What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Cyril Bennett #3
Flesh Evidence
An explosive, edge of your seat, crime thrillerIn Harrogate things are about to get weird.Jars of honey containing pieces of tattooed flesh are the first clue in the search for the whereabouts of a missing fourteen-year-old boy. Then another boy goes missing and further jars of honey are discovered.Serial kidnappings taking place in Harrogate and the culprit is unlike any other Bennett has dealt with before.A number of leads seem to be going nowhere and the police are running out of time.Can Bennett and his team catch a psychopath before any more damage is done?This will be his toughest case yet.DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE CRIME SERIES NOW.Book 1: Only The DeadBook 2: Hell's GateBook 3: Flesh EvidenceBook 4: Game PointBook 5: Dying ArtBook 6: Crossed OutBook 7: The Third BreathBook 8: Treble Clef
224 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2016
220 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 7, 2017
Flesh Evidence is the third book in the DCI Cyril Bennett series and boy! what a book. It can easily be read as a stand alone but as it’s a great series would recommend reading them all.
I really have to take my hat off to the author for this brilliant story line. It literally grabbed me by the collar and sent me hurdling full speed through the book.
The case that Bennett finds himself working on has got to be one of the strangest that they have had so far. The tattooed flesh in jars of honey had me cringing and I don’t think I will ever be able to pick another jar up without fully inspecting it’s contents first after reading this book.
Having a fourteen year old son myself I have to admit I think the story line hit me even harder as I could really relate to the parents of the missing boys and it did make me quite emotional. I think the fact that the victims are young boys has Bennett and the team really on edge and work even harder to find the culprit before anymore boys are taken.
The author kept me guessing through out as to who was behind it all and I loved the twisted journey that he took me on into finding out who it was. Totally gripping stuff.
Flesh Evidence for me is without a doubt the best book in the series so far. The fact that this series, with each book, seems to get better and stronger, leaves me even more excited as to what could possibly be in store in the next one.
A series which is a must read for crime fans.
I really have to take my hat off to the author for this brilliant story line. It literally grabbed me by the collar and sent me hurdling full speed through the book.
The case that Bennett finds himself working on has got to be one of the strangest that they have had so far. The tattooed flesh in jars of honey had me cringing and I don’t think I will ever be able to pick another jar up without fully inspecting it’s contents first after reading this book.
Having a fourteen year old son myself I have to admit I think the story line hit me even harder as I could really relate to the parents of the missing boys and it did make me quite emotional. I think the fact that the victims are young boys has Bennett and the team really on edge and work even harder to find the culprit before anymore boys are taken.
The author kept me guessing through out as to who was behind it all and I loved the twisted journey that he took me on into finding out who it was. Totally gripping stuff.
Flesh Evidence for me is without a doubt the best book in the series so far. The fact that this series, with each book, seems to get better and stronger, leaves me even more excited as to what could possibly be in store in the next one.
A series which is a must read for crime fans.
September 21, 2018
This is the third book in the DCI Bennett series and can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend starting the series at the beginning.
Bennett and his team are faced with a complex, multi-layered case. Full of secrets, people who don't seem to be who they say they are, and honey being used in a way I'd never imagined possible!
The plot develops well and Bennett comes across as a down to earth, likeable and hardworking man. I also liked how the antagonist was written, Yes, they committed some horrible crimes, but what led them to act in this way left me feeling some sympathy for them. To get that kind of personality across takes skill.
Excellent crime fiction. Recommended.
Bennett and his team are faced with a complex, multi-layered case. Full of secrets, people who don't seem to be who they say they are, and honey being used in a way I'd never imagined possible!
The plot develops well and Bennett comes across as a down to earth, likeable and hardworking man. I also liked how the antagonist was written, Yes, they committed some horrible crimes, but what led them to act in this way left me feeling some sympathy for them. To get that kind of personality across takes skill.
Excellent crime fiction. Recommended.
January 16, 2017
This is the third book in the series featuring DCI Cyril Bennett. I've not read the previous two books and this doesn't matter - this one stands alone as a great novel.
Bennett's team are investigating the disappearance of a 14 year old boy in Harrogate. A piece of tattooed flesh turns up locally in a jar of honey. Other jars soon appear. And these seem to be the first clues. Then another boy goes missing.
This is a gripping, chilling, emotional read. The fact that children are involved will tug at every parent's heartstings - I found myself willing the boys to live all the way through. There are lots of twists and turns and great characters throughout. In a way it is a typical 'whodunnit', and although you can't help but try and guess, I was not right and the author keeps you guessing to the end of the plot.
Great read - will definitely go back and read books one and two at some point. Hopefully, there will be many more - I'm always on the lookout for a new series.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bennett's team are investigating the disappearance of a 14 year old boy in Harrogate. A piece of tattooed flesh turns up locally in a jar of honey. Other jars soon appear. And these seem to be the first clues. Then another boy goes missing.
This is a gripping, chilling, emotional read. The fact that children are involved will tug at every parent's heartstings - I found myself willing the boys to live all the way through. There are lots of twists and turns and great characters throughout. In a way it is a typical 'whodunnit', and although you can't help but try and guess, I was not right and the author keeps you guessing to the end of the plot.
Great read - will definitely go back and read books one and two at some point. Hopefully, there will be many more - I'm always on the lookout for a new series.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2017
This is a series that has been sitting on my kindle for far too long and wish that I had read them sooner. But after reading Only The Dead I went straight onto the next book in the series and have back to back. So I thought it would be easier to write one review for the first three books.
First of all I have to say…..those covers, wow I just love them. It was actually the covers that drew me to buy the books. And now that I have read them OMG what a series! With each book getting better and better and this shows throughout each book.
Set in Harrogate we meet DCI Bennett and DS Owen totally different to each other but they make a good likable team and we see their characters grow and learn more about them has the series.
Starting with Only The Dead the author’s writing is very descriptive and paints a beautiful picture,creating a steady paced following story. But by the second book the author has stepped up his game and gives us a gritty gripping story with graphic descriptions...Hell yes this series is definitely going places. Now Flesh Evidence is without a doubt my favourite of the three. Where I feel the author has found his writing style and written one gritty dark and twisted page turning read.
The author certainly knows how to write one intriguing plot that is very well researched, that will have the reader hooked from start to finish. These books do well well on there own but this is a series not to be missed. They are without a doubt a must read for all you crime fans.
First of all I have to say…..those covers, wow I just love them. It was actually the covers that drew me to buy the books. And now that I have read them OMG what a series! With each book getting better and better and this shows throughout each book.
Set in Harrogate we meet DCI Bennett and DS Owen totally different to each other but they make a good likable team and we see their characters grow and learn more about them has the series.
Starting with Only The Dead the author’s writing is very descriptive and paints a beautiful picture,creating a steady paced following story. But by the second book the author has stepped up his game and gives us a gritty gripping story with graphic descriptions...Hell yes this series is definitely going places. Now Flesh Evidence is without a doubt my favourite of the three. Where I feel the author has found his writing style and written one gritty dark and twisted page turning read.
The author certainly knows how to write one intriguing plot that is very well researched, that will have the reader hooked from start to finish. These books do well well on there own but this is a series not to be missed. They are without a doubt a must read for all you crime fans.
December 19, 2016
Flesh Evidence is the third book in the DCI Cyril Bennett series and boy! what a book. It can easily be read as a stand alone but as it’s a great series would recommend reading them all.
I really have to take my hat off to the author for this brilliant story line. It literally grabbed me by the collar and sent me hurdling full speed through the book.
The case that Bennett finds himself working on has got to be one of the strangest that they have had so far. The tattooed flesh in jars of honey had me cringing and I don’t think I will ever be able to pick another jar up without fully inspecting it’s contents first after reading this book.
Having a fourteen year old son myself I have to admit I think the story line hit me even harder as I could really relate to the parents of the missing boys and it did make me quite emotional. I think the fact that the victims are young boys has Bennett and the team really on edge and work even harder to find the culprit before anymore boys are taken.
The author kept me guessing through out as to who was behind it all and I loved the twisted journey that he took me on into finding out who it was. Totally gripping stuff.
Flesh Evidence for me is without a doubt the best book in the series so far. The fact that this series, with each book, seems to get better and stronger, leaves me even more excited as to what could possibly be in store in the next one.
A series which is a must read for crime fans.
I really have to take my hat off to the author for this brilliant story line. It literally grabbed me by the collar and sent me hurdling full speed through the book.
The case that Bennett finds himself working on has got to be one of the strangest that they have had so far. The tattooed flesh in jars of honey had me cringing and I don’t think I will ever be able to pick another jar up without fully inspecting it’s contents first after reading this book.
Having a fourteen year old son myself I have to admit I think the story line hit me even harder as I could really relate to the parents of the missing boys and it did make me quite emotional. I think the fact that the victims are young boys has Bennett and the team really on edge and work even harder to find the culprit before anymore boys are taken.
The author kept me guessing through out as to who was behind it all and I loved the twisted journey that he took me on into finding out who it was. Totally gripping stuff.
Flesh Evidence for me is without a doubt the best book in the series so far. The fact that this series, with each book, seems to get better and stronger, leaves me even more excited as to what could possibly be in store in the next one.
A series which is a must read for crime fans.
December 12, 2016
Cyril, Owen and Liz are a wonderful team in every way. Their interaction, their contrasting views on life and a little of their personal lives makes them well rounded characters that come to life. 14year old boy s are going missing and jars of honey are turning up with “things” in them. Clues emerge and the team are desperately trying to get that one vital step ahead to catch the killer. This is one of those books that is difficult to put down. The action keeps moving along at an excellent pace with descriptions to put you in the heart of it. I look forward to the next instalment of “flash” and the team. Once you pick this up you won’t want to put it down.
Thank you Malcolm for a very enjoyable read.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Thank you Malcolm for a very enjoyable read.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
August 8, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I have been reading the DCI Cyril Bennett series back to back having been slow to start the series, this is the third book in the series and I have to say I think that the series is improving with each book – this one was excellent!
The book is billed as an explosive, edge of your seat, crime thriller and I have to agree – I thought it was a real page turner and I didn’t want to put it down. The plot was great, the pace was spot on and I loved the characters even more after reading this one – you really get to know them more and you can feel the turmoil they face with the case they are facing – looking forward to reading the fourth book – excellent series so far!! 5 stars no hesitation for this one – very highly recommended and if you can get a copy, do!!
I have been reading the DCI Cyril Bennett series back to back having been slow to start the series, this is the third book in the series and I have to say I think that the series is improving with each book – this one was excellent!
The book is billed as an explosive, edge of your seat, crime thriller and I have to agree – I thought it was a real page turner and I didn’t want to put it down. The plot was great, the pace was spot on and I loved the characters even more after reading this one – you really get to know them more and you can feel the turmoil they face with the case they are facing – looking forward to reading the fourth book – excellent series so far!! 5 stars no hesitation for this one – very highly recommended and if you can get a copy, do!!
June 8, 2017
Review to follow
January 3, 2017
Really.....
I have no idea where to start. The initial story line had me wrapped. I was hooked. Powered through and very excited to read and discover what would unfold. However and that is a big however!!!! The storyline became so disjointed, complicated and shifting between various characters that I was lost. Not sure if it is just me who feels this but the last quarter of the book was rather confusing and almost like the author had not thought the ending through properly. I actually stopped reading and was ready to quit but I kept going hoping for a miracle ~ obviously this did not happen.
On the whole a disappointment.
I have no idea where to start. The initial story line had me wrapped. I was hooked. Powered through and very excited to read and discover what would unfold. However and that is a big however!!!! The storyline became so disjointed, complicated and shifting between various characters that I was lost. Not sure if it is just me who feels this but the last quarter of the book was rather confusing and almost like the author had not thought the ending through properly. I actually stopped reading and was ready to quit but I kept going hoping for a miracle ~ obviously this did not happen.
On the whole a disappointment.
May 31, 2017
Set in Harrogate, a kidnapping occurs of a teenage boy. When some body parts start turning up in jars of honey, DCI Cyril Bennett knows he has a unique kidnapper and murderer on his hands. The jar contain cryptic notes that have biblical and Latin terminology, these are to lead and confuse the police onto other disappearances. The story leads you through the lives of suspects, but nothing is straightforward or obvious. There are red-herrings scattered throughout this story keeping the police on their toes and pushed to their limits. Added pressure of trying to find the next victim, identify the kidnapper and unravel all the leads keep the police frustrated.
This is the 3rd in the series of DCI Bennett books. I have not read any of the previous books in this series so read it as a standalone book. It works very well as a stand-alone, there is no need to read earlier books, though I will be looking to read more of them.
The story rolls along at a good pace containing lots of twists and numerous red-herrings. As you progress the stroy will keep you guessing and second guessing. There has been obvious research for this book, such as; Latin, biblical and some chemistry, though nothing that will confuse the reader.
I would recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery.
This is the 3rd in the series of DCI Bennett books. I have not read any of the previous books in this series so read it as a standalone book. It works very well as a stand-alone, there is no need to read earlier books, though I will be looking to read more of them.
The story rolls along at a good pace containing lots of twists and numerous red-herrings. As you progress the stroy will keep you guessing and second guessing. There has been obvious research for this book, such as; Latin, biblical and some chemistry, though nothing that will confuse the reader.
I would recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery.
September 25, 2017
Like an idiot, the first book I read by Malcolm Hollingdrake was book three in the series, not book one, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment. At some point, I must read the first two books, as I’ve now found someone else to add to my list of favourite authors. Flesh Evidence isn’t always a comfortable read as it’s not for the squeamish. The idea behind the book is original and disturbing, which always makes for a gripping book. The unusual cover first attracted my attention, and that’s true of all the author’s books. My interest was held throughout because I needed to know who was behind the disappearance of teenage boys and how DCI Cyril Bennett and his team would solve the mystery. I don’t want to give the game away, so I’ll say no more about Flesh Evidence, except that it’s well worth reading.
April 10, 2017
I was provided with an ARC of this book, by Bloodhound Books, in return for an honest review.
This is book 3 in this series and I normally like to read books in sequence but I wanted to read and review this in time for publication. It works very well as a stand-alone book and the author has managed to ensure the reader doesn’t struggle without the background to the characters from books 1 and 2 yet still avoided long sections of repeats from the earlier books. The book is professionally written and totally gripping I read it within 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.
I am very impressed with this book it ticks all my boxes with the added advantage of no steamy sex scenes or the temptation to have 2 cases that end up being linked that I have found with the last 5 police thrillers I have read.
The main characters are DCI Cyril Bennet and DS David Owen they are totally different characters that work extremely well together. Had I read the earlier books I would have said the characters lacked depth but until I have caught up with the series I assume that this was covered already and this book adds to that depth.
You can't help but love this duo and the other characters and Malcolm has made an excellent job of writing a thriller that is gory enough for the readers that like a bit of gore in their books but not enough to put off the more sensitive reader.
The story starts with incidents in the past regarding Sam who is transgender and struggles with his life from a very early age. Fast forward to the present and 14 year old boys are going missing with jars of honey containing tattooed samples of their skin are found in various locations with the bodies they came from turning up later.
Cyril's team has a race against time to solve the case before any more teenage boys disappear and relationships are built while everyone pulls together. There are many twists and turns along the way with a total curve ball at the end.
Excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I will be reading more by this author.
This is book 3 in this series and I normally like to read books in sequence but I wanted to read and review this in time for publication. It works very well as a stand-alone book and the author has managed to ensure the reader doesn’t struggle without the background to the characters from books 1 and 2 yet still avoided long sections of repeats from the earlier books. The book is professionally written and totally gripping I read it within 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.
I am very impressed with this book it ticks all my boxes with the added advantage of no steamy sex scenes or the temptation to have 2 cases that end up being linked that I have found with the last 5 police thrillers I have read.
The main characters are DCI Cyril Bennet and DS David Owen they are totally different characters that work extremely well together. Had I read the earlier books I would have said the characters lacked depth but until I have caught up with the series I assume that this was covered already and this book adds to that depth.
You can't help but love this duo and the other characters and Malcolm has made an excellent job of writing a thriller that is gory enough for the readers that like a bit of gore in their books but not enough to put off the more sensitive reader.
The story starts with incidents in the past regarding Sam who is transgender and struggles with his life from a very early age. Fast forward to the present and 14 year old boys are going missing with jars of honey containing tattooed samples of their skin are found in various locations with the bodies they came from turning up later.
Cyril's team has a race against time to solve the case before any more teenage boys disappear and relationships are built while everyone pulls together. There are many twists and turns along the way with a total curve ball at the end.
Excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I will be reading more by this author.
January 17, 2017
Flesh Evidence is the third book in the series, and I knew by the cover this was the book where the series really comes into itself. I was not expecting the subject matter we are faced with, even now I am wondering , does the author actually eat honey?, such a clever and totally original plot, the police team led by Cyril Bennett, find themselves running out of time against an individual who is abducting 14 year old boy's. A young girl is given a jar of honey by a 'kind looking man' , but once home, the family are horrified when they find a strange object, which turns out to be human flesh in the honey jar!. Clues are left for the police team to piece together, but nothing is straightforward. From the opening pages the scene is set, to some it may be upsetting in parts, though relevant to the storyline. I really held my breath on this one , it is so well written , so real, I felt as though I was watching in ,witnessing the procedures through a window, the pace of the story flowed smoothly , and was totally gripping in it's description of events.It is good to see the team growing together, the jibes, the odd dig, but most of all recognition and mutual respect for each other. I like that we are also given more insight to the person behind the badge in this book, the human behind closed doors, and this is what makes Flesh Evidence such a good read , it definitely deserves a 5* rating, I am really looking forward to what comes next for the characters , I love this series, it just get's better, and now, am patiently waiting for the next installment from Malcolm Hollingdrake....
December 22, 2016
Well this is the third novel in Malcolm Hollingdrake’s series and I will be damned if you can find anything like these stories because oh man are they original. They leave no room for any guess work about what is coming, no sir, no saying if you liked blah blah then you will like this, oh no. All fresh nothing to compare to, brilliant.
I think Malcolm Hollingdrake must enjoy his research because he knows some pretty bizarre facts about random stuff. Thing is he inserts these into a story, or should I say he builds a story around these facts, which gives the originality to the novel. This story is centred around the abduction of fourteen year old boys and their subsequent murders. It is all very sad and utterly fascinating all at the same time. I literally held on to every word and scene that my mind created. I wanted to know what had happened to this person to make them into this monster that hurt young boys like this.
DCI Cyril Bennett and DS David Owen have their work cut out with this case, with random clues being left with different members of the public in the most unusual way. These two grow and grow on me with each outing and I find myself smiling as soon as their names come up. I so hope a further book is being written as I can’t even guess where it could go next. Love the covers on all the three books, as outstanding as what is inside. Absolutely Mint
I think Malcolm Hollingdrake must enjoy his research because he knows some pretty bizarre facts about random stuff. Thing is he inserts these into a story, or should I say he builds a story around these facts, which gives the originality to the novel. This story is centred around the abduction of fourteen year old boys and their subsequent murders. It is all very sad and utterly fascinating all at the same time. I literally held on to every word and scene that my mind created. I wanted to know what had happened to this person to make them into this monster that hurt young boys like this.
DCI Cyril Bennett and DS David Owen have their work cut out with this case, with random clues being left with different members of the public in the most unusual way. These two grow and grow on me with each outing and I find myself smiling as soon as their names come up. I so hope a further book is being written as I can’t even guess where it could go next. Love the covers on all the three books, as outstanding as what is inside. Absolutely Mint
December 17, 2016
This is the third in the DCI Cyril Bennett series and in my view, the best. He teams up again with Owen and Liz. Despite being very different from each other, they make a formidable trio.
Again this is set in Harrogate where a 14-year-old lad goes missing. Soon after, a jar of honey appears and it has a piece of tattooed flesh inside. Another 14-year-old boy goes missing with another jar of honey containing flesh. The boys have disappeared near to a fair ground, which appears to be the main common denominator.
Gradually, a pattern is emerging with a letter on the front on the label and two on the inside label on the bottom left-hand corner. What do these letters spell out and is it a clue?
The hunt is on to find out where these jars originated, and what exactly is in the contents. What do the tattoos mean?
This is a macabre plot and very well thought out. A great fast paced read and deserves the 5 stars I am giving it. Once started I just had to keep reading until the end.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
May 16, 2017
Too much sadistic violence
Maybe some readers appreciate graphic descriptions of sadism. In a previous book by this author I skipped those parts, but if graphic sadism is so ingrained in his stories, I will let others read his books. Too bad because his command of English is good which is a rare fact in the genre!
Maybe some readers appreciate graphic descriptions of sadism. In a previous book by this author I skipped those parts, but if graphic sadism is so ingrained in his stories, I will let others read his books. Too bad because his command of English is good which is a rare fact in the genre!
February 12, 2018
Amazing
Once again you are drawn into a twisted and disturbing story. With each book the stories get Better and the characters become more like friends
Once again you are drawn into a twisted and disturbing story. With each book the stories get Better and the characters become more like friends
July 27, 2020
Wow, once this book gets going it doesn't stop until the very last page.
A young girl is passed a jar of honey after a friendly man asks for a kiss, unfortunately it contains a tattooed piece of skin!
A young boy is abducted at the fair after throwing up.
This story covers so many elements, the abuse of childhood and the impact of that when those children reach adulthood, the allowing children to be what they want, even if its socially unacceptable. Family relationships, father and sons especially. General trust placed in adults by children and the impact abuse of that can have.
The murders in this are strange, unique, not overly brutal but at the same time incredibly memorable. Will stick with me for sure!
I changed by mind every chapter and every page as to who done it near the end, and I didnt ever get it right. When I thought I was, nope!
I have just started reading Malcolms books, and they seem to be getting better. Will be reading the rest and highly recommend you do too.
A young girl is passed a jar of honey after a friendly man asks for a kiss, unfortunately it contains a tattooed piece of skin!
A young boy is abducted at the fair after throwing up.
This story covers so many elements, the abuse of childhood and the impact of that when those children reach adulthood, the allowing children to be what they want, even if its socially unacceptable. Family relationships, father and sons especially. General trust placed in adults by children and the impact abuse of that can have.
The murders in this are strange, unique, not overly brutal but at the same time incredibly memorable. Will stick with me for sure!
I changed by mind every chapter and every page as to who done it near the end, and I didnt ever get it right. When I thought I was, nope!
I have just started reading Malcolms books, and they seem to be getting better. Will be reading the rest and highly recommend you do too.
August 5, 2017
Really enjoyed first two books in the series. The writing is excellent, the characters finely drawn, and the plotting is dense and not easily guessed, which I find addictive!
In this third installment of the DCI Bennett series, the author ventures into "serial killer" territory, and there are descriptions of captivity and sadistic torture which I found somewhat distasteful. As another reviewer mentioned, it was integral to the story therefore difficult to skip over, but I did anyway. I almost exclusively read British mysteries and police procedurals, because the writing is better and there is much less gore and graphic, sick violence than American writing in the same genre. I'm an American by the way. Mr. Hollingdrake is a talented writer, and while I don't expect a cozy from him anytime soon, I sincerely hope he finds a way to avoid the sensationalistic in his next effort ( which I'm reading shortly).
In this third installment of the DCI Bennett series, the author ventures into "serial killer" territory, and there are descriptions of captivity and sadistic torture which I found somewhat distasteful. As another reviewer mentioned, it was integral to the story therefore difficult to skip over, but I did anyway. I almost exclusively read British mysteries and police procedurals, because the writing is better and there is much less gore and graphic, sick violence than American writing in the same genre. I'm an American by the way. Mr. Hollingdrake is a talented writer, and while I don't expect a cozy from him anytime soon, I sincerely hope he finds a way to avoid the sensationalistic in his next effort ( which I'm reading shortly).
January 10, 2017
It is difficult to type, whilst applauding.
I have grown to love the hapless detectives in this series. The author has the ability to and them relatable, likeable and real. The complexity of the storylines and in particular this book,is why I applaud him.
I must admit that there were moments that I found myself flipping back area pages having or
read certain parts over again and really concentrate to take in, what I knew to be vital info to the plot line This wasn't due to the written g or the narrative, but due to the many layers of interweaving and interact detail so cleverly woven by the author. Just like pealing an onion, it made my eyes water!
Finding a book that not only keeps your attention but demands it, is a treat and that is exactly what this book is.
Be prepared to lock your door, turn off the phone and ignore loved ones and enjoy a fantastic read x
I have grown to love the hapless detectives in this series. The author has the ability to and them relatable, likeable and real. The complexity of the storylines and in particular this book,is why I applaud him.
I must admit that there were moments that I found myself flipping back area pages having or
read certain parts over again and really concentrate to take in, what I knew to be vital info to the plot line This wasn't due to the written g or the narrative, but due to the many layers of interweaving and interact detail so cleverly woven by the author. Just like pealing an onion, it made my eyes water!
Finding a book that not only keeps your attention but demands it, is a treat and that is exactly what this book is.
Be prepared to lock your door, turn off the phone and ignore loved ones and enjoy a fantastic read x
August 10, 2017
Flesh Evidence is an exceptional work of crime fiction. If you haven't met Cyril and Owen (and Liz), it's time you were introduced.
The story is undeniably creepy. It's a tale of revenge and a poignant reminder of how an emotional scar can change so many lives. It's also a fast-paced police procedural in which the team of detectives, sometimes seeming inept, does its best to solve the crime while enduring relentless pressure from higher-ups and the public. The author skillfully tosses in red herrings to keep readers off track, and as the story moves toward the end, you'll wonder whether the real killer will ever be caught.
Malcolm Hollingdrake is a fine storyteller and, thankfully, a good writer, two skills that aren't always bundled together in the world of books. Flesh Evidence is definitely worth the read.
The story is undeniably creepy. It's a tale of revenge and a poignant reminder of how an emotional scar can change so many lives. It's also a fast-paced police procedural in which the team of detectives, sometimes seeming inept, does its best to solve the crime while enduring relentless pressure from higher-ups and the public. The author skillfully tosses in red herrings to keep readers off track, and as the story moves toward the end, you'll wonder whether the real killer will ever be caught.
Malcolm Hollingdrake is a fine storyteller and, thankfully, a good writer, two skills that aren't always bundled together in the world of books. Flesh Evidence is definitely worth the read.
January 6, 2018
The third book in the series, and my favourite so far.
Young boys are getting kidnapped, and murdered in a most gruesome fashion. Just to add to it, Tattooed body parts are appearing, stored in jars of honey. It's now a race to try and find the next kidnapped boy before he too ends up dead.
There's a definite growth as the series goes on. The writing is becoming more assured, the story telling is becoming tighter, a lot of the superfluous description is gone. Again it's a proper police procedural, the case being worked on a mixture of normal police work, logical leaps and gut feeling. This time however, up until the end, you're not entirely sure who actually did it. Unlike earlier books, you're not seeing it from the killers viewpoint, which ramps up the suspense.
This was so good, i instantly bought the next two books.
Young boys are getting kidnapped, and murdered in a most gruesome fashion. Just to add to it, Tattooed body parts are appearing, stored in jars of honey. It's now a race to try and find the next kidnapped boy before he too ends up dead.
There's a definite growth as the series goes on. The writing is becoming more assured, the story telling is becoming tighter, a lot of the superfluous description is gone. Again it's a proper police procedural, the case being worked on a mixture of normal police work, logical leaps and gut feeling. This time however, up until the end, you're not entirely sure who actually did it. Unlike earlier books, you're not seeing it from the killers viewpoint, which ramps up the suspense.
This was so good, i instantly bought the next two books.
December 25, 2016
This is the third in the DCI Cyril Bennett series. This was gruesome, but excellent read from Malcolm Hollingdrake. He seems to get better and better.
DCI Bennett and DS Owen get called to investigate an abduction of 14 year old boy, who is fed honey and killed for the sweetness in his body. When jars of honey turn up with slices of tattooed flesh. They suddenly realise they have a murder on their hands. Then the skinned body of the boy turns up.
This was a great page turner from start to finish. It did make me cringe just slightly, Its not for the faint hearted. But saying that, it was and excellent read.
Thank you Boodhound books for a copy of this book.
DCI Bennett and DS Owen get called to investigate an abduction of 14 year old boy, who is fed honey and killed for the sweetness in his body. When jars of honey turn up with slices of tattooed flesh. They suddenly realise they have a murder on their hands. Then the skinned body of the boy turns up.
This was a great page turner from start to finish. It did make me cringe just slightly, Its not for the faint hearted. But saying that, it was and excellent read.
Thank you Boodhound books for a copy of this book.
March 3, 2021
Just started only about a week ago The Harrogate Crime Series DCI Cyril Bennett, this is the third I have completed in for me a very quick time, I seem to go for a while not reading, but then something like these books grab me, as an Investigator myself for many years in the Private sector I am choosy and so far the plot lines, locations mainly Yorkshire and other inventive aspects have made these very interesting reads, I have been able to visualise the Harrogate streets and other areas of Leeds which I also know intimately and even into Lancashire which have made these very enjoyable Recommended Malcolm Hollingdrake On to the next one 😊😊👏👏
November 20, 2018
Inventive murder weapon, if you can look past lack of editor
While the main characters have begun to take shape in book 3, Hollingdrake continues to rely more upon a shocking concept than developing a sense of place or of his characters' motivation. Neither his lead detective nor his villain ever really make themselves known to the reader. Unfortunately the appalling lack of editing left some passages nearly unintelligible.
While the main characters have begun to take shape in book 3, Hollingdrake continues to rely more upon a shocking concept than developing a sense of place or of his characters' motivation. Neither his lead detective nor his villain ever really make themselves known to the reader. Unfortunately the appalling lack of editing left some passages nearly unintelligible.
July 28, 2017
Great Reading 📚
I was suspect when I first started reading the Bennett series but have truly enjoyed these books. Many unusual mysteries and murders found in Mr Hollingdrake's books. Recommended for all mystery readers. Keep working on this series as they are apart of my favorites.
I was suspect when I first started reading the Bennett series but have truly enjoyed these books. Many unusual mysteries and murders found in Mr Hollingdrake's books. Recommended for all mystery readers. Keep working on this series as they are apart of my favorites.
October 27, 2017
Flash Evidence
I didn't enjoy this book as the first two. The storyline was confusing at times but it still a great mystery. I found the characters a bit dull, they left a depressed feeling. This was a far out subject for mystery plot maybe that's what makes your books so entertaining. I'm off to read #4.
I didn't enjoy this book as the first two. The storyline was confusing at times but it still a great mystery. I found the characters a bit dull, they left a depressed feeling. This was a far out subject for mystery plot maybe that's what makes your books so entertaining. I'm off to read #4.
February 8, 2017
Amazing
This third installment had been the best one yet, it was a total
Page turner that I didn't want to put down.
The plot has a few surprising twists that I didn't see coming. I can't wait for the next installment.
This third installment had been the best one yet, it was a total
Page turner that I didn't want to put down.
The plot has a few surprising twists that I didn't see coming. I can't wait for the next installment.
February 17, 2017
Amazing book ,I really enjoyed it .Took me a while to read it and only now remembered to rate it ,if your thinking about reading it I'd say yes go for it .Will definitely be reading more from this author .
February 25, 2017
I have enjoyed the three books to date in the DI Cyril Bennett series. His character is a breath of fresh air after the recent dirge in crime novels where the main 'copper' solves every case single handily. Bennett's 'team' are a nice mix too. All in all, highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews