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DS Lasser #20
Shedding Skins
Amy Andrews has been missing for over twenty four hours and when the naked body of a young female is discovered trapped in the violent churning water of the river Douglas, DS Lasser fears the worst.
But nothing adds up, Amy Andrews had been strangled before being dumped in the beer black water, her clothes are missing and yet there is no sign of any sexual assault.
With the team depleted and a killer running amok Lasser must try and dig up the clues as to why the killer is targeting young women. To make matters worse someone is determined to finish Lasser for good, someone with a deep seated hatred for the taciturn sergeant and all he stands for.
As Lasser strives to get to the truth he finds himself caught in a battle as the team is slowly decimated and when another young woman is snatched off the streets he knows that time is running out not just for her but for all those he holds dear.
Yet the truth is darker and deeper than he could ever have imagined as the figure emerges from the shadows determined to kill again, determined to become what they had been born to be.
But nothing adds up, Amy Andrews had been strangled before being dumped in the beer black water, her clothes are missing and yet there is no sign of any sexual assault.
With the team depleted and a killer running amok Lasser must try and dig up the clues as to why the killer is targeting young women. To make matters worse someone is determined to finish Lasser for good, someone with a deep seated hatred for the taciturn sergeant and all he stands for.
As Lasser strives to get to the truth he finds himself caught in a battle as the team is slowly decimated and when another young woman is snatched off the streets he knows that time is running out not just for her but for all those he holds dear.
Yet the truth is darker and deeper than he could ever have imagined as the figure emerges from the shadows determined to kill again, determined to become what they had been born to be.
- GenresThriller
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2019
39 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Robin Roughley
46 books152 followersRob Roughley lives in the North West of England (God's coal bunker,the land of the wedding cake made by placing three meat pies on top of one another and whippets on lengths of string)
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors.
If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you.
However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try.
1 The Needle House
2 The Way that it Falls
3 Tethered to the Dead.
4 Twisted
Coming soon:
5 More Equal than Others
6 Vanished Beneath
7 Riven
8 Bad Self
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 20, 2019
Brain rather than brawn
It only seems like yesterday that I read the Needle House book 1 in the lasser series and here we are with Shredding Skins book 20 even though anyone that's read any of this series will know all the main characters and each book follows in parts from the previous one every story is as fresh as a daisy and gets you engrossed from the onset .you can get the well written blurb off Amazon so I won't bore you with my version all I'll say that it's another brilliantly written book definitely worth a read can't wait for book 21 to come out
It only seems like yesterday that I read the Needle House book 1 in the lasser series and here we are with Shredding Skins book 20 even though anyone that's read any of this series will know all the main characters and each book follows in parts from the previous one every story is as fresh as a daisy and gets you engrossed from the onset .you can get the well written blurb off Amazon so I won't bore you with my version all I'll say that it's another brilliantly written book definitely worth a read can't wait for book 21 to come out
May 20, 2019
A seriously tense psychological thriller!
Yet again Robin Roughley wows his readers with another mind blowing storyline. A psychological thriller that throws your emotions into turmoil, as your drawn into the story by the author's gift for making the reader feel part of what's playing out on the pages. Even banter between characters, crime scenes or geographically your inexplicably there, I know of few authors who have honed that gift to such perfection as this one!
There are two main storylines running through this book, firstly the body of a naked young woman is spotted, caught in the debris of a swollen river by a homeless man.
This kicks off the start of a man hunt for a deranged killer like no other, why is he targeting young women and taking their clothes?
Trouble is Bannister and Odette are still on sick leave after their injuries and trauma in the previous book, so Lasser and his boss Carole Henson are up against an impossible situation, no clues and a skeletal staff they're in need of more help!
More help indeed, their request is granted only to add more problems to the mix. Lasser's life is on the line by an old adversary who will stop at nothing to see Lasser finished, or worse dead!
This book play's your emotions to the hilt in more ways than one. The anger I felt in parts had me consuming the words at speed, only to be in tears by the next chapter. The sadness and horrendous memories, of someone's childhood, brings home how lives are mapped out in childhood.
A depraved killer who leaves no clues has Lasser chasing his tail, add to that his personal safety is in jeopardy..............it's explosive, tense, gripping, exciting, psychologically disturbing and hugely sensitive. The humanity amidst the cruelty and shocking actions of some, brings home the genius of this author!
If you haven't read this series, and your into British crime novels, you really should try them, the author is a master at working your emotions to their limit!!!
Yet again Robin Roughley wows his readers with another mind blowing storyline. A psychological thriller that throws your emotions into turmoil, as your drawn into the story by the author's gift for making the reader feel part of what's playing out on the pages. Even banter between characters, crime scenes or geographically your inexplicably there, I know of few authors who have honed that gift to such perfection as this one!
There are two main storylines running through this book, firstly the body of a naked young woman is spotted, caught in the debris of a swollen river by a homeless man.
This kicks off the start of a man hunt for a deranged killer like no other, why is he targeting young women and taking their clothes?
Trouble is Bannister and Odette are still on sick leave after their injuries and trauma in the previous book, so Lasser and his boss Carole Henson are up against an impossible situation, no clues and a skeletal staff they're in need of more help!
More help indeed, their request is granted only to add more problems to the mix. Lasser's life is on the line by an old adversary who will stop at nothing to see Lasser finished, or worse dead!
This book play's your emotions to the hilt in more ways than one. The anger I felt in parts had me consuming the words at speed, only to be in tears by the next chapter. The sadness and horrendous memories, of someone's childhood, brings home how lives are mapped out in childhood.
A depraved killer who leaves no clues has Lasser chasing his tail, add to that his personal safety is in jeopardy..............it's explosive, tense, gripping, exciting, psychologically disturbing and hugely sensitive. The humanity amidst the cruelty and shocking actions of some, brings home the genius of this author!
If you haven't read this series, and your into British crime novels, you really should try them, the author is a master at working your emotions to their limit!!!
September 22, 2019
Fast paced, action packed, great narrative, fantastic book
I am making my way through all the lasser books and there is not a single one I have not enjoyed!
I love the rough foul mouthed copper from Lancashire real writing from the UK that I can understand the character traits and britishness of people who could live on your street or could see on your high street.
Was recently in hospital with no signal to download book 5 and picked up another book set in Brighton but it read like an American 1980's private detective novel...I love UK authors some great books from Scotland Ireland Wales and England that culturally I love.
I am making my way through all the lasser books and there is not a single one I have not enjoyed!
I love the rough foul mouthed copper from Lancashire real writing from the UK that I can understand the character traits and britishness of people who could live on your street or could see on your high street.
Was recently in hospital with no signal to download book 5 and picked up another book set in Brighton but it read like an American 1980's private detective novel...I love UK authors some great books from Scotland Ireland Wales and England that culturally I love.
June 3, 2019
I love reading about Lasser and all the Wigan team.I feel over the series , they have each developed into credible characters. Now in a dilemma trying to describe my reaction to Lasser No. 20.
I can say that I really enjoyed about 80 0/0 of the book, For me it was a page Turner. A well written ,well figured plot ,then oh dear, the story line became so fantastical and gorish that it was almost boring. As for the the on going story of Ryan ,alas that took the same road getting more and more unbelievable. No doubt I will be first in the line for No.21.
I can say that I really enjoyed about 80 0/0 of the book, For me it was a page Turner. A well written ,well figured plot ,then oh dear, the story line became so fantastical and gorish that it was almost boring. As for the the on going story of Ryan ,alas that took the same road getting more and more unbelievable. No doubt I will be first in the line for No.21.
May 15, 2019
Although this is book 20 in the DS Lasser series, it is still as fresh and original as book 1.
Robin Roughley has the ability to create new characters as well as developing characters that are already established.
I would love to see this series on TV. It would certainly rival the likes of Morse.
As usual I will be waiting with baited breath for the next book in the series.
Robin Roughley has the ability to create new characters as well as developing characters that are already established.
I would love to see this series on TV. It would certainly rival the likes of Morse.
As usual I will be waiting with baited breath for the next book in the series.
May 22, 2019
Yet another wonderful Lasser book - fabulous for atmosphere, characters and very funny one-liners.
Robin Roughley does not waste time writing the blindingly obvious, ie what we already know or can readily assume, nor does he waste time re-writing what the reader knows but the characters don't (just to fill space!) Impossible not to love and admire the Lasser genre!
Robin Roughley does not waste time writing the blindingly obvious, ie what we already know or can readily assume, nor does he waste time re-writing what the reader knows but the characters don't (just to fill space!) Impossible not to love and admire the Lasser genre!
May 30, 2019
Amazing
I can’t help being envious of any body that has
Not yet discovered the laser books . They are really in for a treat . You really need to read them in order to get the full story. If your looking for humour, action ,amazing police processes and a thrilling believable read . I would give the books ten stars if I could
I can’t help being envious of any body that has
Not yet discovered the laser books . They are really in for a treat . You really need to read them in order to get the full story. If your looking for humour, action ,amazing police processes and a thrilling believable read . I would give the books ten stars if I could
May 15, 2019
Another cracker!
How does he do it! Always an intriguing plot! Some authors when writing a series end up very much the same....not Robin Roughley always amazing! Keep going Robin I love them!
How does he do it! Always an intriguing plot! Some authors when writing a series end up very much the same....not Robin Roughley always amazing! Keep going Robin I love them!
May 18, 2019
WOW
What can I say another amazing book robin you have done it again took me a day to read it because i could not leave it alone well I hope your already writing the next instalment book 22 hope it's soon thanks
What can I say another amazing book robin you have done it again took me a day to read it because i could not leave it alone well I hope your already writing the next instalment book 22 hope it's soon thanks
May 19, 2019
Seriously Excellent
Another excellent Lasser book by Robin Roughley.
Lasser must be my favourite policeman.
The stories are seriously first class and keep you want to reach the finale.
Roll on number 21!
Another excellent Lasser book by Robin Roughley.
Lasser must be my favourite policeman.
The stories are seriously first class and keep you want to reach the finale.
Roll on number 21!
May 23, 2019
Shedding Skins
What a book number 20 and still get better and better,briliant storyline characters so believable I feel as if I know them😁.I honestly don't know how the author keeps this standard up absolutely grippng from start to finish.Roll on 21.
What a book number 20 and still get better and better,briliant storyline characters so believable I feel as if I know them😁.I honestly don't know how the author keeps this standard up absolutely grippng from start to finish.Roll on 21.
June 2, 2019
Riveting!
Every time I think the books can't possibly get better, Robin Roughly proves me wrong! Shedding skins is a gripping read from the very first word. Read it in one sitting and can not wait for the next one!
Every time I think the books can't possibly get better, Robin Roughly proves me wrong! Shedding skins is a gripping read from the very first word. Read it in one sitting and can not wait for the next one!
June 2, 2019
Wow. They do get Better
Once again Lasser and the Team Have The world against them. A Bent Cop is still looking to Finnish Them and a Murderer is on the loose.. But as usual with the Brilliant Robin Roughley there is SO much More.. I Cannot wait for Book 21
Once again Lasser and the Team Have The world against them. A Bent Cop is still looking to Finnish Them and a Murderer is on the loose.. But as usual with the Brilliant Robin Roughley there is SO much More.. I Cannot wait for Book 21
June 5, 2019
Stark reality
First thank you for the whole Lasser series. I have read them all and I want to say thank you for a great series.
Writing about the end results of such terrible abuse must have been hard.
Keep writing you do great stories
First thank you for the whole Lasser series. I have read them all and I want to say thank you for a great series.
Writing about the end results of such terrible abuse must have been hard.
Keep writing you do great stories
June 6, 2019
Winding up the bent
Congratulations to the author for writing TWENTY novels with one main character and numerous supporting roles, good and evil. This one seemed a little more anxious to wind up the ahole cops and keep the good ones alive for another go round. Salante
Congratulations to the author for writing TWENTY novels with one main character and numerous supporting roles, good and evil. This one seemed a little more anxious to wind up the ahole cops and keep the good ones alive for another go round. Salante
July 8, 2019
Read all the Lasser series from book 1 and loved them but this is up there with one of Robin's best yet! I feel like the characters are part of my family now and Wigans villains could be same characters I know from my local pub!! Dialogue is brilliant!! Must read series
January 4, 2020
Not for the faint hearted
I've been reading the Lasser series off and on for years.
They are good books, but they do tell the truth and it is ugly.
Child ABUSE in any form is unforgivable.
I've been reading the Lasser series off and on for years.
They are good books, but they do tell the truth and it is ugly.
Child ABUSE in any form is unforgivable.
April 1, 2023
Gripping
Every book excels the previous one. This author has a vivid imagination for murder which is gripping and believable. I have binge read the series from book 1 and am enthralled by each new story.
Every book excels the previous one. This author has a vivid imagination for murder which is gripping and believable. I have binge read the series from book 1 and am enthralled by each new story.
May 20, 2019
Love me some Lasser
Another tip roaring full throttle Lasser story. Although I wish he would get together with Odette. Suzanne is great as akways.
Another tip roaring full throttle Lasser story. Although I wish he would get together with Odette. Suzanne is great as akways.
May 24, 2019
Another great read
Again a great read can't wait for the next one great story hard to put down book well done robin
Again a great read can't wait for the next one great story hard to put down book well done robin
May 29, 2019
Great storyline,nailbiting chapters!
He just gets better and better! You never see what's coming,he keeps you hooked from page one until the end
He just gets better and better! You never see what's coming,he keeps you hooked from page one until the end
June 2, 2019
Fantastic
Once again the latest offering is simply superb. I never tire of reading this particular series and can’t wait for the next.
Once again the latest offering is simply superb. I never tire of reading this particular series and can’t wait for the next.
June 6, 2019
Brilliant
Another great book. This man is a genius at writing about crime and suspense. Hope the next novel comes quickly
Another great book. This man is a genius at writing about crime and suspense. Hope the next novel comes quickly
June 9, 2019
Roughly at his best!
I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was moving and gripping. Looking forward to future stories. Thanks for a great read. Time for another Plymouth story.
I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was moving and gripping. Looking forward to future stories. Thanks for a great read. Time for another Plymouth story.
July 10, 2019
Quite gripping
Not the usual type of story I read ,but I found it difficult to put down,in places. Must try another.
Not the usual type of story I read ,but I found it difficult to put down,in places. Must try another.
August 3, 2019
Another enjoyable read
Can't wait for the next installment of Lasser and the team, please keep them coming, and coming, and coming, you get the picture ☺️
Can't wait for the next installment of Lasser and the team, please keep them coming, and coming, and coming, you get the picture ☺️
May 4, 2020
Best yet!
The case was thrilling and once again the story is full of previous characters and storylines, Lasser continues to keep me entertained in the lock down. Thanks.
The case was thrilling and once again the story is full of previous characters and storylines, Lasser continues to keep me entertained in the lock down. Thanks.
July 11, 2021
Review
A great book loved every page of it cannot wait for the next one hope it is as good 👍
A great book loved every page of it cannot wait for the next one hope it is as good 👍
June 12, 2023
Well, that was complex. I was trying to figure out who it was, and bang didn't see that one coming. Brilliant
February 11, 2024
Two wrongs Make a Right
It feels like agony reading this story. It is long and torturous. So many things go wrong. How can it ever resolve? And the team survived!
It feels like agony reading this story. It is long and torturous. So many things go wrong. How can it ever resolve? And the team survived!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews