 2020
Great book but . . .
No need to talk about the novel, it was great as always. I like Fenchurch. He is a complex character who surprises you with a new quirk now and then
But let’s talk about all the Ed James books.
For example why do all the police get the s**t kicked out of them all the time? 5 policemen and/or policewomen and 1 criminal equals 5 police on the ground and the criminal running away. They give chase but never catch him. Since they don’t carry guns shouldn’t they be trained in krav magra or something? Shouldn’t they run every day and have frequent physical fitness tests? And shouldn’t they at least be trained in using their batons? They always miss.
Also when they’ve had the royal f**k beaten out of them and have a mild concussion or extremely painful other injuries why are they always put right back on duty? No unfit for duty break?
And why is everything everywhere burned? Every time they enter a place it smells of burnt coffee, burnt toast etc. At first I thought the Scots just couldn’t cook but Fenchurch is set in England and it smells burned there too? I don’t think so. And once it was said a Starbucks smelled like burned coffee - nope, ain’t no way.
But let’s get on to phrases. How many times and how many characters “blew air up their face.” Over and over and over. Is it a Scots phrase? It’s certainly not one used in the States. But that’s not the issue. It’s the endless repetitions.
While we are on the subject of repetition let’s talk about the word “smirked.” And it’s not just the unending use of the word, but also the misuse of the term. Smirk means “to smile in an affected or smug manner.” A negative thing. But it is often used in a positive, friendly exchange where “grin” would be more appropriate.
Two characters , Docherty and Savage, in the same series (Fenchurch) have the same bad habit of playing with coins in their pockets?
Ok. I’ll shut up now. But I have just binge read every Ed James book and I just had to vent over all these annoyances. And while I’m at it, there is a fatal flaw in his business model of not releasing a new book until he gets satisfactory sales on the old ones (business professor of 38 years here.)
Still I am a devout fan and will enthusiastically acquire any new book that appears. If one does appear.
No need to talk about the novel, it was great as always. I like Fenchurch. He is a complex character who surprises you with a new quirk now and then
But let’s talk about all the Ed James books.
For example why do all the police get the s**t kicked out of them all the time? 5 policemen and/or policewomen and 1 criminal equals 5 police on the ground and the criminal running away. They give chase but never catch him. Since they don’t carry guns shouldn’t they be trained in krav magra or something? Shouldn’t they run every day and have frequent physical fitness tests? And shouldn’t they at least be trained in using their batons? They always miss.
Also when they’ve had the royal f**k beaten out of them and have a mild concussion or extremely painful other injuries why are they always put right back on duty? No unfit for duty break?
And why is everything everywhere burned? Every time they enter a place it smells of burnt coffee, burnt toast etc. At first I thought the Scots just couldn’t cook but Fenchurch is set in England and it smells burned there too? I don’t think so. And once it was said a Starbucks smelled like burned coffee - nope, ain’t no way.
But let’s get on to phrases. How many times and how many characters “blew air up their face.” Over and over and over. Is it a Scots phrase? It’s certainly not one used in the States. But that’s not the issue. It’s the endless repetitions.
While we are on the subject of repetition let’s talk about the word “smirked.” And it’s not just the unending use of the word, but also the misuse of the term. Smirk means “to smile in an affected or smug manner.” A negative thing. But it is often used in a positive, friendly exchange where “grin” would be more appropriate.
Two characters , Docherty and Savage, in the same series (Fenchurch) have the same bad habit of playing with coins in their pockets?
Ok. I’ll shut up now. But I have just binge read every Ed James book and I just had to vent over all these annoyances. And while I’m at it, there is a fatal flaw in his business model of not releasing a new book until he gets satisfactory sales on the old ones (business professor of 38 years here.)
Still I am a devout fan and will enthusiastically acquire any new book that appears. If one does appear.
February 27, 2019
I love Ed James's books and have been lucky enough to have read Kill The Messenger early.
The books starts 15 months in the past. It recaps and expands on the period between books 3 (What Doesn't Kill You) & 4 (In For The Kill).
(If you are new to the series, you can read this book without reading the other 5 books but why would you deny yourself the pleasure of reading those books!)
For regular readers, it is a chance to read in more detail on such an important part of the Fenchurch's Story.
The next part of the book starts with a young lady being chased and being fatally squashed between a bus and white van. This leads into investigations into new gangs but Fenchurch also meets the man who he thinks kidnapped his daughter.
Ed's writing style lets you know what Fenchurch is thinking; is he making the pieces fit to suit his needs or is he the killer?
The book is fast paced as Fenchurch and his team race to find the killer.
This book has so many directions in which the next book could go.
If you like this book (you will), Ed has other series to read. I recommend them all.
The books starts 15 months in the past. It recaps and expands on the period between books 3 (What Doesn't Kill You) & 4 (In For The Kill).
(If you are new to the series, you can read this book without reading the other 5 books but why would you deny yourself the pleasure of reading those books!)
For regular readers, it is a chance to read in more detail on such an important part of the Fenchurch's Story.
The next part of the book starts with a young lady being chased and being fatally squashed between a bus and white van. This leads into investigations into new gangs but Fenchurch also meets the man who he thinks kidnapped his daughter.
Ed's writing style lets you know what Fenchurch is thinking; is he making the pieces fit to suit his needs or is he the killer?
The book is fast paced as Fenchurch and his team race to find the killer.
This book has so many directions in which the next book could go.
If you like this book (you will), Ed has other series to read. I recommend them all.
December 23, 2019
I enjoyed the book. It did get a little complicated at times, with multiple groups working together but as the characters are well developed already this helped to differentiate characters and streams of story.
As another reviewer has commented, Fenchurch's habit of tearing open burritos has diminished as have the clattering noises in his head but this time we received a constant update on ring tones and music. I'm sure the author thought this was a new tack, as the music could change each time (unlike the foil on the burritos!). However, I'd just prefer a variety throughout the book, rather than a theme - I don't feel that as a reader we should pick up on these "themes" that are used as pauses or section joiners!
Overall, I enjoyed it and didn't see the ending coming too soon! Perhaps Fenchurch could do with a break physically though - poor bloke gets knocked over and knocked out far too frequently - a bit more desk time as DCI??!
As another reviewer has commented, Fenchurch's habit of tearing open burritos has diminished as have the clattering noises in his head but this time we received a constant update on ring tones and music. I'm sure the author thought this was a new tack, as the music could change each time (unlike the foil on the burritos!). However, I'd just prefer a variety throughout the book, rather than a theme - I don't feel that as a reader we should pick up on these "themes" that are used as pauses or section joiners!
Overall, I enjoyed it and didn't see the ending coming too soon! Perhaps Fenchurch could do with a break physically though - poor bloke gets knocked over and knocked out far too frequently - a bit more desk time as DCI??!
September 6, 2022
‘Kill the Messenger’ is the sixth book in the DI Simon Fenchurch series by author Ed James. This another exciting read and a good addition to the series featuring the gritty DI Fenchurch.
DI Simon Fenchurch is investigating the death of a young woman who was squashed between a London bus and a white van. It’s not long before he realises that it is a lot more complex than it first appears. There are new gangs flexing their muscles attempting to take over east London and innocent victims are being exploited by them. DI Simon Fenchurch faces a tough time trying to unravel the lies and deceit to solve the crimes.
I am enjoying this series again and looking forward to reading more of Ed James.
DI Simon Fenchurch is investigating the death of a young woman who was squashed between a London bus and a white van. It’s not long before he realises that it is a lot more complex than it first appears. There are new gangs flexing their muscles attempting to take over east London and innocent victims are being exploited by them. DI Simon Fenchurch faces a tough time trying to unravel the lies and deceit to solve the crimes.
I am enjoying this series again and looking forward to reading more of Ed James.
March 2, 2019
Full disclosure, I am a massive fan of Ed James work having read all of his series of different characters but I really do think that this is the best in the Fenchurch series so far. I was absolutely hooked on the story, it took me a while to start off as it starts off further back in the series (which threw me slightly), but I soon got to grips with it and was fully immersed in the story. Trying to stress how fantastic this book is without giving away spoilers is proving too hard, so I will finish by saying, read it, read it now.
Read
March 8, 2025First part of the book is written in flashback. So Docherty is still alive, Abi is still pregnant, Chloe is still Jennifer and hating her birth parents.
Carries forwards some of the characters from before including Younis who first appeared managing the web-cam business.
Pizza delivery cyclist murdered. A pizza business as a cover for drugs and prostitution. Plus Albian gangsters and people trafficking.
Fenchurch keeps sustaining blows to the head and must be a candidate for early onset Alzheimers or some other brain injury related disease. His damaged knee isn't healing either.
Carries forwards some of the characters from before including Younis who first appeared managing the web-cam business.
Pizza delivery cyclist murdered. A pizza business as a cover for drugs and prostitution. Plus Albian gangsters and people trafficking.
Fenchurch keeps sustaining blows to the head and must be a candidate for early onset Alzheimers or some other brain injury related disease. His damaged knee isn't healing either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
Kill the Messenger is an interesting one in that it fills in some gaps in the Fenchurch series. It is a novel in two parts: one set in the past between What Doesn’t Kill You and In for the Kill, and the second after book five, Kill with Kindness. It’s also a great stand alone story and has you ducking and diving along with Fenchurch in trying to work out who is doing the killings. Well done Ed James, another success.
March 6, 2019
This book had more characters than War and Peace ,and more difficult to follow.Three police teams investigating the same group of suspects ,each with a different agenda over complicated the plot.
Over the series I have been happy that Simon's ear clattering noises have gradually diminished . Also he seems to have lost his taste for Mexican nosh , however now the reader gets to know every ring tune on his mobile.
Perhaps unbelievable....I look forward to number 7.
Over the series I have been happy that Simon's ear clattering noises have gradually diminished . Also he seems to have lost his taste for Mexican nosh , however now the reader gets to know every ring tune on his mobile.
Perhaps unbelievable....I look forward to number 7.
December 7, 2019
It took me a long time to finish this book. This is the first in the Fenchurch series that I actually read rather than listen to the audiobook and I think that made it more difficult for me to get into it.
I like the series and it was good to get some insight into Chloe’s reintroduction to her family. But the current case was a bit awkward. Three Met units working on it? This wasn’t my favorite Fenchurch book.
I like the series and it was good to get some insight into Chloe’s reintroduction to her family. But the current case was a bit awkward. Three Met units working on it? This wasn’t my favorite Fenchurch book.
November 16, 2021
What next for Fenchurch.
Yet again the East End has killings piling up, and waiting for Fenchurch to get the murderers off the streets. Things don't always go to plan, and Fenchurch gets knocked about, punched, kidnapped; but only for an hour or so, guns pointed at him and generally had three barrels of the proverbial kicked out of him. These books are always very fast paced, but with exciting plots. On to number seven.
Yet again the East End has killings piling up, and waiting for Fenchurch to get the murderers off the streets. Things don't always go to plan, and Fenchurch gets knocked about, punched, kidnapped; but only for an hour or so, guns pointed at him and generally had three barrels of the proverbial kicked out of him. These books are always very fast paced, but with exciting plots. On to number seven.
September 4, 2025
When a young girl delivering pizzas is crushes to death between two vehicles in London, it may have been an unfortunate incident. But all is not as it seems and once DI Fenchurch is on the case, he will not let go. Another twisty, fast-paced plot in a series which I highly recommend.
I would not recommend that this specific book be read as a standalone as it revisits earlier events in the series.
I would not recommend that this specific book be read as a standalone as it revisits earlier events in the series.
April 13, 2019
Another solid read
I have read all DI Simon Fenchurch books and they are very enjoyable. This one is no exception. If you have enjoyed Fenchurch's adventures then dive in. Word of caution, these books can't be read as stand alone. Themes running through from previous books means you will not follow parts of the story.
I have read all DI Simon Fenchurch books and they are very enjoyable. This one is no exception. If you have enjoyed Fenchurch's adventures then dive in. Word of caution, these books can't be read as stand alone. Themes running through from previous books means you will not follow parts of the story.
May 12, 2019
Another cracking read delivered by Ed James. As readers and fans we have seen DI Fenchurch grow and develop over the 6 books in the series. The author has successfully kept the plotlines interesting, varied and thoughtful whilst growing all of the protagonists. This is my favourite book so far and I cannot wait for the next installment.
March 7, 2019
Fills in the gaps
Excellent storyline that really pulls together the Fenchurch storyline as Ed James intended. It has also left a big opportunity to continue the story and let's hope that happens sooner rather than later!
Excellent storyline that really pulls together the Fenchurch storyline as Ed James intended. It has also left a big opportunity to continue the story and let's hope that happens sooner rather than later!
July 4, 2024
Interesting twist
Started off thinking this should have been #5 in the series. The the timeline jumped. Fenchurch finds his man but then finds someone else is responsible. An unexpected offender.
Started off thinking this should have been #5 in the series. The the timeline jumped. Fenchurch finds his man but then finds someone else is responsible. An unexpected offender.
July 16, 2024
Good Crime Thriller
I quite like Ed James's style. A true crime involving all aspects of street crime and underlying police politics. Disappointing ending though - guess I wanted the true baddies to get their comeuppance........
I quite like Ed James's style. A true crime involving all aspects of street crime and underlying police politics. Disappointing ending though - guess I wanted the true baddies to get their comeuppance........
March 13, 2019
Good book
Good, lots of twists and well written as usual, it is good to feel like you in the story, rather than just reading, thanks.
Good, lots of twists and well written as usual, it is good to feel like you in the story, rather than just reading, thanks.
March 18, 2019
Wonderful
April 5, 2019
Kill the messanger
Kill the messenger by ed James another gripping thriller and good read can not wait for his next gripping read
Kill the messenger by ed James another gripping thriller and good read can not wait for his next gripping read
April 16, 2019
Awaitmg number seven...
May 6, 2019
Great read!
Never knowingly disappointed by the character. Great to get the backstory to Fenchurch and his daughter's early stages of recovery
Never knowingly disappointed by the character. Great to get the backstory to Fenchurch and his daughter's early stages of recovery
May 21, 2019
Looking forward to the next installment
June 25, 2019
Lost the plot half way through
July 9, 2019
As always I loved this book. I love the Fenchurch series. This book starts off slightly back in time and fills in some gaps between books 3 and 4. Can't wait for the next one!
August 3, 2019
3.5 Stars
July 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, the protagonist is interesting and the plot is fast paced.
November 5, 2020
Love Di fenchurch
I really enjoy all of Ed James's books I get so engrossed in the stories. Can't wait to see what's next for leman St and the fenchurch's.
I really enjoy all of Ed James's books I get so engrossed in the stories. Can't wait to see what's next for leman St and the fenchurch's.
March 18, 2021
Greatvbook
I really enjoy these and James books I love thexFenchurch character and the others too,I cant wait to read the next one
I really enjoy these and James books I love thexFenchurch character and the others too,I cant wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews