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DI Hogarth Secret Fear #1
The Secret Fear
DETECTIVE JOE HOGARTH IS CALLED TO A BRUTAL MURDER AT A TURKISH TAKEAWAY. THE TELL-TALE MARK OF A ONCE NOTORIOUS LONDON CRIME FAMILY IS FOUND ON THE VICTIM’S BODY. HOGARTH FEARS THE NEW CASE COULD OPEN A PANDORA'S BOX. BUT HE HAS NO CHOICE.HOGARTH MUST FIND THE KILLER AND TAKE ON THE DEADLIEST RISKSMurdered kebab shop owner Baba Sen was beloved by his clientele. Sen gave alms to charity, food to the poor and a smile to all of his customers. It seems no one had reason to kill him, yet his murder was brutal and relentless. Hogarth finds elaborate clues and deceptions all around. The motive for Sen’s murder could be the feud between rival Turkish families. But Hogarth senses a greater threat… and when the name of Atacan appears, his worst fears are realised.
The Atacans were notorious criminals, leading a crime syndicate which dominated nineties London, but they were eventually destroyed by the gangs who replaced them. Yet now the Atacan name returns to Hogarth’s life – in the shape of an ex-girlfriend and in the signature found at Baba Sen’s murder. The Atacans were supposed to be dead and buried - but not anymore. Now Hogarth must hope he is the only one caught in the crosshairs…
In a truly thrilling adventure, DI Hogarth and his team must uncover a murder wrapped in layers of danger and mystery. And while the threat of the Atacans grows, Hogarth has to protect his back from a quarter much closer to home…Has DCI Melford become the enemy within?
Deadly secrets and shadows of the past bring DI Hogarth face-to-face with his Secret Fear… a fear which may yet claim his life.
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Ruth Rendell, Helen Durrant, Joy Ellis and LJ Ross. If you love to read gripping detective thrillers with flawed characters and police procedurals with shocking twists and a noir flavour, then the DI Hogarth Secret Fear series is for you.
The Secret Fear series is perfect for fans of British crime thrillers, female detective novels, British crime mysteries, police procedurals, heist thrillers and noir Thrillers..
The Setting:
Southend-on-Sea, Just over an hour from London. A tough and densely packed suburban town sandwiched between the sparkling Thames Estuary and a semi-rural hinterland of fields and marshes. A place where wealth and glamour sit cheek by jowl with addiction, poverty and crime. When he transferred to the Essex coast, ex-Met Detective Joe Hogarth might have imagined he was signing up for sun, sea and semi-retirement. But the merry hell of Southend might just have him beat. It’s a good thing this DI doesn’t know when to quit…
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2019
1104 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Solomon Carter
184 books99 followersHello folks,
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 23, 2019
"A promising start"
A new series with a tough, uncompromising lead character. It may take time for Hogarth to become as impossible not to follow as several other Detectives in this genre but the opportunity is there. The investigation into the brutal killing of Baba Sen was detailed and at times repetitive but at least this story had a recognisable beginning, middle, and end. You can always rely on Solomon Carter not to keep us waiting for more books featuring Hogarth. He's prolific and reminds me of those DJ's at parties that churn out streams of three-minute songs. You may hate the one you're listening to, but there will be a 'belter' of a tune on his deck before you know it.
A new series with a tough, uncompromising lead character. It may take time for Hogarth to become as impossible not to follow as several other Detectives in this genre but the opportunity is there. The investigation into the brutal killing of Baba Sen was detailed and at times repetitive but at least this story had a recognisable beginning, middle, and end. You can always rely on Solomon Carter not to keep us waiting for more books featuring Hogarth. He's prolific and reminds me of those DJ's at parties that churn out streams of three-minute songs. You may hate the one you're listening to, but there will be a 'belter' of a tune on his deck before you know it.
February 8, 2020
Good bedtime reading
Interesting and intriguing - but not so exciting you can't put it down - perfect for bedtime relaxing.
Found the pseudo romances a bit naff and the ending was so lame - but overall an enjoyable read Enjoyed the main character and the scenario.
