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The Badge and the Pen #3
Hidden
Vinnie’s romantic holiday did not go as planned. There was an assault, his companion was threatened and the police asked them to leave.
And when Vinnie returns to his police job in Manchester, things don’t get much better, as he finds himself at the heart of an investigation that stretches from Manchester to all corners of Europe. Women are being trafficked into the UK and forced into prostitution, and while the police are diligent in their enquiries, they seem to have a rogue in their midst.
As events unravel, the lines between good and bad, police and criminals, seem to become more and more blurred... and the stakes for all involved are getting higher.
Hidden is Book 3 in Roger Price’s the badge and the pen series, but it can equally be read as a novel in its own right. Existing fans of Vinnie and Christine are bound to love it, but Hidden is also perfect for crime and police fiction lovers, and anybody who loves a fast-paced, gripping story.
Roger A Price served for more than 30 years in the Lancashire Constabulary, retiring as a detective inspector in charge of a covert unit. He now writes full time and is developing a TV crime drama.
And when Vinnie returns to his police job in Manchester, things don’t get much better, as he finds himself at the heart of an investigation that stretches from Manchester to all corners of Europe. Women are being trafficked into the UK and forced into prostitution, and while the police are diligent in their enquiries, they seem to have a rogue in their midst.
As events unravel, the lines between good and bad, police and criminals, seem to become more and more blurred... and the stakes for all involved are getting higher.
Hidden is Book 3 in Roger Price’s the badge and the pen series, but it can equally be read as a novel in its own right. Existing fans of Vinnie and Christine are bound to love it, but Hidden is also perfect for crime and police fiction lovers, and anybody who loves a fast-paced, gripping story.
Roger A Price served for more than 30 years in the Lancashire Constabulary, retiring as a detective inspector in charge of a covert unit. He now writes full time and is developing a TV crime drama.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2019
8 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Roger A. Price
17 books56 followersThe author is a retired detective inspector who had been in charge of a covert unit, which received national acclaim for its successes in engaging those who openly sold Class A drugs.
Prior to this, he’d been in charge of the C.I.D. at Preston, having first led a dedicated informant unit.
He also worked on murders, drugs squads, and the regional and national crime squads, often in covert roles across the UK, Europe, and the Far East, receiving several commendations.
A member of the Crime Writers' Association he now writes crime, thrillers - in novel - and drama scripts. He uses his previous professional experiences to add gritty realism. Represented by SMA Talent.
www.rogerapriceauthor.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 1, 2019
The synopsis for this book indicates that this is going to be a tough crime and police procedural read. The investigation unfolds and the full extent of the depths people fall soon becomes apparent.
Vinnie is involved in the investigation into trafficked women and Christine, a journalist with wants to highlight this growing crime. The main focus is on Vinnie as he gradually starts to link things together and work out the details. While Christine tends to take ore of a backseat for the first half of the book. The second half however see’s her taking a more proactive stance as her enquiries for the story emerge.
The subject of human trafficking and prostitution is mentioned as it is obviously the basis of the story, the author, however, has not gone into too much detail. The emphasis is on the case and those that are trying to discover the truth behind those that run the business, the women and the premises Alongside the crimes is the corruption and this is a great way of adding an air of distrust. It left me wondering which way and how far corruption would spread.
Now, this Author has a career that gives him invaluable insight into policing, crime, investigations and the courtroom. his adds that extra something that I like in this type of book, the knowledge and experience shows.
The pacing of the story is good and this is helped by not having a huge cast list. Keeping those that are necessary means I don’t have lots of people to remember, it means I can just sit and read allowing the story to take me along.
This is a good read and is one that readers of police procedural, crime, thriller reads would enjoy. It’s one I would Recommend.
Vinnie is involved in the investigation into trafficked women and Christine, a journalist with wants to highlight this growing crime. The main focus is on Vinnie as he gradually starts to link things together and work out the details. While Christine tends to take ore of a backseat for the first half of the book. The second half however see’s her taking a more proactive stance as her enquiries for the story emerge.
The subject of human trafficking and prostitution is mentioned as it is obviously the basis of the story, the author, however, has not gone into too much detail. The emphasis is on the case and those that are trying to discover the truth behind those that run the business, the women and the premises Alongside the crimes is the corruption and this is a great way of adding an air of distrust. It left me wondering which way and how far corruption would spread.
Now, this Author has a career that gives him invaluable insight into policing, crime, investigations and the courtroom. his adds that extra something that I like in this type of book, the knowledge and experience shows.
The pacing of the story is good and this is helped by not having a huge cast list. Keeping those that are necessary means I don’t have lots of people to remember, it means I can just sit and read allowing the story to take me along.
This is a good read and is one that readers of police procedural, crime, thriller reads would enjoy. It’s one I would Recommend.
July 6, 2019
This book has kept me up till 1 am! I could not go to sleep before I knew how the story was going to end and my oh my when the author finally revealed who the biggest culprit was, I was happy I was lying on the sofa because otherwise I would have fallen over. This was a serious surprise. I never saw that coming.
I really adore this kind of books where you never could have guessed who was the mastermind behind it all.
It's also very clear that the author knows what he is talking about. You can do research of course but the finer details you can only get when you were in the line of fire and this always adds to the quality of the story.
The author created very likeable characters (for the good ones) and very real life baddies. 4 stars.
Thank you, Roger A. Price and Book On The Bright Side Publicity & Promo
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I really adore this kind of books where you never could have guessed who was the mastermind behind it all.
It's also very clear that the author knows what he is talking about. You can do research of course but the finer details you can only get when you were in the line of fire and this always adds to the quality of the story.
The author created very likeable characters (for the good ones) and very real life baddies. 4 stars.
Thank you, Roger A. Price and Book On The Bright Side Publicity & Promo
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
September 10, 2019
Hidden by Roger A Price is an engrossing book, the characters are (as ever with his writing) realistic and genuine. His plotting is excellent and he writes with his Police detective experience shining through every page. I didn't know who was going to be the 'baddie' until almost at the end. I changed my mind a few times. I am not giving the story away here, that would be mean. But, people trafficking and bent coppers feature and from my own research into people trafficking I can tell you he writes from experience. He is easy to read and enjoyable. I am fast becoming his number one fan. You will too when you read his work. Excellent. Cannot wait for the next one. 5* read.
August 17, 2019
Well...
Never in a month of Sundays did I see that coming! My gob has been well and truly smacked.
*shrugs*
Whaaa? It has been known to happen.
*shakes head*
That was some twist, wasn’t it? What was that? Oh sorry. You’ve still to read it, haven’t you? My bad. *blushes*
Hidden is Book 3 in The Badge and the Pen series but can easily be read as a standalone. I humbly submit to you Exhibit A as evidence for the defence *points at self*. I know, I’m such a rebel for reading out of sequence *rolls eyes*.
The Laurel and Hardy quote “Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.” kept coming to mind when I read this story. Vinnie and Christine seem to be a magnet for trouble. Even more so than you would expect given their respective jobs.
In today’s world, is there anything more unpalatable than modern slavery and people trafficking? The whole thing just leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. There are always those willing to exploit the vulnerable in society *sniffs*.
A routine bust to shut down a known place of ‘ill repute’ uncovers a criminal network with far reaching consequences encompassing more than one country. With time of the essence and ever escalating danger, Vinnie, Christine et al must combine their resources before they lose the trail and the organisation goes to ground.
Ahhh! It made for heart-pounding read. Suspense and intrigue on every page. Trust the wrong person and the case could implode. For me, this is what police procedural crime fiction is all about. All set against the backdrop of the North West where you wouldn’t expect any of this to happen.
Now, I see you sitting there scratching your head wondering why if I loved the book so much, I’ve given the book a 4-star rating. Well, you know me, I always want to know more, and I had a few unanswered questions at the end. I also lost the flow sometimes with the writing style, but that’s just my opinion. *whispers* Please be gentle with me!
I look forward to seeing what Vinnie and Christine become embroiled in next.
Never in a month of Sundays did I see that coming! My gob has been well and truly smacked.
*shrugs*
Whaaa? It has been known to happen.
*shakes head*
That was some twist, wasn’t it? What was that? Oh sorry. You’ve still to read it, haven’t you? My bad. *blushes*
Hidden is Book 3 in The Badge and the Pen series but can easily be read as a standalone. I humbly submit to you Exhibit A as evidence for the defence *points at self*. I know, I’m such a rebel for reading out of sequence *rolls eyes*.
The Laurel and Hardy quote “Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.” kept coming to mind when I read this story. Vinnie and Christine seem to be a magnet for trouble. Even more so than you would expect given their respective jobs.
In today’s world, is there anything more unpalatable than modern slavery and people trafficking? The whole thing just leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. There are always those willing to exploit the vulnerable in society *sniffs*.
A routine bust to shut down a known place of ‘ill repute’ uncovers a criminal network with far reaching consequences encompassing more than one country. With time of the essence and ever escalating danger, Vinnie, Christine et al must combine their resources before they lose the trail and the organisation goes to ground.
Ahhh! It made for heart-pounding read. Suspense and intrigue on every page. Trust the wrong person and the case could implode. For me, this is what police procedural crime fiction is all about. All set against the backdrop of the North West where you wouldn’t expect any of this to happen.
Now, I see you sitting there scratching your head wondering why if I loved the book so much, I’ve given the book a 4-star rating. Well, you know me, I always want to know more, and I had a few unanswered questions at the end. I also lost the flow sometimes with the writing style, but that’s just my opinion. *whispers* Please be gentle with me!
I look forward to seeing what Vinnie and Christine become embroiled in next.
July 2, 2019
This is the first in the series for me , but after this one, I will be adding the first 2 to the ever growing TBR!
A fantastic opening chapter, set in Spain with Vinnie and Christine on their first holiday together sets the scene for this excellent police procedural.
After returning from their holiday after its cut short due to the events In chapter 1, Vinnie takes on an investigation into Human Trafficking and prostitution.
Full of plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid crime reader happy, the story moves along at a great pace.
The 2 main characters, are just starting a relationship, and their chemistry is excellent, and they are a very strong duo.
This is top rate thriller from an author who very clearly knows his stuff, the dark world of human trafficking and police corruption, are brilliantly told, I really enjoyed Price’s writing style.
Easily read as a stand-alone, this is a fast paced, fantastically detailed, gritty crime thriller and one of the best and most well researched police procedural I’ve read.
Highly Recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
A fantastic opening chapter, set in Spain with Vinnie and Christine on their first holiday together sets the scene for this excellent police procedural.
After returning from their holiday after its cut short due to the events In chapter 1, Vinnie takes on an investigation into Human Trafficking and prostitution.
Full of plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid crime reader happy, the story moves along at a great pace.
The 2 main characters, are just starting a relationship, and their chemistry is excellent, and they are a very strong duo.
This is top rate thriller from an author who very clearly knows his stuff, the dark world of human trafficking and police corruption, are brilliantly told, I really enjoyed Price’s writing style.
Easily read as a stand-alone, this is a fast paced, fantastically detailed, gritty crime thriller and one of the best and most well researched police procedural I’ve read.
Highly Recommended
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 3, 2019
If you're into first-class police procedurals, than look no further than Roger A Price's Hidden, because it won't disappoint. Being an ex DI one would expect him to write with authenticity, but the fact that he's able to use his knowledge to pen a first-rate thriller with an engaging plotline, strong likeable characters and a free-flowing narrative that keeps you hooked from the get go is that much more impressive. The beginning of the story lulls you into a false sense of security with Detective Vinnie Palmer and his reporter girlfriend, Christine, on holiday and then - boom (!) - it all kicks off and you're rapidly thrown into the seedy world of human trafficking and modern slavery, a sad and shockingly prevalent part of today's society, and one which Vinnie and Christine find themselves pitted against in the form of two particularly nasty characters. I liked the fact that Vinnie is prepared to bend the rules at times for the greater good and that in Christine we find a reporter with a soul, not your typical hard-nosed journalist who'll do anything to get a story. I also liked the relationship between Vinnie and his boss, Harry - there's a real sense of mutual respect and affection there, and the fact that despite dealing with a very serious issue, Price injects the right amount of humour to balance this out. The action moves at a good pace, with a number of unexpected twists and an exciting crescendo which left me exhausted, but in a good way! I hope we will see more of Vinnie Palmer, highly recommended!!
June 2, 2019
Roger A Price delivers the goods with this, the third instalment of the Badge and the Pen series, Hidden. In fact, as said when I enjoyed the book on pre-release, this one really is the best book in a series that just keeps getting better and better. Price can be relied on for three things (amongst others) that make his writing both compelling and distinctive. 1. A great opener that sets the scene and sets the pace with an ability to maintain the flow of action while cranking up the stakes. 2. Superb characters, and I think most admirably, the ability and mind to write a strong female lead. This is something that’s close to my heart and which lifts his series head and shoulders above many in the genre. 3. Authenticity. Hidden is a thrilling crime noir written with such exactitude that it's hard to tell where fiction ends and the chilling facts of a very dark underworld begin. For a first-class police procedural look no further, Roger A Price is the real thing.
Gary Donnelly @DonnellyWriter Author of Blood Will Be Born
Gary Donnelly @DonnellyWriter Author of Blood Will Be Born
June 12, 2019
Hidden
I chose this rating as the book was very good, and I did enjoy it after a slow start. I shall of course read more of Roger Price books.
I chose this rating as the book was very good, and I did enjoy it after a slow start. I shall of course read more of Roger Price books.
June 8, 2019
Fantastic book luckily work meant I had to put the book down otherwise I would have read it oneI
Fantastic book - luckily work meant I had to put the book down otherwise I would have read it oneI
Fantastic book - luckily work meant I had to put the book down otherwise I would have read it oneI
June 4, 2019
Hidden is another stone-cold cracker. Roger's work is a benchmark for matching police procedural authenticity with enthralling, bruising thriller-writing - yet here he's somehow surpassed his own high standards. GET IT.
June 4, 2019
Just another Great edition to a fabulous series.Lets have more please Roger.
August 13, 2019
Written from the perspective of a person who has been in the Police force and experienced a variety of situations as a result, it is clear from the story and the plot that this has either been very well researched or based loosely upon experience.
The storyline is interesting, believable and at times entirely unexpected. The Characters are fairly well rounded and there is a range of personalities from start to end, not all are particularly likeable but I think that is to be expected from this kind of book, you certainly wouldn’t expect a gritty police mystery/ Crime series to be full of puppies and love, to be smiled at and enjoyed on a cozy day with a hot chocolate.
No, this story line wants to pull you in with a hook and grip you tight.
I did find that in the case of descriptions, they were fairly heavy at times in places where this perhaps could have done with being less, and this did occasionally make my reading slow considerably. Where usually I would race through a book of this length, it did take a few sittings purely for this. Perhaps one to read between other things when you want to delve into something with a bit of grit, but not one I would personally rush to reread, so this is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
That being said, I am glad that I stuck with it because the storyline was very enjoyable, and I was surprised by the ending! Overall, it was a pretty good story, wonderfully believable and entertaining throughout!
The storyline is interesting, believable and at times entirely unexpected. The Characters are fairly well rounded and there is a range of personalities from start to end, not all are particularly likeable but I think that is to be expected from this kind of book, you certainly wouldn’t expect a gritty police mystery/ Crime series to be full of puppies and love, to be smiled at and enjoyed on a cozy day with a hot chocolate.
No, this story line wants to pull you in with a hook and grip you tight.
I did find that in the case of descriptions, they were fairly heavy at times in places where this perhaps could have done with being less, and this did occasionally make my reading slow considerably. Where usually I would race through a book of this length, it did take a few sittings purely for this. Perhaps one to read between other things when you want to delve into something with a bit of grit, but not one I would personally rush to reread, so this is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
That being said, I am glad that I stuck with it because the storyline was very enjoyable, and I was surprised by the ending! Overall, it was a pretty good story, wonderfully believable and entertaining throughout!
July 23, 2019
Roger continues his string of successful stories with Hidden. As a follower of Vinnie and Christine I have to say it was gratifying to finally download my copy and read away. As the first 2 installments of the series were, Hidden is also fast paced, vivid, and at times quite terrifying. I've always felt that the author's prior experience as a policeman gives him the needed depth of knowledge to enhance the vividness of his story (although I shudder to think what he may have nightmares about). Even more than that though, the fact that Hidden deals with an unfortunately real and unreported issue gives Price's latest work a gravity most crime novels lack.
I'm struggling mightily not to give away any details of the book in my enthusiasm: don't want to spoil it for anyone else. All I can say at this point, in order to keep this review 'spoiler free' is to quickly conclude by saying anyone who wants to read an outstanding page turner of a novel need look no further than Roger A. Price's latest book Hidden. Be ready to not sleep till you finish the story. Christine and Vinnie are back indeed.
Great work, Roger.
I'm struggling mightily not to give away any details of the book in my enthusiasm: don't want to spoil it for anyone else. All I can say at this point, in order to keep this review 'spoiler free' is to quickly conclude by saying anyone who wants to read an outstanding page turner of a novel need look no further than Roger A. Price's latest book Hidden. Be ready to not sleep till you finish the story. Christine and Vinnie are back indeed.
Great work, Roger.
August 16, 2019
Hidden is a really captivating police procedural. I enjoyed the characters and the plot of this story.
Roger A Price has created quite a story. I was on the edge of my seat most of the book and read it in one day too.
The cast of characters is small. That really worked for this story. The characters helped move the story along at an appropriate pace.
I recommend checking this one out!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Love Books Group. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
Roger A Price has created quite a story. I was on the edge of my seat most of the book and read it in one day too.
The cast of characters is small. That really worked for this story. The characters helped move the story along at an appropriate pace.
I recommend checking this one out!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Love Books Group. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
December 10, 2020
Keeping up the stride
Hidden is another great book in the Vinnie Palmer series. This book, like all his others, keeps up the fast paced excitement. I’m looking forward to his next book. I am now definitely a fan of Roger A Price.
Hidden is another great book in the Vinnie Palmer series. This book, like all his others, keeps up the fast paced excitement. I’m looking forward to his next book. I am now definitely a fan of Roger A Price.
September 17, 2021
Four stars
An interesting read with plenty of false leads and an almost-romance. The theme of international human trafficking is a serious one and fortunately for the reader Price doesn't spend too much time on seedy detail. Plenty of cheesy banter to lighten the mood.
An interesting read with plenty of false leads and an almost-romance. The theme of international human trafficking is a serious one and fortunately for the reader Price doesn't spend too much time on seedy detail. Plenty of cheesy banter to lighten the mood.
September 24, 2021
An entertaining story well told.
The story was interesting, well told and fairly exciting to read. The main characters were presented in a good fashion with an interesting background.
The story was interesting, well told and fairly exciting to read. The main characters were presented in a good fashion with an interesting background.
August 21, 2021
Another excellent book, i do hope there are more to come but I have enjoyed these books and I will be sure to look out for more from Roger
July 12, 2019
Roger A. Price knows how to deliver a gripping thriller and book three in The Badge and the Pen series, Hidden is no exception to this electrifying series.
This story illustrates the sheer horror of people trafficking and modern slavery, and what those poor girls are subjected to, and the monsters that exploit them. DI Vinnie Palmer and his journalist sidekick Christine Jones are turning out to be superheroes dicing with death (yet again) in pursuit of individuals who have no trace of humanity in their DNA.
They're a good match professionally and it seems they are made for each other romantically too.
Can't wait for Book Four in the series. I want more of this.
This story illustrates the sheer horror of people trafficking and modern slavery, and what those poor girls are subjected to, and the monsters that exploit them. DI Vinnie Palmer and his journalist sidekick Christine Jones are turning out to be superheroes dicing with death (yet again) in pursuit of individuals who have no trace of humanity in their DNA.
They're a good match professionally and it seems they are made for each other romantically too.
Can't wait for Book Four in the series. I want more of this.
June 24, 2019
If you are looking for great literature this is not the place to find it. The writing is pedestrian and even a tad stilted in places. What rescues the book is the story which is strongly plotted and has tension in spades, keeping you guessing right to the final stages.
August 15, 2019
Vinnie Palmer and Christine Jones' Mallorcan holiday did not go as planned...
Instead of a week of relaxation, they found themselves mixed up in a case involving violence and people trafficking among the the local Roma gang members, and had to cut their much needed holiday short.
Back home in the UK, Vinnie and Christine go back to their day jobs - Vinnie as a Detective Inspector, based in Manchester, but on secondment to Preston, and Christine as an investigative journalist and TV reporter.
Vinnie now finds himself involved in a case concerning human trafficking on his own doorstep, as a brothel in Preston is found to be full of unfortunate girls from Eastern Europe, who have been tricked into coming to the UK with the offer of jobs and money, only to find themselves trapped in a life of prostitution and drugs.
Another brothel is about to be busted, but the investigation is off to a bad start when the brothel madam is murdered right in front of Vinnie's eyes. Were the bad guys tipped off? Is there a traitor in their midst?
Christine, inspired by their experiences in Mallorca and after a "scoop", starts to look into cases of human trafficking in the UK - two Romanian girls have just been rescued from a life of modern slavery in her own area and this seems an ideal place to start.
Little do they know that their separate investigations are linked and they are about to uncover a network of human trafficking that spans across the whole of Europe. Who knew that this hidden trade was so widespread? Who is the mastermind behind this vast and secret network?
*********************************************************************************
This is a slick and fast-paced police procedural, that keeps you guessing. There are plenty of thrilling moments that will have you worrying for the safety of both Vinnie and Christine, as you urge them along in their endeavour. This is definitely one to appeal to fans of the brilliant crop of police dramas that have graced our screens in recent years.
I really liked that this series is called "Badge and Pen", because this completely sums up how well Vinnie and Christine work together - one as a member of the Police and one a journalist - both are adept at investigating and rooting out the truth, but their different skill sets make them a formidable partnership. There is a great male-female mix of strong characters here, so this makes for an exciting crime thriller with wide appeal.
It was easy to get caught up in the story, which is pretty compelling and successfully shines a light on the mostly hidden issue of human trafficking. How much do we really know about what goes on behind closed doors in our local area? Food for thought...
You can tell from the writing that Roger A. Price has a lot of experience working within the Police Force. If I have one criticism of the book though, it is that there are a lot of acronyms littered throughout the book, and this is a little confusing for those of us who have not worked in law enforcement. It would be nice to see an appendix that lists the acronyms used and their meaning, for easy reference. Having said that, I was completely unaware of the existence of many of these procedures, especially those that affect convicted felons - yes, we often hear of suspects co-operating with the police and making deals for lighter sentences, but to actually having the mechanism of how this process works was intriguing.
This is my first Badge and Pen novel (in fact, my first Roger A. Price book), although it is actually book three in the series. Have no fear, this can be read as a stand-alone, although I am intrigued by the back-story of Vinnie and Christine, as they seem to have had some pretty exciting adventures judging by the mentions of their previous goings-on! I foresee an investigation of my own into the previous two installments, very soon!
Instead of a week of relaxation, they found themselves mixed up in a case involving violence and people trafficking among the the local Roma gang members, and had to cut their much needed holiday short.
Back home in the UK, Vinnie and Christine go back to their day jobs - Vinnie as a Detective Inspector, based in Manchester, but on secondment to Preston, and Christine as an investigative journalist and TV reporter.
Vinnie now finds himself involved in a case concerning human trafficking on his own doorstep, as a brothel in Preston is found to be full of unfortunate girls from Eastern Europe, who have been tricked into coming to the UK with the offer of jobs and money, only to find themselves trapped in a life of prostitution and drugs.
Another brothel is about to be busted, but the investigation is off to a bad start when the brothel madam is murdered right in front of Vinnie's eyes. Were the bad guys tipped off? Is there a traitor in their midst?
Christine, inspired by their experiences in Mallorca and after a "scoop", starts to look into cases of human trafficking in the UK - two Romanian girls have just been rescued from a life of modern slavery in her own area and this seems an ideal place to start.
Little do they know that their separate investigations are linked and they are about to uncover a network of human trafficking that spans across the whole of Europe. Who knew that this hidden trade was so widespread? Who is the mastermind behind this vast and secret network?
*********************************************************************************
This is a slick and fast-paced police procedural, that keeps you guessing. There are plenty of thrilling moments that will have you worrying for the safety of both Vinnie and Christine, as you urge them along in their endeavour. This is definitely one to appeal to fans of the brilliant crop of police dramas that have graced our screens in recent years.
I really liked that this series is called "Badge and Pen", because this completely sums up how well Vinnie and Christine work together - one as a member of the Police and one a journalist - both are adept at investigating and rooting out the truth, but their different skill sets make them a formidable partnership. There is a great male-female mix of strong characters here, so this makes for an exciting crime thriller with wide appeal.
It was easy to get caught up in the story, which is pretty compelling and successfully shines a light on the mostly hidden issue of human trafficking. How much do we really know about what goes on behind closed doors in our local area? Food for thought...
You can tell from the writing that Roger A. Price has a lot of experience working within the Police Force. If I have one criticism of the book though, it is that there are a lot of acronyms littered throughout the book, and this is a little confusing for those of us who have not worked in law enforcement. It would be nice to see an appendix that lists the acronyms used and their meaning, for easy reference. Having said that, I was completely unaware of the existence of many of these procedures, especially those that affect convicted felons - yes, we often hear of suspects co-operating with the police and making deals for lighter sentences, but to actually having the mechanism of how this process works was intriguing.
This is my first Badge and Pen novel (in fact, my first Roger A. Price book), although it is actually book three in the series. Have no fear, this can be read as a stand-alone, although I am intrigued by the back-story of Vinnie and Christine, as they seem to have had some pretty exciting adventures judging by the mentions of their previous goings-on! I foresee an investigation of my own into the previous two installments, very soon!
September 5, 2019
I had never read any of Mr Price's book before and I was very impressed with this one. I understand that he is a retired detective so he should know his stuff.
This book deals with the serious problem of modern slavery and brings to the attention of the reader, not only of the widespread nature of it but also you just never know who is involved.
I don't believe in giving synopsis in reviews. I liked the characters and thought they were portrayed very well and were very believable. The main character is D.S.Vinnie Palmer, along with his girlfriend, reporter Christine, who get involved in the investigations. This is a complex plot and you desperately want them to succeed in finding out the criminals behind this terrible situation and you also so want the women victims to all be safe and rescued at the end, for you know that there have been many who have not had happy endings. I admit to being somewhat bamboozled by the legal proceedings involving the judge; it all seemed complicated to me, but as I'm not intending to become a barrister I didn't worry too much about it, I just trusted the author's superior knowledge on how these things worked!
All in all, a great story (albeit a serious message) and good writing that holds the reader. Five stars from me, Mr. Price – and I'll be looking into the first two books in this series! (Trust me to do things backwards!)
This book deals with the serious problem of modern slavery and brings to the attention of the reader, not only of the widespread nature of it but also you just never know who is involved.
I don't believe in giving synopsis in reviews. I liked the characters and thought they were portrayed very well and were very believable. The main character is D.S.Vinnie Palmer, along with his girlfriend, reporter Christine, who get involved in the investigations. This is a complex plot and you desperately want them to succeed in finding out the criminals behind this terrible situation and you also so want the women victims to all be safe and rescued at the end, for you know that there have been many who have not had happy endings. I admit to being somewhat bamboozled by the legal proceedings involving the judge; it all seemed complicated to me, but as I'm not intending to become a barrister I didn't worry too much about it, I just trusted the author's superior knowledge on how these things worked!
All in all, a great story (albeit a serious message) and good writing that holds the reader. Five stars from me, Mr. Price – and I'll be looking into the first two books in this series! (Trust me to do things backwards!)
August 16, 2019
as a fan of detective lead crime stories I was really excited to be asked to be part of this blog tour.
The story was one I had never read about in a novel before, so the fact that it was going to be something completely new intrigued me.
I really enjoyed this one, the chapters were short and the story flowed really well.
You can tell that the author had a background in what he’s writing about, he really knew his stuff, I did find the amount of explanation in some parts a little bit heavy and overwhelming, it sometimes felt like Roger forgot he was writing a novel, that being said it didn’t really take anything away from the story as a whole, it just meant I couldn’t get lost in it and finish it in one sitting.
There was a wide range of characters who were all very different and each one brought something new to the book.
The author did a brilliant job of making us love the “good guys” and hate the “bad guys” at the same time and don’t even get me started on Sandra, I really couldn’t tell what side she was on and the reveal really shocked me.
I didn’t see the reveal coming at all, but then when it arrived, I could pick out the small clues that were dropped throughout the book.
If you’re a fan of detective lead crime stories, then I can recommend this one.
The story was one I had never read about in a novel before, so the fact that it was going to be something completely new intrigued me.
I really enjoyed this one, the chapters were short and the story flowed really well.
You can tell that the author had a background in what he’s writing about, he really knew his stuff, I did find the amount of explanation in some parts a little bit heavy and overwhelming, it sometimes felt like Roger forgot he was writing a novel, that being said it didn’t really take anything away from the story as a whole, it just meant I couldn’t get lost in it and finish it in one sitting.
There was a wide range of characters who were all very different and each one brought something new to the book.
The author did a brilliant job of making us love the “good guys” and hate the “bad guys” at the same time and don’t even get me started on Sandra, I really couldn’t tell what side she was on and the reveal really shocked me.
I didn’t see the reveal coming at all, but then when it arrived, I could pick out the small clues that were dropped throughout the book.
If you’re a fan of detective lead crime stories, then I can recommend this one.
August 20, 2019
Hidden is a cracking read, with well-polished characters and a gripping story. Roger’s latest thriller doesn’t disappoint; his knowledge of police procedural provides a level of realism rarely seen in other crime novels. The plot is fast-moving, gritty and full of twists and turns. In his third of the series, The Badge & The Pen, Roger highlights the scourge of international human trafficking and sexual slavery in a dramatic story that features a gang of villains and a rogue undercover cop. In a complex investigation, DI Vinnie Palmer is drawn into the murky world of organised crime, where innocent girls are being terminated liked discarded pets. In a race against time to bring the traffickers to justice, Vince and his journalist girlfriend Christine find their separate investigations converging and colliding with traumatic results. Hidden is a must-read for all discerning readers of crime noir and police procedurals.
January 6, 2021
I have now finished The Badge and the Pen Series. Just loved each and everyone of these reads. True to life and the exciting plot kept me reading into many late nights! Being Canadian I love to learn about the different police procedures, how complicated and frustrating for all law enforcement agencies have it. Development of the characters and their relationships are second to none. Hope there will be more in these series!
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