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Funicular
After his life is threatened, DI Bob Dixon leaves London hoping for the quiet life in the northern village of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. But when he takes on the case of young Lizzy Scraggs, missing since a huge tide hit Saltburn six years earlier, he embarks on an investigation that will push him to the very edge of reason.
Out on the beat, Bob learns the legend of the funicular car that left the top of Saltburn’s famous cliff lift many years ago carrying two passengers, and arrived at the bottom empty save for an abandoned ticket. And every big tide since has seen another local child disappear.
Feeling increasingly manipulated by a shadowy nemesis, Bob struggles to make sense of the seemingly impossible clues before him. How can the dead live again? Who is the tortured man haunting the churchyard in nearby Marske? And with the next massive tide just hours away, can Bob solve the puzzle and bring an end to the tragedy of Saltburn’s missing children?
Out on the beat, Bob learns the legend of the funicular car that left the top of Saltburn’s famous cliff lift many years ago carrying two passengers, and arrived at the bottom empty save for an abandoned ticket. And every big tide since has seen another local child disappear.
Feeling increasingly manipulated by a shadowy nemesis, Bob struggles to make sense of the seemingly impossible clues before him. How can the dead live again? Who is the tortured man haunting the churchyard in nearby Marske? And with the next massive tide just hours away, can Bob solve the puzzle and bring an end to the tragedy of Saltburn’s missing children?
- GenresMystery
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2018
11 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
T.F. Lince
2 books258 followersTrev Lince originates from Marske-by-the-Sea on the North East coast of England, but now lives in Darlington with his wife, Claire.
Their daughter, Annie, is a very good guitarist and is setting up a band, playing every pub in the North East that she can. She’s so rock and roll, living the dream while her father is approaching his mid-life crisis.
A keen golfer and frustrated Middlesbrough FC fan, Trev gets to as many matches as work and leisure time allow. He writes in what little spare time he has, when not working as a IT Consultant for a major oil company in Surrey.
Room 119 – The Whitby Trader is Trev’s first book and he really enjoyed the experience of writing it. Who knows? He may have a few more stories bursting to get out of his head.
He would like to thank you for reading his debut novel.
Please visit my website.
http://www.room119.co.uk/
Their daughter, Annie, is a very good guitarist and is setting up a band, playing every pub in the North East that she can. She’s so rock and roll, living the dream while her father is approaching his mid-life crisis.
A keen golfer and frustrated Middlesbrough FC fan, Trev gets to as many matches as work and leisure time allow. He writes in what little spare time he has, when not working as a IT Consultant for a major oil company in Surrey.
Room 119 – The Whitby Trader is Trev’s first book and he really enjoyed the experience of writing it. Who knows? He may have a few more stories bursting to get out of his head.
He would like to thank you for reading his debut novel.
Please visit my website.
http://www.room119.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 6, 2018
Funicular has to be one of my most eagerly awaited books of 2018 after reading T.F. Lince's outstanding 2017 debut, Room 119. I am completely honoured to be one of the first readers of Funicular, and I couldn't wait to see if it lived up to it's predecessor.
I loved the introduction to the North East that DI Bob Dixon encounters on the London to Edinburgh train. Bob is relocating from London to the quaintly named North Eastern town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea in an effort to wind down towards retirement. He meets a rowdy, but friendly, bunch of Middlesbrough supporters on the train and Fate waves her magic wand to start Bob off on the path she has in store for him. A path that sees Bob investigating the missing children of Saltburn, which appears to be linked to record breaking high tides and the mystery of the Victorian cliff lift, the funicular.
There is an amazing sense of place in Funicular, with the funicular and the beach described exquisitely. Through the perfectly descriptive writing of T.F. Lince, I actually felt as if I was there and I'm definitely putting Saltburn on my list of places to visit, especially as it's only around 50 miles from where I live. I also felt that our North East spirit had been woven into the pages; everyone is shown to be so warm and friendly, and calling people by hilarious nicknames actually shows affection and respect here in the North East.
As with Room 119, I was reminded of Back to the Future a little and not just by the lightning pace of the book. You can forget Doc Brown's 88mph when T.F. Lince is around; this pacing is supersonic! Like a fine wine, T.F. Lince's writing has matured and I found the whole reading experience to be of the highest standard, which is remarkable for such a new author. I think you can tell from the cover that Funicular is definitely not a run-of-the-mill police procedural but you do need to expect the unexpected in a T.F. Lince book; so put on your sunglasses and prepare to be dazzled by Funicular.
Unusual and completely unique, Funicular is a thoroughly entertaining read filled with mystery, magic and inimitable North East spirit. Yet again, T.F. Lince has firmly guaranteed his well-deserved place in my top books of the year.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I loved the introduction to the North East that DI Bob Dixon encounters on the London to Edinburgh train. Bob is relocating from London to the quaintly named North Eastern town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea in an effort to wind down towards retirement. He meets a rowdy, but friendly, bunch of Middlesbrough supporters on the train and Fate waves her magic wand to start Bob off on the path she has in store for him. A path that sees Bob investigating the missing children of Saltburn, which appears to be linked to record breaking high tides and the mystery of the Victorian cliff lift, the funicular.
There is an amazing sense of place in Funicular, with the funicular and the beach described exquisitely. Through the perfectly descriptive writing of T.F. Lince, I actually felt as if I was there and I'm definitely putting Saltburn on my list of places to visit, especially as it's only around 50 miles from where I live. I also felt that our North East spirit had been woven into the pages; everyone is shown to be so warm and friendly, and calling people by hilarious nicknames actually shows affection and respect here in the North East.
As with Room 119, I was reminded of Back to the Future a little and not just by the lightning pace of the book. You can forget Doc Brown's 88mph when T.F. Lince is around; this pacing is supersonic! Like a fine wine, T.F. Lince's writing has matured and I found the whole reading experience to be of the highest standard, which is remarkable for such a new author. I think you can tell from the cover that Funicular is definitely not a run-of-the-mill police procedural but you do need to expect the unexpected in a T.F. Lince book; so put on your sunglasses and prepare to be dazzled by Funicular.
Unusual and completely unique, Funicular is a thoroughly entertaining read filled with mystery, magic and inimitable North East spirit. Yet again, T.F. Lince has firmly guaranteed his well-deserved place in my top books of the year.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 12, 2019
Alright, I started this off feeling pretty straight forward about this story. Interesting name and setting. Ok ok. But then we start pushing through the weeds and getting to the bones of the story and holy cow! What a unique tale. I don't think I've heard of a story quite like it. Most mysteries and many thrillers feel sort of copycat-ish of some story or another. But not this one. I can't think of a single story that felt similar.
Nearly retired DI Bob Dixon, moves to this sleepy little town Saltburn-by-the-sea. He's there to run out his term for a mellow final stretch before he retires. The local police take a bit of time warming up to Bob but he endears himself to the force easy enough after some kindness extended to a newer recruit, Higgins. Bob decides to zero in on an 6yr old cold case of the missing child, Lizzie Scraggs, since there doesn't appear to be much else going on in the village.
Taking Higgins under his wing, Bob takes a twisty turny jump down the rabbit hole trying to get to the bottom of this case. Your run of the mill criminal mystery turns on its head and this story becomes something right out of the twilight zone with plenty of supernatural events.
The legendary cliff lift (the Funicular) becomes the center point for the weird events in the story. What's up? What's down? What's truth? What's lies? Who's behind it all? All answered and all a total shocker. A few times you're left scratching your head in wonder of what just happened. The story covered a few decades as Bob's revelations unfold. A few of those decades occurring in the past making Bob question his sanity and grip on reality.
The narrator was brilliant and executed all the voices beautifully. I wasn't left cringing when she ran through the men's dialogues she was that smooth.
After reading a few other reviews, I'm beginning to see that I'm missing out on other unique works by this author. I'd definitely recommend this story and plan to check him out further.
Nearly retired DI Bob Dixon, moves to this sleepy little town Saltburn-by-the-sea. He's there to run out his term for a mellow final stretch before he retires. The local police take a bit of time warming up to Bob but he endears himself to the force easy enough after some kindness extended to a newer recruit, Higgins. Bob decides to zero in on an 6yr old cold case of the missing child, Lizzie Scraggs, since there doesn't appear to be much else going on in the village.
Taking Higgins under his wing, Bob takes a twisty turny jump down the rabbit hole trying to get to the bottom of this case. Your run of the mill criminal mystery turns on its head and this story becomes something right out of the twilight zone with plenty of supernatural events.
The legendary cliff lift (the Funicular) becomes the center point for the weird events in the story. What's up? What's down? What's truth? What's lies? Who's behind it all? All answered and all a total shocker. A few times you're left scratching your head in wonder of what just happened. The story covered a few decades as Bob's revelations unfold. A few of those decades occurring in the past making Bob question his sanity and grip on reality.
The narrator was brilliant and executed all the voices beautifully. I wasn't left cringing when she ran through the men's dialogues she was that smooth.
After reading a few other reviews, I'm beginning to see that I'm missing out on other unique works by this author. I'd definitely recommend this story and plan to check him out further.
June 16, 2019
Bob Dixon is a London copper who is disenchanted with his lot and he moves to Saltburn hoping for an easier life. At first he is treated as an outsider by his new colleagues but after changing his approach and voluntarily going out on the beat with a young rookie policeman, George Higgins, he is soon included in the station banter. His next problem is a little tricker, he is a detective in a town where his skills are just not required! Bob decides to look into the cold case of a missing girl and then the fun really begins. Both Bob and the reader are left wondering what on earth has happened when the past mysteriously changes, or does it? This is a crime story with a supernatural twist and just a little bit of magic.
January 1, 2019
Trev is a wonder with words!
FULL REVIEW UP SOON
FULL REVIEW UP SOON
June 6, 2019
If, whilst listening to Funicular, I'd gone out and bumped into myself having coffee with Elvis, Lord Lucan and Shergar, the only thing that would have surprised me would have been the fact that I don't drink coffee! T. F. Lince takes a missing person's case and turns it upside down and inside out. Just as you start to think you've got a handle on what's going on, he throws a new weirdness into the mix and you're forced to re-calibrate your brain and everything you thought you ever knew becomes increasingly irrelevant. Then, when reflecting on the story you realise how far Mr Lince has taken you. I was all like, "Right, so the moon is made of green cheese, that's a given; but now the sun is made of coco-pops". And all the weird becomes more and more acceptable, fitting right into the plot as if these kind of things happen all the time. Confused? Absolutely not! The tale is top notch, extremely clever and totally compelling. I was transfixed the entire time and very relieved I got through the whole book without the top of my head blowing off. Narration by Jade McLean was spot on as it was a very laid back and calm performance, which contrasted perfectly with the crazy of the story. This was an entirely unique and quirky take on a plot line that has been written to death, refreshing and invigorating in the telling. I do wonder what goes on in Mr Lince's head that he can create such a tale, whilst at the same time waiting with baited breath for the next one. I am definitely recommending this book, but buckle up and put on a crash helmet for your own safety. You can thank me later.
January 27, 2019
Hard one to call. The writing, particularly the dialogue, is very clunky. The premise is ridiculous. And yet, even though it was a freebie with Kindle Unlimited, I had to finish it because it was just weird enough that I’d always wonder what happened.
June 10, 2019
I listened to this exciting book on audio, I found it to be funny in places, with many laughs at the partnership of the characters of Bob and Higgins.
I loved listening about the Funicular and the area that it's based on such an easy book to listen to but cleverly thought out.
If you liked Trevors first book then this is a good second book, highly recommended.
Thank you Trevor for the opportunity to listen to the audio version.
I loved listening about the Funicular and the area that it's based on such an easy book to listen to but cleverly thought out.
If you liked Trevors first book then this is a good second book, highly recommended.
Thank you Trevor for the opportunity to listen to the audio version.
April 5, 2020
This would have been a great thriller even without the freaky twist. I really enjoyed the narration.
June 15, 2019
The only way I can think to describe this book is as a cosy supernatural mystery thriller! Its starts of like a regular police procedural type story - cop coming to the end of his career takes a post in a quieter area with the hopes of a peaceful run-in to retirement. But when he starts to look into a cold case about a missing girl, it all goes a bit sideways!
This is very unique story with some brilliant characters that you can't help but warm to and what a setting! So well described I felt like I was there.
I was lucky enough to get a copy of the audio version and absolutely flew through it in a morning as I just couldn't stop listening!
This is very unique story with some brilliant characters that you can't help but warm to and what a setting! So well described I felt like I was there.
I was lucky enough to get a copy of the audio version and absolutely flew through it in a morning as I just couldn't stop listening!
September 3, 2021
Of course, 5 stars. What a pleasure to read. Brilliant as per usual. I throughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to future works from the author. Thank you, Trev for sending me over a copy to read! Always a pleasure!
April 9, 2019
At the beginning I thought perhaps this book wasn’t for me, however after a few chapters I was quickly hooked into the story. Robert Dixon a detective from London moves up north to take a quieter position as a DI in a small coastal town. A place where seemingly no crime occurs - Di Dixon stumbles across a cold case of a missing girl who disappeared with no trace several years previously. A strange series of events occur leading to discoveries of similar disappearances that had occurred before.
A mysterious story that will get you hooked!
A mysterious story that will get you hooked!
April 11, 2020
This started off so strong and I loved the way the story was unfolding. The main character is such an interesting case.
What I found difficult was the ending. The last part of the book found me losing interest when all the rest was bringing me in.
I do like how much the author put into the book and the writing style was great. I think the last part just to me needed work for me to truly find this one of the best books.
It was a great attempt and I will read more from this author.
What I found difficult was the ending. The last part of the book found me losing interest when all the rest was bringing me in.
I do like how much the author put into the book and the writing style was great. I think the last part just to me needed work for me to truly find this one of the best books.
It was a great attempt and I will read more from this author.
February 6, 2019
DI Bob Dixon moves from London to Saltburn to finish his career there. He decides to investigate the disappearance of children over the years that haven’t been solved. The plot really gets the brain working overtime! I thought I had worked out what was going on - boy, was I wrong! A very well written and clever story. I promise you that you will not work out what has been happening! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
June 27, 2021
Room 119 was a fantastic book and a great debut novel so I was keen to find out what Trev came up with next. The Funicular is part thriller, part fantasy and an absorbing read. Read the blurb and then read the book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also if you haven't read Room 119 I would recommend you do. Looking forward to Trev Lince's next book.
December 10, 2019
I can't recommend this book enough. Such a mind bender. I loved every second. i hot a bit confused, but then it all lined up at the end. This is a really creative and imaginative story. read this!
January 2, 2020
I liked it. The narrator was great. The story was unique. I thought the main character was going a little crazy there for a while. I think he did too. But it all came together in the end. Good story.
June 3, 2019
DI Bob Dixon moves to sleepy Saltburn by the Sea in the North East, from London when his life is threatened. Once there he becomes involved in the mystery of a man and boy who just disappeared several years ago when travelling in the towns funicular railway. As Bob looks deeper into the mystery it seems everything he thought he knew was actually a lie.
This book was not what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though my brain is now fried! There is a huge supernatural element to this clever book, which works well alongside the detective mystery. There's twist after twist and it really messes with your mind! I found myself liking middle aged down to earth copper, Bob, and his sidekick, Hurricane, and would be more than happy to meet them again in future books.
I loved the description of the town and its surrounding area, and the friendly people Bob meets. You get a real feel for the place. I visited Saltburn many years ago and it made me want to go back and ride on the funicular. Perhaps I could try the local delicacy of parmo or lemon top!
The fab narration by Jade McLean also added to my enjoyment of the book.
Look forward to reading/listening to more by this author.
This book was not what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though my brain is now fried! There is a huge supernatural element to this clever book, which works well alongside the detective mystery. There's twist after twist and it really messes with your mind! I found myself liking middle aged down to earth copper, Bob, and his sidekick, Hurricane, and would be more than happy to meet them again in future books.
I loved the description of the town and its surrounding area, and the friendly people Bob meets. You get a real feel for the place. I visited Saltburn many years ago and it made me want to go back and ride on the funicular. Perhaps I could try the local delicacy of parmo or lemon top!
The fab narration by Jade McLean also added to my enjoyment of the book.
Look forward to reading/listening to more by this author.
June 24, 2019
Well I'll say this for Mr Lince, he can spin a cracking tale. This is the second book out of his weird and wonderful imagination, and the story of the strange goings on at the Funicular at Saltburn by the Sea is just as spellbinding as his first book, Room 119. However I noticed a vast improvement in the writing style this time round, which means the author is getting better and better.
I listened and read this book via whispersync. The narration was ok, however I think with the amount of male characters and plenty of dialogue, I would have preferred a male narrator, as many of the characters portrayed sounded too young and feminine to fit the description. However, that particular part of the north east has an accent that is difficult to mimic, and she did a reasonable job of this. At no point did I consider not listening which is a great sign, as I'm a fussy bugger when it comes to narrator's!
All in all a great listen and read, I await the next strange ride with anticipation!
I listened and read this book via whispersync. The narration was ok, however I think with the amount of male characters and plenty of dialogue, I would have preferred a male narrator, as many of the characters portrayed sounded too young and feminine to fit the description. However, that particular part of the north east has an accent that is difficult to mimic, and she did a reasonable job of this. At no point did I consider not listening which is a great sign, as I'm a fussy bugger when it comes to narrator's!
All in all a great listen and read, I await the next strange ride with anticipation!
June 30, 2019
An imaginative mystery story set around a missing persons story, with a bit of a supernatural element best describes this book. I loved the setting and the characters in the book all of whom brought their own element to the story. Not what I expected at all, but it took a standard mystery story, gave it a twist or two, added in some supernatural elements and captivated me. It was an easy listen, with good narration and kept the Funicular at the centre of the story. I really hope that we see Bob Dixon again.
June 9, 2019
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Listen
Thank you so much to the author, T F Linse, for the opportunity to listen to and review this highly entertaining book on Audible.
The book begins with Detective Inspector Bob Dixon moving from a hectic career in London where his life has been threatened to what he hopes will be a much quieter life by the Sea in the North of England. Unfortunately for Bob, but not for us, the listeners, his plans go completely awry.
In this little sleepy village called Saltburn by the Sea, with nothing much to do, DI Bob Dixon becomes intrigued with an old missing person case which he begins to investigate which turns out to be less straightforward than he imagines. As he begins to delve deeper into what happened, he gets much more than he bargained for.
At the heart of this story is the funicular car, a cliff lift that was used in Victorian times to ferry people up and down the cliffs but which now is used as a tourist attraction. Bob learns the legend of the lift and its link to the disappearance of children following every big tide.
To say my brain was completely fried by the end of this story is an understatement. Not only is this a detective story but it also has many elements of the supernatural, magic and many interesting twists and turns to keep you and Bob Dixon guessing. It is full of many weird and wonderful characters that you can’t help but get to know and like, not least of which is of course Bob Dixon and his side kick, Constable Hurricane Higgins.
I also particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the village of Saltburn and the author really brought it to life for me.
I really hope this is not the last time we will meet Bob Dixon and the colourful cast of characters of Saltburn by the Sea.
I would definitely recommend this book to those people who enjoy a mystery with a supernatural/fantasy element. Just let go of reality and enjoy the ride.
Thank you so much to the author, T F Linse, for the opportunity to listen to and review this highly entertaining book on Audible.
The book begins with Detective Inspector Bob Dixon moving from a hectic career in London where his life has been threatened to what he hopes will be a much quieter life by the Sea in the North of England. Unfortunately for Bob, but not for us, the listeners, his plans go completely awry.
In this little sleepy village called Saltburn by the Sea, with nothing much to do, DI Bob Dixon becomes intrigued with an old missing person case which he begins to investigate which turns out to be less straightforward than he imagines. As he begins to delve deeper into what happened, he gets much more than he bargained for.
At the heart of this story is the funicular car, a cliff lift that was used in Victorian times to ferry people up and down the cliffs but which now is used as a tourist attraction. Bob learns the legend of the lift and its link to the disappearance of children following every big tide.
To say my brain was completely fried by the end of this story is an understatement. Not only is this a detective story but it also has many elements of the supernatural, magic and many interesting twists and turns to keep you and Bob Dixon guessing. It is full of many weird and wonderful characters that you can’t help but get to know and like, not least of which is of course Bob Dixon and his side kick, Constable Hurricane Higgins.
I also particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the village of Saltburn and the author really brought it to life for me.
I really hope this is not the last time we will meet Bob Dixon and the colourful cast of characters of Saltburn by the Sea.
I would definitely recommend this book to those people who enjoy a mystery with a supernatural/fantasy element. Just let go of reality and enjoy the ride.
March 4, 2019
Bob Dixon is a pragmatic middle-aged detective at the end of his career. He is transferred from a dangerous job in London to a quiet small town position. Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a sleepy coastal town with little need for a detective inspector; the most prevalent crimes appear to be the public nuisance of the surfers and local bike gang butting heads. With no current cases available, Bob focuses on an old missing persons case and a boy’s disappearance off the funicular, the old water-driven lift in town. His search for evidence leads him into a realm of local folklore and the realization an unseen opponent is focusing on him and manipulating his investigation.
I enjoyed Bob Dixon’s character, his matter-of-factness when following the clues, despite their surreal nature. His ability to work with what he found, instead of rejecting it, was an enjoyable journey to follow. I could picture Saltburn-by-the-Sea through the lens of the author, the descriptions of the area, especially the funicular, made it a place I want to visit. If you enjoy a detective mystery with a hint of magic, then I recommend you read this book.
I enjoyed Bob Dixon’s character, his matter-of-factness when following the clues, despite their surreal nature. His ability to work with what he found, instead of rejecting it, was an enjoyable journey to follow. I could picture Saltburn-by-the-Sea through the lens of the author, the descriptions of the area, especially the funicular, made it a place I want to visit. If you enjoy a detective mystery with a hint of magic, then I recommend you read this book.
June 20, 2019
What happened on the Funicular??
I'm trying to theme my books at the moment and I just left Genoa, where they have several funicular railways. As far as I know, they are not water operated, but I only investigated one. I decided my perfect next read would be Funicular, which was waiting patiently on my Audible tbr.
This turned out to be an excellent listen and the narration in Jade McLean's London accent was spot on. I loved the way Mr Lince wrote and his one-liners often made me smile. I was totally immersed in the life of D.I. Bob Dixon, who moves out of London and up to sleepy Saltburn-by-the-Sea, to become their new Chief. Bob gets to hear about the children who have disappeared from the town every time there is an extreme high tide and he determines to find answers to where all these children have gone. Then he gets warned off....
The author did a great job of making me take a complete re-think, but for perfectly legitimate reasons and I loved the supernatural element which slowly built through the story. So you're probably wondering why I've given it four instead of five stars? I'm afraid it was the ending, it just got a bit too far fetched for me, but otherwise a fab book, highly recommended.
LibraryThing allows 4.5 stars, about time other review sites did too.
I'm trying to theme my books at the moment and I just left Genoa, where they have several funicular railways. As far as I know, they are not water operated, but I only investigated one. I decided my perfect next read would be Funicular, which was waiting patiently on my Audible tbr.
This turned out to be an excellent listen and the narration in Jade McLean's London accent was spot on. I loved the way Mr Lince wrote and his one-liners often made me smile. I was totally immersed in the life of D.I. Bob Dixon, who moves out of London and up to sleepy Saltburn-by-the-Sea, to become their new Chief. Bob gets to hear about the children who have disappeared from the town every time there is an extreme high tide and he determines to find answers to where all these children have gone. Then he gets warned off....
The author did a great job of making me take a complete re-think, but for perfectly legitimate reasons and I loved the supernatural element which slowly built through the story. So you're probably wondering why I've given it four instead of five stars? I'm afraid it was the ending, it just got a bit too far fetched for me, but otherwise a fab book, highly recommended.
LibraryThing allows 4.5 stars, about time other review sites did too.
July 3, 2021
Wow! Just wow!
Initially I read this book as it was highly recommended by a friend, with the added bonus of being set in my local area. Aside from that I had no idea what it was about.
A quick glance at the blurb and I decided that the main character being a detective told me all I needed and that this book was right up my alley, in my preferred genre.
The book is quick to engross you and I could really imagine Bob struggling up Saltburn Bank or enjoying a pint in the ship. Even the Pig and Whistle!
Then everything changed and the book took on a supernatural feel which was great and highly enjoyable. Until it wasn't supernatural but something else entirely (I won't spoil it) and had me sitting up paying attention.
A it all came together I was wondering how on earth it was going to happen.
Unlike any book I have read this previously, this was a completely unique story and enjoyable in its own right.
The only thing that left me wondering was where on earth Chalky's farm is and spent a while looking up near Huntcliffe to decide!
I am now about to purchase the Whitby book as I feel this is an author I want to follow.
Initially I read this book as it was highly recommended by a friend, with the added bonus of being set in my local area. Aside from that I had no idea what it was about.
A quick glance at the blurb and I decided that the main character being a detective told me all I needed and that this book was right up my alley, in my preferred genre.
The book is quick to engross you and I could really imagine Bob struggling up Saltburn Bank or enjoying a pint in the ship. Even the Pig and Whistle!
Then everything changed and the book took on a supernatural feel which was great and highly enjoyable. Until it wasn't supernatural but something else entirely (I won't spoil it) and had me sitting up paying attention.
A it all came together I was wondering how on earth it was going to happen.
Unlike any book I have read this previously, this was a completely unique story and enjoyable in its own right.
The only thing that left me wondering was where on earth Chalky's farm is and spent a while looking up near Huntcliffe to decide!
I am now about to purchase the Whitby book as I feel this is an author I want to follow.
May 17, 2019
Ok, first off, I had to Google ‘funicular’...lol. The story begins with DI Bob Dixon moving to the quiet seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea after his life was threatened in London. Life in the seaside town is quiet...nothing ever happens...that is until 6 years ago when a young girl, Lizzie Scruggs, disappeared during an unusually high tide. When Bob develops a pseudo friendship with Lizzy’s brother, he promises the young man that he will look into Lizzy’s case. During his investigation, Bob discovers that a young child disappears every 6 years...during that unusual high tide. Further inquiries unearths a tale about two people disappearing from a funicular ride several years ago...during that weird high tide. As Bob digs further, his discoveries makes him question his sanity. Who is the stranger who seems to be taunting him? How is he connected to the disappearances? Where on earth does the funicular fit into all of this? Good story, with some pretty amusing descriptions of the characters. There are a few areas that I had to rewind to understand what was happening, but overall a good story.
Narrator was superb and really brought DI Dixon to life.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Narrator was superb and really brought DI Dixon to life.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2022
A great read! Doctor Who meets police procedural.
The fun in this read was the way the author maintains the day-to-day of the police work done in a little town, Saltburn by the Sea, in the midst of an increasingly puzzling and slightly creepy challenge for our hero, Bob. It is really difficult to say any more without giving it away, but the more I got through the story, the more I thought it would go to television very well in in a Doctor Who/Broadchurch sort of way. I did not think I would be able to cope with a science fiction element in a crime story but this just proves me wrong. The characters are all done very well, care given to each one. But, maybe the real star of the book is Saltburn itself, as I am now dying to visit and have a lemon head ice cream.
The fun in this read was the way the author maintains the day-to-day of the police work done in a little town, Saltburn by the Sea, in the midst of an increasingly puzzling and slightly creepy challenge for our hero, Bob. It is really difficult to say any more without giving it away, but the more I got through the story, the more I thought it would go to television very well in in a Doctor Who/Broadchurch sort of way. I did not think I would be able to cope with a science fiction element in a crime story but this just proves me wrong. The characters are all done very well, care given to each one. But, maybe the real star of the book is Saltburn itself, as I am now dying to visit and have a lemon head ice cream.
December 7, 2018
Detective Inspector Bob Dixon worked with the Metropolitan Police putting away the worst criminals, after receiving threats he decided in the time leading to his retirement to take things a bit easier so moves to sleepy Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
Settling in to Saltburn wasn’t as easy as expected after three months he decided to venture out on to the beat with Constable Higgins get to know his surroundings and some of the locals.
Constable Higgins dad Keith used to be the DI after his retirement he joined the team as brake man on his the oldest water driven funicular in Europe he absolutely loved the job. Higgins introduced them then left as he had heard the tales so many times, Keith pleased he had an audience started relaying his scary stories.
On the return journey where there’s tales of strange happenings on the funicular most of the group were scared but not Bob although he did hold his breath “just in case”.
Returning to the office Bob decided to look into the missing people files Lizzy Scraggs had gone missing six years earlier thought to be lost at sea. What a journey this takes us on.
I loved this book its a Magical Mystery Tour making you wonder if things are really are as they seem? What a brilliant Christmas present this would make puts a smile on your face. It covers so many genres crime fantasy mystery and many more.
Settling in to Saltburn wasn’t as easy as expected after three months he decided to venture out on to the beat with Constable Higgins get to know his surroundings and some of the locals.
Constable Higgins dad Keith used to be the DI after his retirement he joined the team as brake man on his the oldest water driven funicular in Europe he absolutely loved the job. Higgins introduced them then left as he had heard the tales so many times, Keith pleased he had an audience started relaying his scary stories.
On the return journey where there’s tales of strange happenings on the funicular most of the group were scared but not Bob although he did hold his breath “just in case”.
Returning to the office Bob decided to look into the missing people files Lizzy Scraggs had gone missing six years earlier thought to be lost at sea. What a journey this takes us on.
I loved this book its a Magical Mystery Tour making you wonder if things are really are as they seem? What a brilliant Christmas present this would make puts a smile on your face. It covers so many genres crime fantasy mystery and many more.
March 3, 2019
Another fantastic book by T. F. Lince. He certainly brings a whole new meaning to the word mystery. As with his first book Room 119, T. F. Lince writes his stories in such a way that you think you have things figured out and then he throws a curve ball at you and you realise you were completely off base the whole time, it twists your brain cells up so you don’t know what’s real a what’s not. It certainly makes you think. That’s all I can say is Expect the unexpected.
The story kept me engaged throughout. I will definitely recommend it to others.
The story kept me engaged throughout. I will definitely recommend it to others.
March 5, 2019
This book teases your brain with brilliant twists and turns mixing reality with supernatural happenings. The descriptions of Saltburn and its characters bring the story to life and had me gripped from the start. Seeming like a ‘normal’ detective story with a determined ‘old school’ character of Bob Dixon I read avidly to see the plot lead me down blind alleys, but constantly feeding me bits of clues to solve. No plot spoilers - I enjoyed letting the story wrap me into its atmosphere and mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced ride.
December 27, 2019
Another masterpiece from Trevor Lince!
I'd been looking forward to this since I listened to Room 119 and I wasn't disappointed. The main character is well developed and the plot is exciting and full of twists and turns. The sort of book where I give loud gasps at certain points in the story. I only do that when I am fully invested in the characters and their lives.
Room 119 is till my favourite but this comes a close second. The narrator, Jade McLean, is skillful and brings the story to life.
Easily a 5 star listen. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
I'd been looking forward to this since I listened to Room 119 and I wasn't disappointed. The main character is well developed and the plot is exciting and full of twists and turns. The sort of book where I give loud gasps at certain points in the story. I only do that when I am fully invested in the characters and their lives.
Room 119 is till my favourite but this comes a close second. The narrator, Jade McLean, is skillful and brings the story to life.
Easily a 5 star listen. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
February 7, 2022
I was not expecting this. I opened this book up hoping for a police procedural but what I got was so much more. Yes there is that but there is also mystery, supernatural and just right freaky elements. I loved it all! Bob Dixon moves from London to the quant village of Saltburn to finish off his career before retirement. But a cold case of a missing girl grabs his attention and it just spirals from there. I wanted to go see a funicular at the start of this book but I think I'll give it a miss now.
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