Stronger Than Death

DI Jake Sawyer #2

by Andrew Lowe

DI Jake Sawyer is suffering. After a bruising confrontation with a cruel killer, he has isolated himself in a remote cottage in the bleak and beautiful northern Peak District.

Facing an uncertain future, he resumes his illicit investigation into his mother’s murder, and reluctantly enters therapy to explore his apparent lack of primal fear response.

When an ex-TV personality is found murdered, from a single stab wound to the heart, Sawyer suspects a ritualistic element. But then a second victim is found, and he forms a terrifying theory about the killer’s twisted logic.

As Sawyer teeters on the edge of breakdown, he must protect the killer’s targets as he closes in on the truth behind the attack on his mother: a truth that will put his reputation - and freedom - at risk.

Genres: Crime

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2018

About the author

Andrew Lowe was born in the North of England, back when it was okay to play outside and people ate trifle a lot.

He has written for The Guardian and Sunday Times, and contributed to numerous books on film, music, TV, videogames, sex and shin splints.

The Ghost is his first novel.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Jake Sawyer has moved from the busy city of London and the stresses of high level policing. He has moved back to his roots, in the Peak District, for a quieter life and to recover from his injuries after a run in with a nasty killer, in his last case. He is also a somewhat different type of person and has problems with others normal reactions. An event in his past, as a young child, has led to him being unable to feel fear or any other strong emotions. It can be a hindrance, but also an advantage, especially when chasing villains.

He is forced into a new sort of therapy to explore his lack of fear and alongside his normal caseload, he gets back into investigating his mother’s murder, on the sly. Instead of a laidback posting in the Peak District, he has to start on a series of strange murders. The first is the death of an old TV star, from a single stab wound. Once another body is found, within a very short time frame, Jake has to work out what the link is between the victims. Why are they being chosen and what is the killers motive?

Jakes personal life is non-existent and he has a bit of a thing for a married woman, which causes him some trouble with the very jealous husband. Jake finds himself at the end of quite a few beat downs, all while keeping his own private investigation secret. He finds himself blacking out for short periods and losing his time and place, but has no idea why and has to hide this from his workmates.

He has to protect the last few possible victims of the killer, as they close in on the killer. All at the same time as he gets closer to the truth behind his mother’s murder. This all puts him in danger, both professionally and personally, as all the cases converge. A good read, with an interesting motive behind the murders and a very flawed and damaged main character in Jake Sawyer. A very close relation to a news story of some years ago, in the UK, regarding his past, which made that part of the story very hard hitting. I can still remember the news stories of the times.

Very realistic crimes and problems with human reactions. A killer with an unusual method of choosing their victims and a detective with a personal vendetta and cause of his own. I really enjoyed reading this book and had to finish it all in one sitting! I look forward to seeing if there will be more books in the series. I hadn’t read the first book, but it was easy to read the second book as a standalone book. I received an ARC copy of the book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. I was impressed with the theme for the plot - very interesting. Although this second-in-series novel is described as a stand alone, there are many references to past events that made me wish I had read the first in the series before reading this one. The ending disappointed me as it ends on a cliffhanger so you need to buy the next book to continue the story. I never like that. I find it disappointing and it makes me wish I’d chosen something else to spend my reading time on. There are lots of references in the book to films and music. I like that the author uses music to convey mood. I didn’t know all of the music referenced but I found the concept of doing that added an extra dimension to the story - or it did for me, anyway. I didn’t quite get all the film references as I haven’t seen all the films referred to, so some of those left me a bit flat. It was a case of assuming a joke and moving on. I only found the glossary of all the acronyms as I finished reading. I did puzzle over some of those. I suppose I should have thought to look for a glossary - but I didn’t. All the way through the book I had 4 stars in my mind - down from 5 because of the pauses caused by trying to work out the acronyms and the film references I didn’t get. It went down to 3 stars because of my disappointment in the ending, A shame really because there is a lot to like in this book as long as you are happy that you will be buying the next in the series for the continuation of the story. I received this book free as an ARC reader, in return for an honest review.

[Roy McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read. The author has the ability to tell a multi-faceted crime story without, like so many crime writers, laying red herrings and other ramblings so that the momentum and clarity is lost. Sawyer is an incisive detective, though hampered by his own personal demons. The death of his mother haunts and hinders him. He knows what fear is but he is incapable of feeling it. These things he recognises and we follow along with the therapy he undergoes. Meanwhile there's a serial killer on the loose - identifying him is one thing, stopping him is another. Was it the author or the police who make a schoolboy error in having the killer stroll past the police protection and into the next victim's home through an overlooked window? But the bathroom death struggle which follows is epic. The Peak District setting is used well. And a unique ending as, the killer arrested, Sawyer himself is arrested for another murder. We must read on to #3. Tana French, Sharon Bolton, you have a worthy rival in Andrew Lowe.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my experience British mystery authors seem to possess a certain flair for convoluted mysteries, odd backgrounds, weirdly motivated villains, even torturous constructs that will put readers through their paces trying to Figure It All Out. Detective Inspector Jake Sawyer, formerly of the London Metropolitan Police, is a protagonist with issues all his own and one of those torturous backstories. Now while on leave, he is tasked to return early and take on investigation of a bizarre crime.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was good. Even though it is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone. This one kept my attention and kept me on my toes. It was hard to put down. I would like to go back and read the first book, as well as read book three when it's released.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Dale Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery gets deeper and deeper (although i do think i've figured it out - i hope im not because THAT answer, i think, would be too easy)- this is with regards to Jake's backstory, not the case he is working.

It his backstory and the trails he is chasing that is keeping me hanging on. I've got this far, i need to know the rest!

The writing is great, story is great (both the main and the backstory) and the characters are likeable (well, some).

Book 2 down, bring on book 3!!

[audrey baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me, and I have never read a book so fast….
It grips you, the characters, story & twists and turns throughout makes reading these books brilliant….
I have read books 1 & 2 in rapid succession & on book 3, which I started immediately….
I must read all the books about Jake Sawyer, and many more by Andrew Lowe….
Can only say a Brilliant Fascinating Author…..

[Rachel Bone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't so keen on this murder plot, more interested in Sawyer and his relationship with Eva from book 1. Eva husband Dale released from prison is not overly happy that Sawyer is moving in on his wife, so sends in some big guns.

Timing isn't great for Sawyer trying to solve a murder and deal with some local heavies sent by Dale.

[Jenni MacKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Love this series so far!

I read a lot of crime thrillers and there's just something pretty special about Jake Sawyer, his story, his character and what he stands for.
He's a lone wolf who can take care of himself. A guy you'd want on your side.
I'm enjoying the other characters to and I'm really excited for book 3 which I'm away to start now.

[Becky Lyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as much as the previous book but it didn't excite me unfortunately. I'm going to hit pause on this series and maybe come back to it in the future. It maybe just me but I find my mind wandering instead of reading. Aside from the it's a great story and I do want to continue at some point.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Mike Rogers

Someone really doesn’t like DI Jake Sawyer investigating his mother’s death but is it someone closer than he could ever expect?
Trauma from Sawyer’s past has left him with a lack of fear which at times can be helpful but in his line of work also a hindrance!

Mike Rogers does a great job with the narration.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very captivating story from beginning to end. The characters are well thought out and you could feel the emotions that they went through. A must read.

I read this book for free as an ARC reader and would recommend this book.

[Terry and dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new case, new foes and the childhood trauma continues. Such an interesting and damaged man, in more ways than one. Jake is getting closer to the truth, but I don’t think he’ll like what he finds. I must continue.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serial killer who is meticulous in method and leaves Sawyer and his team scrambling to find out who did it. Also more on Jake's past life, the murder of his mother...the bits and snippets provided by the author in each book is a sure way to keep me reading this series.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Andrew Lowe I have read. It was an interesting mystery with great characters. I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping story. DI Jake has isolated himself after a terrible confrontation with a cruel killer He is still investigating the murder of his Mother. Impossible to not love this book.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Jake.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that is a cliffhanger!

What a tale Andrew Lowe has woven. Lots of intrigue. Lots of drama. Great characters. Wonderful plot. Hooked to keep reading.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5 stars. I liked book first better, but this one is good and you get a lot of background information regarding Jake Sawyer.

I am looking to reading book 3.