Editing needs some improving, but not too bad
Interesting and intriguing - but not so exciting you can't put it down - perfect for bedtime relaxing.
Found the pseudo romances a bit naff and the ending was so lame - but overall an enjoyable read Enjoyed the main character and the scenario.
Editing needs some improving, but not too bad
February 15, 2022
This is the best Solomon Carter book I've read I think. DI Hogarth is looking into the murder of a turkish cypriot takeaway owner, baba sen, who has been found brutally murdered on the floor of his shop at 5am one morning. The plot thickens and races along at a fairly smart pace. His rivals are the Yuksels, who turn out to be a turkish mafia family and Hogarth meets up with an old flame Miray Atacan, Atacans are the sort of godfathers of the turkish mafia, and she is living in Southend.
I have to say I was caught up in the unravelling plot which also became more complicated as it grew! I wasn't even sure myself who the actual killer was amongst all those mafiosa until the very end, so hats off to Solomon Carter for keeping me enthralled with what, when I first began reading, thought it would just be another crime book and I would have worked who dunnit long before the end, how wrong can you be!
I have to say I was caught up in the unravelling plot which also became more complicated as it grew! I wasn't even sure myself who the actual killer was amongst all those mafiosa until the very end, so hats off to Solomon Carter for keeping me enthralled with what, when I first began reading, thought it would just be another crime book and I would have worked who dunnit long before the end, how wrong can you be!
July 11, 2019
Fantastic
In previous books, Detective Hogarth is an enigma. He appears a vindictive, narcissist. I was amazed to get a better understanding of this man as what he says, does not necessarily mean what he's thinking.
I am amazed Solomon Carters books have never been commissioned for the tv network. Again as with all his books, I could not put this down. I spent the best part of a day and night reading, only stopping occasionally.
As usual a fast paced, action book with Hogarth actually reminding me of Reagan in The Sweeney, but set in Southend, England. This politically incorrect, flawed human battles injustice and for the first time, I came to admire him. Can't wait for book 2. I love the other police officers he works with and love how ignorant he is of his partner, Palmers love for him.
In previous books, Detective Hogarth is an enigma. He appears a vindictive, narcissist. I was amazed to get a better understanding of this man as what he says, does not necessarily mean what he's thinking.
I am amazed Solomon Carters books have never been commissioned for the tv network. Again as with all his books, I could not put this down. I spent the best part of a day and night reading, only stopping occasionally.
As usual a fast paced, action book with Hogarth actually reminding me of Reagan in The Sweeney, but set in Southend, England. This politically incorrect, flawed human battles injustice and for the first time, I came to admire him. Can't wait for book 2. I love the other police officers he works with and love how ignorant he is of his partner, Palmers love for him.
May 16, 2021
#1 in the British DI Joe Hogarth mystery series. The flinty detective has recently transferred from the high profile London Met to Southend-on-Sea just outside of London looking for a quieter more laid back situation.
That quickly changes with the brutal murder of a popular kebab shop owner who seemingly no one had reason to kill him and turns out to be much more complicated: his boss appears to be having all kinds of issues and is interfering in the investigation, a feud between the murdered man and and another Turkish family, Turkish national politics and the appearance of a former major London criminal gang family. Hogarth finds elaborate clues and deceptions all around and his team must uncover a murder wrapped in layers of danger and mystery.
That quickly changes with the brutal murder of a popular kebab shop owner who seemingly no one had reason to kill him and turns out to be much more complicated: his boss appears to be having all kinds of issues and is interfering in the investigation, a feud between the murdered man and and another Turkish family, Turkish national politics and the appearance of a former major London criminal gang family. Hogarth finds elaborate clues and deceptions all around and his team must uncover a murder wrapped in layers of danger and mystery.
August 4, 2022
Different
This book was a bit different to the previous Hogarth stories.
He wasn’t certain about the culprit and wasn’t being accused of going off piste by his boss, Melford who seemed to have his own issues to deal with.
Two Turkish families at either end of the Turkish leadership scale, one pro Erdogan one pro Ataturk. Neither family leader was particularly likeable nor as honest as they believed their customers and fellow Turks viewed them.
A murder in one family leader has many strands and people involved that Hogarth has nothing to hang his hat on and run with as is his usual modus operandi.
Little by little Hogarth wheedles useful information to help him come to a conclusion. Is he right? Read the book and find out. Definitely worth reading.
This book was a bit different to the previous Hogarth stories.
He wasn’t certain about the culprit and wasn’t being accused of going off piste by his boss, Melford who seemed to have his own issues to deal with.
Two Turkish families at either end of the Turkish leadership scale, one pro Erdogan one pro Ataturk. Neither family leader was particularly likeable nor as honest as they believed their customers and fellow Turks viewed them.
A murder in one family leader has many strands and people involved that Hogarth has nothing to hang his hat on and run with as is his usual modus operandi.
Little by little Hogarth wheedles useful information to help him come to a conclusion. Is he right? Read the book and find out. Definitely worth reading.
March 19, 2021
The murder of the owner if a Turkish takeaway takes Hogarth and his team into a shady world of immigrants, politics and betrayal.
This was an okay read. The characters are hard to like. The victim could easily serve as the poster boy for anti-immigration with his loyalties lying with a despotic president of a brutal, repressive regime. Even though the motivation for the murder should generate some sympathy none of the characters is engaging. The police plod through. Their leader is the usual out of touch, macho, genius who is largely misunderstood and unappreciated by his team and the weak, corrupt supervisors. Not my favorite in the series.
This was an okay read. The characters are hard to like. The victim could easily serve as the poster boy for anti-immigration with his loyalties lying with a despotic president of a brutal, repressive regime. Even though the motivation for the murder should generate some sympathy none of the characters is engaging. The police plod through. Their leader is the usual out of touch, macho, genius who is largely misunderstood and unappreciated by his team and the weak, corrupt supervisors. Not my favorite in the series.
May 26, 2022
This was another enjoyable story in the Hogarth detective series, this time concerning a murder of a Turkish proprietor of a kebab shop.
I liked the way familiar characters interact and behave whilst trying to unravel the clues and evidence. There was an interesting mix of culture and feud and family together with British thinking within the streets of Southend. I also liked the differing points of view of the characteristics of others - what was the truth?
The writing style was good, although, it does need an edit to catch the typos. However, I liked the fast pace and overall crime story.
Recommended.
I liked the way familiar characters interact and behave whilst trying to unravel the clues and evidence. There was an interesting mix of culture and feud and family together with British thinking within the streets of Southend. I also liked the differing points of view of the characteristics of others - what was the truth?
The writing style was good, although, it does need an edit to catch the typos. However, I liked the fast pace and overall crime story.
Recommended.
December 18, 2019
A new series by a reliable author.
Good introduction to this new series. And it is a very tangled web we have here. Hogarth has to fly by the seat of his pants with his team to get to the truth from all concerned. Turkish politics and beliefs are the background to the death of a well respected fast food provider. Just as you think you have got an idea of the guilty party, a curveball appears.
Going to be good to get into this series as there is a subplot involving Hogarth's boss that has more mileage in it!!
Good introduction to this new series. And it is a very tangled web we have here. Hogarth has to fly by the seat of his pants with his team to get to the truth from all concerned. Turkish politics and beliefs are the background to the death of a well respected fast food provider. Just as you think you have got an idea of the guilty party, a curveball appears.
Going to be good to get into this series as there is a subplot involving Hogarth's boss that has more mileage in it!!
April 11, 2022
Wonderful entertaining mystery listening 🎶😉
Another will written British murder mystery romantic relationship adventure thriller novel by Solomon Carter book one ☝ in the DO Hogarth Secret Fear 😱 Series. DO Hogarth and Jensen are faced with a murder investigation with lots of misdirection and twist and turns leading to the unexpected conclusion. I highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery thrillers. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage. 🏡🔰👒🏰 2022
Another will written British murder mystery romantic relationship adventure thriller novel by Solomon Carter book one ☝ in the DO Hogarth Secret Fear 😱 Series. DO Hogarth and Jensen are faced with a murder investigation with lots of misdirection and twist and turns leading to the unexpected conclusion. I highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery thrillers. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye issues and damage. 🏡🔰👒🏰 2022
May 26, 2019
New series
This is book one in The Secret Fear Series. D I Hogarth is one of my favourite characters in books written by Solomon Carter and as D I Hogarth is one of the main characters in the new The Secret Fear Series I thought it was worth a read and I wasn't disappointed and can't wait to read book two.So if you've thought about reading books written by this author you may as well start with The Secret Fear Series .I'm sure you won't be disappointed
This is book one in The Secret Fear Series. D I Hogarth is one of my favourite characters in books written by Solomon Carter and as D I Hogarth is one of the main characters in the new The Secret Fear Series I thought it was worth a read and I wasn't disappointed and can't wait to read book two.So if you've thought about reading books written by this author you may as well start with The Secret Fear Series .I'm sure you won't be disappointed
April 9, 2023
Reads like a script from The Bill meets Eastenders.
The DCI has gone rogue or mad or something, the DI has had an almost-fling with the gangster's moll, the DS has the hots for the DI, and the son of the victim has the hots for the DS. In chapter 20 the police flipchart makes it's only appearance because, well, any self-respecting police drama has to have one, or a glass wall, or a whiteboard....?
Not a fan. Can you tell?
The DCI has gone rogue or mad or something, the DI has had an almost-fling with the gangster's moll, the DS has the hots for the DI, and the son of the victim has the hots for the DS. In chapter 20 the police flipchart makes it's only appearance because, well, any self-respecting police drama has to have one, or a glass wall, or a whiteboard....?
Not a fan. Can you tell?
June 8, 2019
What an excellent adventure following DI Hogarth as he tries to make sense of Baba Sens murder.
Baba was loved by all wasn't he?
What has the Atacan family to do with anything?
Also what's going on with DCI Milford?
Secrets abound in this gripping story. A great start to a new series. Loved it.
Baba was loved by all wasn't he?
What has the Atacan family to do with anything?
Also what's going on with DCI Milford?
Secrets abound in this gripping story. A great start to a new series. Loved it.
December 12, 2019
A thrilling crime novel set in Southend, Essex.
I enjoyed this book as it is set in an area I have visited. Its not glamorous or exotic but much as I'd imagine real policing is like. The characters are real, likeable and easy to picture. I can't wait to read the next two novels.
I enjoyed this book as it is set in an area I have visited. Its not glamorous or exotic but much as I'd imagine real policing is like. The characters are real, likeable and easy to picture. I can't wait to read the next two novels.
January 16, 2020
Be sure your lies will catch you no matter how much you try to be a good citizen by hidin g behind lies
A family divided will soon call but it was not knowing who was the gruesome killer and why will keep you on edge a book that will keep you glued till the end and makes you want to know what will happen in the follow up novel so well written
A family divided will soon call but it was not knowing who was the gruesome killer and why will keep you on edge a book that will keep you glued till the end and makes you want to know what will happen in the follow up novel so well written
November 12, 2020
Enjoyable read. The plot kept my attention throughout and wanting to read the next chapter. There was plenty to maintain interest and a few sideline elements to compliment the main story line. It did keep you guessing and the outcome needed some proving. Hope introduction to the next book without spoiling the ending as so many leave you in the lurch. Would recommend this.
April 28, 2021
An interesting story
This book has an interesting storyline. Five stars because I read it to the end. Some bòoks peter out after a bit and it's easy to lose interest in them. The characters are believable making it necessary to find out what happens to them. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book has an interesting storyline. Five stars because I read it to the end. Some bòoks peter out after a bit and it's easy to lose interest in them. The characters are believable making it necessary to find out what happens to them. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 29, 2021
The Secret Fear.
As always a rivetting read. The plot thickens against Melford. What an intriguing mind you have Soloman. I often wonder where you get your inspiration from? From the very start of your books it's very hard to put them down. The housework, can wait until I finish a chapter. Keep the books coming
...
As always a rivetting read. The plot thickens against Melford. What an intriguing mind you have Soloman. I often wonder where you get your inspiration from? From the very start of your books it's very hard to put them down. The housework, can wait until I finish a chapter. Keep the books coming
...
November 6, 2025
Why do I never figure out who the killer is?????
For some reason I always think I know who the killer is and I am always wrong!!! Solomon Carter is one of my favorite authors. As a writer he draws you in with his knack for describing his characters so you feel that you can almost see them when reading his books.
For some reason I always think I know who the killer is and I am always wrong!!! Solomon Carter is one of my favorite authors. As a writer he draws you in with his knack for describing his characters so you feel that you can almost see them when reading his books.
June 7, 2019
Very good twists gotta read the next book to fInd out what happens next
I would recommend to anyone who likes the intrigue and cunning way Solomon writes and how a sleepy town is portrayed after the start in old London town
I would recommend to anyone who likes the intrigue and cunning way Solomon writes and how a sleepy town is portrayed after the start in old London town
June 10, 2019
Slow complicated story
I have mixed views, the basic premise is good but ithe story meanders with over complex dialogue. Was confused by a pub in Essex whose interests were Celtic -
I have mixed views, the basic premise is good but ithe story meanders with over complex dialogue. Was confused by a pub in Essex whose interests were Celtic -
June 13, 2019
A new series, following Di Hogarth, a man Is murder with everyone saying he was well loved, one person must have disagreed. Secrets, intrigue and twists await, in this new series, and readers will enjoy.
July 2, 2019
Brilliant Book
I couldn’t put this book down. It had so many twists and turns, keeping me glued to the pages. Although I wanted to find out ‘who dun it’ I didn’t want it to finish.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who like a good thriller.
I couldn’t put this book down. It had so many twists and turns, keeping me glued to the pages. Although I wanted to find out ‘who dun it’ I didn’t want it to finish.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who like a good thriller.
October 6, 2019
Brilliant
I have this five stars because I thought it was a brilliant read. Couldn't put the book down once I started it. Thought I had it all worked out few times but the ending had a few surprises in store.
I have this five stars because I thought it was a brilliant read. Couldn't put the book down once I started it. Thought I had it all worked out few times but the ending had a few surprises in store.
May 30, 2020
Good reading
Flipping heck just how many people did I suspect of doing the deed in this book and still got it wrong?
A good read from beginning to end and now I can’t wait to get started on the next one.
Flipping heck just how many people did I suspect of doing the deed in this book and still got it wrong?
A good read from beginning to end and now I can’t wait to get started on the next one.
October 19, 2020
Loving these books
I have been working my way through all of Solomon Carters books and have really enjoyed each and every one. By read all the books back to back and in order helps to keep the flow of the storyline, but also helps to see the characters grow, and develop.
I have been working my way through all of Solomon Carters books and have really enjoyed each and every one. By read all the books back to back and in order helps to keep the flow of the storyline, but also helps to see the characters grow, and develop.
July 4, 2021
The secret fear
This book the secret fear was not quite the sort of thriller I enjoy. It was more like a gang related plot, sorry to say that as Solomon Carter is obviously a talented author
This book the secret fear was not quite the sort of thriller I enjoy. It was more like a gang related plot, sorry to say that as Solomon Carter is obviously a talented author
December 3, 2021
The Secret Fear.
Not a bad effort but the plot was not to my liking.
You have so .many books out there it is nearly impossible to get them in chronological order.maybe a list would help. I feel like I am reading prequels.
Not a bad effort but the plot was not to my liking.
You have so .many books out there it is nearly impossible to get them in chronological order.maybe a list would help. I feel like I am reading prequels.
July 10, 2022
A blast from the past forms part of Hogan’s next case. Slightly convoluted for me but a good read. DCI Milford starts to behave somewhat irrationally and Hogan starts asking questions in a bid to get to the bottom of it.
March 30, 2024
. The investigation into the brutal killing of Baba Sen was a great start to this series of books.This book was a bit different to the previous Hogarth stories.I have read so far He wasn’t certain about the culprit but makes it more interesting with side issues from Melford..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews